FotMob Profile: Zion Suzuki, the first Japanese goalkeeper in Serie A

FotMob Profile: Zion Suzuki, the first Japanese goalkeeper in Serie A

It has been three decades since Gianluigi Buffon broke onto the scene for Parma’s first team, setting the foundations for a legendary career that saw him win a World Cup with Italy, 10 Serie A titles with Juventus, a Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup with Parma, and stake a claim as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.


By Zach Lowy


Gianluigi Buffon returned to his boyhood club after 20 years away, making 26 appearances throughout the 2021/22 campaign and becoming the first goalkeeper in the history of men’s football to keep 500 clean sheets, before following that up with 19 appearances in 2022/23 as Parma fell to Cagliari in the Serie B promotion play-off finals.

Buffon hung up his boots at the age of 45 in August 2023, with Parma turning to Argentine veteran Leandro Chichizola. Chichzola did enough to lead Parma back to the top-flight after a three-year drought, but not enough to convince manager Fabio Pecchia that he should be the starter in Serie A. Instead, Parma signed Zion Suzuki for €7.5 million plus €2.5 million in bonuses from Belgian club Sint-Truiden, who received a 10% sell-on clause. It hasn’t taken long for Suzuki to make a name for himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in Serie A, and there’s reason to believe that he can follow in Buffon’s footsteps by emerging as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.

Born in Newark, New Jersey to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother, Suzuki left the United States at an early age and moved to Japan. He became the youngest player in Urawa Red Diamonds’ history to sign a professional contract at 16 years and 5 months old in January 2019, waiting another two years before keeping a clean sheet on his professional debut in the J. League Cup as well as a clean sheet in each of his first three J.League matches. Whilst he never quite managed to cement a starting spot during his 14-year spell at Urawa, Suzuki made 29 first-team appearances before eventually joining Sint-Truiden in 2023, where he quickly became the No. 1. After just one year in Belgium, Suzuki was on the move once again, joining Parma on a five-year contract and becoming their first Japanese player since Hidetoshi Nakata back in 2001. Suzuki raised eyebrows early on by speaking Italian in his first press conference, showcasing a confidence that has been on full display during his first months in Italy.

Suzuki was given the start for Parma’s league opener and took the opportunity by the scruff of his neck, making six saves in a 1-1 draw vs. Fiorentina, before being called into action on multiple occasions and passing with flying colors in a 2-1 victory against Milan. He has quickly solidified a starting spot in goal – just like he’s done with the Japanese national team – and emerged as one of the first names on Fabio Pecchia’s team sheet. Parma sit 16th in the table, one point clear of the relegation zone , thanks in large part to Suzuki’s individual heroics in goal. He’s making 3.3 saves per game (the joint fifth-most in Serie A) with a save percentage of 67.4%, whilst only Genoa’s Nicola Leali (5.7) and Vanja Milinković-Savić (3.7) have prevented more goals than him (2.1).

There have been signs of inexperience, like on August 31 when he received a second yellow for a clumsy challenge on David Neres and allowed Napoli to score two late goals in a comeback 2-1 win. However, Suzuki’s aggressive nature has dovetailed with Pecchia’s tactical vision, charging off his line when required, sweeping up danger, and making his presence known in aerial duels. Standing 6’3”, Suzuki has the athleticism and wingspan to not only stop a powerful shot from traveling into the goal, but get a strong punch to it and prevent it from ricocheting into a dangerous area. He’s exhibited his quick reflexes and impressive decision-making in a number of high-pressure scenarios, constantly well-positioned and switched on and capable of getting down and laying out his body on a moment’s notice to defuse a travelling effort. What’s more, Suzuki has excelled in possession and has proven adept at spraying the ball high and wide and triggering an instantaneous counter-attack. It’s little wonder why the 16-time-capped Japan international has quickly emerged as a fan favorite at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Suzuki’s goalkeeping numbers, Serie A 2024/25

Compared to goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues, Suzuki ranks in the 92nd percentile for crosses stopped (9.8%) as well as the 74th for Post-Shot Expected Goals minus Goals Allowed (+0.11). He is the third-highest rated Parma player (6.96) and has the joint-most Man of the Match awards (4) in FotMob’s Serie A database alongside Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni and Nuno Tavares, Roma’s Paulo Dybala, Genoa’s Andrea Pinamonti and Torino’s Milinković-Savić.

