A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting on social media after Jurgen Klopp called for changes in how the Video Assistant Referee systems currently in place are used.
The German was speaking at a manager’s summit at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday, where a host of Europe’s leading club chiefs were in attendance, including Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
VAR had played a big part in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Guardiola’s Sky Blues on Sunday, where the system was used to decide whether Trent Alexander-Arnold had handled the ball in the build-up to Fabinho’s opening goal.
Guardiola was left irate on the touchline at the incident not going in his favour, with his side also denied a later penalty shout, and while Klopp benefited from those decisions, feels changes have to be made.
Watch Liverpool Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
As quoted by Sky Sports, Klopp said: “VAR can be improved, it can. It will never be 100 per cent accurate, everybody knows that. But there are a couple of things that are not right,” Klopp told the conference.
“With VAR, handball, offside, it is clear we have to keep on improving. There were good ideas from UEFA [on] how we can sort things from the referees, so everybody is in on it.
“There is still space for mistakes. These things are done by human beings and none of us is perfect. Nobody is asking for perfection, you just want to have the right decisions.”
Liverpool’s win over Manchester City was not their first Premier League game to be effected by VAR decisions, as their victory at Aston Villa was also interrupted throughout as Stockley Park checked over some of the on-field calls.
The Villa Park affair saw two goals inside the opening half hour, but only the Villans’ opener through Trezeguet was allowed to stand despite some of his teammates standing in an offside position when John McGinn’s free-kick was taken.
Klopp’s Reds then saw an equaliser chalked off the board, when Martin Atkinson adjudged Roberto Firmino’s armpit to have been beyond the last man.
Here are some of the messages shared in response to Klopp’s call for action…
Wolverhampton Wanderers may not be in action this week with the international break taking centre stage, but that hasn’t stopped them gearing up for a busy January transfer window.
That’s if you believe the latest reports emerging from Molineux.
Last month, Birmingham Live hinted towards a potentially active opening month in 2020 by claiming that the club have a centre-back and a central midfielder high on their wishlist.
This appears to be trending towards being somewhat accurate as they continue to be linked to both positions, and this week has seen them mooted with a potential move for Ruben Dias, once again.
Only this time, they face stiff competition from Premier League heavyweights Manchester City and Manchester United.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, via Sport Witness, have made these claims, stating that Dias has a release clause of €66m (£56.5m).
It remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old will become a Wolves player, but here’s what some of the writers at Football FanCast think…
Viji Jeevathayalan
“It’s a sign of the massive improvements Wolves have made, that they find themselves in the conversation with a player who has been linked with the two Manchester giants.
“Despite only being 22, Ruben Dias has played 102 times for Benfica and has built up a wealth of experience playing in the Portuguese top-flight and the Champions League. If Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can convince the centre-back to join them over both Manchester United and Manchester City, then that would be a real statement of intent.
“The ultimate modern-day centre-half, Dias combines great technique on the ball (he averages 67.5 passes per game at a staggering accuracy of 89.2%), and rugged physicality off it (he makes 1.5 tackles per game). Make no mistake, a January swoop would be a major coup for Wolves.”
Billy Meyers
“At first glance, this signing would seem much too far-fetched for me – Ruben Dias is playing for a Portuguese giant in Benfica and is a regular for the Portugal national team, whilst surely Manchester City and Manchester United will have too much financial might for Wolves.
“However, the Midlands-based side have shocked us before in luring Ruben Neves to Molineux whilst in the Championship – they certainly aren’t strangers to securing a massive transfer coup.
“To put it simply, this would be a brilliant signing in terms of the current day and for the future. At just 22, Dias is powerful, good on the ball and has plenty of pace in his locker, while there would definitely be value in bringing him to the club if possible given the ever-increasing craziness of the transfer market – who knows how much Dias could be worth in a few years?
“If there is even a shred of a chance for Wolves to sign Dias, they should jump on it.”
Domagoj Kostanjsak
“Honestly, Wolves can’t go wrong with signing him. Ruben Dias is one of those players that you struggle to find clear-cut flaws with, and he would definitely be a major swoop for the club.
“That being said, I reckon they could face some competition, but if they can somehow lure him in, that’d be a brilliant piece of business on their side, especially given their need of a good defender.”
Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Lewis Blain
“Make no mistake. Ruben Dias would be an absolutely outstanding coup for Wolves and even the Premier League. It is the sort of signing that will elevate the club onto a dumbfounded level. If you think the Europa League is their ambition, then think again.
