Get live statistics and analysis of CounterPressers's profile on X / Twitter

This is Pedri-esque. But that is not surprising because Wharton is the most ‘Spanish’ English footballer of all time. He looks like he has spent 15 years learning how to play midfield at the La Masia. That is how special he is.

Look at how Virgil van Dijk is fixated on Lyle Foster’s eyes to work out his intentions and the space he wants to ultimately occupy. Van Dijk reads him and knows exactly what he wants to do.

I cannot see Manchester United’s aura ever evaporating certainly in my lifetime. They are just a core fundamental element of football. They sit at the top table with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, PSG, etc regardless of their current state. They are inevitable.

Liverpool don’t win that game without Virgil van Dijk by the way. Absolutely imperious in the air tonight. Looked completely unfazed at whatever Newcastle threw at him. The best CB on the planet and has been for the last 8 years.

Jude Bellingham is an absolute freak of nature.

I love Pedri & I think he’s a generational footballer. But, when Jude Bellingham faces him, he makes him look like an U18 footballer. He looks technically inferior, mentally inferior & physically inferior. It looks like man vs boy.

Pedri went to St James Park on a cold Champions League night and Bruno G, Joelinton & Tonali couldn’t lay a finger on him. He was too clever and too good to let them get near him. His counter-movements to create space for himself and his teammates was outrageous. Technical beats physical.

This is Florian Wirtz’ impact 00:20 seconds into his game vs Chelsea. That is 100% intentional by the way. It’s all down to his perception and proprioception; he knows exactly where Salah is and is in complete control of his limbs.

This is the lowest the sport has ever been.

When I analysed Hugo Ekitike during his time at Eintract Frankfurt, I came to the conclusion that he was a deceptively strong individual. Last night, I knew my framework and my conclusion would be tested as Ekitike came up against a physical Newcastle side.👇

Hugo Ekitike is really the real deal. This is his level on his Premier League debut at 23 years of age. I’ve said before but I’ll say it again - speaking £120M+ on Alexander Isak (who has a lower ceiling) and restrict Ekitike is not very clever.

The fact that no Premier League side seriously chased Victor Osimhen’s signature is egregious. This is a proper Barclays #9, an absolute nightmare for any CB. Starts for 18/20 sides in the Premier League as well.

If Kyle Walker was to put in this performance that Trent Alexander-Arnold has vs PSG, the media would be calling him the greatest defender of all time. Dembele, Barcola, Doué & Kvaratskhelia targeted Trent, taking it in turns. He locked them all up.

You cannot give Erling Haaland this much time & space, he will kill you 100 times out of 100. But there is no other CF to have played in the Premier League that receives the ball in that position & the masses instantly say “goal”.

Florian Wirtz has arrived; an elite footballer like this cannot fail. All those who doubted him will look very, very silly now. Look at how he moves, no wasted actions, energy or motion: a clean, clean technician. Has to start vs Brentford…

Matheus Cunha is a world-class footballer. For £62.5M, he is a perfect fit in Ruben Amorim’s setup but more importantly, he is a Manchester United-calibre individual. Below, in an in-depth thread, I break down why Cunha is worth every penny. 🧵.

This is Pedri-esque. But that is not surprising because Wharton is the most ‘Spanish’ English footballer of all time. He looks like he has spent 15 years learning how to play midfield at the La Masia. That is how special he is.

There isn’t a team in world football that Alexander Isak doesn’t start for. Barcelona? Ahead of Lewandowski. Madrid? Pushes Mbappe to the wing. This is the most complete CF in the world and he plays for Liverpool. It’s over for the rest of Europe.

The fact that no Premier League side seriously chased Victor Osimhen’s signature is egregious. This is a proper Barclays #9, an absolute nightmare for any CB. Starts for 18/20 sides in the Premier League as well.

Viktor Gyökeres is so far out of his depth at Arsenal. I tried to warn you but nobody would listen. They brought up his 54 goals in 52 games last season or his hattrick vs Man City. But it was clear he doesn’t have the required skillset to impact games. Unable to impose himself physically on opponents, unable to reliably create separation for his shots & his overall technical floor is so low his link-play leaves so much to be desired.

Hugo Ekitike is really the real deal. This is his level on his Premier League debut at 23 years of age. I’ve said before but I’ll say it again - speaking £120M+ on Alexander Isak (who has a lower ceiling) and restrict Ekitike is not very clever.

Cody Gakpo is an extremely one-dimensional footballer. The majority of his pre-determined actions carry a heavy natural right-footed bias. Swap Cody Gakpo for Florian Wirtz and keep that same team & Liverpool will be tough to beat this season.

I love Pedri & I think he’s a generational footballer. But, when Jude Bellingham faces him, he makes him look like an U18 footballer. He looks technically inferior, mentally inferior & physically inferior. It looks like man vs boy.

Simply brilliant recruitment from Newcastle United. In my opinion, Nick Woltemade has a higher ceiling than Alexander Isak. He can do more with the football than Isak. If there’s interest, I’d be down for writing a deep-dive into Woltemade to highlight what he can bring.

It is quite possibly the worst kept secret in the footballing sphere - Michael Olise will be the Mohammed Salah replacement. Isak-Ekitike-Olise will be the most unstoppable front 3, with Florian Wirtz right behind them.

Look at how Virgil van Dijk is fixated on Lyle Foster’s eyes to work out his intentions and the space he wants to ultimately occupy. Van Dijk reads him and knows exactly what he wants to do.

I cannot see Manchester United’s aura ever evaporating certainly in my lifetime. They are just a core fundamental element of football. They sit at the top table with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, PSG, etc regardless of their current state. They are inevitable.

Florian Wirtz has arrived; an elite footballer like this cannot fail. All those who doubted him will look very, very silly now. Look at how he moves, no wasted actions, energy or motion: a clean, clean technician. Has to start vs Brentford…

This is Florian Wirtz’ impact 00:20 seconds into his game vs Chelsea. That is 100% intentional by the way. It’s all down to his perception and proprioception; he knows exactly where Salah is and is in complete control of his limbs.

The things I would do to see Adam Wharton playing for Liverpool. £100M for Wharton would be the bargain of the century. This would be the best signing in recent history.

I would take Jude Bellingham at Liverpool in a heartbeat, this is the 2nd best CM on the planet. Bellingham is an all-action, all-phase monster that has the largest ZOI. An elite carrier, ball-winner and passer of a ball. Easily worth £100M+…