This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
A lot of things can motivate us in life.
But perhaps the biggest motivator of all is the ability to prove to people that they were wrong about you.
That’s the situation that Brendan Rodgers finds himself in at the King Power Stadium, and after the Foxes’ start to the season, it looks like he’s well on his way to doing that.
What’s been said?
Speaking on Sunday Supplement, Mirror journalist John Cross heaped praise on Leicester and was one of the many people that are predicting them to finish in the top four.
More importantly, he stressed how crucial Rodgers has been to them and how the rest of the league will end up kicking themselves for not appointing him:
“I think that a lot of Premier League clubs missed a trick when they basically didn’t go for, and shied away from Brendan Rodgers. If you look at his career, there might have been a couple of ups and downs, I think he’s always got the best out of young players, he plays attractive football, I like the way he gives players a confidence and a belief.”
Check out the best fan reaction from Southampton 0-9 Leicester in the video below…
Chip on his shoulder
That is probably going to be the biggest driving point behind Leicester and whatever heights they end up reaching, the fact that many people still don’t believe that he can cut it when it comes to top-level management.
Just take a look at how he is looked upon by his former employers, Celtic. Their fans unveiled a banner labelling him a fraud following his departure while similar thoughts have been echoed by some Kopites at Liverpool.
At Anfield, it was because he inherited the players that took them so close to winning the title in 2013/14, then at Celtic it was that winning the title in Scotland with the Bhoys is a relatively easy feat given that they had no serious competition, even from Old Firm rivals Rangers.
That kind of label is inevitably going to give someone a little bit of fire in their belly and the desire to prove everybody else wrong.
So whilst we at FFC still have doubts about how high the Foxes can finish, one thing is for sure, if Rodgers can take them into the top four, then he’ll certainly have gone a long way in proving his many doubters wrong, and may just end up shaking off that ‘fraud’ label once and for all.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
QPR have enjoyed better fortunes so far this campaign than last, and Eberechi Eze thinks he knows why.
What did he say?
The attacking midfielder has enjoyed an improvement in his own game this season, and his productivity in the final third has contributed to more wins for the R’s and a higher place in the table.
In an Instagram Q&A, the 21-year-old was asked what the biggest difference is between this season and last, to which he replied:
“I’ll say the emphasis on the style of play. I think we’re playing a lot better football – it’s more entertaining and it’s more fun to play as well.”
That could be the reason behind both the positive and negative aspects of their season so far, as it has made them a threat going forward at the expense of their defensive rigidity.
The fact they have scored 24 while conceding 28 is evidence of that, but it seems that Eze doesn’t seem to mind as it means he and his attacking teammates are playing well.
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Right approach?
Warburton has previously tried to implement possession football at the clubs he has been at, and he often gets the best out of the creative midfielders in his squad.
Alex Pritchard’s 12 goals and seven assists were pivotal for him when he guided Brentford to the Championship play-off places, and now he seems to be working wonders with Eze, too, who has already exceeded his goals and assists tally from last year.
Since the England U20 international is best when he has the ball at his feet – evidenced by his nine successful dribbles against Leeds – it suits him to play a passing game.
The R’s have certainly done that, averaging 54% possession and even had the majority of the ball at Elland Road, against the team who has averaged the second-highest amount of possession in the Championship.
As a result, if Warburton can make a few slight adjustments to improve the defence without hindering his forwards then he will soon find a winning formula, and if Eze continues to play well and enjoy his football he may be more willing to stay at the club, amid interest from Premier League clubs.
Arsenal have come on leaps and bounds in the almost five-year reign of Mikel Arteta.
The North Londoners have transformed from midtable fodder into one of the most formidable teams in the world, let alone England.
It’s not just down to the Spaniard’s influence and tactics, however, as he has also welcomed in a swathe of incredibly talented players such as Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and even the previously much-maligned Kai Havertz.
The German has become a core component of the Gunners’ first team, but at the moment, he is being outscored by a player the club were intently interested in over the summer.
Havertz's recent form
It’s no secret that Havertz struggled to make an impact at Arsenal for much of last season, as while he was playing games and proving to be reasonably useful here and there, he wasn’t stamping his authority on the team from his left-eight position.