“The Portugal centre-back has become one of the best in the world in his role at the age of just 22 – if you want to believe Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira in Tuttosport via Football Italia.
“He already has a UEFA Nations League winners medal, where he also won the Man of the Match in the final and a domestic title to his name. This is precisely the sort of player that Wolves need to be targeting if they are to progress as a club.
“Per WhoScored, Dias averages a phenomenal passing accuracy of 89.2%, 2.3 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game which makes him a superb fit for Nuno Santo’s system.”
Chelsea’s momentum in the Premier League was curbed before the October international break, with Nottingham Forest holding the Blues to a feisty draw at Stamford Bridge to end a three-match winning run.
Enzo Maresca deserves plaudits for taking the reins from Mauricio Pochettino and lifting the club closer to the limelight. It’s going to take several campaigns, but the Londoners are starting to look like they could be serious competitors sooner rather than later.
There’s been plenty to praise regarding the transfer activity from the market just gone, with a wealth of quality brought in, but it’s been particularly pleasing to see the immense Cole Palmer joined by some of his partners from last season in stepping up to the plate.
Noni Madueke got himself on the scoresheet against the Tricky Trees, with his rise really starting to take shape.
Noni Madueke continues to shine
Madueke has been a part of the Chelsea project since signing from PSV Eindhoven in a deal worth £29m, but the 22-year-old joined the cause at a turbulent time and has only recently started to showcase that he can be a leading figure as Chelsea continue to raise the bar.
After losing against Manchester City in a tough season opener, the newly-blooded England international wreaked destruction at Molineux as Chelsea defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2.
Having been a regular feature on the right flank this term, Madueke came up clutch once again last weekend as he fired past Matz Sels after beating the stricken Alex Moreno for a fourth time. It took the winger’s tally to five goals from eight matches in all competitions in 2024/25.
Minutes played
89′
Goals
1
Assists
0
Touches
57
Shots (on target)
7 (2)
Accurate passes
27/32 (84%)
Key passes
3
Dribbles (completed)
5 (3)
Tackles
3
Interceptions
1
Total duels (won)
14 (8)
Writing in his post-match player ratings, football.london’s Rob Guest awarded Madueke with an 8/10 score, praising his energy and influence across the match, playing his part even if the Blues failed to defeat Forest on home turf.
He wrote: ‘Shot wide following some good movement early on and wasn’t too far off not long after with a curling effort following a sharp turn. Chelsea’s brightest player in the first half with some excellent play down the right and deservedly got his name on the scoresheet with a low effort 12 minutes after the restart. Strong showing from the winger.’
Chelsea have plenty of quality in the final third, but it’s a measure of Madueke’s performances that he’s keeping the likes of Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto at bay, playing with gusto and impact.
It was his fine goal that spared the blushes – to a degree – of another Chelsea star over the weekend. Indeed, Nicolas Jackson’s brilliant start to the campaign was stifled, for he flattered to deceive before the October international break.
Nicolas Jackson's performance vs Forest
Jackson has come on leaps and bounds already in 2024/25. He was hardly ‘poor’ during his maiden year in London, joining from Villarreal on an eight-year deal in July 2023 after a fee in excess of his £30m release clause was paid.
Nicolas Jackson
He bagged 14 Premier League goals across 34 matches last year, which is an impressive feat for a young centre-forward stepping into English football for the first time – and at a club that had been suffering from harsh climes besides.
With 24 big chances missed, however, it was clear that much work was needed. For reference, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored 19 times and only missed 22 big chances.
This season has been a different tale, with the Senegalese striker reaping the rewards of a refined sense of fluency at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are not quite so reliant on Palmer’s brilliance anymore.
Jackson has posted four goals and three assists across his opening seven Premier League matches of the term, although he struggled to add to his efforts against Nuno Espirito Santo’s expertly woven low block, with the aforementioned Guest far more displeased with his display, branding him with a 5/10 match rating and commenting on his ‘frustrating afternoon’ with ‘very little’ falling his way.
Indeed, the 23-year-old was well-marshalled, taking just one shot all game – hitting the woodwork – and taking just 30 touches, as per Sofascore, which was even fewer than that of the hosts’ shot-stopper Robert Sanchez (39).
Forest also had him covered in the air, with Jackson winning only one of his four contested aerial battles.
It’s a reminder that he’s not yet the finished article, and that, with such an array of talent at Maresca’s clutches, he perhaps shouldn’t start every single week.
