Tag: Troy Deeney

Liverpool and Forest stars dominate Premier League team of the season so far

Troy Deeney has named his Premier League team of the season and safe to say, there are a few surprise picks.

Granted, there are nine games to go in the campaign, but it never hurts to take a glance at who the standout performers have been up to this point.

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Salah has been the best performer in the Premier League this seasonCredit: Getty

Deeney opted for a 4-3-3 formation when it came to his team of the season, which also included his pick for the best manager.

So, what was the Watford great’s criteria when forming his team?

Firstly, Deeney wanted to reward ‘consistency’ throughout the whole season.

So that means players who started the campaign brightly but faded away or vice versa did not make the cut.

The other key criteria was a player’s injury record.

With that in mind, here is Deeney’s team of the season up to this point!

Goalkeeper: Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)

Matz Sels has been one of the shining lights in Nottingham Forest’s season of dreams.

The Belgian sits clear among the goalkeepers union for the most clean sheets and punches in the league with 12 and 22 respectively.

Sels’ tally of 89 saves is the third-most in the league, pointing to a strong shot-stopping ability that has propelled Forest up the table.

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Sels is on track to create Premier League history with ForestCredit: Getty

Should Sels end up with the Golden Glove, the award given to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets, he would be the first gloveman to win the accolade from a team outside the perceived ‘Big Six.’

Deeney’s verdict: “He’s (Sels) been excellent. Everyone will normally go Ederson or Alisson. But both have been injured. While Alisson had a great game, that was in the Champions League, not the Premier League. The rest, he’s been relatively solid, I’d say.

Left back: Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)

Bournemouth have been one of the league’s surprise packages and Kerkez has been a key part of that.

The 21-year-old has been a constant presence bombing up and down the left flank for the Cherries and has registered five assists, the third-most among Premier League defenders.

Kerkez has also played in every match for Bournemouth this season, highlighting his durability given the high-intensity brand of football the team plays under Andoni Iraola.

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Kerkez’s performances have earned him admirers from some top European clubsCredit: Getty

Deeney’s verdict: “Undisputed, everyone agrees with this. It’s Kerkez. Excellent for Bournemouth. I think they know they’re not going to have him next season, that’s why they went and bought another left-back (Julio Soler) in January.”

Centre back: Murillo (Nottingham Forest) and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

As part of the league’s second-meanest defence this term, it’s no shock to see Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk included.

A pillar of the Reds’ backline, Van Dijk brushes away danger like it’s nothing time and time again.

Murillo’s performances this term have added a few extra zeros to the end of his market value.

The Brazilian has made the second-most blocks (37) and the second-most last man tackles, demonstrating he can time his challenges to perfection but is also unafraid to throw himself into harm’s way to prevent a chance.

Mesut Ozil skill left Troy Deeney and Man City star in awe but shock FA Cup win and Elton John call sealed ‘mint day’

Deeney’s verdict: “Both of them have been excellent. Proper defenders, is what I’d call them. They do all the horrible stuff really well. Van Dijk looks a little bit more elegant than Murillo doing it, but still, both of them have been monumental this season.

Right back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)

In his first season with the Hammers, Wan-Bissaka is nearing a return to the form that made him a £50million signing for Manchester United in June 2019.

The 27-year-old seems to read plays before they even happen, which explains why he boasts the second-most interceptions in the league (49) among defenders.

With Graham Potter now at the helm, plenty more is expected from Wan-Bissaka and a return to the England set-up is not of the question.

Deeney’s verdict: “It was a redemption season for him. Even under Lopetegui when they were poor, he played really well.”

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Wan-Bissaka’s performances have gone somewhat under the radar this season

Central midfield: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Much was made about Liverpool needing a defensive midfielder in the summer, but it turned out they had a perfectly capable option right under their noses in Ryan Gravenberch.

With a season under his belt, Gravenberch has shown plenty of quality under Slot and has become virtually undroppable.

