Ashley Cole

As arguably the best left-back of his generation, Ashley Cole was a mainstay for England for well over a decade. Having made a career of locking down the finest wide attackers in the world game, Cole enjoyed a career that seen him play for teams as varied as Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy, and finally Derby County. With over 100 caps for his country, too, Cole became a world-class presence in defence that made him easy to watch for fans who enjoyed his mixture of defensive acumen and attacking skill.

What made Ashley Cole so special?

Though never a regular attacking presence, he picked passes well further up the pitch and was rarely caught out of position. Regularly playing at a high level with his clubs, Cole was noted for his incredible week-to-week consistency and versatility. He could just as easily act as an overlapping attacking outlet as he could play a more defensively minded role.

His game was built on pure tactical understanding and reading of the game. Though fast, Cole was never the quickest or strongest; his ability to always be in position on attack or defence, though, was a priceless skill to have.

On top of his tactical intelligence, Cole was a technically sound full-back who could be relied upon to keep the ball and rarely, if ever, cough the ball up in tight and tough situations.

What does Ashley Cole do now?

Today, Cole is a pundit who we regularly see covering games for Sky Sports and occasionally on ITV for international games. He has also dabbled in coaching, taking part in coaching the Chelsea academy teams and has also held a brief coaching spell at Derby County.

Mostly, though, he is a pundit with a growing reputation who is appearing more and more regularly.

Wayne Rooney

Once heralded as the greatest player of his generation, Wayne Rooney overcame controversy, injury, and much more to become the all-time goalscorer for Manchester United. Coming through at boyhood team Everton, Rooney played regularly in the Premier League at an extremely high level, though it could be argued that starting such regular playing time at 16 contributed to an early, load-based physical decline that inhibited the latter half of Rooney’s career.

With 120 caps for England and 53 goals, though, Rooney was a key performer for his national side outside of tournaments, and played an increasingly important role in helping his nation regularly compete at international events, becoming the all-time national team scorer, and the record holder for outfield caps.

What made Wayne Rooney so special?

His physical power mixed with a dead-eye shooting accuracy both close in and from distance made Rooney a unique proposition. As a youngster, he was a gun-slinging forward who could score with regularly and easily drop into midfield to control games with his incredible passing range and vision.

Despite regular issues with weight and fitness during his career, Rooney worked extremely hard and was commonly involved in pressing moves that would lead to goals for his club and national side. His never-say-die attitude mixed with a knife-between-the-teeth approach to the game made Rooney an outstanding player to watch.

Though his physical issues eventually did lead to a drop-off, even late-stage Rooney was capable of moments of pure genius, scoring goals with aplomb and regularly being decisive in key moments.

What does Wayne Rooney do now?

Today, Rooney is currently the manager of Derby County, helping to keep the Midlands club in the English Championship, the second-tier, on the final day of the 2020-21 season. Rooney is expected to be involved in management and coaching for years to come.

Steven Gerrard

A natural midfield force of nature, Liverpool born and bred legend Steven Gerrard is the face of a generation. With over 100 caps for England and a lifelong association with Liverpool FC, Gerrard played a key role as the Reds returned to relevance in the 2000s after a dark era of the 1990s.

Across his career, he played over 500 league games for Liverpool, scored well over 100 goals, and became a legend as he played a crucial role in the club capturing the 2005 UEFA Champions League and 2006 FA Cup trophies. Though he never won a league title, Gerrard is undoubtedly a legend at Anfield.

What made Steven Gerrard so special?

He combined the finishing of a second striker with box-to-box energy, a world-class passing range, and a stunning desire to get forward and back to help his team out. A player with limitless energy, incredible vision, and some of the best shooting seen from a midfielder, he provided his team with a spark that was almost impossible to lose.

As one of the best midfielders of his era, Gerrard was a force of nature with a habit of scoring clutch goals and making the most of any opportunity that came his way.

What does Steven Gerrard do now?

Gerrard is now a manager in his own right, having coached the Liverpool youth teams before making a move to Scotland. Managing Glasgow Rangers, the Englishman has helped his new team stop rivals Celtic from winning ten titles in a row, and looks set to have a highly successful managerial career.

He carries that same winning zeal and never-say-die attitude into coaching, making him a highly valuable asset for any team. For now, though, Gerrard looks set to be part of the English coaching scene for a long time to come.

