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Speaking to Football insider, former Leeds defender Danny Mills believes that Kiko Casilla has been an excellent addition to his former club’s squad, despite a handful of errors made by the new arrival since he joined in January.

Casilla most recently was at fault for two of Ipswich’s goals on the final day of the Championship season, but Mills has defended his casual style of play.

What’s been said then?

Mills stated that Casilla was a stressful goalkeeper to watch, but on the whole he believes that he has been reliable between the sticks at Elland Road.

The 41-year-old pointed towards the Spaniard’s ability to play out from the back and how that has helped him cement his place as the Yorkshire club’s number one.

Mills said: “He’s the most casual goalkeeper on the planet, he’s so laid back. The ball goes back to him sometimes you just think (puts hands over his face), ‘Oh my goodness, what’s he going to do?’

“He’s so casual but actually I think that’s been good because he’s got that ability to play out from the back, doesn’t seem to get flustered at all.

“I think he has been a good addition, goalkeeper is fine, it doesn’t matter if you’re a little bit crazy as long as you’re predictable and the players know he’s going to be laid back. They know he might take a chance or two and you can adjust to that.”

Needs to be reliable

It’s all well and good Mills saying that Casilla’s teammates can adjust to his unique style of goalkeeping, but when he is making costly mistakes questions must be asked.

The former Real Madrid man was sent off at Elland Road against Sheffield United earlier in the season. He may count himself lucky that he didn’t receive the same fate against Ipswich on Sunday, as he escaped with just a caution.

Mills says that the Spaniard’s backline can adjust to the keeper’s style, but it is impossible for even the best defenders in the world to accommodate when their keeper is dropping clangers and running the risk of being dismissed in important matches.

If Leeds are to be promoted to the Premier League, then Casilla needs to keep a cool head and make more rationalised decisions, rather than rushing out at any available opportunity and costing his team goals.

Having achieved Premier League safety, the job now for Ralph Hasenhuttl is to build Southampton back up to the top-ten side they used to be. That would be nice, wouldn’t it? Just something to sing about again would be lovely. 

No one needs telling that the Saints have really lost their way in the last two seasons or so – the chopping of changing of managers and players has finally caught up with them. Though in Hasenhuttl, they look to have a very astute manager who could genuinely make a real difference, not only to the way they play but their league position most importantly as well.

If backed in the right way this summer, the Austrian is who the fans believe will make a telling difference for the future of Southampton Football Club.

And with rumours already circulating (as per Own Goal Nigeria earlier this week), it is now about signing the right players and recruiting well, something they haven’t done in recent years.

Although yet again it would be a risk, the capture of forward Victor Osimhen would be fantastic business for the Saints. Osimhen, (who is valued at £6.7 million on Transfermarkt) is the latest name linked with a move to St Mary’s and Southampton fans shouldn’t hide the fact that before he has mentioned, little would have known who he was.

Those mystery signings often go one of two ways, but under Ralph Hasenhuttl, there is nothing to suggest that Victor Osimhen wouldn’t be a success. Yes, it’s a step up of epic proportions but the infamous black box for transfers used to throw these sort of gems all the time, so there’s precedent here.

Indeed, whilst on-loan with Belgium top tier RSC Charleroi, the 20-year-old Nigerian international has struck an impressive 16 goals in 32 games. In a high-pressing, attacking and vibrant team, he could certainly look a real prospect and perhaps even replace some of the lethal counter-attacking threat lost when Sadio Mane departed in 2016.

Now, we aren’t comparing the two in terms of ability but, in terms of profile at similar stages of their career, comparisons can be drawn.

Granted, prices are inflated these days and he would demand a sizeable transfer fee but Osimhen has real potential under Ralph Hasenhuttl, who is no stranger to developing young players.

Do you agree that Southampton should take a risk and sign Victor Osimhen? If not, why not? Let us know!

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Brendan Rodgers has hinted at what Leicester’s summer transfer business could involve, per quotes from The Leicester Mercury, explaining that he’s content with the players he has at his disposal.

What’s the word?

The Scot has had a tremendous start to life at the King Power, losing just two of his first eight games in charge. He’s reinvigorated this Leicester team, bringing back the swagger we so often saw from them during their incredible title victory in 2015/16.

Jamie Vardy is back among the goals whilst James Maddison and Youri Tielemans appear to be thriving under the former Celtic boss’ stewardship.

Plans for the future are now being drawn up, however, with Rodgers hinting that instead of big money signings this summer, he wants to focus on developing young players already at his disposal. In quotes relaid by The Leicester Mercury, he said:

“I just think there’s a few areas within the squad that we can bring in a few players to help the squad. I am really happy with players I’ve got. There’s a lot of potential with players I’ve got for development.”

It was perhaps the biggest hint yet of Rodgers’ plans for the summer.

Development a priority

Given the young players Leicester have they were already well set up for the future, but with Rodgers at the helm, he can help them thrive and as a result, take the club to the next level.

We’ve already seen the impact he’s had on Maddison whilst other young individuals like Ben Chilwell and Harvey Barnes will only improve next season.