Why Maresca must consider dropping Jackson
Nkunku missed a glorious opportunity to win it for Chelsea after being introduced, taking Jackson’s place, with ten minutes on the clock, but the France international’s dynamic and breezy style of play might have had an effect in unlocking an iron-willed and bullish Forest backline, had he had longer to apply his instruments.
We all know of Jackson’s quality, and that he’s one of the most talented young forwards in the Premier League. After all, he’s claimed seven goal contributions from as many matches to kick off his second year in England.
But he’s not infallible. Jackson got lost in the forest on Sunday afternoon and proved to Maresca and the Blues fanbase that he’s got much to learn before he reaches the apex of his potential.
With the likes of Nkunku, Felix and Guiu waiting in the wings, it’s simply a reminder that Maresca has an embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal, and must rotate beyond flicking the switch as his team jumps between Conference League and top-flight football.
For now, Chelsea stand in fourth place in the Premier League after seven matches – only four points behind table-topping Liverpool. Jackson will continue to play his instrumental part in the term, but Maresca must make sure to shuffle the pack and remind stars that they are always apt to lose their starting berth if they falter.
Chelsea star who was a 5/10 vs Nottingham Forest is now droppable
Chelsea man has now become droppable ahead of the Liverpool game
Unai Emery has provided an update on the fitness of one of his key men, and it is as worrying as first feared for Aston Villa.
Villa draw with inspired Ipswich
Aston Villa missed the chance to go level at the top of the Premier League as they drew 2-2 with newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Though they fell behind early, it seemed that goals from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins had put them back on track for all three points.
Emery could boldly bench Duran and unleash Aston Villa's "nightmare"
Unai Emery will make a few changes to his starting XI for the clash against Ipswich
ByRoss Kilvington Sep 29, 2024
However, Liam Delap’s brace left Unai Emery’s side holding onto a point amid late Ipswich pressure. The draw leaves Villa level with Chelsea, and a point behind Arsenal and Manchester City in the early Premier League standings.
Emery confirms injury fears
One man who missed the draw with Ipswich was John McGinn, who limped out of action against Wolves a week ago with a hamstring injury.
He was never expected to make the clash with the Tractor Boys, with Emery explaining after the Wolves win: “It is a hamstring injury. When we arrived here, he had a hamstring injury against Tottenham in January and today I think it is less than that injury. But he will be not available, I think, for a few weeks.”
However, more clarity has now been provided on his absence, with the Villa boss quizzed on it in the build-up to the Ipswich trip (as per The Mirror) after it was hoped that the injury was less serious.
And he admitted that it would be an absence likely to stretch to a total of four weeks as initially suggested: “He’s been out for one week and I think he will now be out for two or three weeks more. Our expectation is that he will be out for three or four weeks altogether,” the Villa boss revealed.
The news means that the Scot, who takes home £120,000 a week at Villa Park, will miss his side’s first home game in the Champions League when they host Bayern Munich in midweek.
It will come as a blow to Emery, who is a big fan of his No 7 and dubbed him the ultimate professional back in 2023.
“He is competitive, he always is ready to play, physically as well. I think when he is not training or playing he is resting – his energy always is full. He is a very good example, of how he is consistent and trying to help and to be an example, a very good example for players.
“I really, really appreciate a lot as a person how he is, but as a professional, he is fantastic.”
McGinn’s importance to Aston Villa in 2023/24
Appearances
35
Starts
35
Goals
6
Assists
4
Yellow Cards
9
McGinn will also miss a home clash with Manchester United, while he is unlikely to head on international duty with Scotland, who face Croatia and Portugal in the Nations League over the upcoming break.
However, Villa will be hoping to welcome him back for their trip to Craven Cottage after the international break.
Sunderland supporters will still be largely happy with their side’s blistering start to the season in the Championship, despite coming unstuck for the first time in the league to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle this weekend.
That was the first time Regis Le Bris had tasted the bitterness of a defeat in the Black Cats hot-seat after the new manager had steered his confident Wearside outfit to three wins on the bounce before the Pilgrims inflicted a shock 3-2 loss to the early pace-setters.
Sunderland have managed this great form without really having a potent striker in attack to rely on, with young hotshot Eliezer Mayenda still learning the ropes with two goals from five, albeit those strikes did all come in one game.
Long gone are the days that Sunderland would fork out wads of cash to sign experienced EFL heads to make up the majority of their side, with Will Grigg once a hotly anticipated signing that fit this billing, who would fail majorly at the Stadium of Light.