Newcastle United v Manchester United

 

Having enjoyed an excellent season so far, Newcastle United have recently run the risk of running out of energy a touch. The Toon are having a fantastic season, but with Manchester United coming to town there is always trepidation. Both teams have produced some excellent games over the years, but this could be one of the most important ties between both sides in many a year.

Newcastle United News

With Newcastle still fighting for the top four spots, their rising injury list will do nothing to lighten the load. The likes of Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon are all likely to be out, while Miguel Almiron is almost certainly out. This will force Eddie Howe to get creative with his team, as he looks to find balance after an indifferent run of form.

Manchester United News

Take the 7-0 thrashing to Liverpool off the table, and the Red Devils are bang in form. The fact they will be without the likes of Casemiro (suspension) will hurt, but so too will the likely absences of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Marcel Sabitzer, and Raphael Varane. All four are unlikely to make the game and this will leave United with a pretty thin squad to pick from.

Verdict

A tough game for both teams due to the injuries, it is hard to call a clear winner here. Newcastle have been draw specialists at times this year, and the likely lack of firepower on both sides makes it hard to see an outright winner.

Score Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers

A few years ago, Wolverhampton Wanderers were seen as one of the up and coming forces of English football. Backed with finance from China and with an increasingly star-studded squad, they looked set to become one of the leading ‘other’ forces in the English game. Stalls since the COVID era, though, have seen Wolves become a team more accustomed to fighting for the top half of the league as opposed to European spots. Newcastle, now backed by money from the Middle East, have taken their spot.

Can Wolves bite back here, though, and make up some ground on the top half of the table after all?

Newcastle United News

Newcastle come into this game with a few players missing. Fabian Schar is almost certain to miss out, while Joelinton will also not be available to play after being suspended. Other players who are unlikely to be involved include Ryan Fraser, who has essentially been banished from the first team picture.

Wolverhampton Wanderers News

Wolves have a longer injury list, with the likes of Hugo Bueno, Diego Costa, Hwang Hee-Chan and Chiquinho all out. Sasa Kalajdzic is still out, too, meaning that Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui is picking from a smaller pool than he would have hoped. Coming into this game, they need to find some form having only won seven games all season – but with so many injuries, it is hard to build confidence.

Verdict

Both sides have struggled for goals in recent times, and this is not likely to change here. Newcastle are seeing their season slowly dissipate and have not win in their last five league games. They were also well-beaten in the League Cup Final. Wolves won at Tottenham last week, but they are often a poor outfit away from home, winning twice all year away from Molineux. Do not expect that to change here.

PREDICTED SCORE: 0-0

Nottingham Forest v Everton

 

Out of all of this weekends games, this would have been the one where fans pinned ‘relegation battle’ on at the start of the season. Nottingham Forest are newly promoted and have looked as inconsistent as one would expect with a team that made 20+ signings. Everton are a mess, and have been playing with a loaded deck for what feels like five years now. Who wins this basement battle?

Nottingham Forest News

Forest still come into this game with an eye-watering injury list that covers as many as ten players. This includes first-choice defenders in Willy Boly and Scott McKenna. Key forward Taiwo Awoniyi is out, as are other key players like Sergie Aurier and Dean Henderson. For Nottingham Forest, the injuries are not drying up and it is leaving Steve Cooper in a tough spot with regards to selection.

Ryan Yates might return, but no other injury complaints look close to a return.

Everton News

The Toffees are seeing their own injury nightmare clear-up, though they will be without Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson for the foreseeable. It does look like James Garner and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are close to a return, though a trip to the Midlands will likely come too soon for both.

Expect the Blues to come into this one looking to try and find some consistency in selection. New manager Sean Dyche is winless since his opening game, and needs to see something here to help dispel any worries about his new employers.

Verdict

This is a game between two sides low on belief and confidence. Forest do have a decent unbeaten home run, but they are not scoring enough goals. Everton do not create enough and have a nasty habit of producing comical defensive displays. It is hard to call a winner, though, with both teams so lacking in both squad depth and scoring form.

SCORE: 0-0

Leeds United v Southampton

Talk about relegation battles in England, and two teams which are right in amongst the madness include Leeds United and Southampton. Both teams escaped the drop last year, but look almost certain to be involved until the latter stages of the season this year. While Leeds finally found a new manager in Javi Gracia, Southampton are still searching after failing to complete a deal for ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch.

