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Everton have struggled for goals in recent times and Marco Silva will be desperate for one of his attackers to turn up against Norwich City on Saturday.

The game is set to be a huge clash between two sides who have been dragged into an early relegation scrap, and with a win potentially rocketing Everton up the league, the forward men will be essential at Goodison Park.

Players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have had topsy-turvy seasons so far, with just six league goals between them.

It is for this reason that Everton fans should keep their eyes peeled for Cenk Tosun this weekend. The Turkey international was slowly been making his way back into the side prior to the international break, with a goal against Tottenham Hotspur and his first start against Southampton.

Now, the 28-year-old could be pushing for another start and the Goodison Park faithful should be excited to see what he can bring on Saturday to a dismal Norwich defence.

The Canaries have let in an almighty 28 goals in the Premier League thus far, which is the second-most in the division.

Plus, with Tosun’s history in goal-getting prior to his move to Merseyside, he will surely be chomping at the bit to step out this weekend. For Besiktas, the striker scored 64 goals as he made a name for himself as one of the stars back in his homeland.

This impressive goal tally also includes the 20 league goals he bagged in the 2016/17 season, which ended up helping Besiktas to the league title. On Saturday, Everton fans should watch their recently-seen man up top, as he has shown signs of rekindling the type of form that convinced the club to sign him in the first place.

Tosun is still only 28 and if his time in Turkey is anything to go by, he still has years of goals to offer.

Now, up against one of the Premier League’s weakest defences, he has the perfect chance to justify the £27m price tag.

Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp conducted an excellent job in transforming the club after numerous years without a trophy under Brendan Rodgers.

The German worked wonders in the transfer market, making key additions including the forward line, forming a superb trio at the top end of the pitch.

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané were often Klopp’s go-to attackers, helping the club win the Premier League for the very first time – whilst also ending a long wait for a Champions League triumph.

However, Salah is the only remaining member of the trio, with Firmino and Mane now both plying their trade in Saudi Arabia – allowing for Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota to take their places for the Reds.

New boss Arne Slot already had a talented attacking department but decided to add further quality in a move for one talent over the summer.

Liverpool’s move for Federico Chiesa

After a quiet summer transfer window, Liverpool conducted a flurry of late activity that saw two new additions move to Merseyside.

Slot’s side completed a deal for Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan at Valencia, whilst Italian winger Federico Chiesa joined the Reds from Juventus.

The deal for the 26-year-old winger was a bargain, moving to Anfield in a £12.5m deal including add-ons, with the attacker setting Euro 2020 alight a couple of years ago.

However, the former Juve ace has struggled with injury issues in recent times, halting his progress and subsequently leading to his bargain move to the Premier League.

That being said, he still possesses a lot of quality, scoring nine goals in Serie A last season – finishing the campaign as the club’s second-top scorer.

However, he’s been outscored by one player who left the club in a deal just a couple of years ago – with the former Reds ace taking the Premier League by storm.

The former Liverpool talent who's shone since leaving

Striker Taiwo Awoniyi joined Liverpool way back in 2015, featuring for the club’s academy, before being sent on various loan spells all over Europe.

The Nigerian enjoyed temporary stints with the likes of Gent, Mainz 05, and Union Berlin before signing for the latter in a £6.5m deal back in the summer of 2021.

Awoniyi has since found his goalscoring boots, starring for the Bundesliga side, before securing a £17.5m move to current Premier League side Nottingham Forest, continuing to fire in the goals in the East Midlands.

He’s notched 16 league goals for the Reds over the last two seasons, showcasing what the club have missed – even scoring the crucial goal in Forest’s 1-0 win over Klopp’s side back in 2022.

Since his departure from Anfield, the 27-year-old has managed a total of 37 goals in all competitions – outscoring Chiesa by 21, with the Italian registering a tally of 16 goals in the last three full seasons.

2021/22

20

4

2022/23

11

4

2023/24

6

10

Given his excellent goalscoring exploits, Awoniyi certainly could’ve been a key asset for Liverpool today, with his huge frame providing a focal point for Slot’s attack.

Whilst he may not have been a starter, his ability to find the back of the net would certainly have bolstered the Reds’ forward line, potentially allowing the Dutchman to claim a league title during his debut season at the helm.