However, in early February, Arteta decided to move the German international from midfield to the centre-forward position, and to say he has been effective in his new role would be a colossal understatement.
For example, in the 32 games he played as a recognised midfielder, the former Chelsea ace racked up a lacklustre haul of six goals and no assists, but in the 18 games he played as a striker, the 25-year-old scored eight goals and provided seven assists, equating to a practically world-class average of a goal involvement once every 1.20 games.
Appearances
32
18
Goals
6
8
Assists
0
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.18
0.83
It wasn’t a flukey run of good form either, as the Aachen-born poacher has remained a real goal threat this season, scoring five goals and providing one assist in nine appearances, or just 748 minutes, which equates to a goal involvement once every 124 minutes.
Considering the teams the Gunners have played and the fact they have been down a man twice, that is a superb rate of return.
With all that said, the club were interested in signing another up-and-coming striker in the summer and, considering he is actually outscoring Havertz at the moment, Arteta and Co may go back in for him next year.
Arsenal's interest in Benjamin Sesko
Yes, the in-form striker in question is RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal were incredibly interested in during the summer.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko
For example, according to this report from the Guardian in June, the Gunners and cross-city rivals Chelsea were prepared to trigger the Slovenian’s €65m – £55m – release clause, only for him to go and agree to a new deal with the German club to further his development out of the spotlight that the Premier League brings.
Unfortunately for the North Londoners, this new deal means that the 21-year-old poacher will be far more expensive to sign next year, with La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Marco Guidi suggesting that depending on his performances this season, the price in the summer “will not go below 70-80 million,” which is between £59m and £67m, and considering his recent form, we’d hazard a guess at it being nearer the latter.
For example, in his eight appearances for Leipzig this season, the 6 foot 5 “monster”, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored six goals and provided three assists, meaning he is currently averaging a goal involvement once every 0.88 games.
Now, that is better than the Gunners’ number 29, but we also have to take into account the reduced pressure of playing for the East German outfit and the general level of the league itself. Even so, the Slovenian marksman looks like he is well on his way to becoming a superstar striker.
Appearances
8
9
Goals
6
5
Assists
3
1
Goal Involvements per Match
1.12
0.66
Ultimately, Arsenal are lucky to have a player as talented as Havertz in their team at the moment, but given the form of Sesko, it might still be worth chasing him again in the summer, as having both in the squad would make the Gunners one of the most dangerous teams in Europe.
Arsenal wanted to sign Man City star for £0 but ended up getting Havertz
The Gunners’ midfield could have looked very different last season.
Tottenham Hotspur have only won two of their opening five Premier League matches, but have a chance to record a statement victory to kickstart their season against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Both United and Spurs sit on seven points after five top-flight matches, which is middling ground at best. However, the Lilywhites have now won their past three matches in all competitions and look to be building their fluency and oiling the mechanics at just the right time.
Thursday evening’s victory over Qarabag highlighted Tottenham’s togetherness. Radu Dragusin blew his chance to make an impression in the starting line-up, sent off after just 12 minutes. Still, the Romanian centre-back’s mishap only strengthened the Londoners’ accord, for they dispatched their Azerbaijani opponents with a confident 3-0 win.
We all know that Ange Postecoglou won’t diverge from his high-octane and aggressive style of football, but he may have to implement it at The Theatre of Dreams without his skipper.
Why Heung-min Son might not start
Heung-min Son has been impressive over the first few months of the season, scoring two goals and claiming two assists across five matches in the Premier League.
He’s created 13 chances in the league this term which is more than any of his teammates, emphasising his multi-functionality and the influence that he instils across the team.
As per FBref, Son actually ranks among the top 3% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.
His absence will be a blow, but it might be necessary. Postecoglou admitted after the 32-year-old limped off on Thursday that he will need to balance the captain’s workload, lest he fall to an injury that sidelines him for an extended period.
Heung-min Son is injured for Tottenham
He will make a late call on the South Korean’s availability against Man United but based on his acceptance that Son cannot start 40 plus matches this season, it might be worth urging caution here.
