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European Aims for Palace & Bournemouth | Steelers & Bengals in Need of Playoff Success | LeBron James Trade Landing Spots
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In this week’s episode of Who’s Got The Ball? the lads took a look at what Palace (04:10) and Bournemouth (13:24) need to improve upon to reach the coveted European spots, before chatting with Danny O’Brien about the playoff hopes of the Steelers (22:08) and Bengals (30:47). Shane and James had their weekly transfer window debrief before diving into potential trade spots for LeBron James in his age 41 season (55:02).
The lads continued their weekly drafts, this week picking from the best players in the Premier League under the age of 25 (01:02:29).
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Transcript
Introduction and Episode Preview
00:00:09
Speaker
All lads, welcome back to another episode of Who's Got the Ball. Myself and Shane back here once
Kerry vs Donegal Football Final Recap
00:00:14
Speaker
again. It's only right that we start with All-Ireland Football Final since we we gave a quick brief mention to it as a start, although it's not of the sports we cover.
00:00:22
Speaker
We'll say fair play to Kerry for getting the win this time around. Last week we had Tip beating Cork in the Harlem. This time we've got Kerry beating Donegal in the football. So it wasn't a great game, to be honest. I expected a lot more, but yeah, Kerry got the win once I just think of a shame.
00:00:36
Speaker
The two Cliffords are ridiculously good. Pauly Clifford in particular in that final just ran the show start to finish. Everything good about Kerry went through him or White.
00:00:48
Speaker
The two of them were absolutely incredible. He was made for days that White fan. Yeah. Yeah, and then David Clifford is just David
David Clifford's Performance in the Final
00:00:54
Speaker
Clifford. Like, his first touch was a two-pointer. His second touch was a two-pointer. was like, please stop.
00:00:59
Speaker
They're already dead. Do you know that Simpsons meme? It's like, stop, stop. Just like, oh, it's just so, so
Donegal's Performance Analysis
00:01:04
Speaker
easy of a carry. I was really disappointed in Donegal. I was over in Newcastle watching this and there was even English that inside the pub. We were looking at David Clifford like, how on earth is he kicking it that far and that accurately? I was just like, this is what he does. He's one of the best ever. Oh, it's...
00:01:21
Speaker
It's incredible. And he's so two-footed as well. I know he nearly kicks all his points off his left, but some of the ones where he's coming a across... one we had on his right there was so good. Oh, yeah. i just There's nothing he can't do, honestly. I just cit think the man is an absolute... he's the He's a menace. He's absolutely brilliant.
00:01:37
Speaker
Yeah, I was disappointed with Donegal. The fact they didn't even take that many two-point attempts. I think they had one that you could even call it that at the very end. And it was made of a doubt for a sight line.
00:01:49
Speaker
Yeah, that was it. So I was shocked with that because for a lot of the game, that was the difference. Like there was a good, you know, there times there was four or five points, but Kerry had five two-pointers. That made all the difference in the world. So then the goal at the end really put a bad look on it for Donegal. So they'll be disappointed.
Reflection on Donegal's Season
00:02:07
Speaker
Yeah, that was the icing on the cake, really. That kind of made the scoreline look like it should have because Kerry were actually that dominant throughout. Yeah. think there's probably a couple of other counties that would be disappointed that they didn't get a chance to put it up to Kerry. They would have felt that they would have had a better chance. But I think Donegal just had a bad day.
00:02:24
Speaker
And I think, yeah, that arm out when they went out, I think they just had one bad 10 minutes all year and it completely undid themselves. I think they'll be back
Football vs Hurling: A Personal Preference
00:02:33
Speaker
again next year. But um yeah not i was ah Not as exciting as the Harlem fighting for me, even though that was a big gap. I think was a much more exciting game. To be honest, I prefer Harlem.
Episode Content Overview
00:02:44
Speaker
played it a lot more when I was younger and I'd watch it a lot more so yeah I think it's still football will definitely improve this year but I think there's still a good gap between them in my opinion anyways but that's for another person to debate and yeah what we covered in this week was we did two more Premier League teams we previewed Bournemouth, Season Ahead and Crystal Palaces and then after that we had on I guess we had um Danny O'Brien so he he came on and we talked two teams from the NFL we previewed the Steelers and the Bengals so you'll hear all from Danny there Steelers fan and thanks again to him for coming on and we'll will'll obviously have his stuff plugged in in the link as we mentioned
00:03:27
Speaker
And then we hit the transfer roundup as usual, a lot of done deals this week. So we touched on a lot of them. We moved on to the NBA stuff. We talked about possible LeBron trades for a bit of fun and a bit of laugh. Of course, you have to talk about LeBron during the off season.
00:03:40
Speaker
And then last up, we wrapped up a draft and the best stars under 25 in the Premier League. And Shane is smirking here and you'll see how it goes when you when you listen through. You have to listen to the end of the third up.
00:03:52
Speaker
It's safe to say that you drafted the best stars under 25 and I just picked a load of 24-year-olds, under 24-year-olds who play in the Premier League. I clearly got my wires mixed. yeah so uh listen out for that one that's pretty good uh pretty funny pretty nice ending to it so um we'll let you get into it and enjoy the episode that's right so continuing with our premier league previews and we're going to get to two more teams we only actually got four left so two more this week and two more the week after and the league isn't far from us now but let's start with palace this week first question as usual where do they need to improve most from last season
00:04:26
Speaker
Palace have had a real struggle of a window.
Crystal Palace Team Analysis
00:04:29
Speaker
Everyone talks about Newcastle's struggles, but Palace haven't even been bidding for players by Luxvers. They only have 17 outfield players at the moment, so I think they probably need to improve everywhere. But I think their most important one is getting it back up to Mateta, or if as it goes, they will really need to replace him, but because he's still there, I'm going to say it back up to Mateta at the moment. Eddie Nketiah isn't it at all. He's nowhere near the kind of level that Palace are looking at, especially if they want to pick on the heavier this season as well so Mettete won't be able to play 60 games next season and guest get the form he's been showing for the last two seasons so I think getting a backup striker is really important at the moment but if Eze goes that becomes the biggest bit of business for him Yeah I think for for improvements I just think the way they started last season I know that was because of
00:05:17
Speaker
Some their players were coming off a long season and then going into the Olympics last year. Like you had Mattel had played a lot there. So that was the reason for like his slow start and they had a couple of injuries. But that can't happen again.
00:05:30
Speaker
Like if they' if they're planning to get back into Europe, as you mentioned, they're in Europe. Like that can't happen again where you have that really slow start. And then you're chasing Europe and you're trying to catch up in the league. They're just not going to be able to do it. So a strong start for me is where I think they need to to improve because they didn't have that last year.
00:05:49
Speaker
And agree with you on the striker point. Like when I was looking at their depth, I was just thinking like, yeah, this is not going to cut it. Like if, if Matata gets injured or as you said, he can't play every game. Like in Ketya just isn't the right one. So yeah.
00:06:04
Speaker
Yeah, I think there's a few places, but what about the players who are on their team? Who do you think are the three that will make the biggest impact? My favourite one is obviously Adam a Morton. I just think he's absolutely incredible. He is extremely important to this team, especially going into next season.
00:06:19
Speaker
If he can build in a midfield with the core right there, i think it's a really good centre midfield partnership. Mateta, obviously, I just think he's turned into a legal striker. 17 goals in all competitions last year. i think it was 14 in the league.
00:06:33
Speaker
If he can keep that up, then Palace will have some hope of getting into the top 10 and maybe a top ace. And then my last one was a bit tough because I wanted to put in Eze, but it's so hard to say if he's going be there or not. So I've gone with Munoz, the right back. I think he had a great end to last season playing. was almost as a right midfielder, not even a right back in the five. And he just kind of, he bubbled along nicely and then he reached Bojanaporn towards the end of the season and was just class.
00:06:58
Speaker
Yeah, I actually am very similar to you. also have Munoz. He's just essential to everything that they do in that system. like Without him, they can't really play the way that they want to play with the wing-backs because he gives so much up and down that side. Yeah.
00:07:14
Speaker
like even attacking ways that everybody has four goals and six assists in 37 Premier League games that's no joke from a right wing back who's playing in in the cup competitions right up to the final as well and played a big part in their FA Cup final win also when Warton sends you cracking footballer he should make the next jump to to like Higher level, and top five side, I'd say, in the next year or two.
00:07:40
Speaker
Especially if he has another good year at Palace. And I think he's probably the best box-to-box midfield prospect around, considering his passing ability on the ball as well as... Sometimes yeah that takes time, but he he has that from the start as well as that engine. So that's really important. And then the last one I went with it is Eze.
