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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…

At least Phil Hay hasn’t lost faith.

Or perhaps he’s being deluded. It’s one of the two, but it’s hard to decide which.

What’s he said?

Speaking during a Q&A for The Athletic on Thursday, Hay was asked whether or not Leeds were actually performing as badly as some people perceive:

In response, he offered the following thoughts:

“I think it’s down to the fear that Leeds are going to get sucked into a very tight race again and ultimately be at the mercy of the tension which killed them last April/May. I hoped to see Bielsa elevate the team, to a level where they were truly dominating the league. It hasn’t happened yet.”

How much longer though?

The keyword in that last sentence is ‘yet’.

So whilst some might be led to believe that this is the best that Leeds have to offer this season in terms of their style of play, it looks as if Hay has faith in Bielsa and the team to kick things up another notch.

But whilst he talks about Leeds possibly going through the same sort of problems that cost them in the latter stages of last season, wouldn’t it be best if they started to build up a little bit of a cushion right now to give them some breathing space?

The latest table from Experimental361 shows that Leeds should be working with an eight-point lead in the league right now ahead of their closest rivals, a damning indictment of how they’ve actually fared.

Those points might prove hard to get back over the course of the season, particularly if Leeds are as wasteful as they have been so far this season. From a total of 16.9 shots per game, they’ve scored just 17 times over the course of the current term.

They may be a dominant side, but they’re not actually cashing in on that. Perhaps the demons of last season are playing a part and based on recent displays, it might take some time for that trail of thought to vanish.

The longer Leeds keep things the way they are, the more likely that they’re going to have to go through the stress that Hay talks about. No time like the present to get things into gear.

Ernesto Valverde is still trying to find his perfect formula.

But with the squad he has at his disposal, it really shouldn’t be that difficult. Barcelona truly are full of talented and world-class players but their coach is still experimenting with his preferred lineup.

Some worked well and some backfired but looking at their pool of talent, there should be no question about who should be starting from the get-go and who should be left on the bench.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

It all revolves around merit and if you’re playing for a team as big as Barcelona, just having a good reputation should not be enough to warrant you an untouchable role.

With all of that in mind, here’s what we think Barcelona’s gala XI should look like in the future fixtures:

Marc-Andre ter Stegen should not be vacating his spot any time soon. He’s their undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

The centre-back pairing should get the same treatment, too. Clement Lenglet on the left and Gerard Pique on the right pick themselves and Valverde should stick with this tandem going forward. Nelson Semedo should definitely be their number one right-back, ahead of Sergi Roberto, and once he returns from his injury, Jordi Alba should slot into that left-back position ahead of Junior Firpo.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

In the middle of the park, there’s absolutely no debate – Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Arthur Melo are the heart of this team and their engine. Picking these three together with no exceptions should be a no-brainer for the coach.

Finally, the forward line, which is where the fun begins.

Even though Luis Suarez has been a faithful servant to the Blaugrana ever since he arrived from Liverpool, it is time he makes way for the younger and more skilled crop of players.

Antoine Griezmann should, therefore, be Barcelona’s centre-forward, flanked by Lionel Messi on the right and Ousmane Dembele on the left.

Of course, the 16-year-old Ansu Fati should not be disregarded but they should still take their time with the prodigy and slowly integrate him into the lineup.

For that reason, if he can stay fit, Dembele should be the other winger for the squad, starting against Inter Milan on Wednesday.

Dean Henderson is in the England camp for the first time ever.

The Blades goalkeeper has a real chance to impress the Three Lions hierarchy in training this week, and a video uploaded to England’s YouTube page shows him doing just that.

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Henderson has to work hard in order to earn his first cap, and this clip shows him outperforming his peers in a three-ball challenge.

The clip shows Henderson, Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope all taking part in a training drill, and it’s hard to say that the 22-year-old wasn’t the most impressive of the bunch.

While Pope and Pickford had to parry a couple of the incoming balls behind for corners, Henderson managed to keep them under control.

Of course, there is more to being a keeper than just shot-stopping, and this clip isn’t a full representation of all three stoppers’ abilities, but it’s good to see the Manchester United loanee performing so well with the Three Lions, clearly not fazed by his first call-up.

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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…

John Aldridge believes Sadio Mane is priceless to Liverpool and is in awe of the improvement he has made since arriving at Anfield.

What did he say?

The former striker knows what it takes to score goals on a regular basis for the Reds – he hit 63 goals in 104 appearances for the club – and thinks that Mane’s ability to do so makes him an incredibly valuable asset for Jurgen Klopp alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool have won five from five in the Premier League and the form of the Senegal international has played a role in that, with the forward continuing his fine start to the season by notching twice against Newcastle on Saturday.