Liverpool "machine" who was sold by Klopp outscored Diaz & Nunez in 23/24

He’s a Premier League icon…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 10, 2024

Everton left it late on deadline day, but eventually turned towards Armando Broja after surprisingly pulling out of a deal to sign an alternative attacking reinforcement for Sean Dyche.

Everton transfer news

Broja's arrival on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season rounded off Everton's transfer window with a bang. The forward joined Iliman Ndiaye, Jake O'Brien, Tim Iroegbunam, Jesper Lindstrom, Asmir Begovic and Orel Mangala on the Toffees' list of arrivals in a busy window that could make all the difference in their battle for Premier League survival.

Welcoming Broja, Everton's Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, told the club's official website: "Having monitored Armando's journey for a number of years, we're very pleased to have been able to bring him to the Club.

"Armando is still a young player who has already built up some impressive experience, but someone we also feel has lots more potential to be unlocked. First and foremost, we will work with him to get him fit as soon as possible. Then, his addition will strengthen our options in the attacking department."

10 of the best free agents in football right now

These players could still be available come the end of the transfer window…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 29, 2024

Even after Broja's arrival, however, those at Goodison Park may be wondering what might have been. According to TeamTalk's Harry Watkinson, Everton pulled out of talks to sign Ernest Nuamah late on in the transfer window, with the forward staying put at Lyon in the end.

Reports suggested that Fulham had leapfrogged Everton in the race to sign the 20-year-old winger, but those at Craven Cottage had the same luck in pursuit of his signature. When the January transfer window swings open, there's no doubt he could be one to watch.

"Outrageous" Nuamah would have completed Everton attack

A player on the rise, Nuamah would have rounded off Dyche's attacking options superbly, joining the likes of Ndiaye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to add an extra spark. What's more, at 20 years old, he's only likely to get even better with more experience, which will only increase Everton's deadline-day regret in the coming months.

Nuamah has earned plenty of praise over the years at Nordsjaelland and current club Lyon, with Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig dubbing his start to the previous campaign "outrageous".

With seven goals and three assists to his name last time out, that start quickly turned into a solid campaign for the Norwegian side and Lyon.

Now set to stay put in France, Nuamah's price tag may increase to the point that Everton will no longer be in a position to chase his signature, turning their collapsed summer move into a case of what might have been.

After impressing on the opening day with a surprise hat-trick away at Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion attacker Josh Maja would struggle following up that magic display versus Leeds United at the Hawthorns.

The ex-Fulham man would register just one effort on Ilian Meslier's goal all game, which ended up being an off-target shot at that, and so Carlos Corberan could well be prioritising another new striker in through the door to compete with the 25-year-old, between now and transfer deadline day at the end of the month.

The Championship promotion candidates might well now be targeting this centre-forward as a new recruit, who was even once on the books of Manchester United as a youngster.

West Brom's search for a striker

According to football journalist Pete O'Rourke, West Brom had made an initial enquiry for Preston North End striker Will Keane, to try and bolster up top.

It has since transpired that the Baggies have actually put forward a bid for the ex-Red Devils man, which has been rejected, as per Lancashire Post journalist George Hodgson, as Corberan and Co continue to try and add depth to the striker positions with Brandon Thomas-Asante now at Coventry City.

What Keane would offer West Brom

Gifted his first-team debut at Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge, Keane's career hasn't been all smooth sailing, after walking away from the Theatre of Dreams for good in 2016.

Last campaign, the experienced 31-year-old did come into his own for the Lilywhites, however, as he now potentially prepares to usurp Maja's starting spot as the lone striker on his arrival to the Baggies.

In 2023/24 in the second tier, Keane would fire in 13 goals for his Lancashire outfit, including this instinctive finish finding the back of the net within the first minute at a stunned Elland Road.

Getting into double digits for the Lilywhites means the 31-year-old poacher has bagged ten or more goals in a league campaign for three seasons on the trot, having very much got back into his goalscoring groove when lining up for Wigan Athletic before moving to Preston, with 50 goals tallied up from 133 Latics appearances.

