Aston Villa fans react to Wesley’s performance against Newcastle

Aston Villa may have beaten Newcastle United 2-0, but Wesley took his run of games without a goal or assist to five in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has not been directly involved in a goal since netting a brace and adding an assist during Villa’s 5-1 win against Norwich City.

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He had a golden chance to change that against the Magpies, but Martin Dubravka stopped the Brazilian’s effort from point-blank range.

There are many Villa fans who are not concerned by this goal drought, citing how useful he can be in bringing teammates into the game as a reason for their stance.

The Brazilian was complimented for his performance against Newcastle by those fans after he won seven aerial duels and made one tackle, while also playing two key passes.

Aside from the statistics, his general hold-up play and work-rate were applauded, while one said that he can look towards former loanee Tammy Abraham for inspiration.

Not all fans were so forgiving though, as there are those who are beginning to lose hope in Wesley due to his lack of a clinical touch in front of goal.

Part of the issue for Wesley could be the number of shots that he is taking, as that effort against Newcastle was his only one of the game, while he averages 1.8 shots per Premier League match this campaign.

Whatever the reason is for his lack of goals, it is deemed unacceptable by many fans, with one calling him a “£22m carthorse”.

In other news, a former Villa man has named the striker he thinks the club should sign in January.

Five clubs line up move for £200k-p/w Arsenal ace Arteta called "important"

Arsenal could be set to wave goodbye to one of their stars as five clubs circle for his signature, according to a recent report.

Arsenal begin season strongly

Mikel Arteta's side sit fourth in the Premier League over the international break as they look to go one better than their back-to-back runner-up finishes this time around.

Taking maximum points from their opening two games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, they held onto a 1-1 draw with Brighton in their most recent outing after Declan Rice was shown a controversial red card with his side leading 1-0 at the time.

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Now, they must face Tottenham Hotspur in a fiery north London derby without their record signing, while summer addition Mikel Merino is also sidelined through a shoulder injury, which leaves Arteta short of options in the middle of the pitch.

It is likely to see a pairing of Jorginho and Thomas Partey behind Martin Odegaard, though both Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have shown the technical ability to play in midfield if required. Another option would be to replace Rice with Kai Havertz, and opt for a much more attacking side with just one "defensive" midfielder on the pitch.

But attention in some quarters remains on transfers despite the UK window shutting amid renewed transfer links surrounding Jorginho and Kieran Tierney. And some are already plotting for the summer of 2025.

Five clubs chase Arsenal man

That comes as CaughtOffside report that five clubs are chasing Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey next summer as they look for a cheap move. Partey was linked with a move away from north London over the summer, but stayed despite reports of Saudi interest.

Quizzed on his midfielder at the end of last season, Arteta dubbed him a "top player" and admitted that Arsenal "need him".

“He’d better have his head here, because we are playing for big things. That’s what we expect. We need him. He’s a top player and important for us, you could see the other day on the pitch the impact that he can have for us.”

Asked about a new contract, Arteta added: “He's our player, he's got one more year's contract and I'm really happy with him.”

But no contract has yet been forthcoming, meaning that Partey is down to the final 12 months of his £200,000 a week deal in north London, a deal that puts him among the club's top earners.

Arsenal's top earners 2024

Player

Weekly wage (via Capology)

Kai Havertz

£280,000

Gabriel Jesus

£265,000

Declan Rice

£240,000

Martin Odegaard

£240,000

Thomas Partey

£200,000

And a report claims that "he’s on the radar of some big names in Europe", with Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona all named as potential destinations alongside Saudi sides Al Hilal and Al Ahli.

Perhaps crucially, it is added that Juventus hold "the most concrete interest" and are ready to offer him a three-year contract in Turin, an offer he is unlikely to see in north London.

Having yet to string together an injury-free campaign during his four years at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may well decide they are best cutting their losses on the £45m signing, and his departure could allow them to sign a younger profile in his position.

Arsenal let their Saka regen leave for £0, now he’s outscoring Martinelli

Arsenal have become a lean, mean, winning machine on the pitch in recent years and shrewd operators off it as well.

The days of dramatically overpaying for a player who can't deliver and letting their stars leave for next to nothing are seemingly over – at least for now, anyway.