This isn’t new to the former Liverpool manager, though, who has a strong history of developing upcoming players wherever he’s been. At Anfield the most notable names he nurtured were Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling whilst he also had a big influence on Jordan Henderson.

It seems to be a key theme in Rodgers’ management, with the 46-year-old achieving similar things at Celtic, where he was able to progress the likes of Moussa Dembele, Kieran Tierney, Odsonne Edouard and Patrick Roberts.

This will be hugely encouraging for Leicester fans who should be willing to let their new manager work with what he already has, rather than spending needlessly in January.

يفكر الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر الأول في ضم لاعب من صفوف فريق الكرة بالأهلي بعد تألقه مع الأحمر خلال الفترة الماضية.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة توجو بالجولتين الثالثة والرابعة من مرحلة المجموعات بتصفيات كأس الأمم الإفريقية المقبلة خلال شهر نوفمبر.

طالع | سيد عبد الحفيظ: معلول سيشارك في مران الأعلي غدا.. واتجاه للدفع بـ البدلاء أمام الجيش

وعلم بطولات من مصدر بمنتخب مصر، أن محمد هاني عاد إلى حسابات الجهاز الفني بقوة للانضمام إلى معسكر منتخب مصر المقبل.

وأوضح المصدر، أن لاعب الأهلي كان خارج حسابات الجهاز الفني بقيادة حسام البدري خلال الفترة الماضية إلا إن بعد أداءه في المباريات الأخيرة وخاصة في مواجهتي الوداد عاد إلى حسابات الجهاز الفني واقترب من الانضمام لمعسكر منتخب مصر المقبل.

يذكر، أن الأهلي قد صعد للمباراة النهائية من دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد تخطيه عقبة الوداد بنتيجة 5-1 في مجموع لقائي ذهاب وإياب نصف النهائي.

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Even if Ralph Hasenhuttl doesn’t keep Southampton in the Premier League this season, he can hold his head high regardless considering the excellent job he has done with the younger players in the squad.

The Austrian can be credited with getting James Ward-Prowse and Jan Bednarek to a consistently high level while he has also given Yan Valery a consistent starting berth. Now, the latter has been rewarded with a new deal for his exploits.

The impressive defender has netted two goals for Saints – both of which have come in the last two games – and has brilliantly replaced the loaned-out Cedric Soares on the right.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

There had surely been some concerns amongst the Saints faithful that they could lose the youngster far too easily if they were relegated – his previous deal would expire next summer – but he is now contracted until 2023.

Given the impression he has made in the Premier League already, there would likely have been plenty of the interest from big clubs in the summer so the decision to commit his future to Southampton is a major one, but surely the right move.

Here’s what the south coast outfit’s supporters had to say on Twitter…

After years of torture, Sunderland are on the rise again.

The Black Cats are having a decent season in League One under Jack Ross, but some senior players have picked up form to help them. Aiden McGeady, in particular, has been crucial towards making sure they quickly get back into the Championship.

Despite his age, McGeady’s blooming ability’s helped Sunderland pick up form. He’s been their general in midfield and used his fantastic creativity to will them forward. However, not only has he been creating chances, but scoring them as well, enjoying his best goal-scoring season in years.

The former Celtic man scored his tenth goal of the season against Bristol Rovers, which was also his third goal in as many games. An in-form player who is using his majestic feet to great effect, the Irishman’s inspired form is making Sunderland fans get over the departure of Josh Maja.

Having been at the club for two years now, McGeady’s realized the passion from the fans and picked up his performance-level exponentially. After falling off the radar following failed loan stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End, he’s found comfort on Wearside, helping him elevate Sunderland’s performance-level.

As the Black Cats are seven points behind league leaders Luton Town having played a game less and could go all the way this season.

Even if they can’t win League One, Sunderland will look to pip Barnsley to an automatic qualification position and the skilful influence of McGeady is key towards maintaining their promising rise. An Indian summer for the Irishman.

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Despite producing a battling, determined performance, Queens Park Rangers fell to a 1-0 defeat to Premier League side Watford at Loftus Road on Friday night. The defeat saw Steve McClaren’s Championship side eliminated from the FA Cup.

The hosts fought hard, but could find no response to Etienne Capoue’s first half strike. The closest the Rs came was when centre-back and club captain Toni Leistner slid in to meet a fizzing cross at the far post, but from only a few yards out the 28-year-old could not turn the ball into the unguarded net. 

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

It was a horrible miss, and one that the German defender won’t forget about in a hurry. The Hoops will feel that they did enough to deserve a goal, and a way back into the game, but Leistner could not apply the finishing touch at the vital moment.

Aside from the miss, Leistner contributed to an impressive and dogged defensive display. After the match, plenty of QPR fans took to Twitter to discuss the captain’s contribution against Watford…

Southampton are on the verge of Premier League relegation, despite the boardroom’s positive move to recruit of Ralph Hasenhüttl – so what can the Austrian do the salvage the Saints’ season?

Their 0-2 defeat at the Emirates the other day makes it six games in a row without a clean sheet and contributes to a more alarming record of only five in 27 league games.

Shocking stuff for any side who have hopes of survival.