Player

League played

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Keane

Championship

157

33

8

Keane

League One

99

39

12

Maja

Championship

46

6

3

Maja

League One

24

15

2

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Maja isn't quite as accustomed to the rough and tumble of the EFL as Keane is, when glancing at their comparative goalscoring numbers, but the former Sunderland youth player will hope his moment in the spotlight in the second tier can come this campaign, after that devastating opening day hat-trick.

He might well have to fight it out for a starting spot in Corberan's team though, if Keane enters in through the door, who fired in a goal every 203 minutes last campaign in the Championship when in the thick of the action.

The five-time Republic of Ireland international also far outperformed his xG of 9.82, with 13 overall strikes bagged instead.

Keane could potentially become even more of a potent finisher at West Brom, therefore, surrounded by the likes of Tom Fellows attempting to put chances on a plate for him, as the Baggies push any lingering annoyance of Thomas-Asante leaving to one side.

Even described as possessing a touch "like Berbatov" according to BBC Radio Lancashire analyst Steve Eyre last season, after dazzling in a big win over Coventry, Keane will want to kick on and show there's still a hungry goal machine in his system if he does move to West Brom, even at 31 years of age.

That glowing compliment would have really been encouraging for the ex-Man United man to hear, who didn't quite live up to his hype at Old Trafford as a wide-eyed teenager, but he could be key to Corberan and Co's promotion hopes.

He once had a £92m release clause: West Brom in talks over Styles upgrade

West Bromwich Albion are nearing towards completing a deal for this midfield gem.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 21, 2024

Aston Villa could “go in” for Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone this summer, as Unai Emery bids to bolster his midfield.

Both Emery and Monchi will hope to take Villa to further heights next season, making this transfer window a crucial one for potential progression.

Villa have been linked to the 22-year-old previously in this window, with a fresh update regarding their stance given this week.

Journalist Dean Jones recently revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the Midlands club could “go in and make an offer” for the French midfielder, who is currently valued at £35m by Borussia.

Earlier this month, a report from the Daily Mail revealed Villa’s interest in the rising talent, with Jones telling GIVEMESPORT:

“There's been a lot of umming and ahhing over targets like Manu Kone, and I feel like at some point Villa are just going to go in there and start making offers for these players to really give them something to think about and see if those other clubs react."

What could Manu Kone offer to Aston Villa?

Emery has unlocked the talents of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara in midfield, possessing two masters of the engine room at Villa who complement each other perfectly.

The Spaniard could take his midfield to the next level by signing Kone, who could be the missing ingredient to unearthing a monstrous trio to contest with opposing midfield combinations in the Premier League.

Dubbed a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has similar and opposing strengths and weaknesses to the Brazilian and fellow Frenchman at Villa Park, suggesting that they could work efficiently as a trio.

When comparing the three dominating players via FBref based on their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, it’s clear to see their individual strengths and how they could complement one another.

Kamara tops the charts in terms of average number of tackles per 90, with 2.94 to Luiz’s 2.24 and Kone’s 2.55, as well as claiming the top spot for most blocks on average with 1.92 per 90.

Praised as “intelligent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Villa’s Brazilian was their highest-rated performer last season as per Sofascore, and could shine in terms of his reading of the game, scoring highest in terms of interceptions.

The 25-year-old warrior averaged 1.23 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this term, tipping the Villa target who scored narrowly behind in the Bundesliga making 1.10 per 90, and Kamara who averaged 0.96.

Emery could add a creative spark to his defensive duo in Kone, who prevailed as the best progressive player out of the three last term, as well as averaging the highest pass completion rate with 86.2% per 90.

The Colombes-born midfielder recorded an average of 5.73 progressive passes and 2.04 progressive carries per 90, dominating the Villa duo in this area with Luiz averaging 4.55 passes and 1.48 carries, and Kamara just 0.81 carries and 4.25 progressive passes, as per FBref.

Indeed, this paints the picture that Villa would have every based covered should the big-money signing arrive. A player on the watch list of both Liverpool and Wolves as well as Villa, this would be a big statement of intent from Monchi and Co.

Having snapped up the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Casemiro in recent years, it looks as if Manchester United could be plotting to sign another high-profile, experienced figure this summer, amid current speculation regarding the club's interest in Antoine Griezmann.

