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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking on beIN Sports (as quoted by The Manchester Evening News), former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has suggested his old club is now “miles ahead” of Manchester United.

What did he say?

The Red Devils’ last Premier League title triumph remains the campaign in which Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, with City going on to dominate domestic football ever since. Pep Guardiola’s men have on won back-to-back occasions in the last two seasons, and are looking for the hat-trick this year.

And, according to De Jong, whilst United’s historic profile means they are still a huge club, City have simply over-taken their rivals in most aspects since the departure of Ferguson.

He said: “I think Man City are miles away now. I’m not talking about how big the club is and how it compares to United in the world but if you talk about structure wise, player wise, philosophy wise, I think they are miles ahead.

“I think it all comes down to the fact that since Fergie left, there has been a big gap and people realise how important he was for this club. I think City just took the opportunity and took not just one step but two steps, three steps ahead of them. And it’s still going. As long as United can’t replace things and get any better, City will just go on and move away from them. It’s the same thing with Liverpool.”

Bitter truth

De Jong was known for his crunching, no-nonsense tackles in his playing days (who could forget that karate kick against Xabi Alonso in 2010), and unfortunately for United fans, his similarly brutal verdict on the club’s plight is also hard-hitting. The Red Devils have fallen into a mire since Ferguson’s exit, and the chopping and changing of both managers and players has certainly not helped at all.

Meanwhile at the Etihad, the likes of Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola have simply made the team better year-on-year, whilst there appears to be a long-term philosophy in place. The permanent appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford earlier this calendar year perhaps finally represents a sign that the club’s hierarchy have a vision for the future. Whilst City may be “miles ahead” now as De Jong suggests, United will be intent on reducing the distance as soon as possible.

A 48-year-old coach is interested in taking over from Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, according to a new report.

Ten Hag’s position as United boss is under considerable threat, so much so that a meeting was set to be held in London on Tuesday between the club’s hierarchy, with the future of the Dutchman one topic being discussed.

Man Utd could forget Fernandes by signing £120m future Ballon d'Or winner

Bruno Fernandes has been out of form this season and could be replaced by a mega-money signing.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 8, 2024 Man Utd eye Ten Hag replacements

Failure to beat Tottenham Hotspur, Porto, and Aston Villa in the last week has put enormous pressure on Ten Hag, so much so that the club are potentially eyeing replacements. Over the weekend, it emerged that the club could be prepared to wait until the summer to try and entice Xabi Alonso to become the next Man Utd manager.

Meanwhile, it was reported on Monday that Man United are lining up a move for Thomas Tuchel as another potential replacement for Ten Hag. Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, and he was heavily linked with the role during the summer, holding talks with the club’s hierarchy.

Brentford’s Thomas Frank also emerged as an option for United, as the Dane is reportedly on a three-man shortlist to replace Ten Hag should that decision come. Frank has been impressing with the Bees after establishing the London side as a midtable Premier League team. But there is also another option United might consider, as a 48-year-old coach is now interested in replacing Ten Hag.

Van Nistelrooy interested in taking over from Ten Hag at Man Utd

According to Football Insider, Manchester United’s assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy would be interested in replacing Ten Hag as the club’s new manager. The former United striker returned to Old Trafford in a coaching role during the summer, and he now appears to be in the race to replace Ten Hag should the club’s hierarchy believe a change is needed.

Van Nistelrooy’s links to Man United and the fact that he knows the current squad due to his coaching role mean he is in the mix to become the new United manager. The 48-year-old is considered a “safe pair of hands” by the club’s chiefs if they decide to go down an interim route before appointing a permanent manager.

The report states that Van Nistelrooy wanting the job would be a deciding factor if the club decides to give him the role. It goes on to add that, should an offer arrive at Van Nistelrooy’s feet, then he would be interested in taking it.

Games

50

Won

34

Drawn

8

Lost

8

Points

110

Points per game

2.20

The Dutchman has experience already in management as he took charge of PSV from Roger Schmidt, and in the 50 games that he oversaw, he had a win percentage of 64.7, which helped him claim cup success in his homeland. The Red Devils may want to keep Van Nistelrooy on at the club whether he becomes their manager or not, as his links to the club and the fanbase make him a very popular character in that United coaching team.

