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Daniel Farke has spent much of the season down a body at left-back after Leeds United's Junior Firpo suffered a serious knee injury. Firpo only played his football of the season in November and has started just the one Championship game up to this point, coming off the bench on seven occasions.
The Dominican set-up two goals in Leeds' 3-0 victory over Birmingham City last time out, but that seemingly hasn't stopped up Farke considering some alternative options in his position. Indeed, it seems that Leeds may dip into the market for a familiar face.
Charlie Taylor joined Leeds at the age of nine and, after loan spells at Bradford, York City, Inverness and Fleetwood, he established himself in the first team, winning the club's player of the year award in the 2015/16 season. However, just a year later, he chose to leave Elland Road at the end of his contract despite receiving an offer to extend his stay (BBC Sport). He had the opportunity to join Premier League club Burnley instead, and he took it.
Taylor ticked past 100 first-team games in his initial spell with Leeds, scoring three times and assisting 13 more, but he may have the chance to add to that tally, with journalist Graeme Bailey telling the One Leeds Fan Channel that a comeback could be on the cards. "I keep hearing Charlie Taylor's name," he says, explaining that "a left-back is someone they want" and predicting that one will arrive in West Yorkshire.
Bailey says that "Leeds fans are quite indifferent" about the prospect of Taylor returning, and that's not especially surprising when you consider the circumstances in which he left. When it came to it, he snubbed the club who had originally given him his shot, although he could hardly be blamed for wanting to play top-flight football when Leeds were struggling to get promoted.
Still, rather than holding any past grudges, the Elland Road faithful should focus on the team's current prospects, and Taylor's huge experience could be a real asset. He's played 126 games in the second tier and even more (149) in the Premier League, which could come in handy if Leeds, currently fourth in the Championship and on course for the play-offs, go up.
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Journalist Andy Jones has called him "phenomenal", while his manager Vincent Kompany has spoken highly of his professionalism on more than one occasion. Last season, when he had to fill at centre-back, Kompany applauded Taylor's "open-minded" approach and willingness to help the team in whatever way possible (Burnley Express), and earlier this year, he praised the veteran's performance against Nottingham Forest after being left out of the squad the previous weekend.
"The seasoned professionals…at a certain age you know the only reward you get is if you put in the work in training every day, then your chance might come.His chance came and he took it with both hands and we are happy with that."
At the age of 30, and with only six months left on his deal, you dont imagine that Taylor would command a particularly large fee. As such, this is a move that could make a lot sense – minimal risk, and the opportunity for a healthy reward.
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Arsenal endured something of a midseason collapse prior to the winter break, with three losses on the trot seeing them fall to fourth in the Premier League and crash out of the FA Cup.
Mikel Arteta's men registered just one goal in those three games while conceding six, so it isn't surprising to see a host of names now linked to the Emirates this month.
One of those names is a promising youngster who is probably considered competition for an out-of-sorts Gabriel Martinelli, given his poor return of two league goals this season.
However, with this player being likened to Chelsea's pricey flop Mykhalio Mudryk, it might be best for the Gunners to steer clear.
According to a report from The Sun earlier this week, Arsenal are interested in Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea this month and view him as a 'top target' to provide competition for Martinelli.
The publication has also revealed that north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are keen on bringing the young Spaniard to N17.
Both teams sent scouts to watch him play in the Basque Derby on Thursday night, although he was booked in the 61st minute, hooked in the 63rd, and Sociedad lost 2-1, so it wasn't an ideal showing.
Valued at £43m by the CIES football observatory, this would likely be an expensive deal to complete – even with Arteta's good relations with the club – and with the 22-year-old being compared to Mudryk, this might not be a deal worth completing.
According to the footballing database FBref, the rapid Ukranian is the fifth most similar player to the Sociedad ace across Europe's top five leagues.
This is based on the fact that the pair measure up and rank similarly for various key metrics in those leagues, such as touches in the opposition box, progressive carries and tackles per 90.
However, the percentiles in which they fall for these metrics are not impressive, with the "elegant but hard-working" Spaniard, as he was described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, sitting in the top 46% of wingers for touches in the opposition's box, the top 29% for progressive carries and the top 19% for progressive passes received per 90.
Mudryk, on the other hand, sits in the top 35%, the top 22% and the top 28% for the same metrics.
What's worse is that besides these rather uninspiring figures, Martinelli is still miles clear of the player who supposedly could be his competition when it comes to their underlying numbers this season.