Leeds News

Leeds come into this game with an eye-watering injury list, with no more than nine players likely to be either doubtful or missing the game entirely. The key players who are set to miss out include Maxi Wober, the January signing, and Luis Sinisterra, their livewire Colombian winger. Other important misses include Rodrigo, Pascal Strujik, and Liam Cooper.

This has left Leeds with next to no players to choose from, and their selection on the day is likely based on who is fit and available rather than any tactical switches or tweaks.

Southampton News

Saints, meanwhile, got a huge lift with their 1-0 win at Chelsea in their last game. They will likely be without Che Adams, though, who has been an important player for the club since he signed. His energy and enthusiasm, as well as his ability to harry defenders, will be missed.

They did go to Chelsea and win without him, though, so it is not impossible that Saints can repeat the trick. If their star man James Ward-Prowse is fit, they definitely have a chance here given his quality.

Verdict

Leeds are a shambles, and have done nothing to really convince anyone with their scrambled appointment of former Watford man Gracia. This should be a tight, frenetic game with plenty of nervous energy in the air. Expect a result for Saints, though, who are trending upward while Leeds collapse.

SCORE: 1-2

Player Profile - Paul Pogba

If you have somehow managed to get to 2018 without hearing the name of Paul Pogba, we’d be quite impressed in a way. The big Frenchman is among the finest midfielders in the world game; a unique blend of grace, style, personality and raw power. Whether he’s nutmegging a fellow midfielder or lashing an unstoppable drive from distance, the fiery midfielder has earned his right to be among the global pantheon of midfield stars.

At 24, he’s maturing into the next midfield legend at Manchester United. Following an acrimonious exit from the club due to a lack of playing time under Alex Ferguson, Pogba made his way over to Italy with Juventus. In Turin, he established himself as a global star and quickly became an icon for a club perpetually in the midst of winning titles.

In four years in Turin, he clocked up over 150 appearances and won several medals, including four Serie A crowns as the Old Lady became one of the most dominant sides in the European game. While his then-world record move back to Manchester United is yet to truly catch fire, a League Cup and UEFA Europa League is a fine start to his return to Manchester.

Seemingly set with the aim of finishing off what he left behind the first time, the 2013 Golden Boy has all the talent and aptitude to make it at the top of the game. His unique blend of power, precision, persistence and personality makes him the kind of player that is so easy on the eye.

While his critics might say he is yet to score enough goals or truly blossom into a world-record worthy player, there’s much to admire about Paul Pogba. For years to come, he’ll be remembered as a genuine Premier League great.

Dwight McNeil

It’s not often that we see a club often fighting in the bottom half of the Premier League producing exciting homegrown talent. In Dwight McNeil, though, Burnley have a young player who has the potential to be among the most exciting in the league.

What makes him so special?

His composure and his ability to handle the breakthrough. Thrown into a Burnley side that looked burnt out and exasperated, McNeil began to produce regularly impressive performances. He’s shown an impressive ability to get his teammates on the ball, and has a decent range of tricks in his locker.

Crossing, shooting, and dribbling are all key skills in a wide player and McNeil has them all in abundance. He’s strong on the ball, he does not mind getting stuck in, and he has a good decision making process when he is on the ball. It’s not often that a young player is so good at creating chances for his teammates, but he seems to have a strong understanding of both his role in the team and what his teammates need from him.

For Sean Dyche, this maturity allied to a natural work ethic should be very exciting.

Any concerns or doubts?

For McNeil, there aren’t too many concerns outside of a propensity to give the ball away. His passing is quite minimalistic at times, and even then the decision making can be poor. The fact that he coves so much ground and gets involved defensively means that, when he does get the ball, he can often make the wrong choice to spring an attack.

However, for McNeil, these are small issues that will be improved upon with time and more gameday experience in the Premier League. For Burnley, this must be the most exciting youth prospect they’ve produced in some time: McNeil looks like he has the tools to reach the very top.

Player Profile: Virgil van Dijk

Were it possible to go back to 2015, when Virgil van Dijk left Glasgow Celtic for Southampton, every club in Europe would admit their mistake. The defender, seen as ‘too good for Scotland, not good enough for the top’ made a move to Southampton for around £11m. After two years in Glasgow where he looked like he’d outgrown the league on debut, he made the move to England and continued his development.