Suzuki had the opportunity to join Manchester United in 2023 and serve as André Onana’s backup – instead, he chose to leave Japan for Belgium in order to get regular minutes at the senior level. That patience is starting to pay off for him, who has become the first Japanese goalkeeper in Serie A history this season. At 22 years old, Suzuki has built a reputation as one of the most exciting goalkeeping prospects in Europe, and it’s only a matter of time before he departs Parma for one of the biggest clubs in the continent.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow all the action from Serie A on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss
FPL tips from the reigning champ: GW21

FPL tips from the reigning champ: GW21

Get ahead of the Group Chat thanks to our new regular column from FPL expert Jonas Sand Låbakk.


By Graham Ruthven, in conversation with Jonas Sand Låbakk


Introducing our expert

Jonas is a 21 year old student who, like FotMob, hails from Norway. He was Fantasy Premier League champion for the 2023/24 season, finishing ahead of 11 million other managers. So who better to provide expert advice?

Read his expert advice every week.

*Don’t forget the FPL deadline for this round – make your transfers and sort your team out before 18:00 GMT on Tuesday 14 January*

The Eye Test vs. The Stats

Eberechi Eze (6.6m) could be a key differential for your FPL team in GW21. 

The Crystal Palace winger has played nearly 90 minutes in each of his last three games has registered a return for the second consecutive gameweek, contributing an assist against Chelsea in GW20 after scoring against Southampton in GW19.

Eye player traits

Eze is owned by just 8.2% of FPL managers and Palace appear to have a favourable run of fixtures coming up against Leicester City, West Ham and Brentford at home (the Bees have one of the worst away records in the Premier League this season).

Ismaïla Sarr (5.9m) could also be an attractive option with similar Expected Goal Involvement (xGI)  per 90 minutes to Eze (0.51 compared to 0.43). However, Eze edges the comparison due to his set piece and penalties potential. 

It’s possible Eze could have a blank gameweek in GW29 if Newcastle United reach the Carabao Cup final, but it could be worth navigating through this for an asset who could offer your FPL team plenty.

Bruno Fernandes (8.3m) is another midfield asset worth looking at for GW21.

Like Eze, the Portuguese is a nailed on starter and is on set piece duty for Manchester United. Rúben Amorim’s team have looked toothless in recent gameweeks, but posed a threat against Liverpool in GW20 when Fernandes was the star of the show.

Fernandes registered an assist for Lisandro Martínez’s opener at Anfield and was effective as one of two number 10s behind Rasmus Højlund. Despite United suffering a dismal season so far, Fernandes still has 10 goal involvements in 19 games.

Fernandes attacking numbers, Premier League 2024/25

As one of the front three, Fernandes is always a smart pick. However, Amorim has a tendency of making early substitutions which sometimes force Fernandes into a deeper role further away from goal. 

Even still, Fernandes is Manchester United’s attacking talisman and their guaranteed penalty taker. United also have a home fixture against Southampton in GW21 which could see Fernandes rack up the returns just as Bryan Mbeumo did against the Saints in GW20.

Fernandes is also fixture proof having proved his ability to score points against anyone.

Long shot

Iliman Ndiaye (5.4m) hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of starts at Everton after joining the Toffees from Marseille in the summer.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has scored just three goals in 19 Premier League appearances and has been part of an Everton team that is fighting relegation near the foot of the table. It’s been a struggle for the Godson Park outfit as a whole, particularly in attack.

However, Ndiaye has enjoyed an upturn in form recently, finding the back of the net twice in his last four games.

Ndiaye shot map, Premier League 2024/25

Interestingly, one of those two goals was a penalty against Peterborough in the FA Cup, suggesting the Senegalese international could have more opportunities to convert from 12 yards out.

Ndiaye has played over 1,500 minutes in the Premier League this season (only Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski have played more for Everton) which is another thing that makes him a viable FPL pick.

Sean Dyche’s recent sacking and David Moyes’ subsequent appointment could see Everton adopt a more attack-minded approach which could lead to Ndiaye registering more goal involvements in the second half of the campaign.

Everton will likely have a double gameweek in either GW24 or GW25 after the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool was postponed last month. Ndiaye is owned by just 0.6% of FPL managers and so he could be an extremely valuable differential for your team.

Upcoming games to follow

There aren’t many standout fixtures in GW21 from a FPL perspective.

Liverpool (Nottingham Forest away) and Arsenal (Tottenham Hotspur home) both have difficult fixtures while Manchester City will face a Brentford team that has only failed to score at home in the league this season once. The Bees will test the defending champions.

