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West Bromwich Albion have not enjoyed the finest of starts to the Championship season, as they sit 21st, having won just once from ten games.

Steve Bruce has been crying out for a goal scorer, as his side only have 15 goals in these games (with five coming in one match). Brandon Thomas-Asante shows promise but is still raw, and Daryl Dike remains injured.

That just leaves Karlan Grant to shoulder an incredible burden up front, which he has somewhat struggled with.

However, his career so far at the Hawthorns has to be viewed as something of a success.

Signed for £15m by Slaven Bilic, he only managed one Premier League goal in his debut season.

The season following, however, he was able to truly flex his muscles in front of goal. He scored an astounding 18 league goals in the Championship, proving that he has the capability to fire them back to the top-flight should he be handed the service. He also provided six assists that season.

He unsurprisingly was voted Players’ Player of the Season for that campaign, further solidifying the importance he will hold for the Baggies.

Paul Robinson had predicted that he would thrive that year too, as he claimed: “This season West Brom fans will see the best of Karlan Grant.”

He continued: “The Premier League was a big step up for him and he found it very difficult to start off with. He never gained his confidence and we never saw the brilliant player who was in the Championship.”

With just three league goals this season, he has endured a slow start.

But with his past being so laden with goals, 23 in fact for Albion, he is sure to come good once more sooner or later. When on form, there are few better in the division who could fire a side back up to the Premier League, and we might see that “brilliant player” once more.

The £15m outlay may have been significant at the time, but if one day he does score the goals necessary for a promotion, it will have been more than worth it. Indeed, the prize of a place in the top-flight is worth significantly more than Grant’s transfer fee.

Sunderland have been crying out for a striker in the absence of Ellis Simms, who was brought off following an injury to his toe in their win over Reading.

The on-loan forward had scored three times in the Championship before being struck down, and was leading the line with a poise and power that belied his age.

Perhaps Tony Mowbray could use the opportunity of his absence and a poor showing from Elliot Embleton last weekend, to unleash an exciting talent from his academy, with striker Max Thompson the obvious candidate.

The 20-year-old joined from Burnley following a seven and ten-goal haul in his past two seasons in the Premier League 2.

Upon joining the Black Cats, he described himself as a “goalscorer and a direct player”, something which for all the praise they have received, Mowbray’s side are certainly lacking without Simms.

He has taken to life on Wearside exceptionally well it seems, as he already has three goals and one assist in his opening three games for the U23s side.

The ability to score goals at any level demands a certain level of skill, and if given the chance, he could convert his proficiency at youth level into goals for his senior side.

He already has suggested his possession of a lethal touch, and actually briefly featured once in the Premier League for the Clarets’ first team, outlining the fact that they clearly believed in his ability to soon be challenging the starting squad.

The fact that the Black Cats then tempted him to join them marks an impressive pull that they still have despite their relegations, and now that they have secured him, he should certainly be given a chance should Simms continue to suffer.

Thompson actually started his career at Everton, which makes him even more eerily similar to Simms.

That said, the 21-year-old will inevitably return to his parent club following the conclusion of this season and if Thompson hasn’t already received minutes as a result of current injuries, it will then definitely be time for the young Sunderland striker to step up and prove himself to Mowbray.

West Ham United have endured their fair share of disasters when it comes to signing forwards since 2010.

Think back to the club signing the likes of Mido, Benni McCarthy, Marouane Chamakh, and Nikica Jelavic, and these names surely send shivers down the majority of the West Ham faithful.

Before them came Carlos Tevez, a diminutive but powerful forward who despite lasting just one season in east London, scored the goal which confirmed the club’s escape from relegation in 2006/07.

In 2009, West Ham endured a nightmare on a potential successor to Tevez; and with the career that one Edinson Cavani went on to have, it is arguably one of their biggest regrets. He ended up scoring more than the Argentine, too…

West Ham endured a nightmare over Cavani

Cavani was linked with a move to West Ham 13 years ago while he was still at Palermo, but a move to the Boleyn Ground didn’t go through and he ended up signing for Napoli on loan, before making that move permanent.

Three years and 104 goals later, the Uruguayan was on his way to French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of £55m.

His time in the French capital was a success, netting an impressive 200 goals in 301 appearances. He eventually ended up in the Premier League at the age of 35, but it wasn’t West Ham that he joined.

He signed for Manchester United in 2020 and proved that he could still cut it at the highest level by scoring 19 goals in 59 matches. Author John Ludden claimed the player was a “swashbuckling” centre-forward during his time at PSG and Napoli, and he also shone for the Red Devils.

It’s a case of what could have been at West Ham back in 2009, as Cavani would have been the ideal South American striking successor to Tevez, while he also has a better goalscoring record than the Argentine forward.

