This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
The Athletic’s Sam Lee believes 19-year-old Phil Foden will start against Liverpool this weekend.
What did he say?
Manchester City will travel to Anfield this Sunday in a massive clash in the title race. A win for the Reds puts them nine points clear in the table and Pep Guardiola will need all hands on deck for this one.
However, with injuries across the pitch, including David Silva and Rodri, it is unclear who will start for the Champions. Although, Lee believes now could be the time for Foden to step up.
The City correspondent wrote in his Q&A for The Athletic: “I’ve changed my mind and think Foden will start and Bernardo will play on the right. Obviously this is no more reliable than my first answer, but at least it keeps you updated!”
Too early for him
The battle at Anfield has turned into a must-win for Guardiola, considering the current gap. Also, with the Reds unbeaten as it is and looking unlikely to drop points, the Spaniard can’t fall much further behind.
As Liverpool have been so tough to beat at Anfield, the City boss will need his most experienced players on Merseyside. Foden has not yet started in the Premier League this season and has had to settle for four substitute appearances instead.
The academy graduate does, however, boast great form from when he has played. In his two Champions League outings, Foden has registered one goal and provided an assist.
However, with Bernardo Silva capable of playing in the centre, it makes sense for him to step into midfield. Plus, this could make way for Riyad Mahrez on the right side, who has been in great form this season.
Mahrez has proven down the years to be a game-winner and boasts two goals and three assists in eight league matches thus far.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Sometimes it’s easier just to look at the numbers.
Writing in his ‘Team of the Week’ column for BBC Sport, Crooks gave the nod to Ricardo Pereira as the team’s right back, saying that:
“Eight wins in 10 league games and the best defensive record in the Premier League says it all. Exactly how much of that is down to Ricardo Pereira is difficult to quantify. What I can say is the Portugal international was outstanding against an Arsenal team who looked in total disarray.”
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On the chalkboard
Well luckily for Mr Crooks, it is possible to quantify just how much Pereira brings to the team, and exactly why he currently holds down the spot as the best right-back in the Premier League right now.
That’s based off Whoscored’s season-long averages, where he sits sixth overall out of all Premier League players with an average of 7.62 (all stats provided by Whoscored).
The first place to look is at his defensive record, where he currently ranks third overall in the Premier League when it comes to average tackles per game, coming up with 4.5 per game, behind only Aaron Wan-Bissaka and teammate Wilfred Ndidi who average 5.3 and 5.4 respectively.
Not only that but he averages 1.7 interceptions per game, but 0.4 blocks, 2.9 clearances and 1.3 aerial duels won per game, so he does a great job of keeping the ball as far away from the goal as possible.
One of the main reasons teams don’t score against Leicester is because they can’t get the ball off them, and Pereira certainly contributes to that.
With an average pass completion rate of 79.5%, and 58.9 passes per game (more than the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and teammate James Maddison) it’s hard to get the ball away from him once he gets going.
He could offer more in terms of the attacking third, as he’s yet to register an assist this season and only averages less than 1 key pass per game (the league’s best in 3.9), but overall it’s clear to see how he’s growing ever more vital at the King Power.
In a potentially disastrous summer transfer window, Newcastle United failed with a late bid to sign an alternative central defender to Marc Guehi for Eddie Howe's side.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies entered the summer in desperate need of at least two central defenders and ended the window with their most impressive signing being Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly on a free deal. To put it plainly, those at St James' Park endured a nightmare few months as they attempted to strengthen Howe's side and keep in line with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
Better than Trippier: Newcastle must regret not signing £25m "monster"
He would have been the perfect fit for Eddie Howe’s team.
ByAngus Sinclair Sep 4, 2024
As the window went on, however, it quickly became clear that Newcastle had money to spend, having seen bid after bid rejected by Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi, with their latest offer reportedly reaching the £65m mark. It seemed as though every time Newcastle's offer went up, so did Palace's valuation in quite the summer saga.