However, even though Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have steered the club in the right direction at the moment, there are still some stars the club let slip between their fingers in the past who would've been perfect for the team today.

In fact, one superstar who has recently made a big move was at the club as a youngster, outperformed Gabriel Martinelli last season and would've been the perfect Bukayo Saka rival.

Saka and Martinelli's recent form

So, even though Arsenal couldn't quite get over the line last year, it was another brilliant season for the North Londoners, and of all the stars at the club, Saka was probably the most magnificent.

Arsenal right winger Bukayo Saka

The Hale Ender made 47 appearances for the team across all competitions and racked up a frankly ridiculous haul of 20 goals and 14 assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.38 games.

The only issue was that, due to a lack of competition, there were moments throughout the season in which he looked tired and perhaps should have been given a rest.

On the other hand, Martinelli struggled somewhat and couldn't quite produce the same moments of magic he did in 22/23 when he scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 46 matches for the North Londoners.

Instead, the Guarulhos-born gem could only muster up eight goals and five assists in 44 appearances, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 2.19 games two years ago and once every 3.38 games last season.

Ultimately, both players are fantastically talented wingers, although the former Arsenal youngster outperformed the Brazilian last year and would have been the ideal rival or backup for the Englishman.

Michael Olise's 23/24

So, the former Arsenal youngster in question is Michael Olise, who was part of the club's youth system before leaving to join Chelsea in 2009.

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise

The Hammersmith-born gem then left Chelsea as well and, after a very brief stint with Manchester City, joined Reading. There, he made his senior debut in the 18/19 season before earning a starting role over the following two campaigns, which earned him an £8m move to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.

After a couple of injury-hit but nonetheless impressive years with the Eagles, the "magic" winger, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, really exploded last season, scoring ten goals and providing six assists in just 19 appearances, which saw Bayern Munich splash £50m on him in the summer.

Appearances

19

44

47

Minutes

1278'

2640'

3865

Goals

10

8

20

Assists

6

5

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.84

0.29

0.72

Minutes per Goal Involvement

79.87'

203.07'

113.67

Now, not only did the Frenchman outperform Martinelli last season, but he also won comparisons to Saka thanks to his performances.

The comparison stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this case, concluded that the Englishman is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the former Palace ace.

Progressive Carries

4.79

4.78

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.33

0.33

Passing Accuracy

74.9%

75.6%

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.39

2.25

Shot-Creating Actions

5.79

5.80

Ball Recoveries

4.79

4.78

You can better understand how they came to this conclusion by examining the pair's underlying numbers and seeing the metrics in which they rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, non-penalty expected goals, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area, shot-creating actions and even ball recoveries, all per 90.

Ultimately, there is no point crying over spilt milk, and while Olise would be an incredible backup option to Saka on the right and someone who could challenge Martinelli on the left, the Gunners already have a pair of incredibly talented wingers on their hands – even if one of them is not at his best at the moment.

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Chelsea could ease Gusto injury blow by unleashing amazing Cobham teen

Enzo Maresca’s start at Chelsea has already been a bit of a rollercoaster, securing one win, one draw, and one loss from his opening three Premier League fixtures, and overseeing another crazy transfer window of ins and outs at Stamford Bridge.

In their most recent game, Chelsea drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Perhaps the worst bit of news from this game for Maresca, was the injury of Malo Gusto, going down without contact in the second half, and having to come off.

Gusto made 37 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, providing nine assists, and contributing to eight clean sheets in his 2,475 minutes played.

The latest on Gusto and James' injuries

Gusto’s injury has been confirmed by Chelsea and Fabrizio Romano. They are yet to give a return date for the player. However, it seems he will not be available to face Bournemouth after the international break having withdrawn from France U21 duty.

Journalist Matt Law has also stated that skipper Reece James is unlikely to be fit enough to start against the Cherries, with the thought being James is still a couple of weeks away from returning to full training.

The full-back only managed 11 appearances for Chelsea last season, providing two assists, and contributing to one clean sheet in his 482 minutes played.

The 24-year-old spent a huge total of 205 days out last campaign, suffering two hamstring injuries, and undergoing surgery for that.

Chelsea defender Reece James.

So, who could play if Gusto and James aren’t fit enough?