Jack Stephens, who’s been a feature at the heart of Southampton’s diabolical defence this season, added another poor performance to his collection on Sunday.

The former England under-21 man only managed 45 minutes and was responsible for Arsenal’s second of the game before being taken off at halftime. His distribution was extremely poor, his positional awareness was way off what is required at this level, and his commitment is withering.

This most recent display of ‘defending’ has prompted fans and critics alike to explore the prospect of using more capable options. But who?

Maya Yoshida is surely the man for the job now he’s back in contention.

Japan international Yoshida is one of the longest-serving players in the current Southampton squad and has proved himself, season after season, to be a very capable Premier League defender.

His last appearance for the Saints before leaving on international duty with Japan was the last time the club kept a clean sheet – a 0-0 draw in which Yoshida won Man of the Match for his valiant efforts – and it’s evident they’ve been missing him ever since.

Something new (and experienced) is desperately needed.

Kevin Pietersen has arrived back in Britain following his dramatic resignation as England captain, as the dust begins to settle on a tumultuous 24 hours for English cricket.Pietersen was escorted by police through a scrum of photographers at Heathrow Airport on Thursday morning, and has less than a fortnight to digest the ramifications of his high-profile bust-up with England’s coach, Peter Moores, before England fly out to the Caribbean to begin their Test series against West Indies.Pietersen was forced to relinquish his post when an ECB report conducted by the director of cricket, Hugh Morris, made it clear that several senior members of the England dressing-room – among them Andrew Flintoff and the new captain, Andrew Strauss – did not support his actions.Aside from the unease about his attack on the coach, the players are believed to have found Pietersen tactically naïve in the field, particularly in the first Test at Chennai where India chased 387 for victory. Also, there are suggestions that he made too much personal capital out of England’s return to India following the Mumbai attacks, probably with a view to earning a lucrative contract in the IPL.England’s former coach, Duncan Fletcher, who is currently involved with the South African squad that last week inflicted Australia’s first home series defeat for 16 years, believes the revelations are hugely damaging to England ahead of a crucial Ashes summer, and has criticised the ECB for making the findings of their report public.”The ECB has exposed him somewhat by admitting that its research, whatever form it took, revealed a lack of support for Pietersen as captain,” wrote Fletcher in The Guardian. “That to me sounds like a huge problem in the making: will the dressing room divide into pro- and anti-KP camps? How will it gel? Will the new captain have the backing of all the senior players? It’s going to be a huge issue for the poor captain in the months ahead.”According to Pietersen’s friend and former captain, Michael Vaughan, however, all the fuss will be quickly forgotten if KP gets back to doing what he does best – scoring runs. “What Kevin has to do now is go to the West Indies and score a hundred in the first Test,” Vaughan wrote in the Daily Telegraph. “England need Kevin to be challenging to be the No 1 batsman in the world.”Both Fletcher and Vaughan agree that Strauss is the right man to take over the role, and it is understood that he will be unveiled as captain for the ODI series in West Indies as well as the Tests at a press conference at Lord’s on Thursday afternoon. Fletcher, however, sounded a note of caution about the appointment.”Strauss was the only viable option, but he will need the support of all the other players, and he will need to be rated by the others as a cricketer too, which is crucial for any leader. There are egos in that dressing room who could cause more problems for the new captain. Not the least of the difficulties will be how to handle KP when he returns to the rank and file.”

Having earned a hard-fought draw against Crystal Palace after going down to 10-men in the clash, Arsenal will hope for more home comforts when they entertain Sheffield United at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners have beaten both Leeds and Manchester United in their last two games at their home ground, but face a Blades side who are sixth in the Premier League table, and four points clear of them.

Having already lost to Chris Wilder’s men in the reverse fixture, the north Londoners have the perfect chance for retribution, but must do so without their talisman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gunners’ appeal to get his three match ban reduced, ended in failure, and that will no doubt be the main conundrum for Mikel Arteta to address on Saturday.

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So with that in mind, below is a look at how the Gunners could look to do just that.

In goal, Bernd Leno will retain his place as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, but in front of him, things have been far less certain and consistent. The north London side’s injury problems continue to mount, with Sead Kolasinac appearing to be the latest one to struggle with a problem. That could see teenager Bukayo Saka once again fill in at left-back, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sokratis and David Luiz completing another make-shift back-four.

Having gone off at half-time against Palace last week, there were initial fears Lucas Torreira had suffered a muscle injury. But speaking ahead of the clash against Sheffield United, Arteta confirmed that he hoped he would have the Uruguay international available. That could thus see him keep his place alongside Granit Xhaka as part of the deeper-lying midfield two.

Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Arsenal Quiz? Test your knowledge below…

And in attack, Arteta has a major decision on his hands as to how he goes about replacing Aubameyang. Gabriel Martinelli came on in the second-half at Selhurst Park and will surely fancy his chances of being the man to take over from the former Borussia Dortmund star. If that is the case, the Gunners boss may look to stick with Mesut Ozil, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette alongside him so as to minimise any more disruption.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans discuss Mikel Arteta’s decision on this starlet.