Szoboszlai benched in predicted Liverpool lineup vs Fulham

Jurgen Klopp's reign at Liverpool has seen both peaks and valleys, but there is an ominous sense that the lionised manager's final few weeks on Merseyside will be categorised by misery and rueful resignation.

Failing to defeat Manchester United in commanding positions across recent trips to Old Trafford in the FA Cup and Premier League has unravelled Liverpool's thrilling campaign like a loose kite in the wind, with the buffeting struggles of the past few weeks resulting in successive Anfield losses against Atalanta (in the Europa League) and Crystal Palace (in the top-flight).

The Carabao Cup was won in February in what seemed like a galvanising tone-setter for the months to come, with the Reds fighting with such fervour amid persistent injury blows to fire on all cylinders. After overcoming such obstacles, Liverpool have inexplicably collapsed.

At Craven Cottage on Sunday, against Fulham, Klopp simply has to spark his team back into life, with Manchester City starting the weekend two points clear of their two contenders, with Arsenal also falling to an unexpected defeat last weekend.

Liverpool have an unusually near-clean bill of health, though Conor Bradley continues to recover from an ankle injury that will keep him out for a few more weeks.

Klopp has to rebound from the midweek Europa League exit against Atalanta, where the Merseysiders sparked spark and initiative, and might make three changes to the starting XI.

1

GK – Alisson

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Alisson's return from injury has come at the perfect time for Liverpool, even if he has not quite had the happiest of returns over the past few games.

The Brazilian is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and is marginally behind Alphonse Areola in the most reliable shot-stopper in the division, having saved 75.3% of the shots faced this season (Areola has saved 75.8%).

2

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool might have won at Atalanta on Thursday but the damage was done and it was a bleak performance, lacking the electricity and snap that was needed. Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to the starting line-up was a bright spark though.

The inventive right-back is always looking to make things happen and will provide his profligate forwards with everything they need to rediscover their shooting boots, hailed as a creative "genius" by reporter Neil Jones.

3

CB – Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool ace Ibrahima Konate.

Ibrahima Konate has done a superb job this season after Joel Matip's season was cut short by injury back in December, but the France international has been guilty of some poor performances recently.

He will need to have his wits about him against in-form shooter Rodrigo Muniz.

4

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk.

Virgil van Dijk has cut a disconsolate figure over the past few matches but he called for the fans to rally around the squad on Thursday night and, if Liverpool are to turn things around, he will be at the heart of the success.

5

LB – Andy Robertson

Andrew Robertson celebrates for Liverpool.

Possibly Liverpool's best performer throughout this recent poor patch, Andy Robertson will be crucial against Fulham, pumping energy and creativity into the team.

It's been a bit of a stop-start campaign for the Scotland skipper, but he's returning to his best recently and could be the catalyst on Sunday.

6

DM – Wataru Endo

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo signed for Liverpool from German side Stuttgart in a surprise £16m deal last summer, after missing out on Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea, and while he's largely been fantastic, the Japanese's recent showings have left much to be desired.

Still, he must anchor the midfield against the Cottagers, doing the groundwork for a few other midfielders to supply the forwards ahead of him.

7

CM – Harvey Elliott

Liverpool player Harvey Elliott.

Dominik Szoboszlai has fallen by the wayside, and while he can pick himself back up, he must be ditched for Harvey Elliott in this one, with the dynamic midfielder more than deserving of a spot in his favoured position.

The 21-year-old is truly a first-class prospect and has started to prove why he can play a lasting role in this Liverpool team, having been described as a "special talent" by The Athletic's James Pearce.

8

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Alexis Mac Allister has been a monster of a signing for Liverpool and will need to harness the full scope of his world-class ability if he is to lead the club back toward the light.

Alexis Mac Allister: PL Stats 23/24

Stat

#

Matches played

27

Matches started

26

Goals

4

Assists

5

Pass completion

88%

Touches per game

76.3

Shots per game

1.3

Key passes per game

1.4

Tackles per game

3.0

Ball recoveries per game

6.4

Duels won per game

6.0

Stats via Sofascore

He's clinched seven goal contributions from his past eight outings in the Premier League and he might just be the difference-maker once again at Fulham.

