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Leeds United fans believe that midfielder Kalvin Phillips deserves to be called-up to the England squad.

The Three Lions face Montenegro and Kosovo in Euro 2020 qualifiers in November, and supporters of the Whites think that the 23-year-old is more than good enough to be in Gareth Southgate’s plans.

Phillips has been a regular for the Elland Road club since Marcelo Bielsa took over in 2018, starting 13 in all competitions this season. It would be fair to say that he has seriously improved his game under the Argentine.

Indeed, he should be considered the enforcer in the Leeds midfield, the man who protects the back four. The stats suggest he has performed that role well as he has recorded the second most amount of tackles in the Championship this season with 42, only Hull City’s Kevin Stewart has made more (45).

Added to that Phillips also averages 1.5 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game, but he has also shown attacking talents too with an average of 1.5 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game, as well as a pass completion percentage of 83.6% (via WhoScored).

However whilst he has certainly impressed, it has been in the second division which probably keeps him below the likes of Harry Winks, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson right now, all of whom are performing in the Premier League.

Despite that, many Leeds fans do believe he is good enough and have expressed that on Twitter…

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

Birmingham head coach Pep Clotet has revealed how 16 year-old central midfielder Jude Bellingham has reacted to transfer links with huge clubs, claiming they are motivating the youngster.

What’s the story?

The Birmingham Mail have detailed Clotet’s thoughts on the highly-rated prospect, citing interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

The Reds were indeed said to be “front of the queue” in a report last month, and the Blues boss has now commented on the matter.

He said: “We will see what effect it has. I think he is going to be alright with it, it’s just motivation to keep going and keep growing.

“Actually I think that will encourage him to play well and know there are clubs who want him and he has a good level of attention.

“In a really good player that will motivate him to go more and play for us to a better level.

“He has dealt with everything really maturely, he has worked very hard in the whole pre-season, he waited for his chance and when his chance came he took it.”

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Ticking all the boxes

Clotet did go on to say that Bellingham “wants to play for Birmingham City”, but it will be nigh-on impossible for the club to resist interest from the top tiers of European football if they do not earn promotion any time soon.

With that in mind, Liverpool fans should actually be excited by his comments, as it shows the type of player and person that Bellingham is.

Not only is he Birmingham’s youngest ever first-team player, debuting just 38 days after his 16th birthday, and the player of the tournament at England’s U-17 Syrenka Cup success last month, he also clearly has the right attitude to be a Jurgen Klopp player.

You only need to look at the German’s treatment of Mamadou Sakho to see he values the right work ethic and mentality as much as on-the-pitch ability, and Bellingham appears to tick all the boxes.

Liverpool won’t have it easy if they decide to fully pursue the winger, with Bayern Munich reportedly interested, but having scored twice in eight senior appearances this season, aged just 16 and clearly with a good head on his shoulders, he seems an ideal target.

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

According to Express & Star, contract talks between West Brom and defender Nathan Ferguson are progressing.

What’s the word?

West Brom have started the season like a house on fire, going unbeaten in their eight matches which has seen them rise to fourth in the table – just one point off league leaders Leeds United and Swansea City.

Slaven Bilic has given some of the club’s promising youngsters the chance to feature this season with Kyle Edwards and Ferguson both playing in seven matches each.

The performances of the versatile 18-year-old, in particular, have stood out having picked up the Man of the Match award in his senior debut live in front of the TV cameras.

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Ferguson has since attracted the interest from the top-flight as The Sun on Sunday (22/09, p. 61) suggest that Crystal Palace have been lurking around the Baggies’ young prospect.

The Eagles have a clear void at right-back after the £50m departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United in the summer and they weren’t able to find a replacement for him either meaning Joel Ward is their only option in that role.

Though, this week further reports have claimed that Ferguson is close to agreeing to a new long-term deal to remain at the Hawthorns which would be a massive boost towards their intentions of returning to the promised land.

Bilic’s influence

It may also be a sign of the impact their Croatian has had in the west Midlands.