Son is Tottenham’s deadliest and most distinguished forward, and the recent goalscoring streak of Brennan Johnson and impressive displays of Dejan Kulusevski serve as a reminder that Tottenham have quality and can impress without their skipper.
1.
Harry Kane
2011-2023
435
280
2.
Jimmy Greaves
1961 – 1970
356
246
3.
Bobby Smith
1955 – 1964
292
192
4.
Heung-min Son
2015 – present
415
164
5.
Martin Chivers
1968 – 1976
332
155
Son has been praised as a “priceless” member of Tottenham’s team by new recruit Archie Gray, and though he could possibly be forced to the bench for this one, he has the skills to make a difference when introduced after the break.
Speaking of Gray, Postecoglou should consider dropping the 18-year-old talent for the Old Trafford clash, even if he did catch the eye against Qarabag.
Why Postecoglou should drop Archie Gray
It looked for all the world like Gray would sign for Brentford this summer, having been crowned the Championship Young Player of the Year for 2024/25 after an impressive breakout season with Leeds United.
Tottenham hijacked the transfer, adding Gray to the ranks for a £30m fee. He’s started life in the capital on strong footing, playing from the outset against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup third round and again against Qarabag, having also made three cameos in the Premier League.
But there’s just cause to drop him for this one. Manchester United might be a capricious team but they are also host to some of the most talented players in English football and Gray is not quite ready to make that leap.
Minutes played
90′
Touches
63
Accurate passes
28/39
Key passes
2
Possession lost
19x
Dribbles (completed)
2 (1)
Tackles
2
Clearances
2
Total duels (won)
8 (3)
He’s enterprising and sought to make things happen, but Gray also squandered possession on numerous occasions, losing the ball 19 times, and only won three of his eight ground duels. He’s framed with an impressive physique but there is growth yet to come for this 18-year-old.
Writing in their post-match ratings, the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick even gave the future England star an 8/10 score, stating: ‘Composed and eye-catching in possession, and made one outstanding run up the pitch. Defended well, even if he was often outnumbered down the right.’
Though this is the case, he must not start. Pedro Porro has been unleashed from the start in each of Tottenham’s Premier League contests thus far this season and offers the complete skillset to make a significant impact on the game.
Man United’s defensive organisation can be fragile at times and Porro’s creativity and drive will help to exploit this, but he’s also a tenacious defender and could subdue the aforementioned Rashford.
Last season, the athletic Spaniard posted 91 tackles, which was the fourth-highest from any defender. This year, he’s made 13 tackles already, with both translating to 2.6 per game.
That’s an impressive state of consistency and one that will be crucial in stifling United and turning Tottenham’s Premier League campaign toward the upper level of the table.
The 5 foot 9 talent’s protean attacking quality must not be discredited though. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 11% of full-backs for goals scored, the top 19% for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive passes per 90.
Son or no, Spurs have a real wealth of quality at their disposal, and a player like Porro, one of the club’s very best, simply has to start.
Ange must finally axe Spurs star who earns more than Udogie & Van de Ven
The experienced ace should be moved on in January.
Glasgow Rangers will be hoping to return to winning ways as they resume their Premiership campaign this afternoon with a trip to Tannadice.
Dundee United are the opponents, with Philippe Clement facing the club for the first time since taking charge of the Ibrox side last October.
Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo and Danilo are the absentees for the clash in Dundee, while the Belgian could give a couple of his summer signings their debuts, allowing him to mix things up a bit.
One player who should be given the nod is Vaclav Cerny, who shone for the Czech Republic during the international break.
Vaclav Cerny must start against Dundee United
The winger has already scored once for the Light Blues, while chipping in with two assists, proving that he can thrive in Scottish football with ease.
Clement needed someone of his quality out wide to bolster his team and the player has done well so far.
Against Ukraine in the Nations League, Cerny not only grabbed an assist, but he also created one big chance, made a key pass and succeeded with two dribble attempts (100% success rate) in what was a vital win.
This will surely have boosted his confidence even further as he returns to domestic duty with the Ibrox giants.
Goals
0
Assists
1
Key passes
2
Big chances created
1
Dribble attempts (successful)
2 (2)
Total duels (won)
5 (3)
Via Sofascore
Clement must unleash the Czech star from the very start if he wishes to break down the United defence.