The best replacement for Gusto & James at Chelsea

Luckily for the Blues, they have yet another superstar fullback in the pipeline in the shape of 18-year-old, Josh Acheampong. The youngster is a right-back/centre-back hybrid, standing at 6 foot 1, and is right-footed.

One of the defender’s key attributes is his strength. Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson described young Acheampong as “dominant” when assessing the young defender, referencing his physical maturity, ability to defend in the wide channels, carrying qualities, and technical security.

Acheampong made 19 appearances last season at various levels for Chelsea, earning his Premier League debut off the bench against Tottenham. At youth level, the 18-year-old scored two goals, provided three assists, and contributed to four clean sheets.

Acheampong is a perfect example of a modern-day fullback/central defender hybrid, having the athleticism and power to play both roles. His long stride allows him to defend large spaces, recover the ball, and progress play via carrying.

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But, at only 18 years of age, it isn’t just his physical and technical traits that stand out, his mentality and maturity while still just a teenager is evident, with scout Jacek Kulig even listing his “maturity” as a strength.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Gusto

James

Assists

0.32

0.38

Progressive Carries

4.00

4.04

Progressive Passes

4.41

4.47

Shot-Creating Actions

2.67

3.19

Tackles

2.82

2.98

Blocks

1.44

0.85

Interceptions

0.72

0.75

Aerials Won

0.41

1.70

Acheampong will have a lot to live up to, though. James and Gusto both add high levels of progression from right-back for Chelsea with carrying and passing, providing assists and shot-creating actions for the team, whilst also offering defensive actions, such as nearly three tackles per 90.

But the youngster definitely has all the attributes to provide this for the Blues, and Chelsea could have another world-class fullback talent in the pipeline.

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Arsenal: Arteta has "two" more signings up his sleeve

Arsenal could potentially have "two more" signings to come this summer after deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber are all tied up, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Arsenal transfer news – who else are the club targeting?

Arsenal have already made a huge splash in the transfer window this summer, with their £105m bid for Declan Rice reportedly accepted by West Ham United, pending discussions over the deal's structure.

declan-rice-west-ham

The North Londoners have also just announced their first signing of the summer, German international Havertz, from cross-city rivals Chelsea.

The deal cost a reported £65m, which puts the dynamic midfielder second – soon to be third – on Arsenal's list of most expensive transfers ever.

However, Mikel Arteta hasn't neglected the defence as a €45m/48 (£39m/41) deal to bring Ajax's exciting Jurrien Timber to the Emirates looks to be coming to a successful conclusion, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

In past windows, this would represent a stunning level of spending for a club synonymous with penny-pinching during the Emirates era, yet Edu and Co. might only be getting started.

What has Dean Jones said about Arsenal's transfer plans?

Jones was clear that despite the club already spending big this summer, he has heard information suggesting that they have plans to spend more.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "I expect Arsenal to put their foot on the ball after they get these next two signings through the door. It's been an intense period trying to tie up Havertz, Timber and Rice, but they are in a very good place now, and my information is that more signings will be coming — but not just yet.

"They will start getting the players in for pre-season and then assess how, when and where they attack the market further. It wouldn't surprise me if there are two more to come — but not yet."

Before this summer, who were Arsenal's five most expensive signings ever?

The Gunners look like they are about to blow their previous spending records out of the water this summer, but who were the priciest players to don the famous red and white beforehand?

In fifth place is Gabriel Jesus, who joined the club from now title rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for just £45m.

gabriel-jesus-arsenal-elye-wahi-transfer-gossip-edu-arteta

The Brazilian enjoyed a great first season in North London, and had it not been for his knee injury at the World Cup, he would have likely ended the season on more than the 11 goals he did.

At number four, Alexandre Lacazette who arrived in 2017 from French outfit Lyon for a hefty £46.5m.

Despite ending his time at the club with a rather slender goal tally of just 54 goals in 158 Premier League appearances, the Frenchman was a player fans respected for his tireless hold-up play, and since his return to Lyon, he has found his scoring form again.

Ben White holds the third spot, the £50m man that had his fair share of detractors upon his move to the club in 2021, detractors that have likely changed their tune by now.

ben-white-arsenal

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man played his first season for the club in his natural position at centre-half but was moved out to right-back upon the introduction of William Saliba, a position he has since flourished in.

