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Chelsea defeated Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, securing three successive victories across all competitions and continuing their recent revival under Graham Potter.

After a wretched run of form that left the Blues boasting just two wins across the board from 15 attempts, there was mounting pressure on Potter and his outfit, who had fallen into the middle of the Premier League and faced a miserable end to the first term of the new era under owner Todd Boehly.

And while there is still much work to be done, there is newfound optimism emanating from the west London side, who remain tenth in the division after 26 matches but are now just five points behind Liverpool in fifth.

Ben Chilwell added to his match-winning assist against Leeds United last weekend by volleying the away team into the lead in Leicester, before an exquisite dinked finish from Kai Havertz gave the Blues the lead in the dying embers before the break; Mateo Kovacic sealed the three points in the second half with a thumping finish from £88.5m winter signing Mykhaylo Mudryk’s headed pass.

How did Kai Havertz perform against Leicester?

Havertz has not always been in the limelight at Stamford Bridge since his £71m move from Bayer Leverkusen, despite scoring the match-winning goal in the 20/21 Champions League final, but with a delightful finish against the Foxes to add to his penalty against Borussia Dortmund in mid-week, he now looks like he is enjoying his talismanic role under Potter’s tutelage.

With eight seasonal strikes, the 33-cap German is now Chelsea’s top goalscorer of the term, and his overall performance in the midlands will have been most pleasing for Potter and co.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old’s 7.8 match rating was bettered only by Conor Gallagher, who replaced Joao Felix early into the second half, with Havertz’s indeed in the thick of the action with two goals on target and a further two wide of the mark, also having an effort blocked.

An incessant thorn in the side of the home team, the £150k-per-week gem made 55 touches, assuredly completing 89% of his passes from his robust role and created one big chance, also winning four of his 11 ground duels.

And having made three tackles on the afternoon, the forward forged an all-encompassing display that will hardly hamper his chances of remaining as the first-choice striker to lead the line of this lucrative and expansive Chelsea squad.

Hailed for his “beautiful” goal by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Havertz expertly chipped the ball over the hapless Danny Ward, with Paul Merson even waxing lyrical over the ace’s “Bergkamp-esque” lob live on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (11/03/2023).

With Chelsea now paving a sturdy foundation to build upon for the remainder of the campaign, casting the cobwebs of the awful run aside, Havertz’s rise to form comes at the perfect time, and should he continue to channel this newfound goal-scoring prowess, the Blues’ chances of completing a remarkable seasonal turnaround are only enhanced.

Chelsea are interested in appointing distinguished manager Zinedine Zidane to replace Graham Potter in the dugout after a dreadful campaign that has left the club shrouded in midtable mediocrity.

Having sacked Thomas Tuchel in the early stages of the campaign, a decision which “baffled” many supporters, the Blues have failed to turn a corner under the tutelage of Potter, and have fallen in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and trail Borussia Dortmund after the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie.

Also mired in tenth in the Premier League, the Telegraph’s Matt Law has recently reported that owner Todd Boehly is at his wit’s end with the former Brighton & Hove Albion leader, who has just two games to save his tenure following just two victories from the past 15 attempts.

Consequently, a host of managerial names have circulated, with Real Madrid icon Zidane earmarked as the optimum replacement, according to reports from Spain.

The French legend resigned from his post in 2021, and has been out of work ever since; distinguished and decorated, Zidane could reinvigorate the ranks and rekindle the winning mentality that has slipped from its once embedded place at the heart of Stamford Bridge.

Would Enzo Fernandez flourish under Zidane?

Zidane, Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner in his playing career, has only held the reins at Real Madrid during his coaching career, but he has enjoyed glorious success during his two tenures at the eminent outfit.

Over his two spells, he has recorded point-per-match (PPM) averages of 2.30 and 2.04, respectively, winning three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and the World’s Best Club Coach on successive occasions.

Zidane’s man-management skills could come in handy to reinvigorate the withered crop at Chelsea, with Cristiano Ronaldo even lauding his former boss in a documentary on RMC Sport (via FOTMOB), saying that he “managed the group very intelligently”, and that “he did a very smart job, involved all the players and it was very beneficial.”

Should he arrive in west London, Zidane could channel the abundant potential of £107m winter signing and World Cup champion Enzo Fernandez, who has started well under Potter despite the outfit’s woes.

As per Sofascore, the “unreal” 22-year-old Argentine, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has chalked an admirable average league rating of 7.33 thus far, registering an assist, completing 89% of his passes and making 3.8 tackles per outing, and this robust, slick nature could leave Zidane creating his next Luka Modric, should he arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Modric played 202 games under the “phenomenal” – as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand – French leader, playing a starring role in the triad of Champions League triumphs and two league titles, indeed monumentally winning the 2018 Ballon d’Or following Zidane’s first managerial spell.