Summer signing Nedim Bajrami did not feature against Celtic, but he should be given the chance to showcase his talents this afternoon, especially next to Cerny.
Nedim Bajrami could shine against Dundee United
Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson profiled Bajrami amid the links to the attacking midfielder at the end of August, saying: “A technically gifted, intelligent footballer than can play in multiple positions with plenty of Serie A experience.”
Exactly the type of player Clement requires for the problematic number ten role. Bajrami scored against Italy at Euro 2024 and while he didn’t get on the scoresheet too often for his club last term in Serie A – two goals and two assists – he succeeded with 57% of his dribbles, creating three big chances while averaging 0.8 key passes per game.
These statistics prove that he was effective in the final third in one of the toughest leagues on the continent, demonstrating his attacking prowess at times.
Now, imagine him and Cerny attacking the United backline in full flow. They could certainly give the rest of the players a boost and hopefully allow the club to secure all three points without making the game much of a struggle.
If they do perform well, the pair could become regulars in the first team over the next few months. Clement not only needs points on the board, but some decent performances to go with it.
Three points, a clean sheet and some scintillating football is all the Ibrox faithful are asking for this afternoon, and Bajrami and Cerny could be key to providing that with their terrific talents at the top end of the pitch.
Rangers fumbled badly on Caixinha's £2.2m talent who cost £440k per goal
The Gers have made some dreadful signings through the years, none more so than a Mexican who joined in 2017…
Arsenal have been slowly building year-on-year under Mikel Arteta, with that culminating in last season's unexpected title charge to which they were narrowly edged out by Manchester City.
Their rivals were vastly more experienced in such a situation and in the end it showed, as Pep Guardiola's team finished five points ahead of the Gunners, before going on to win the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Whilst many factors aided such a historic campaign for the Manchester club, undoubtedly one of the most important was the decision to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
How many goals has Erling Haaland scored?
The Norwegian forward had lit up the Bundesliga following an imperious spell in Germany where he scored 86 goals in 89 games for the club, and his switch to the Etihad cemented his rise to the top. However, few could have expected the 22-year-old would come to dominate English football with such speed.
He would finish the term on 52 goals across all competitions, having broken the league's scoring record alongside numerous others.
Shifting from playing with no striker to a 6 foot 4 one was drastic for Guardiola, but ultimately it proved to be the difference.
Now, in an effort to emulate such success and once again seek to replicate the style that his former mentor has made, Arteta could replicate this by turning their rumoured interest from this year in Dusan Vlahovic into a reality.
Are Arsenal signing Dusan Vlahovic?
Although his €80m (£70m) price tag might put many off given what the north London outfit are already set to spend this summer with their various ongoing deals, if he was to have a similarly revolutionary effect like Haaland, it would be more than worth it.
After all, the Spanish head coach had reportedly made it clear that a taller, more aggressive striker was an important target for this summer back in March.
Given that the Serbia international stands at 6 foot 3, just one inch shorter than the Citizens' striker, he immediately ticks that box.
Not to mention he is also blessed with that same frightening speed that makes Haaland such a physical marvel and allows him to pin defenders, bully them in the air and run them in behind.
Given he is just 23 years old, the future remains bright for this young finisher to continue his development which has seen him also shoot to the top of the game.
erling-haaland-manchester-city
In what was his true breakout year for Fiorentina, where many took note of this hulking forward, the left-footed star notched 21 league goals before earning his move the year following.
However, despite switching to Juventus mid-season, he would still record another 24 goals in Serie A to supplement his ever-growing reputation.
Podcaster Tom Rooney sought to outline his qualities back in 2021, forecasting such a high-profile transfer: "I thought Vlahovic was just exceptional tonight before Mitrovic came on, surely on the move from Fiorentina in the summer? Plays with proper bite, uses his size but can really play ball too."
With a freakish physique, blistering speed and an uncanny ability to find the net with regularity, there are few in world football who profile as close to the relentless Haaland.
Perhaps under Arteta, he could reach new heights and set up a new striking rivalry for the ages.
Leeds United “hope to keep” Wilfried Gnonto beyond the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Graham Smyth.