However, there are two fixtures that should be on your radar for popular FPL assets.

Newcastle’s home fixture against Wolves should offer some value to a number of players. Wolves have improved under new manager Vítor Pereira, recently earning results against Manchester United and Spurs, but the Magpies are favourites to win in GW21.

Alexander Isak (9.3m) has been in blistering form recently, scoring 10 goals in his last nine games in all competitions, with Anthony Gordon (7.4m) and Lewis Hall (4.9m) also in good form.

Manchester United have the most favourable fixture of GW21. 

Amorim’s side will host Southampton at home on Thursday with the visiting Saints on course to become the worst team in Premier League history. United could build on their impressive performance away to Liverpool in GW20.

Fernandes (8.3m), Amad Diallo (5.1m), Diogo Dalot (5.0m) and Noussair Mazraoui (4.4m) could hold value in GW21.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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Posted by Bill Biss
Preview: English giants Arsenal and Man Utd face each other in the FA Cup

Preview: English giants Arsenal and Man Utd face each other in the FA Cup

Rúben Amorim has failed to get Man United firing on all cylinders since replacing Erik ten Hag, and despite a decent draw at Anfield, Arsenal will go into their FA Cup tie at the Emirates knowing they can beat his side.


By Alex Roberts


Arsenal came out 2-0 winners the last time these sides met in December, with both goals, of course, coming from corners. United haven’t exactly acknowledged their defensive frailties since then, failing to win in their last five games across all competitions.

Mikel Arteta will doubtless be intent on making up for their midweek League Cup woes, having lost the first-leg of their semifinal 2-0 to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

It’s a cliché for a reason

In the defeat to Newcastle, it had never been clearer just how much Arteta’s side were in dire need of a ‘traditional’ number nine. Alexander Isak tore them apart, while Kai Havertz was largely ineffectual at the other end.

Arsenal’s ongoing struggles to clinch the Premier League title in the last two seasons have often been attributed to their lack of a player like Isak. It’s no surprise, then, that the Swedish international has been linked with a move to the club.

Yes, Havertz has had his moments, and could very well score a hattrick against Man United on Sunday, but in the long run, it’s a position Arsenal need to address.

A rare bright spark

Amad Diallo has rightfully been awarded a new contract at Man United, keeping him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2030, with his previous deal set to expire at the end of this season.

After scoring the winner in the Manchester Derby win over Man City, a goal in the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham, and now the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Diallo has become Amorim’s man for the big occasions.

Both Diallo and United have saved their best performances for the ‘big six’ this season, and Arsenal should be wary.

Hale End’s latest Starboy

Left-back has been an issue for Arsenal this season. Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been in and out of the side due to various injury issues, and despite his return, Keiran Tierney doesn’t seem to have a future at the club, looking set to leave the club on a free at the end of the season.

Up stepped Myles Lewis-Skelly. His performance in the defeat to Newcastle was typical of an 18-year-old defender, maybe a little naïve, but willing to put the work in and learn from those around him.

He’s already made 13 appearances across all competitions this season, seemingly earning the trust of Arteta. Ethan Nwanari may be getting all the headlines, but Lewis-Skelly may be the next big thing.

An interesting goalkeeping decision

Amorim has confirmed Altay Bayındır will be playing between the sticks instead of first-choice André Onana, raising a load of concerns among the fans who saw his performance in the recent defeat to Tottenham.

Beyond the biggest statistic of all, the four goals he conceded, the Turkish shot-stopper had one error that led to a goal, a 61% pass accuracy rate, and a dismal 17% long ball accuracy rate.

It may well be a long day for Bayındır.

Prediction

It’s going to continue to get a lot worse before it gets better for Amorim at United, if it does at all, this season at least. We’re going to go with a 3-1 Arsenal win.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the FA Cup with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Arsenal, Manchester United, Preview, SendAsPush, team_10260, team_9825, World News
Preview: Real Madrid meet Barcalona in a bonus edition of El Clasico

Preview: Real Madrid meet Barcalona in a bonus edition of El Clasico

Another Clásico, another trophy. Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah on Sunday night, the Spanish Supercopa on the line – and for the third straight year it’s the two biggest clubs in LaLiga who will contest the final.


By Karl Matchett


New format, same old same old

Starting in 2020, the powers that be in Spain decided that there wasn’t enough variety in the Supercopa, not enough fans getting a chance at seeing their team lift the trophy. Or, perhaps, they decided there wasn’t enough money in the national game, or not enough fixtures. Either way, the outcome was an outsourced competition: four sides, semifinals and then a final, played (except in the Covid campaign) in Saudi Arabia.

