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Rodrigo Moreno was named as Leeds’ man of the match against Newcastle United on Friday by supporters.

And a number of Whites fans have been reacting to the club post on social media.

The Spaniard played a key role in Leeds’ opener in the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, dummying Raphinha’s dangerous cross to go all the way in.

The 30-year-old also made three key passes, completed two dribbles and had three shots in a busy display, as per WhoScored.

Rodrigo played the entirety of the fixture for the first time under Marcelo Bielsa this season, and his positive performance was recognised by several Leeds fans.

He collected just over 38% of over 13,000 votes by Whites supporters on social media when asked for their man of the match.

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Leeds fans react

Leeds shared the final vote on their official Twitter page. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with many delighted for Rodrigo.

“Have that haters. Right player.”

Credit: @petelovesleeds

“Big positive from yesterday”

Credit: @robmulholland

“Wow”

Credit: @brandonsboxing

“That’s the Rodrigo we all want to see, so happy for him that he performed to well, such a quality player.”

Credit: @Chadology_

“Was very good last night, hopefully kicks on!! – ps. He’s much better when KP and Klick are in midfield”

Credit: @AidanCampbell94

“Love how he’s not let his head drop, had a good game last night and a very unselfish “assist”. Real side before self mentality”

Credit: @NickyNickste

In other news: ‘Be a big boost’ – Paddy Kenny lauds ‘brilliant news’ from Leeds United source. 

Aston Villa suffered an agonising defeat in the third round of the Carabao Cup as Chelsea knocked them out on penalties.

Dean Smith’s side fell behind early in the second-half thanks to a strike from Timo Werner, before academy graduate, Cameron Archer, had the away end rocking with an equaliser just ten minutes later.

And while a penalty shoot-out was always going to be a lottery, one man who missed, and endured a nightmare display at Stamford Bridge, was Ashley Young.

The veteran of course arrived in the summer on a free transfer to help add a bit of vital cover in the full-back areas and provide Smith with some experience in the dressing room.

But against Chelsea on Wednesday night, he showed nothing of the necessary footballing ability to suggest he could still be a reliable performer for Villa going forward.

As per Sofascore, he lost every single one of the five duels that he was involved in on the night, the worst record by far of any player on the pitch in west London.

Add to that the fact he had just 40 touches of the ball – even goalkeeper Jed Steer had more – lost possession eight times, and committed four fouls as he tried to keep up with Chelsea’s pacy forwards.

The fact he ended up missing in the shoot-out essentially captured what was a difficult night on the whole for Young.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for 7500 To Holte, Cole Pettem gave him a five, saying: “Struggled to make an impression on Wednesday evening, with a number of misplaced balls and failed to provide much positive link-up play with Anwar El Ghazi.”

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece was a lot kinder, however, noting: “Skippered Villa’s second string here and did well up against the jet-heeled Hudson-Odoi. It was an experienced showing from the 36-year-old as he dished out orders to the likes of El Ghazi, Archer and others to keep Villa focused out of possession knowing Chelsea could break at any moment.

“Tired a little as the game went on as Hudson-Odoi got some joy out of him but it was a good shift from the Villa captain. Booked and missed a crucial Villa penalty as he cracked the crossbar.”

While Preece was a bit more lenient in his assessment of Young’s performance, the 36-year-old simply didn’t show Smith why he would be a genuinely viable option at full-back to cover for the likes of Matty Cash or Matt Targett at Premier League level.

It was a performance that really let Smith down.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have another exciting academy starlet in this teenager…

An update has emerged on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, regarding his current injury situation…

What’s the latest?

Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that the England international has encountered a setback in his recovery after sustaining a hip injury, whilst also dealing with muscular problems in his calf.

Phillips missed the 1-0 defeat to Southampton and it now remains to be seen how long he will be out for, with the Argentine refusing to set out a timeline on the midfielder’s return.

He told Leeds Live:

“In the case of Phillips, in the two weeks after the Watford game, he was working with an injury that was bothering him, that was a muscular problem in his calf.