By the end of the summer, with Howe still in pursuit of Guehi, Newcastle saw the window slam shut without welcoming an alternative. That's not to say that those at St James' Park didn't attempt to land other options, however.
According to Tuttosport, Newcastle saw a bid worth €25m (£21m) for Federico Gatti rejected by Juventus amid new manager Thiago Motta's belief that the defender is a pivotal part of his side's backline.
The Italian would have undoubtedly solved Newcastle's problem, but whether Howe would have accepted the deal is another question entirely. According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Howe told the Newcastle hierarchy that it was Guehi or no one, despite sporting director Paul Mitchell having misgivings about the Palace star being the only option.
In the end, Newcastle went without and Howe's judgement must now survive the test of time as the Premier League season takes shape.
Newcastle should have ditched Guehi pursuit
As the price kept rising and the clock kept ticking away, Newcastle should have known when to call it quits in their hunt for Guehi's signature. There's no doubt that they were willing to splash the cash, but justifying a price similar to what Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018 would have been a difficult sell.
Instead, Newcastle should have turned to alternatives, with one of those perhaps being Gatti and an improved bid to test Juve's resolve. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers and earned the praise of Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig for the unconventional route that he has taken to the top of Italian football. Kulig dubbed the defender a "hero" and described his career as "great".
Without Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for the opening stages of the season at least, Newcastle are already short on options at the back, once again reinforcing the regret they likely carry over their summer business.
Manchester City are preparing to take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League at The Etihad this afternoon in their second game of the season.
The Cityzens beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend in a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory for Pep Guardiola's side, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic.
Savinho, who started on the flank, was the only player to make his debut for the Premier League champions, as the Brazil international has been the only senior addition to the squad so far.
The summer transfer window officially slams shut on Friday of next week and this means that there are still a few days left for the club to make further moves.
Ilkay Gundogan has re-joined City from LaLiga giants Barcelona on a free transfer until the summer of 2025, after just one year away from Manchester.
The German maestro may not be the final signing of the window for Guardiola, however, as a striker is also on the agenda for the Cityzens after Julian Alvarez completed a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer.
Man City's interest in Celtic star
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the City boss is a "huge" fan of Celtic centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi and would like to bring him to England this month.
The reporter claims that Guardiola was impressed by the 29-year-old marksman's performance against the Premier League giants in pre-season, having scored in a 4-3 win for the Bhoys during the tour of the USA.
This comes after the Daily Mail had reported that the manager is keen to add another striker to his ranks, as Haaland is the only natural number nine in the squad as it stands.
The outlet claimed that Kyogo is high up on the club's shortlist of potential options to come in and compete with the Norway international, following Alvarez's exit from The Etihad.
It was also revealed that the Scottish Premiership champions are set to demand a fee of around £20m for the Japan international, and would not stand in his way if an offer came in for that figure.
However, it currently remains to be seen whether or not City are prepared to splash £20m on the striker or if they will pursue alternative, and potentially cheaper, alternatives between now and the end of the summer transfer window next week.
The Cityzens should look to close a deal for Kyogo in the coming days, though, as the Premiership star could come in as a dream signing for Haaland.
Erling Haaland's Manchester City record
It reportedly cost £85.5m in transfer and agent fees to land the Norway international from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022 and that deal could already be viewed as a bargain.
The 24-year-old sensation has racked up a staggering 91 goals and 14 assists in 100 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions over the last two-and-a-bit seasons.
He has plundered 64 goals and 12 assists in 67 matches in the Premier League, which is more than one goal contribution every game on average in the top-flight.
Haaland did, though, miss 14 games through injury in the 2023/24 campaign in all competitions and City would be leaving themselves light if they go into the rest of this season without any back-up to him.
Alvarez, who also featured in midfield, was able to step in and start as the main centre-forward when needed but Guardiola does not currently have that option within the squad.
Appearances
31
Goals
27
Conversion rate
22%
Assists
5
Touches per game
22.5
Passes completed per game
9.5
As you can see in the table above, Haaland is not a striker who is heavily involved in build-up play, with 22.5 touches and fewer than ten completed passes per game on average in the Premier League.