In the 14 years prior to the change, the winners were Real Madrid or Barcelona 11 times – or 79 per cent. After this final, the sixth edition of the new format, it’ll be one of those sides who triumph for the fifth time, or 83 per cent of the time. Perhaps the original intentions were good, but the more things change, the more they seem stay the same.

Still, El Clásico is a much-watched event whenever it occurs and no wonder given the stars on show. Barca’s shone in autumn to rampage at the Bernabéu and win 4-0; prior to that Madrid had won three in a row. More intriguingly, the fixture is currently on 15 consecutive matches without a draw; one more and it will equal the all-time record in the rivalry, set between 1948 and 1954.

Recent form

Real Madrid sit top of LaLiga after winning six of their last eight, while across all competitions it’s six wins in seven (Atlético could leapfrog them today, as they play a league fixture vs. Osasuna). That includes a Copa del Rey win over minnows Minera though, as well as the semi-final of this competition in midweek. Between October and December, Real had endured a run of four defeats in seven.

As for Barcelona, they’ve been the reverse: immense earlier, stuttering lately. A seven-match win streak was halted in mid-November and since then it’s only five wins from 11, seeing them drop from first to third in the league just before Christmas.

Team news

Injuries for Real give Carlo Ancelotti some concerns, with Jude Bellingham suffering a muscle injury late on in the semi-final and Federico Valverde going off injured earlier in the game. Aurélien Tchouaméni has been filling in at centre-back but he also went off after a head injury. Barcelona have long-term absences including Marc-André ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen, while Dani Olmo can play after being given a temporary licence.

Key player

Eduardo Camavinga might have a dual role on Sunday, with the midfielder a potential stand-in defensively and a necessary runner centrally if Valverde or Bellingham miss out. Fortunately he’s excellent in both areas of the pitch, ranking in the top ten per cent Europe-wide for his role in touches of the ball and the top two per cent for defensive actions.

Camavinga player traits

Prediction

Real Madrid to simply find a way, which would make them 14-times winners of the trophy, jointly the most alongside their rivals. Madrid 2-1 Barcelona.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Copa Del Rey with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Barcelona, Preview, Real Madrid, SendAsPush, team_8633, team_8634, Trending, World News
Preview: Non-league Tamworth host Spurs in dream FA Cup tie

Preview: Non-league Tamworth host Spurs in dream FA Cup tie

Coming off the back of a win against Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semifinal first leg to lose to Tamworth in the FA Cup would be to achieve actual peak Spurs; but it might be a step too far.


By Ian King


Recent form

Tottenham Hotspur, eight time winners of the FA Cup, continue to bewilder and baffle. Their 1-0 win against Liverpool in midweek came straight out of the blue, in a sense a particularly Tottenham thing to do.

Tamworth are currently 16th in the National League – England’s fifth tier and the top division of the non-league game. They’re freshly installed at this level following two successive league titles, the National League North and the Southern League Premier Division Central, over the last two years.

First ever meeting

Obviously, these two have never met before. Tamworth do however have history in the Third Round of the FA Cup. In 2005/06 they beat Bournemouth en route to losing to Stoke City on penalties. The following season they got that far again before losing at home to Norwich City, while in 2011/12 they did it again before losing 2-0 to Everton.

Famously, Spurs were the last non-league club to win the FA Cup, as members of the Southern League all the way back in 1909. They’ve also played non-league opposition at this stage of this competition before. In 2021 they beat Marine 5-0, while in the mid-1990s they played two similar ties in three years; Marlow in 1993 and Altrincham in 1995. Altrincham took them to a replay in 1979, before Spurs won 3-0 in a replay that was switched to Manchester City’s Maine Road.

Key players

Spurs are now missing enough players for their first team to effectively be everyone who’s left standing. It’s difficult to get too precious about resting players when you’ve got ten of them out injured, though this would be a good opportunity for Richarlison to return, should he be fit.

There is little celebrity around the Tamworth dressing room, no names that would be familiar to any beyond avid National League watchers or a handful of supporters of lower division EFL clubs with pretty long memories. Striker Dan Creaney is their top scorer this season, with eight goals in the league.

