Vesper

Milos Kerkez is blasting off again Bournemouth's left-back is 'Hungary' for Andy Robertson's Flying Full-Back throne. https://scoutedftbl.com/milos-kerkez-assist-bournemouth-spurs-stats/?ref=monday-night-scouted-newsletter My next SkillCorner-powered Archetype investigation will be on Full-Backs. This weekend, Milos Kerkez personified one of the three main profiles I am going to cover, delivering a masterclass with three game-breaking actions in the space of 10 seconds. The Flyer Full-Back Archetype has emerged as the most traditional profile for this position, championing full-throttle, front-footed defending characterised by overlaps, mega sprints and by-line crosses. You will have to wait for the full piece to learn about the advanced metrics required to identify the next generation of this Archetype. In the meantime, this three-part Kerkez clinic demonstrated the key components so perfectly I decided to explore some event data synonymous with this profile. 40:51 - The Interception Tackles and Interceptions are often a good indicator of player style, and the defensive action I associate most with the Flyer Archetype is the latter. Perhaps this has been swayed by Antonee Robinson's dominance of the metric. On Sunday, Kerkez delivered a perfect demonstration of the front-footedness and explosive sprinting power necessary to execute these flying interceptions. Serendipitously, as I was drafting this week's newsletter, this particular interception received a trademark Llew Davies frame-by-frame breakdown of its biomechanical brilliance. What I want to highlight is that this interception is recorded as a Shot-Creating Action by FBref as it was one of the two actions directly leading to a shot. That means Kerkez was awarded two SCAs for his role in Marcus Tavernier's goal: one for the Interception and one for the Pass. As you might expect, Shot-Creating Actions via Defensive Actions are pretty rare due to the likelihood of more than two actions following it, especially if it takes place in a player's own half. But I have a feeling they will become a calling card for the Hungarian. Among players born in 2001 or later across Europe's Big Five Leagues this season, no defender has more SCAs via Defensive Actions than Kerkez. Most Shot-Creating Actions via Defensive Actions in Europe's Big Five Leagues by Players born in 2001 or later in 2024/25 | Screenshot via Stathead FBref As for Interceptions as a whole, Kerkez ranks in the top 20 for 2001+ players across Europe's Big Five Leagues this season. Most Interceptions by Players born in 2001 or later across Europe's Big Five Leagues in 2024/25 | Screenshot via Stathead FBref 40:52 - The Carry The second part of this Flying Full-Back Masterclass was the lung-busting sprint through the thirds. Within roughly five seconds, Kerkez powered from just inside his own defensive third to the edge of the attacking third. Every touch was big and purposeful, allowing him to devour the space the failed Spurs overlap had created. The Hungarian went viral for an off-ball lung-buster earlier in the season, the true personification of this Archetype - we will investigate this kind of run in the SkillCorner article soon. For now, as he carried the ball himself, we can use the Progressive Distance per Carry metric to view Kerkez ranks through the lens of a Ground Eater. Take a look at the scatter plot below (best done in-browser - ed). The TL;DR is that Kerkez ranks well above average for Progressive Distance per Carry (3.31 PrgDist/Carry, 88th percentile) and Progressive Carries excluding Carries into the Penalty Area (2.24 PrgC-CPA, 91st percentile). However, this graph contains every player labelled as a Defender by FBref, so not only does it have centre-backs skewing the data, it also includes some pseudo-wingers. If anyone has discovered a way to refine positions further, please let me know. That being said, Kerkez's proximity to the likes of Patrick Dorgu and Dilane Bakwa is extremely promising. Just wait until you see where he lands with the SkillCorner data. 40:58 - The Cross The final part of this Kerkez sequence was the most beautiful cross I have seen this season. I loved how early he took the cross, I loved how much whip and dip he generated and I loved the area he dropped it into. The cross made his teammates move, it was a proactive ball rather than reacting to a particular run. It was world class. Overlapping runs and cut-backs are at the core of the Flyer Archetype but crossing in general is their most common means of chance creation. In order to distil this into a discovery metric, we have a few options. First of all, it will be interesting to the players in our dataset based on the preferred method of getting the ball into the penalty area. To do this, I have combined Passes into the Penalty Area (PPA) and Crosses into the Penalty Area (CrsPA) to create Deliveries into the Penalty Area (PPA+CrsPA) - these are all successful passes and exclude set-pieces. The other metric we will look at his Carries into the Penalty Area. Once again, Kerkez ranks above average for Deliveries into the Penalty Area (1.66 PPA+CrsPA/90, 76h percentile) and Carries into the Penalty Area (0.44, 77th percentile) - the Hungarian seems to be a well-rounded Flyer. ℹ️ To provide some context on the metrics using mainstream players, Trent Alexander-Arnold ranks in the 99th percentile for Deliveries into the Penalty Area (3.4 per 90) while Leonardo Spinazzola is back doing what he does best, ranking in the 99th percentile for Carries into the Penalty Area (1.71 per 90). The Andy Robertson Regen I was by no means the first and I certainly will not be the last person to draw comparisons between Milos Kerkez and Andrew Robertson, especially as the links to Liverpool ramp up as we head towards the summer transfer window. So, to finish this week's newsletter, I want to compare both players using the metrics we have explored. For Andy Robertson, I looked at his Premier League stats from 2018/19 to the end of the 2021/22 season, capturing Liverpool's three 90+ point Premier League campaigns under Jürgen Klopp and therefore Robertson's three double-digit assist hauls; this is peak Robertson. For Milos Kerkez, we have data from his 55-game Premier League career to date. Let's see how close Kerkez has got to that in a Bournemouth shirt. To me, the most pleasing part of this comparison is the Progressive Distance per Carry for each player. Although Robertson embarks on more Progressive Carries, the fact there is a similarity in the Distance per Carry suggests that Kerkez the style of their Carrying is similar, so perhaps the quantity would increase should Kerkez be inserted into a similar tactical set-up. We can also see the makings of how Robertson became the Poster Boy of the Flyer Archetype during those four years. As I have teased throughout, this Archetype will become more robust when I share the SkillCorner data behind it, but I feel like we have also taken steps to discover some of the key free-to-access data that anyone can use to discover emerging talent in this mould. For now, trust me when I say that, in Kerkez, Liverpool would not only find their heir to Robertson, but the full-back most likely to inherit his status as the Premier League's Premium Flyer Full-Back.