00:07:59
Speaker
Their best player, attacking focal points, 14 goals, 11 assists in all competitions last season. as you said about holding on to him they'll do well to hold on to him because i'm sorry maybe teams come looking for him but now that we've looked at some of the fees that have them going around this window like they can drive a hard bargain of probably upwards of 70 million for him so is a release clause is their problem is the 64 65 million pound release clause okay okay so i think that's why they are yeah Yeah, that's that's a pretty, I think that would be a realistic mark. Maybe for me anyway, for him, 60 is probably realistic. But looking at the rest of the window, they probably think that, yeah, they're being done by...
00:08:41
Speaker
done by a low valuation there I suppose if it's a release clause it's their own fault for having that in the contract I think the reason he hasn't got to Arsenal yet is that Arsenal want to structure a deal but they've paid some it up front and then the rest are in instalments whereas Palace can say it's release clause we want it all one go you're not meeting the release clause technically so I think that's where that's where he could get to 70 or 75 million if Arsenal okay well we can't afford to pay that now so we'll give you 35 now and pen for the next four years or something like that so that could be where the second point is there at a moment but as you said I think they will do really well to hold on to him this window yeah I think the the way that things go as well is usually teams are happy to just throw on an extra couple of million to to do the structure and do teams like accept that at this point but Steve Parrish is not an easy person to deal with in negotiations just so with the Gahey situation with Newcastle so yeah he's not going to make it easy especially for a London rival
00:09:40
Speaker
I'm looking at what they do have right now. The players, manager, what do you think the ceiling is right now for them going into next season? I think if they can get a bit of business done, then they should be looking at getting into Europe through the league and not just through winning cups because they're their first cup in their history. So there's no way going to continue winning cups every year now. I think they can add...
00:10:02
Speaker
The backup striker replaced Gade and they a really good chance of kind of pushing into that toughhand top 10, top 8 for sure and kind of see where they go. If they're in the top 10 with 10 games to go, then they're in a really good fighting chance of getting into Conference League or Europa League. So they're aiming for Europe as they're sealing and kind of just aiming to finish above 12th
Bournemouth's Season Challenges and Potential
00:10:23
Speaker
would be ideal for them. If they can get a top half finish, and all jokes aside, like if they could get a top half finish, it would be massive for them as a claw, I think.
00:10:29
Speaker
Yeah, because it's going to be really tough having those European games. um I said the fact that seventh is probably maximum I can see them doing if...
00:10:41
Speaker
you know, they have the, if they balance the fact of that they're in European football, because this is always the hardest thing. Like we've said it for a few teams now where they need to balance being in Europe. And and especially a team who's in it for for the first time, like it's going to be really tough for them to manage their squad debt. So like, ah to be honest, that they crashed out of Europe early and they just focus on the league, then I think seventh is definitely doable and they can get them back into Europe that way. But I think if they're battling on both fronts, like you said, top 10 is probably more realistic yeah for what they're going want to do.
00:11:15
Speaker
I think last year they got their most ever points in the Premier League season. So if they could just if they can just better it that by three or six, that would push them up a good bit in the table because because of how congested it's going to be again this year like it was last year. So they could push close to 60 points.
00:11:30
Speaker
Then I think they'd be in really, really good spot. And that comes back to the first point I made, kind of like you need to have a good start. If they don't have a good start, those three, six, nine points at the beginning of the season might slip away from me. So it's really important. The way it is from the season, yeah. Like if they'd started this year the way they finished it, they would have been in Europe.
00:11:48
Speaker
Yeah, definitely. And then what one piece of business do they need to help them going into this season? um A centre-back for me. and I just think their centre-backs, especially if Gwe does go wherever he goes now, I think their centre-backs are quite weak outside of him in general.
00:12:04
Speaker
They're linked to a lot of centre-backs, so clearly they don't need me to tell them that they need a centre-back. They know they need one, but I think that's a massive importance them is to get that in, even more so than replacing Eddie Nketiah.
00:12:15
Speaker
Yeah, I looked at that as well. I just like, I don't know if you pronounce Lacroix or Lacroix. Lacroix, yeah. right um I liked him last season and I think he probably will get better. But if you play three at the back, you need plenty centre-backs. So I think that's probably the the the most logical one. But I went with a left-sided attacker because they have a lot of right-footed attackers, including Eze.
00:12:39
Speaker
But he kind of usually plays on the left of that, like and behind the striker. But like, yeah, that works. That's perfectly fine. And you don't have to be left footed, but I would like them ideally to have somebody that could go down that left naturally and go on the outside just to give them something different because yeah just that's some something they don't have. So yeah, I think that could be beneficial to them.
00:13:01
Speaker
Yeah, that's a good shout out of them. um I think their attackers is probably the weakest area of their team in general. and Particularly if they do lose the play it's like if they lose the players they're being talked about losing.
00:13:13
Speaker
yeah I think it puts them in a really difficult spot. So they do need to start getting replacements in as soon as possible. Yeah, the depth is the biggest issue there for them, I think. Especially with York being football.
00:13:24
Speaker
But i' let's move on to another team then that will be open get into York. Yeah, um I'll ask you the questions this time. So we're talking about Bournemouth. ah Where did Bournemouth need to improve most from last season, do you think?
00:13:37
Speaker
and I said they need to cut out the streaks of losses and bounce back quicker when they have a setback because they started off the season in a rough patch where they were having a couple of losses, a draw, a win, another loss, another couple of draws, another couple of losses.
00:13:52
Speaker
And then they kind of really went on a nice streak around Christmas time. And then in February and March, they completely crashed. Like they were on their own, like a nice pace to get close to Europe. And then they completely crashed out of the cup and they crashed in the league down to where they finished.
00:14:08
Speaker
and I think it was the 10th that they ended up in at the end. Yeah, around there, I think, yeah. Yeah, so like if they can cut out like streaks of losses and just be more consistent and better at bouncing back from setbacks, then I think that'll go a long way to helping the European dream come true for them.
00:14:25
Speaker
Yeah, I think that's a really good shout. think they're going to lose nearly all of their starting back five from last season. definitely going to lose four of them anyway. Kepa's gone. Kirk is gone.
00:14:36
Speaker
Savary looks like he's gone and Hoisin is gone. So how they kind of cope with losing all those players at once is going to be massive to how the season goes. Consistency is obviously a big issue for them. But if they don't think into the season and have it not signed properly yet to replace the players they lose, then they could be in serious, serious issues.
00:14:54
Speaker
Yeah, I think on Wednesday night as well, just the night gone, United played them in a preseason game and United battered them. But, like, you know, it's a preseason game, yeah, but it is two Premier League teams playing and they were giving it their all. And you could tell the difference in physicality. Like, the United lads just looked way fitter, which is a far cry from what it was last season. And Areola said that after the game, that Bournemouth are so far off United's level right now.
00:15:21
Speaker
and in pre-season so I think yeah to to lose a lot of players along in one position and then also to not be fully fit like two or three weeks out it's not a good omen really for the season ahead but and I still think they've got enough there to challenge but we'll get on to that now yeah who are their three most important players that would make the biggest impact So I went with Semenyo. He's their main man.
00:15:48
Speaker
They didn't want to let him go. um And I think he could still go, but for the price that they wanted, I can't see anybody paying that. So he needs to back up now that price tag because it's a very it's a lot what they want for him, around the bones of 70 million or whatever that was that they were asking price.
00:16:05
Speaker
And that's a lot of money for someone who he's been slowly building. And then he had his first very good season last year where he was good probably from... for 90% of the season so I think he needs to prove a lot more to be to kind of fulfil that but I think he does have another good season in him and he will continue to get better second is someone who's in and out of the team but it's Alex Scott I really like watching him play I think He's one of my favourite young players in the league. Every time Bournemouth bring him on for like 30 or 20 minutes, he's just pure energy. He has a good bit of skill on the ball.
00:16:39
Speaker
and I know I didn't watch much of EOR 2021, but I think he featured heavily for England there. But every time I've seen him in the Premier League, there was a good few games he started, I think the year before last, and then he had an injury.
00:16:50
Speaker
So at 21 years of age, he's a good talent. And somebody... Next to him then is Tyler Adams. I think he's so important to what they do. He brings experience at such a young age and he doesn't give up on anything. I think he's pretty much like up there in duels and tackles and like interceptions amongst midfielders last year in the Premier League. Across all those stats, he's in the top five.