Winger Matty Phillips has already signed a three-year contract extension this season, citing Bilic as the key reason why, so it isn’t out of the realms of possibility to suggest that the same is happening here, especially considering the Croat gave Ferguson his debut.

The 18-year-old may well have ambitions to play in the Premier League but the Baggies will be hoping they can achieve that in the years to come.

After all, it’s something that’s been touched on by the club.

Bilic signed a two-year deal when taking over as Albion boss in the summer, and that’s the timeframe sporting and technical director Luke Dowling has put on their return to the top-flight.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be a coincidence to see Ferguson potentially extend his time at the Hawthorns until at least the end of next season. He’s already flourishing under Albion’s new coach.

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Erik Lamela has been lucky enough to be a part of one of the most talented teams in Tottenham Hotspur’s recent history.

He’s played alongside top talents such as Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Aldeweireld. However, none of those players make his dream five-a-side team.

Indeed, the winger was asked to choose a team filled with footballers he has played with throughout his career, and despite spending six years at Spurs, only one Tottenham player makes the cut.

Lamela starts off well enough as he chooses Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper, but from then on he neglects choosing any Tottenham players.

He goes with two defenders in the shape of Nicolas Burdisso and Marquinhos, both of whom he played with at Roma.

Nobody can argue with his next pick, as he chooses Lionel Messi up top.

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However, we suspect the next choice will infuriate a number of Spurs fans as the Argentine picks Sergio Aguero over Kane as his second attacking option.

For years people have debated which striker is the best in the Premier League, but the fact that a man loyal to north London, who has played with both of the main candidates, has chosen Aguero may just settle it.

Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan have one foot in the next round after crushing Rennes 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League tie.

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• Pulisic and Musah start for Milan
• Loftus-Cheek leads way with brace
• Leao back on the scoresheet

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ruben Loftus-Cheek was Milan's hero on the day, scoring the first two goals to ensure that the Italian giants would seize the advantage.

  The ex-Chelsea man scored his first goal in the 32nd minute, breaking the deadlock during a fairly dominant Milan first half. His second came just after halftime, effectively putting the game to bed with a close-range reactionary finish just two minutes into the second 45.

  Milan's third came from Rafael Leao, who had been desperate to score, and that third should seal Milan's place in the next round despite their upcoming trip to France.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The win should ease some pressure, particularly on manager Stefano Pioli, who has been under fire for results this season. Barring a Rennes miracle, Milan should be into the next round of the Europa League as they look to march on through the knockout rounds.

  As for Leao, the goal will certainly be a weight off his shoulders as it ended a five-match goalless streak. He'd scored in just one of Milan's last seven games and hasn't scored outside of the Coppa Italia since November.

  If the Portuguese superstar can find his form, Milan will be a tough team to beat going forward.

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  USMNT IMPACT

  Having been a bit quiet lately, Pulisic wasn't the star of the show in this one, either, with his former Chelsea teammate Loftus-Cheek taking home Man of the Match honors. Pulisic had some decent moments on the ball, though, even if he couldn't quite contribute to a Milan goal.

  Musah, meanwhile, made just his second start since December and it was an impressive one. The American had a solid game in the middle of the field, completing all but one of his passes, creating one chance and winning four duels.

  Overall, it was a solid shift for Musah, who made a good case for a return to the starting XI in Serie A matches.

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  GOAL'S RATINGS

  Christian Pulisic (7/10):

  Active and effective, but just lacked that little bit of luck needed to get his goal. A solid performance, though, even if it wasn't game-changing.

  Yunus Musah (7/10):

  Decent shift for the American midfielder. Didn't do a whole lot wrong and had some good moments on both sides of the ball.

The England international offered absolutely nothing throughout his hour on the pitch in a dreadful performance for the woeful Red Devils

Erik ten Hag's side came into the game desperate to atone for their hugely damaging Champions League draw with Galatasaray in midweek, in which Andre Onana made two dismal errors, but they simply couldn't find a way to hurt Newcastle.

