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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Barcelona have a major conundrum on their hands.

Their squad is full of midfielders and the abundance of them is halting the progression of some of their most talented youngsters.

The case of Carles Alena is the most glaring one when it comes to first-team players as the young La Masia gem has been frozen out of the team since matchday one of the ongoing 2019/20 La Liga season.

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But worryingly enough, the Blaugrana actually have a problem even bigger than that one that will require their attention sooner rather than later.

We’ve already discussed how Riqui Puig, their 20-year-old midfielder prodigy, simply has to be given a chance by Ernesto Valverde but the situation is becoming much worse with each passing day.

Just recently, Puig suffered a horror tackle while playing for Barcelona B and while he escaped without any serious consequences, it should make one thing abundantly clear for the Blaugrana – he has outgrown the Segunda B Division and needs to move up as soon as possible.

These tackles have now become a regularity because the opposition simply don’t have any other tools to stop the youngster from wreaking havoc through their teams.

According to Sport, Barcelona currently have an internal debate about how to exactly approach this situation and it seems they have taken notice of the harsh treatment their young star has been getting with Barca B.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

The three options they have for him on the table are staying with Barcelona B until he’s ready to step up, go out on loan or get promoted to the first-team instead.

Recently, many of the fans have even requested that he is promoted as they believe he already has the quality to play with the seniors.

But at this point, if promotion doesn’t guarantee him game time, a possible loan deal should definitely be considered by the youngster.

Even that is better than staying put, risking injuries, not improving and playing against opponents that are not really on his level.

The clock is certainly ticking for Blaugrana and they will have to make their decision before it’s too late.

Either make some space for him within Valverde’s squad or send him somewhere that gives him the chance to play at the highest level and keep developing in a much safer environment.

One thing is for sure – something has to give and something absolutely has to change.

Elokobi didn’t hesitate to embarrass some of his old teammates by sharing snaps of the decade-old piece of merchandise.

The most shocking thing about this calendar isn’t even the topless pictures – it’s the state of Wolves’ squad.

The likes of Karl Henry, Chris Iwelumo and Andy Keogh all posed for snaps, and when you compare those three to the players Wolves have at their disposal today it just shows how far they’ve come.

Elokobi himself features on the front cover, and you can see why. The former defender was built like a tank back in the day, so he was probably the best choice in order to sell a few extra copies.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Manchester United remain interested in Jadon Sancho, according to the Manchester Evening News, but they should take careful consideration before submitting a concrete offer.

What’s the latest?

Sancho is hot property due to his form for Borussia Dortmund, but he hasn’t translated that onto the international stage as of yet, and that should be a warning sign to the Red Devils.

It is reported that the winger will cost upwards of £100m, a hefty price for a player with only 66 senior appearances for the German club, and though he has displayed his talent frequently with 18 goals and 30 assists, the standard of the Bundesliga is not quite on the level of the Premier League.

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As a result, he may take some time to re-adjust to playing in England, and he may not be afforded such a period at United, where immediate success may be needed after their worst start to a season in 30 years.

Sancho’s failure to deliver against the Czech Republic on Friday highlights the possible problem of the move and raises questions over whether he would be a good fit at United.

Not the solution

England underwhelmed as they lost 2-1 on Friday and that was partly due to a lack of inspiration in attack, with only three shots on target from open play.

As a player who should be providing a creative spark, Sancho failed in that aspect, whilst his pass accuracy of 72% underlined that his display didn’t meet the standard required.

Perhaps more of a concern, from a United perspective, was his failure to take up good attacking positions, with zero shots attempted throughout the match.

Although he has three league goals for Dortmund this term, it is sometimes a similar story at club level, with an average 1.4 shots taken per league game, and therefore he may be unable to address a key area of weakness for the Old Trafford outfit.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team scored only two league goals in September, yet Daniel James’ rate of two shots per league game and Marcus Rashford’s 2.6 are better than Sancho, which suggests he may not improve the team’s threat in the final third.

The 19-year-old is often recognised for his dribbling ability too, and the ease at which he takes the ball past opponents is likely one area of his game which appeals to the United hierarchy, but the fact that he had just one successful dribble against the Czech Republic raises doubts over his ability to perform against higher quality players in the Premier League.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Having made a high-profile move to Liverpool back in May 2010, there were undoubtedly high hopes for the kind of career Jonjo Shelvey would go on to enjoy.

After breaking into the Reds’ first-team as an 18-year-old, former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson remarked he was very impressed with the kind of progress the midfielder was making.

“What is good to see is that a young player we have invested money in is proving to be worth his money and is proving to be the future prospect we think he is. He is a confident young man but he’s modest and he knows there is a lot of work to be done before he can hold his hand up and say ‘Look at me, what a good Premier League player I am’.” Roy Hodgson, December 2010

Fast forward almost a decade later and Shelvey has failed to match the kind of potential many thought he had. Now in a Newcastle shirt, the Englishman featured in the Magpies’ opening two Premier League games of this season, but was dropped to the bench following the side’s successive defeats.