00:17:11
Speaker
So he's he's somebody that he battles hard and he brings lot to that midfield at a young age. So I think those two guys next to each other would be a nice midfield going forward. Yeah, i watch I watched two of the Euro 21 games in England. I watched the semi-final and the final because I was on that football ban for myself because I was just so sick of But he really was superb for him.
00:17:32
Speaker
and He went off injured in the final, but up to that point, he was he was really, really good. ah He was replaced by Tyler Morton, then he was also very good for us. You could see the difference in the midfield he went off. They lost a bit of control. So I think that's a good very good call from you.
00:17:46
Speaker
and My three. So did goalkeeper Petrovic, we were talking about him a couple of weeks ago, about how Chelsea don't make sense. I think they're going to be made look very foolish by this lad. I think he's a great goalkeeper and an excellent signing.
00:17:59
Speaker
and for Bournemouth. I also have Tyler Adams, just for everything you said, I just think the man is an absolute machine. Himself and Lewis Cook, I'm a big fan of Lewis Cook as well. I think they were really good in midfield options.
00:18:10
Speaker
And then Evan Nielsen, second season in the Premier League now. I thought he had a really, really good debut season. So but we'll see where he can go from here now. I think he is a really good player. Yeah, obviously last night was probably one of his first games, but Petrovic, yeah, he was a bit shaky, but obviously of your first games for the club, it's not going to be easy. And there was a lot of rain and humidity there, so the ball is slippy. But yeah, there was a couple of times there I thought that he was a bit dodgy. But I think Evan Nielsen, still all the players on the team, and they have a much higher level in them than they showed last night. So it's hard to judge them on that.
00:18:45
Speaker
and But I think the point that you make about the midfield is good because having Lewis Cook, he's somebody in there that they can trust a lot alongside Adams. And if you don't have to force Scott in from the very start again this season and you can slowly progress him in, I think that midfield is nicely set up to to get better as the season goes by.
00:19:06
Speaker
ah So what is the feeling for their current manager and squad for the season coming? um i actually really like some of the players they have and they have the benefit of other teams around them don't have of not being in Europe they can focus solely on the league so I think they could actually get up to sixth if they had a really really good season I think if they kept hold of Zabarni obviously you mentioned he he could be on the way out but if they managed to keep a hold of him and they replaced Heysen and they still use Sanasi who I think is pretty good as well
00:19:36
Speaker
and I think their back situation might be might be okay. and And I really like their young squad. I like Areola a lot. So I think, if it' so I don't know if it comes down to it when we'll do our full review where I'll have them in the league, but I think sixth, I wouldn't be surprised if I end up seeing them there at the end of next season.
00:19:57
Speaker
Fair enough, i think top eight their limit for me. i I think there's a lot of ironing out that needs to be done between now and the season starting. I think they could end up having a really slow start that would cost them the way it did Palace last season. So i think eight is probably realistic for them. And I think if they finish eight, they're having one brilliant season.
00:20:16
Speaker
Yeah, yeah. Well, it's hard to argue with that. I think sixth is above what probably is to be realistically expected, but I'm just pretty high on Areola as well in general as a manager. And I think his honesty last night showed what kind of a character he is that he's not going to heap praise on his players when he knows they're not up to it. So I like that.
00:20:37
Speaker
Fair enough. And then the final question, one piece of business you think they need to do that will help on this season? Yeah, i kind of just mentioned it, but getting in another centre-back to replace Heisen, I think someone who's at a young age would be important because like they have Sanessi there already, and if they did keep Savarni, they got a guy in to work alongside those two and come in over time, I think that would be beneficial. So I think if they spend their money wisely on that, that could go a long way for them.
00:21:06
Speaker
Yeah, I think his centre-back is the only real choice here. um as we We've just praised their midfield and forwards. and They've signed their left-back already in your man Truffaut.
00:21:17
Speaker
Right-back, I can't even remember who the right-back is, but he's probably OK. So yeah I think his centre-back is probably their best option. think they still play... um Adam Smith.
00:21:29
Speaker
Yeah, Adam Smith used to play for United on and off, but he was in the United Academy list every time they mention it, every time they play Bournemouth. But yeah, I don't know who else they have. Surely they have somebody else there. It's actually Donaldson. I think they were probably called Araujo. Julian Araujo, they signed from Barcelona, I think. Oh, yeah, they had a young fella on Argentinian guy.
00:21:51
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah, I think they had him on playing left back last night, but yeah, I don't know what their full lineup was. But yeah, I think the back in general is probably the place you need to strengthen them. They have some exciting forwards. So yeah, it's definitely that's when a good show.
00:22:08
Speaker
Okay lads, it's a pleasure to have Danny O'Brien on, radio presenter based in Limerick.
Steelers' Team Improvements
00:22:13
Speaker
He's been a Steelers fan for over 20 years and his favourite Steelers player is Troy Palamalu. So Danny, welcome to the show. Delighted to have you on. How are you?
00:22:22
Speaker
Good now. And yeah, thanks for asking me to go on the show as well. That's Yeah, no worries at all, Danny. So we're going to cover the same style that we've been covering the last few weeks. For those of you that's been listening, we're going to throw out the four key questions. And this week we're covering the Steelers and the Bengals to get into the AFC North. So we'll start with the Steelers. soon as we have Danny on, we'll throw the first question to him.
00:22:44
Speaker
Where do you think the Steelers need to improve most from last season? I'm just going to say December. That's how bad last December went. was it a The end of season, their record was 1-5, and one of those wins was against the Browns.
00:22:57
Speaker
Yeah, that that was their season just completely and utterly collapsed from being at a really solid point. And yeah i'd like ah if yeah, just looking at it, they have the Ravens twice, the Browns, Lions, Dolphins. like There's two or three games there they have the potential to win.
00:23:11
Speaker
So they if they could just improve on that, it would really improve their chances. and I suppose from an on-the-field point of view, their passing defense it'd be nice to see that improve a bit it was one of the worst in the league last year and i get the feeling it was one of the big reasons behind the minka trade just that it was not up to spec that it should have been rush was fine but yeah on the field i think our passing defense really does need to improve because last year was a bit miserable to watch Yeah, yeah. I agree with those two points. And Shane, would you have anything different there?
00:23:39
Speaker
Yeah, so I think their wide receiver depth at the moment might be a bit of a sticky point for him. um After trading away George Pickens, they will be kind of focusing very much on DK Metcalf and he will need a bit of help. So I went with their wide receiver depth as being a bit of an issue.
00:23:54
Speaker
Yeah, I kind of tied in with that a little bit because i mentioned the passing game last year it was the sixth worst in terms of the yards per game at 192. Now, there's nothing wrong with that if you have an incredible running game like, for example, the Eagles. But...
00:24:07
Speaker
Unfortunately, they didn't really. and I think with Najee gone, that's a bit of a punt on the running back situation now. So I think the wide receiver room is something. Yeah, looking at Calvin Austin and Robert Woods as your wide receiver, two and three isn't the most ideal going into the season, I wouldn't think.
00:24:24
Speaker
But we'll focus on the guys who are on the roster right now that we think will make the biggest impact. So Shane, which three guys did you have as the the the three that will make the biggest one for the season ahead?
00:24:35
Speaker
ah The big one for me was Jadon Aranje. I think he he is such a good pickup in that trade with the Dolphins. um I think he himself and the other corner, Darius Slay, are going to be massive from mid-corner.
00:24:47
Speaker
Then on top of that, Aaron Rodgers, now that he has actually signed a contract, he's going to be a big one to have a look at. I don't know if the impact will be good or bad, but he will make an impact some way. And then DK Metcalf, because he is mayor white one the number one target, and he should be explosive, hopefully, for him.
00:25:04
Speaker
Yeah, Danny, did you have anything different there? ah Just when we mentioned the run the wrong game there, yeah, I think Jayla Mourning is running back one now, assumed running back one, because, yeah, just this Steelers ball is the most traditional one, and just with TJ Watt, just with his new contract, he's really faded off at the end of last season, now whether that had to do with injuries, but, like, the motivation for him, he's the highest paid outside of a quarterback in the league, to get back up to that form and that level as well, and, like, that's big money to be putting on him as well, so it's, yeah, Rodgers as well,
00:25:33
Speaker
because quarterback he's always going big impact there but I think Warren is a big season in terms of just the run game especially as was mentioned by Shane our wide receiver depth is not very good yeah he's going to need to pick up a lot from taking up that RB1 position I've gone with something little bit different I've gone with Johnnie Smith as one I think it might be a bit of a strange one but Arthur Smith really likes him he's used him before and I think he may become a favorite red zone target for Rodgers, which may help him out when when things get a bit sticky down towards and trying to close drives out. So I think that could be one that might pop up that may surprise people a little bit.