Team News

Rodrigo Bentancur is likely to be absent following his injury on Wednesday night. But both Fraser Forster and Richarlison could be available. Having said that, the debut put in by new goalkeeping reinforcement Antonín Kinský on Wednesday night may put paid to any involvement from Forster. There was no indication of fresh injuries in the Tamworth camp from their 1-0 loss at Sutton United in the FA Trophy last weekend. 

Prediction

The biggest battle that Spurs face at Tamworth is the unfamiliar. They’ll be on an artificial pitch in front of a crowd of 5,000. It’s a different world to the padded seats of North London. And, well, it’s Spurs, isn’t it? The clown princes of the Premier League; the team most likely to slip on this type of banana skin and land flat on their faces. But we have to be somewhat realistic, here. The gulf is massive and Tamworth aren’t even a particularly strong team at their level of the game. The away side should really run away with this. I’ll say 3-0 Spurs, though it could be more.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the FA Cup with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Preview, SendAsPush, team_8586, Tottenham Hotspur, World News
Preview: Man City face Salford City in local FA Cup Clash

Preview: Man City face Salford City in local FA Cup Clash

Manchester City host Salford City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium. It’s a game that could be considered a local derby, with just five miles separating their respective grounds.


By Matt Smith


This will be the first time the two teams have met in their history, with Salford only recently climbing up the football pyramid over the last few years. Ties like this are what the FA Cup is all about, as League Two Salford City prepare to take on the Premier League champions. 

Oscar Bobb nearing a return

Pep Guardiola confirmed in his press conference before the game that Oscar Bobb is back training with the group after his long-term absence, but the Spanish manager hinted that this game could come too soon.

Ederson is now ‘fine’ after a recent leg problem, but John Stones remains unavailable for the Manchester club.

Savinho finding his feet

Man City are enduring a difficult season by their immense standards, with some of their key stars struggling to hit the heights expected of them. Guardiola’s side have looked blunt in attack at times, but Savinho has shown in recent weeks why he could quickly become a key player.

Savinho recent performances

The Brazilian has been given a run of three starts in a row, providing four goal contributions in that time. With the likes of Jack Grealish and Jérémy Doku not pulling up any trees of late, Savinho may have cemented himself as a regular starter.

Four players ruled out for Salford

Kelly Nmai, Dan Chesters, Josh Austerfield and Frankie Okoronkwo will all be unavailable for the League Two side as they make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. 

This will be Salford’s first game without Stephan Negru after the defender was re-called from his loan spell by Oxford United earlier this week. Finally, Ben Woodburn is a doubt for Karl Robinson’s side.

Cole Stockton the danger man

Cole Stockton has been a key player for Salford this season in attack, helping them in their push for promotion up to League One. The English striker has scored seven goals and provided two assists in just 16 League Two starts, while also finding the back of the net in the previous round of the FA Cup against Cheltenham Town.

Stockton shot map, League Two 2024/25

Salford also carry a bit of a threat from left-back, with former Everton defender Luke Garbutt creating 34 chances in League Two this season, ranking him eighth in the division. The 31-year-old regularly takes set pieces for Robinson’s side, and that could be their best route to finding a goal against Man City.

Prediction

It’s difficult to see past a Man City win in this one. The Premier League side are at home, and despite a disappointing campaign in comparison to the last few years, they should have too much quality for League Two Salford.

Guardiola could rest some of his key stars, but we’re going for a comfortable 4-0 victory for the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the FA Cup with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Manchester City, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8456, World News
Preview: Chelsea play League Two Morecambe in the FA Cup

Preview: Chelsea play League Two Morecambe in the FA Cup

Minnows (or should that be Shrimps?) Morecambe travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Premier League giants Chelsea, hoping to pull off one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in the history of football’s oldest competition.


By Alex Roberts


The West London club have had some rotten FA Cup luck in recent years, making the final in three of the last five seasons, losing all of them against Arsenal, Leicester City, and Liverpool as they head into their first game of the 2024/25 edition.

It’s the kind of record Morecambe fans would kill for, a side that have only been above League Two twice in the last 15 years and are struggling to stay in the football league this season.

Chelsea have a history

The task seems insurmountable for lil ol’ Morecambe, but Chelsea have lost to lower league opposition in the FA Cup before, notably losing 4-2 to League One Bradford all the way back in 2015.

It’s been a decade since the defeat to Bradford, and Chelsea are no longer have a chiselled Gary Cahill or a Russian oligarch to rely upon, now it’s young Levi Colwill and a consortium of American venture capitalists.