He has made the fourth-most passes among midfielders and also leads the league in interceptions, proving his adeptness with and without the ball.

Deeney’s verdict: “Another player that last season was said not good enough. I remember Graeme Souness saying people don’t leave Bayern Munich if they’re any good. Obviously he’s showed that he’s very good.”

Bruno Fernandes has one of, if not the only bright spot for Manchester United in what has been an otherwise dismal season.

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United fans would hate to think where they’d be on the table without FernandesCredit: Getty

The Red Devils skipper has the second-most assists (nine) among all midfielders and has played the most through balls (21) in the league, underlining his desire to make things happen for United’s forwards.

Having endured some managerial turbulence in the form of Erik ten Hag being sacked and the squad still battling to get to grips with Ruben Amorim’s tactical demands, Fernandes’ numbers are nothing to be sniffed at.

Deeney’s verdict: “People might think he’s lucky because of how bad his team’s been. But he has been excellent and the best player for Manchester United.”

Aston Villa signed Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough for an initial £8m in January 2024 and it’s not too outlandish to suggest his market value has increased tenfold since.

Rogers has seven goals and four assists for Villa this season but it is his ability to hold off defenders while dribbling at pace that has made the 22-year-old one of the breakout stars.

Deeney’ verdict: “Been excellent for Aston Villa all season and been excellent for England as well. A real talented player.”

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Rogers’ stunning displays have culminated in his first caps for EnglandCredit: Getty

Right wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

The league leader in goals and assists with 27 and 17 respectively, need we say much more?

Deeney’s verdict: “There can only be one: Mohamed Salah.”

Left wing: Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest)

Perhaps the most polarising of Deeney’s picks, Callum Hudson-Odoi has been a key member of Forest’s attacking triumvirate on the left.

He may only have five goals to his name, but two of those came in 1-0 victories over Liverpool and Manchester City.

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Hudson-Odoi has finally found some consistency after a turbulent start to his careerCredit: Getty

Yet it’s Hudson-Odoi’s consistency that has been the most admirable of the winger’s qualities for Deeney this season.

Deeney’s verdict: “This one is going to be contentious. I think he’s been great over the time. Massively important goals and plays for a team that’s in the top three.”

Striker: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Alexander Isak is on course for his best Premier League scoring season yet, but pundits and fans know the Toon talent brings far more than just goals.

With blistering pace and remarkable dribbling ability along with lethal finishing, Isak has cemented himself as one of the best strikers in world football.

Deeney’s verdict: “In my opinion, the best number nine in world football currently. I’ve said this more or less all season and it’s taken a few people to catch up, but they’re starting to see it now.”

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Deeney believes there is no striker better than Isak right nowCredit: Getty

Manager: Eddie Howe (Newcastle)

There’s a number of contenders for manager of the season and all with incredibly valid claims.

Arne Slot looks on course to win the Premier League in his first season at the helm of Liverpool, an incredible feat considering Jurgen Klopp managed it only once during his tenure.

Not even the most optimistic of Nottingham Forest fans could have dreamed of Nuno Esperito Santo having the club in third with nine games to go.

Andoni Iraola has Bournemouth five points off a potential Champions League spot thanks to a swashbuckling brand of football that has got several of Europe’s biggest clubs interest in their players.

However, Deeney believes Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is the most deserving of the award for how he has handled external pressure to have the Magpies sitting sixth.

Deeney’s verdict: “I think the pressure and expectation on Eddie, what he’s had to deal with with the England stuff circling around him, winning the first trophy, but also at times looking like he could get sacked at any moment. I think that’s more pressure than Nuno, who’s having one of those seasons where they’ve just blown everybody out of the water. There’s a lot of people who thought they (Forest) were going to get relegated.”

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March 31, 2025
Ozil skill had Deeney and Man City star in awe but shock win sealed ‘mint day’

When Mesut Ozil got on the ball, it was like he cast a spell on the crowd as they watched on in awe.