The Magpies raced out of the traps and had a dominant start, creating a multitude of chances. Kieran Trippier came closest, as he sent a brilliant 25-yard free-kick against the crossbar, with Andre Onana rooted to the spot.

It would get better for Newcastle, however, as just 10 minutes after the restart, Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game, as he ghosted in at the back post to finish Trippier's cross.

United could not get out of their own half at times, and Marcus Rashford was particularly guilty, as he offered next to nothing in attack and barely tracked back to help the defence before being hooked on the hour.

Ten Hag's side did have a late rally after Nick Pope injured his shoulder and was substituted, but it came to nothing, with an Antony goal ruled out after the ball bounced in off Harry Maguire, who was clearly offside.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from St James' Park…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (6/10):

  Made a superb early save from Almiron to settle any potential nerves. Rooted when Trippier hit the bar with a superb free-kick. Beaten all ends up by Gordon's goal but kept the score down in a decent performance.

  Aaron Wan-Bissaka (4/10):

  Struggled with the pace of Gordon and lost the winger at the back post before the opening goal. Did make a great block later on but failing to pick up Gordon for the goal ultimately cost United. Subbed for Reguilon with 10 minutes to go.

  Harry Maguire (5/10):

  Constantly attempting to organise the backline. Put his body on the line where he could. Booked for a frustrated lunge and then managed to get in the way of Antony's goalbound shot that would've been the equaliser.

  Luke Shaw (6/10):

  Stepped into midfield when he could and made some vital blocks. United's best defender.

  Diogo Dalot (4/10):

  Did nothing to stop Newcastle's rampant attacks and was pinned back throughout the game by the dynamism of Trippier.

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  Midfield

  Scott McTominay (4/10):

  Worked hard in midfield but couldn't progress the ball. Always willing to run but he just had too much to do defensively to get forward.

  Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

  Full of energy but overrun in midfield. Subbed for Amrabat on 80 minutes.

  Bruno Fernandes (2/10):

  Completely anonymous. Did nothing to help his team-mates and had no influence on the game. As poor as he's been this season.

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  Attack

  Marcus Rashford (1/10):

  As bad a performance as you could possibly imagine. Barely touched the ball and never bothered to track back. With him on the pitch, United were playing with 10. Subbed for Antony on the hour and he was fortunate to get that much time.

  Anthony Martial (4/10):

  Showed some glimpses of explosive pace but had nothing to feed off. Subbed for Hojlund.

  Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

  Marked out of the game by Trippier. Can be breathtaking at his best but barely had a touch of the ball here.

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  Subs & Manager

  Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

  On for Martial. Struggled just as much as the Frenchman.

  Antony (5/10):

  On for Rashford. Did a couple of ball rolls and stepovers and thought he had equalised, but his shot hit Maguire. Booked for a cynical foul as Newcastle broke away.

  Sergio Reguilon (5/10):

  On for Wan-Bissaka. Had an excellent shot from range well-blocked.

  Sofyan Amrabat (5/10):

  On for Mainoo. Moved the ball well.

  Erik ten Hag (3/10):

  None of his changes worked and neither did the selection of the defence. Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could both have been subbed in the first half. United aren't playing for him on this evidence.

Many Liverpool supporters have taken to Twitter to react to the news that the Anfield club is the most-watched football team in the world. 

As per the Liverpool Echo [via Anfield Watch], the Reds are currently the most-watched football team across the world, arising from findings by global sponsorship, media valuation and data analysts Nielson.

Liverpool’s historical past and global commercial revenues have aided Jugen Klopp’s team to garner supporters from all corners of the world, although the Merseysiders’ status in that regard could soon be under threat.

Nielson believe that the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United will see the Red Devils take over top spot in their rankings by the end of the 2021/22 season.

When he arrived at Juventus in 2018, he brought a 15% increase in cumulative TV viewership, and it is expected he will do likewise at Old Trafford. Nielson suggests that the Portuguese’s arrival could bring in a further 60 million viewers to United’s league games over the season. [Liverpool Echo]

Liverpool fans buzzing

These Liverpool fans have expressed their excitement about the revelation that their club are currently the most-watched team in the world, with one Kopite duly describing the Reds as “gargantuan”.

