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… 

Rangers ace Glen Kamara dropped a midfield master-class for Finland against Greece last week, and he produced yet another solid display against a talented Italy midfield this weekend.

While it wasn’t quite the stunning performance the 23 year-old enjoyed against Greece, his battle with Chelsea’s £50m man Jorginho proved Rangers have quite a player on their hands.

It’s one thing to dominate a Greek side that are woefully out of form with just one win in six qualifying games, but another thing entirely to go toe-to-toe with a man who had Manchester City and Chelsea scrapping over him last summer.

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Italy won the game 2-1 courtesy of a goal from Ciro Immobile and a penalty from Jorginho, but that didn’t stop Kamara enjoying quite the battle with his opposite number.

Both players were sublime in their use of their ball, spraying it about with incredible efficiency. While the Italian produced more passes, per SofaScore, both players completed the same percentage of their passes with 91%.

Once again, their numbers were eerily similar when it came to losing the ball, costing their sides possession on ten occasions, while it was the Finland star who was superior dribbling past his opponents.

The Chelsea maestro completed no dribbles and was dribbled past himself three times, but Kamara completed one and did not allow anyone past him.

Their defensive numbers were once again nearly identical – noticing a trend here? Kamara won six total duels while Jorginho won four, and although the Rangers man was slightly inferior in tackles he led the way with an impressive four interceptions.

It certainly wouldn’t be fair on Chelsea’s pass-master to act like Kamara bossed the match, as they practically mirrored each other’s displays and the Italian of course scored the decisive spot-kick.

That said, the fact that a 23 year-old who cost the Ibrox side just £50,000 more than held his own against a man 1,000 times more expensive reflects the feeling when Kamara signed – he really may be “the steal of the decade”.

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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…

And just like that, Real Madrid are seemingly out of their early crisis and heading towards the top.

In fact, at this particular point in time, Los Blancos are finally first in the La Liga table, leaving the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid behind them in the dust.

Of course, these are still early days and the table is bound to go through various changes before the end of the campaign. But it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Zinedine Zidane is finally getting his whole squad on the same page.

The latest clash with Osasuna, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Galacticos, proved as much.

But it proved one other thing as well – the future looks bright and a touvh Brazilian.

Both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo found their names on the scoresheet on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu as the Whites cruised to a rather comfortable and impressive victory over Osasuna.

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Seeing how both players are still very young, Vinicius being 19 and Rodrygo 18 years of age respectively, this was definitely a great sign for all Madridistas.

Two of their young talents stepped up in the absence of the more experienced veterans who were being rested, with the likes of Gareth Bale out of the squad and Karim Benzema on the bench, and completely stole the show in front of the home crowd.

Needless to say, that’s exactly what every manager wants to see.

Of course, it has to be noted, however, that this was indeed Rodrygo’s debut in the 2019/20 La Liga campaign and he only got to play for 20 minutes, coming off the bench in the 70th minute.

Vinicius, on the other hand, has been struggling to regain his best form ever since his injury last season. Since then, he’s been in and out of the team and delivering on a very inconsistent basis.

Both players will, therefore, need some time to get back into the groove and find their footing but there’s still no escaping the feeling that their potential, should it be reached here at the Spanish capital, is enormous.

Zidane has two extraordinary talents in his squad and even though they may not be among the best at this very moment, the early signs are pointing towards that happening in the not so distant future.

And that is a beautiful thing for Real Madrid and the revolution the media has been calling for throughout the whole summer.

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…

Crystal Palace’s start to the season has been a mixed one, to say the least.

Impressive wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa have been slightly stained by a drab defeat to Sheffield United and a disappointing draw against 10-men Wolves, but one thing has remained constant – their lack of depth at full-back.

As it stands, the south Londoners have just one senior left-back and one senior right-back in Joel Ward and Patrick van Aanholt – if you decide to see Jeffrey Schlupp as a midfielder now, of course.

However, a recent transfer target could help add depth to both of these positions.

The Sun (print version, 22 September, page 61) reported earlier this week that Crystal Palace are interested in signing West Brom youngster Nathan Ferguson as they look to add cover to their full-back positions.

The 18-year-old is an encouraging target for the south Londoners due to his age and potential to improve – we have previously detailed the problems that come with Palace often signing older players, who end up leaving the Eagles in a problematic position in terms of failing to make a profit on their investments.