This suggests that any signing coming in as an alternative to the Norwegian star would need to be a similar profile of forward, in the sense that they are a sharpshooter who does not drop deep to get involved in games.
With this in mind, Kyogo could be a dream addition for Haaland if City can secure a £20m deal for the Hoops ace before the end of the month.
Why Kyogo would be a dream for Haaland
Firstly, the arrival of another striker who can play a similar role to the Cityzens number nine would allow Guardiola to rest his star forward in more matches.
Having an adequate back-up could mean that the Spanish tactician is able to withdraw Haaland earlier on in matches, if the game is already all-but-won, and leave the Norway international out of the starting XI in cup matches or midweek Premier League games to ease his workload.
That could then help the former Dortmund ace to avoid any further injury issues, rather than being forced to play too many minutes and suffering from fitness problems as a result.
Kyogo's form for Celtic over the last two seasons in the Premiership suggests that he has the potential to provide quality as well as being a stylistic fit to fill in for Haaland when needed.
Appearances
36
38
Goals
27
14
Conversion rate
31%
14%
Assists
2
5
Touches per game
13.3
16.9
Passes completed per game
4.1
5.6
As you can see in the table above, the 29-year-old star has fired in 41 goals in the last two league campaigns combined for the Scottish giants.
He has managed that feat, alongside seven assists, despite averaging fewer than 17 touches and six completed passes per game on average across both years.
This shows that Kyogo can provide consistent quality at the top end of the pitch without being deeply involved in build-up or having many touches of the ball.
Offer made: Man City pursuing Sane 2.0 in £148m sensation
He is thought to be unhappy at his current club
1 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 22, 2024
Therefore, the Japanese sensation could be the dream target to come in to provide back-up, or potentially play alongside when required, to Haaland this season, as he has the ability to perform in front of goal without getting much of the ball.
Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says a £26 million player has agreed to join Arsenal alongside Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Arsenal closing in on Merino signing from Real Sociedad
After weeks of talks in what has been the longest transfer saga at Arsenal this summer, it is believed that Merino is on the verge of making a north London move.
Transfer imminent: Arsenal target £25m "monster" who'd help unlock Odegaard
The incredible international would be a brilliant addition to Arteta’s squad.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 20, 2024
The 28-year-old, who starred for Sociedad over his 45 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and assisting five others from midfield, looks very likely to be on the move before deadline day on August 30 – and the Emirates Stadium is his preferred destination.
“Merino just spoke the president of Real Sociedad confirming that Arsenal are in negotiations with Real Sociedad. He said, ‘as soon as the offer will be good, we will say yes’," relayed Romano in a separate update (via TEAMtalk).
“But let me tell you again here, guys, don’t worry Arsenal fans, Merino is coming and is coming very soon. They are fixing the final details of the deal, but Mikel Merino is fully expected to become a new Arsenal player in the final days of the summer transfer window.”
Games
32
Goals/assists
5/3
Pass accuracy
76.2%
Progressive passes per 90
5.91
Tackles per 90
2.79
Interceptions per 90
0.58
WhoScored
Merino reached an agreement on personal terms to join Arsenal a little while ago, and some media sources believe that the Spanish star doesn't want to join any other club except the Gunners this summer.
"My information is that this is on the verge of being done. Personal terms are agreed, a deal of around €30m (£25m)," said reporter Steve Kay.
“The clubs have agreed. Merino doesn’t want to sign for anyone else. He’s not signing a new contract. From what I’m hearing it’s the total opposite of what other publications have come out with because as far as I know this will be done in the next couple of days."
The former Newcastle midfielder's return to the Premier League with Arsenal appears imminent, and for around £25 million, he could be a bargain capture.
Joan Garcia agrees to join Arsenal with Mikel Merino
With just days remaining of this transfer window, time is running out for Edu Gaspar and co to make key new additions, including a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
The Englishman has been regularly linked with a move away this summer after losing his number one spot to David Raya last season, and Romano claims Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia is Arsenal's "priority target" to replace Ramsdale.