just a warning even Romano is now pushing Fichajes based stories, wtf Fichajes are the absolute worst shit-peddlers out there they are now claiming we may pay 50m euros for fullback Denzel Dumfries, who turns 30yo next season, lololololol

Enzo Maresca on Palmer missing the penalty: “Cole didn't feel well during the night. People need to understand the effort he made to be there. He is a top player. Everything is normal now”. Enzo Maresca: “Palmer didn’t train yesterday, then he woke up today and asked if he could be on the pitch to help this club play Champions League. It shows how this player wants to take this club back to where it belongs”.

Teen CMFs Teen DMFs

Juventus compete with Chelsea in David Hancko chase https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/03/10/juventus-compete-with-Chelsea-in-david-hancko-chase/ Juventus and Chelsea are reportedly vying against each other for Feyenoord defender David Hancko. Juventus’s plans to bolster their defense this summer have hit a potential roadblock, with Chelsea entering the race to sign Feyenoord’s highly-rated defender David Hancko. The Slovakian centre-back has been on the Bianconeri’s radar for some time, but the involvement of a Premier League powerhouse could complicate their pursuit. Reports from Juve Live indicate that new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is a strong admirer of Hancko and sees him as an ideal addition to his defensive setup. With Chelsea’s financial strength, the race for Hancko’s signature is expected to heat up, potentially driving the price up to around €50 million — an amount that could prove too steep for Juventus unless significant sales are made. What David Hancko brings to Juventus and Chelsea Juventus view Hancko as a player who perfectly aligns with Thiago Motta’s tactical vision. His ability to play out from the back and his natural left-footedness would add much-needed balance to the Bianconeri defense. The Slovak’s versatility is another major asset, he is comfortable both as a traditional center-back in a four-man defense and as a left-sided defender in a back three, making him an attractive option for Juventus. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest stems from their ongoing defensive restructuring. With injuries plaguing their backline in recent seasons, Hancko could provide stability and adaptability. His aerial strength, solid one-on-one defending, and composure on the ball make him a suitable addition for a Maresca-led Chelsea looking to build from the back. Will Juventus be priced out? While Juventus remain keen on securing Hancko, Chelsea’s financial advantage could be a decisive factor. The Turin giants may struggle to compete with the Blues in a bidding war unless they generate funds through player sales. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Juventus can push forward with their pursuit or if they will be forced to explore alternative defensive targets. Hancko, on the other hand, must decide whether he prefers the challenge of Serie A under Thiago Motta or the allure of the Premier League with Chelsea. Both Juventus and Chelsea have compelling reasons to sign David Hancko, but the move makes more sense for Juventus. With an ageing defense and a tactical setup that requires defenders who can build from the back, Hancko would seamlessly fit into Motta’s system. However, Chelsea’s financial muscle gives them an advantage, and with Maresca looking to mold a new-look squad, Stamford Bridge could be an enticing destination. If Juventus can structure the deal smartly, they should push to secure Hancko’s services. However, if Chelsea decide to flex their financial power, the Bianconeri may have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