Ferguson has shown plenty of signs so far this season to suggest that he is a promising young player whose value will only grow as he learns his trade in the game – he has started seven of the Baggies’ Championship games this term, grabbing one assist while making 2.6 tackles and 2.6 clearances per game. Decent beginnings.

With just Ward and van Aanholt available, those areas of the field are problematic for Palace – even more so after the latter’s worrying display against Tottenham, which did not go down well with some supporters.

Roy Hodgson was recently forced to play academy centre-back Sam Woods and centre-midfielder Jairo Riedewald at right-back and left-back respectively in the Carabao Cup, after injuries to Ward and van Aanholt – the 72-year-old later said he felt “sorry” for the makeshift duo. Indeed, Palace lost the game on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Significantly, Ferguson can actually play in both full-back positions, having appeared four times on the right of Slaven Bilic’s backline so far this term, as well as three times on the left. That could make him an incredibly important member of Hodgson’s squad, even if it’s primarily from the bench.

He does lack a little going forward, averaging just 0.3 key passes per game this season, but the trade-off appears to be greater defensive solidity, and that only fits the Hodgson mould after his side finished up with the sixth-most clean sheets of any Premier League side last term.

Ferguson, then, appears to tick some crucial boxes in terms of the type of defender Palace need – defensively sound, versatile and offering genuine resale value. We’ll have to see whether that’s enough to convince the Eagles to make a concerted effort for his services.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

Aston Villa’s Callum O’Hare is one of the club’s most promising youngsters and at just 21 years of age he has plenty of time to make his mark in a claret and blue shirt.

Though, he will perhaps have been a little disheartened to be sent out on loan after initially being given a first-team opportunity in pre-season.

The attacking midfielder made the switch on loan to League One outfit Coventry, who strangely enough are playing their home games just a few miles down the road at Birmingham’s St Andrew’s Stadium.

O’Hare has only featured in a bit-part role, but after his latest exploits, he will surely be granted more of a run in the side.

The Sky Blues sit second in the table but only on goal difference after winning four of their opening seven matches without a defeat.

They’ll have the Villa youngster to thank after this weekend’s showing against Blackpool.

The game was all tied up at 2-2 heading into the closing stages when striker Jordy Hiwula slotted in O’Hare, who smashed the ball home past a helpless Jak Alnwick.

The 21-year-old was introduced in the 73rd minute for Zaine Westbrooke and produced an impressive showing, even aside from his match-winner.

In just 17 minutes of match action, he managed two crosses from either side of the penalty area, one tackle, two key passes, and the goal that secured all three points.

O’Hare is yet to start a game for his loan club but now has two goals to his name in just 56 minutes’ worth of football, per WhoScored.

Three Lions or Super Eagles? Watch the video below for the important decision facing Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham…

That is merely a testament to the quality he possesses, something that Villa boss Dean Smith will have known too well despite sending him out on loan – there is fierce competition for places as it is within their midfield, but he was still gifted a chance in pre-season.

His latest performance will undoubtedly have pricked the ears of the 48-year-old and if he can keep it up he has every chance of another shot at the big time in the summer.

If things don’t go their way in the Premier League, he could fast track his way to a starting position.

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أعرب ميكيل أرتيتا، مدرب آرسنال الإنجليزي، عن سعادته بتأهل فريقه لربع نهائي الدوري الأوروبي، لكنه انتقد بعض الأمور في أداء لاعبيه أمام أولمبياكوس.

وفاز أولمبياكوس بهدف دون رد في إياب دور الـ 16، لكن آرسنال تأهل بمجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب، حيث حقق الفوز ذهابًا بنتيجة (3-1).

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحاته إلى قناة “بي تي سبورت” الرياضية: “من الواضح أننا سعداء حقًا بالتأهل، واجهنا  خصم صعب، كنا نعرف ذلك، وكنا نعلم أنهم لن يستسلموا”

وأضاف: “في نفس الوقت يجب أن نكون منصفين مع أنفسنا، اليوم لم نكن قريبين من المستوى الذي يجب أن نكون عليه”.