When did Wilfried Gnonto join Leeds?
Gnonto only arrived at Elland Road last summer from FC Zurich and throughout the reigns of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, was a regular feature of the first-team having made a total of 28 appearances during his debut season.
The Italy international still has another four years remaining on his contract, but having impressed in his opening campaign in Yorkshire, The Mirror report that he has attracted the attention of Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham and Everton in the Premier League.
However, after suffering relegation to the Championship, Claudio Vigorelli, the winger’s agent, has confirmed that his client will hold “talks” regarding his future with the Whites and stated that there will be plenty of “options” on the table should he not want to remain.
Is Gnonto leaving Leeds?
Taking to Twitter, Smyth revealed that despite interest, Leeds are yet to receive any offers for Gnonto and claimed that the 49ers are looking to retain his services ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:
“Willy Gnonto is off making headlines with Italy Under-21s, while headlines get written about him in England. Leeds United have had no bids for the winger and hope to keep him at Elland Road this summer.”
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Should the 49ers keep or sell Gnonto?
Leeds will know that most of their prized assets will likely want to leave and join a club that are competing at the highest level but Gnonto has been an exciting addition to the squad since his arrival so the hierarchy need to do everything they can to hold onto him beyond the summer.
The LS11 outfit’s “unpredictable” left-sided winger, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, posted six goal contributions (four assists and two goals) in 24 Premier League outings last season and over the course of the term, recorded 50 shot-creating actions which was the fourth-highest throughout the whole of the team, as per FBRef.
The Verbania native, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions across the grass, also only pockets £20k-per-week so he’s not a big earner to keep on the books compared to the likes of Rodrigo who receives the highest on a whopping £100k-per-week, via Capology, therefore making this a decision that the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about.
Manchester United could be about to let one of their first-team players leave on the cheap, with The Daily Mail reporting that Jadon Sancho is available for just £45m during this summer transfer window.
How many goals has Sancho scored for Manchester United?
The forward has been with the Red Devils for two seasons now and goes into the close season on the back of his best campaign in terms of his goal contribution numbers for the club.
Whilst not hitting the same numbers he produced in Germany with Borussia Dortmund – in fact, the England man has yet to hit a double digit tally at Old Trafford – he still had six goals and three assists in the Premier League this term. That came in just 21 starts and led to a goal contribution per 90 rate of 0.48 – nearly double the rate he managed in 2021/22.
jadon-sancho-manchester-united-premier-league
The 23-year-old though has not produced the same level of performance he produced in the Bundesliga. He bagged 38 goals and 45 assists in the league for Dortmund, but with United has only nine goals and six assists in 55 top flight games.
It hasn't put teams off from wanting to sign the winger, with Tottenham considering a swoop of their big six rivals, and an update has now emerged on how much he would cost.
Are Manchester United selling Sancho?
According to a report from the The Daily Mail, the player is not up for sale so to speak, but would be sold if the right offer comes in, much like Harry Maguire.
The report states Sancho's price tag is a cut-price fee of £45m, and if a team did come in and stump up that cash, then a deal could be done. It's a £28m loss on the £73m they paid for Sancho two years ago.
If United did decide to flog Sancho, then they would be losing a player that has previously been brilliant for Dortmund and has even received high praise during his time at Old Trafford. Football journalist Josh Bunting for example stated that the forward was "brilliant" at one point this season, adding that he looked "revived" and "full of confidence" during one game earlier in the 2022/23 season.
Even though it would raise funds and free up space in the squad then, it could still be a blow for the side to lose the attacker this transfer window.
Leeds United are reportedly set to enter the final stages of their manager search this week and appointing the right man for the job will be essential in the club's pursuit to make an instant bounce back to the Premier League.
The Whites dropped back down into the Championship after suffering relegation on the final day of their 38-game campaign under Sam Allardyce's management and will now need to show strong resilience as they battle in the second tier to emulate Burnley's achievement of earning a return to the top flight in just one season.
Following a takeover, the 49ers will be working hard to make their first hugely important move to appoint a manager which will likely represent the first impression they give to the Elland Road faithful, so there is a lot of pressure riding on acquiring the right manager.