“During those days, for a while now he’s had a problem in his hip and those two joined together, and even if he was close to being able to play the game, the conditions weren’t the necessary ones for him to play.”

Devastated

Leeds fans will surely be left devastated by this update from Bielsa as it appears to come as a major blow to both Phillips and the club. He has proven himself to be a quality player at Premier League level and he is sorely missed when he is unavailable to play.

The Englishman has been absent for two Premier League games this season and the Whites lost them both with a combined score of 6-1, as they were beaten by Manchester United and Southampton away from home. It is worth noting that their record with him in the side is currently one win, three draws and two defeats in the top-flight.

Last season, the £35k-per-week powerhouse averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.21 in the Premier League. He made an eye-catching 4.2 tackles and interceptions along with 1.2 key passes per game across 29 appearances, highlighting the level of quality he can bring to the midfield. Phillips has the ability to break up the play in the middle of the park, whilst also being able to spread the ball around and create chances for his teammates.

This is why Leeds fans, firstly, will be concerned by this update from Bielsa. With no date given on his return, supporters could fear that he will be out against Wolves in the Premier League next weekend, which could harm the team’s chances of picking up points given their recent record without him.

Therefore, they will be devastated that Phillips has sustained a second injury to go along with his calf problem. The fans will surely be praying that he is able to return as quickly as possible, as his inclusion in the XI could give the side a lift as they go in search of crucial top-flight points.

AND in other news, “I see no sense”: Phil Hay drops key Leeds transfer claim that’ll leave fans delighted…

Everton have reportedly submitted a bid for Rangers defender Nathan Patterson, and it would be a huge blow for Steven Gerrard if the 19-year-old were to depart Ibrox this summer.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, the Toffees made a bid for the teenager last week, with Rafa Benitez looking to add to his right-back options at Goodison Park.

It has been previously suggested that Rangers may be forced to sell key players this summer in order to balance the books but thus far we have only seen fringe players such as George Edmundson and Jordan Jones depart.

The likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Glen Kamara had been touted as potential options to leave but as it stands, Rangers are yet to receive an acceptable bid for any of those players, so they may be forced to consider an offer from Everton if they meet the Gers’ valuation for Patterson.

Would it be a blow to lose Patterson?

Despite only making 17 appearances in his first-team career at Rangers, Patterson is highly regarded at Ibrox.

The teenage defender came into the side last season when James Tavernier was injured and he seriously impressed with his performances, to the extent where some Rangers fans were calling for him to start ahead of the captain at right-back.

His displays were enough to convince Scotland manager Steve Clarke to include him in his Euro 2020 squad, and whilst the 19-year-old is yet to make an appearance for his country, he looks to have a huge future with the Tartan Army.

Rangers’ head of academy Craig Mulholland was full of praise for Patterson last season, saying: “Nathan has been fantastic for us this year.

“Again, we started the project five, six, years ago to get a level of player that we felt could go and compete in the Europa League, could go and compete in Old Firm games.

“And if you go and look at Nathan in the last 16 of the Europa League, if you look at him in the Old Firm game, it’s a great example for all the young players in here of what we’re trying to achieve.”

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Therefore, the vast majority of those involved with Rangers will surely be desperate for Patterson to stay at the club this summer and it would be a huge blow for Gerrard to lose him, but it may be difficult to turn Everton down if they come in with a serious offer.

In other news… Jordan Campbell reveals injury update on “superhuman” Rangers gem, fans will be gutted

Signing injury-prone midfielder Corentin Tolisso is a risk worth taking for West Ham United, according to Get French Football News’ Adam White.

David Moyes has been keen to bolster his Hammers squad after leading the east Londoners into the Europa League thanks to registering a club-record Premier League points tally last season.

According to German media outlet Sport 1, Bayern Munich central midfielder Tolisso is among Moyes’ transfer targets ahead of next week’s transfer deadline. The report suggests Italian giants Juventus are also keeping tabs on Tolisso, who won the 2018 World Cup with France.