According to reports in Spain last week, the Red Devils are said to be among a raft of elite European sides who are interested in prising the 32-year-old from Atletico Madrid ahead of next season, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan also showing an interest in the playmaking forward.

The suggestion is that the former Barcelona man has a release clause worth in the region of just €25m (£21) in his current deal with the La Liga side, ensuring that the Old Trafford outfit could well be able to snap up the 121-cap maestro on the cheap in their quest to bolster their attacking ranks.

It is not the first time that United have seemingly shown an interest in signing the one-time Real Sociedad man in recent times, with Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy having suggested that Erik ten Hag and co had enquired about the prospect of signing the World Cup-winning Frenchman last summer.

With Ten Hag seemingly keen to strengthen his forward line and midfield ranks over the coming months, the Dutchman could perhaps kill two birds with one stone by snapping up the versatile sensation…

Should Man United sign Griezmann?

The £206k-per-week asset could well follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, Varane and last year's summer arrival, Casemiro, in making the move from the Spanish capital to the Theatre of Dreams, with the hope being that Griezmann can replicate the success of the latter man, in particular.

The Brazilian has made a "huge difference" since his arrival from Real Madrid on a £70m deal back in August – according to club legend Gary Neville – having proven himself to be a truly "great football player", in the words of his manager, after chipping in with seven goals and six assists in 51 games across all fronts last season.

Much like there may be with Griezmann, there were initial doubts about the 31-year-old midfielder joining towards the latter stages of his career – with pundit Graeme Souness describing the fee as "too much money" at the time – although the experienced machine has seemingly firmly quashed any such concerns.

The aim then will be for Casemiro's old Madrid adversary to also make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if he is to make the move this summer, with the 5 foot 9 magician having the ability to showcase to those in England just why he is a "super talent", according to Alan Shearer.

Having arguably been his nation's "key player" after taking on a surprise deep-lying midfield role at the World Cup in Qatar – as per ex-United man Diego Forlan – Griezmann continued that impact at club level in Diego Simeone's side, having operated behind the striker for much of the 2022/23 campaign.

It is not wrong to suggest that the Macon native perhaps even outperformed Bruno Fernandes in his playmaking role having contributed 15 goals and 16 assists in 38 La Liga games last season, while the Portugal international, by contrast, registered eight goals and eight assists in 37 Premier League games.

That haul of 31 goal involvements ensured that Griezmann was able to record a standout average match rating of 7.74 – as per Sofascore – with that again putting him ahead of Fernandes (7.56), showcasing just what an astute addition he could be for Ten Hag.

Whether the fleet-footed ace is to operate as an option through the middle or in an advanced midfield role, such a quality recruit could potentially be able to emulate Casemiro's influence on the Red Devils.

Aston Villa have been linked to another Premier League ace, after the Villans sealed their first signing of the summer in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Unai Emery is expected to have a busy transfer window following his incredible first season in charge at Villa Park, in a bid to build upon the success of this term and prepare the squad for Europe.

Latest news has suggested that the Midlands club are looking to replicate their move for free agent Tielemans in another Premier League star out of contract.

What’s the latest on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Aston Villa?

As reported by talkSPORT, Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be on his way to Villa Park.

The report states that sources close to the outlet understand that the 29-year-old is ‘on the verge’ of completing a move to Aston Villa.

The £125k-per-week Englishman will become a free agent this summer after no new contract was established on Merseyside.

What could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain offer Aston Villa?

Hailed by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan as “superb”, the former Arsenal ace has shown spells of his potential at Liverpool in a period tainted by injury.

During his six years at Anfield, the Portsmouth-born ace missed a total of 88 games due to injury as per Transfermarkt, contributing to him losing his spot as a regular in the side.

Starting his career as a dynamic wide player, Oxlade-Chamberlain was unleashed by Jurgen Klopp as a central midfielder, in a switch of position that paid off greatly for the Englishman.

Emery could land himself a force to be reckoned with in his midfield, with the Premier League and Champions League winner posing as a perfect fit for the Spaniard’s plans.