00:26:15
Speaker
Shane, you kind of mentioned on the side there, Darius Slay. I think he's a really nice veteran pickup off the back of the Super Bowl win to play alongside Joey Porter Jr. and now Jalen Ramsey being in the mix too. As you mentioned, is it's a nice defensive backfield. And I think That might solve some of the problems that you point about, Danny, in their passing defense. And then Ramsey was the last one, kind of threw him in there as another one, I think.
00:26:40
Speaker
There could be some murmurs that he might look to move to safety. He has the skills for it. There's been some talk about that towards the back end of his career. So if you can get Slay, Porter Jr. and Ramsey on the field at the same time, I think that could be a nice situation. Overall, how do you like the sound of that backfield, Danny?
00:26:58
Speaker
It's definitely an improvement. like The Minka trade, like I said, the big drive behind it was just his form really... Last season was not a good season for him. the amount they got i just That trade came out of nowhere, and I wish they had actually announced it in a right bloody way rather than this piece, then this, then this, rather than that. All together. yeah it was just going to go Yeah, it was really annoying the way that they did that, but yeah especially Joey Porter, is it's kind of year on year seems to have improved in a nice bit as well. so Like I mentioned, the past the past defense was a concern. It looks like they've hopefully addressed it. It's just that, yes, the other areas in this. And i the reason I just say Watt as well is he is one of those on defense. He's one of the few real significant difference makers where he can do something that completely changes the game for them as well.
00:27:38
Speaker
hopefully he can get back up to that for him as well. Yeah, so moving on then to our next question is, fun one to usually hit is, do you think they'll hit the over-under on their wins with the bookies? So this this line here is eight and a half wins for the Steelers. For me, I've said that they do have a tough schedule, but I'm not going to bet against Tomlin getting their winning in season with this defense.
00:28:00
Speaker
Even if Rodgers does flame out and things don't work out on the offensive side, I think Tomlin, and he's proven that he knows how to get a winning season. So nine wins, I think, is definitely doable. Danny, what do you think?
00:28:12
Speaker
I have them 10-7. The schedule is is heavy enough, but they do have some games there. like say yeah just The Jets game, that's going to be fun. The Patriots, Browns twice, Packers, Colts.
00:28:23
Speaker
Bears, mean God knows what the Bears are going to be like. to get the badge or They could be good or could be, well, they're the Bears. Dolphins, big questions around them, I think, this year as well. There's definitely a good few games there that are winnable.
00:28:35
Speaker
and The weird thing with the Steelers is kind of, You could probably put one of us quarterback and they would still find some way to get to a winning season because the defense is, yeah, if I'm a neutral, I'd advise neutrals not to watch the Steelers on an average Sunday because we're horrendous to watch if you're looking for something that's entertaining.
00:28:53
Speaker
Yeah, there's very, very little variance, but with we'll see them in Croke Park and we'll definitely enjoy that one. and But what did you have for this, Shane? Eight and a half wins? I think you can't back against Mike Tomlin getting a winning season um as much as you want. There's a lot of uncertainty around him. Obviously, we've we've kind of touched on it there, but it's still Mike Tomlin.
00:29:12
Speaker
He's still going to get a winning season somehow and we'll see from there then. I don't see them doing much after that, but that's the next question. Yeah, what do you think is the we'll move on that then what do you think is their ceiling change for the current roster? might I think if they can Aaron Rodgers can do what we know he's capable of and not do what he did with the Jets, then I don't see why a Wildcats push isn't in play for him. Out of that, I don't think they'll get much further than that. I think that would be their ceiling for me be a Wildcats.
00:29:40
Speaker
Okay. Danny, what did you have? Yeah, I had the one and done the playoffs. So it was the last two years. I don't know whether it's so good to be barely making the playoffs and be in purgatory or just kind of because the winning record as well is getting really tedious and I'm getting kind of, would I prefer them having a winning record for the last 20 seasons or would I prefer them actually being able to contend with the Bills, the Chiefs, the Ravens and the other teams in the NFC? Because winning record is nice and all, but you don't get banners and you don't get rings for being on a winning record so yeah i think it will be very similar to last year playoffs one and done and and probably in that playoff game they probably won't even be that competitive again yeah it's unfortunate for spielers fans are just accustomed to that kind of season every year but <unk>ve i've i've gone and i've gone and boost you guys one extra win i think if everything goes really well and they dial up everything nicely they can win a game in the playoffs get to the division around um now that's of course we're looking at the absolute sealant here
00:30:35
Speaker
and just I just don't think they have enough in them for anything more in the AFC, and given the teams that they would face at that point. But yeah, I think think they can get there. I have some faith for you guys.
00:30:45
Speaker
So we'll move on to with divisional rivals, now the Bengals. First question I'll throw to you, Shane.
Bengals' Season Outlook
00:30:51
Speaker
Where do they need to improve most from last season? Pass rush, definitely.
00:30:56
Speaker
It was abysmal last year. They have obviously kept their big stars. They've paid Jo Barre, they've paid Le Marte's, but... They haven't done anything to stop people being able to run or pressure Joe Burrow.
00:31:11
Speaker
They never do. They spend all their money on the attack, nothing in defence, and just hope they can win every game forty four forty eight or whatever. like So I think if they don't sort out the pass source, then they'll be in trouble again this year. Do you think their O-line needs improvement?
00:31:24
Speaker
Nice. What did you have done, Danico? I had in big, bold, and also underlined, yeah, just their defense. I mean, if you watch quarterback, even the amount of times that you Joe Burrow went, we were nearly perfect on ah offense. He didn't say the defense was crap, but he just said we were so good on offense that we nearly won it.
00:31:41
Speaker
Yeah, it is the defense. It needs to just do something this year to kind of help them from that point of view. It's almost the opposite of the Steelers now, think of it. But they just need to be able to do something on defense now, whether the new new coordinator is going to come in. Like there were there are people would say with Hendrickson not there,
00:31:56
Speaker
It means the new coach will be able to kind of put his stamp on the teams. Like, but they're crap in terms of players. That's not much a stamp on rubbish is still going to be rubbish. lab So yeah yeah, the defense just needs to be some way possible this year. And if it is, they've got a big chance then.
00:32:12
Speaker
Yeah, I've got a, similar to you, I put defense in all caps because it's just, it was so bad. They can't, they just can't keep leaving Burrow in spots where he scores 30 plus points in a game and they still don't win.
00:32:26
Speaker
And they need to manage the field better. Stop giving up huge back-breaking plays all the time. i think bringing in Al Golden might work out something a bit different, as you mentioned. But I don't know what's going to, what's the situation with Hendrickson. That's another sticky one there for them. They just signed Shamar Stewart.
00:32:42
Speaker
everything is just, it's very disjointed and it's very Bengals. Yep. So yeah, but let's look at the players that do have them that are going to make an impact. What three guys did you have, Danny?
00:32:53
Speaker
um the two LSU guys got that LSU team you realize how good that championship side was but yeah Burroughs and Chase I mean you can't you did they are the Bengals like Burroughs season last year was one of the all-time greats for him Chase as well how well he did terms of the triple crown that he also won like so much goes on them given how much the yeah how much of the even just the salary cap that they also take up And you mentioned him as well, James Hendrickson. He is, like, he was the defense last year.
00:33:21
Speaker
Now, as to how this, he's back training. Now, whether he's going to go on the field, what's the discussion around that? and Looking at purely from a Steelers point of view, I'm so glad we're in a division with the Browns and the Bengals because, too, there's... very few franchises in the league who are so good at shooting themselves in the foot but those three the offense is going to be built in around them can they reach that level this time we'll have to wait and see and like Hendrickson is again like he's one of the elite edge rushers and again one of the weird things would be also with the AFC North is the fact that the probably the three three of the four best edge rushers are all in the same division never mind conference so yeah it's huge for those three yeah that was a good point um Shane did you have anything different there
00:33:58
Speaker
No, I hate the same three. Burrow, Hendrickson and Chase. Chase with Tee Higgins, they're just such a dynamic wide receiver duo. If he's not going to chase and go on the other way and Higgins is explosive as well, he can cause anyone any issues. Obviously Hendrickson, 17 and a half sacks last year.
00:34:15
Speaker
They really do need to just get him tied up and get him tied down. It's ridiculous how far it's gone on. And then obviously Burrow is the Bengals, as Danny just so rightly put it. So yeah, I think it was hard to look past any of the three of those.