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Sean Longstaff’s untimely injury however gave Shelvey the perfect opportunity to stake his claim once more on Saturday. The stage was set for him. An away game at his old stomping ground of Anfield and the chance to silence the doubters – his former boss at Swansea, Garry Monk, infamously slammed him for being “lazy”. Unfortunately, the six-cap England international fluffed his lines and proved Monk right.

A game against the European champions is never easy, but the 27-year-old really didn’t help matters for his team. Per SofaScore, he lost possession 12 times and was dribbled past twice as Liverpool’s midfield overwhelmed him and Isaac Hayden.

He made zero tackles in the entire game despite the Magpies being on the back foot for the majority of the clash, whilst his trademark long passes went awry too – just three out of the eight he attempted were successful.

Shelvey’s miserable afternoon was best summed up when he frustratingly tried to lob Adrian from inside his own-half, thus meekly surrendering possession. It spoke of someone who still hasn’t matured at the highest-level, and when Longstaff makes his comeback from injury, it could mean a place on the bench yet again for the once promising prospect.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Liverpool were not at their best but ground out a 2-1 victory away at Chelsea, and so Joel Matip’s contribution was vital to the win.

It was far from a vintage performance from the Reds but they showed they are able to roll their sleeves up and deal with whatever the opposition throws at them, although they also have Adrian to thank for maintaining their lead at certain points in the match.

Cleverly worked free-kicks brought Liverpool their two goals but they had only one other shot on target in the match, and their uncharacteristic mistakes on the ball led to large spells of Chelsea domination.

Jurgen Klopp’s side managed just 45% possession due to their pass accuracy of 73%, and the resulting pressure meant the backline had to stand up and be counted.

Virgil van Dijk is often the defender who receives the plaudits, but he was outshone by his centre-back partner in all defensive aspects, and Matip’s performance was rightly recognised as he picked up the Man of the Match award.

According to SofaScore the 28-year-old put in an accomplished performance in all areas of his game, and since he could do little to prevent N’Golo Kante’s goal, which came down Liverpool’s left, it is fair to say he didn’t put a foot wrong defensively.

He is now beginning to match the assured presence of van Dijk and that makes life much easier for both Adrian and the two full-backs, who like to get forward whenever possible.

Like his defensive partner he is a nightmare physically for attackers. He can be dominant in the air and impose himself on whoever he is marking, but crucially rarely concedes fouls, as his league record this season proves.

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What’s more impressive is that he is able to win duels on both the ground and in the air, acting as a robust brick wall against Chelsea he ensured his opponent never got past him, meaning the Blues were mostly reduced to long-range efforts.

If he continues this form it is very difficult to envisage him losing his place to Joe Gomez, which was a possibility at the beginning of the season when the 22-year-old started the first league game.

Matip handled one of the Premier League’s in-form strikers with ease, winning three tackles in the process, and his ability to dig in deep and lead from the back along with van Dijk could be vital to Liverpool’s success this term.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Championship striker Noel Whelan has heaped praise on West Brom winger Matt Phillips after his start to this current campaign, talking to Football Insider.

What’s he said?

The Baggies have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season winning three and drawing three of their opening six matches – which sees them occupy fourth spot in the table, less than a handful of points off league leaders Swansea City.

Albion winger Phillips has started every single match, scoring two goals and providing one assist, per WhoScored.

This week’s international break has given time for reflection and Whelan believes that Philips has been instrumental to their season so far, he said:

“I think he’s done exceptionally well when he’s been playing. I really like him, he’s strong, got everything, every attribute that you would want from an attacker.

“He can play through the middle as well as in the wide areas, great turn of pace and an eye for goal. I think he’s started the season really well.

“A player that I’ve admired as well because when you have that many attributes you can be a gamechanger and match-winner, he’s certainly got that in his locker.”

Key to their success

The 28-year-old is likely to be one of the keys to their success come the end of this season, certainly if his start is anything to go by.

His fine form early doors has already earned him a three-year contract extension and him agreeing to that has been down to his boss Slaven Bilic’s impact, as cited here.

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It’s even more impressive to see considering the winger would have been put on his toes with the arrival of three players who play the same role as him on deadline day – Grady Diangana, Matheus Pereira and Chris Willock.

Only the West Ham loanee, Diangana, has a higher average rating than the Scot, who is at 7.12 for the season.

Phillips also is averaging 2.5 shots per game, only bettered by Charlie Austin, as well as 2 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per match – a sign of how well he’s playing all round this year.

The praise from Whelan is certainly warranted.

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As per London World, a promising transfer update has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Conte and Middlesborough defender Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spurs join race…

First reported by Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, sharing news on his personal Twitter feed, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have joined the race to sign Spence amid his impressive stint on loan at Nottingham Forest.

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The 21-year-old has been turning heads at the City Ground under Steve Cooper, attracting the attention of major Premier League clubs as Conte seeks out new right-back options.

Any deal to sign Spence this window would result in the player remaining at Forest until the end of the season and then joining in the summer, but that hasn’t swayed Spurs as they take a firm interest.

The Latest: Spurs ‘edging closer’…

According to London World, Tottenham are ‘edging closer’ to their ‘first January signing’ as Conte personally eyes a move for the Englishman.