However, van Dijk was earmarked for major success as early as his youth days with FC Groningen. There, he made a huge impression and moved to Glasgow after the regular Dutch giants turned their nose up at him.

Assured on the ball and built with absolute confidence, van Dijk brings an air of calm that many modern defenders. Exceptional in the air, strong, quick and capable of handling any forward, the Dutchman has rightfully been elevated to a worldwide status. Despite having just 16 caps for a mediocre Holland side at 26 years of age, it would be fair to say that the Breda-born star was overlooked by both Dutch clubs and the Oranje for too long.

Now an established defender for Liverpool, following a protracted and chaotic move that could be worth £75m, van Dijk has become a major part of the future at Anfield. With such a massive pricetag, he’ll be expected to live up to heightened expectations – however, an inner zeal and self-belief that’s hard to break could see him easily achieve his aims.

The 6’4” defender is a regular goal scorer, and has often been one of the most impressive players in his position ever since he arrived in the UK with Celtic. Snobbery aside, some clubs might wish they’d paid the relative pittance that Southampton paid for the Dutch international! 

 

Were it possible to go back to 2015, when Virgil van Dijk left Glasgow Celtic for Southampton, every club in Europe would admit their mistake. The defender, seen as ‘too good for Scotland, not good enough for the top’ made a move to Southampton for around £11m. After two years in Glasgow where he looked like he’d outgrown the league on debut, he made the move to England and continued his development.

However, van Dijk was earmarked for major success as early as his youth days with FC Groningen. There, he made a huge impression and moved to Glasgow after the regular Dutch giants turned their nose up at him.

Assured on the ball and built with absolute confidence, van Dijk brings an air of calm that many modern defenders. Exceptional in the air, strong, quick and capable of handling any forward, the Dutchman has rightfully been elevated to a worldwide status. Despite having just 16 caps for a mediocre Holland side at 26 years of age, it would be fair to say that the Breda-born star was overlooked by both Dutch clubs and the Oranje for too long.

Now an established defender for Liverpool, following a protracted and chaotic move that could be worth £75m, van Dijk has become a major part of the future at Anfield. With such a massive pricetag, he’ll be expected to live up to heightened expectations – however, an inner zeal and self-belief that’s hard to break could see him easily achieve his aims.

The 6’4” defender is a regular goal scorer, and has often been one of the most impressive players in his position ever since he arrived in the UK with Celtic. Snobbery aside, some clubs might wish they’d paid the relative pittance that Southampton paid for the Dutch international!

Player Profile - Christian Eriksen

For years, the name of Christian Eriksen has been on the tips of the tongue of scouts across the globe. Now 25, the Middlefart-born Dane is one of the most impressive creative players in the world. With a deftness of touch that wouldn’t look out of place in a Brazilian national side to a vision and general temperament on the ball that makes him almost impossible to frustrate, Eriksen is easily among the leading lights in the entire Premier League.

The Spurs man started out at AFC Ajax, like many of his fellow Danes. He quickly became a key man at Ajax, thriving as the key cog in a resurgent Ajax side led by Frank de Boer. With some exceptional performances domestically and in Europe, including rampaging performances on English soil, Eriksen was a player that most teams in the world would have taken a chance on.

It was a surprise, then, when he made a move to Tottenham for just £11m in 2013. The move was seen as a massive coup for the club, as he joined a mini revolution at Spurs. While at first he was somewhat slow to get started, despite an assist on debut, he quickly established himself as a player who could lift the tempo of a math seemingly at will.

With the ball under his control almost permanently, he’s become a player noted for important goals, including wonderful free kicks. He’s also a player who is known for his top quality link-up play, having become a key foil for teammates Harry Kane and Dele Alli and, at international level, alongside the likes of Lasse Schone and Kasper Dolberg – fellow Ajax players.

For many, he’s among the most underrated players in the world and, just 25, could yet establish a career to rival Danish legends such as Michael Laudrup.

What do Wolverhampton Wanderers need in the transfer market?

Having missed out on UEFA Champions League football and gone out of the UEFA Europa League in bitter circumstances, Wolverhampton Wanderers are facing a summer of introspection. The club has already seen some moves come into focus, with Matt Doherty making a move to Tottenham Hotspur. It leaves Nuno Espirito Santo and Wolves with some transfer market work to do – so where should we expect to see new faces arriving?