In fact, even Mudryk – who has had a rough time in west London after scoring just four goals since the Blues edged out Arsenal with an £88.5m offer last year – comes out ahead of Barrenetxea.
|
Barrenetxea vs Mudryk vs Martinelli |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stats per 90 |
Barrenetxea |
Mudryk |
Martinelli |
|
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists |
0.33 |
0.38 |
0.34 |
|
Goals |
0.30 |
0.33 |
0.14 |
|
Assists |
0.10 |
0.11 |
0.14 |
|
Progressive Carries |
3.64 |
5.56 |
5.59 |
|
Progressive Passes |
1.92 |
2.11 |
3.15 |
|
Passing Accuracy |
66.4% |
66.8% |
77.0% |
|
Shot-Creating Actions |
2.53 |
3.01 |
4.13 |
|
Goal-Creating Actions |
0.30 |
0.33 |
0.49 |
|
Dispossessed |
3.23 |
1.22 |
1.82 |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season |
|||
Arsenal's dynamic young Brazilian comes out on top in every vital metric bar non-penalty-expected goals and assists, goals and how frequently he is dispossessed per 90, with the Chelsea man claiming the top spot in those three areas.
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Ultimately, the young Spaniard – who has scored three times this season – has some talent and he could prove the doubters wrong, but based on the figures above and his close similarities to Mudryk, it does not make sense for Arsenal to spend so much money on a player who is clearly not good enough to displace Martinelli, even when he is out of form.
The January transfer window is due to slam shut on Thursday night and Leeds United are yet to complete a signing to bolster their first-team squad.
Daniel Farke's side are currently competing to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and are two points adrift of the top two places as it stands.
|
Championship top six (via Sofascore) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Team |
Position |
Matches played |
Points |
|
Leicester |
1 |
28 |
66 |
|
Ipswich |
2 |
28 |
59 |
|
Southampton |
3 |
28 |
58 |
|
Leeds |
4 |
29 |
57 |
|
West Brom |
5 |
28 |
45 |
|
Coventry |
6 |
28 |
43 |
As you can see in the current Championship table, the Whites have played one more match than their direct rivals, thanks to their 1-0 win over Norwich last week at Elland Road, and could be five points off the automatic places if Ipswich win their game in hand.
Teams around Leeds have dipped into the market to bolster their respective squads, with the Tractor Boys snapping up reported Whites target Ali Al-Hamadi from AFC Wimbledon and Southampton have signed David Brooks on loan from Bournemouth.
The Yorkshire-based outfit are now reportedly looking to make moves of their own to provide Farke with more quality options to work with during the second half of the season.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Whites are set to battle it out to land a last-gasp deal to bring Nottingham Forest central defender Joe Worrall to Elland Road.
The reporter claims that Leeds and Sheffield United are both in the "chase" to land the English enforcer, who has seemingly fallen out of favour at the City Ground.
Nixon adds that Forest are looking for a fee within the region of £6m to allow the towering ace to depart the club before the window slams shut on Thursday.
However, it remains to be seen whether Sheffield United or Leeds are prepared to pay that to land his services ahead of the second half of the campaign.
For Farke's side, a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy upon promotion to the Premier League could make more sense. That would protect them from spending £6m on a player and then being financially burdened by that decision if they fail to achieve their goal this season.
However, Forest are, of course, entitled to make the final decision on his future and they may not want to loan him out with the prospect of a return at the end of the season if the club he joins opt against a permanent move or fail to earn promotion.
Worrall could, though, be an excellent signing for Leeds if they are able to fight off Premier League competition from the Blades to land his signature before the deadline, as he could be Joe Rodon 2.0 for Farke.
The Wales international joined on a season-long loan from top-flight giants Tottenham Hotspur last summer and has hit the ground running in Yorkshire.
It did not take long for the Welsh colossus to find his feet at Elland Road as he quickly established himself as a regular starter and key performer for Farke at the heart of the defence.
The 26-year-old ace has started 25 of the club's 29 Championship matches so far this term, and has partnered the likes of Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, and Ethan Ampadu at times.
Rodon has been akin to a brick wall at the back for Leeds with a duel success rate of 68%. He has won 68% of his battles on the ground and 68% of his aerial contests in the division, which shows that the Welsh gem has dominated opposition attackers on the floor and in the air.