Claiming the silver medal is former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who cost the club £56m after joining in the January transfer window of 2018.

While things may have ended poorly for the former Dortmund star at the Emirates when he was in form, he was nigh unstoppable.

In just 163 games for the club, the Gabon international racked up 98 goals and 21 assists, forming a particularly potent duo with Lacazette.

Unfortunately, first place in this list goes to a player that has to be described as somewhat of a flop, Nicolas Pepe.

The Ivorian winger joined the Gunners from Lille in the summer of 2019 for a club record fee of £72m, and despite showing occasional glimpses of brilliance, he never reached the potential so many had hoped he would under Arteta.

Wolves’ Max Kilman isn’t quite on Liverpool’s level

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Max Kilman just isn't of a good enough level to join a club like Liverpool this summer, Paul Machin believes.

The Reds are said to be keen on strengthening their back line, with David Lynch of Football Insider recently confirming the club's plans to add a centre-back before the start of next season, ideally, one who is comfortable playing on the left.

Having played on the left side of Wolves' centre-back pairing 37 times last season, Kilman is a name that makes a lot of sense and will likely be one that Jurgen Klopp's side has considered.

What is the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds have plenty of work cut out for them in the transfer market, having to replace key figures like Roberto Firmino, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with all three departing after lengthy spells at the club.

The club has been linked to Manu Kone, after Fabrizio Romano detailed their intention to prioritise signing the midfielder over previous target Ryan Gravenberch.

Klopp's side have also been repeatedly linked with OGC Nice's Khephren Thuram, with the midfielder potentially set to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer.

One of the club's biggest tasks is to recruit a new centre-back, with a worrying lack of depth in the position threatening to cause them problems next season, but according to Mathin, Kilman isn't the level of player they should be recruiting.

What has Paul Machin said about Max Kilman?

While the Reds need a left-sided centre-back, Machin thinks they should aim higher than Kilman, and doesn't believe he's of the required level they'll necessarily need to add.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the Redmen TV host said: "I don't think he's of the level that Liverpool would be looking for."

Looking back at Liverpool's past business, Machin used the club's track record when recruiting from smaller Premier League clubs, and poaching their best players, to highlight why Kilman doesn't quite fit that profile, saying: "I think if Liverpool are buying players from the Premier League, they need to be the best player in that team. Or certainly in that class.

"You know, in years gone by, even recently, I think Alexis Mac Allister falls into that category, Virgil van Dijk falls into that category. Sadio Mane fell into it, and to some extent Adam Lallana too."

How does Max Kilman compare to Liverpool's current defenders?

One of the biggest problems Liverpool's defence has faced in recent years is the ability to stay healthy. The club has regularly been forced to chop and change their back line as various defensive personnel within the squad struggled with injuries.

Having played in all but one of Wolves' Premier League games last season, Kilman demonstrated a level of availability that the Reds could value deeply, with Trent Alexander Arnold the only Reds defender to play as often as the 26-year-old.

The £15k-per-week Kilman's averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than Liverpool's Van Dijk over the previous campaign but did not manage to record more than that of Joel Matip (via FBref).

However, the Wolves ace did trump the Liverpool pair when it came to blocks per game and recorded a higher aerial duel win percentage than the Cameroonian defender, Matip.

£35m ‘Colossus’ Could Be Monchi’s First Aston Villa Signing

Aston Villa may have overperformed in the second half of last season, coinciding with the appointment of Unai Emery, but some of the players who helped them qualify for the Europa League might find that has come at a cost.

The Villans have inevitably been linked with a number of players in the early stages of the summer window, even more so following the confirmation of Monchi as their new transfer chief.

Youri Tielemans has already been brought in, and it may well be that Emery looks to strengthen at the back with a couple of new central defenders.

Villarreal and Spain star Pau Torres has long been touted as a target for Villa, while Football Insider claims Villa remain in the running to sign Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire, though they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and some overseas clubs.

What could Harry Maguire offer to Aston Villa?

Maguire's time at Old Trafford appears to be drawing to a close after losing his place in the side following Erik ten Hag's appointment at the start of last season.

The England international started just eight Premier League games in 2022-23, which is a massive drop from his previous three seasons at Old Trafford when starting 28, 34 and 38 top-flight matches.