As per FBref, the “beast “- as hailed by reporter Ives Galarcep – that is Fernandez ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Men’s Next 8 – the divisions below the established ‘big five’ – for progressive passes and passes attempted per 90, also within the top 10% for shot-creating chances and 5% for rate of assists per 90, which illustrates the sheer scope of his ball-playing skill set.

And with Modric ranking among the top 1% of midfielders throughout Europe’s big five leagues for assists, 4% for progressive passes and 10% for shot-creating actions, arresting parallels can indeed be drawn between the respective gems.

Considering the 5 foot 10 Fernandez’s brilliant feats at such an early stage in his professional career, and Zidane’s experience in successfully utilising the supreme talents of the likes of midfield maestros such as Modric, an acquisition for the 50-year-old could prove to be a match made in heaven for Boehly and co.

The 2022 World Cup Best Young Player winner could use his glinted bedrock to nurture his skills under Zidane’s wing, and perhaps even emulate the magnitude of Modric’s illustrious career.

Arsenal are now monitoring Barcelona forward Ansu Fati ahead of a potential move this summer, according to reports from Spain.

The Lowdown: Xavi’s public statement

The Spaniard’s contract at Camp Nou isn’t set to expire until 2027, but after falling out of favour under Xavi, he has been experiencing a lack of game-time. The youngster has made just seven league starts this season and could therefore be looking to secure an exit at the end of the campaign.

The Blaugrana boss has publicly claimed that the 20-year-old won’t be going anywhere, stating that Fati will develop more over time. However, should that change for any reason, it sounds like the attacker already has potential suitors queueing up to bring him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Arsenal eyeing Fati

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Arsenal and Tottenham are both ‘keeping an eye’ on Fati and are two of ‘four English clubs’ monitoring his situation.

Bayern Munich have already ‘asked’ about the winger’s availability, but it’s stated that there is ‘no offer yet’ from any of the interested parties.

Fati’s agent Jorge Mendes is ‘ready to move’ his client should the opportunities available to him at Barcelona not increase over the coming months.

The Verdict: One for the future

Fati is still at such a young age, but having previously been described as ‘Messi-esque’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he would be a massively promising signing for Arsenal’s future.

The Nike-sponsored attacker already has 34 senior goal contributions for Barcelona and ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals, shots taken and touches in the penalty area, figures which highlight his abundant attacking talents.

Mikel Arteta would also be getting a player with great versatility, with Fati having the ability to operate on both flanks and as a centre-forward. Therefore, should the opportunity arise, this appears to be a no-brainer of a deal for Edu to try and complete.

Aston Villa are in with ‘a chance’ to land midfield transfer target Azzedine Ounahi, according to an update from transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Ounahi linked with Villa move

The 22-year-old became more of a household name during the 2022 World Cup, performing heroically for Morocco and helping them reach the semi-finals.

Ounahi has since been linked with a move to Villa during the January transfer window, as Unai Emery looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

It looks as though the youngster could leave French side Angers imminently, with numerous clubs eyeing him up, perhaps most prominently Serie A leaders Napoli.

The Latest: Villans in the mix

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Ounahi could see Villa as the best move in England, but it’s impossible to truly know where the player’s future lies:

“There’s just so much competition for him and it’s hard to tell at the moment whether they (Villa) are going to win the race.

“I mean, they’ve probably got as good a chance as anyone in England; it’s just really a case of whether or not he definitely wants to come to the Premier League.

“At the moment, he certainly seems open to it, but I can’t quite put my finger on whether he’s just keeping his options open or whether he’s genuinely interested in a move like Villa.”

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The Verdict: Superb midfield target

Ounahi could be exactly what Villa are after in their midfield, with results and performances improving under Emery but more quality still required in that area.

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The Moroccan was outstanding at the World Cup, averaging 1.3 tackles per match and being hailed as ‘absolutely incredible’ by Jose Mourinho – a known admirer of Villa’s manager – which highlights his quality and fit for an Emery team.

At 22, he is someone with most of his career ahead of him and would not only bring energy off the ball but quality on it – he ranks in 99th percentile amongst Europe’s top leagues for dribbles by a midfielder, completing 2.54 per 90 minutes.

Ounahi isn’t out of contract at Angers until 2026, so a sizeable bid may be required to prise him away, but he has so much potential that Villa should see his signing as a primary focus. Leeds have been strongly linked, too, but they are threatened by relegation, which could work in NSWE’s favour.

Liverpool fans! 2023 is just around the corner and with the New Year comes yet another exciting transfer window, but how well do you know your club’s dealings in recent years?

Reds fans will hope to be active in the winter market after their mixed start to the season, with Jurgen Klopp perhaps in need of some reinforcements after injuries struck down Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

The Premier League giants will no doubt want to push on as they aim to secure a top four place come the end of the 2022/23 campaign, perhaps with the view to really splashing out in the summer once Champions League football is confirmed at Anfield for another season.