The Spurs loanee has also showcased his quality in possession as he currently ranks within the top 18% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes (4.43) per 90.
These statistics show that Rodon has been impressive in and out of possession with his strong defending and progressive play on the ball to find his teammates in dangerous positions to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.
Farke could repeat the blinder he played with the signing of the Welsh monster by bringing in Worrall, who is a proven Championship performer.
The 27-year-old has only started five Premier League matches this season and Leeds could offer him a chance to drop down a division to play regular football over the next five months.
|
22/23 Premier League |
Joe Worrall (via Sofascore) |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
30 |
|
Starts |
21 |
|
Error led to goal |
Zero |
|
Ground duel success rate |
59% |
|
Aerial duel success rate |
63% |
His performances for Forest in the second tier during the 2021/22 promotion-winning campaign for the Tricky Trees suggest that he has the quality to be Rodon 2.0 for the Whites.
Worrall, who was once lauded as "incredible" by ex-boss Steve Cooper, started 39 of their league matches and caught the eye with his contributions on and off the ball for his side as they went on to win the play-offs.
The Forest star won 63% of his duels, including 66% of his battles on the deck, throughout the campaign and made 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game.
This shows that, like Rodon, the English colossus has the defensive quality and physical strength to dominate opposition attackers on the floor and in the air at this level.
Worrall also has the quality on the ball to progress play out from the back to build attacks for his side. He ranked within the top 9% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes (4.56) per 90, and the top 21% for progressive carries (1.26) per 90.
These statistics show that he was one of the outstanding defenders in the division when it came to progressing the ball forward from a centre-back position.
He could, therefore, be perfect for Farke's possession-based style as the 6 foot 4 giant has the quality to consistently break lines and play passes forward to the likes of Georgino Rutter and Crysencio Summerville to make things happen in the final third.
Worrall has the ability, as a defender and a passer, to be Rodon 2.0 for the German head coach in the Championship and the two defenders could either compete for a place or form a dominant partnership at Elland Road.
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On Thursday, news emerged that Celtic have received a bid for Matt O'Riley from Spanish club Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone's side want to sign the midfielder on an initial loan with a later obligation to buy, but the Hoops don't intend to sell.
Brendan Rodgers views O'Riley as a key player, and Celtic are confident in their position after tying the player down to a four-year extension in 2023. With interest from another Spanish side in Girona as well as Italian club Inter, there could be further developments regarding that one before the end of the window.
But O'Riley isn't the only Celtic player attracting interest. Liel Abada only signed a new contract in September, but he could be on the move this month, albeit driven by off-field circumstances. With Celtic fans showing their support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Rodgers has held private talks with Israel international Abada.
Speaking earlier this month, he said; "It's a situation as a manager where, if you care, you need to communicate with the player. You just try to understand and have empathy with the situation. He's a very young guy so he needs help and support. I'm obviously there for him.
"You'll never be the player's best friend but there are times when you have to show that side which gives them a bit of comfort and confidence to keep going. He's settled and happy here now."
According to Stephen McGowan, a journalist for the Daily Mail, Abada could leave Celtic on loan. The player is coming under "sustained pressure" in his homeland because of his club's pro-Palestine demonstrations, a situation he's found "challenging".
As a result, Abada could look to make a temporary move until the end of the season, giving him some needed "time and space" before the two parties reassess the situation in the summer.
Championship sides Watford, Southampton and West Brom have all made contact with Celtic to ask about a deal, while clubs in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 have expressed their interest too. The Scottish Premiership leaders have shown "no desire to lose Abada" up to this point, but it remains to be seen if a request from the player could change that stance.
Abada only joined Celtic from Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2021 and proved to be an excellent buy in his first two seasons in Glasgow, scoring 28 goals, providing 20 assists and winning the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award for 2021/22.
Former manager Ange Postecoglou has called him a "handful" and "a goal threat" against any opponent, while Celtic defender Alistair Johnston says the "dynamic" wide player is a "nightmare" to go up against, as he might have found out in training.
This season, Abada has only been able to make eight appearances, having been missing from early September until just before the New Year (a 22-game stretch in total) with a torn thigh muscle. Some Celtic supporters may have been eagerly awaiting his return amid the ongoing title battle with Rangers, but you can see why he might want to play his football elsewhere for the time being.
Celtic are away from Parkhead for the second match in succession as they travel to Easter Road to take on Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.