Will Grigg's time at Sunderland
Grigg would arrive on Wearside in 2019 with a reputation for being a clinical finisher, having become a widely known goal machine for Wigan Athletic, before seeking out pastures new with Sunderland.
The Northern Irish striker would fire home an impressive 65 strikes from 150 games playing for the Latics, with 25 of those goals coming during one single League One campaign back in the 15/16 season.
As a direct consequence of his reputation rising to be that of an ice-cold finisher of chances under pressure, he would cost Sunderland a pretty penny, with the Black Cats splashing out a hefty £4m for his services in 2019.
It would ultimately go down as a dire transfer misfire from Stewart Donald as Grigg could never quite find his shooting boots donning his new red and white colours, with a lacklustre eight goals registered for Sunderland from 62 overall clashes.
Sunderland would then go on to find Ross Stewart who did end up being a deadly finisher, whilst Grigg was moved on, with Milton Keynes Dons snapping him up on a free transfer in 2022, a drastic decline from the £4m he once was valued at.
However, at Chesterfield now, away from his forgettable playing days in Milton Keynes, Grigg has found that killer instinct once more.
Grigg's numbers for Chesterfield
Last season when playing for Paul Cook’s Chesterfield in the National League, the experienced EFL veteran would amazingly net more strikes on his own than all of the goal-shy strikers back at the Stadium of Light combined.
It was a particularly difficult 23/24 campaign for Sunderland when it came to unearthing a potent striker from their ranks, with Nazariy Rusyn scoring the most overall at a paltry two, compared to Grigg’s stellar amount of 25.
Player
Games
Goals
Grigg
41
25
Rusyn
22
2
Mason Burstow
20
1
Mayenda
8
0
Luis Semedo
23
0
Glancing at the table above, there’s no real competition between Grigg’s outstanding numbers and his counterparts from Sunderland, although Mayenda will be pleased with himself that he’s got two goals and two assists this campaign under Le Bris, after a bruising first season in England.
Grigg has adjusted back to the demands of EFL football relatively well this season to date too, with one goal and assist managed from seven appearances in the fourth tier, but could now face a lengthy spell in the Spireites treatment room after picking up an injury last match.
Away from Grigg finding his mojo again at Chesterfield, Le Bris back at the Black Cats will be content with what he has at his disposal in the attacking department, as he aims to make one of his current crop into a centre-forward worthy of hitting double digits.
Sunderland could soon sell “wonderful” ace for more than Jack Clarke
Sunderland could soon see this star go for millions.
Manchester United hold some "doubt" over the capability of Mohammed Kudus to play the midfield role he wants at Old Trafford, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.
Manchester United transfer news – what's the latest on Mohammed Kudus?
After securing Champions League football with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, United are looking to bolster their midfield options over the summer to cement their position and hopefully push on to challenge the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City next year.
The club's main target over the last few weeks, Mason Mount, proved to be an incredibly difficult deal to get done. But, the Red Devils have now seemingly agreed a deal for the midfielder.
Another player on the team's transfer wish list is Ajax midfielder and Ghanaian international Kudus.
Whilst unlikely to be a like-for-like alternative for Mount, the 22-year-old is a promising player in his own right after moving to the Dutch capital three years ago and donning the famous red and white 63 times since then.
According to the Daily Mail, the Eredivisie outfit have slapped a £40m price tag on their man, and if United are keen, they should get a move on as high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion are already in talks with Ajax.
Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus
What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Mohammed Kudus to Manchester United?
Jones explained that the player wants to be seen as just a midfielder in any potential move to United, but there is some doubt at the club whether he could play that role in the league to the same standard as Mount.
Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think, Kudus wants to be a midfielder. But I think in terms of being ready to be a Premier League midfielder, there seems to be some doubt around Man United."
Would Mohammed Kudus be a good signing for Manchester United?
With Jones revealing that the decision makers at United harbour some doubt over the player's ability to play as a Premier League midfielder, are they right?
Well, if his performances last season were anything to go by, no.
According to WhoScored, the Nima-born dynamo achieved a seriously impressive average match rating of 7.29 across his 30 games in the league, scoring 11 and assisting a further three.
Granted, he spent the season across central midfield, attacking midfield and striker, but he achieved a minimum rating of 6.56 across all three, which is a good base to develop from.
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group H – South Korea v Ghana – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar – November 28, 2022 Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Molly Darlington
And who better to help him develop from where he currently is than his former manager Erik ten Hag, who once hailed the Ghanian-machine as "excellent" in a post-match interview during his time with the Amsterdam club.