“That guy is amazing” – ESPN pundit Frank Lebouef has to eat his words over player he called “not good enough” https://Chelsea.news/2025/03/espn-pundit-eat-words-cucurella/ Frank Lebouef has been on his ESPN show this week with a big apology to Chelsea’s match winner from yesterday, Marc Cucurella: “I want to mention somebody because I was very harsh, very hard on him about two years ago. Cucurella. I call him Cucu the saviour! That’s what I call him. He’s become my idol! That guy is amazing: defensively, offensively. Cucu the saviour, I love you,” the former Blues defender said on ESPN. To remind you, these were his thoughts a year ago: “We don’t want to see Cucurella anymore. With all due respect to a man that I don’t know, the player is not good enough for Chelsea. It’s as simple as that. It’s crazy that they signed him for £60m, but we can see that he doesn’t belong to this level.” Lebouef isn’t the only person whose mind Cucurella has changed, especially in the last 12 months where a new role for Chelsea has suddenly unlocked the best parts of his game while shielding the worst. We would argue that there are still plenty of people who believe that, or at least a version of that. But in reality it’s not that Cucurella was ever a terrible player, he just has a very unusual profile which is outstanding in some things and not in others. He’s very good at the things he’s good at, but not so strong in others. The turnaround for Leboeuf had already begun last summer. We reported on his comments during the Euros where he admitted he had been impressed, and just questioned whether the full back could carry that form into the season with Chelsea. We reckon that he’s had his questions answered now!

https://www.vipleague.pm/epl/west-ham-united-vs-newcastle-united-1-live-streaming https://www.vipleague.pm/epl/west-ham-united-vs-newcastle-united-2-live-streaming https://www.vipleague.pm/epl/west-ham-united-vs-newcastle-united-3-live-streaming https://redditsoccerstreams.org/event/west-ham-united-newcastle-united/1507934 https://soccer-100.com/event/eng-1/newcastle-vs-west-ham-live-soccer-stats/704552

Chelsea Could Chelsea be at serious risk of losing Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer? He’s one of THREE top targets for the Spanish giants as they look to replace Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. David Hancko to Chelsea looks like one to watch, with some sources suggesting the Blues are now ahead of Liverpool and other Premier League clubs in the race for the Feyenoord defender’s signature.

Lautaro Martínez Alexander Isak Viktor Gyökeres Victor Osimhen Benjamin Sesko Jonathan David Liam Delap

Exclusive: Jonathan David makes huge transfer decision amid Man United and Chelsea interest https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/03/07/jonathan-david-man-united-transfers-newcastle-united-tottenham/ Lille’s Jonathan David is at the centre of a heated transfer battle as top European clubs vie for his signature this summer – but it’s the Premier League he wants, CaughtOffside understands. The 25-year-old Canadian international, whose contract with Lille is set to expire in June, has been in great form this season, netting 21 goals and providing ten assists. And as such, Premier League sides such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Newcastle United – who are bracing for approaches for Alexander Isak – have all expressed interest in acquiring David, we have been informed. Arsene Wenger gave me an Arsenal shirt after a deal was AGREED – which all-time great’s move to Arsenal fell through at the last minute? Despite previous approaches from clubs like Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United, David has set his sights on a move to a top-tier Premier League club, with the attacker rejecting them previously. Even still, as reported elsewhere, the Hammers are back in the race for David as they look to strengthen their attack. Cash-strapped Barcelona have also entered the fray, expressing interest in David as a potential successor to veteran forward Robert Lewandowski. Jonathan David transfer: Forward seeks move to the Premier League above all else Jonathan David is very much in form (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) CaughtOffside has been told that David’s decision won’t be rushed and he will make his ultimate choice at the end of the season, with his preference leaning towards a top Premier League move. In the meantime, David remains focused on his commitments with Lille, aiming to finish the season on a high note. Earlier this campaign, he said to French outlet Onze Mondial, he said: “Yes, I will be free at the end of the season. And as for my future, I hope to grow, to become a better player, and to play for the biggest clubs in the world, if I can. “But first of all, I just want to have fun, never forget that football is fun. I started playing football because I had fun. And even though it has now become my job, you have to remember that I wake up every morning for football, for the pleasure of playing.”

1 1 FT

1 1 Rice

insane save by Raya

1 nil Manure Bruno free kick

should be nil 1 Arse

what is crazy is that Pool have only lost ONE EPL game all year, and that was 6 months ago BUT they can win their last 9 EPL games and still end up 3 points short of 100

https://www.vipleague.pm/epl/manchester-united-vs-arsenal-1-live-streaming https://www.vipleague.pm/epl/manchester-united-vs-arsenal-2-live-streaming https://www.vipleague.pm/epl/manchester-united-vs-arsenal-3-live-streaming https://redditsoccerstreams.org/event/manchester-united-arsenal/1507823 https://new.soccerstreams100.io/event/eng-1/arsenal-vs-man-united-live-soccer-stats/704555

Agent Kepa

brutal run of fixtures for Leicester

CuCu easy MOTM