The Hoops head into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen away from home last time out in the top-flight, which was their fourth draw of the league campaign so far.
Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that his team reacts well to bounce back from that disappointing result with all three points on Wednesday ahead of an SFA Cup clash with St. Mirren next weekend.
The Northern Irish head coach could look to make a number of changes to the starting XI that lined up against the Dons, and failed to win, on Saturday.
With this in mind, here is FFC's predicted Celtic team to take to the field from the start against Hibs…
Joe Hart
In between the sticks, Joe Hart should retain his place in goal as he has been the manager's first-choice goalkeeper throughout the Premiership season.
The former England international had little chance to stop Bojan Miovski's opening goal against Aberdeen but did come to the rescue to make a sprawling save from Graeme Shinnie to stop the hosts from going 2-1 up late on.
Alistair Johnson
At right-back, Alistair Johnston should retain his position in the side after a solid display last time out; winning seven duels, making four tackles, and creating one chance in his 90 minutes on the pitch.
Maik Nawrocki
Despite a shaky afternoon against the Dons, Rodgers should keep faith in Maik Nawrocki and offer the former Legia Warsaw titan a chance to bounce back with a strong performance.
The summer signing lost three of his five ground duels but has only started four league matches and needs time to find his feet in the Premiership.
Therefore, the 22-year-old colossus should start again as he will gain more vital minutes that will help him to adapt to life as a regular starter for Celtic, whilst Cameron Carter-Vickers is out injured.
Liam Scales
Alongside the Polish defender, Liam Scales should start on the left side of the centre-back pairing. He won ten of his 12 duels against Aberdeen, which shows that the former Dons loanee dominated his former teammates.
Anthony Ralston
The first alteration to the starting XI could come at left-back with Anthony Ralston the replacement for Alexandro Bernabei on the left side of the back four.
First-choice Greg Taylor is currently out injured with a calf strain and his absence afforded the Argentine defender an opportunity to start against Aberdeen.
Bernabei, however, failed to grasp his chance with a duel success rate of 33% (3/9) against the Dons. His weak play led to Rodgers bringing Ralston on to replace him and the Scottish enforcer won three of his five duels in 31 minutes on the pitch, which could now earn him a start on Wednesday night.
Callum McGregor
Another player who should keep their place in the starting XI is Celtic's captain and midfield maestro Callum McGregor, who has started all 24 of the club's league matches this season.
Matt O'Riley
Matt O'Riley is almost undroppable for Celtic with the attacking quality he displays on a regular basis in the middle of the park. The talented gem has started all 23 of his league appearances this season and contributed with ten goals and seven assists.
Paulo Bernardo
To complete the midfield trio, Paulo Bernardo could start once again after a solid, albeit unspectacular, display against the Dons. He created one chance, won 100% (4/4) of his ground duels, and completed 100% (2/2) of his attempted dribbles in 59 minutes on the pitch.
Nicolas Kuhn
The second alteration to the team could come on the right side of the attack, with Kuhn coming in to replace Liel Abada against Hibernian on Wednesday.
Rodgers went with the 22-year-old Hoops winger against the Dons and that selection was not justified with a good performance as Abada missed one 'big chance' and failed to create a single chance for his teammates in 59 minutes of action.
|
23/24 Bundesliga |
Nicolas Kuhn (via Sofascore) |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
16 |
|
Goals |
Two |
|
Key passes |
29 |
|
Big chances created |
11 |
|
Assists |
Five |
Kuhn – once described as "complete" by UEFA licensed coach @Inverthewing on X – came off the bench to make a big impact, after enjoying a fantastic first half of the campaign with Rapid Wien, as shown in the table above.
The German forward scored the equaliser with a low effort, which deflected in, four minutes after being introduced to the game, and went on to provide one key pass. Therefore, Rodgers should take Abada out of the side and reward Kuhn with his full Celtic debut.
Adam Idah
Another player who could be drafted into the starting line-up is deadline day signing Adam Idah, who could start ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi as the sole number nine.
The Japan international has scored two goals in his last 11 Premiership appearances for the club and failed to a single shot on target or key pass in 90 minutes against Aberdeen.
Meanwhile, Idah created three chances and registered an assist for Kuhn's equaliser in 31 minutes off the bench on his debut for the Hoops.
Rodgers should now ditch Kyogo, who has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, and unleash his deadline day signing from the start as the focal point of the attack.