00:34:28
Speaker
Yeah, i I put in two different players and just because i I was expecting that. The impact from, obviously, if I was to answer directly to that, it wouldn't be the same three. But I threw in two more just so we can talk about somebody else. But I really like Geno Stone.
00:34:44
Speaker
He took a pay cut back in May to aid the team and sign in Trey Hendrickson. That still hasn't happened, so I'm sure he's pretty disappointed with that. Four interceptions last year after really growing with the Ravens the year before and having seven interceptions.
00:34:57
Speaker
Learned a lot from Mike McDonald in that defense. So I really like him. I think he still has a lot in him. And Chase Brown, I thought he was brilliant last season. 990 yards on the ground 360 receiving yards with 11 total touchdowns in his second year so I think he'll make another splash this season if the offensive line improves at all as Shane pointed out it needs to if it does yeah he might find it a little bit easier and he's somebody that can bail Barrow out in dumb situations where he just needs to dump the ball off so yeah I think Those two guys are interesting candidates. And of course, also went with Jamar Chase just coming off the Triple Crown. Highest bid receiver in NFL history.
00:35:34
Speaker
Hard to look past them even with going with different guys. So their line is higher than the Steelers one. It's actually at nine and a half. So Shane, what did you think on that? And do you think they'll hit the over-under?
00:35:45
Speaker
Under for me this time. I just don't fancy him. I think there's just so much turmoil. Their defense is horrific, as we've all mentioned. I just, I don't see him getting enough wins. there come They're going to end up in so many close games again, which I can see him losing more than winning. So I've went to under on this one, but I think it's it's a tough one. I think nine and a half is quite high for him.
00:36:06
Speaker
What did you have for this, Danny? So I did this under the proviso that Hendricks is going to be actually like he was last year. So I have them 10-7. I have them a half a game over. so That's under, like, when you mentioned even, Shane, some of the games they lost. I'm kind of going, could that balance itself out? They were unlucky against the Chiefs. A few of those teams last year.
00:36:24
Speaker
The, like, Browns-Jaguars, if they lose those two games, yeah, they're going to be in serious trouble because they have a beast of a schedule then for the next couple of games. But... if If they can get back to anywhere near the offensive last year and if the defense can be improved somewhat, I can see them just getting over that.
00:36:39
Speaker
But again, it's like I said, the caveat of is Hendrickson going to be the player he was last year because if he's if he holds out or if he's not around. Yeah, they're not going to do it. yeah Yeah, I went with the same as you, Danny. I said yes and purely because the the fact they got to nine wins last year and they had such a bad defense. I think they can do at least one better because you could say surely won't get worse. It could get worse, of course. angles that's The typical Mick McCarthy quote, but you know it's it could get worse. But i I just don't think it will, I think.
00:37:11
Speaker
you know The defence will get slightly better and if Hendrickson is tied down and you have that pressure coming off the other side, which Stewart, now that he's signed on, and if Stone plays well, like I've mentioned. and I think think they have some pieces there that can get them above the nine and a half, but I think the bookies have done a good job here. This nine and a half line, I think, is a pretty hard one to decide. So looking at the absolute best they can do to seal them, what do you guys think their ceiling is with the current roster and coach? I'll throw it to you first, Danny.
00:37:42
Speaker
So with Henderson, I think they could get to the divisional round without him. They're not. It's that simple. So much of their season does hang on that because he has, like we've said, he is the defense. You need to be some way confident there. And like Burrow, can he be as good last season? and Can Chase be as so be can contribute as much as well? But it really does hang on kind of how Henderson does. And I think after the first two games, we'll have a pretty accurate measure of it So yeah.
00:38:06
Speaker
If he's with them and if i where he was last year, divisional round, I think they could reach that. If he's not, yeah, they're not making the playoffs. Yeah. What did you think, Shane, for that? Yeah, same for me. I think at their best, they can reclaim that AFC North crown.
00:38:20
Speaker
and But again, it does condense the defense. As I said, they're going to be in a kind of close game again. If their defense isn't up to it, they're going to lose them. If they can get something sorted there and they win them, then they are in with a shower to get that crown back. Yeah.
00:38:33
Speaker
I don't think they're going too much further than that. I don't really don't and don't see it. You can't go into season hanging your hat on three lads performing every single team in the league and hoping that three them can just get to 50 points a game and your defence can give up 49. Yeah, yeah. i I'm going outrageous here, lads. I think they can win it Super Bowl.
00:38:54
Speaker
last year Last year, before the season started, I went with them. Their defense shocked me with how bad it was. I actually thought they they had an incredible chance. And the way they started was just abysmal.
00:39:07
Speaker
It's hilarious. Yeah, hilarious. But they have the best offense in the AFC, in my opinion. i I really like it. The Bills, close second. Obviously, of the things that Lamar can do, a lot of people can't do that. But just the overall weapons that they have, I think they're going to take another leap.
00:39:23
Speaker
and even if the defense could be top half of the league they can go very far with how good that offense is so now i'm not going to say they're going to win the super bowl i'm not going to put my money on them but i'm saying as an absolute ceiling i think there's maybe three or four teams i've said super bowl is a possibility and they're my role when i'm thrown in there so i'll take the heat off that because that's my that's my humble opinion there that's so Yeah, that's that's the Bengals and the Steelers wrapped. I'll move on then to the to the Ravens and Browns to cover some more AFC North next week. But thanks again, Danny, for coming on. We're going to add your links down below so the guides can check out your and Instagram and and from there, your radio. So thanks a million for coming on and we'll chat
Newcastle and Global Transfer Market Highlights
00:40:06
Speaker
to you again.
00:40:06
Speaker
ro on thanks Let's move into our transfer roundup. So a lot of dumb deals this week. Not as many rumours. Other weeks were a lot of rumours piling in, but not a whole lot done. But we're getting into the flow of it now. So we'll rattle off two that we kind of already discussed.
00:40:23
Speaker
And so we'll just get through them quickly as Luis Diaz now he has gone to Bayern Munich. They didn't meet, obviously, what was being quoted earlier in the window as the price, but that was probably outrageously high for a reason.
00:40:37
Speaker
And Liverpool will need the funds for other dealings that Shane has banned from talking about. And then the second one is James Trafford to move back to Man City, 31.2 million. That's in Euros. So, yeah, they have matching rights on Newcastle's bid. So a big loss for Newcastle. We already mentioned those previously, but any final thoughts on them?
00:41:00
Speaker
Newcastle Urban are having a generational stinker window. It's... Yeah, it's really bad. I just, it's, i don't even know how to explain it because they're not going for the wrong players. But the players just seem so disinterested in going to Newcastle and I don't understand how they all want to get James Trafford going back to City. He grew up there. That's fair enough. But like in Bramwell, picking United over Champions League football because United are a bigger club. It's just things like this constantly happening to him over and over again.
00:41:28
Speaker
i reckon that's why the man I'm not allowed talk about wants to go as well, because he's looking at this and seeing that they're not bringing anything in to help anyone here. They brought in one player. maybe not even Champions League standard, the Lange, we'll have to wait and see. I just think they've had a generational window of stinking.
00:41:44
Speaker
Yeah, I've had good few conversations with my father about that. Yeah. ask it on course As you mentioned, and like, he knows more about it than I do, but obviously the situation now with, when they had a Mitchell as their, yeah,
00:41:58
Speaker
yeah um sporting director and he did absolutely nothing the whole time and now they don't really have that role filled so it's really hard to sell your long-term vision when you don't have like a spokesperson to speak to that whereas like I think at United what they've done is a brilliant job of getting those guys in before they bought players for the Amerim system because now you have guys like Berarda in there, Jason Wilcox and then they've also got the previous Red Bull players staffer as like I think he worked at Salzburg before and a couple of yeah other goal teams and now he's the director negotiation so these guys know how to talk to players and sell them on ideas so I think that's probably a big falling off point there for Newcastle that they don't have somebody to to go and do it that for them and to sell to outside of Eddie Howe and I'd say he's feeling the pressure too now to be honest because doesn't seem like they're supporting him too much
00:42:50
Speaker
Definitely. And in terms of Lucia's, I am glad he's gone. yeah As I've said numerous times, I really just not a fan. um I know he's good, but he just wasn't. He just annoyed me far more than he made me happy. So i am glad he's gone. And hopefully they do get a replacement in for him soon and they don't strike their heels too long on that one.