That being said, sit back, enjoy the festivities and take on this transfer quiz from players past and present who have moved to Merseyside. 

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023 from all of us here at The Transfer Tavern – good luck! 

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly ‘made contact’ over potentially bringing Ahmed Kendouci to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Celtic links

Kendouchi was actually strongly linked with a move to Old Firm rivals Celtic last January, but a move never materialised in the end.

The central midfielder plies his trade in Algeria with ES Setif, and has scored 22 goals and made a further 19 assists for them in 107 games in total over all competitions across four consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Contact made

Taking to Twitter, Football Scotland journalist Mark McDougall has revealed that the Gers have now ‘made contact’ over the signing of Kendouci on an initial loan deal in January:

“Rangers have made contact over the signing of Ahmed Kendouci in January. Want an initial loan deal. 23-year-old midfielder.”

Expanding in his article for Football Scotland, McDougall adds that Michael Beale’s side face competition from a number of clubs across Europe, with one in Croatia ‘particularly keen’ on also signing him.

Setif would rather sell him on a permanent deal, rather than the Light Blues’ proposal to sign him on loan first, but a ‘source close’ to Kendouci claims that they are ‘confident’ that a deal can be agreed in January that could see him make the move to Scotland.

McDougall outlines that Kendouci has been capped once by Algeria, and is ‘interested’ in a move to Scotland as he looks to break into Europe, with him being the current top goalscorer in the Algerian top flight and capable of playing across the midfield and at left-back.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given his record in Algeria, Kendouci seems ready to make the move to European football.

Hailed as a ‘complete midfielder with a left foot made of gold’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the 23-year-old is seeking his first big break, and the Teddy Bears could provide him with that.

The fact that the Hoops also wanted him not long ago would also sweeten the deal for supporters, as they could really get one over their main rivals.

Wolverhampton Wanderers finally have a new manager. It has been over a month since they sacked Bruno Lage, however, Julen Lopetegui was confirmed as their new boss on Saturday and he faces a tough challenge in keeping the Old Gold in the Premier League this season.

It looks like the 56-year-old has already turned one eye to potential future transfers, and according to Alan Nixon, Wolves are keeping a close eye on Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who is currently on loan at Burnley this season.

Leicester City are also monitoring the centre-back and with the Molineux outfit having just four central defenders, Lopetegui will be surely prioritising that area of the squad.

The 20-year-old scored his first City goal at just 17 years of age in an FA Cup tie against Port Vale back in January 2020, but he finds himself in the Championship this season, gaining crucial first-team experience.

Under the tutelage of former City defender Vincent Kompany, Burnley are thriving. They are top of the division and are aiming to bounce back from relegation last season.

Harwood-Bellis has achieved a SofaScore rating of 7.24/10 for his performances in the Championship this term, a number that impressively ranks him second in their squad.

He ranks first for accurate passes per game (68.9), clearances per match (3.4), and interceptions per outing (1.9) proving that he not only can he play out from defence, but he also knows how to do the basics of defending well.

His former manager at Blackburn Rovers, Tony Mowbray, described the defender as having a “warrior attitude” and it certainly looks like he is demonstrating this so far, especially during the current campaign with his excellent showings.

Although a move will more than likely have to wait until the summer, with his stock rising and City having an abundance of centre-backs, Lopetegui could yet seal a dream first signing by making an offer in January.

Indeed, with a lack of centre-backs and a defence that has shipped 22 goals in just 14 games, bringing in a classy defender such as Harwood-Bellis should be of utmost priority.

Thus, it could well be the catalyst that saves their season if it already isn’t too late by that point.

BCB says those who came in close contact with the infected player have also been isolated

Mohammad Isam20-Sep-2020

A Bangladesh men’s player, who was among the 27 to participate in the skill-training camp ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, has been isolated after showing “classical Covid-like symptoms”, according to the BCB. Those who came in close contact with him have also been isolated, following the latest Covid-19 tests conducted by the board ahead of the camp that began in Dhaka on Sunday. Their next set of tests will be on September 22.The BCB said two players were identified as “borderline negative” in the tests conducted on September 18 and 19, including the one with Covid-19-like symptoms. The players in question did not participate in the camp.”Out of the 27 cricketers for the Bangladesh team skill camp tested on September 18 and 19, two cases have been identified as ‘borderline negative’ with one of them showing classical Covid-19-like symptoms,” the BCB said in a statement. “As per the Covid-19 management guideline and to maintain Bio-Secure Environment standards, the symptomatic individual along with all the players who have been in close contact with him recently, have been isolated until the next test on September 22.”The BCB, however, didn’t say what would happen to the other player who it called “borderline negative”.Saif Hassan, too, is scheduled to be tested for a third time, on September 22. Hassan is currently quarantined at home after two recent positive results, although he is part of the 27-man training squad. These players have been isolating at a city hotel, from where they are expected to go to Mirpur every day for the next six days, starting Sunday.