9

RW – Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah celebrates for Liverpool

What has happened to Mohamed Salah? The Egyptian talisman has been out of sorts for a while now and has toiled through recent fixtures.

That said, he's one of the deadliest forwards in Europe, having scored 24 goals and supplied 13 assists in all competitions this season.

10

LW – Luis Diaz

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in training

With electric pace and deft dribbling, Luis Diaz will be an important presence down the left channel, causing Fulham a host of problems and driving the play into promising positions to ensure Liverpool hit prolific form once again.

Luis Suarez tipped to prolong Lionel Messi reunion as veteran Inter Miami striker mulls over MLS contract extension

Luis Suarez’s ‘Last Dance’ alongside Lionel Messi may not be coming to a close, with the Inter Miami striker being tipped to agree a new contract.

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  • Frontman joined ex-Barca stars in Florida
  • Continues to nurse long-standing knee problems
  • Has still managed to hit 20 goals in 2024
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The veteran frontman agreed to reunite with former Barcelona team-mates Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba when making his way to Florida at the start of 2024. He severed ties with Brazilian side Gremio and embraced a new challenge in the United States.

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    Suarez made no secret of long-standing fitness issues – with knee problems needing to be carefully managed – but he has hit 20 goals in all competitions for Inter Miami in 2024 to follow Messi’s lead and break records of his own.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The 37-year-old only signed a 12-month contract when joining the Herons, but an extension may be put in place that keeps him alongside Messi and Co. The reports after hearing Suarez discuss his plans: “As far as his future with Inter Miami goes, he didn’t say exactly. His contract ends in December, he only signed a one-year deal, but he did say: ‘I want to enjoy football a little more,’ that to me is a hint that he would sign one more year. Messi has one more year, so maybe Suarez will be able to sign for one more year.”

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Suarez has retired from international duty after earning 142 caps for his country, so is free to narrow his focus and work load on club commitments. That may convince him to extend the most distinguished of careers, with Inter Miami currently in the hunt for MLS Cup glory.

Aston Villa now send scouts for "intelligent" target ahead of £52m move

Whilst looking to complete their top four battle and qualify for the Champions League, Aston Villa have reportedly wasted no time in identifying players who could step up among Europe's elite after sending scouts to watch a La Liga target.

Aston Villa transfer news

Squad depth will be the key for Villa if they are to progress in European football next season and they seem to be well aware of that, with recent links to backup options for Ollie Watkins. The Villans have been linked with both Jonathan David and Kelechi Iheanacho in two deals that woul hand Unai Emery vital attacking depth next season.

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Ross Kilvington

May 1, 2024

Iheanacho particularly ticks the box for Premier League experience and would come at a bargain price upon the expiry of his current Leicester City contract at the end of the season. A free deal for a player with such experience would go a long way in allowing Villa to compete on all fronts in the next campaign.

Meanwhile, those in the Midlands will also have to find a replacement for Nicolo Zaniolo it seems, with the attacking midfielder set to return to parent club Galatasaray at the end of the current campaign. And that's where Alex Baena could come in.

Following initial reports indicated that Villa want to sign the attacking midfelder on Emery's demand this summer, an update has emerged. According to GiveMeSport, Aston Villa have sent scouts to watch Baena ahead of a summer move that would see the Villans trigger the Villarreal midfielder's reported €60m (£52m) release clause.

Emery knows Villarreal well of course, having been in charge of the Spanish club before making the move to Villa. It was there that the Spaniard had the chance to work with Baena for the first time in a partnership that could be revived this summer at Villa Park.

"Intelligent" Baena is better than Zaniolo

As Zaniolo returns to his parent club, Baena could arrive to hand Villa an impressive upgrade ahead of a potential Champions League campaign. The Villarreal star, who is still just 22 years old, already knows Emery well and would, therefore, fair far better when it comes to slotting straight into the Spaniard's system in the Midlands.