He adds that Garcia, who has a £26 million release clause in his contract, has already verbally agreed personal terms to join Mikel Arteta's side.
The Spaniard made 21 appearances in all competitions for Espanyol last season, keeping 12 clean sheets in that time and conceding just 10 goals.
Arsenal could be set to immediately replace an outgoing star, with rumours swirling surrounding their interest in one European gem…
What's the latest on Mohamed Simakan to Arsenal?
That's according to The Guardian, which outlines a number of this summer's biggest targets and the various clubs that are showing interest.
Whilst many will rush to see the future of Victor Osimhen or Kylian Mbappe, it is RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan who has instead caught the eye of Mikel Arteta and Edu.
His versatility is a prime asset that has drawn 'strong interest' from both the Gunners and Newcastle United, yet he will likely not come cheap. Football Transfers value the Frenchman at €33.3m (£28m).
Given Cedric Soares is seemingly being ushered towards the exit door with just one year left on his £75k-per-week deal, this summer would mark the final chance to cash in on the Portuguese defender.
How good is Mohamed Simakan?
At just 23 years old, immediately Simakan marks a better option to have in the squad than the 31-year-old who has never really shone in north London. Arteta has already crafted a squad laden with young talent, with this acquisition sure to add to that.
Having only ever really been a backup, the former Southampton ace has made just 59 appearances across three and a half years with the Gunners.
With 16 starts being the most he has made in one Premier League season at the Emirates, maintaining an underwhelming 6.86 average rating too, the struggles of the man once dubbed a "defensive liability" by writer Mike White have only been exacerbated.
cedric-arsenal-mohamed-simakan
Meanwhile, RB Leizpig's young full-back has shone this year in a term where they claimed the DFB Pokal and once again secured Champions League football for next season.
His role in that cup victory was massive too, with a 7.26 average Sofascore rating feeding into his three goal contributions in just five games.
Current Strasbourg reserve team manager Francois Keller had recognised his talents way before he began shining in Germany though, noting: "We quickly realised that we were dealing with a phenomenon. He tore the place up… I said to myself that we had the new Varane. He was athletic, powerful, assured and calm."
This has led to Simakan, when being ranked against other full-backs in Europe, sitting in the top 3% for aerials won per 90, the top 14% for assists per 90 and the top 18% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.
When comparing that with Cedric's rankings inside the Premier League throughout the 2021/22 campaign, it's clear just what an upgrade they'd seal. Indeed, the right-back was in the bottom 19% for aerials won and the worst 60% for rate of assists, illuminating his status as a player who rarely contributes to anything of note in defensive or attacking phases.
Thus, given how clearly impressive Simakan is in so many facets of the game, his entrance would prove fine cover across most of the back line, and oust one of their underperforming higher-earners in one fell swoop.
Manchester City are considering signing Nicolò Barella to replace Ilkay Gundogan this summer.
The German is out of contract at the end of the month yet is contributing as much value to Pep Guardiola's side as he did throughout his time at the Etihad.
The midfielder has 11 goals and seven assists this season, bagging three doubles in his last six games. Gundogan put Manchester United to the sword in the FA Cup final, scoring from outside the 18-yard box twice.
So, how can Manchester City replace such a clutch player?
Is Nicolo Barella joining Manchester City?
According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), Pep Guardiola wants Barella at Man City to replace the Barcelona-bound Gundogan and could have a very opportune chance to speak to him this weekend.
Inter and City lock horns in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (8PM BST) but following the match, there could be the chance to discuss Man City signing Barella this summer.
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Guardiola "dotes" on the Italian maestro and could present a "mind-boggling offer to snatch him from Inzaghi". While the report doesn't mention how much it would cost, Inter Live reported in February that Inter want €90-100m (£80-88.5m) to part ways with Barella.
It's noted by Sportmediaset, as per FC Inter News, that Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also following Barella "closely".
How good is Nicolo Barella?