“We are so massive”

Credit: @FrontOfficeSeb

“I’ll never understand how we’re not the highest earners financially with merchandise and TV earnings etc. We’re the biggest club in the world”

Credit: @TLBRAY92

“We’re gargantuan”

Credit: @sandile_dube_

“Best club in the world, of course!”

Credit: @JichuuLiverpool

“No surprise, even when we finished 7th under Brendan having not won any significant in years we had 90,000 in Australia to watch us for pre season friendly, we are the best supported club in the world”

Credit: @Hammaad_55

“It was never in doubt. We’re the most televised team in the country.”

Credit: @amadu38

In other news, many Liverpool fans were delighted with Jurgen Klopp’s comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold. Find out more here.

The International FA Board (Ifab) is considering to introduce 10-minute sin bins to crack down on referee abuse.

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• IFAB considers sin bins for dissent
• Rugby-inspired captain-only referee approach
• Global concern on behaviour towards referees

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the lawmakers are mulling over introducing 10-minute sin bins for dissent in professional competitions, addressing rising concerns about referee abuse and assaults. Since 2019, trials in grassroots football have shown success, prompting a potential extension to professional leagues.

  IFAB also contemplates adopting rugby's captain-only approach to referees, limiting player interaction. This would significantly impact the current ruling where the match official can flash a card if two or more players surround him in protest.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With 88 dissent bookings in the Premier League this season, IFAB recognises participant misbehavior as a major issue, discussing solutions through Laws of the Game adjustments.

  A successful sin-bin pilot saw a 38 per cent reduction in dissent incidents, with 72 per cent of players, 77 per cent of coaches and 84 per cent of referees wanting to continue with the trial, emphasising the need to protect referees at all levels.

• WHAT LUKAS BRUD SAID

  Lukas Brud, the chief executive of IFAB, told : “We have identified participant misbehaviour as a major problem for football and it will be the main topic for Ifab for the upcoming years. We are looking at what we can do either via the Laws of the Game or recommendations and guidelines for additional measures. Sin-bins for dissent have worked well in grassroots football, and some believe these could also be tested at a higher level, with trials in more senior football.

  “Players may not worry so much about getting a yellow card for saying something inappropriate to a referee, but it can make a big difference if they know it means a tenth of the match off the pitch. There is also a lot of interest from different stakeholders for the idea where only the captain can approach the referee in a fair way. Players approaching in an aggressive manner simply cannot be tolerated any longer. We have even seen on a number of occasions where players deliberately go behind a referee with others coming in front of him so he cannot get away. If only the captain can approach the referee, then afterwards he or she can explain to their team-mates what has happened. This has worked well in other sports such as rugby and basketball.”

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• REFEREE DROP-OUT RATES ARE ALARMING

  Brud revealed that referee drop-out rates after one season are alarming and he believes that the sin-bin rule will definitely motivate more young officials to continue with the sport without the fear of getting abused.

  “It starts at the top. What the football idols do in a match, kids and adults in amateur football will copy the next day,” Brud added.

  “There is a big problem with retaining referees or motivating people to start refereeing. They see what is happening on the pitches, they feel the abuse and are in fear of assaults.

  “We need to protect the integrity and image of the game and help referees to manage improper behaviour better.

  “There are testimonies even from referees in youth football about how they suffer with anxiety before matches, being unable to sleep, because they are worried about being abused, both verbally and physically. In some countries a large proportion of young referees are dropping out after their first couple of years.”

Kieran Maguire has dropped a brutal view on Newcastle United after reports of unrest behind the scenes at St. James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Choudhury failure

As per Football Insider, the North East club’s proposed loan move for Hamza Choudhury had collapsed just hours before the deadline.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Mike Ashley was, to the fury of Steve Bruce, unwilling to sanction a loan fee for the Leicester City midfield player.

The Latest: Maguire on unrest

Speaking to Football Insider, football finance expert Maguire has now suggested that the Tyneside outfit are not being run properly behind the scenes and those in charge are not pointing in the same direction:

“A good football club will have everybody rowing in the same direction.

