Clip or I don’t believe it.
1 Like
No, his name has definitely come up before.
Leoni just misses the cut off point to be qualified as homegrown in the 28/29 season wouldn’t he (provided he spent the next 3 seasons at an English affiliated club)?
Surely there’s enough now for a thread on Leoni?
Who’s going to open it?
5 Likes
Shit. I summoned the wrong guy 
5 Likes
Nikola, Nikola, Nikola=Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice
3 Likes
Anyone remember the good game he had at Anfield against us…
This year may have marked the end of the imperious Jürgen Klopp era at Liverpool, but a trip to Anfield remains one of the hardest fixtures in world football - and Brentford’s quest for a Premier League win in front of the Kop continues.
Written by Stephen Gillett, Playmaker Stats @playmaker_EN
The Bees suffered a 2-0 defeat against Arne Slot’s Reds on Sunday, as goals either side of the break from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah consigned Thomas Frank’s side to their first reverse of the new campaign.
Afterwards, Frank admitted that the better side prevailed but pointed out that a lightning fast counter for Diaz’s 13th minute opener was preventable from the Bees’ perspective and that the first period was “our best half of football here at Anfield”.
Brentford chances came at a premium, but the course of the game could have altered had an effort from defender Nathan Collins found its way past Alisson in Liverpool’s goal on 55 minutes - the central defender’s powerful header pawed to safety by the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Collins was excellent throughout and the imposing Irishman must have been in his head coach’s thoughts when Frank later spoke of his side making “some decisive blocks and good defensive actions”.
As well as posing a threat at the other end, Collins impressed at the back as the Bees switched to a 3-5-2 at Anfield and the centre-back made an impressive six blocks during a competitive contest that saw the hosts “attack from all angles”, according to Frank.
The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international tied Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk for most aerial duels won (3) during the game and set the tone for Brentford with the ball as well, taking more touches (67) and playing more accurate passes (52) than any Bees player.
Nathan Collins v Liverpool
Playmaker match ranking 7.9
Touches 67
Accurate passes 52
Blocks 6
Aerial duels won 3
Although Brentford keeper Mark Flekken (8.3) topped Playmaker’s match rankings for Brentford on Merseyside, Collins (7.9) was awarded the highest rating of any outfield player for the visitors and his fantastic form at the start of 2024/25 bodes well for the Bees.
Despite the Bees having to shuffle their pack due to a raft of injuries last season, Collins’ stats still made for impressive reading last term - and the prospect of the Stoke academy graduate taking his game to another level this term is an exciting one.
Despite missing six games for Brentford in 2023/24, Collins ranked in the top 20 in the Premier League for interceptions (=10th), shots blocked (12th), clearances (16th) and aerial duels won (20th), and he was only dribbled past on 10 occasions last term.
Collins’ performance at one of the most daunting away grounds in Europe speaks to his temperament - and, if his early season form is anything to go by, he looks set to consolidate his credentials as a key man for the Bees this season.
3 Likes
In recent days, Federico Chiesa has had a direct conversation with Arne Slot, while his agent, Fali Ramadani, has spoken to Liverpool’s hierarchy.
The response from both was unequivocal: Federico is needed at the club because recent deals have reduced the number of wingers in the squad.
@Gazzetta_it
I checked the Italian source, this article exists, but I have no idea if they are even a reliable source or if they just made it up.
Honestly, I don’t think Slot wants him, but the club seems to want to keep him as a stopgap imo. It is said that the situation could change if Isak is signed eventually.
1 Like
If we sign two more forwards, say Isak and Fofana, Chiesa should go. If we only get one forward in, Chiesa needs to stay and offer depth, even if used sparingly. It is what it is.
I hope we don’t sign Collins. We need better than that. (As ever, if we did sign him, any player wearing that shirt gets my support).
1 Like
I always say if I could write it after a couple of beers I’ll take it with a pinch of salt and I could write that easily… well an English version anyhow.
1 Like
Fabrizio Romano latest
In case anyone is interested, Liverpool working on Leoni and Guehi starts 5.57 min.
4 Likes
I’m not sure why that would be an either/or situation. At 18, he isn’t going to be starting every game and we would surely be looking at him maturing as the likes of Virgil are winding their playing days down.
3 Likes
What’s the price a Leoni is coming in at ?
Don’t want to be paying 60m for someone who’s barely 18
1 Like
I’m sure I saw 40m mentioned. Can’t remember if that was £s or €s though.
1 Like
Meant that more on the yoro transfer fee that was paid by United.
1 Like
Yeah it’s €40m.
1 Like
Like as if the Italian clubs are paying 40m euro for an 18 yo defender. They can have 4m for a 2 year loan with an option to buy at 14m and the rest can be bonuses based on him winning the Ballon D’Or, World Cup and curing cancer.
5 Likes
Like with most rumours there is the rumour and that’s probably substantial every bit extra is solely there to make it look like they know stuff but it means little.
1 Like