Cavani has netted 360 goals in his club career, ahead of Tevez who has scored 244. In terms of international records, the Uruguayan also has the upper hand, scoring 58 goals in 133 caps while Tevez has netted just 13 times for Argentina.

The latter will always have a special place in West Ham supporters’ hearts for what he did 15 years ago, but it’s clear that Cavani would have been a wonderful signing for West Ham back in 2009, especially with the career that he went on to have.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has provided an update on the fitness of his squad, following Saturday’s thumping Scottish Premiership victory at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Speaking after that 6-1 thrashing of Hibernian, the 57-year-old – via Celtic TV – revealed there should be no new injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup, quarter-final clash with Motherwell, despite a handful of figures having been forced off yesterday.

Summer signing Sead Haksabanovic was withdrawn at half-time with an ankle complaint while striker Giorgos Giakoumakis was also substituted late on, although that attacking pair – as well as the absent David Turnbull – should be fit to feature in midweek.

The title-winning coach stated: “From what I know about today, I think everyone will be okay for Wednesday. We took Sead Haksabanovic off because he had a bit of an ankle issue going into the game, but he was really keen to play. Once the game was done, we could take him off at 45. I think everyone else was good. Hopefully, by Wednesday, David Turnbull will be okay as well.”

The former Yokohama boss also revealed pre-match that talisman Jota could make a return to training next week, with the Portuguese gem having been absent from the win over Lee Johnson’s side, as well as Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig.

Big boost

While there are still a number of other injury woes for the Old Firm side to contend with – as both Callum McGregor and Carl Starfelt remain sidelined – it will be positive news for Postecoglou that he will not be faced with more issues this week, with it set to be a big boost as the Bhoys looked to continue the defence of their League Cup crown at Fir Park.

In the case of Haksabanovic, the former Rubin Kazan man has begun to impress in his new surroundings, having notably teed up teammate James Forrest for the game’s opening goal on Saturday afternoon.

The 23-year-old had also had a hand in the first goal in last week’s dramatic triumph over St Johnstone, while the Montenegro international had looked ‘dangerous’ in the club’s European loss earlier this week, in the words of Glasgow Live’s Ben Banks.

Having the £4.95m-rated ace fit to feature this week would be a real lift such has been his creative spark in recent games, while teammate Giakoumakis will be hoping to maintain his recent goalscoring form, after netting three times in his last two top-flight games.

The Greek marksman’s latest brace came at the end of a week in which the champions had been left to rue their profligacy in front of goal, with the 27-year-old potentially now staking his claim for a more regular role ahead of fellow forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

Having such competition for places will be vital amid this current hectic run of fixtures, hence the notable boost that Postecoglou won’t have more injury woes to contend with following yesterday’s stunning win.

Every youngster in West Ham’s academy right now will be looking to emulate Declan Rice’s progression into the first team but 16-year-old Ollie Scarles may well have a better chance than most.

Rice joined West Ham’s academy after leaving Chelsea and has gone on to become the Hammers’ captain after Mark Noble’s retirement, making 208 appearances for the first team by the age of 23.

He is also an England regular, having earned 34 caps for Gareth Southgate’s side in his career thus far, and he looks likely to be a mainstay for the Three Lions for the next decade.

In Scales, West Ham look to have an extremely talented teenager who is already threatening to break into the first team, having travelled to Belgium to face Anderlecht last week.

The Athletic’s West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas has claimed that Scarles is “on David Moyes’ radar” and it is easy to see why, as he has registered three assists in three U’18 Premier League games so far this season.

Transfermarkt suggests that Scarles’ main positions are as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back, so the Rice comparisons are only going to be natural as he continues to progress in the Hammers’ academy.

However, The Athletic claim that he is also capable of featuring as a left wing-back and left-midfielder, having featured there in Papa John’s Trophy game earlier this season.

Scarles’ former coach David Kingston spoke very highly of the youngster’s attitude and ability when speaking to The Athletic.

He said: “West Ham have a great player on their hands. He’s probably the most humble teenager you’ll come across. In terms of having a positive attitude, he’s the best I’ve worked with.”

While it might be some time before we see Scarles feature regularly in West Ham’s first team, he looks to have a bright future ahead of him and with enough hard work, there seems no reason why he can’t emulate Rice’s progression from academy star to England regular.

Tottenham Hotspur’s £60million forward Richarlison has not lived up to the hype that was expected of him surrounding his summer move, according to journalist Paul Brown.

THE LOWDOWN: A TOUGH START

Mustering his way into a Spurs side with a front three of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski was always going to be a tough ask for the Brazilian.