League stats 23/24 (via Transfermarkt)

Alex Baena

Nicolo Zaniolo

Appearances

41

39

Goals

5

3

Assists

16

0

Baena's 16 assists immedietly catch the eye and spark thoughts over just how deadly his partnership with Watkins would be. The Villa star is already setting the world alight, but with even more service, he could find himself winning the Golden Boot with goals to spare.

Baena's earned plenty of praise for such numbers too, including from journalist Josh Bunting, who described the midfielder as "intelligent", posting on X last year.

It's the type of intelligence that Villa are now seeking, as they look to ensure that this seaosn's top four pursuit is no one off and instead just the start of Emery's project.

Cristiano Ronaldo slams idea Real Madrid are ‘lucky’ as Al-Nassr forward reveals secrets behind 'best club ever'

Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected claims Real Madrid are "lucky" and says he considers Los Blancos to be the best club in the history of football.

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  • Ronaldo hails Real as world's best club
  • Won a host of titles with Spanish giants
  • Explains secrets to club's continued success
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Real Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League last season and went on to strengthen their squad in the summer by adding French superstar Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to an already talented squad. Carlo Ancelotti's side will therefore be looking for more trophies in 2024-25 and to continue their European dominance after having lifted the Champions League in six of the last 10 years.

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    Madrid have often been described as "lucky" over the years after making a habit of pulling off last-gasp wins and coming from behind in games when they appear to have no hope. Ronaldo, who won a host of titles during his time at the club, has explained why it's not luck that sees the Spanish giants continue to add trophies to their cabinet on a regular basis.

  • WHAT RONALDO SAID

    Ronaldo told Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel: "Real Madrid are looking very good. It's the kind of team, they don't rush under pressure. This is why they most of the people say they are lucky. No they are not lucky. They prepare for this kind of moment. The Bernabeu has a different aura, the energy is different. When the big teams go there, they score a goal after 85 minutes, 90 minutes, the pressure is a lot. For me it's the best club ever in the history of football.

    "I always say Madrid are going to be better. We don't know, let's see. Mbappe is there now. I think Madrid will keep strong but I don't know if they will be better than last year. Let's see. They have a fantastic team, fantastic players. I believe they will be one of the best teams in the world."

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Ronaldo is Real Madrid's all-time top scorer after bagging 450 goals for Los Blancos. He also scored his 900th career strike recently, netting for Portugal in a Nations League triumph over Croatia.

Everton may lose "fantastic" £125,000-a-week star too alongside Branthwaite

Despite setting course for Premier League safety, Everton will reportedly face a difficult summer in which they could lose even more stars alongside the often exit-linked Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.

Everton transfer news

Sean Dyche deserves great credit for the job he's done at Goodison Park this season, having all but sealed Everton's Premier League safety for another campaign even in the face of point deductions. Without losing those points, things would have been far more comfortable for Dyche and co, but that hasn't stopped them from ultimately getting the job done.

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Tom Cunningham

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That's not to say that things will now become easier this summer, however. The Toffees still face the prospect of losing both Onana and Branthwaite. The former has been linked with the likes of Newcastle United and Arsenal, whilst the latter has even attracted reported interest from Real Madrid.

Two big-money departures, Everton would at least find a way to balance the books and avoid further FFP punishment, but the exit of a third star player may be the final straw for those at Goodison Park.

According to Graeme Bailey, writing for The Boot Room, Chelsea are now huge admirers of Jordan Pickford and could attempt to make their move to sign the England number one this summer. Losing both Onana and Branthwaite would be a blow, but losing another defensive leader like Pickford in the same summer would leave Everton fighting for survival once again.

Everton's JordanPickford

It could yet be a case of desperate times, desperate measures for Everton though, especially if 777 Partners' takeover fails to gain the Premier League's approval.

With or without those new owners, losing Pickford would leave Dyche with a mountain to climb when it comes to replacing leadership and a goalkeeper of the former Sunderland man's calibre. The hope in Merseyside will be that Premier League survival acts as a crucial part in pitching the stay of several stars, including the shot-stopper.

