European hits and misses: Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch prepared for Premier League likelihood? | Soccer Information

Time for ‘top bloke’ Gravenberch to get PL chance?

Ryan Gravenberch stood out on an in any other case underwhelming night time of Europa League soccer at Anfield on Thursday. He was rewarded with a standing ovation.

The midfielder has made an excellent impression within the early phases of his Liverpool profession. A purpose and two assists for the person Jurgen Klopp describes as a “prime bloke” is an encouraging return.

Lack of minutes was the difficulty for Gravenberch at Bayern Munich. That drawback has been addressed on Merseyside however he’s but to get his first Premier League begin.

That seems like the apparent subsequent step in Klopp’s plans for the 21-year-old. Thursday’s efficiency towards Union might nudge him into rivalry for the journey Brighton on Sunday – reside on Sky Sports activities.

Curtis Jones’ suspension and the harm to Cody Gakpo means Gravenberch might get his likelihood this weekend.
Zinny Boswell

Lamptey rises to the occasion

Brighton are studying on the job in Europe. They’re studying to handle the kind of ambiance that awaited them at one of many continent’s greatest bear pits, with a historical past of hostility.

Roberto De Zerbi’s aspect did not go beneath once they trailed 2-0 inside 20 minutes. They confirmed actual character to ignite their Europa League marketing campaign.

The Italian will definitely be the happier of the 2 managers. Gennaro Gattuso, the newly appointed Marseille head coach who’s synonymous with European competitions, grimaced as he watched two factors slip via his fingers. In fact, a draw was nearly a good outcome.

The Velodrome, this well-known cauldron of noise and flares, was partially closed when Tottenham performed right here final November after crowd bother between the house aspect and Eintracht Frankfurt supporters, however the 3,000 Brighton followers who had their very own journey points upon arrival at Marseille Airport will return dwelling inspired that their European journey might be prolonged into the brand new yr.

Tariq Lamptey recovered, like Dunk, from the early defensive inquest to have a high-quality sport at left-back within the absence of Pervis Estupinan. The Ecuadorian is ready to be out for at the very least a month, and with large assessments forward towards Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis, De Zerbi will really feel on this proof that his alternative can fill the void.
Ben Grounds

Ward-Prowse impresses again after England snub

West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse gave the right response simply hours after being ignored of the England squad.

The 28-year-old produced certainly one of his trademark set-piece deliveries to arrange Nayef Aguerd’s second-half headed winner that noticed the Hammers set a brand new English report of 17 consecutive European matches unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Freiburg.

Ward-Prowse’s very good nook help means it’s now eight purpose involvements in eight appearances since joining the Irons from Southampton for £30m – a charge which is shortly proving an actual discount in at present’s inflated market.

His six assists and two targets in all competitions ought to have certainly been rewarded with a call-up by England boss Gareth Southgate nevertheless it appears he simply doesn’t fancy Ward-Prowse after leaving him out of the Three Lions squad for this month’s matches against Australia and Italy.

It’s a resolution that seems wholly unfair on Ward-Prowse, with Jordan Henderson, who plies his commerce in Saudi Arabia, and the out-of-form Kalvin Phillips persevering with to be picked forward of the Hammers midfielder.

For now, although, Ward-Prowse can solely sustain his excellent type at membership stage within the hope of lastly successful Southgate over to probably earn a spot on the European Championships subsequent yr.
Declan Olley

Rudderless Rangers need direction now

A visit to Cyprus in 30-degree warmth appeared like a well timed increase for Rangers supporters – as a substitute their membership disaster deepened.

A humbling defeat to the Cypriot First Division’s fifth-best crew left much more questions than solutions.

With Michael Beale gone, Steven Davis haplessly took the reins, overseeing a efficiency bereft of high quality and concepts.

The two-1 scoreline made the sport seem nearer than it was. The Rangers defence was run ragged with the midfield constantly caught out on the counter-attack.

It’s believed the membership’s succession-planning course of for all times after Beale has been in place for quite a few months that includes an evolving checklist of choices – it should must be higher than their participant recruitment.

No appointment shall be made earlier than Sunday’s sport at St Mirren, reside on Sky Sports activities, because the membership focuses on discovering the proper long-term match, however that alternative is now wanted sooner fairly than later.
David Richardson

Patience pays off as McGinn helps Villa arrive in Europe

John McGinn’s last-gasp winner saved Aston Villa from embarrassment as they laboured to an uninspiring 1-0 victory. It was their first group-stage success in Europe since overcoming Slavia Prague method again in November 2008.

Villa had huffed, they’d puffed they usually ultimately blew the Zrinjski home down. The Bosnian defence had been resolute all night however then, with two minutes of stoppage time remaining, Bertrand Traore and Matty Money linked up intelligently down the precise and McGinn arrived late to complete.

Villa Park, beforehand stressed, was rapidly relentless. ‘Tremendous John McGinn’ sounded across the well-known {old} floor internet hosting its first correct European sport for greater than 14 years.

“Tonight was a must-win, there is no doubt about that,” McGinn mentioned afterwards. “We would have had a degree which would not have been the top of the world however we actually picked up our efficiency within the second half and it is pure aid to get the purpose on the finish.”

Unai Emery wasn’t the one coach at Villa Park on Thursday who had loved a charmed begin to life at his new membership. On the Zrinjski bench, Krunoslav Rendulic has been in cost for lower than a yr, instantly orchestrating a 14-game successful run and guiding the Mostar outfit to the league and cup double.

Their resilience confirmed for 94 minutes, and given that each one 4 groups in Group E at the moment are locked on three factors, this dramatic late victory would possibly effectively show a major second in Villa’s cost to the knockout phases.
Ben Grounds

Dons daring to cause Europe shock

Aberdeen might rue not taking three factors towards HJK Helsinki however they’re proving their value on the European stage.

Bojan Miovski’s exact late header made positive the Dons obtained on the board in Group G in a sport they deserved to win.

“That is evident, all of us noticed that,” mentioned supervisor Barry Robson. “I am dissatisfied with the purpose we misplaced. They’d one shot at purpose. We should always’ve scored a pair extra, been a bit extra scientific. If we might achieved that, we might have received that sport by three or 4.”

Aberdeen momentarily surprised Eintracht Frankfurt within the opening sport of the group by equalising within the Waldstadion earlier than succumbing to a 2-1 defeat.

Their no-fear method is serving them effectively and should proceed if they’re to achieve the knockout phases.