Unfortunately for Troy Deeney and Nathan Ake, they found out the silky German midfielder had the same effect on opposition players.

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Deeney skippered Watford against Arsenal in an FA Cup quarter-finalCredit: Getty

Deeney and Ake came up against Ozil when Watford travelled to the Emirates Stadium for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal in March 2016.

Given the swathe of talent in their team and the fact they were at home, Arsenal went into the contest as favourites.

Yet Deeney and his Watford teammates ‘felt confident’ they could get a result, although it wouldn’t be by playing pretty football.

“Our whole thing was to be nasty, horrible,” Deeney told talkSPORT.com.

“In those days, if you left it as a nice football match, you’d have got d***** because of Ozil.”

To combat the threat of Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and the other stars in Arsenal’s line-up, then-Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores opted for a 4-4-2 formation, which included four central midfielders.

Yet there was little anyone could do when Ozil began to weave his magic across the turf.

There was one moment in particular that will live long in the memory of Deeney, as Ozil pulled off a skill the former will ‘never forget’.

“I remember trying to chase back and help, this was at 0-0,” Deeney said.

“He (Ozil) cut back and then he nutmegged Nathan Ake and ran around him and crossed it.”

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Ozil managed to wriggle out of what looked like a troublesome situation…Credit: FA Cup – YouTube

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And left Deeney completely awestruckCredit: FA Cup – YouTube

After wriggling free of Ake with the deftest of touches, Ozil laid the ball back for Joel Campbell, who then set it in the path of Mohamed Elneny.

Much to Ozil’s frustration, Elneny’s effort just inside the 18-yard box flew over the bar.

As for Deeney, a video of the moment showed him simply standing there, utterly spellbound after Ozil’s skill.

“I remember in that moment going, ‘Oh my f****** god,’” Deeney said.

“As we were running back, Nathan Ake went to me, ‘Did that just happen?’ I was like, ‘Yep, that just happened.’

“It was one of the best skills I’ve ever seen. You know when it’s so childish, that you just forgot you’re playing in a quarter-final?”

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Deeney and Ake were powerless to stop Ozil when he had the ball at his feetCredit: Getty

Despite Ozil’s brilliance, Watford managed to keep the contest scoreless going into half-time.

It was the visitors who took a surprise lead, courtesy of a Deeney assist and a tidy finish from Odion Ighalo in the 55th minute.

Deeney then bagged his second assist of the day 13 minutes later, this time for midfielder Adlene Guedioura.

The striker chested the ball down to his feet inside the box and held off Arsenal’s Per Metersacker before he spotted Guedioura, who had made a lung-bursting run to get forward.

Deeney obliged and laid it off to the Algerian, who unleashed what the Watford striker described as ‘the hardest shot I’ve ever seen’.

“It was one of those when you set him, ‘Don’t shoot, don’t shoot, oh f***, that went in,” Deeney said.

Troy Deeney reveals he is hungry for management return despite sack culture in modern football

“It was a great goal.”

Danny Welbeck threatened to make things interesting when he pulled one back for Arsenal in the 88th minute but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

Despite the jubilation of a 2-1 win and a date at Wembley in the semi-final, there was still more to come that day for Deeney.

As he drove back home from the Emirates, he received a congratulatory phone call from none other than musical legend and honorary Watford life president Sir Elton John.

Receiving a phone call from the 78-year-old was, in Deeney’s words, ‘pretty f****** cool’.

“On your phone it says, ‘Maybe Los Angeles, maybe Beverley Hills,’” Deeney said.

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Sir Elton John got up in the early hours of the morning to watch Watford’s FA Cup winCredit: Getty

“I picked it up anyways because I didn’t know who it was. He was literally like, ‘Hi Troy, it’s Elton’. Just watched the game, wanted to say well done to you and the team, I thought you were excellent.’”