"Fantastic" Pickford is key for Everton

Some may be quick to overlook £125,000-a-week Pickford, but the fact remains that he's England's number one and a crucial part to any survival hope that Everton managed to cling onto throughout the season, before all but sealing it. The former Sunderland man has more than earned the interest of Chelsea, but the grass hasn't been greener for many at Stamford Bridge in recent times, perhaps leaving Pickford best-suited to stay put at Goodison Park.

Praising his England number one for reaching 50 caps, Gareth Southgate previously told BBC Sport: “It’s a fantastic individual achievement. There’s still only a low number of players that get to 50 caps and to do that you’ve got to have a decent period of time as an England international. For them it’s important. And that experience for us, you do go through different experiences that England nights and tournaments bring.”

"It’s done" – Richard Keys told Ratcliffe has picked a new Man Utd manager

Manchester United may have already made a huge decision over their manager position for next season, with some inside information on Erik ten Hag's future leaking courtesy of beIN Sports' coverage of Sunday's defeat to Arsenal.

Erik ten Hag under pressure at Man Utd

This has been a dismal season at Old Trafford – one of the worst in the club's history, in fact – with performances in the Premier League embarrassing at times. Sunday's 1-0 loss at home to Arsenal was far from their worst result of the campaign, but it means they have suffered a club-record 14 defeats out of 36 games in the competition, and in truth there looked an acceptance that only losing 1-0 was a good day at the office.

For that reason, Ten Hag is under significant pressure to keep his job beyond the summer, and the fact that so many managers are being mentioned as possible replacements suggests that he is clinging on to his job.

Erik ten Hag

Thomas Tuchel is seen as a leading contender to replace the Dutchman this summer, with the current Bayern Munich boss seen as United's answer to Jurgen Klopp. Graham Potter is also being considered, having not worked since being sacked by Chelsea after a short stint at Stamford Bridge.

The likes of Gareth Southgate and Roberto De Zerbi have also been constantly mentioned as candidates to take charge at Old Trafford, with the former possibly leaving his England post after Euro 2024.

Pundit makes huge Man Utd manager claim

Speaking to Richard Keys on beIN SPORTS [via The Daily Mail], former Liverpool defender Jason McAteer claimed that a current Manchester United player believes Ten Hag is "done" and Southgate will be Man Utd's new manager: "He plays for Man United and I had a conversation with him on Friday, I bumped into him because I live just outside the area.

"We got into conversation, great lad, and I asked him (about the) end of the season and what he thought and he gave me no inclination that the manager was there to stay. In fact we spoke about different names and who we thought will be a good fit and I got no inclination from him."

McAteer added that the player in question "smiled but that wasn't the name" when asked about Tuchel, and gave a "no" regarding Jose Mourinho, before saying "yes that was the name" when bringing up Southgate.

On Ten Hag's future specifically, he claimed: "Footballers have an inclination when the manager's job is on the line and they obviously know and I just got the feeling that it's done, it's done."

It does appear as though Southgate is a genuinely big target for United at this point, but there would likely be a mixed reaction to him coming in. Granted, he has largely done a good job as England manager, but being in charge of an international team is still very different to managing one of the biggest club sides in the world, with the intensity of the job greater on a week in, week out basis.

Man Utd's last ten managers

Years in charge

Erik ten Hag

2022-present

Ralf Rangnick (interim)

2021-2022

Michael Carrick (interim)

2021

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

2018-2021

Jose Mourinho

2016-2018

Louis van Gaal

2014-2016

Ryan Giggs (interim)

2014

David Moyes

2013-2014

Sir Alex Ferguson

1986-2013

Ron Atkinson

1981-1986

Southgate has also fallen short in big matches a number of times at major tournaments, arguably being out-thought tactically by other managers such as Roberto Mancini in the Euro 2020 final, and he doesn't have enough pedigree at club level to suggest that he warrants a job the size of the United one.

His relationship with Dan Ashworth could be a reason why Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants him, assuming the Newcastle ace comes in as sporting director, but Southgate feels a long way from being a surefire bet just yet.