The 27-year-old now has six goals in six games this term and Aldridge has suggested that he is invaluable to the club.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, he said: “He is there with Salah now as a scoring threat and if either of the pair were put up for sale by Liverpool [which is not happening by the way] the fee they would command would be well beyond the £100m mark.

“Keeping those three fit is vital to Liverpool and Klopp’s hopes of success this season, with the opening few weeks of this season confirming the European champions mean business in the Premier League.”

Success story

The former Southampton player is a fine example of the work Jurgen Klopp has done since he arrived at Anfield

His 65 goals and 23 assists since joining in 2016 are evidence of that and his £34m transfer fee seems a drop in the ocean in comparison to what he is now worth.

Indeed, Alridge is likely correct in his valuation of Mane.

Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona for £142m after impressing on Merseyside, showing that the club will only sell at a price which they deem acceptable, even if the player wants the move.

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That would suggest his departure is very unlikely, particularly as the Reds have ambitions of winning the Premier League and defending their Champions League title.

If the club can continue their policy under Klopp of buying players at low cost and turning them into world-class performers, though, they are almost guaranteed to continue their present success.

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Last week a local artist, Andy McVeigh, had his artwork in the surrounding areas of Elland Road and throughout Leeds vandalised.

It was a terrible act but McVeigh has now received new backing and support from not only Leeds but also the city council and Virgin Media.

In an announcement posted by the Whites, it explained that the three would work in conjunction with the artist dubbed the ‘Burley Banksy’ to restore the pieces that had been ruined.

It’s a decision that has been hailed by Leeds supporters who were quick to reveal their delight on Twitter.

One fan said this kind of thing would never have happened under previous owners, praising the current management team. A further individual stated it was top work from the club.

Another fan noted it was excellently positive news.

McVeigh has painted tributes for Vinnie Jones and Marcelo Bielsa in the past. Gary Speed is another name to have been painted.

Managing Director Angus Kinnear said the following: “Now that all parties have formally agreed to commission Andy’s work, his art should be protected for everyone to enjoy.”

Here’s the best of the reaction from Leeds fans on social media.

Liverpool could well be on course to win their first Premier League title this season, with Jurgen Klopp’s men in a fierce battle with Man City for top honours.

The Reds have been superb for the most part this campaign, and the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Mo Salah have excelled with their form.

However, with a squad full of quality like Liverpool have, there are always going to be those players who simply fall by the wayside somewhat, and we here in the Tavern feel that Adam Lallana is one of those players who might be left behind at Anfield.

Granted, Lallana has had his injury issues, but he has never really made a massive name for himself in a Liverpool shirt, and you get the feeling he might shine more at a club with less pressure on a weekly basis.

Lallana is of course a big talent, and a player who on his day can cause havoc in opposition defences, but Liverpool have moved on, and at the level they are now at, there has to be questions around Lallana’s ability to break into the starting XI on a regular basis.

A summer move might make perfect sense for the former Southampton man, and there would be plenty of clubs willing to take a punt on him.

Injury free, he can be a fine Premier League midfielder, but those injuries could well have robbed him of his best years at Anfield.

Nonetheless, it would be great to see the England man depart with a Premier League winners medal after playing a big part in the revolution of the club in the last few years.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Douglas Costa’s agent has confirmed Manchester United’s attempts to sign Juventus star Douglas Costa this summer were rebuffed.

What’s the word?

The Brazil international was linked with a move to Old Trafford amid speculation linking Romelu Lukaku with a transfer to Turin.

Reports had suggested Costa could be used as part of the deal to lure the striker to Italy, but a move failed to materialise and Lukaku ended up joining Inter. Now, the Brazilian’s agent, Giovanni Branchini, has confirmed the Red Devils made a concerted effort to bring the winger to Old Trafford, but were met with stiff resistance from the Juventus management.

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He said: “I sincerely say that Allegri and Sarri have never thought of letting him go. The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in the Brazilian. It was not the only club but in England it was certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa.

“Douglas has had countless health problems. Last season he was very often injured. He is wanting to recover with great professionalism after standing still. Juventus never intended to sell him despite the big pressure from United.

“He loves Juventus but is able to adapt to every reality. Premier League is a beautiful championship but for now United have failed in all their attempts to convince Juventus to sell him. The player remained in Turin and is a champion.”

A sprinkle of stardust

Make no mistake, Costa would have added some real dynamism to United’s attack. Aside from the 4-0 crushing of Chelsea in their opening game of the Premier League season, the Red Devils have looked relatively toothless going forward. In their last outing against Southampton, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side laboured to a 1-1 draw and essentially resorted to just chucking balls into the box.

Having Costa in their ranks would have given them an explosive winger with a sense of trickery and directness that is a step above Daniel James, for all the youngster’s qualities.