In today's market, £40m isn't a huge investment anymore, and for a player that seems to be adept in multiple positions, is young, and has an eye for goal, United should seriously consider pulling the trigger on this one, regardless of what happens with Mount.
Earlier this month it was reported that Aston Villa are interested in Napoli winger Hirving Lozano, as the Villans bid to bolster their squad ahead of next season.
Both Unai Emery and Monchi are expected to have a busy summer in the Midlands, with Mexican ace Lozano posing to be a potentially potent signing.
The Napoli ace’s former agent Alessandro Monfrecola – relayed by Sport Witness – claimed that both Villa and West Ham have ‘shown interest’ in the attacker.
Monfrecola added to his comments this week, reinforcing the interest by naming the two Premier League clubs as interested parties, although there is also an attraction from Saudi Arabia.
What could Hirving Lozano offer to Aston Villa?
While every player brings their own creative DNA to the game, some are very similar in their styles, and the calibre of player that Lozano is likened to establishes the level of talent Villa could add to their ranks.
As per FBref, based on statistics over the past year, the tricky Mexican is likened to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma, who has lit the Premier League up since his emergence last season.
Described a 'defenders' nightmare', the Japanese winger contributed seven goals and five assists in the league last campaign, showcasing his skill set from the wide areas and posing as one of the most threatening talents in Europe.
The 26-year-old ranked in the top 5% of wingers in Europe over the past year for his monstrous average of 5.55 progressive carries per 90, as well as averaging 2.25 successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.
Lauded as “dangerous” with an “insane skill set” by analyst and scout EBL on Twitter, Mitoma offers Brighton a serious threat on the flanks, in a way that Lozano could present to Villa.
Similarly to the Japan international, the £97k-per-week gem scores highly in terms of progressive carries and take-ons, averaging 4.78 carries and 2.13 successful take-ons per 90 minutes over the past year, via FBref.
Emery could have his own answer to Mitoma in the Mexican star, who has been praised as being “pure class” by scout Antonio Mango. Indeed, he is a player that enjoys causing problems in the final third.
In a recorded 383 domestic career appearances, the Mexico City-born sensation has recorded a mammoth 184 goal involvements, via Transfermarkt, showing his innate ability to be clinical in every chapter of his career so far.
Valued around £26m by Football Transfers, Villa could land a bargain in a talent proven domestically and internationally this summer.
Chelsea will be aiming to forget about their dreadful 2022/23 campaign as new manager Mauricio Pochettino already appears to mean business in the transfer window.
Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic are close to securing exits, while there are a plethora of players seemingly ready to jump ship to Saudi Arabia, enticed by the barrel loads of cash on offer in the Middle East.
As well as the mass exodus occurring at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino is also looking to bring in a host of players to develop a side which can once again contest for silverware. The Stamford Bridge outfit are now leading the chase for Moises Caicedo, while goalkeeper Mike Maignan is also on their radar.
The Blues are also keeping tabs on AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, and the Ligue 1 side will reportedly start discussions at around the €40m (£34m) mark, although Manchester United are leading the chase for the Frenchman.
He could be a shrewd signing by Pochettino, especially with Kalidou Koulibaly looking likely to leave Chelsea, while Thiago Silva isn’t exactly getting any younger – and Disasi would be a perfect heir to the Brazilian.
Could Axel Disasi improve Chelsea?
The Blues finished in a lowly 12th position in the Premier League last term, while they conceded 62 goals across all competitions, and there is no doubt they require some improvements at the back.
Silva started 26 league games last season and was one of the club's better performers, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.26/10, ranking him first in the squad for this metric. He also ranked in the top five for interceptions and clearances per game as he clearly shows no sign of slowing down.
But he only has a year left on his current deal and the 2023/24 season will surely be his final one in England, as he will turn 39 in September, leaving someone like Disasi the opportunity to eventually become his long-term heir.
Axel Disasi Chelsea target
The 25-year-old is excellent at starting attacks from the back, evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 4% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive passes (5.80) and progressive carries per 90 (1.70). Silva, in contrast, only ranks in the top 34% for progressive passes per 90 (3.7) and in the bottom 17% for progressive carries per 90 (0.24), showing that the Frenchman may be able to fit into Pochettino’s attacking philosophy much better.
The Monaco titan has also been dubbed a “hidden gem” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, and for a fee of around £34m, he could well improve the Chelsea backline as Pochettino seeks to unearth a perfect replacement for Silva once he eventually moves on from the club.