Just like pundits up and down the nation like to say, ‘anything can happen’, and it’s happened before, Morecambe beat Bradford in the previous round after all, but the odds are certainly in Chelsea’s favour.

A goal scoring defender

Morecambe have a secret weapon in Jamie Stott. A defender who happens to be their second top league goal scorer, boasting the best xG in the side, but in true centre-back style, also having the most missed big chances.

He’s not the type of player who should be fight against relegation in League Two and has been a driving force in the two wins they have from their last five games, scoring in the 2-0 win over Tranmere Rovers and showing his ability at the back in the 1-0 victory against Carlisle.

Of course, Chelsea are a completely different beast, but it’s a game in which Stott could impress potential suitors.

Give the kids a chance

One of the most positive things Enzo Maresca has done is give Chelsea’s kids hope after a summer of upheaval for their famed youth conveyer belt. Both Neil Bath and Jim Fraser stepped down as academy directors. 

Players such as Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen, and Lewis Hall, just to name a few, were shipped out for ‘pure profit’, leaving genuine question marks regarding a clear pathway for the current academy stars.

Chelsea will be hoping despite all the change, more players will commit to the club and do a Josh Acheampong rather than a Rio Ngumoha, and games like this are the perfect chance to show them they’re wanted.

Prediction

It’s easy to get carried away with the romance of the FA Cup and giant killings etc. but it’s important to remain realistic. 

Morecambe winning this would arguably be the biggest thing to happen to the club, but it would take a miracle, so we’re going to go with 4-0 to Chelsea.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the FA Cup with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Chelsea, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8455, World News
Preview: Liverpool face Accrington Stanley in nostalgic FA Cup tie

Preview: Liverpool face Accrington Stanley in nostalgic FA Cup tie

Tempting as it is to start a look at this fixture by listing out why milk is the drink of football heroes of yesteryear*, there’s a somewhat more serious undertone to the game now for Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders, who have just shown the slightest wobble of form of late.


By Karl Matchett


*Before we go any further, and if you’re weren’t alive in the UK during the 1980s, here’s a link to the TV advert that will forever link these two clubs – watch here.

Top of everything, winless in two

Liverpool’s midweek League Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, contentious as it was, means Slot’s side are two without a win in all competitions, following a surprise home draw to Manchester United. For most teams that would be nothing of note; for the Merseyside club it’s their worst run of the campaign.

Yet, as we’re told every year, the magic of the FA Cup means it’s not always about form, favourites or even footballers. Fourth tier Accrington Stanley visit the top side in the country and the storylines write themselves, not the least of which is Josh Woods being likely to lineup for the away side, when he can frequently be found in the stands instead, supporting the Anfield club. This is only the second-ever time the teams have met, after the Reds won 2-0 in the FA Cup third round in 1956.

Recent form

Prior to losing at Spurs it was 24 in a row unbeaten for Slot’s team, so there won’t be panic buttons being pummelled just yet. Accrington have actually won their last two, so come into this game as the in-form team…though if we want to add context, which we should, victories over Grimsby and Colchester don’t move the needle much – particularly coming after a winless run of eight beforehand. Bottom line: they’re 19th in League Two, away to the Premier League leaders.

Team news

Liverpool should be able to call upon the previously ill Dominik Szoboszlai, while Jarell Quansah went off in the first half midweek. Joe Gomez is the only other definite absentee after some recent returns to fitness for Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Ibrahima Konaté, but Slot will probably also start the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo.

Accrington have a full squad available and will likely go with a full-strength side in a bid to cause the biggest shock of the third round.

Key player

Tough to know exactly where Slot will go with his lineup, but given the Forest game is three days away, rotations in some areas are a necessity, including full-back. That gives Conor Bradley another chance to shine, particularly on the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor showing against Manchester United and the ongoing contract talks there. While Bradley’s 250-odd league minutes are nowhere near enough to be truly telling, his per-90 stats are alarmingly high across the board in shooting, passing, dribbling, recoveries and touches. The more we see of him, the more idea we’ll have of just how sustainable that is…and whether he could really be a long-term answer for the Reds.

Prediction

No cup shock this time around; Liverpool’s second string will ease aside Accrington and continue their domestic cup adventures. Liverpool 4-0 Accrington…exactly.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every FA Cup game with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss in Liverpool, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8650, World News
Milos Kerkez: The Premier League’s most sought-after left-back could spark a bidding war

Milos Kerkez: The Premier League’s most sought-after left-back could spark a bidding war

Milos Kerkez’s breakout campaign is generating a lot of interest and attracting plenty of suitors.