A phone call from John was certainly the dream way to cap off what Deeney described as a ‘mint day’.

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March 28, 2025

Deeney claims Hojlund isn’t Man United’s main problem despite big ‘frustration’

Despite not scoring in his last 19 fixtures, Troy Deeney insists Rasmus Hojlund is not the biggest of Manchester United’s worries.

The misfiring Dane has netted just seven times in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.

Hojlund has been unable to escape the spotlight amid his alarming goal droughtCredit: Getty

However, his barren run in front of goal is somewhat emblematic of the Red Devils’ struggles in recent months as they sit a lowly 14th in the Premier League.

Given United forked out £72million to bring Hojlund to Old Trafford from Atalanta in July 2023, his 19-game goal drought should sound major alarm bells and signal he may not be the right man to lead the line.

But Deeney believes the blame cannot land squarely on the 22-year-old’s shoulders and believes Hojlund’s struggles stem from a lack of attacking verve across United’s forward options.

“I feel sorry for him because in those 19 games, I don’t remember a chance that you go, ‘Oh, he should have scored that,’” Deeney told talkSPORT.com.

“The chances he’s getting are kind of iffy chances.”

Deeney added: “The final quality’s not been great, not just for him but Manchester United on a whole. I think there’s a lot he can do and improve on, but I don’t think it’s right to go, ‘He’s the problem.’

“I think as an attacking force, they’ve been relatively poor this year.”

Even if Hojlund has not benefited from a solid amount of service via his teammates, a goal drought as lengthy as his could prove to be a major psychological challenge to overcome.

Deeney, like all strikers, endured his fair share of spells without scoring throughout his career.

But there was one training drill Deeney used to do with Chelsea icon and former Watford manager Gianfranco Zola that left him ‘humiliated’ but proved pivotal in changing his goalscoring fortunes.

Manchester United’s top Premier League goalscorers this season

Name	Goals scored
Bruno Fernandes	6
Amad Diallo (injured)	6
Marcus Rashford (out on loan)	4
Joshua Zirkzee	3
Alejandro Garnacho	3
Matthijs de Ligt	2
Rasmus Hojlund	2
Lisandro Martinez	2

It is perhaps something Hojlund could adopt, if he hasn’t already, should his misfortune in front of goal continue.

“If lads went through spells of not scoring, we’d strip it down to its basics and do shooting drills with no goalie,” Deeney said.

“Now as a player, you’d hate that because you kind of feel a bit humiliated.

“But you get used to hitting the back of the net again, then you bring the goalie in.”

Deeney also pointed out goals are often borne from confidence on the pitch and is largely down to the individual in question.

However, the former Watford hero does not believe a player at United needs that confidence to come from external sources.

Hojlund will hope to avoid a 20th consecutive game without scoring on Sunday against ArsenalCredit: Getty

Instead, the mere fact of playing for a club of that stature should be enough.

“I believe confidence is based on you, confidence is for myself,” Deeney said.

“But a lot of the new players, everyone pussyfoots around and makes them feel like they’re the best thing since sliced bread.

“Go and earn it. You play for Manchester United, it’s the biggest club in world football. F****** strap your big boy pants on and get after it.”

Another United forward who has endured a rough patch of late is Joshua Zirkzee, who joined in the summer from Bologna.

Jeered by his own fans after being hauled off in the first half of a clash against Newcastle, Zirkzee also missed a penalty during the shootout that sealed the Red Devils’ exit from the FA Cup against Fulham.

Andy Goldstein & Darren Bent discuss Rasmus Højlund’s recent POOR form for Manchester United

However, the Dutchman rebounded and scored for United in their 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League last Thursday.

Deeney noted Zirkzee has ‘showed character’ since the infamous substitution against Newcastle.

But Deeney did not hold back when it came to pointing out his biggest gripe with Zirkzee and Hojlund as he offered some sage advice for the pair.