The first place to expect a new signing to arrive is for the right wing-back position. Doherty has left, leaving the club with a gaping hole on the right side. One player who is being heavily linked is Valencia full-back Thierry Correia. He has been linked heavily, and his Portuguese nationality means that he fits in with the general signing policy at Molineux in the last few years.

Another interesting player being linked, though, is Arsenal wing-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Having improved in the last few months, though, it might be hard to prise away an academy graduate from Arsenal. He is seen as the preferred option for Nuno, though, and unlike Correa would be expected to come right into the first-team from week one.

Outside of the wing back position, though, Wolves are thought to be looking at central midfield. The most common name being linked is Morgan Sanson, the Marseille midfielder who is regularly linked with a move to come to Wolves. However, the 26-year-old is also interesting other clubs who can offer UEFA Champions League football – including his current employers.

One name who was also linked was Abdoulaye Doucoure. The Frenchman appears to want a move to Everton, and looks unlikely to accept a move elsewhere. For now, though, Wolves look certain to strengthen on the right-hand side of defence and midfield, both centrally and in the wide areas.

What do Aston Villa need in the transfer market?

When Aston Villa returned to the top flight after an extended hiatus, the club spent heavily to fill out a depleted squad. Despite heavy spending in the summer and in January 2020, Villa stayed up with the skin of their teeth. Several signings, including the likes of Trezeuet, Wesley, and Marvelous Nakamba have struggled to make a proper impact.

This has left the Villans with a lot of work to do in the summer, both in getting rid of deadwood and clearing their squad to make way for quality. With their talisman Jack Grealish expected to leave, too, this removes one of their only major talents.

Villa are expected to look for a new forward, with Wesley still unfit and Mbwana Samatta struggling to make a proper impact. Young forward Keinan Davis is too raw at the moment, leaving them short of goals. With Grealish leaving, too, expect Villa to have to make reinforcements in the wide areas as well.

Goalkeeper, though, could be a priority with Tom Heaton still out for the long-term and Orjan Nyland struggling to make a proper impact. While some young talent at Villa is worth building around, they have too many veterans failing to contribute and a distinct lack of creativity in key positions.

Even in central midfield, only John McGinn can truly say that he looks Premier League standard. 

Douglas Luiz was excellent in the end of the season, too, so the duo could be worth building around if Villa want to rebuild their side.

However, much like last summer, it feels like this one could be a major rebuilding job for Villa. With limited funds, not as many offers for Grealish as hoped, and a season about to kick off, getting the job done is going to be tough. They need a lot both in quantity and quality as well as shifting a lot of deadwood out the door – is it too much for one summers work again?

Joe Linton

It’s not often that you hear of Newcastle United splashing the cash. So, when the club managed to spend over €40m on Joelinton from TSG Hoffenhiem, fans were naturally excited. The 22-year-old has been around the German game for a couple of years now, as well as having spent time out on loan in Austria. An explosive and exciting talent, does he have the means to make the Premier League a little less challenging for the Toon?

What makes him so special?

Joelinton is a lot like another former Hoffenheim forward in Roberto Firmino in that he does not necessarily stick up top. He works hard in harrying the opposition defence, and he loves to link-up with his teammates. He gets involved in the defensive side of the game before getting his teammates involved in the play – that might explain a rather lacklustre goals return.

A good passer and a fine dribbler, too, Joelinton can take players on and make a positive impact when he’s on the ball. The fact he has no issues working back is a big boon, too, as the Premier League demands high intensity forwards.

Though Newcastle fans might expect more goals from a striker who cost so much, he offers so much in various other parts of the pitch that, if they can supply him with good teammates, he could be of great value to Newcastle.

Any concerns or doubts?

However, part of the problem with Joelinton is that he’s often in so many places, he’s not in the right one when it matters. Goals are an issue, as is fouling the opposition. He has a habit of reliving pressure by being too aggressive on defenders, which can be a problem.

Also, given that he spends so much time outside of the box, he often shoots from distance instead of getting in close to finish chances off. In a team that does not create as much as many of their competition, that barren nature that can strike Joelinton could be problematic.

If they can build the team around him without expecting him to a static striker, though, Newcastle should profit from the purchase of the Brazilian.