Considering Chelsea have shown this season they are looking to dominate possession (averaging 56.6% per game), the Blues showed they have different ways of winning games in their 3-0 demolition of West Ham United last weekend.

Despite only holding 47% of the ball, Chelsea created five big chances, generating 2.19 xG, and, of course, scoring three goals against the Hammers.

Enzo Maresca’s side made it three away wins on the bounce in the Premier League, with their only loss this season coming against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The Italian could make ten changes from the side that beat Barrow 5-0 in the EFL Cup midweek, as Chelsea host Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League later today…

1 GK – Robert Sanchez

Robert Sanchez has made the number one shirt his so far this season, keeping two clean sheets in a row, making seven saves against West Ham, as well as three high claims.

Sanchez will start between the sticks for the Blues, in an attempt to secure his third successive clean sheet.

2 RB – Malo Gusto

Returning from injury, Malo Gusto comes back into the side to face Brighton, after playing the first 45 minutes against Barrow in midweek. The £45k-per-week right-back chalked up nine assists last season and continues to be excellent cover for the injured Reece James.

3 CB – Wesley Fofana

Maresca has even said how much he “loves” Wesley Fofana this week, and he is expected to return to his more nominal right-sided centre-back role against Brighton. He and Levi Colwill are forming a strong central defensive bond this season, and will look to continue that this afternoon.

4 CB – Levi Colwill

As previously mentioned, Colwill is forming a great bond in central defence with Fofana, and will continue in his left centre-back role. The 21-year-old is currently averaging 4.20 passes into the final third per 90, and has a 92% passing accuracy, showing his importance to the team both on and off the ball.

5 LB – Marc Cucurella

The tenacious Marc Cucurella starts at left-back yet again against his former club, keeping stability in that back four. This would be the fourth Premier League game already this season that Chelsea line up with this back four (five including Sanchez), starting to build familiarity at the back.

6 DM – Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo starts as the defensive midfielder, and it goes without saying. The Ecuadorian would have been man of the match against West Ham if not for Jackson’s three goals and assists. Caicedo won 10/12 ground duels, making eight tackles in the game, and also grabbed an assist, an all-round performance from the midfielder, and he will be starting against Brighton in the six.

7 CM – Enzo Fernández

Captaining the side in the absence of James, Enzo Fernández starts in the midfield alongside Caicedo. Always offering to get on the ball, help progress play through the lines with that expansive passing range, and still getting stuck into his duels, Fernandez will need to show this against Brighton to win the midfield battle.

8 CM – Cole Palmer

Playing as the number eight/ten hybrid in midfield, Cole Palmer has taken much of the playmaking responsibilities for Maresca’s side this season, already providing four assists in his five Premier League games. He is expected to start in this same role against Brighton.

9 RW – Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke retains his spot on the right, still doing exactly what Maresca wants from his widemen. Getting into those 1v1 isolations, threatening with runs in behind, holding the width, and doing his job out of possession too, winning those duels.

10 LW – Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho picked up another assist against West Ham on the weekend, making it two in two appearances for the Blues. As such, the Englishman starts on the left, looking to make it three goal contributions in three games, and continue to add that creative spark from out wide.

Liverpool open their Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a trip to AC Milan, with Europe’s greatest club competition changing its format this season.

The Reds have made a strong start to life under Arne Slot, impressing in the Premier League but faltering against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and attention now turns to the Champions League. Last season, they had to settle for a place in the Europa League, being knocked out by eventual winners Atalanta, but their third-place finish in the league ensured that they are back where they belong.

Up first for Liverpool is a trip to Milan on Tuesday evening, in a repeat of the 2005 and 2007 finals, with the Merseysiders memorably overcoming a 3-0 deficit to eventually win on penalties in the former. Slot’s side may well be favourites to prevail, even though they are away from home, but a defeat in Italy would immediately give them work to do in their quest to reach the knockout stages.

