The Canaries forward scored, though he also missed a penalty, in a 4-0 thrashing of the Tigers
Liverpool have been treated to shovelfuls of Jurgen Klopp’s energy and enthusiasm over the past nine years or so but the German’s iconic Merseyside journey is now at its end.
Emotion were be high, tears were spilt and memories for a lifetime flooded through Anfield’s walls as Liverpool hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers to close out their Premier League campaign.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot will be preparing to jet to England as he succeeds Klopp in the Liverpool dugout, recently confirming the open secret that he will be the club’s head coach next season.
Slot has big boots to fill but he will take the reins at an outfit brimming with quality and solidified through a steely infrastructure, with a rich wave of academy talent at his feet.
In many ways, succeeding Klopp is an unenviable task but Slot has the smarts and the style to captivate the Reds, especially if he makes good use of the teenage hopefuls at his disposal.
It’s no coincidence that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rise to prominence at Liverpool is synonymous with Klopp’s trophy-winning success, with Gary Neville even remaking that the 25-year-old “has the material to be the very best right-back of all time”
Playing under Klopp’s guidance is all the Three Lions star has ever known, making his debut aged 18 and since completing 310 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 81 assists.
He is one of the best in the business, ranking among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 3% for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
The bond between Klopp and Alexander-Arnold strengthened the manager’s connection with Liverpool, with the city, with the fans, and Slot now needs to ensure that he does the same, and he could find his very own prodigy in the Reds’ Stefan Bajcetic.
Bajcetic entered the fray with a bang last season, promoted to the first team in the Premier League as Klopp fought to stop the rot that had ruined his team’s 2022/23 campaign.
The 19-year-old Spaniard featured 11 times in the league, scoring an impressive goal against Aston Villa to confirm a much-needed victory in December and showcasing his energy and enthusiasm by succeeding with 64% of his dribbles.
|
Liverpool’s Youngest Premier League Scorers |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
# |
Player |
Opponent |
Age |
|
1. |
Michael Owen |
Wimbledon |
17y 143d |
|
2. |
Raheem Sterling |
Reading |
17y 317d |
|
3. |
Stefan Bajcetic |
Aston Villa |
18y 65d |
|
4. |
Robbie Fowler |
Oldham Athletic |
18y 190d |
|
5. |
Jamie Carragher |
Aston Villa |
18y 356d |
|
Source: 90min |
|||
Writer Leanne Prescott even said: “Staggering that Liverpool look most in control this season when 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic is playing.”
Wataru Endo, aged 31, has done an impressive job at the base of Liverpool’s midfield after completing a surprise £16m move to Anfield last summer, but one analyst projected that “he would struggle” away from Klopp’s system, and Slot might find that his brand of football thrives with Bajcetic featuring as the No. 6.
The Japan international has completed 28 Premier League matches this season, starting 19 times, and while he’s completed 88% of his passes and offered an industrious and committed presence in the centre of the park, he’s also only averaging 1.6 tackles per game, winning just 45% of his contested duels.
This speaks of Endo’s weakness in mobility and athleticism, two things that Bajcetic boasts in abundance. The teenage talent is also blessed with elite composure, maintaining his cool in chaotic circumstances at times last term, but he’s also fuelled with robust life, covering so much ground and completing defensive actions across the pitch.
His all-action, age-belying blend of qualities have only just scratched the surface of what could be a wonderful career at the height of the European game, and his incoming Dutch manager will surely fall for this exceptional starlet.
Indeed, Slot enjoys aggressive, front-footed football that bears a semblance to Klopp’s style but there is an emphasis on midfield control that isn’t found in the German’s system, with wide overloads prominent on Merseyside’s red half.
Bajcetic has already demonstrated his powers of control and influence in age-belying style, and while injuries and setbacks have limited him to only three senior appearances in 2023/24, the future phenom appears to have reached the light at the end of the tunnel after playing 25 minutes off the bench in Liverpool’s recent 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Fit and firing once again, Bajcetic must now use the summer break to prove himself to Slot, impressing in pre-season and suggesting that he deserves a regular place in his senior squad.