00:43:10
Speaker
Yeah, I think it's good to get the money in because I didn't really need them anymore at this point. and No. yeah millions massive as Yeah. A lot of money. And by the way, if anyone is wondering about these, they're all fees in euros because we're taking them from transfer markets. So it's the European website. And and then another one that has been talked about for a while, Willie, won't he? But it's Granin Chaka. He has gone to Sunderland from Leverkusen. We talked about this over text.
00:43:35
Speaker
he's just like the most Sunderland player possible. And he's going to love that Tyron Weir derby against Newcastle. I feel like himself and Joel didn't get into it, you mentioned. I think that's a good sign for Sunderland because they a young team and someone with experience in the Proudman and in your Definitely needed to, 100%. I think he's a really good pickup. 15 million isn't even that steep these days with the price of things.
00:44:00
Speaker
For a man that has literally, he's gone to Germany and just torn it up. I think he's a really, really good, a good decision to bring him in. um As you said, they have a very young squad, so a bit of experience, someone with bit of needle willing to kick people, i think is what they needed in there.
00:44:14
Speaker
Yeah, definitely. And then we've got Adam Asnew, a young left-back from Bayern Munich, has gone to Everton. Don't know anything about him, but at least Everton are finally signing guys. So that was my million euros.
00:44:26
Speaker
Obviously a young prospect. I like it because they've got a young defence, so I like to see teams and continuing in that. And Adam Geiss, obviously, it's often that you'd see guys leave from the likes of Bayern, Real or Barca.
00:44:41
Speaker
um who turn out to be very good, but there's just no space for them there. yeah so So eyes peeled on him. We've probably seen him for the first time when he plays for Everton. And then a couple of outward moves from Chelsea. Of course, we had to get them in there.
00:44:55
Speaker
Joe Felix gone to Al Nasser for €30 million. euros And we won't speak too much on this, but yeah, their Clear Lake capital ownership is pretty much owned by the Saudi Investment Fund, i i'm i'm sure so I'm pretty sure of. so We're not making any accusations here, but, you know, bit of a shady deal in there when Chelsea need to get rid of somebody and he ends up at Saudi.
00:45:19
Speaker
But, yeah, could be a coincidence also. So leave leaving all options on the table. And then another one sending, as usual, a loan out to Strasbourg, their goalkeeper, Mike Panders, that they just got. So, yeah, what do you think of those?
00:45:34
Speaker
And just stick the death of Chelsea. Let's talk about Lucas Perry. I think it's a great deal for Leeds. He's a really, really good goalkeeper. and Really good season for Lyon the last couple of seasons. And Leeds needed a keeper because obviously Melier is not up to it anymore, whatever has happened in.
00:45:51
Speaker
and I think that's a really, really good business for I think we both kind of said that about Leeds as well, that they need a keeper. When we did the business, they need and if them. They've done that now. Yeah. Yeah, props to them for getting that in.
00:46:02
Speaker
Aaron Cashin, I called for it last couple of weeks back. I said, send him out on loan if you're not going to play him. He's gone to Birmingham's team on the up. So i really like that. He's gone out on loan there. So I'd really like that for him.
00:46:13
Speaker
Birmingham are doing serious business. Yeah, yeah. It's unreal. Absolutely unreal. they're They're really pushing to be in that playoff picture. sure And I think they'll get close to it, to be honest with you, about their business.
00:46:26
Speaker
Yeah, they've signed Bundesliga 2 Defender of the Year from last season as well to sit beside him. And they've another fella who was on read from last year. His name escapes me at the moment. I don't really talk about him too often. But they have some serious options in the back. Thiago is their striker.
00:46:41
Speaker
Sure, well, this is on the stands field as well from Fulham. He's thought to be the next like star at some of the lower levels in the Premier League maybe. And then he went down to them. for like 10 million so that's yeah around but um another outward move from um Brighton is a stupid yeah and there was a bit of talk about this for a while obviously they've already replaced him where they've gotten another sign in this window of the Kuiper and they also got they also got Cadioglu last season so they've got really good replacements there so 17 million I think that's a good price for AC Manon
00:47:15
Speaker
I think it's very cheap for him to beat. I think he's been classed for the last couple years for Brighton. and Apparently, there's a moment when Brighton beat Liverpool where he takes a shot and absolutely skies it into the crowd and hurts to faces. It decides then that I don't want him anymore. So say I'd say they were just happy to get rid of him.
00:47:33
Speaker
Yeah. But 27 only for 17 million. As you said, it's a great deal for Milan. Yeah. Great one for Brighton. I think... um I think... What's the...
00:47:45
Speaker
there probably is add-ons included in that because I can't imagine he's only 17 million euro full stop so I'd say there has to be add-ons there somewhere but ah yeah I think if that's around the business that they got it done like I think that's an amazing move so great deal yeah for them Next up then is Dan Ndoy for Forrest.
00:48:05
Speaker
They just tied down Gibbs-White. Maranakos was absolutely delighted and made himself the centre of that whole thing. and So they've got him sealed and now they've replaced Elanga for €42 million.
00:48:17
Speaker
I don't think this is a bad replacement because 24 years of age, he he was good i mean for Bologna. He has Champions League experience. Last season in Syria, eight goals, four assists.
00:48:28
Speaker
And if you compare that to Alanga, at the Prem last year, six goals and 11 assists. So yeah, less like seven and that's in eight less games as well. So less assists, but he's more of a goal threat, which I think they probably do need because Chris Wood isn't going to have the same season as last. So I actually really like that one for Forrest. Yeah.
00:48:46
Speaker
um I think that's a great deal. da morgan gets twice interviewer That hit-nap video is one of the funniest things I've ever. It's so strange. yeah I'd like to thank Mr. Maranakis for this. Mr. Maranakis has shown great belief in me.
00:49:01
Speaker
Mr. Maranakis is that. I was sitting there, was actually cringing watching. i was like, this is script he's been handed. It's like in the old Super Bowls where like guys would get a deal with Gatorade or whatever.
00:49:15
Speaker
And yeah like's the first line, they wouldn't just do it naturally. It's obviously on their mind that they need to say it. And you just win the MVP of the Super Bowl. And you're just like, yeah, this Gatorade really fueled me.
00:49:26
Speaker
And you're like, behind and just you just need to hold it. You don't need to say anything like that. and yeah yeah So he was obviously told, like you know bring him in. And that was all that was on his mind then for the whole... the whole speed yeah it is very strange it was horrific horrific to watch but kind of funny at the same time i don't know like this must be one of those where it's like we'll give you an extra 50 grand a week and we'll add 10 million to release dollars you can go next summer instead because ah doesn't make sense otherwise like you thought spurs were doing a good thing there really but yeah sorry they got sent back with that one and the last kind of thing i have here then is
00:50:04
Speaker
The only real rumor is something that's a lot being talked about right now is Benjamin Sesco. So Newcastle were initially interested in him. And then I think there's a report from The Athletic that Man United were interested in himself and Watkins. And that Watkins would probably be about £10 or £15 million pan's cheaper. But he's older and probably have no sell-on potential with him whatsoever.
00:50:28
Speaker
So Sesco at 22 years of age, I think it's around €75 million you are they want. And they want add-ons and a percentage of future sale. So I think...
00:50:39
Speaker
United and Newcastle are the two teams that are interested. United have obviously ramped up their pursuit of him now that Newcastle have been knocking on the door. And I think that, as I mentioned previously, United having a former Red Bull employee as their head of recruitment, Christopher Ravelle, I think that really helps. And I think he's pushing for this one a lot. So, one to watch.
00:50:59
Speaker
I think one of them just need to say, all right, we're not getting any cheaper. Red Bull have never dropped the price. When they say it's priced, that's the price. So one just going to say, okay, here's your 75 million, here's your 15 million add-ons, and give you 20% sell-on.
00:51:13
Speaker
yeah And whoever does that first is where you'll end up. Because there's no point going in and saying, here's 55 million and 30 million add-ons, because that's not how it's going to work. with Especially now with Red Bull, they're really, really shrewd negotiators. So just need to do it.
00:51:27
Speaker
Yeah, and i think I think right now some of the chat is that they would be interested in some form of a swap. and So it's if Hoyland is on the other way and heads over to them, I think that could be beneficial for both parties and to ease the fee. So let's see. if like giving them hoyland if you If you're giving them Hoyland, then they'll want 90 million up front as well as Adon to take Hoyland off your hands.
00:51:54
Speaker
Yeah. After that goal last night, he's he's suddenly, you know, worth an extra 10 million after that glance. and Of course. I have just added two more at the bottom there. So i just want to talk about...