وأردف أرتيتا: “لم نكن مستقرين مع الكرة اليوم، مع فقد الكرة كثيرًا لن يكون لديك أي انضباط، صحيح أننا أهدرنا الكثير من الفرص، وأعتقد أننا صنعنا ما يكفي من الفرص للفوز بالمباراة، ولكن مع ذلك لم نكن بالقرب من المستوى الذي يجب أن نكون عليه “.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تعرف على الفرق المتأهلة لدور الـ8 في الدوري الأوروبي

واستطرد: “لا يمكننا استخدام أي أعذار، كان لدينا لاعبون غير منهكين في الفريق، بدأنا المباراة بشكل جيد لكن بعد ذلك افتقرنا إلى الاستقرار”.

وأكد أرتيتا: “إنه شيء يتعين علينا القيام به بشكل أفضل، نحتاج إلى الاحتفاظ بالكرة ولعب بعض التمريرات معًا، وليس مجرد الاستمرار في فقد الكرة خلال التمرير”.

وأكمل: “بعد أن استقبلنا الهدف، أصبحنا أفضل وأكثر سيطرة لكننا وضعنا أنفسنا في موقف صعب، لقد أعطيناهم بعض الإيمان، وهو ما لا يمكنك منحه للخصم”.

وأتم مدرب آرسنال: “سنتحسن، عندما يتعلق الأمر باتخاذ القرار والتنفيذ، يكون الأمر أكثر صعوبة قليلا، لكن علينا أن نحاول إيجاد طريقة”.

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…

Real Madrid looked set to claim all three points over the weekend without even breaking a sweat in the process.

By the time the referee blew his whistle for half-time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos were 3-0 up against Levante.

But then, as soon as the second half rolled around, something seemed to change, as their opponents attempted to mount a miraculous comeback.

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In the end, Real Madrid emerged victorious, winning 3-2 after goals from Borja Mayoral and Gonzalo Melero in the second period.

Interestingly enough, the Frenchman recognised his side’s problem in the second half and practically summarised Real Madrid’s whole weekend in a single quote during his post-match press conference.

Here’s what he said in full:

“We’ve taken all three points after a phenomenal first-half performance, full of goals, good football and desire. We found it more difficult in the second half. When the opposition gets an early goal, things change a bit. We need to focus on playing like we did in the first half for the full 90 minutes. That’d be great for us.”

And not only was that the perfect summary of their clash against Levante but their season as a whole. So far, in their four games domestically, they have registered two wins and two draws.

An impressive display against Celta Vigo opened the campaign, with Zidane’s men winning 3-1 on the road.

That clash showed us that there is quality to this Real Madrid squad and they have the ability to click. The problem, however, as Zidane pointed out in his press conference, is the fact that, at the moment, they are just not consistent enough.

The rather sloppy victory over Levante was the best proof of that so far. They were 3-0 up and then had to fight until the end to actually snatch the three points. Indeed, they have also drawn with Real Valladolid and Villarreal.

But there does appear to be light at the end of the tunnel, despite a shaky performance. Zidane has recognised that there is a problem and will surely take the required steps to try to stamp out such inconsistency from his players.

We have already seen a dominant side to this Los Blancos squad; the question now is whether it can be unlocked over and over again, or if it will only come out sporadically.

Zidane must find out.

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The striker said that it was so much more than just three points on Saturday, and you have to agree with that sentiment.

Derby could have been on the brink of a crisis after last week’s fiasco, but winning their first game after the news broke will not only move the Rams up the table, it will settle the nerves both amongst the squad and the fans.

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West Brom’s official Twitter account have played on the heartstrings of the Hawthorns faithful with their latest post.

A video of defender Ahmed Hegazi has appeared with the player featuring in training yesterday.

The 28-year-old has so far missed all of the current campaign after it was decided he needed surgery to resolve an injury that had bothered him for quite some time.

Hegazi played 40 matches last season as the Baggies made the Championship playoffs, but their run faltered at the first hurdle, losing to eventual winners Aston Villa.

He had also featured for Egypt in the summer’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

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This season, Slaven Bilic’s men are yet to keep a clean sheet, so he could be a welcome return at just the right time.

One supporter joked that promotion should be announced already upon hearing the news, which was backed up by another who posted a meme of similar nature.

The Egypt international could turn West Brom into serious title challengers if his impact can resolve the issue of them leaking goals – they are currently unbeaten this season after all.

Other fans just couldn’t contain their excitement at Hegazi’s imminent return by posting a range of GIFs.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

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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 made it five wins from five by seeing off Newcastle on Saturday, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be more pleased than most with how the match panned out.