AC Milan v Liverpool kick-off time & UK TV info

Liverpool’s clash with AC Milan at the San Siro takes place on Tuesday 17th September and kicks off at 8pm BST.

Amazon Prime Video will be showing the match live from that time – they are sharing the rights with TNT Sports this season – following Aston Villa’s trip to Young Boys (5.45pm).

AC Milan v Liverpool team news

Fortunately, Liverpool haven’t had too many injury problems to contend with so far this season, having been plagued by fitness issues throughout last term. Harvey Elliott is a definite absentee on Tuesday night, however, with the 21-year-old fracturing his foot while on international duty with England’s Under-21s.

He is expected to be unavailable for the next six to eight weeks, meaning Slot will have to make do without an important squad player during an intense period of fixtures. Youngster Jayden Danns is also still out with a back problem.

As for Milan, Alessandro Florenzi is a long-term absentee, while Ismael Bennacer is also out of the visit of Liverpool.

How the new Champions League format works

It’s all change in the Champions League this season, with UEFA ripping things up and changing the group stages. There are now 36 teams in the competition, compared to the 32 that we have got used to over the years, and every side will play eight group stage matches.

There is essentially one huge league table, with the top eight sides going straight into the last 16. On the flip side, the bottom 12 teams will be eliminated immediately. Those that finish between ninth and 16th will go into a playoff as a seeded team, while those in 17th to 24th place will be unseeded.

The knockout stage will be the same as before, in terms of two-legged ties all the way down to the final, before a one-off clash in the showcase event at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena next May. Got it?

Who will Liverpool play?

There is an interesting, and tough-looking, mix of teams that Liverpool are up against, starting with Milan and followed by a home clash with Bologna on October 2nd.

A trip to RB Leipzig (October 23rd) and home meeting with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen (November 5th) are up next, followed by a mouthwatering showdown with Real Madrid at Anfield (November 27th) and trip to Girona (December 10th).

Lille at home (January 21st) and PSV Eindhoven away (January 29th) round things off in the New Year, at which point Liverpool will hope to have progressed.

Everton's Dele Alli has an "uphill task trying to get into a Sean Dyche team" this season, as the former England international has yet to do anything in Merseyside that "suggests he deserves much of a chance in the team", claims journalist Paul Brown.

Everton transfer news – what's the latest on Dele Alli?

To say Dele's time at Everton has been a disaster would be an understatement.

Everton's-Dele-Alli

The idea behind the transfer, if a little bit hopeful, was at least solid. Had it worked out, the former Spurs man would have had a platform to rediscover his form and the Toffees, for their part, would have a player that, at times in his career, has shown near enough world-class talent.

Ultimately though, it hasn't worked, and now Dyche and Co appear stuck with a player that looks like he doesn't want to be there and is still on a hefty £100,000-a-week for another year.

The former Burnley boss did speak positively about Dele in April this year, however, saying:

"I just got a sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well."

While that may be true, the club have a serious decision about whether they will persist with the 27-year-old as a clause in his contract stipulates that Everton must pay Tottenham Hotspur an additional £10m should he reach 20 appearances. He is currently on 13.

What has Paul Brown said about Dele Alli's potential return to Everton?

Brown was blunt in his assessment of Alli's chances of saving his career whilst at Everton, explaining that he has shown the Toffees no reason to expect a resurgence in form from the former Spurs man.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "Nothing that he's done in an Everton shirt since he's been there suggests that he deserves much of a chance in the team. If he comes back and he's suddenly on fire in training. Great, you know, I'm sure Dyche will look at that and make a decision.

"But I just think that the cold hard financials of it are that it just isn't really isn't in Everton's interest to be playing Dele Alli. He hasn't really given them any calls at the moment to get him in there. So I think he's got an uphill task trying to get into a Sean Dyche team."

How good was Dele Alli at his best?

It has been a dramatic fall from grace for the former MK Dons man, with last year's loan spell to Besiktas being perhaps the lowest point in his career thus far.

It starkly contrasts his first few Premier League seasons for Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham. The 2015/16 season saw him truly burst onto the scene, starting 28 games for the North London side, scoring ten goals and providing another nine assists. It was around this time the Argentinian hailed him as "quality" and a player with "fantastic potential."