By Filip Mishov


With AFC Bournemouth flying high this season, sitting in seventh in the Premier League at the time of writing, it was inevitable that the Cherries’ young stars would catch the eye of England’s top clubs, and that’s certainly the case with their talented left back, Milos Kerkez.

FotMob understands from sources in Hungary that Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are all closely following his development, but the Red Devils are leading the race to sign the 21-year-old defender, who has started each and every match in England’s top-flight this season. However, Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell with the Hungarian international who is contracted on a long-term deal until 2028, and Bill Foley & co. are set to ask north of £35m if the interest materialises in the player, who arrived at the Vitality Stadium from AZ Alkmaar just 18 months ago for reportedly for a fee around the £15m mark.

Here, we analyse Kerkez’s most likely destination, if the left back is to leave during the January transfer window, and give the lowdown on what makes him one of the top full-back prospects in the Premier League as well as Europe, despite questions remaining about his character.

United in desperate need of fresh energy on the left flank

Even though each of the five clubs mentioned hold an interest in signing the prodigy, Manchester United’s need for a new left wing-back is the most urgent, and FotMob understands that Kerkez is one of the leading candidates on the club’s shortlist to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.

Kerkez possession stats, Premier League 2024/25

The Hungarian impressed Rúben Amorim in last month’s audition at Old Trafford, and it is quite telling that Tyrell Malacia has not played a single minute since that 3-0 defeat to the Cherries, a match in which Kerkez earned a 7.3 FotMob rating, while the Dutchman was hooked at half-time with a damning 5.7 rating. Additionally, with Luke Shaw and Malacia’s injury troubles over the past couple of seasons and Amorim’s change of system to 3-4-3, the 21-year-old could be the ideal solution on the left flank for the newly-appointed head coach. Furthermore, reports indicate that Kerkez is extremely interested in a move to Manchester United and would relish the chance to play at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Kerkez family being lifelong supporters of the club, and the player himself spoke about the interest last year, referring to Nemanja Vidić as his childhood idol.

The rough diamond can develop into one of the world’s best left backs under the right coach, although doubts exist about his character

With 48 Premier League’s appearances under his belt at the age of 21, it is fair to say that Kerkez is not only a young and talented left back, but a fairly experienced one for his age. Also, with three assists and one goal scored this season, the Hungarian ranks among the top five full-backs in the Premier League based on goal involvements, and only Trent Alexander-Arnold (5), Pedro Porro (6), Antonee Robinson (7) and Rayan Ait Nouri (8) are ahead of him.

Kerkez passing stats, Premier League 2024/25

With that being said, doubts remain over his character, and sources in Hungary explain that if judged only by his talent, his world-class potential and on pitch abilities, the 21-year-old would be top of Manchester United’s shortlist and the other interested parties, but some people within the club have doubts about the player’s character and whether the Hungarian is mentally ready to make the next step now and excel at a top level club.

Also, figuring high on a shortlist that includes the likes of Alphonso Davies, Theo Hernández and Nuno Mendes among others, just shows how highly rated Kerkez really is. On the other hand, despite the doubts about his mentality, the left back only turned 21 in November and under the right coaching staff, he has all the tools and time on his side to improve, both on and off the pitch. Another factor in Kerkez’s favour is his tactical versatility, as the efficient dribbler is capable of playing both as a left back in a four-man defence and as a left wing-back in a three-man defence, a role he occupies for his national team, which gives the coaches a variety of options on how to use him.

Summary

The Cherries are in no rush to sell and are aware that some of the interested parties, like Manchester United, find themselves in a tight financial situation in January, plus they believe Kerkez’s value and subsequently, price will only rise if he continues to perform well in the second part of the season and if they can possibly maintain their push for securing European football for next season.

Finally, with the market of young, talented and fairly experienced left backs in the Premier League being limited, and with Liverpool’s ever-growing need to find Andrew Robertson‘s successor, with Joško Gvardiol being Man City’s only left back option, and Arsenal’s never-ending search for defensive reinforcements, it might be in Bournemouth’s best interest to resist any attempts to part ways with Kerkez in January as the summer might be the ideal time to cash in on him.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss
FotMob Profile: Thierno Barry, Villarreal’s latest potential star striker

FotMob Profile: Thierno Barry, Villarreal’s latest potential star striker

Seven goals in 17 games have marked out Villarreal’s Thierno Barry as one of the most promising young centre forwards in La Liga.