Bild has claimed Tolisso could be signed for as little as £8.4million, with the 27-year-old’s Bayern contract expiring in less than 12 months.

Tolisso has been made to contend with a host of injury problems in recent years and was restricted to just 24 appearances as Bayern retained the Bundesliga title last season.

But French football expert White believes it is a no-brainer for West Ham to follow up their interest in the midfielder.

He told Football FanCast: “For West Ham, I think it would absolutely be a risk worth taking.

“He is an experienced player regardless of those injuries. I think he would be a fantastic signing, although it is slightly caveated by his fitness.”

Joe Wainman, formerly of All Leeds TV and now host of the JustJoe Football Show, insists that the club will not make a move to sign Matheus Pereira from West Bromwich Albion this summer.

Pereira has been linked with a number of clubs in this transfer window.

West Ham United have been heavily linked with a potential move to sign him, as have Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal FC.

To that end, Pereira has even released a statement claiming that he hopes to leave the Baggies in this transfer window, although he intends to do so in the proper manner.

Wainman claims that various Leeds supporters have commented on his YouTube videos asking why the club are not interested in a deal to sign the Brazilian.

But he cannot foresee the club trying to seal a transfer for the star, who scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season despite the Baggies’ relegation and is currently preparing for life in the Championship.

He said: “It doesn’t look like there is a real credible link there for Leeds United, because we have already been making the moves, like we have with Conor Gallagher.

“But a lot of Leeds fans especially, you know, on my YouTube comments, say ‘why don’t we go for Matheus Pereira?’

“But I think he’s wanted by a host of clubs in the Premier League and I just don’t think Leeds United are one of them.”

Rangers bounced back from Champions League disappointment with a resounding 5-0 win against Dunfermline in the League Cup at Ibrox on Friday night, with Steven Gerrard’s side clearly out to impress after a difficult start to the 2021/22 campaign.

John Lundstram gave the hosts an early lead with his first goal for the club, smashing home Calvin Bassey’s cutback in the third minute against the Championship side.

Scott Wright quickly made it 2-0 with a fine individual goal, turning his man before firing emphatically past Deniz Mehmet in the Dunfermline goal. Ianis Hagi then met another fine Bassey cross to make it 3-0 with less than 20 minutes on the clock, with Rangers’ place in the quarter-finals secured early on.

Kemar Roofe made it 4-0 shortly after the half-hour mark after some fine play involving Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo, and he completed his brace in the second half with a penalty to complete the scoring.

Why was Bassey Rangers’ star vs Dunfermline?

Whilst the former Leeds United man was impressive in front of goal, it was left-back Bassey who was arguably the top performer for Gerrard’s side at Ibrox, with his two assists crucial to the victory.

After the disappointment of Tuesday, which saw both Borna Barisic and James Tavernier waste a number of crosses, it was refreshing for Rangers fans to see Bassey and Nathan Patterson look dangerous going forward from full-back, with the 21-year-old’s inch-perfect assist for Hagi suggesting that he should perhaps get the nod ahead of his Croatian teammate in future games.

Following the game, Herald Scotland’s David Irvine rated Bassey 9/10 for his performance, writing: “Tremendous. The full-back was a standout performer at Ibrox teeing up the first with a clever cut-back before a pinpoint cross for the third. Non-stop running and excellent crossing all night.”

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BBC also named the 21-year-old as their man of the match, so it seems that the young defender was indeed the star in an impressive win on Friday night, and has perhaps played himself into contention for the Europa League qualifier against Alashkert next Thursday.

In other news… Rangers plan bid for 24 y/o “top player”, he could be their next Ryan Kent

Everton have strengthened their attack with the signings of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend this summer.

That being said, you sense that the Toffees still have a lot of work to do in order to reach their targets this season.

On the chalkboard

Everton are still at risk of losing some of their star men this summer. Rafa Benitez is yet to splash the cash, but with some added investment from player sales, we could yet see a few more marquee arrivals.

One man who could depart Merseyside is Richarlison. The attacker has been linked with Real Madrid this summer and has even fielded a call from his former boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is back in Spain and is thought to be keen on bringing the Brazilian to the Bernabeu.