Add in the likes of increased competition in the form of Lucas Moura and Bryan Gil and the task is made that bit more difficult, with Tottenham possessing some deadly attacking options that have seen them assert themselves as the third-highest goalscoring team in the league from their first 12 Premier League games.

Whilst signs have been there in the nine league games we have seen him feature in, Richarlison has ultimately failed to score in the 369 minutes he has played in England’s top flight this season – though he has mustered up two assists.

THE LATEST: A UNIQUE ASSET 

According to journalist Brown, Richarlison has not been “the kind of electric signing” that Spurs were hoping for, but does indeed offer Antonio Conte something different in attack.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown said: “I don’t think he’s been the kind of electric signing they were hoping for. He hasn’t scored the sort of goals that they thought he might, but I think he still does give them something a little bit different.

“He gives them a spikiness and he goes into areas that I think perhaps Kane and Son don’t always, so I just think he’s an option that’s been really important for Spurs at times and they will miss him while he’s out.”

THE VERDICT: UNIQUE & UNDERRATED?

In the case of 25-year-old Richarlison, his offering to Spurs is unique, with his hard-working ability both in and out of possession an aspect that will be greatly appreciated by Conte.

The Brazil international’s efforts off the ball up top are incredible and see him average 21.56 pressures per 90 (as per FBref).

It could be argued that Richarlison has a major influence on his team’s pressing play, with an incredible 18.07 pressures asserted across the attacking and middle third combined over the past year.

Interestingly, an average of 3.49 of these pressures occur in the defensive third, despite his identity as a forward, which is a testament to his work rate for the team.

Having struck double figures in three of his five full Premier League seasons, we know there are goals in his game, and this has been underlined by the two Champions League goals he has scored thus far.

But it’s his consistency in his work off the ball that makes him such a vital threat in the forward positions, so Spurs could well miss him as he spends time out with injury.

Manchester United continue to prove the most in-form team in the Premier League. Now there’s a sentence.

The Red Devils have been far from their best this term but in recent weeks, a light is beginning to emerge at the end of the tunnel.

There may still be no Jadon Sancho, no in-form Antony or any real focal point to their attack, but Erik ten Hag is trying his best to ride a wave of negativity and turn it into something positive.

The recent introduction of a certain Kobbie Mainoo has certainly helped with that. He made his first Premier League start on Sunday evening as United defeated Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park.

The 18-year-old was the Man of the Match in the eyes of many, even if Alejandro Garnacho had scored one of the most remarkable goals in top-flight history.

So, with the Red Devils looking a lot better with a vibrant young talent at the base of their midfield, here are three further academy stars who could be seen in the first team before too long.

1 Joe Hugill

The striker was named among the substitutes at Goodison on Sunday evening but sadly for him, didn’t receive any game time.

That said, it surely won’t be too long before the talented forward sees first-team minutes. For the U21s this term, the 20-year-old has been in fine fettle, scoring seven times in 11 appearances.

That record sees him top the goal-scoring charts for the club’s U21s this season, as Hugill follows up on a campaign in which he netted 11 times in 12 Premier League 2 outings.

Hailed for his “clinical” nature in front of goal by journalist Josh Bunting, it’s a skill that not many at United possess in their locker. Indeed, until the win over Everton, the club’s forward line consisting of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony and Garnacho had scored just once between them in the league.

2 Omari Forson

That aforementioned offensive record could well see Forson gain first-team minutes at some point this season.

The 19-year-old is yet to make his first team debut but with seven goals in eight games at youth level in 2023/24, he’s certainly making all the right noises.

It’s a timely run of form for the right winger who could benefit from Sancho’s state of alienation and Antony’s dreadful run of form.

The surprise teenage star who could replace Sancho at Man Utd

This “exceptional” academy product could be the man to fix Manchester United’s right-wing problems.

ByAdam Scully Nov 17, 2023

The Brazilian is yet to register a single goal contribution this term, leading to suggestions that like Mainoo, an injection of youth is needed on the wings.

Garnacho’s energy proved decisive on Sunday and in Forson, they could find another vibrant wide player capable of dazzling the opposition.

3 Dan Gore

Like Mainoo, the 19-year-old is a midfielder ready to make an impact at first-team level.

Unlike the first of these two exciting young stars, however, Gore has already made his competitive senior debut for United, appearing off the bench in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.

A half-hour cameo was all the teenager was given on that occasion by Ten Hag but he’s clearly highly rated by those at Carrington.

Indeed, Gore has been in the match-day squad on four occasions in the Premier League this term, most notably against Arsenal, and has made eight appearances across all levels of football throughout 2023/24.

Known as a ‘tenacious and skilled’ attacking midfielder, he is another who could benefit a lacklustre Red Devils frontline, particularly with goalless Mason Mount struggling since arriving from Chelsea.