In just his two Serie A appearances this season, the 28-year-old has picked up two assists, and has averaged an impressive 2 shots, 2.5 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per game. The Brazilian can change the tempo of the game with his searing pace, and United already look like they’re missing someone who can do exactly that.

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ExWHUEmployee has claimed that West Ham United “will try” once again to sign Jesse Lingard in this final week of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to earlier reports from The Evening Standard, David Moyes remains keen on exploring a potential January deal for Lingard, and with fellow Premier League side Newcastle seemingly out of the running now, the race has opened up for the Hammers.

Via his Patreon, Ex said: “The club, on the back of the Lingard situation with Newcastle (although we do expect Newcastle to try again), will try another attempt at a deal but Manchester United are very reluctant to deal with us and there are issues to resolve still with his former stay here. We hope to have more details on this deal later.”

Moyes will love it

With Newcastle potentially out of the picture, the chances of the Hammers making a late swoop for Lingard is now very much a realistic prospect.

If the London club can work out some of the issues Ex says exists from Lingard’s previous loan deal at the London Stadium, then it would be a superb late window coup for Moyes.

After joining West Ham back in the January transfer window on a short-term loan, the attacking midfielder notched an impressive nine goals and four assists in just his first ten Premier League games for the club – it was no surprise then that he was lauded as being “absolutely phenomenal”.

His performances with the Hammers showcased the kind of impact the £75k-a-week earning star can have when he’s on song and the confidence is flowing through his veins.

With West Ham still very much in the mix for a Champions League spot this season, adding that extra sprinkling of goals and dynamism in Lingard could well prove to be the difference-maker when it comes to those big moments and big games.

After seemingly looking like Newcastle would trump them in their chase for Lingard, making a fresh move to land the England ace’s signature would surely have Moyes buzzing.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on this reported West Ham transfer target…

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has name-checked Tottenham as the possible unnamed side who made a bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz last month, Give Me Sport report.

The Lowdown: Contract talks

Luiz, who has been playing in a slightly more creative role under Steven Gerrard, was a player in demand in the final weeks of the winter window.

The 23-year-old has just 18 months remaining on his Villa Park deal, with the club turning down three bids for the Brazilian, one of which was on deadline day.

David Ornstein didn’t name the sides to make a formal offer and claimed that Villa are now looking to tie the midfielder down to a new deal in the Midlands.

The Latest: Bridge’s comments

Talking to Give Me Sport, Bridge shared what he was told more on who could have made a move for Luiz, citing both north London clubs.

“Douglas Luiz, the Brazilian midfielder. There was talk of a bid from an unnamed Premier League club. People said to me it was Tottenham, people said to me it was Arsenal.”

The Verdict: Correct call?

Villa failed to add to their midfield ranks last month despite looking to bring in both Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, so keeping hold of Luiz seems to be the right decision.

Luiz is the only fit defensive midfielder available to Steven Gerrard at this moment in time due to Marvelous Nakamba’s injury.

Villa’s stance may have been different if Nakamba remained fit and a tempting bid came in for Luiz, but due to the circumstances, keeping hold of the Brazilian and making sure he isn’t in the final 12 months of his contract in the summer could turn out to be a shrewd call.

In other news: Villa and Lange now set to sign another young gem for Gerrard; personal terms agreed. 

Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw looks likely to sign a new deal at Elland Road, according to an update from reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Forshaw enjoys brilliant comeback

The midfielder has endured an injury nightmare in his career, missing nearly two years of action with a career-threatening hip problem.

Thankfully, Forshaw made his return earlier this season and has looked as good as ever, proving to be an influential performer and making 11 appearances in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old’s Leeds contract expires at the end of the season but an update on his situation looks positive.

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The Latest: Phil gives positive update

Writing for The Athletic on Saturday, Hay confirmed that the Whites are in ‘active discussions’ with Forshaw’s representatives over a new deal and ‘want to avoid a scenario where they lose him for nothing.’

The midfielder has made 66 appearances for Leeds overall but that tally would be far higher had it not been for his aforementioned injury woes.

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The Verdict: Richly deserved

Forshaw’s return has been one of the most pleasing aspects of a disappointing season for Leeds so far, with the Englishman not looking a lesser player, having been hailed as ‘excellent’ by Noel Whelan back before his injury nightmare started.

He has enjoyed an 82.8% pass completion rate in the league in 2021/22, as well as averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per match, highlighting his ability on and off the ball.

Tying Forshaw down to a new deal not only makes sense in terms of simply keeping Leeds’ options strong but it also negates the issue of losing him on the cheap in the near future.

In other news, Leeds have been backed to sign one player – find out who it is here.