Jude Bellingham ignoring medical advice after avoiding surgery – with Real Madrid superstar still nursing long-standing shoulder injury

Jude Bellingham is reportedly ignoring medical advice at Real Madrid after avoiding surgery on his long-standing shoulder problem.

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  • Damaged shoulder in October 2023
  • Still struggling with ailment 11 months on
  • Eager to avoid missing any more games
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    There were suggestions that the England international would be forced under the knife after representing his country at Euro 2024. Bellingham played through pain for much of the 2023-24 campaign, having dislocated his shoulder during an October clash with Rayo Vallecano.

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    Nearly 12 months on and said ailment is still causing Bellingham problems. Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the 21-year-old is no longer playing with a supportive brace, but was seen clutching at his shoulder again after coming off against Espanyol.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    According to , Bellingham has been advised to rest. He is, however, reluctant to heed that advice having recently missed a month of action due to a foot complaint. The Three Lions midfielder is said to have no intention of sitting games out as he bids to recover peak form and fitness.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Bellingham may be rotated out for a La Liga clash with Alaves on Tuesday, giving him a bit of a break, but the likelihood is that he will be make Los Blancos’ starting XI for a derby date with neighbours Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday.

'Inexplicable' Conor Gallagher called out for showing 'no attitude and no intensity' for Atletico Madrid as Spanish press pile on following Benfica thrashing

Atletico Madrid were thrashed 4-0 by Benfica and the Spanish press has laid into Conor Gallagher's 'inexplicable' performance.

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  • Atletico Madrid lose 4-0 to Benfica
  • Gallagher's performance ripped by Marca
  • Midfielder conceded penalty in defeat
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Atletico Madrid travelled to the Estadio do Dragao on the back of an ecstatic injury-time draw with Real Madrid in La Liga. However, Diego Simeone's men were not ready for what was about to happen as they suffered their biggest Champions League loss since 2021 thanks to goals from Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu, Angel Di Maria, Alexander Bah and Orkun Kokc. Spanish publication Marca's player ratings for Rojiblancos saw Gallagher heavily criticised after the former Chelsea midfielder conceded a penalty in the contest

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    WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT GALLAGHER

    Marca rated Gallagher rated a measly four out of ten, writing: "Gallagher came on after the break and was involved in the penalty that led to Benfica's second goal. He was left in the lurch by Bah for the home side's third goal. He had no attitude and no intensity. The Englishman's performance was inexplicable."

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    The England international made the move to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in the summer after a lengthy transfer saga. Gallagher signed a five-year deal with the Rojiblancos and has had a decent start to his stint under Simeone. However, his performance against Benfica left a lot to be desired.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR GALLAGHER?

    It is possible that the England international could start Atletico Madrid's next clash as they will look to dust off the performance against Benfica. Simeone's side will take on Real Sociedad on Sunday, October 6.

Southampton hit gold on “selfless” star who’s worth more than Downes

Southampton are now very much daring to dream about an immediate Premier League return, having got the better of Carlos Corberan's West Bromwich Albion 3-1 over two legs to make it to the coveted Championship playoff final.

Leeds United will be their tricky opponents at Wembley at the end of May, but Russell Martin's men won't fear the full-throttle Whites having beat them 2-1 on the final day of the regular season at Elland Road before the lottery of the playoffs even began.

Southampton manager Russell Martin.

It was a polished team performance from Martin's confident Saints at St. Mary's against the Baggies, with Will Smallbone heroically opening the scoring on the night to set the tone for the rest of the straightforward contest.

Emerging through the youth ranks at the Saints to now become a key first-teamer in midfield, Smallbone has had a breakthrough campaign for the promotion-chasers at the best possible time, with Premier League football now tantalisingly in reach.

Will Smallbone's start at Southampton

Smallbone has had to exercise a lot of patience to get where he is today, having been in and around the Saints ranks since 2016.