The Italian is said to be ‘unimpressed’ with current right-back options Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal as he takes to the market in search of alternatives.

Spence, as a result, could ‘answer Conte’s prayers’ with his pace and delivery on that side – but north London rivals Arsenal are also still in contention for the starlet as things stand.

The Verdict: Exciting player…

The Boro man’s form on loan at Forest this season has been terrific, leaving little wonder there are now major players in the hunt for his signature this month.

Defensively, according to WhoScored, he’s shown real solidarity – averaging the third-most interceptions per 90 out of Cooper’s side in the Championship this campaign (1.6).

Meanwhile, going forward, Spence has been a constant threat – completing more dribbles per 90 (1.8) than any Forest regular with more than two league starts (WhoScored).

His form has attracted real praise, with Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff saying he has been a ‘massive player’ for the English second tier side and could well continue to be in their hunt for a Championship play-off spot (Sky Sports EFL Podcast via Football League World).

According to journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express, Spence could cost up to £15 million, but a player of his high ceiling may well be worth the investment,

In other news: Reliable journalist: ‘Perfect’ player once valued at £83m now wants to join Conte at Spurs, find out more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of Cedric Itten in their 3-3 draw in the Scottish Premiership at Saturday lunchtime.

The Ibrox faithful were pegged back very late on in injury time by Matthew Wright, after Connor Goldson had put them in front with a header with less than 20 minutes left.

Nonetheless, Itten did not manage to last that long, as the striker was hauled off before the hour mark for Kemar Roofe with the score at 2-2.

The Switzerland international lost out on six of his seven duels, and failed with both of his shots on goal, while he also never managed a single dribble, and lost the ball 10 times in total (SofaScore).

Itten also only managed a mere 28 touches of the ball throughout the game, meaning that he lost it roughly every 2.8 touches on average.

Rangers fans slam Itten

These Teddy Bears slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that he was ‘pathetic’:

“Don’t play Itten ever again thanks”

Credit: @KieranS1010

“Itten get rid. McGregor needs replacing.”

Credit: @Lyndon501

“Pathetic McGregor and Itten”

Credit: @boland_kendal

“Embarrassing stuff. McGregor, Itten and Goldson cost us that.”

Credit: @AndrewHorne1

“Itten is the worst football player I’ve ever seen”

Credit: @GordonDuncan3

“Hope that’s the last we see of Itten. Terrible player”

Credit: @Blairgorman86

In other news, find out what referee decision Kris Boyd ripped into here!

West Ham like the idea of signing Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi this month.

That’s according to The Daily Mail, and a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

El Ghazi is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time under new Villa boss Steven Gerrard, with the Dutch forward playing just 33 minutes of Premier League action following Gerrard’s arrival.

Villa are thought to be open to permanent and loan offers for the 26-year-old this month, although they would prefer a full-time transfer.

The Daily Mail claimed on Saturday that the Hammers want a forward, with El Ghazi one of the players they would like to sign in their bid for another impressive finish in the European places.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the news regarding West Ham liking the idea of bringing El Ghazi to the London Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many keen to see him depart.

“Beg this is true”

Credit: @FloppyChicken92

“Swap deal for Bowen”

Credit: @marcw1987

“oh my god please take him”

Credit: @NoahKnowsBall

“Today is just getting better and better”

Credit: @avbiIly

“Imagine if we get rid of El Ghazi and replace him with Coutinho”

Credit: @PositiveVillan

“I’ll drop him off”

Credit: @Miller_JD

In other news: ‘Mental’ – Some Villa fans fume as Gerrard eyes club-record transfer. 

Taking to Twitter, Sportitalia TV journalist Rudy Galetti has broken a promising update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase to sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Kessie deal…

It is no secret that Tottenham and manager Antonio Conte hold a firm interest in the Ivory Coast international with reliable sources backing that they are well and truly in the mix.

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Kessie’s deal at the San Siro expires in 2022 as things stand with clubs reportedly racing to sign him, either for a cheap January fee or on a pre-contract ahead of a summer switch.

Spurs hold an interest in backing Conte with his signing as managing director Fabio Paratici eyes a move, with Galetti now sharing what he’s heard in a promising development.

The Latest: Galetti breaks Kessie update…

Taking to social media, the Italian journalist has broken an update that Tottenham are now ‘in the lead’ ahead of fellow contenders Paris-Saint Germain and an unnamed Premier League club as they enter pole position.

Galetti also explains that Milan’s star asset has a ‘€8m+€2m’ (£6.6m + £1.6m) salary offer on the table from Spurs, with a total wage package equalling £8.2m-per-season.

The Verdict: Promising development…

News that Spurs are leading contenders for Kessie’s signature as things stand will come as music to the ears of supporters, especially considering his pedigree in Italy.

The midfield man, called ‘extraordinary’ by ESPN pundit Nicky Bandini, has thrived going forward in recent seasons despite being a natural defensive anchor in front of the back four.

Following his 13 Serie A strikes last season with five this campaign, Kessie could provide that degree of threat from central midfield and it is clear that, for free, he could be a very astute potential signing.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.