“Both of them, I want them to shoot but f****** act like you’re going to score,” Deeney said.

“They shoot hoping that they’re going to score, like, ‘If I kicked this at the goal, hopefully it takes a deflection and it goes in.’

“Go and make it happen, go and get it done. That would be my frustration with the two of them.”

Zirkzee hasn't enjoyed the greatest of goalscoring fortunes since joining from Bologna — Zirkzee hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of goalscoring fortunes since joining from BolognaCredit: Getty

Deeney added: “Wrap it in, have a bit of confidence. If you miss, so what? People think you’re crap anyway.

“If you score, you score. But go with the intention of trying to score.”

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March 8, 2025

Mateta is ‘not the answer’ for United – he’s not good enough for Crystal Palace

Manchester United must avoid a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta – they should’t be fooled by his sparking form.

That’s the view of ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney, who believes the Frenchman is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal.

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Mateta has been a player transformed since Oliver Glasner took over at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty

Mateta has been in sensational form for Palace of late – scoring eight Premier League goals from his last eight games.

It is a marked contrast from the first half of the season, where he found the back of the net just four times from Palace’s first 19 top-flight fixtures.

Mateta’s recent purple patch has reportedly left Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim impressed with what he’s seen, to the point where he could come calling for the Palace star in the summer.

However, Deeney believes it would be a foolish move from United’s end given Mateta scored only 13 goals from 83 appearances in all competitions for Palace before Oliver Glasner arrived in February last year.

When asked whether Mateta is the answer to United’s striker woes, Deeney told talkSPORT.com: “No, because he’s not the answer for Palace.

“So why is he going to be the answer for Manchester United?”

In response to being told Mateta’s form under Glasner includes 28 goals in 46 games, Deeney replied: “Did he never play before that? OK, so we take people from that small sample size and go, ‘That’s what it is?’”

Mateta’s importance to Palace aside, Deeney also held grave fears as to whether the 27-year-old could even step up to the level required of a United player.

Although the former Hornets skipper pointed out United and Palace operate with a similar formation, which could benefit Mateta, the stature of the two clubs is ‘completely different’.

“I think Jean is a very good player, by the way,” Deeney remarked.

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Mateta’s goal tally has been boosted by an impressive run of late

“But he’s a very good player at Crystal Palace. I was a very good player at Watford. Going to the levels of these big clubs is completely different.

“The only thing that plays into his favour is they kind of play a similar formation with Palace at the moment, where he’s the lead one through the middle.

“But I would argue that Palace’s No. 10s are better than what Manchester United have got currently.

“So I think he’s going through a good vein of form because Palace are in a good moment. No-one was saying they should have signed him in pre-season.”

Deeney’s verdict on Mateta comes amid the prolonged struggles for United’s incumbent strikers.

Rasmus Hojlund, who was signed from Atalanta for a whopping £72million in July 2023, has not scored in his last 19 fixtures.

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Mateta has more goals than Hojlund has shots on target in the Premier League

Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has fired in just 23 goals from 79 appearances in all competitions.

It is a goal return far below what United would have expected when they forked out the fee they did for the Dane.

Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also struggled to shine since he joined from Bologna.

The Dutchman has been used in a variety of positions for the Red Devils but most predominantly at centre-forward, with only six goals from 41 games to show for his efforts.

Given the pair’s goalscoring woes, United boss Amorim will be tempted to address the issue in the summer window.

Although Deeney can understand why Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled at Old Trafford, he believes a new face up top is needed.

Simon Jordan blasts ‘cowardly’ Millwall goalkeeper as Liam Roberts could face extended ban for Jean-Philippe Mateta kick

He stated: “You bring in someone to improve them. I think Zirkzee is more of a ten, more than a striker. At Bologna, he was a ten and on the left. People try and force him into the position.

“I think you go and get a proper No. 9 and you allow Hojlund to learn off that No. 9. Maybe someone that’s five, six years older.