Mauro Icardi

Known for his tempestuous attitude and wild off the pitch mind-set as much as his incredible coolness in front of goal, Mauro Icardi looks set to go down in the history of Internazionale of Italy. Signing from the club after a breakout season with Sampdoria, where he scored a brace against then-champions Juventus to begin a mad rush for his signature, he made his move to the Nerrazzurri in 2013.

Since 2011, the Argentine international has become one of the most lethal forwards in the game. Despite the madness that surrounds his personal life, Icardi has quickly become one of the most notable forwards in the game. His coolness in front of goal is in stark contrast to the racy lifestyle he leads off the pitch.

At Inter, he’s become a regular goal scorer and has stayed loyal to the club during a fallow period for a club of such size. With an incredible 96 goals from 170 games, he’s quickly established himself among the pantheon of the top strikers to have worn the Inter shirt.

While he’s had fall-outs along the way with the clubs Ultras, the Argentina international has always worked hard to repay the faith shown in him. The scorer of a hat-trick in the Derby del Madonnina, too, he’s a player who shows a love for the big games and is a master of getting the right result for his side.

Despite playing in Inter sides that barely can match his ability, Icardi has stuck around with the promise of taking Inter back to the top. Despite regular criticism of his personality and his lifestyle, Icardi has shown time and time again that his attitude on the pitch is something that can never be doubted, cementing his place as one of 2018's most lethal forwards.

Tanguy Ndombele given ‘second chance’ at Tottenham Hotspur

When Tanguy Ndombele signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2019, it was seen as a major coup. However, having played over 20 games for the club in the last season before the COVID-19 outbreak brought it to an end, it was clear that he and new manager Jose Mourinho were not going to see eye-to-eye.

However, it appears that with plenty of time to think that Mourinho has given the Frenchman another chance. At only 23 and as the club records signing, that would make sense. Injury issues and a constant in/out nature meant that for a long time Ndomebele was simply out of the team and unable to play with any flow or consistency. It appears that Mourinho recognised that, and will be likely to give him more chances once he has enjoyed a full pre-season.

Still, injury problems have become commonplace with the midfielder and that is likely to cause many issues. Fitness issues are likely to continue with the long layoff all players have endured, making it hard for the £65m man to make good on his potential at the club.

With a below-part first season now out of the way, it looks like Ndombele won’t make a quick exit from the North London giants. Instead, a second season for both player and club appears to be the most likely option. It’s interesting to see what comes next, and it will be very intriguing to see how the club and player handle a second season.

Given the number of top players who have struggled in their first year in England, though, there is nothing to say that Ndombele cannot re-find the levels he was showing with such consistency when he played with Lyon in France. Spurs fans will be hoping this gives him the opportunity to rediscover his verve and his desire.

Sheffield United vs Norwich

With the Blades very much looking to find a place in the UEFA Champions League – something unthinkable at the beginning of the season – fellow promotional team Norwich City are at the other end of the table. The Canaries are in a poor run, despite putting out Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup. Can the Blades find the form they need to make sure that they can keep their dreams of not only European football, but Champions League football, alive?

Sheffield United News

The Blades are in one of the best places they have been all season in terms of injuries. Not a single player has so far been reported as missing for them. While the likes of John Fleck and Enda Stevens were a bit touch and go, both players are expected to make it for this game.

Sander Berge could start in midfield, while Chris Wilder is likely to give David McGoldrick another game up top. Despite only scoring his first goal of the season in midweek, he’s generally performed well.

Norwich City News

The Canaries are gong to be without their star creative player in Emiliano Buendia. The little Argentine playmaker will miss out, while they might also be without a few other key players. Timm Klose, Sam Byram, and Onel Hernandez are definitely out. Christoph Zimmermann is not expected to recover in time for this one.

They will need to try and shuffle an already small squad around to try and make this a contest.

Verdict

While the Blades aren’t prolific, they don’t concede too many either. Norwich, meanwhile, score a fair few and concede even more. We can see the Canaries struggling here; while both teams went to extra time in the FA Cup, there’s something to play for at Bramall Lane. For Norwich, survival feels an unrealistic prospect now – simply building confidence for a potential FA Cup run should be their primary concern now

Player Profile - Loris Karius

For many, German goalkeeper Loris Karius was the wrong choice for a club the size of Liverpool. The 24-year-old German, though, has shown in 2018 that he has more than enough to handle playing for a top club. After all, there’s a reason why he was voted among the finest keepers in Germany prior to his arrival at Anfield!