Richarlison didn’t have his best campaign at Everton in 2020/21, however. He hasn’t assisted a single goal at club level this year and has scored only once for the Toffees since March.

That said, he has been in excellent form for his country at the Olympics in Tokyo, finding the net five times.

A solution

If Richarlison does leave Everton behind, then Benitez should look no further than his fellow countryman, Gabriel Barbosa. They are reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian this summer, and judging by his ability to find the back of the net, he’d be a significant upgrade on the 24-year-old at Goodison Park.

His previous spell in Europe wasn’t the greatest, scoring twice across 15 outings for Benfica and Inter Milan. However, he’s been nothing short of exceptional back in his homeland.

Affectionately known as Gabigol, the 24-year-old has scored an incredible 70 goals for Flamengo in 98 appearances. That includes 15 strikes in 17 matches during the course of the 2021 season.

Based on that, it’s hardly a surprise to see him earn praise from various circles. Talking about the forward back in February, Zico commented: “I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history. It’s getting there. His performance got better and better, consolidating himself as one of the greats. He’s already gone down in history.”

Considering Richarlison’s struggles in front of goal during the back end of the 2020/21 campaign, Gabigol would clearly be a valuable signing for Benitez and co.

Previously described as the new Neymar, his career hasn’t quite lived up to the dizzy heights which were expected, but he is still a sensational player inside the box.

A bullish striker, he can hold the ball up and provide assists, supplying a career-best eight goals for his teammates in 2019. This would be a very solid addition to Everton’s frontline.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for 6ft3 colossus of the “highest level”, he could be their new DCL…

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow in their bid to keep Kyle Bartley at The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph (via Football League World), who claim that both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Albion centre-back ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The report continues by stating that, with the 30-year-old now entering the final year of his current deal with the Baggies, an offer of around £3m should be enough to convince the Championship side to part with the defender this summer.

Fans will be worried

It is unsurprising to learn of the Premier League interest in Bartley, as, despite the fact West Brom suffered relegation back to the second tier last season, the former England U17 international nevertheless impressed from the centre of the Albion defence.

Indeed, over his 30 Premier League appearances, the £2.25m-rated man helped his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 5.3 clearances and winning 4.8 duels per game.

Bartley also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring three goals, providing one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.5 shots and making 0.2 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the man Chris Lepkowski dubbed a “brilliant” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as the Baggies’ sixth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, if the club were to lose the services of the £15k-per-week centre-back this summer, it would not only come as a blow to Ismael, as the 45-year-old would then be faced with the challenging task of replacing the 30-year-old ahead of next season, but it would also be gutting for fans of the club, who would almost certainly miss seeing the tough-tackling defender in action at The Hawthorns.

In other news: Crook confirms transfer news on £450k-rated beast, it’s good news for West Brom

Tyrone Mings is the real leader on the pitch and in the dressing room at Aston Villa, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Mings was a hugely important figure for Dean Smith last season, missing just two games in the Villans’ Premier League campaign.

The term prior, the £27m-rated England defender made 30 plus appearances as he helped Villa retain their place in the top flight.

At present, the brilliant Jack Grealish is Villa captain. But in terms of being the real sort of commander in Smith’s side, Mings currently holds that role, according to Hatfield.

“I look at the likes of Ezri Konsa, who for me was maybe slightly better than Tyrone Mings last season, but he doesn’t offer quite the same vocal leadership as someone like Tyrone Mings,” the Aston Villa journalist told FFC. “It’s similar with someone like Jack Grealish.

“Mings is kind of the real loud voice in that dressing room and on the pitch.”

Defensively, Villa were really good last season thanks to the likes of Mings, Konsa and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Across their 38 Premier League fixtures, the Midlands club conceded just 46 goals. To put that into perspective, only six outfits, including champions Manchester City and Champions League winners Chelsea conceded less goals (via WhoScored).

It gives Smith a strong foundation to build on this upcoming season.