West Ham United secured their third successive win in all competitions after seeing off newly-promoted Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, with David Moyes’ side running out deserved 3-1 winners at the London Stadium.

A nervy opening had seen the home side fall behind courtesy of Andreas Pereira’s fierce effort from the angle, only for the former Manchester United man to turn from hero to villain for the Cottagers as he brought down Craig Dawson inside the penalty area, having been repeatedly warned by referee Chris Kavanagh.

England international Jarrod Bowen subsequently stepped up to slot home from the penalty spot to get on the scoresheet for the second top-flight game running, before summer signing Gianluca Scamacca produced a delightful dinked effort after the break for his third goal in as many games.

The former Sassuolo striker – who arrived in east London on a £35.5m deal in the recent window – had no doubt “deserved his goal”, in the words of journalist Jonty Colman, following an excellent overall display, with the Italy international beginning to catch fire after being initially eased into life in England.

The 23-year-old was deserving of his warm ovation after being withdrawn late on in the game – as his replacement Michail Antonio went on to seal the points in stoppage time – although there was another Irons star who also dazzled on the day, with fellow new addition Lucas Paqueta having pulled the strings in midfield.

Fresh from having teed up Scamacca for the winning goal away in Anderlecht in midweek, the Brazilian playmaker again proved decisive to help put the home side ahead after the interval, producing a delightful chip over the top of the defence for the towering forward to latch on to.

Such a moment of quality is likely what the club would have been expecting following the former Lyon man’s £51m capture this summer, with the 24-year-old beginning to blossom having initially found it difficult to adjust to life in his new surroundings – with that only his second goal contribution of the season thus far.

The fleet-footed “magician” – as dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting – was simply a “total joy” to watch on the day, as also described by Bunting, having been the real heartbeat for Moyes’ side in his free role behind the striker.

The £40.5m-rated ace notably registered two key passes from his 69 touches and also won 100% of his aerial duels, with his match rating of 7.5, as per SofaScore, only bettered by teammate Tomas Soucek among the players for either side.

As the Evening Standard’s Malik Ouzia noted in his post-match player ratings piece, Paqueta is a simply ‘classy operator’, with it already looking like a ‘coup’ that the Hammers were able to prise the former AC Milan man from France.

A player who brings obvious box-office entertainment – as also evidenced by his outrageous piece of skill in midweek – the 34-cap menace looks likely to be a real exciting watch this season.

Glasgow Rangers enjoyed a busy summer of business in the transfer window as Ross Wilson looked to improve a number of positions in the team.

The Light Blues sporting director backed Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the market by signing John Souttar, Ridvan Yilmaz, Malik Tillman, Ben Davies, Tom Lawrence, Antonio Colak, and Rabbi Matondo.

This means that they brought in a player in every position other than right-back and goalkeeper, with the latter perhaps coming as a surprise after Allan McGregor’s performances last season.

The veteran shot-stopper showed signs of his age catching up with him in the Premiership in 2021/22 as he made four errors directly leading to shots or goals and only saved 66% of the shots against him, compared to one error and a save percentage of 85% in the title-winning campaign the year prior to that.

His form dropped massively between those two seasons and, after turning 40 in January, supporters could be forgiven for thinking that he should have been replaced in the window.

Instead, he was handed a new contract and made the number two behind Jon McLaughlin, who was already at Ibrox, for the start of this season.

The former Burton man failed to step up to the mark in the first six outings in the Scottish top-flight this term as he averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.50 and made one error directly leading to a goal whilst conceding from 50% of the shots against him.

With question marks over both McLaughlin and McGregor, it is time for van Bronckhorst to finally unleash 24-year-old Robby McCrorie between the sticks.

He was recently called up to the Scottish national squad and manager Steve Clarke claimed that he is “improving” as a player, despite being in a difficult situation as the third choice at Ibrox.

Journalist Josh Bunting tipped him to be Scotland’s future number one and described him as a “big talent” last year, which he showed signs of when he was called into action against Celtic with Steven Gerrard at the helm at the start of last season.

The 6 foot 4 colossus kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win in the Old Firm, saving all three of the shots against him and earning a SofaScore rating of 7.4. He also kept a shutout in a Europa League qualifier, which means that he has not conceded a single goal in any of his first-team appearances for the club.

Therefore, the £3.7k-per-week gem must finally be given an extended run in the team to show that he has what it takes to be a consistent number one for the club.

McGregor and McLaughlin are struggling between the sticks and it could be time for a natural changing of the guard in goal for the Light Blues, with the Scottish youngster taking over the gloves this season.