While speaking on commentary for Channel 4 ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in March, Steven Gerrard waxed lyrical about Barella.
He said: “They [Italy] have potential world class players emerging now. Now you have the likes of Barella, Raspadori. These are players who could become world class over the course of their careers.”
Barella, specifically, has continued to demonstrate his class and it's no fluke that he and his Inter teammates have reached the final of the Champions League.
nicolo-barella-premier-league-liverpool-transfers
Like Gundogan, Barella is an extremely dangerous midfielder to play against. Not only is he capable of dictating games, playing more passes into the box than 90% of Europe's midfielders, but he is also a threat himself in the 18-yard area. This season, he has nine goals and ten assists, surpassing projections for expected goals and assists.
Replacing Gundogan with Barella would once again highlight Man City's relentless approach in the transfer market. Rarely has there been a club so consistent when replacing key players – Sergio Aguero left and he was soon replaced by Erling Haaland.
Barella could be next for the Premier League champions.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an offer for Southampton left-back Thierry Small, having previously failed with an £800k bid during the January transfer window, according to a report from Football Insider.
Who is Thierry Small?
Small came through the youth ranks at West Bromwich Albion and Everton, before becoming the Toffees' youngest player in history when he made his first-team debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup back in January 2021.
Later that year, the left-back completed a move to Southampton, signing a three-year professional contract with the club, however, he has so far made just one appearance in the first team, having spent time out on loan at St Mirren this season.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham made a bid of £800k for the 18-year-old during the January transfer window, which was rejected by the Saints, who were holding out for £1.2m, but they are now set to return with a new bid.
Spurs have let the youngster and his representatives know they plan to come back to the table with another offer this summer, but they face competition for his signature from Rangers, who have been in contact with Southampton. St Mirren are also keen on another loan deal, as the starlet has established himself as a first-team regular this season.
Should Tottenham sign Small?
Given his lack of first-team experience, the Englishman is certainly a signing for the future, rather than someone who could make an immediate impact for Tottenham, however, there is plenty of evidence he could become an important player in the future.
Hailed as "very talented" by members of the media, the former Everton man has already got a taste of first-team football with St Mirren, while he has also been very impressive for Southampton at youth level.
dejan-kulusevski-tottenham-hotspur
In 17 Premier League 2 games last season, the Solihull-born full-back scored four goals and registered one assist, showcasing his ability on the front foot, and earning himself an England call-up, having now made three appearances for the U18s.
It remains to be seen whether Small fulfils his potential, but he is showing very promising signs at such a young age, and he is definitely worth taking a risk on, considering Southampton's asking price is likely to be around the £1.2m mark.
Liverpool have earmarked Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone for transfer this summer, with reliable reports that a concrete proposal could be forthcoming…
What's the latest on Manu Kone to Liverpool?
That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who states that interest is ramping up in the Frenchman following discussions between the Reds and the player's entourage this week.
Gladbach demand €35/40m (£30/34m) for his signature, but 'are prepared to let him leave for that fee' with just two years left on his current deal.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke are focussing on tying up a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion ace Alexis Mac Allister, with everything pointing toward a satisfying conclusion for that transfer, ostensibly shifting the onus on Kone afterwards.
How good is Manu Kone?
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all departing from Anfield upon the culmination of their contracts this summer; captain Jordan Henderson is 32-years-old, as is the injury-stricken Thiago Alcantara.
There is work to be done on the transfer front to rekindle the verve on Merseyside, but completing a swoop for Kone would only serve to steady the ship and set course for prominence once again.
Liverpool need superlative additions, and while West Ham United's Declan Rice is one of the most highly-sought midfielders in Europe, his signature is believed to require at least £100m to prise him away from east London.
Kone, praised as a "powerhouse" by one member of the Football Khanage team, could very well blossom into one of the Premier League's foremost central cogs at Liverpool.
The 22-year-old is available for a third of the price of Rice and could assume the role that the 24-year-old would fill if he joined Klopp's ranks, with the Reds indeed among the suitors for the Hammers' sturdy midfield anchor.
