Arsenal
80% Shot Accuracy & 90% Passing Rate: Scouting Arsenal & Liverpool’s 18 Year Old Attacking Target
According to major British tabloids, Liverpool and Arsenal are keen to snap up PSV Eindhoven’s 18 year old youngster Zakaria Bakkali. The Belgian teenager is believed to be the hottest property in European club football and his recent all time low relationship with the club would give a significant boost to the Reds and the Gunners in their pursuit for the Eindhoven winger. PSV’s technical director had set a deadline to the player to sign a contract extension but the player’s incessant antics both on and off the field has strained the relationship with the player.
Bakkali’s aunt and uncle who are also his agents have stalled talks and the player’s relationship with the club came to an all time low according to national Daily Express when he was substituted 16 minutes into a friendly with South Korean side Gyeongnam FC. Interim PSV boss Ernest Faber reportedly had enough after watching Bakkali let his defensive assignment go past him three times in the opening stages of the game.
This gives a clear indication that the player has set his heart out for a move to greener pastures in the summer. Bakkali’s current deal expires at the end OF 2015 which means PSV accept they must sell this summer if he won’t agree terms or would be resigned to let him on a free transfer at the end of next campaign.
So here Bakkali’s scout report:
Bakkali is of Moroccan descent and primarily a winger who can also play as a second striker up front. Although he is aright footed player, deploying him on the left flank allows him to play as an inverted winger against the opposition defender’s weaker foot. He has the eye for a killer ball to the strikers up front and also has a good shooting accuracy which stands at 80% coupled with his passing range which stands at an astounding 90%, something that would impress Arsene Wenger of all the people.
His conversion rate though is below par as the player hits the back of the net only once in 5 chances. A pacy winger of his quality isn’t flummoxed by defenders hot on his trail, Bakkali would constantly free himself up to drift on the flanks, remain as wide as possible and have space to cut inside. His ability to skip past defenders would provide Arsenal and Liverpool both an extra dimension in their attacks up front.
Technical Abilities:
Given that Bakkali is short, he is difficult to tackle and wins almost 60% of his duels. However it is offset in his ability to challenge in the air but the player comes out on top 65% in his individual duels. The winger gets fouled often thanks to his trickery, pace and intelligent moves off the ball. Defensively, his work rate isn’t a major asset but given he is young, a good manager would instill the importance to track back and sort out the team’s defense, being prepared for the counter. Moreover, he outdoes himself quite too often which results in loss o concentration loss and squandering possession when a viable option is open for a pass.
Weaknesses
As far as the weaknesses go, it is his inability to track back and help out his defenders that worries most of the managers. Although Bakkali, is a natural talent, his lack of work rate could cost his future if he were to move to the Premier League where the freedom to express his attacking skills solely might not help in the longer run. Bakkali also has traces of Arshavin, Gervinho and Ryan Babel in him as he tries to dribble a touch more than he normally should and ends up losing possession.
Possible Destination
As far as personal opinions go, Bakkali might not help either of Liverpool or Arsenal at the moment, but with the Reds’ entry into the Champions League, their need for squad players has increased. So it might be a win win situation if Liverpool roped in the youngster. who knows, given a couple of years under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers, Bakkali might turn out to be the next Eden Hazard.
Stats via squawka
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has confirmed that Emily Fox is likely to miss Wednesday’s League Cup semi final clash with Manchester United after the defender suffered a head injury in the FA Cup win over Aston Villa.
The United States international came off in the 22nd minute of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory and was replaced by January signing Smilla Holmberg.
Fox has been an ever present figure in the Arsenal team this season, featuring in all 12 of their WSL clashes. Her absence for such a crucial semi final represents a significant blow to the Gunners, though Slegers will be hopeful that Fox can return for Arsenal’s vital WSL clash with Chelsea this weekend.
Slegers Taking Cautious Approach
The Arsenal manager explained the club’s careful handling of Fox’s injury. “We assessed her yesterday and today, and we just want to make really good decisions with Foxy. It’s looking likely she won’t be in the squad tomorrow, and then we will assess her again tomorrow and the day after. That’s where we’re at now with Foxy.”
This is the right approach from Slegers, who cannot afford to rush Fox back and risk a more serious injury. Head injuries must be treated with extreme caution, and Arsenal are sensibly prioritizing the player’s long term health over short term results.
Holmberg Could Start Against United
Fox’s absence will likely present a chance for new signing Holmberg to start against the Red Devils. The Swedish defender impressed after coming on against Villa and will be eager to prove herself in such a high profile fixture.
Slegers also confirmed that goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar will be in the squad after missing matches since November 19, while Leah Williamson remains unavailable.
Arsenal face a hectic schedule with the League Cup, Chelsea in the WSL, and the Women’s Champions Cup all upcoming.
Also read: Renee Slegers Signs New Arsenal Contract Until 2029 After Champions League Glory
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Star Katie McCabe Attracting NWSL Interest as Contract Expires This Summer With High Impact Player Rule Making Move Financially Viable
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is being closely monitored by National Women’s Soccer League clubs ahead of a pivotal summer for Arsenal. Several NWSL sides have shown ongoing interest for the past 18 months, fully aware that McCabe’s Arsenal deal expires at the end of the season.
The situation places McCabe at an important crossroads in her career. Having tasted Champions League triumph last summer, she wants to compete at the top level and that ambition will inevitably shape any decision she makes. Arsenal face losing one of their most recognizable figures unless they act quickly.
Ten Arsenal Stars Out of Contract
McCabe is not the only high profile name at Arsenal approaching the end of her current deal. The club has a staggering number of senior players out of contract this summer including Stina Blackstenius, Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, Laia Codina, Steph Catley, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger.
This list is frankly ridiculous for a club of Arsenal’s stature. Several of these players form the core of the team and have played key roles in recent domestic and European success. Decisions made by the club and by the players themselves will shape the direction of the squad moving forward, and Arsenal cannot afford to lose multiple stars simultaneously.
High Impact Player Rule Changes Game
The introduction of the NWSL High Impact Player rule in July is already influencing how clubs view potential signings from Europe. The rule allows NWSL clubs to exceed the league’s salary cap by up to $1 million for high impact players, making moves for European stars like McCabe financially viable.
For now, McCabe remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Arsenal. Whether her future lies in north London or across the Atlantic will be one of the biggest stories to watch as summer approaches.
Also read: What Is The NWSL High Impact Player Rule and Who Could Be The First To Benefit From It?
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”