By Graham Ruthven


Thierno Barry signed off for LaLiga’s winter in break in style. Indeed, 22-year-old scored three times in Villarreal’s final match before Christmas – a 5-2 win over Leganés. This was Barry’s biggest haul of the season so far, but it highlighted the potential of a player who has quickly settled into his new surroundings at El Madrigal.

Signed from Basel last summer, few truly knew what to expect from Barry at Villarreal. The Frenchman had shown glimpses of his ability in Switzerland, but scored just nine goals in 35 games over the course of his one and only full season at St Jakob Park during which Basel battled relegation.

Since joining Villarreal for a reported €14m, though, Barry has taken a major step forward in his development. His seven goals in 17 games (only 12 of them starts) make him LaLiga’s top-scoring youngster alongside Jude Bellingham with the Yellow Submarine once again incubating the growth of another elite level centre forward in the making.

Alexander Sørloth led the line for Villarreal last season, scoring 26 times in all competitions. This convinced Atlético Madrid to spend €35m on the Norwegian who is now a key figure in Diego Simeone’s title-chasing team. This was the void Barry stepped into last summer and the 22-year-old is doing a good job of filling it.

Barry player traits

In terms of his all-round game, Barry might even be an improvement on Sorloth who is a penalty box poacher. Physically, Barry is an imposing figure. Standing at 6’5”, the young Frenchman is dangerous in the air and can hold his own against even the strongest opposition defenders. He gives Villarreal a focal point to target with crosses and long passes.

Barry’s intelligent movement is another trait that makes him special. This allows him to play on the shoulder of the last defender and get in behind, taking up good goal-scoring positions inside the box. Countless LaLiga defenders have been caught out by the Villarreal striker’s shape-shifting in the final third this season. Barry’s movement is arguably his best quality.

For someone of such physical stature, Barry is remarkable comfortable on the ball. And mobile, too. He likes to drift out wide to create overloads and is handy in tight spaces. He can dribble and carry possession. These are qualities which surely have scouts from even bigger clubs keeping a close eye on the young French centre forward. 

Nobody is averaging more shots per 90 minutes for Villarreal this season than Barry (3.6). It helps that he has the likes of Álex Baena and Dani Parejo to create for him, with Ayoze Pérez a useful foil and attacking partner, but Barry is undoubtedly Villarreal’s attacking focal point. Their forward line is built around him.

Barry shot map, LaLiga 2024/25

Critics could argue that Barry has been wasteful in front of goal at times this season. After all, he is underperforming his Expected Goals (xG) of 7.9. However, this shows that Barry’s goal-scoring form is no fluke. Top-level scouts value forwards who get into high percentage positions to find the back of the net and Barry does that consistently. 

Villarreal have a strong track record of harnessing young forwards and sending them on their way to the elite level. Before Sørloth, the Yellow Submarine had Nicolas Jackson who is now leading the line for Chelsea in the Premier League. Samuel Chukwueze is another attacker – albeit a winger – who used Villarreal as a platform with the Nigerian now at AC Milan.

Under Marcelino, Villarreal have gone from fighting relegation to being in European contention. The former Athletic Club and Valencia manager is clear in his tactical ideas. He likes a compact defence that can manage a game. He favours a hard-working midfield unit that can offer plenty on both sides of the ball.

In the attack, Marcelino wants forwards who can press from the front and attack open space. Against the strongest opponents, Villarreal can play on the counter-attack. Against lower calibre teams who sit deep in a low defensive block, though, Marcelino’s approach gives his team enough control and creativity to cope.

Barry is the perfect striker for this system, although he could still afford to refine some areas of his game. His passing numbers aren’t the best. He is only in the third percentile for passes completed per 90 minutes, averaging just 7.9. This is because Villarreal funnel their attacking play into the Frenchman, but the best modern forwards can create as well.

On a fundamental level, though, Barry has a unique skill set. On his current trajectory, the French youngster is destined for the top and has even been tipped for an international call-up. Les Blues need new attackers after the international retirement of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann. Barry could fit the bill.

For the time being, Barry is spearheading a resurgent Villarreal team and developing at a rapid pace few could have envisaged when he made the move to LaLiga from Switzerland. The 22-year-old is following in the footsteps of Jackson and Sorloth in yellow. He will have more opportunities to showcase his potential when the LaLiga season resumes this weekend.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow every game from LaLiga on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss