OptiNews - Friday 29 December 2017 to Thursday 04 January 2018

Sourced from Daily Star article

Liverpool battling Everton to sign defensive partner for Virgil Van Dijk

Show/hide article…

Josh Earl is being closely watched by Liverpool and Everton

The 19-year-old defender broke into the The Lilywhites first-team this season and has produced some top-notch performances.

Earl was recently handed a new contract, but big some Premier League clubs are sniffing around Deepdale regardless.

The Sun report that Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are particular interested in the left-back’s development.

Liverpool are in the process of overhauling their backline, beginning with the £75m capture of Virgil van Dijk.

Southport-born starlet Earl would certainly be one for the future, having made just 12 Championship appearances to date.

But Klopp is not afraid to blood youngsters early in the Premier League.

Go to the original article…

...leniently formulated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:movie_camera:

Get the thoughts of #SaintsFC manager Mauricio Pellegrino ahead of tomorrow’s clash with #CPFC:

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 3

...distinguishedly given life to by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Star article

Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool: Robbie Fowler gives his transfer verdict

Show/hide article…

Liverpool are set to complete the £75m signing of Virgil van Dijk

The Southampton defender is set to make the switch to Anfield with the January transfer open after a fee was agreed.

Van Dijk was the subject of interest from Liverpool in the summer but he stayed at Saints after they accused the Merseyside of tapping up the Dutchman.

And Fowler thinks £75m could prove a good amount of money to pay if he is the final piece of the puzzle Jurgen Klopp is looking for.

He told the Mirror: “Like all big-money signings, people will question the fee Liverpool have agreed for Virgil van Dijk and, of course, it’s a lot of money.

“But a player is worth what a club is willing to pay for him.

Go to the original article…

...militaristically thought-up by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Sky Sports article

What each Premier League team needs in the January transfer window

Show/hide article…

The January transfer window is now open but what does each Premier League side need?

Liverpool have set a significant early marker in signing Virgil van Dijk for a record fee for a defender of £75m, but what other business will be done?

Charlie Nicholas, Paul Merson, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier ponder potential reinforcement for each club this winter window…

Charlie says: I don’t think much has changed from the summer in that there are a few players Arsene Wenger needs to move on. The key for me is unloading all of the players who are not doing the business to freshen up the squad.

Top of that list is Alexis Sanchez. Just move him on and end this farce. With that money, the top of the list of positions is at least one centre-back - two ideally - but that’s not realistic in this window, so one top centre-back. I’m also interested in us getting a right-back to push Hector Bellerin, with Carl Jenkinson, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers also on the list of players I would move on.

It has been so poor defensively for four, five seasons and a defensive-minded midfielder would really help us out. I don’t bring Steven N’Zonzi into that party, I’d be more interested in somebody like Abdoulaye Doucouré, who could play a deeper role quite nicely for us.

I also think Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott would want out so we would need cover in those attacking areas and I would consider Wilfried Zaha and would have him ahead of Riyad Mahrez.

Merse says: It is difficult to add more firepower, because Glenn Murray has done well, and so has Pascal Gross from midfield who has scored big goals too. If you bring someone in, will it upset that chemistry?

And if Brighton are going to buy a centre-forward, they’re probably going to pay five, six or seven million. I think you need to spend far more than that now. You will struggle to find a Premier League striker who will score you 15 goals for that money.

I think it’s more a case of keeping the harmony at Brighton - if they repeat their first six months of the season they’ll stay up - but I’m sure if opportunities arise, Chris Hughton could take one or two.

Merse says: Bournemouth rarely buy from outside of the Premier League. I really think they need a proper holding midfielder to sit in front of a back four that has been together for a long, long time, bar Nathan Ake.

I think they’re a bit too open with players running at that defence. It’s great for the neutral to watch, but not for Bournemouth fans as they linger around the bottom of the Premier League.

They’ve been linked with Mohamed Elneny, which isn’t a bad shout. He’s not good enough for Arsenal, in my opinion, but I think would be a good signing for Bournemouth.

Charlie says: Should Sean Dyche tinker with this team? Yes, of course. Robbie Brady is out for a while and I think he probably needs another centre-back with the replacements to Ben Mee and James Tarkowski shown to be limited.

Whenever I see their line-up come through I wonder about the quality of their bench, so what they need is numbers. They’ve got plenty of options up front but other than that they probably need two players with versatility. There’s obviously not a great deal to worry about but just a couple of additions to keep the regulars on their toes.

Thommo says: They’re a fine team but I think if you scratch beneath that main 11 there’s not a lot there to come through. Antonio Conte needs strengthening in all areas of his team, with David Luiz out of favour.

They are another side who were probably looking to entice Virgil van Dijk, so Conte will probably be questioning why Liverpool were able to outbid themselves with such an outlay and they may feel disappointed they missed out there. I think that will upset the manager and the fans as they don’t want to be left behind.

Charlie says: The first thing is to decide whether they are going to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha. He’s their go-to man right now. I’d like to have him at Arsenal but the Palace fans will obviously want to keep him.

Can Roy Hodgson really keep him? Yes he can, he’s got the experience to convince the lad to give them until the summer, time to get a replacement and then let him go.

The area they need to address is a back up centre-forward to Christian Benteke. It is unacceptable to just have one striker so there’s too much reliability on Benteke and Zaha, especially with Andros Townsend only turning up one in four games.

Then they probably also need more quality for a top-class goalkeeper, especially with Julian Speroni being called upon, while I’m not convinced Martin Kelly looks particularly comfortable at right-back.

Merse says: I think they need a forward. I do like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but it’s really hard to work that line week in, week out, without getting too many chances to score. I would say they need a centre-forward to take the workload off him, but after that, I’m not sure Everton will spend a fortune. I’m not certain whether the board will let Sam go out and sign a flurry of players when he’s only on an 18-month contract. I’m not certain he’ll even be there at the end of this season, I think there’s a possibility he could be paid off at the end of the season and then they bring someone else in.

I’d forgotten about Ross Barkley, as many have. I’m a big fan of his, and he’s in the wilderness, and may need to get a move quickly. I thought Sam might like him, but I guess he’s got so many of those type of players.

Le Tiss says: Huddersfield need a centre-forward I think. I know they’ve got Steve Mounie and Laurent Depoitre but I think they have scored less than Southampton!

Their defence has been pretty consistent so far this season. Then they could also do with more goals from midfield. Tom Ince has only got one goal this season, the same as Kachunga and Van La Parra, who you’d also be expecting a bit more from, so a No 10 who is going to chip in with a few more goals behind the striker would certainly help their cause.

Thommo says: I think they’re in a healthier position with Claude Puel doing well, but they’ve got worries over their transfer policy. The players they bought in last season has left them with a lot of players who have faltered and need moving out, so I could see some major transfer business and it being a revolving door.

The main XI have been better but then there’s Riyad Mahrez, who seems to have hit a purple patch just before the transfer window, so you wonder whether that’s for the team or his own interests. They could bring in a lot of money, which they need to strengthen the squad with some more consistent performers.

Thommo says: I’ve said all along, I don’t think Virgil van Dijk is going to answer all of our problems. He’s not an organiser, he’s not a shouter and screamer, he’s more in the realms of a Alan Hansen, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher or myself.

So I still think in the January or the summer another centre-back, a real aggressor, is required. I don’t think we should put too much pressure on Van Dijk to resolve it and the goalkeeping situation still needs to be looked at.

Liverpool’s net spend has not been high since Jurgen Klopp has been at the club and while it will raise the questions as to what will happen with Philippe Coutinho, especially with the Naby Keita deal agreed, the finances area is very strong at Anfield.

Charlie says: They simply don’t need additions. I know Vincent Kompany has come off injured early again but John Stones is on the verge of coming back. Eliaquim Mangala isn’t really up to the task but how many top class centre-backs did Barcelona have when Pep Guardiola was winning everything?

If there is one position then that would be it but I would think they would be interested in adding some cover with a younger player who can come in during the summer, because I don’t think he’ll be able to get the quality required to help them now. So it is nice and easy, just keep rolling on and keep enjoying the adventure!

Merse says: Jose Mourinho said after the Burnley game that Man Utd had not spent as much as Man City, but he tends to get his business done very early in the summer. As soon as the season finishes, he’s in there - bang, smash, wallop, gets his players and then goes on holiday before working on his team.

It’s a difficult one. Do Man Utd go out and panic-buy now? Come the summer, if Man City and Man Utd go up against each other for bit targets, there’s only one winner at the moment.

It’s an interesting one, because I actually don’t think Man Utd are a shoo-in for top four.

Le Tiss says: I think they need a centre-forward as Joselu hasn’t really done it and Dwight Gayle is a bit hit and miss, and then, like a few sides, they need more contributions from midfield. Their top goalscorers have three goals after 20 games, which is just shocking.

Then a top-drawer goalkeeper would help, no disrespect to Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow. If Rafael Benitez gets those reinforcements he needs then you would back him to keep them in the Premier League but they are in trouble otherwise.

Le Tiss says: Well Southampton clearly need a centre-forward and I would say we probably need one or two players for that spot in behind the striker to inject some creativity.

I think the money from selling Virgil van Dijk will be invested in the attack because we’ve got Wesley Hoedt, who was brought in knowing Van Dijk was going, and then Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida are also options at centre-back.

The fans will certainly appreciate a couple of decent forwards coming in to make them more creative and positive.

Charlie says: I was surprised at Mark Hughes’ comments at the start of the season suggesting this was his strongest group. He’s been under pressure again but handled it quite well and they’ve got too much quality to be involved in a relegation battle.

I think Ryan Shawcross seems like he’s starting to break down so a replacement is probably required for him, while Bruno Martins-Indi and Kevin Wimmer haven’t really been up for the job. A more natural right-back would help them as well.

They’ve spent a lot of money on their midfield but Xherdan Shaqiri is inconsistent and Ibrahim Afellay always seems to be injured, so they need a bit more cover in midfield. Saido Berahino has been a nightmare so they need a replacement for him, while they could do with somebody to play off the left of the striker.

If I were Mark Hughes I’d be asking for more funds as it feels like they’re just trying to get through this season. The crowd are getting frustrated, looking at Burnley and asking why they’re not doing that after the money they’ve spent over the last couple of seasons.

Thommo says: The managerial appointment of Carlos Carvalhal was a strange one. I’ve been a big admirer of him and think he’s just had a few bad months and you wonder where it all went wrong.

But all of the sudden he’s into the Premier League at a club and he’s got a huge task on. This Swansea side just feels like it has lost its soul from the team which were passing the ball with authority. They’ve got weaknesses at the back, no creativity and a toothless strike force, so he’s got a massive job on his hands, even with that last-gasp win against Watford.

Le Tiss says: I’m not sure they need to much to be fair. I just think they need to get Victor Wanyama and Toby Alderweireld fit and then they are sorted as a really strong defensive force again.

It’s difficult to bring in another top-quality striker when you only play one up top because Mauricio Pochettino isn’t going to drop Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son is now contributing with more goals.

Merse says: I just think they’ve hit a bit of a brick wall. I like Richarlison, but this is a difficult league and can catch up with teams who start very well. I always say, when you haven’t got top, top drawer players, you’ll get those three or four 4/10 performances for every one 8/10 or 9/10 performance.

It’s so important they beat Leicester, because I think they could have ended up as one of those teams on a glass mountain with moccasin slippers on, unable to stop sliding. They may have panic-bought in January at that point.

But now they’ve beaten Leicester, I think they’ll be OK. I don’t think they’ll be going into January with a lot of targets, and will look at loans. I can’t see them going out and buying a player for over £10m.

Le Tiss says: I like Ben Foster, who is a good goalkeeper, and they’ve got decent centre-backs, but they tend to play centre-backs at right-back so they could do with a natural in that position.

Like most sides, they could do with a decent striker, with Salomon Rondon being their top goalscorer with three goals, so that will be Alan Pardew’s priority.

Le Tiss says: I would think they need another centre-back. On their day their centre-backs can do a job but Winston Reid hasn’t progressed over the last two seasons and Jose Fonte and James Collins are getting on a bit.

They’ve got a lot of forwards who are decent on their day but they need a bit more creativity from midfield given Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio haven’t really been delivering this season.

Go to the original article…

...sadistically fitted together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 10:56:10

|

| Southampton eye move for £25m-rated striker as January transfer window opensFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Liverpool battling for 19-year-old to add to Van DijkMEDIAREFEREE |

...heart-breakingly formulated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

“We can build on the performance at #MUFC and take it into Tuesday.”

#SaintsFC’s @Alex_Macca23 previews #CPFC: http://sfcne.ws/AMPreCPH

Retweets: 3

Favourites: 11

...limpidly thrown together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Mail article

Virgil van Dijk poses in a Liverpool shirt for the first time

Show/hide article…

Virgil van Dijk has worn a Liverpool shirt for the first time after completing his £75m move from Southampton on Monday.

The Reds splashed out a record-breaking deal for the Dutch defender in December after going close to securing his signature in the summer.

The 26-year-old will not be able to play against Burnley on New Year’s Day but could make his debut in the FA Cup third round clash with Everton.

His record-breaking move to Liverpool was finalised on Wednesday, and he told the club website: 'I am happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

'I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.

'With the history at the club and everything around it – even the training ground and stuff – it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and a perfect match for my family as well.

Van Dijk was at Anfield on Saturday to watch Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Leicester, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice in a comeback victory.

‘I think it’ll be something special,’ he said. 'I think Anfield is a very special stadium and it is my home right now as well.

'I am just looking forward to being on the pitch, especially as a [home] player at the stadium. It’s going to be nice, especially the evening games and the European nights.

'I hope to win trophies. Every player wants to win trophies and with this squad we have and the progress the club is making, I think we are very close to it.

‘Obviously we still need to do it and we will see what the future brings.’

Manager Jurgen Klopp said in the week: 'He has to adapt to our style of play. It is completely different but we are 100 per cent sure he will do it. I am happy it is finally done but there is no rush.

'I can imagine people will think, ‘Wow, what a number it is’ but for me the fee is not really interesting. We do not make the price, the market makes the price and the first thing all Liverpool supporters should forget quite soon is the price.

‘We only talk about the player and what he can bring in, his qualities, mentality and character. That is why we are really happy about it.’

Klopp admitted Van Dijk’s fitness issues were a concern as he only played 16 times for Southampton in 2017, including 12 this season following Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign him in August.

‘It was probably not his best half of the season at Southampton,’ Klopp said. ‘He was injured and then we know about the things that happened last summer.’

Go to the original article…

...abatingly fathered by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from The Telegraph article

Virgil van Dijk says he ‘can’t do anything’ about £75m fee after completing Liverpool transfer

Show/hide article…

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool is the “perfect match” for him after his world record move from Southampton was officially completed.

As Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed, the 26-year-old’s switch from the Saints was agreed last week, but with the January transfer window now open his deal, worth £75million - the highest fee ever paid for a defender, is now sealed.

The Dutchman told Liverpool’s official website: “With the history at the club and everything around it - even the training ground and stuff - it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and for my family as well.”

Van Dijk, who has signed what Liverpool have said is a “long-term contract” at Anfield, is not concerned about his price tag weighing heavy. The transfer fee eclipses the £54m spent by Manchester City to sign England full-back Kyle Walker from Tottenham last summer.

Go to the original article…

...leisurely formulated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Virgil van Dijk unveiled by Liverpool as £75million deal becomes official

Show/hide article…

World’s most expensive defender Virgil van Dijk is officially a Liverpool player after the January transfer window opened.

Van Dijk has been unveiled by the Reds in an extensive photo shoot which shows the delighted former Southampton and Celtic star in Liverpool’s range of kits.

The Dutchman completed the deal last week but it couldn’t been finalised until the window was declared open.

Van Dijk watched on from the director’s box at Anfield as his new teammates beat Leicester 2-1 on Saturday.

He was at Melwood on Sunday surveying his new home and posed as he signed on the dotted line in pictures released this morning.

“I am happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.

“With the history at the club and everything around it – even the training ground and stuff – it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and a perfect match for my family as well.”

He will be available for the FA Cup clash with Everton on January 5 but is likely to have to wait to make his debut.

Liverpool’s next clash after the Merseyside derby is against Manchester City on January 14.

“I think it’ll be something special,” he said. “I think Anfield is a very special stadium and it is my home right now as well.

“I am just looking forward to being on the pitch, especially as a [home] player at the stadium. It’s going to be nice, especially the evening games and the European nights.”

After completing the switch, he said: "I can’t wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop.

"I will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come.

“I’m now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting started.”

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed suggestions Van Dijk’s arrival will lead to Philippe Coutinho leaving the club.

There have been suggestions Barcelona will make another move for the Brazilian when the transfer window opens.

Van Dijk is intent on winning silverware at the club.

He said: “I hope to win trophies. Every player wants to win trophies and with this squad we have and the progress the club is making, I think we are very close to it.

“Obviously we still need to do it and we will see what the future brings.”

Go to the original article…

...convivially instituted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 11:57:04

|

| Gini: Van Dijk signing has excited everyone at LFCLIVFCNET |
| | Get your Virgil van Dijk Liverpool shirt nowLIVFCNET |
| | Photo gallery: VVD seals Liverpool switch at MelwoodLIVFCNET |
| | Virgil van Dijk: 10 facts about LFC’s new signingLIVFCNET |
| | Photos: Van Dijk watches Reds beat Leicester CityLIVFCNET |
| | Gallery: Virgil van Dijk’s career so far in photographsLIVFCNET |
| | FSF + Fans Seek Premier League PromiseVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool are the perfect, perfect match for meLIVFCNET |
| | Officials - Southampton v Crystal Palace (2/1/18)VITALFOOTBALL |
| | In pictures: Van Dijk’s first Melwood training sessionLIVFCNET |
| | Will Southampton use Van Dijk bonanza to take Walcott home? | Just Arsenal NewsJUSTARSENALNEWS |
| | Southampton and Everton interested in signing Theo Walcott with loan and permanent deal being discussedIBTIMES |

...frightfully hatched by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:soccer: @Mattytargett
:soccer: @chazaustin10
:soccer: Michael Obafemi

Vote for your @Sure #SaintsFC Goal of the Month for Decembe… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/947808137372876801

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 13

...friskily sculpted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Daily Star article

Antonio Conte angry with Chelsea board for missing out on Virgil van Dijk - Phil Thompson

Show/hide article…

Liverpool agreed a world-record £75m for the Southampton defender last week, who will link up with the Reds today.

The Blues and Manchester City were linked with a move for the former Celtic star, who handed in a transfer request at St. Mary’s in the summer.

And Reds hero Thompson says Conte will be upset about Chelsea not being able to outbid Liverpool for Van Dijk, adding that the Blues must sign a new centre-half.

“They’re a fine team but I think if you scratch beneath that main 11 there’s not a lot there to come through,” Thompson told Sky Sports.

Go to the original article…

...owlishly shaped by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 12:57:19

| | Manchester United Player Ratings vs Southampton: De Gea the saviour again; Mkhitaryan in shamblesTHEHARDTACKLE |
| | THICKACCENT |
| | Mauricio Pellegrino makes honest admission about van Dijk | FutnSoccerFUTNSOCCER |
| | Van Dijk delight over ‘perfect’ Liverpool switchFOURFOURTWO |
|

| Virgil van Dijk: The first LFC interview in fullLIVFCNET |
| | What Man Utd player Ashley Young said after ‘elbowing’ Southampton starMANEVNEWS |
| | Liverpool officially unveil record signing Virgil van DijkTHISISANFIELD |

...shapelessly brought to pass by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from talkSPORT article

Liverpool FC: Virgil van Dijk completes Anfield switch and says Reds are ‘perfect match’

Show/hide article…

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool is the “perfect match” for him after his world record move from Southampton was officially completed.

The 26-year-old’s switch from the Saints was agreed last week, but with the January transfer window now open his deal, understood to be worth £75million - the highest fee ever paid for a defender, is now sealed.

The Dutchman told Liverpool’s official website: “With the history at the club and everything around it - even the training ground and stuff - it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and for my family as well.”

Van Dijk, who has signed what Liverpool have said is a “long-term contract” at Anfield, is not concerned about his price tag weighing heavy.

The transfer fee eclipses the £54m spent by Manchester City to sign England full-back Kyle Walker from Tottenham last summer.

“Obviously there is a lot of money being paid, but I can’t do anything about that money, I can’t do anything about the price - nobody can,” the Holland international added.

"It’s only the market. The only thing I can do is just work hard, do the good things and be 100 per cent every day. That’s what I definitely want to do - and I am going to do.

"I am happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.

“I think this is the right time for me to be here and to develop all sorts of aspects of my game. I am looking forward to doing that, that’s the main thing.”

In order to reach that ambition of improving, Van Dijk believes he is working under the right man in Jurgen Klopp.

The former Groningen and Celtic defender, who will wear the number four shirt at Liverpool, said: "Since he’s come in, I think he has made a lot of progress until now and I think it is only hopefully going to get better and better. Hopefully I can contribute to that as well and keep working hard.

"Everybody obviously from a Liverpool perspective knows how he is; how lively he is, how he can make players better and give them confidence as well.

“It just suits me as well. I think he can make me a better player and I am just looking forward to working with him.”

Van Dijk is unavailable for Liverpool’s New Year’s Day game at Burnley as his registration will not be concluded in time.

Go to the original article…

...realisingly forged by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Dusan Tadic ‘disappointed’ at Ashley Young elbow incident in Man Utd v Southampton clash

Show/hide article…

Southampton’s Dusan Tadic says he was surprised to be the victim of an elbow from Ashley Young during Saturday’s goalless draw at Manchester United.

Television footage emerged of United wing-back Young appearing to elbow Tadic in the stomach as the hosts prepared to defend a corner in the second half of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Young, 32, was charged by the Football Association with violent conduct and has since accepted a three-match ban.

Saints midfielder Tadic, who made little of the matter on the field at the time, gave his version of events to reporters after the game.

The Serbia international said: "Yes, he elbowed me and I asked him, ‘Why did you do this?’

“I can fall down but it was really strange because I didn’t expect that from him.”

Tadic insists he did not provoke Young in the build-up to the incident, which was not spotted by referee Craig Pawson.

“No, no, no, nothing,” said the 29-year-old. "I was surprised, and then next corner I asked him, ‘why did you do that?’, and he said, ‘I didn’t do anything’.

"I said, ‘You didn’t do anything? You elbowed me in the stomach without reason’.

“OK, if you want to push… but an elbow is different.”

Asked if Young should have have been sent off, Tadic said: "Yes, but normally you cannot see that.

“I’m disappointed because you don’t expect that from him. He’s an experienced player and he cannot do that, I think.”

Southampton have not won in eight matches but the result at Old Trafford was an encouraging one after their 5-2 Boxing Day thrashing by Tottenham.

“We showed great character and in some moments we could have taken three points, but we are happy to get a point against such a good team,” said Tadic.

Go to the original article…

...shabbily fitted together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Palace reunion “massive” for McCarthy

Show/hide article…

The goalkeeper marked his league debut for the club with a clean sheet against Manchester United on Saturday as Saints came away from Old Trafford with a goalless draw.

Now McCarthy has his sights set on ending Saints’ eight-match winless run at the expense of some familiar faces.

“It’s massive,” he said of the Palace game. “With the performance we showed, we can build on that, take it into Tuesday’s game and hopefully get the three points.

“I played against them (Palace) in the cup a couple of seasons ago, but to beat them in the Premier League would be nice and obviously we need the three points.”

The Old Trafford appearance was McCarthy’s first in the Premier League since Palace hosted Liverpool in March 2016.

“I was excited to be back on the pitch,” he added. “I’ve had a tough couple of years with injury, but the main thing for me is to stay fit and keep pushing.

“I want to keep improving. We’ve got a good group of goalkeepers here and we’re always pushing each other every day.”

Go to the original article…

...alliteratively whittled by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 01/01/2018 13:57:31

| | Virgil Van Dijk reveals the reason he was so desperate to join Liverpool all alongGIVEMESPORT |
| | Van Dijk speaks - and reveals how Klopp convinced himGOLIVERPOOL |
| | Liverpool fans will love what Virgil van Dijk said to the club’s official websiteGIVEMESPORT |
| | Manchester United’s Ashley Young banned by the FA for three matchesTHEPEOPLESPERSON |
|

| Van Dijk says Liverpool are ‘perfect’ for him after completing Anfield switchBTSPORT |

...fanatically generated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC’s game against #CPFC will be the final chance to support @SportPesa_UK’s #KitsForAfrica campaign: http://sfcne.ws/K4APalace

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 5

...excellently sired by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from BBC article

Southampton’s Sofiane Boufal: No World Cup Pressure on Morocco

Show/hide article…

Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal says there will be no pressure on Morocco when his nation head to Russia for the World Cup later this year.

Morocco return to the tournament for the first time since 1998.

“I’m so happy and so proud to be in this team because we had a very good qualification,” Boufal told BBC Sport.

“The most important thing now is to have a good World Cup. We have nothing to lose. We need to play without pressure and hope to do well.”

The 24-year-old added he needs to impress for his Premier League club between now and the World Cup to enhance his chances of making the squad heading to Russia.

“I want to have a good season and help my club to be in a better position and to also have a good season to be part of the World Cup team,” said Boufal.

He has scored twice in 18 appearances this season for Southampton as he establishes himself at the club after a difficult first season.

Boufal joined Southampton, for a then club-record fee of £16 million, from French side Lille in the summer of 2016 but he arrived with a knee injury and only made his debut in October 2016

As a result of the injuries he also missed the last Africa Cup of Nations but now he is back to full fitness and wants to help his club do well.

“I passed the difficult moment and all is behind me now. I want to see the future now that I am feeling good,” he added.

“I feel fit and I hope to continue to progress but the most important thing is the team.”

Morocco are in Group B at the World Cup alongside Iran, European champions Portugal and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

They will play their first World Cup game in 20 years, against Iran on 15 June in St Petersburg.

Go to the original article…

...spartanly concocted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC’s game against #CPFC will be the final chance to support @SportPesa_UK’s #KitsForAfrica campaign: http://sfcne.ws/K4APalaceH

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 3

...routinely caused to be by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!