Daniel Farke, Scott Parker and Carlos Corberan were named by The Telegraph as short-listed contenders for the role last week, whilst speculated candidate Brendan Rodgers has now agreed to reunite with Celtic – thus whittling down the options available.
Marcelo Bielsa's former assistant, Corberan, would likely be the most favoured option for many Leeds supporters this summer as the manager is extremely familiar with the club culture and has already built relationships with many members of the squad.
Now the West Bromwich Albion boss could offer his former club a great asset this summer beyond his experience at the club, with his midfielder, Jayson Molumby, a potential transfer target for the West Yorkshire club this summer.
Should Leeds appoint Corberan?
Since leaving Leeds in 2020 to manage local rivals Huddersfield Town, the Spanish coach has gone from strength to strength in his step-up to first-team managerial roles.
Corberan – lauded for his "unbelievable desire" by West Brom chief Ian Pearce – famously led the Terriers to the Championship play-off final last summer against Nottingham Forest during his first season in charge but just fell short of promotion at Wembley Stadium, before a fleeting 11-fixture spell at Olympiacos.
Now the 40-year-old is delivering his attacking-minded philosophy in the Midlands with West Brom and since his arrival in October has transformed the club's fate from relegation contenders under Steve Bruce to finishing just three points shy of a play-off place last season – collecting 56 points, 17 wins and five draws over 33 games in charge.
carlos-corberan-leeds-united-manager-news
Should the 49ers be able to convince Corberan to reunite with Leeds this summer, it could not only be a huge asset to improving the consistency of the attacking presence at Elland Road, but he could also bring Molumby with him.
The 23-year-old midfielder – hailed "very ambitious" by Graham Potter – has thrived under the Baggies boss; scoring four goals, registering four assists and tallying up an 86% pass completion rate over 43 league appearances, making him an ideal prospect to bolster the presence in Leeds' midfield ahead of next season.
With that being said, if Leeds can secure the signatures of both Corberan and Molumby this summer it would be a real statement of the 49ers ambitious intent to get the club back in the Premier League and playing attractive attacking football once again.
An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window…
What's the latest on Odin Thiago Holm to Celtic?
According to Norwegian outlet Nettavisen, the Hoops are in talks with Eliteserien outfit Vålerenga as they close in on a deal to sign defensive midfielder Odin Thiago Holm.
The report claims that the two clubs are discussing the details around a transfer that would send the 20-year-old to Scotland ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and that a switch is imminent barring any late setbacks.
It states that an offer in the region of 30m kroner (around £2.2m) is on the cards from Celtic, who will also give up a percentage of their profit from any future sale to sweeten the deal.
What is Odin Thiago Holm's style of play?
The young battler is a defensive-minded ace who has the ability to win possession back for his side on a regular basis whilst also having the quality on the ball to function in a progressive system.
Holm could be the club's next Nir Bitton, who left Parkhead at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, by coming in as a strong no.6 with excellent passing.
Former Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton.
In his last season with the Hoops, the Israel international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 across 24 matches in the Scottish Premiership and made 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game and completed 91% of his attempted passes.
The 6 foot 5 stalwart, who made 271 appearances for Celtic, also won 54% of his individual duels that year, which was after he came out on top in 62% of his battles in the division in 20/21.
This shows that the experienced ace was a reliable passer who also bullied opposition players to win the ball back for his team and prevent them from creating chances in the final third.
Holm, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Eliteserien in 2022.
The youngster, who won 60% of his physical contests, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 22 outings and managed to complete 88% of his passes and made two tackles and interceptions per match.
These statistics suggest that the 20-year-old gem, who plays in the same position as Bitton, could come in and replicate the former Celtic enforcer's success in Scotland as a strong defensive midfielder who can make an impact in and out of possession.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described the Norway U20 international as a "huge talent" and cited his defensive reliability and ability to dictate games with his passing quality as some of his biggest strengths, which is backed up by his form in the Norwegian top-flight.
Therefore, Holm could come in as Bitton 2.0 for the next Celtic manager ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and his arrival, based on his impressive statistics at such a young age for Vålerenga, could be an excellent first signing of the summer for the new head coach.