“There’s a player there in Hojlund. I still think the same with Darwin Nunez. They’re both great team players that run around and do all the good stuff, they just don’t score.

“I think they need to work on that and be a bit more selfish as opposed to team-oriented, then they’ll get the goals.”

Hojlund, who has started United’s last four games, will hope to avoid extending his goal drought to a 20th game on Sunday as Amorim’s side host second-placed Arsenal.

Should United taste defeat for a 13th time in the league this term, they could find themselves as low as 16th on Monday evening should other results go against them.

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March 7, 2025
Troy Deeney defends himself against claims of Mohamed Salah ‘agenda’

Troy Deeney has defended himself against accusations that he holds an agenda against Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

The former Watford striker has faced a backlash after his take on why Salah could be overlooked for the Ballon d’Or despite leading the Reds’ Premier League title charge with a staggering tally of goals and assists.

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Troy Deeney received criticism for his comments on Mo SalahCredit: talkSPORT

The Egyptian has directly contributed to over 50 goals this season – scoring 30 goals in 39 games in all competitions, while also providing 22 assists.

Unsurprisingly, Salah has been thrust into the mix for this year’s Ballon d’Or and many believe a successful end to the season with Liverpool could see the 32-year-old crowned the first African winner of the award since George Weah in 1995.

Deeney had previously gone on record saying he does not believe Salah is world class, although conceded the Egyptian is a contender to scoop the 2025 Golden Ball.

However, a clip of Deeney explaining why Salah might be overlooked for the gong has gathered traction online and triggered more than a few angry responses.

He said: “Salah wasn’t in the top ten in the African [Player of the Year] votes. I just feel like he’s harshly treated because when you watch Mo Salah, he’s great and his numbers are sensational but he doesn’t make you feel like a Thierry Henry or an Eden Hazard. That goes against him.

“His numbers are fantastic and his consistency is unbelievable, but at this moment in time he doesn’t make you give you that warm feeling inside, like: ‘Oh my God, look at how great and gracious this person is’.

“That is what unfortunately is holding him back.”

Deeney’s comments sparked a reaction from former footballer and passionate Liverpool fan Adebayo Akinfenwa, who responded in a video posted on his social media accounts.

“Where is this narrative that Mo Salah is not gracious?,” he said “We’re talking about current Mo Salah.

“What is not gracious about Mo Salah bringing down the ball from a 60-yard goal kick while a player’s marking him?

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Salah is in a league of his own this season having fired Liverpool to the cusp of the titleCredit: AFP

“What is not gracious about Mo Salah’s vision? What striker doesn’t miss chances, what striker doesn’t have a bad touch?

“Current Mo Salah, give him five chances and he finishes two, assists two and misses one. Right now, Mo Salah has to be the front runner for the Ballon d’Or.”

Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday, Deeney explained that the initial clip was not a criticism of Salah but rather what obstacles could get in the way of him winning the award.

“The big man is entitled to his opinion. He does what he does and he says what he says,” Deeney said of Akinfenwa.

“My point is, when I say gracious, there’s a very limited amount of people in your whole footballing career where you watch and you’re like, ‘Oh my God’.

“Eden Hazard in his pomp at Chelsea when he was dropping the shoulder and going past people, there were times you were just like, ‘How is he doing that?’

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Deeney says watching Salah doesn’t excite him like when he watched Hazard tear the Premier League apart in a Chelsea shirtCredit: AFP

“There are a lot of time where Salah can control a ball relatively easily, misses it and it runs out of play.

“There have been games this season where he’s been poor, scores and everyone forgets about it. That’s fine because that’s his job.”

“My opinion is I think he goes on to win it [Ballon d’Or], which is what I said in the actual podcast. I think he deserves to win it this year but the actual conversation was around why he was harshly treated.

“When you look at him, he doesn’t give you that, that’s just my opinion.