Maguire hardly disgraced himself when called up by Ten Hag, though, and he continues to impress at the back for England, including in Friday's 4-0 Euro 2022 qualifying victory in Malta when playing a full part.

Villarreal'sPauTorrescelebrates

Indeed, with 65.75 attempted passes per 90 minutes over the past 12 months, as per FBref, Maguire ranks in the top 17% of his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, while he is in the top 13% for touches per 90 (1.27).

In the more defensive metrics, Maguire is in the top 11% for blocks (1.66 per 90) and top 12% for aerials won (3.01 per 90). In short, when Maguire plays he still impresses in multiple areas.

Described as a "colossus" by Simon Jordan in the former Crystal Palace chairman's role as a pundit for talkSPORT, albeit after also labelling the defender a "liability", United are reportedly holding out for a £35m fee for their skipper.

Those aforementioned qualities would work particularly well alongside fellow target Torres, who struggles aerially – he is ranked in the bottom 29% of defenders across Europe's top five leagues for duels won – but thrives in terms of taking the ball forward.

In fact, Torres is in the top 1% for progressive carries (2.24 per 90 minutes), top 4% for progressive passes (5.81) and top 3% for successful take-ons (0.77). Torres effectively performs well in areas Maguire perhaps lacks, making them a perfect pairing at the back for Emery.

That would spell bad news for Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings – Villa's best pairing at the back last season – but not many can argue against Maguire and Torres being an upgrade, particularly in the case of the latter.

For while Maguire's reputation may have nosedived, Villa Park could provide the platform for the centre-back to kick-start his career alongside a player Emery has described as being like no other.

Leeds United Could Appoint 46 y/o To Replace Sam Allardyce

Leeds United hiring ex-Norwich City boss Daniel Farke as their new manager at Elland Road is a 'possibility for sure', according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Daniel Farke?

According to The Guardian, Farke, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker are on Leeds United's managerial shortlist as they look to find the man to lead them into the Sky Bet Championship next term.

Brendan Rodgers had previously been the first choice of 49ers Enterprises, who have recently completed a takeover of the Yorkshire outfit; however, he looks to have passed on the chance to assume the reins at Elland Road in favour of a return to former club Celtic.

Farke was also under consideration for the Celtic job alongside Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca and Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen to replace Ange Postecoglou at Parkhead, as per The Daily Mail.

As per Leeds Live, former Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard was among the contenders to replace Jesse Marsch at Leeds United; nevertheless, he is poised to become the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, as per Romain Molina.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that Farke joining Leeds United as their new boss is definitely a 'possibility' at Elland Road.

Jacobs told FFC: "It's a possibility for sure. I mean, you have to remember, at Leeds, the new ownership group 49ers Enterprises have only just completed their acquisition. It was always likely to be a case that new ownership would come in and then the managerial situation would be resolved and that is exactly what has happened."

Would Daniel Farke succeed as Leeds United boss?

Farke has the credentials to succeed in the Sky Bet Championship due to having previously enjoyed a fruitful time of things managing in the English second tier with Norwich City.

Looking over his spell in charge of the Canaries, the 46-year-old delivered two Sky Bet Championship titles in 2018/19 and 2020/21, as per Transfermarkt.

daniel-farke-leeds-manager-news-championship

Most recently of Borussia Monchengladbach, Farke was sacked at the end of 2022/23 following a disappointing tenth-placed finish in the Bundesliga, which could potentially pave the way for a return to English football.

Gladbach director Roland Virkus explained the decision by stating: "After intensive talks, we came to the decision with Daniel Farke to go our separate ways. We would like to thank Daniel and his team for all their work."

Now, Farke will hope to land the Leeds United managerial role, where whoever succeeds will work with interim football advisor Nick Hammond to identify new recruits following his appointment on a short-term basis this week at Elland Road.

Leeds Could Sign Rashford 2.0 In £20m Star Who’s Mustard

Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League after three campaigns and must now heap the emphasis on crafting a team capable of forging an immediate path back to prominence.

It's been a shoddy, shambolic season at Elland Road and while gloom lingers over the club at present, rumours touting Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres to United might just bear fruit.

At least, that's according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), who state that playoff finalists Coventry could be set to lose their star forward after falling to Luton Town at the final hurdle last month.