He already has the squad on his side: last season, Mohamed Salah said that “since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.”
Alexander-Arnold’s link to Klopp won over a proud footballing city, and now Slot must ensure that he finds his own version of the creative genius to prove his suitability with the seat at the head of the table.
Luckily for him, Bajcetic is poised to make a real impact next season.
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As a dramatic Scottish Premiership nears its crescendo, Rangers have reportedly turned their attention towards Philippe Clement's first summer transfer window in charge and landing a fresh face to buff up his defensive ranks.
With or without the Scottish Premiership to celebrate, Rangers are set to endure a busy summer, starting with a number of departures. As things stand, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, John Lundstram, Borna Barisic and Leon Balogun, among others, are set to leave the club as free agents upon the expiry of their current contracts at Ibrox.
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Leaving plenty of space behind them, the Gers will undoubtedly turn their attention towards reinforcements, with links already emerging over a permanent move to sign Lens loanee Oscar Cortes. The winger had his loan spell disrupted by injury, but could now get a second chance to form a consistent run and show his best form in Scotland.
The same can be said for Abdallah Sima, who may also leave for Scotland on a permanent basis from Brighton & Hove Albion. But, that said, it's not just familiar faces who the Gers have been linked with ahead of the transfer window.
According to El Marcador TV, Rangers are eyeing a move to sign Jose Cordoba from Levski Sofia in a deal worth just €3m (£2.5m) this summer. The 22-year-old has impressed in Bulgaria's first division, with journalist Jose Miguel Dominguez describing him as the "best defender in his league" this season in what is high, but deserved praise.
Now, it is Rangers who could be left benefitting, though they're not alone in their interest. Alongside Rangers, clubs in France and Turkey are also reportedly interested in Cordoba to create a tight battle for his signature. Reports suggest that Rangers' European exploits will be a big factor in the process, however, and could help their pitch to sign the defender this summer.
Rangers are walking a fine line when it comes to departures this summer. As much as things could work out, they must make replacing their defensive depth a priority in the coming months, starting with Cordoba. The Panama international will have the task of stepping into the boots of Balogun and the task of replacing such experience won't be lost on those at Ibrox.
Clement previously praised the veteran centre-back following his injury earlier this season, saying via Planet Radio: "He is a warrior and he is somebody with experience who already had things like that (face injury) in the past. He believes he can be back fast with a mask so I hope that is the case. It is the medical staff who need to decide that."
Nonetheless, the Gers are set to go out with the old and in with the new this summer if they can land a deal to sign Cordoba in the coming months of the transfer window.
Chelsea are heading towards another trophyless season as Mauricio Pochettino has failed to lead the team to silverware in his first year with the club.
The Argentine boss did take his men to the final of the League Cup, only to lose to Liverpool on penalties, but failed to make the final of the FA Cup and his side are currently ninth in the Premier League table.
They still have an opportunity to ensure that they have European football for the 2024/25 campaign, though, if they have a strong end to the season to climb the division, with five matches left to play.
Attention will then fully turn to the summer transfer window and what the club can do to bolster their playing squad to compete on all fronts next term.
Worth is reportedly already underway on that front, though, as the Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward to lead the line for Pochettino.
According to journalist Simon Phillips' Substack column, via Chelsea News, Chelsea have five strikers they are looking at ahead of the next transfer window.
The player who looks likely to be the club's top target in that position is RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko, who has a £42m release clause in his current contract.
Phillips claims that the Slovenia international has already been approached by the Blues, via his representatives, ahead of a possible move to Stamford Bridge in the coming months.
However, the reporter does not reveal whether or not the 20-year-old starlet is prepared to ditch the German club to make a move to England this summer.
He also does not state whether or not the London-based outfit are willing to pay his £42m release clause in full or if they will try to negotiate a lower fee.
Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney are also mentioned by Phillips, who adds that Roma ace and ex-Chelsea man Tammy Abraham and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic are also options for them if they fail to land their top targets.
This latest update suggests that plenty of work is going on behind the scenes to ensure that they have a long list of options to pursue this summer to secure a new number nine to lead the line at Stamford Bridge next season.