It's not as if his numbers were underwhelming either, amassing 13 goals and 13 assists from 98 appearances playing for the U18s and U21s, but he was never able to break the mould and leap into the men's team equation regularly.

Horrific luck when it came to injuries constantly stopped Smallbone in his tracks when he was making notable in-roads, making a number of appearances at the start of the 2020/21 season before a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury cruelly intervened.

Still, when looking at how key he has been for Martin's men in reaching Wembley, 45 of Smallbone's 69 first-team appearances have amazingly come just this campaign and he has never looked back in the process.

The 24-year-old massively benefitted from the likes of Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse exiting in the summer on major deals, freeing up spaces in the centre of the park for someone to become the next Saints hero in midfield.

He has certainly become that this season, proving himself to be a dependable option to rely on away from just this ferocious hit opening the scoring against West Brom in the decisive playoff second leg.

Smallbone's season in numbers

The Saints academy product has blossomed into becoming the first name on the team sheet week-in-week out for Martin, only missing three league games all season long to fully wriggle free of any injury demons.

Six goals and three assists have come the midfielder's way as a result, which included slotting home a Kyle Walker-Peters pass on the final day to score against Leeds to silence the home crowd.

Smallbone vs Gruev – numbers on FBRef over the last year

Stat per 90 mins

Smallbone

Gruev

Passes attempted

66.38

61.08

Pass completion %

87.6%

90%

Progressive passes

6.42

4.36

Progressive carries

1.53

0.56

Progressive passes received

3.51

0.41

Blocks

0.99

0.81

Interceptions

0.90

1.37

Stats by FBRef

The match-up at the end of the month will be completely different, however, with so much riding on the outcome but an intriguing battle could develop between Ilia Gruev and Smallbone on the pitch all the same.

Based on the FBRef numbers in the table above, Smallbone could well his fancy his chances of coming out on top going up against the former Werder Bremen man even in such a pressurised one-off clash.

It hasn't been all smooth sailing for the breakout Southampton number 16 this campaign, however, with extreme online trolling earlier in the season seeing him shut down his social media accounts.

Yet, just a matter of days on from being trolled in the aftermath of his club's exit at the hands of Liverpool in the FA Cup, Smallbone responded unfazed with two assists in a dramatic 4-3 away win at Birmingham City.

It led to Martin emotionally defending his midfield talent after the game, who described the Saints academy graduate turned important first-team figure's performance as "amazing".

Equally praised by his manager for being a "selfless" character right after Southampton booked their place in the playoff final, it's not a shock to see Smallbone's transfer value has increased over the course of his formative campaign consequently.

Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes

His value is even higher than that of Flynn Downes now, according to Football Transfers, who has been showered with kind words all season long from Martin as well, with the pair having worked with each other in the past at Swansea City and in the present on the South Coast.

Smallbone's transfer value in 2024

Smallbone's value now stands at a handsome £4.2m, with Southampton reaping the rewards now of persevering with their homegrown star, instead of just chucking him to the scrapheap when he hadn't yet made waves in the men's team.

The Saints will just hope they don't have to part ways with Smallbone anytime soon regardless of his excellent season, able to keep a firm grip on their star who had progressed through the esteemed youth set-up on the South Coast away from the likes of Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale previously departing.

Downes, who has been key alongside Smallbone in a central midfield trio this season, sees his valuation come in at a lesser £3.3m though, all whilst still being the perfect example of Martin's easy-on-the-eye approach as a slick operator.

Downes' numbers vs West Brom

Minutes played

90

Touches

72

Accurate passes

62/64 (97%)

Key passes

2

Assists

1

Successful dribbles

1/1

Stats by Sofascore

Bossing the possession on the night with 65% of the ball in their favour against West Brom, Downes stylishly controlled proceedings with just two misplaced passes from 64 attempted with one of these passes assisting Adam Armstrong's game-clinching second strike on the night.

Yet, even with Downes coming up trumps again, the West Ham United loanee's value still pales in comparison to that of Smallbone who will want to taste Premier League football now next season to cap off such a blinding campaign.