“I don’t have an agenda against Mo Salah. I think Salah’s going to win everything, he’s been excellent this year.

“But when I look at him he doesn’t give me that warm, fuzzy feeling.”

Troy Deeney doubles down on ‘world-class’ Mohamed Salah claim and names Liverpool star’s one weakness

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February 28, 2025
I’m an ex-striker but played my best ever game in completely different position

Troy Deeney has admitted he found it easy playing out of position in a one-off match during his career.

The former Premier League footballer spent almost the entirety of his playing days as a striker.

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Deeney had his ‘best ever game’ playing out of positionCredit: Getty

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The ex-striker once played in defence during his time at WalsallCredit: Getty Images – Getty

However, he was once asked to fill in in defence during his time at Walsall.

Deeney spent four years with the Saddlers between 2006 and 2010.

During that time, he scored 27 goals in 135 appearances and won promotion to League One in 2007.

However, one match sticks out to him after playing at centre-back against Bradford.

The 36-year-old told talkSPORT: “I got put in the centre half at Walsall against Bradford away, I’ll never forget it.

“In my opinion, it was my best ever game. I just head it, kick it, and put people in the stands. It was lovely. Clean sheet as well.”

Asked if his comments meant he felt the position required no finesse, he added: “Absolutely, yeah. All these guys now try to play out from the back.

“They’ll just kick it in the corner, and then even if you kick it out of play, it’s somebody else’s fault anyway. Have you not realised that?”

Deeney’s defensive display was not enough to earn him a permanent move to the back line, though.

Instead, he returned to the attack before earning a move to Watford in 2010.

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Deeney scored 47 goals in 165 Premier League appearancesCredit: Getty Images

During 12 years with the Hornets, he twice won promotion to the Premier League, where he scored 47 goals in 165 top flight appearances.

Overall, the forward scored 182 times in 628 senior matches for Walsall, Watford, Birmingham and Forest Green.

He left Forest Green in January last year after just six matches as manager.

Deeney had previously been an assistant manager under David Horseman alongside his playing commitments.

His first spell in the dugout has not put Deeney off, though, having previously revealed returning is a ‘when’ not an ‘if’.

When asked by talkSPORT in September if he would get back into management, he replied: “When I go back into management.”

Troy Deeney claims Mikel Arteta could be under pressure if Arsenal go trophyless!

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February 17, 2025
‘This place is toxic’ – Troy Deeney launches into brutal Southampton take down

Troy Deeney eviscerated Southampton defender Jan Bednarek and declared the place ‘toxic’ as the club continues sleepwalking towards relegation.

The Saints slumped to their 20th defeat of the season as they lost 3-1 to Bournemouth at St Mary’s on Saturday.

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The Saints edged closer towards relegation following yet another league lossCredit: Getty

Dango Outtara and Ryan Christie scored twice in as many minutes early in the first half to suck the life out of the home support.

However, Kamaldeen Sulemana sparked hopes of a surprise comeback when he scored in the 72nd minute to halve the deficit.

But Bournemouth awoke from their brief slumber as Marcus Tavernier wrapped up the three points with his 83rd-minute strike.

Deeney, who was at St Mary’s on commentary duty alongside Adrian Durham for talkSPORT, did not hold back when asked to sum up the Saints’ meek performance.

“They’re really bad, Adrian,” Deeney said.

“They are really, really bad. I’m sat here. I’ve got my wife and my son who came today, as we spent Valentine’s day down here yesterday.
And I just said to my five-year-old son, was that any good? And he said, ‘Southampton are trash, Dad’. That’s what he said to me.

“So, when you think about it, a five-year-old who’s not very up-to-date on football, he can’t see anything that they’re doing.

“And I’m sitting here as an adult who’s been around and understands the game. I can’t see where they win. I think they will win a game, but I can’t tell you how they’re going to win that game or where the goals are going to come from.”