00:52:05
Speaker
How on earth this man keeps getting moves every time he gets relegated. Aaron Ramsdale going to Newcastle. Oh my God. The man has come out himself and said he can't concentrate for longer than 15 minutes at a time.
00:52:19
Speaker
And teams, nearly teams can't concentrate at all because they're still giving him moves, making, signing him again. terrible season last year with Stampton, not all his fault, but he was kind of, he was, he was the man to let the 8 million goals go past him.
00:52:34
Speaker
It's some drop in standard for Newcastle from James Trafford who kept an absolute ton of clean sheets last year. yeah And then i will I will talk about Chelsea this time because this one annoyed me a bit.
00:52:45
Speaker
Gerald Hathaway was going to them. i just I think he's absolutely class. I really do. I think he's absolutely class. Plays left-back and centre-back. £40 million is not a bad fee at all for a 19-year-old.
00:52:57
Speaker
i Seven-year deal, of course, because they don't do normal deals. And I just think it's the most sense Chelsea have made this this window so far signing him. Yeah, I think... That is working out. Like the way they do it as well is like you can amortize the fee over the contract. So that's like 7 million euro or less than that. It's like six, six, less. year over the contract which is yeah it's nothing like in terms of their books and how much money they make and if they can go and sell Joe Felix for pretty much the same amount yeah and I think one of the positions at Chelsea our weekend is at fullback so I think if he's someone that can cover there as well that makes sense so yeah we have to give it to them on that one and
00:53:43
Speaker
Obviously, the Rams they won is just, yeah, again, we've talked about him before. i just, same as you, I don't understand how he keeps getting these deals back up, especially to to good teams like Newcastle. And as you mentioned, there's a massive difference between himself and Trafford. So, yeah, I think Newcastle, read it's it's ah it's not a great signing, but look, he's going to be a backup. But Trafford's the one for the future.
00:54:09
Speaker
Yeah, the only thing about that amortisation is that the rule was changed. It can only spread it all over five years, even if the contract is 20 years long. It has to be over five years. But it's still only eight million a year for five years. There's still nothing on it. And I reckon there's no way... No, it doesn't, clearly. I think they go with Aran Zill as number one starting the season.
00:54:32
Speaker
I think Nick Pope has had a shock in pre-season. They clearly wanted to replace him when they were looking at Trafford. yeah um I wouldn't be surprised if this is their man now. like okay We can go with him now. He's 27.
00:54:44
Speaker
Bring him in. Just throw him in between the goals. He's not going get relegated with us, hopefully. so He might get a bit of a run in Premier League football now. I don' i don't glass don't get it.
00:54:54
Speaker
don't see working that well. It'll have to be one we revisit, I'd say, because it's not a great situation there. So moving on then, we haven't we have an NBA topic for you this
LeBron James Trade Speculations
00:55:05
Speaker
week.
00:55:05
Speaker
Something that's sprung up a good bit and online and across different articles and podcasts is LeBron and possibly leaving the Lakers. Obviously, this is something that came to fruition last year as ah as a possibility because the team is now built around Luka.
00:55:23
Speaker
for for future years they're not going to build around LeBron they basically have one of the top three players or top five players in the NBA and he's going to be the one going forward he's still young um he's in his mid-twenties whereas LeBron in his age 41 season and you know he's on the way out so we've not really seen this before where a player who at that level has gone to a team where they're actually building around somebody else so people maybe thought that this could be something that was pushed back on but There's three main teams that I've heard it the most about, and I want to get your opinions on some of the things that have been said about it. But the first one is going to Dallas.
00:56:04
Speaker
I think this would be crazy because of the fact that they were the ones involved in the Anthony Davis and Luka trade. There was a lot stuff starring on Twitter during Summer League and then there was a write-up from Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report and he said he came up with a three-team trade for this one.
00:56:21
Speaker
um Bron and Bronny heading to the Mavs and the Lakers man Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Nadri Marshall, Caleb Martin and the Nets get Dalton Kinect, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell.
00:56:34
Speaker
There's a couple of other fringe guys thrown in there for matching salaries and a couple of second-round picks but Yeah, what do you think of that one, first of all? Nonsense. is not if he If he's going anywhere, he's not going to Dallas. If he's going somewhere, where he's going to want to go somewhere where... don't even want to say where he's going to... Save the loan.
00:56:55
Speaker
Yeah, I don't know. I i just don't think... i don't see him going there. I have two written down as well where he might end up, and I'll see if you bring him up in the next two now, but I don't think Dallas is where he ends up. Yeah, i like I can't see it happening, but it would be a bit funny like if you see the old guard there of himself, Kyrie and Anthony Davis and DeAndre Russell is there now too. And then he's got Cooper flag coming up.
00:57:16
Speaker
Yeah, I think that would be absolutely madness. And I think if that trade came about, if I was the Lakers, I would do it because you get a lot of depth there in Gafford, Washington, Marshall and Caleb Martin. like definitely worth it because you get some guys to build around Luca who have already played with him and played over them. So that makes sense for them. But I don't know. I can't really see. I think it's a bit far-fetched.
00:57:36
Speaker
And the second one victors is Cleveland. and going back to where he was previously twice. and This one has been kind of spitballed by people just throwing out names. I think one that makes the most sense would be Jared Allen going the other way.
00:57:50
Speaker
There's no way that they send Mobley or one of their guards in Mitchell or or Garland. like There's no way they send that for an agent LeBron. So it would have to be Jared Allen if it was anybody.
00:58:01
Speaker
And I think... This could be one to watch because the Lakers need a centre and if the season doesn't start off ideally for LeBron and he starts getting a little bit annoyed with the Lakers and the Cavs haven't started off the best that they could this is one I could actually see happening but yeah again it doesn't make the most sense for the Cavs to get one season for Sacreville and Jared Allen but stranger things have happened.
00:58:26
Speaker
Yeah, I don't think it makes sense for any team to sacrifice anything for one season of LeBron, to be honest, at the moment. yeah and He's not who he was. Obviously, he's 41 now. He's doing this for an awful long time. So I think anyone who's trading for him is either think we're going to definitely win this year or they just want bit of fun, sell jerseys, get people into stadium.
00:58:48
Speaker
And he doesn't want to go to any those have fun teams. you are No, he absolutely doesn't, yeah. Yeah, so it's kind of a, it's yeah, it's not ideal situation. And then... then The next one is by back to the Miami Heat. So another one that they have a return. i mean Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote this one up. So he had Dalton Connect and Bronny heading with LeBron to and the Heat in return for Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez, and a first round pick plus a pick swap.
00:59:19
Speaker
This is an incredible event event for them to give up for now. If I was the Lakers, I'd snap their hand off if they offered me this. Because although Terry Rogier showed absolutely nothing, it's a piece you can move.
00:59:30
Speaker
You've got another pick, first round pick. You've got a pick swap. And you've got ah some some potential in Jaime Hacquez and a player in Andrew Wiggins who can still get you something down the line. So I think this one makes the most sense for probably across the board that the Heat would get desperate. But I so i wouldn't do it if I was the Heat. But again, I i wouldn't be surprised because they've made splashes before.
00:59:53
Speaker
Yeah, and clearly they're giving all that up to get Bronny and not LeBron. Yeah, Bronny and Dalton can act as exactly as they want to do. Yeah, the only way they can keep Bronny relevant is by throwing him into every single trade room with his father so people don't forget he exists. But anyway...
01:00:09
Speaker
Yeah, what did you have then? What two teams did you have? So, i didn't bear Miami Heat was one of mine. I think he has he does have a relationship there as well. Obviously, he's a really big legacy, so he could go back there and try to win a championship with Spolstra before he retires.
01:00:22
Speaker
I think the one for me that I thought was most interesting was the Clippers. The Clippers are ready to contend now. have a load of good pieces they could trade in. they have um have a lot of picks. Even the likes of Bradley Beal, get rid of him, James Harden, send him over the other way and just get in LeBron for years, see if he can do anything for him.
01:00:39
Speaker
Now, I don't think he'd go anywhere, to be perfectly honest. sam you When I texted you about this, you said that it's just one of those things where people just need need something to write about. And this is the fun one. Anytime LeBron gets mentioned,
01:00:52
Speaker
anywhere he's he's going to draw crowd so they might as well write about him now and get past a couple of weeks where there's very little trade rumors happening in general so I just I think it's it's it's nonsense that anyone's going to trade anything decent for a 41 year old to be honest think he's staying where he is Yeah, I like the Clippers shout because it makes sense that he stays in L.A. and he goes over and teams up with some of those guys. Like, they just got in Bradley Beal. I don't know what the workarounds would be for that, but it'd be pretty funny if they just got him off the wire and he's gone. But ah I think they could move make some kind of move if if they saw it as something they wanted to do. But and this is something I haven't seen come up. So that's an interesting one to throw out there.