It was the year after, however, when he somehow found another level and threatened to become the best player in the league at certain points. It was this campaign when he scored a ridiculous 18 league goals and produced another seven assists.

It begs the question, could Dele get even close to these numbers again in the right environment? It could be a possibility, but with the performances he's put in over the last few years, Everton might well be better off just cutting ties at this point.

Online rumours suggesting that Arsenal or West Ham United have walked away from the protracted Declan Rice deal are "not correct", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Declan Rice?

The Gunners have been perhaps the biggest shock of the transfer window so far this year, with the Premier League runners-up coming out swinging in the market and displaying a willingness to spend not often associated with the north Londoners.

A £65m deal to secure the services of German international Kai Havertz was completed last month, with a £40m deal for Ajax's Jurrien Timber incredibly close to being finalised as well.

However, the big one, and the first proper transfer saga of the summer so far, has been the deal to sign West Ham's captain Rice for a reported fee of £105m, a new transfer record for a British player.

While the deal is said to be almost complete, the lack of movement over the last few days may have left Arsenal fans a little nervous, especially given the club's recent record with securing the signature of their first-choice targets.

However, fans of the north London club shouldn't be too worried as online rumours suggesting that talks have broken down and the clubs have walked away are false, per Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

“What I can say guys is this is really close. Trust me, really, really close for Declan Rice to Arsenal."

"Arsenal and West Ham are speaking about the payment terms, so the rumours circulating today on social media about Arsenal or West Ham walking away from the deal at the moment I am told this is not correct while I am speaking.

"But the negotiation is very advanced it's really at the final bits they are discussing the final points of this story, the medical has not been booked yet, but it will happen in the days if everything goes to plan."

How do players cope with such significant price tags?

With the immense amount of money in the modern game and transfer records broken seemingly on a yearly basis, it can be easy to forget that these players being bought and sold for astronomical sums are still human and are sometimes deeply affected by their own perceived value.

It can be an awful lot of pressure to be worth tens of millions and even more so if you're responsible for breaking a club's longstanding transfer record, so much so that players in the past have described the negative impact such expectation had on their careers, with Arsenal new-boy Havertz telling the Guardian how it impacted him at Chelsea:

"For me, the price was a big thing. I was Chelsea's most expensive player. That brings pressure because people think you are Messi.

"I was still 20, 21. People don't see that; they see the price, so you have to be great from day one. You can feel it, the tension. You read it, hear it."

That said, where some players seem unable to cope with the added expectations and pressure that come with the tag of 'most expensive x', others relish that added pressure.

Jack Grealish became the most expensive British footballer of all time when he made his move to Manchester City in 2021 after the club paid his £100m release clause to get him out of Aston Villa, but that didn't seem to bother the then 25-year-old as he told the Guardian:

"I take it as a compliment. I actually like it [being Britain's most expensive signing], I think it is a good tag to have.

"I think when you see a club paying that much for a player it means they trust and value you highly and see so much potential there to work with. I see it as a good thing."

With Rice set to cost £5m more than his England teammate, it remains to be seen which camp he finds himself in, loving or hating the new record he'll hold.

Everton's troublesome financial situation is a well-documented one, and so their moves this summer must be frugal. Fortunately, they could have identified one target who fits within their transfer plan…

What's the latest on Ayman Kari to Everton?

According to one journalist in France, the Toffees are one of two English clubs reportedly vying for the signature of Ayman Kari.

The young midfield general has slowly begun his breakthrough into senior football of late, and Sean Dyche could seek to bring him in early and mould him in his image.

The report read: "Leicester and Everton are interested in Ayman Kari and have contacted Paris. PSG already have an agreement with Lorient. Loan + call option of around 5M € (£4m) + buyout clause for Parisians. Lorient has a head start but Ayman Kari has not made up his mind".

Who is Ayman Kari?

With Paris Saint-Germain unlikely to be patient enough to allow this 18-year-old to blossom, the Merseyside club could profit by bringing in yet another midfield general from Ligue 1.