Gore is said to possess natural leadership skills too, having already captained the club at youth level. If anyone is going to get further minutes this term from the academy, it’s likely to be this exciting midfielder.

Journalist Sam Dean hailed William Saliba’s ‘dominant performance in Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Massive win for Gunners

The Gunners faced a huge trip to Stamford Bridge, in what was a major test of their title credentials, not soon after their midweek Europa League commitments.

After a dour first half, Gabriel fired the visitors in front from close range after an inswinging Bukayo Sakah corner, leading to scenes of joy in the away end.

It was an enormous three points for Arsenal, as they returned to the top of the table.

The Latest: Journalist lauds Saliba

Taking to Twitter, Dean praised Saliba’s impact at Stamford Bridge, as he kept Chelsea’s attack quiet:

“Broja’s first one-versus-one battle with Saliba. Saliba wins. He was similarly dominant against Aubameyang in the first half.”

The Verdict: Another superb display

Saliba has been outstanding for Arsenal all season long, looking like a centre-back with a massive future and already proving to be a priceless figure.

Against Chelsea, the Frenchman won two ground duels and enjoyed an 85% pass completion rate, according to Sofascore, as well as winning two tackles.

On this evidence, Saliba will find himself in the Premier League Team of the Season come the end of the campaign, potentially even starting for France at the World Cup, too.

Leeds United ought to consider making a move for Rennes centre-back Christopher Wooh, according to reliable journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: Wooh impressing for Rennes

The Frenchman is currently making a name for himself in Ligue 1, producing some impressive performances which belie his tender age of 21 years.

Wooh has enjoyed a 90.5% pass completion rate in the French top flight in 2022/23 to date, also averaging an impressive 4.5 clearances per match. He betters every player at Elland Road for both of those metrics in the current campaign.

If Leeds are to seek out defensive reinforcements in the coming months, it could be that they turn their attention to the Rennes youngster.

The Latest: Leeds ‘could do with’ Wooh

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Aarons claimed that Leeds are among the Premier League clubs who “could do with” signing someone like Wooh to strengthen their defensive options.

The Guardian reporter stated:

“There are quite a few teams that could do with a defender like him. I mean, Leeds definitely springs to mind. Leicester, as well.”

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The Verdict: Much-needed defensive quality

While Leeds have picked up some thrilling victories of late, there is no doubt that they need to firm up defensively if they are to comfortably retain their Premier League status.

They have already conceded 22 goals in just 13 league games this season (only six teams have shipped more) and Wooh could be someone who comes in and provides much-needed quality and competition for places.

His age would suggest that he is still developing as a player, but he has one cap for Cameroon to his name and will hope to make it into his country’s squad for the World Cup off the back of his performances for Rennes, who sit third in Ligue 1 having only shipped 13 goals in 14 matches.

Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on signing Middlesbrough youngster Pharrell Willis and the young midfielder could prove to be the next Eberechi Eze at Selhurst Park.

According to TEAMtalk, both Palace and West Ham are keen on bringing the 19-year-old to the Premier League, although Boro are working on tying the youngster down to a long-term contract at the Riverside.

Willis made his first senior appearance for the Championship club in midweek as they thrashed Blackpool 3-0, with new boss Michael Carrick clearly impressed with what the teenager has been showing in training and with the academy sides.

He said:

“Pharrell has caught the eye. That’s football. You see things as a coach. Certain things catch your eye.

“He plays with that spark, that freedom, he’s had a good attitude.”

Willis has been a regular for both the U18s and U21s at Middlesbrough in recent seasons and has one goal and two assists in the Premier League 2 so far this campaign.

He enjoyed a superb 2020/21 term, hitting eight goals for the U’18s, which clearly did enough to convince those at Middlesbrough that he was ready for Premier League 2 football.

Now that he has made the step up into the senior side, it seems only a matter of time before he starts showing his quality in the Championship, especially if Carrick continues to give him opportunities in the first team.

Should Palace win the race for the teenager, who can play on the wing and in midfield, it could be a repeat the deal that saw Eze join from QPR in the summer of 2020.

While he was already established as one of the top players in the Championship at the time, having hit 14 goals and eight assists in the season before joining, Carrick’s comments about Willis’ spark and freedom are certainly reminiscent of Eze’s style of play.

Considering the 24-year-old is now valued at €30m (£26m) by Transfermarkt and is starring in Vieira’s side this season, the French manager would surely love to have another top young talent with the potential to have the same impact as Eze in the Premier League in the future.

Therefore, Steve Parish should definitely look at bringing Willis to Selhurst Park in January before Middlesbrough can tie him down to a long-term deal.