The outlet also claims that Sporting CP are interested in a deal, and while the Sky Blues are demanding £20m for the Swede, his proven mettle in the Championship could be just what the Whites need to return to the top next term.

Should Leeds sign Viktor Gyokeres?

Plummeting back into the Championship has been a bitter blow for Leeds who were fighting so hard to reclaim their position at the forefront of English football, but the mistakes of the past few seasons must now be rectified with diligent work in the summer transfer market.

Sam Allardyce might've left his position at the helm after a record-short managerial stint in the smouldering embers of Leeds' late-season travails, but the slate can now be wiped clean ahead of a new chapter.

And by signing Gyokeres, Leeds would wield a dynamic attacker that boasts a commendable record in the second tier, having scored 22 goals and supplied 12 assists from 50 matches this term to complement a previous haul of 18 strikes last year.

He's certainly got the opposition talking, with Blackburn Rovers defender Dom Hyam remarking: "I don't think he's got a ceiling to be honest. I think he's so good at what he does, his attributes are so rare as well.

"Obviously strikers have their qualities, but there's nothing he's bad at. He's good in the box, he's tall, he's big, he's strong, he's technically good as well. I think as long as he keeps grounded, which I know he will, I know him personally, yeah, I think he's got a massive career ahead of him."

viktor-gyokeres-championship-leeds-transfer-news

The 25-year-old could well emulate Marcus Rashford's role at Leeds' historic rivals Manchester United at Elland Road.

Indeed, the dynamic Coventry star ranks among the top 9% of forwards across Men's 'Next 8' divisions for rate of assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Rashford boasts a similarly impressive transitional prowess, with the £200k-per-week Red Devil ranking among the top 16% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

Pivotally, like the Man United talisman, the Swede possesses the tools to play in a wide role too, although certainly favours playing through the middle where more goal-scoring opportunities may present themselves.

Hailed as "mustard" by talkSPORT's Adrian Clarke, Gyokeres must be signed by Leeds, who will need to get it right this summer in order to ensure the return to the second tier does not result in a sink into obscurity once again.

Celtic Could Revive £16k-p/w Magician With 4-2-3-1 Coach

Celtic are on the lookout for a new head coach after Ange Postecoglou officially left the Scottish giants to join the Premier League on Tuesday.

The 57-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal with Tottenham Hotspur in England and this now pushes Peter and Mark Lawwell and Dermot Desmond into the market to bring a manager in to replace the Australian.

A number of bosses have already been linked with the vacancy and one man who is reportedly in the running for the job is ex-Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch.

The 49-year-old, who won two Austrian Bundesliga titles in two seasons with RB Salzburg earlier in his career, could revive a current Celtic outcast back to his former glory if the Hoops decide to appoint him heading into next term.

How did David Turnbull perform this season?

Parkhead attacking midfielder David Turnbull endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign as the Scotsman only started six games in the Scottish Premiership and zero times in the Champions League.

He made 27 appearances as a substitute in the two competitions combined but his lack of starts limited the impact that he was able to make in the final third. The gem ended the season with four goals and six assists in the league and in Europe combined, which shows that the ace was unable to make regular contributions in attack.

Turnbull is a number ten by trade and did not fit in with Postecoglou's 4-3-3 system, which required him to play as an eight or out wide, and thus could be revived by Marsch's preferred 4-2-3-1 set-up that would allow him to play in the hole behind a centre-forward.

Former Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch.

The American's formation would provide the 23-year-old with two holding midfielders behind him to offer defensive protection and allow the ace to push forward to link up with the two wingers and striker to create and score goals at the top end of the pitch.

Celtic's Scotland international predominantly played as a number ten for Neil Lennon in the 2020/21 campaign, before Postecoglou's arrival, and enjoyed a terrific year in the Premiership, which the Australian later described as "outstanding".

The £16k-per-week magician averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 and contributed with nine goals and six assists in 30 starts. He also created 12 'big chances' for his teammates and made 2.9 key passes per match, which is more than any Celtic player averaged in the league this year.

Therefore, Marsch, whose style was described as "aggressive" by journalist Josh Bunting, could revive the Hoops wizard by making him the attacking midfielder in his 4-2-3-1 system, which could allow the ace to thrive and get back to regularly scoring and creating goals in the Premiership.

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