01:01:34
Speaker
And it is a retirement home at the minute for for this for the signings that they've been making. For everyone, yeah. All the girls are on the way out, like Chris Pods back there again. And it's nice to see him there. He's obviously emotional and happy to be back there. So they'll be an interesting team to watch this season. But I think that age will probably catch up to them in the the playoffs. And having a 41-year-old probably isn't going to help with that. But...
01:01:54
Speaker
Like you said, but the most likely out of all of this is that day he just stays in l LA. All the other deals don't make the most sense. But as the season does shake out, and if he does get annoyed with the Luka-centric thing at the Lakers right now, and he tries to push through a move, I think one of his old teams in the Heat, or the Cavs, is probably more likely than anything else because yeah it seems like he's just bounced around there. Yeah.
01:02:21
Speaker
Yeah, that's that's our little LeBron segment, you know, just to keep the people happy and keep Michael happy, of course. So but we'll get in our draft this week. It's something we did already, but for another sport. So we did best stars under 25 in the NBA. So this time it's the best stars under 25 in the Premier League.
Premier League Stars Under 25 Draft
01:02:39
Speaker
I always forget who went first. You went first. or Sorry, I went first last week because I picked Belichick and then you got your two back to back, then Fergie and Pop. So it's you up first this week.
01:02:52
Speaker
No, I went first because I went with Ferguson. Because remember I said I wanted him, first of all. Oh, and then I went, both okay, so it's... Yeah, then you went Bill and Pep Guardiola. Yeah, and then yeah I wanted Popovich third and you took him a second then and ruined my life. Yeah, yeah.
01:03:07
Speaker
Great podcasting here. We'd be every week on air. We should just just figure this out before we start every week. But anyway... No, this is... People get so behind the curtains. Yeah, you're seeing it all in action there, lads. You see how the...
01:03:19
Speaker
how the sausage is made as they say. Pause. So, this week, going first is, I've already forgotten, it's you. It's me, yeah. So, that's first. Okay, I'm going to go completely unbiased on this and take Florian Burtz as my number one pick.
01:03:38
Speaker
Okay, fair enough. I know, yeah. He is a star. um's going to be, hopefully he's going to be amazing. The money they paid for him as well makes him The microscope is really going to be on him this year, and I don't think he'll have any issue with it. He was brilliant yesterday against Yokohama.
01:03:58
Speaker
don't really want to talk about friendlies now or get abused, but I just think he's brilliant, and he's my my first pick off the block. He was always going to be in my first pick. Yeah, no, that's fair enough. The amount of money he's cost and his performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League have spoken to that already. So um hard to hit you too much on that one considering he is a Liverpool player. Usually I would jump in there, but it's ah it's a good argument. So i I'm going to go then with my one and two because I had him around the mid-level just because he hasn't played in the Premier League yet, but I would have him on my board.
01:04:31
Speaker
My one and are Bukaya Sacco and Cole Palmer, two young English players. I think Sacco is unbelievably good. The things he can do with the ball when he's in form and he's flowing and he has...
01:04:45
Speaker
I think if he hits two games in a row with a goal, you know he's going to score or assist them like the next 10. When he gets into that flow, like he's just so, so good. And then Palmer has just unbelievable ability. I know he hit a bit of a poor patch towards the end of last season, but it looks like he's put that behind him in in the Club World Cup. Such a big stage know that we we love to chat about. But no, he looks really, really good. And he has looked so good. He's one of the best young guys in the league. So there are first two picks yeah i i actually knew was so come so confident they're going to be your first two picks i wrote them down and in my list before you even said the two of them that's how confident i was i actually thought this was the hardest draft you've done so far because there isn't there isn't that many players under 25 who in the family are looking like world beaters really at the moment i thought it was really really tough and it's hard to like grade yeah yeah
01:05:41
Speaker
um I have gone mad here now, but I've gone with Adam Morton. and Lewis Skelly as my two and three. I don't really like Lewis Skelly. There's probably better out there. definitely missed one as I'm looking at my list again that I'd like to change him out for.
01:05:58
Speaker
But yeah, this we have to go for. And Adam Morton, I could talk about him all day. I think the kid is absolutely special. special. I already mentioned how good he is on this episode and he was my list too, albeit lower down than this.
01:06:10
Speaker
and Lewis Skelly was one I didn't have, so I'll take my next two here. These ones I found it difficult because it's hard to compare like and attackers and defenders when you're random.
01:06:21
Speaker
So I've got two defenders here next after I have two and attacking players earlier. I've got Josco Gabbardio from Man City. think unbelievable. One of the best defenders in the Premier League and at such a young age already, I think they have a gem there. And then this one is William Saliba. um Ridiculous defender as well.
01:06:40
Speaker
find it hard to fault and sometimes he doesn't make the odd mistake as all defenders do but I think those are kind of over analyzed and I think his ability is is probably one of the best in the league again and these are two of the youngest guys and the fact they're so good is is astounding so they're my next two picks
01:06:59
Speaker
Yeah, I completely forgot Josco Verdiol was that young, so that's a bit of miss for me. I'm going to take Timberfielders next. I'm going to take Carlos Beliba and Archie Gray.
01:07:09
Speaker
I think Archie Gray is special. ah Spurs didn't use him properly last year. I think Thomas Frank will use him properly this year and we'll see but see the best of him. And Carlos Beliba is the next 100 million man, leaving that Brighton squad for me.
01:07:22
Speaker
Yeah, I just saw today that some of this stuff, there's a guy that has pretty good, seems like he has good, he always has stuff way beforehand for United and And he said about that with Belieba that there's no like there's no funds there whatsoever for for somebody like him. But that if they did make it to the Champions League next year and he's still at Brighton, he would be like the number one target.
01:07:43
Speaker
i would be And I wouldn't be shocked at all if that is the case. But yeah, you've gone with guys that weren't as proven and compared to what I had. I'm going to go with my next guy then on my list. And last up to wrap it up is...
01:07:58
Speaker
mindless Kaysedo I think incredibly good players like obviously the most expensive transfer in the Premier League ever yeah and he came really into his own for Chelsea towards the end of last season and I think he'll only get better so I think that he's he's a really really good one and I think that I think Chelsea have a lot of good players when I looked at this at a young age but of course they've bought so many of them that's to be expected so My list is Okiya Sacco, Cole Palmer, Josko Gavardio, William Saliba and Moises Caicedo.
01:08:30
Speaker
And to finish up with my last two, I think I only have three people. You've already got five. Do I? Okay. Seven. need seven to keep up with your five now with how bad I'm going to have in disdraft. Go on, give us your list.
01:08:46
Speaker
So I have... yeah But Lewis Skelly was third. I haven't written any of these down. Yeah, Wart's, Wart and Beliba and Gray.
01:08:58
Speaker
Yeah, thanks very much. yeah That was really good. Really happy with that. There's a difference between mine and yours this time. We weren't on the same exact wavelength, but I think you just didn't realise how young some of these guys are. I didn't realise my Pesada was under 25. That's crazy to me.
01:09:15
Speaker
Yeah, i've on three more that you've missed out on here that I had in my top 10 are Dominic Sabasleit, surprised didn't pick him, Morgan Rodgers and Lenny Yarrow.
01:09:26
Speaker
Those are making up my top 10, as well as Verts and Wharton. I think and usually it's it's it's it's a toss-up and we'll see how close we are. And usually we both do pretty well, but apart from the odd robe when we throw in there. But I think I might have won this week. but I think i I should have put LeBron into my list with how badly it was going there, to be honest.
01:09:48
Speaker
And Ronaldo after the last one.
Episode Conclusion and Upcoming Content
01:09:52
Speaker
we let We'll leave it there for you, lads. Hope you enjoyed this episode. and We'll be back again next week. And the following week after that, we're going to have...
01:10:00
Speaker
two episodes because we're going to hit a Premier League season preview and predictions so and look out for that that'll be coming probably on the Wednesday before the Premier League starts on the Friday and then we'll have our usual Friday episodes so a double week for you usual good stuff um hope you enjoyed subscribe and all that jazz Shane throw to you here's lads just keep listening and keep going I'll learn how to talk about it for next week and we'll see you then