Following the arrival of Tielemans, the Spaniard has added significant depth to the middle of the park and by introducing Oxlade-Chamberlain as well, it could mean bad news for Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian has failed to find his best form at Villa, and having been linked with the exit door of late could be forced out of Emery’s plans entirely should another central talent arrive at Villa Park.

Comparing their statistics from last season when both players accumulated sufficient game time, the Englishman could offer a significantly greater threat to Villa’s midfield both going forward and as a defensive presence.

As per FBref, the Liverpool gem acts as more of a threat in the final third than Coutinho, averaging in the 2021/22 campaign 7.22 progressive passes received per 90 to the Brazilian’s 4.20, showing his ability to pop up in threatening positions.

In terms of actually distributing the ball, the 'Ox' averaged 6.99 progressive passes per 90 to the 30-year-old’s 6.37 per 90 as well averaging 3.99 progressive carries to his 3.25, via FBref.

The 29-year-old could rediscover his impressive form between his injury woes under Emery, and pose as a valuable member of his plans at Villa Park, being a better fit than the out-of-favour Coutinho to the Spaniard’s demands of his midfielders.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are ready to look for reinforcements as the transfer window approaches, as Julen Lopetegui prepares for his first summer in charge.

Wolves will require a number of signings to bolster their side during the break, despite concerns of FFP that will almost certainly place constraints on the Spaniard’s ability to spend.

One area integral for improvement at Molineux is the striker department, with the club cementing themselves as the Premier League’s lowest scorers this season, however, a potential suitor has been identified.

What’s the latest on Viktor Gyokeres to Wolves?

As reported by Sky Sports last month, Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a potential signing for Wolves.

The report stated that the club were ‘leading the race’ to sign the striker at the time, with Coventry’s promotion status a factor in his decision.

With the Sky Blues missing out in the play-off final to Luton Town, the chase could be on for Lopetegui to get his man who is reportedly valued at £20m.

What could Viktor Gyokeres bring to Wolves?

At just 25-years-old, the Swedish striker was integral to Coventry’s push for promotion this season, establishing himself as one of the Championship’s most prolific strikers.

In a total of 46 appearances in the league, the young forward made 32 goal contributions, registering 11 assists and scoring 21 himself as the Championship’s second-highest scorer – as per Sofascore.

To put into perspective the impact he could have on Lopetegui’s side, the talisman scored just ten goals fewer than the entire Wolves squad in the Premier League, as the club suffered a dreary campaign in the final third.

While the Swedish ace’s numbers in the second division are impressive, there is always some anxiety as to whether a star can make the jump from the Championship to the English top tier, where some of the best stars in world football opt to play.

The Coventry City attacker has a claim to his ability, with his numbers showing that he is a natural goalscorer. Indeed Transfermarkt reveal that the forward has scored a total of 123 goals in 293 appearances in his career spanning from youth to senior level.

Hailed as not having a “ceiling” to his potential by former teammate Dom Hyam, the Blackburn Rovers defender revealed that the forward he has played both with and against is bad at “nothing”, saying in full:

“Obviously strikers have their qualities, but there's nothing he's bad at. He's good in the box, he's tall, he's big, he's strong, he's technically good as well.”

At Wolves, the forward could follow in the footsteps of Ivan Toney, and be Lopetegui’s answer to the Championship graduate, who has netted 32 Premier League goals in his first two seasons since promotion.

In the campaign that saw Brentford’s progression to the top division, the Englishman scored 31 goals in the Championship, sculpting the pathway for a Championship talisman to follow.

So successful has the Bees forward been that he is now even a fully-fledged England international; that is quite the achievement for someone who like Gyokeres, has learnt his trade in the EFL.

The impact that Toney has had on Brentford’s success in the Premier League is huge, and that could be replicated by Gyokeres in Lopetegui’s side should he make the switch to Molineux this summer.

Speculation continues regarding just who will be named as the next permanent manager at Leeds United, with the Whites likely seeking to secure an instant return to the Premier League next season following their recent relegation.

With Sam Allardyce no longer at the helm following his brief, four-game stint in charge, recent reports have suggested that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard could be the man to take his place in the dugout, with the 43-year-old already said to have held talks with the Elland Road outfit.