Sesko is possibly the priority at this moment in time, given that the club have approached him over a possible deal to bring him to England, and he could be a dream signing to partner with Cole Palmer moving forward.
Signed from Manchester City on a permanent move last summer, the left-footed magician has enjoyed a sensational first season with the Blues this term.
The 21-year-old wizard has showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield or wide position in the Premier League this season.
He had racked up six goals and two assists in 41 first-team matches for Pep Guardiola before his switch to London last year, which did not suggest that the young gem was guaranteed to hit the ground running with Chelsea this term.
That is exactly what the talented star has done, though, with his almost constant stream of goals and assists for Pochettino's side throughout the campaign.
|
23/24 Premier League |
Cole Palmer |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
29 |
|
xG |
15.56 |
|
Goals |
20 |
|
xA |
6.71 |
|
Assists |
9 |
|
Big chances created |
12 |
|
Stats via Sofascore |
|
As you can see in the table above, Palmer has averaged a direct goal contribution every match on average in the Premier League with a return of 29 goals and assists in 29 matches.
His goalscoring exploits, with 20 strikes from just 15.56 xG, have caught the eye but his creativity for his teammates has also been sensational in the top-flight.
The England international currently ranks within the top 6% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.34), the top 7% for assists per 90 (0.37), and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.38).
These statistics show that Palmer is one of the best players in his position in the division at creating high-quality opportunities for his fellow attackers.
This is why Chelsea signing a high-quality striker would be a dream for the English phenom, as he would have a teammate who can make the most of his outstanding chance creation.
The Blues should complete a deal to sign Sesko this summer as he has the potential to be the dream signing to partner with Palmer next season, and beyond.
Once dubbed a "machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 20-year-old sensation joined RB Leipzig from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023 after a sublime return of 29 goals and 11 assists in 79 matches for the Austrian side as a teenager.
He initially arrived as a back-up option for the German outfit but has earned himself a place in the starting XI and has showcased his lethal nature in front of goal.
|
23/24 season |
Benjamin Sesko (Bundesliga) |
Nicolas Jackson (Premier League) |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
28 |
30 |
|
Starts |
15 |
26 |
|
xG |
7.23 |
14.75 |
|
Goals |
11 |
10 |
|
Big chances missed |
8 |
21 |
|
Conversion rate |
27% |
16% |
|
Assists |
2 |
4 |
|
Stats via Sofascore |
||
As you can see in the table above, Sesko has been clinical in the final third with 11 goals from 7.23 xG, whilst current Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has fewer goals from more than double the Slovenian star's xG.
This suggests that the Leipzig ace is a significantly better finisher than the Senegal international, as he has overperformed his xG and missed less than half as many 'big chances' as the Blues forward.
In fact, Sesko ranks within the top 10% of strikers in the Men's Big 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.67), which speaks to how impressive the centre-forward has been as a goalscorer in Germany.
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Therefore, the 20-year-old Chelsea target could be a dream for Palmer as his statistics suggest that he is far more likely to make the most of the Englishman's creativity than Jackson, whose finishing has left a lot to be desired.
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Leeds United are among the clubs credited with an interest in Paris Saint-Germain full-back Colin Dagba, according to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness).
Having joined the French giants in 2016, the 23-year-old has lifted three Ligue 1 titles, two Coupes de France, one Coupe de la Ligue and three Trophees des Champions in what is already an illustrious career.
Despite the impressive trophy haul, the marauding right-back has hardly played a key role in any of the aforementioned successes, only making 77 first-team appearances for the Parisiens in six years at the club and never starting more than 15 league games in a single season.
With regular first-team football still at a premium in the French capital, the former France youth starlet is now hoping to move on, and Leeds could be in the mix…
As per Foot Mercato (translated by Sport Witness), Leeds, Villarreal, Eintracht Frankfurt and Mainz are all keen on signing Dagba from the French champions. However, it’s fellow Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg who currently lead the race to sign the 23-year-old after making ‘first contacts’ with PSG.