If their last success is anything to go by, it is certainly a move worth making, given how instrumental Amadou Onana has immediately become since his £33m transfer from the French top-flight last August.

The 21-year-old maintained a 6.92 average rating in the league last term, as the fifth-best performer of those within the squad who played more than five games.

His was a figure upheld largely through his impressive defensive statistics, as he maintained 1.1 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 1.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore. Only Idrissa Gana Gueye and Nathan Patterson averaged more tackles per game than the hulking Belgian, for context.

Whilst Kari is unlikely to come in and have as immediate an impact as this, with the space Tom Davies has just freed up, he could be the new promising young maestro who patiently awaits his opportunity, whilst using sessions alongside Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure to mimic their starring assets.

When viewing his key attributes, as outlined by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, it is clear this teenage sensation already boasts the physical prowess to adapt to the English game. After all, his pace, athleticism, work rate and tackling are all rated as 'very strong'.

Despite only mustering five senior appearances, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano still noted him as a "talent" whilst announcing his loan spell to FC Lorient in January. It is there where, despite only averaging 21 minutes per game in Ligue 1, he has maintained 0.6 interceptions per game alongside a 92% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

Whilst only a small sample size, it seems there are a number of key attributes he possesses that suggest a bright future is in store for Kari. Perhaps he could realise this potential at Goodison Park, walking the same path as Onana with hopefully similar success.

Arsenal are eyeing a move for Youssouf Fofana as an emergency alternative option to Declan Rice, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Are Arsenal signing Declan Rice?

Arsenal are now close to sealing a £105m deal for Rice, with Manchester City dropping out of the race for the West Ham captain, however while talks are progressing, negotiations with West Ham United are still ongoing.

Fabrizio Romano reports the Gunners have offered to pay a £100m fixed fee over the course of four years, however West Ham want that amount to be paid within 18 months.

Although there is still some intricacies to sort out, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs reports an agreement between the two parties is expected within 24 – 48 hours, with the 24-year-old eager to remain in London.

According to report Jacob Steinberg, a deal for the England international is "close now", however the Gunners do have some alternative options if West Ham become unreasonable in their demands, with The Daily Mail reporting they are interested in Fofana.

While the report outlines that the Frenchman is currently viewed as an emergency back-up option for Rice, it also details that both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey could be on their way out of the club this summer, and Mikel Arteta is planning an overhaul of the midfield, so perhaps both signings are on the table.

Arteta may want to bring in multiple new central midfielders this summer with two likely departing, and the AS Monaco star could be available for a comparatively small fee, with previous reports indicating he could cost €35m (£30m).

Who is Youssouf Fofana?

Fofana has really started to make a name for himself over the past year, making his debut for France in September 2022 after impressing at club level, and he has since gone on to be capped ten times for his national side.

Lauded as "magnificent" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the midfielder is very strong defensively, ranking in the 85th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

An average of 2.56 progressive carries over the same time period ranks the France international in the 86th percentile, and his aptitude for winning back possession, as well as driving forward once he has it, indicates he is a similar player to Rice, who also flourishes in those areas.

With a deal for Rice now very close to completion, Arsenal may choose to hold off on their pursuit of Fofana for the time being, but he could be a fantastic option later in the window.

Burnley are interested in the services of promising centre-half Soumaila Coulibaly, per reports.

Burenly transfer news – Soumaila Coulibaly

According to Football Insider, the Clarets have submitted a loan offer for Borussia Dortmund's exciting central defensive prospect Soumaila Coulibaly as a potential replacement for the departing Taylor Harwood-Bellis at Turf Moor.

The publication reports that Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is a 'big admirer' of the 19-year-old, and the Lancashire club are 'in talks' with BVB over what would be best for the youngster's development.

The former Paris Saint-Germain gem is held in high regard at the Westfalenstadion following a successful spell with the club's reserve team.

However, a disastrous debut for the senior side in the Bundesliga has hurt his image somewhat, and so with three years left on his deal with the famous Black and Yellow, a loan could be a great option for all sides.