As well as going through the meticulous and exhaustive process of pinpointing the right man to succeed Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace must begin to make inroads in the fiercely competitive transfer market.
The midfield has already undergone huge change via the departures of Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur leaving a lack of depth in the centre of the park.
Steve Parish has never been a notoriously big-spending owner as the club often targets attainable, affordable, and realistic options – the next name to fit this bill is Ellyes Skhiri.
What’s the latest on Ellyes Skhiri to Crystal Palace?
According to Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness), the Eagles have been “strongly” following the Koln midfielder, who has a “dream” to play in the Premier League.
Alongside the South Londoners, AC Milan are also vying for the 28-year-old’s signature, who is seen as a “market opportunity” due to his availability as a free agent upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June.
The Rossoneri have reportedly offered the Tunisian a three-year deal with the option of a fourth, so Palace will need to match or better this offer, with Skhiri expected to make a decision in the coming days.
How would Ellyes Skhiri fit in at Crystal Palace?
The £28k-per-week star made 32 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring seven times.
The 54-cap international has demonstrated himself as a phenomenal all-rounder, averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.3 dribbles, and 1.3 clearances per game. Combine these statistics with his goals, and you have a threatening pivot with punishing physicality that could seamlessly slot into the Palace side.
Aptly described as "big and strong" by Koln coach Steffen Baumgart, the former Tunisian Footballer of the Year international ranks impressively across the continent as he sits within the top 15% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90, blocks per 90, and interceptions per 90.
Thus, after assessing his impressive profile, Skhiri makes for a perfect partner for Cheick Doucouré.
The 23-year-old joined Palace last summer for £22m and has swiftly established himself as an indispensable member of the team.
Last season, he averaged the most tackles (2.3) and interceptions (1.6) in the squad and the Eagles lost three of the four matches that Doucouré didn’t play in.
His ability to sniff out danger, read the game, and win possession perhaps goes under the radar but is of undeniable importance to the Eagles.
With this spectacular solid spine potentially protecting Palace’s backline, it creates a foundation that will allow the creative influences of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise to flourish spectacularly under any new manager.
Manchester United could well be eyeing a summer move for Inter Milan star Andre Onana, albeit with the Red Devils set to face competition for the goalkeeper's signature.
What's the latest on Onana to Man United?
According to the Evening Standard, the Old Trafford outfit could potentially rival Chelsea in the battle to land the 27-year-old ahead of next season, with Erik ten Hag and co able to offer the benefit of providing Champions League football.
The report suggests that the Serie A outfit are set to demand a fee in the region of £50m if they are to part ways with the former Cameroon international over the coming weeks, with the Italian giants potentially set to be forced to cash in due to their ongoing financial woes.
The former Ajax man only made the move to San Siro on a free transfer last summer and still has four years left to run on his existing deal with Simone Inzaghi's side.
Should Man United sign Onana?
There is currently much uncertainty surrounding United's goalkeeping department, with an agreement yet to have been reached with long-serving asset David De Gea over a contract extension, with the Spaniard's current deal set to expire in just a matter of weeks.
Even if the 32-year-old is to sign a new contract in the near future, there have been reports that the £375k-per-week man won't necessarily be the starting option for Ten Hag next season.
The former Atletico Madrid man has arguably become a "big problem" for the Red Devils – according to pundit Jamie Carragher – with his woes in possession having been exposed of late, with club legend Paul Scholes stating following the defeat to Sevilla that De Gea "makes the whole team nervous" when trying to play out from the back.
The signing of Onana, therefore, would be a potential upgrade as far as Ten Hag is concerned, with the 6 foot 3 titan – who played 145 times under the Dutchman in Amsterdam – having been described as "exceptional" on the ball by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, ahead of last weekend's Champions League final.
Despite ending up on the losing side in that showpiece meeting, the 34-cap ace still "caught the eye" with his distribution, according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Tyrone Marshall.
The Inter man's greater composure on the ball was also shown in Serie A in 2022/23 as he enjoyed an average pass accuracy rate of 79% from his 24 league outings, while De Gea, by contrast, averaged just 68% for that same metric from 38 appearances, having been far more erratic when attempting to play out.
Equally, while the latter man ranks in just the bottom 30% among his European peers for touches per 90, Onana ranks in the top 11% in that regard, again showcasing that he will willingly get involved in the build-up.
As such, with De Gea having become something of a 'problem' of late, the signing of the Cameroonian machine could be just the upgrade that Ten Hag requires.