The former Arsenal man is still slowly reintegrating into the side after spending the majority of last season sidelined with an ACL injury and his progress has, so far, been steady.

But if the former Southampton man can rediscover his best physical side he should not only be able to return to his previous level of consistency for the Reds, but act as an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, perhaps challenging Jordan Henderson or Georginio Wijnaldum for their place in the side.

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The Newcastle game showed there is still some way to go until he is at that point, but there are signs of progress which should cause optimism for the 26-year-old.

If Oxlade-Chamberlain is going to persuade Klopp he is deserving of a first-team place, though, he will have to show he is not careless in possession.

Each of the Reds’ regular three midfielders in Fabinho, Henderson and Wijnaldum look after the ball, boasting pass success rates of 87%, 80% and 92% respectively.

Against Newcastle Liverpool’s number 15 displayed similar, acting as a link between attack and defence. He frequently found Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right-flank, allowing the right-back to make seven key passes through his own pass accuracy of 95%, as per whoscored.

If he is able to maintain his average pass success rate this season of 92% he will give Klopp something to think about, particularly as he can also add a unique dynamic style.

His excellent long-range goals against Manchester City in both the league and the Champions League are evidence of that, and that an area in which Liverpool’s midfield has been lacking – Wijnaldum, Henderson and Fabinho provided just five league goals between them in the last campaign.

They are also unable to match the former Gunner’s ability at running with the ball. He is yet to get up to speed but still managed two successful dribbles against the Magpies – more than Fabinho and Wijnaldum combined.

Only the Brazilian can match Oxlade-Chamberlain in terms of key passes, too, though he did outperform the England international in terms of interceptions, and that is one area of his game which will require improvement.

Klopp may also be concerned with his wastefulness in the final third. The midfielder succeeded with only one cross from three attempts, and against teams like Newcastle, who could be tough to break down at times, Liverpool will need greater quality to find a way through, so Oxlade-Chamberlain must prove himself in that regard in order to break into the team as a regular.

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Aston Villa face a tough trip to Norwich as the search for their first away win in the Premier League this season continues.

Dean Smith’s side have struggled so far with only one top flight win and that has partly been due to the inconsistency in his team selection, although he does appear to have narrowed in on his preferred starting XI.

John McGinn impressed many with his performance against Burnley last time out, and Conor Hourihane playing alongside him allowed Jack Grealish more freedom in attack, with the Irishman also unlucky to see a first-half assist ruled out for offside.

Midfield could prove to be very important for Villa once again.

They enjoyed a lot of the ball against the Clarets but Norwich promise to be a different proposition, having had the majority of the ball in the league games they’ve played in 2019/20.

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Daniel Farke’s side have looked impressive at Carrow Road, beating Newcastle and Manchester City whilst showing confidence and ability on the ball that could allow them to play the ball around with ease.

However, they have looked vulnerable in defence at times, and with the likes of McGinn and Anwar El Ghazi taking up goalscoring positions of late, the visitors could find a breakthrough.

Here is how they could line-up against Norwich on Saturday.

The Canaries may have lost all of their away matches but they have scored eight in three games at home, and therefore an improved defensive performance is needed from the Villans.

Who says there’s no atmosphere at the Emirates? The evidence in the video above suggests otherwise…

Marvelous Nakamba is central to that, and if he performs to the level he has shown this season then his side should have some joy.

He has made a great start to his Premier League career with an average of 4.7 tackles per game, and his handling of players like Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia could be pivotal.

The pair have a combined total of six assists and have been instrumental in the success of six-goal Teemu Pukki – the one player Villa must watch out for.

In order to do so, Mings and Engels will need to organise the defence better than they have done so far, with 11 goals conceded from seven matches.

Frederic Guilbert will need to step up too, as he could drop out for Elmohamady if he fails to stop crosses coming into the box, as he did for Jay Rodriguez’s goals last weekend.

One player who may consider himself unfortunate to miss out is Hourihane. His energy and pass accuracy of 92% was important in Villa having as much possession as they did against Burnley, and he could be involved if Smith decides to play Grealish out wide once again.

However, Trezeguet made an immediate impact when he was brought on in the last match, assisting McGinn with a well-picked out cross and also enjoying a pass success rate of 100%, so he is deserving of a return to the starting line-up.