The former England international has been out of work since October following the end to what was a rather underwhelming, 11-month stint at Aston Villa – where he lost 19 of his 40 games in charge – although prior to that the up-and-coming coach had done a "magnificent" job during his first managerial post at Rangers, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The iconic midfielder notably guided the Ibrox outfit to the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season as the Gers went the entire league campaign without tasting defeat, having finished 25 points clear of bitter rivals Celtic at the summit.

For all that previous success, however, it is seemingly a different kettle of fish trying to guide a club out of the Championship – as Gerrard would need to do at Leeds – with pundit Ally McCoist only recently sounding a word of warning to the Englishman, after describing the second tier as "completely different dynamic to the top flight".

As such, the Yorkshire side may be better served finding a suitable alternative who has greater experience at trying to push for promotion, with former Fulham and AFC Bournemouth boss, Scott Parker – who has been named among the list of contenders – perhaps the man for the job.

Should Leeds appoint Scott Parker?

Much like his former England colleague, the 42-year-old is currently out of work after enduring a miserable stint abroad at Belgian outfit, Club Brugge, having lasted just 12 games with the Pro League side before being sacked back in March.

Prior to that, however, the youthful coach did impress due to his fine work in the Championship, having notably led the Cottagers to promotion at the first attempt back in the 2019/20 season, following a play-off final victory over Brentford.

Lauded as a "special" managerial talent by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, Parker did suffer a swift relegation in the following campaign in west London, albeit while again repeating his promotion heroics in the 2021/22 campaign with the Cherries.

As per The Telegraph, that experience of steering clubs back into the promised land that is the Premier League is a 'huge plus', even if the highly-rated coach did somewhat sour his reputation having been dismissed at the Vitality Stadium back in August after criticising the club's recruitment policy.

With Parker's time in Brugge having also failed to pan out, the 4-3-3 tactician will likely be chomping at the bit to get back in the game sooner rather than later, hence the need for Leeds to consider handing him the task of securing a rapid return to the top flight.

Chelsea could give a newly relegated Premier League ace a lifeline, as the Blues have shown interest in the midfielder.

It’s been a difficult year at Stamford Bridge, however the good times could return sooner than expected with Mauricio Pochettino set to take the wheel.

One area that the Argentinian will hope to bolster is the side’s competitiveness in midfield, which he could do almost instantly in signing this gem.

What’s the latest on Romeo Lavia to Chelsea?

As reported by The Times, the Blues are one of the clubs monitoring the availability of Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia this summer.

A report from GIVEMESPORT with journalist Rudy Galetti claims that “talks” have started over the midfielder.

The Belgian has had a £40m price tag placed on him by the Saints, who signed him from Manchester City’s academy last summer for a fee in the region of £14m.

What could Romeo Lavia bring to Chelsea?

At just 19-years-old, Lavia was a stand-out performer for the south coast side in a dreary season at St Mary’s.

As per FBref, the midfielder ranks in the top 4% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of blocks per 90 in averaging 1.90, showing his innate reading of the game and ability to break up play.

Once hailed as a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Brussels-born gem is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the park, being competent in both offensive and defensive duties in the engine room.

If the Saints star is to make the move to Chelsea, it could be bad news for the club’s current midfielders, most prominently Conor Gallagher who is already on the fence between being a starter and a rotational player.

In terms of the attributes that are essential to being a strong defensive midfielder in the Premier League, the Englishman falls short of the young Belgian, as noted by their statistics based on this season’s averages.

The 19-year-old gem averages an 86% passing accuracy to the Chelsea man’s 85%, as well as making 1.1 interceptions to his 0.7 per game, as per Sofascore.

Most prominently, the teenager averages 2.1 tackles to the Englishman’s 1.3 per game, showing his ability to win the ball in a critical area.

Having been slammed as a “fish out of water” by Darren Bent on talkSPORT, Gallagher has struggled at times in Chelsea’s midfield in areas where Lavia has blossomed, with the Saints hero dubbed an “absolute monster” by journalist Benjy Nurick.

Pochettino must make changes to the team he will inherit, both significant and those that will improve the quality of the depth that Stamford Bridge has in its arsenal.