“The nature of the consultation between the board and those on the footballing side should be professional.

“What we have at Newcastle, sadly, is turmoil behind the scenes. It’s haphazard, like a firework going off in all different directions.

“Football clubs are very leaky organisations, and this is further evidence of a further feeling of malaise both within the club and on the terraces as well.”

The Verdict: Clearer vision needed

There certainly needs to be a clearer vision voiced to the Toon Army over the direction of where the Magpies are going or aiming to go.

The fact that both Ashley and Bruce were clearly not on the same page with regards to the Choudhury loan is an example of the total lack of direction or even common sense behind the scenes.

The fans just want to see some sort of progression, and do not want to be fighting relegation in the Premier League every season.

Thus, a clearer strategy needs to be made, especially going into the January transfer window with the takeover legal disputes still rumbling on for what seems like an eternity.

In other news, find out which five players NUFC could sign outside of the window here!

The academy graduate, who scored a crucial second goal, could be the next game-changing talent for Xavi's side

Fermin Lopez was crucial in Barcelona's first, and scored a wonderful second, as the Blaugrana saw off Shakhtar Donetsk to maintain their perfect record in the Champions League. Xavi's side took a 2-0 lead, but conceded in the second half to make for a nervy finish to a 2-1 victory.

Ferran Torres opened the scoring after 30 minutes, lashing a rebound home from short range after Lopez's effort cannoned off the post. Lopez made it two shortly after, collecting Joao Cancelo's pass in stride before pinging a shot in off the post from 20 yards out.

The Blaugrana had the ball in the back of the net for a third time, but Torres mistimed his run and was ruled offside. And they were made to pay. The visitors pulled one back on the hour mark, Heorhiy Sudakov running behind a Barca high line and blasting past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Lopez nearly had a second shortly after, but rattled the woodwork with a curled effort. Still, Barca saw out the contest to make it three wins from three in Group H.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

  Will be annoyed to concede, and was probably too easily beaten at his near post.

  Joao Cancelo (6/10):

  A creative threat from deep areas, dangerous in his dribbling. But his final ball was lacking.

  Ronald Araujo (6/10):

  Failed to execute the offside trap on the Shaktar goal. Blasted a free-kick over the bar. Not his best showing.

  Inigo Martinez (7/10):

  Solid in central defence. Shaktar never really threatened down his side.

  Marcos Alonso (7/10):

  Got forward well, and put in some solid defensive work. An agreeable showing from a backup.

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  Midfield

  Oriol Romeu (6/10):

  Held things down well in the first half, but looked less secure when the game was stretched after the break.

  Fermin Lopez (8/10):

  A second straight start for the youngster. Played a crucial role in the opening goal after seeing his shot deflect into Torres' path off the post. Scored his first Champions League goal shortly after. Looks a real talent.

  Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

  His dink into Lopez set up the Barca opener. Was otherwise steady in the middle of the park.

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  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (7/10):

  Dangerous on the right wing with his usual array of cuts and turns. Some more clinical finishing from his team-mates and Yamal might have come away with an assist or two.

  Ferran Torres (7/10):

  Took his goal well. Found the net a second time, but was ruled out – correctly – for offside. He's been solid, but the drop-off from Robert Lewandowski is immense.

  Joao Felix (7/10):

  A fine creative influence once again, even if he wasn't playing with a natural centre-forward. Limped off with an injury with 15 minutes remaining. Barca will hope it's not too serious.

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  Subs & Manager

  Alejandro Balde (7/10):

  Offered an injection of pace and creativity down the left after he came on.

  Marc Guiu (6/10):

  A lively cameo. Full of running off the ball and got into some good attacking areas.

  Andreas Christensen (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Marc Casado (N/A):

  Only introduced late on.

  Xavi (7/10):

  Went with his strongest line-up, given the injury situation. He'll be glad that Barca were able to get ahead early, but things got stressful after Shaktar pulled one back. With the Clasico on Saturday, he needed a calm one.