If that doesn't happen, however, Smallbone wouldn't try and demand a move up to the top-flight knowing that he's a highly valued gem in the Saints camp currently.

It's been a tale of perseverance and patience paying off for the 24-year-old, who was only on loan at Stoke City last season pondering whether his long-term future was going to be at St. Mary's or not.

Celtic can move on from Kyogo & Idah by signing 6ft 2 "top striker"

The 2023/24 season may have only just come to a climax, yet there is simply no time to waste for Celtic in their preparations for next term, with the Scottish champions needing to get their recruitment on the money if they are to develop into a more competitive outfit on the continent.

At present, the burning issue appears to be nailing down a long-term solution in the centre-forward ranks, with speculation rife as to whether loan hero Adam Idah will return to Parkhead permanently this summer, following his impressive tally of nine goals in just 19 games in all competitions.

With the Irishman's parent club, Norwich City, believed to be playing hardball at present, the Old Firm giants may have to turn their attentions elsewhere sooner rather than later, particularly amid reports that Ange Postecoglou favourite, Kyogo Furuhashi, is being courted by clubs in his native Japan.

Having scored 54 goals in just 83 games under his former boss, the 29-year-old suffered a noticeable dip following Brendan Rodgers' arrival in the dugout, with his respectable, yet unspectacular return of 19 goals in 50 games this season sparking the need to find a suitable successor.

Celtic's search for a striker

With reports indicating that Kyogo could depart for around £10m this summer – and with Idah in line to return to Norwich for pre-season – the hunt to acquire a credible replacement will need to ramp up sooner rather than later.

Perhaps the obvious, standout candidate for the Hoops to help them move on from their current striking duo is Aberdeen sensation, Bojan Miovski, with the Macedonian marksman having long been linked with a move to Glasgow.

Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.

As FotMob reported only last week, Rodgers' side are among the clubs who are interested in signing the 24-year-old ahead of next season, with the double winners said to be ahead of rivals Rangers in the battle for his signature – albeit with the likes of Southampton, Bologna and Feyenoord also in the mix.

How Miovski compares to Idah and Kyogo

The 24-year-old – who still has two years left to run on his current deal at Pittodrie – would likely not come cheap himself amid claims made that even a £5m bid wouldn't cut it, yet the Dons hero has certainly warranted a sizeable asking price amid his prolific performances of late.

The figurehead of a struggling Aberdeen side over the last two seasons, the 6 foot 2 hotshot has plundered 44 goals in just 95 games in all competitions since his arrival from Hungarian side MTK in 2022.

That return is not far from the 53 goals which Kyogo has scored in that time, albeit while operating in a far more successful and front-foot side, while his 26 goals this season alone matches up with Idah's total career record at senior level – the 23-year-old scoring 17 goals in 115 games for the Canaries, as well as his nine for the Hoops.

Only a year older than Idah, Miovski would represent another potential long-term addition for Rodgers and co as the spearhead of the attack, with the 22-cap international having already caught the eye of Rodgers, who labelled him a "good player" following the Scottish Cup semi-final clash at Hampden.

Scottish Premiership 23/24 stat comparison

Stat

Idah

Kyogo

Miovski

Games (starts)

15 (5)

38 (31)

38 (36)

Goals

8

14

16

'Big chances' missed

7

24

16

Assists

2

5

2

Pass accuracy

73%

67%

69%

'Big chances' created

1

7

5

Key passes per game

0.4

0.6

0.6

Total duels won

44%

41%

31%

Aerial duels won

64%

26%

28%

Possession lost per game

6.1

5.7

9.3

Stats via Sofascore

With three goals in seven meetings against the champions – alongside four in nine against those at Ibrox – Miovski has certainly proven himself against the best in the division, hence why Livingston boss David Martindale previously claimed that the "top striker" could "walk into any team" in the league.

Also dubbed "one of the best players in Scotland" by writer Zach Lowy, the in-demand forward would certainly represent a shrewd addition for Rodgers and co, with the battle now on to see just who can get ahead in the race for his signature.

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By
Dan Emery

May 29, 2024

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