The report did state that all the clubs interested in the man who was hailed by Presnel Kimpembe for a ‘hyper-focused’ Champions League showing against Bayern Munich last year have the means to satisfy both the player and the club.
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Following the capture of Red Bull Salzburg defender Rasmus Kristensen last week, Jesse Marsch has seemingly addressed a major area of weakness from last season in the Elland Road squad, having been ravaged by injuries, suspensions and loss of form in the right-back department throughout.
However, should regular right-back Luke Ayling continue as a makeshift centre-back, and given Stuart Dallas’ lengthy rehabilitation timescale, adding another option to the ranks may well be a worthwhile venture for Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta.
The Frenchman can also play on the left-hand side and in more advanced positions. Indeed, he could be viewed as somewhat of a utility man in the mould of Elland Road fans’ favourite Dallas and could fill that void in the absence of the Northern Irishman for the first half of the upcoming season.
Valued at £6.3m and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), Dagba certainly fits the profile of an attainable target and should represent a wholly affordable candidate for Leeds, particularly after only making six fleeting appearances during 2021/22.
In other news: Leeds now won’t sign ‘superb’ midfielder despite Phil Hay revealing talks
Luke Edwards has now dropped a big Newcastle United claim regarding Hugo Ekitike, also sharing some transfer news involving Nathan Ake and Sven Botman.
As per the club’s official website, Dan Ashworth has now started his role as Sporting Director at St James’ Park after they received formal approval from the Premier League for him to move from Brighton and Hove Albion.
It means that he can work on transfers ahead of the start of the summer window, with the mega-rich Magpies expected to be busy in the market.
Taking to Twitter, Daily Telegraph journalist Edwards has revealed that Ashworth’s arrival at Newcastle ‘should speed up’ a deal for Ekitike, while Ake and Botman are at the ‘top of the list’ for centre-back targets.
He stated: “The arrival of Dan Ashworth should speed up the completion of the Ekitike deal. #nufc will then focus their attention and money on landing one of their centre-back targets with Ake and Botman at top of the list.”
The reports that Newcastle are now seemingly closer to signing Ekitike following Ashworth’s arrival is very exciting for the Toon Army.
Dubbed the “next Mbappe” by some in France, the Reims striker – just like the Paris Saint-Germain superstar – has burst onto the scene in French football with 11 goals and four assists in 26 matches across all competitions this season (Transfermarkt), and he is a hot prospect at just 19 years of age.
As for Ake and Botman, the former worked with Eddie Howe before at Bournemouth, while the latter – hailed as a “golden boy” by his agent Francesco Miniero – is one of the most promising centre-backs in the game at just 22.
Signing one of them on top of landing Ekitike would be a great start to the transfer window for the Magpies.
In other news, find out which ‘superb’ colossus Ashworth is now eyeing here!
West Ham United could pounce on Bologna defender Arthur Theate, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).
Bologna brought in Theate from homeland club KV Oostende last summer on an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
The 22-year-old Belgian, who’s been capped twice by his country, played 31 Serie A matches in his first season at the club.
A report from The Evening Standard has already revealed that David Moyes wants to buy ‘at least one’ new centre-back during the summer transfer window.
The report states that Theate ‘could be sacrificed’ if manager Sinisa Mihajlovic opts to play with four at the back next season.
He would be made available for a fee of around €10million, the equivalent of £8.5million.
David Moyes and West Ham ‘like’ the Belgian and they could be in position to take advantage.
What attributes does Theate offer as a centre-back?
Well, he makes a high number of progressive passes, ranking in the 74th percentile in Europe, and his 2.64 interceptions per 90 minutes (85th percentile) suggest he reads the game well too.
But perhaps his standout asset is his ball carrying, with Theate in the 85th percentile for progressive carries and as high as the 94th for dribbles completed.
In terms of a stylistic profile, he’s a close match for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as ‘one of Serie A’s biggest revelations’ and suggested in December that he could be worth up to €18million (£15.3million). West Ham could end up signing him for nearly half what some would consider his true worth.
Theate, then, looks like a potential bargain that would help to address one of Moyes’ transfer priorities.
In other news, David Moyes has stepped up this transfer pursuit.