He started off at VfB Stuttgart after a series of moves around smaller youth clubs like SSV Ulm 1846. He then made a surprise move to England, when he joined recently cash-rich Manchester City. He was signed for City in 2009, but never made a single appearance for the Citizens despite costing an “exorbitant amount of money”, according to Thomas Albeck, the Stuttgart youth co-ordinator.

A move to Mainz 05 came next, where he stayed for four years. In his time at the club, he quickly established himself as a keeper of some repute, playing regularly for the Zero-Fivers. He quickly became a key player following coming on for Christian Wetklo. Wetklo was injured and, at 19, he became the youngest Bundesliga keeper of all-time.

From 2013-2016, he was a key player for the club and was voted the second best keeper in the Bundesliga in 2015-16, keeping nine sheets. He came second only to the great Manuel Neur.

Then, he made his move to Liverpool. While he’s only begun to establish himself at Anfield after 18-months, the German looks to be coming into his own and really establishing a legacy for himself. Now the number one keeper at Anfield, he appears to have the back of players, coaches and fans as he continues an impressive renaissance.

While he might not be among the elite keepers in the league just yet, a rich history and potential for development says that, at just 24, that could change quickly.

Max Aarons

When Norwich City managed to win hearts and minds in 2018-19, a large part of it came from their rambunctious style. They don’t hold back, and are rather cavalier to the point where they would win plenty of high-scoring games by a single goal. A big part of their exciting nature is their aggressive full-backs, and young Max Aarons is a fine example of that ambitious style.

What makes him so special?

There isn’t much that could be said about Aarons that stands out – and that is part of his magic. At just 19, he plays like a senior professional. You wouldn’t say that his passing was any better than his defensive prowess, for example. Nor would you say that his dribbling is any worse than his ability to constantly win tackles – tackles won often without going to ground.

The strongest part of his game is his dribbling, but his main specialty is his well-rounded nature. For a 19-year-old full-back, he shows immense variety in his game. For Aarons, the main thing that stands out is the fact he can do so much for one so young; his versatility in playing style makes him an excellent player to watch.

Strong and with plenty of energy but without the propensity to lose the ball, Aarons is a rare talent.

Any concerns or doubts?

The main thing he suffers from is being bullied at the posts when defending aerial passes. However, what can be done about that? At 19, he could still take a growth spurt. Given many full-backs are aerially weak, too, this should not be something that limits his career progress.

Should he become a bit more consistent with his cross selection and timing, Aarons will become a better defender by proxy of being able to better judge balls. Given the issue is more down to height and experience, though, there’s relatively little to be worried about with Aarons. The potential is easily there to go to the peak of the Premier League.

Reiss Nelson

Having spent a year on loan with Julien Nagelsmann at TSG Hoffenheim, Arsenal youth starlet Reiss Nelson arrives back in London with a point to prove. At just 19, he has the world at his feet: the main question for Nelson is can he keep out the cadre of attacking stars that Arsenal have lining the bench for long enough to make an impact?

What makes him so special?

For us, Nelson impresses due to his coolness in front of goal. For a 19-year-old wide forward, he shows a lot of composure when the ball drops to him. Despite having less than a shot per game for the German outfit last year, Nelson managed to pick up an impressive 7 goals in just 630 minutes – not bad for a youngster who only made 5 starts in the season.

He’s composed and he has a good idea of shot selection, too, which is quite rare. Often, players of his experience and position are exciting, creative dribblers with poor decision making. Nelson shows good decision making and consistency, completing around 86% of his passes last year for Hoffenheim – that’s a solid return for a young player in a creative position.

Any concerns or doubts?

Nelson stands out due to his decision making, but one thing that he has to improve upon is how often he gets involved in a game. When he’s part of the game he is effective, but he’s suffered from an ability to drift out of games without much fanfare. As he ages, this will have to improve – he’s not yet decisive enough to get away with failure to participate in big matches.

The main concern is also going to be making the most of the gametime he gets. Despite starting the opening day of the season, chances could be somewhat limited for Nelson; he needs to take every chance he is given which, given his propensity to vanish from games, could be tough.