Once described as a "one-man army" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kone succeeded with 87% of his passes in the Bundesliga this season, also averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 0.7 key passes, as per Sofascore.
Manu-Kone
Also ranking among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 19% for blocks, the top 22% for progressive carries and the top 23% for tackles per 90, his dynamism and energy is clearly evidenced.
Such metrics level up nicely next to Rice's own seasonal performance, with the 24-year-old ranking among the top 14% of positional peers for progressive carries, the top 6% for interceptions and the top 17% for blocks per 90, also completing 88% of his passes and averaging 2.1 tackles per game in the Premier League.
While Rice is "world-class" – as lauded by West Ham's former head of academy recruitment David Hunt – Kone could yet emerge as a first-rate centre-midfielder himself, and under Klopp's sagely tutelage at Anfield, the full scope of his potential might just be realised.
It's less than three weeks until the 2023 summer transfer window opens its gates and awaits the hubbub of whirring activity as clubs seek to plant the roots of a prosperous season with astute movement in the market.
Liverpool need to do just this, and with a lacklustre season and a forthcoming midfield exodus the need to augment the centre with first-rate additions has never been greater, and Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte could hold the key to unlocking the squad's full potential.
What's the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Liverpool?
The rumours attached to Ugarte's name have shown no sign of abating over the past several weeks, with Le Parisien (via Sport Witness) declaring that Liverpool are 'ready' to trigger the Uruguayan midfielder's €60m (£52m) release clause.
Competition for his signature is fierce, however, with financial powerhouses Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also vying for a deal.
The report also claims that Portuguese media state that the player desires to play in the Premier League, and with Chelsea failing to qualify for Europe, Liverpool might be well-placed to steer a deal over the line.
Should Liverpool sign Manuel Ugarte?
It is a testament to Ugarte's snowballing presence for Sporting that he has found himself at the heart of attention from some of Europe's most illustrious outfits, who indeed seem enticed despite his £52m price tag.
Turning 22 last month, Ugarte has been entrusted with the role of anchoring the midfield, playing 47 times across all competitions and earning the tag of "midfield machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his feats.
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are among the centre-midfielders departing Anfield this month, and both have spent their fair share of time in the medical room; signing a replacement with apt quality and a refreshing assurance of reliability is paramount, and Ugarte has missed three games due to injury/illness across the entirety of his career to date, with two absences due to coronavirus.
His fitness strength is partnered by a copper-bottomed will to win, with data-driven site FBref ranking the eight-cap Uruguay international among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 10% for successful take-ons, the top 1% for tackles, the top 3% for interceptions and the top 11% for blocks per 90.
Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Such superlative skills with the ball at his feet and in prising it away from the opposition are the core of the interest in his name, quite simply, he would fortify Klopp's system with an iron-clad grip, bringing aggression and tenacity to an outfit which has been harangued this season for tactical vulnerability and an inability to stand up against physicality.
Ugarte would eradicate this in a heartbeat. Liverpool's rekindling of the fire in the latter phases of the campaign illustrates the old footballing adage: form is temporary, class is permanent, and seven victories and one draw across the past eight Premier League matches bodes well heading into the new campaign, but Ugarte's skills will only enhance the Reds' prospects of success.
Take, for example, the seasonal emergence of Stefan Bajcetic, the 18-year-old Spanish midfielder who wedged his way into Klopp's plans and dazzled among the dirt, impressing with his intensity and guile in a manner which belied his tender age and inexperience, with his manager hailing him as "exceptional".
The robust enforcer is an energetic and box-crashing midfielder, melding his elegance with the ball with an unrelenting pace that, combined with Ugarte's steely skill set, could craft a dynamic duo to leave competitors bitterly awestruck.
Whether Liverpool will sign Ugarte remains to be seen, but he is a vigorous midfielder with a tested calibre despite still perching in the maiden part of his career, but like Bajcetic, the energy and exuberance could cement Liverpool's foundation for a silver-laden future.