Would Soumaila Coulibaly be a good replacement for Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

The departure of Harwood-Bellis back to his parent club Manchester City is a real problem for Kompany's team.

He made 32 appearances in the Championship last season and, according to WhoScored, averaged an impressive rating of 7.07.

The Belgian is clearly one of his biggest fans, telling Lancashire Live:

"He really has an outstanding attitude, and he's got good habits of high-level professionals. His level is for everyone to see. I had him when he was at Anderlecht, and he's a better player now.

"The player he is now today, give him another year or two, he's going to be a much-improved player again because he has the right attitude. We're excited to be a part of his development."

That said, Coulibaly looks to have the attributes required to replace the returning City loanee well.

For a start, both players share a physical profile, with the Englishman coming in at 6 foot 2 and his potential replacement at 6 foot 3; their weights are also only 1kg apart at 82kg and 81kg, respectively, per Eurosport.

It's this 'imposing' build that has led to comparisons with the immensely talented Dayot Upamecano, and if that is the calibre of player he is already being likened to at just 19 years old, he could have a massive future ahead of him.

It's not just his physique that has led to that comparison however, he has also shown himself to be a good ball-playing centre-half, despite his limited minutes.

According to FBref, the Dortmund man produced 12.9 progressive passes per 90 last year, more than any Burnley player in the Championship.

The Championship winners also look to have already secured the perfect partner for Coulibaly with the permanent signing of Jordan Beyer, another promising youngster from the German topflight who spent the season on loan with the club last year.

With Beyer favouring his right foot and Coulibaly favouring his left, the club could have an incredibly balanced and exciting defence going into their Premier League campaign.

The only problem could come from the German runners-up not wanting to let him go on a permanent should he have a good season, as they described him as 'one of the most promising players.'

His manager at the Signal Iduna Park, Edin Terzic, also looks to be a fan, claiming: "He's been getting better and better and finding consistency."

There is a small element of risk in bringing in Coulibaly as a replacement for the consistent Harwood-Bellis, but based on what people have said about the player and his profile, there seems to be so much more upside to this deal.

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to confirm Brendan Rodgers as the club's replacement for the recently-departed Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops lost their Australian manager earlier this month as he opted to move down south to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is now in advanced talks to land his heir.

Rodgers is poised for a second spell at Parkhead after almost three years in charge of the Scottish giants before his switch to Leicester in 2019. He won seven trophies in that time and enjoyed great success that the Northern Irish tactician will now be hoping to replicate this time around.

The 50-year-old tinkerer will have the summer transfer window to bolster his side and one player he must swoop for is FC Utrecht star Anastasios Douvikas.

Who is Anastasios Douvikas?

The 23-year-old striker is a reported transfer target for the Hoops and the talented Greek marksman could come in and be the manager's next Moussa Dembele.

During Rodgers' first spell at Celtic, the French centre-forward was a prolific scorer who was able to provide a reliable source of goals over the course of two seasons.

He racked up 51 goals and 25 assists in 94 appearances in all competitions for the former Liverpool coach and these statistics show that the experienced boss was able to rely upon the ex-Fulham dynamo at the top end of the pitch.

Douvikas, who is reportedly available for a fee of £6.9m, could be Dembele 2.0 for Rodgers as his form for Utrecht in the Eredivisie suggests that the young ace has the potential to be a lethal scorer for Celtic next season.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the Greek international, who journalist Josh Bunting once hailed as "sharp", plundered 19 goals in 32 appearances.

He started 24 of those matches and his exceptional return in front of goal in the Netherlands indicates that he has the quality to replicate the former Hoops star's impressive strike rate of more than one goal every other game.

The 6 foot 1 frontman also showcased his creative ability as a centre-forward.

In the Eredivisie, Douvikas registered four assists and created seven 'big chances' for his teammates, which shows that the prolific scorer has the awareness and passing ability to open up defences for his fellow attackers to go along with his own goalscoring threat.

Therefore, Rodgers must push for the club to go through with a deal to sign the Greek ace as his statistics indicate that the Utrecht centre-forward could be the manager's new star striker.