Deeney conceded the Saints did have two bright spots in the form of Sulemana as well as teenage star Tyler Dibling, who has attracted plenty of interest from Premier League rivals.

The Watford legend also praised Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for keeping the scoreline as low as he could.

However, he was at a loss to explain why Ramsdale wanted to leave Arsenal to join the mess at St Mary’s and felt it could have major ramifications should he seek a move in the summer.

“Yes, he wanted to play,” Deeney said.

“Yes, he’s going to have a lot of shots.

“But do you think someone’s going to take him on next year, if they go down? I don’t think so.

“I think he’s made a real big gamble. Yes, he looks half good, but he doesn’t fill you with confidence that he can go on and kick and be in this England team, which is what he ultimately wanted to do.”

Although Deeney had kind words for Dibling and Sulemana, he reserved his strongest criticism for Bednarek.

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Deeney believes Ramsdale may come to regret his move from Arsenal to SouthamptonCredit: Getty

The Pole started in the heart of Southampton’s defence but had an afternoon to forget.

So poor was Bednarek, Deeney felt he could still run rings around him despite having hung up the boots.

“And finally, the big centre-half, Bednarek,” Deeney said.

“I was running around him three years ago, and I haven’t run in a year. I’d put money on it, mate, that I could run past him now.”

Durham was stunned by the last comment, replying: “Wow. No disrespect to you, but that’s some indictment of the ambit.

But Deeney doubled down: “No, but I’ll be deadly serious. That’s not to give myself a big head. I haven’t ran in a year. I can run past him.”

Shane Long Claims Sadio Mané Was Horrendous When He First Came To Southampton

With the loss against Bournemouth, Southampton remain dead last in the league on nine points, ten behind 17th-placed Wolves.

Barring a spectacular run of form, the Saints appear destined for an instant return to the Championship.

However, Deeney believes the club have much bigger problems on their hands than just relegation.

“It’s remarkable,” Deeney said.

“Again, when I come back to games, I remember playing here. It was like this. This place is toxic at the moment because there’s a massive disconnect between the board, the ownership, the players and the fans.

“What are you here to watch? I came here to do the research. I was thinking, are we going to see a solid defensive unit? Probably not.

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The table paints an incredibly bleak picture for Southampton

“Are they going to be good attacking? Probably not.

“And they kind of do a little bit of nothing all the way through the game. We had a ten-minute spell where they scored. When you watch the goal, it’s more because Bournemouth completely took the foot off the gas, thinking this was job done.

“And then as soon as they scored, Bournemouth went, okay, let’s score another one and get this over and done with.

“I feel really bad for Southampton fans. I sat around a lot of them today, having a lot of talk, but I just don’t see where they’re going to get anything from.

“There’s nothing here now to build. And again, I’m not calling for the manager to be sacked because that’s not right, but I’ll put a hundred quid on it that he’s not a manager by the end of the season.”

Southampton will hope they can muster a result when they welcome Brighton to St Mary’s on February 22.

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February 15, 2025
Chelsea gifted opener by rival’s ‘stinker’ but still crash out of FA Cup

Troy Deeney labelled Bart Verbruggen’s error against Chelsea ‘an absolute stinker’ but his Brighton teammates bailed him out of jail.

Coming off a 7-0 mauling at the hands of Nottingham Forest in their last fixture, Brighton secured a much-needed win to book a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup as they beat the Blues 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.

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The Brighton goalkeeper produced a woeful error to put Chelsea in frontCredit: AFP

However, they had to come from behind as the Seagulls’ best-laid plans were wrecked after just five minutes.

Jadon Sancho fizzed a diagonal pass towards Cole Palmer, who was stationed out on the left flank.

Palmer looked to catch Brighton’s backline off-guard and volleyed the ball across goal with a first-time effort.

However, the Chelsea star’s effort was directed towards Verbruggen and looked like it would be a routine save for the Dutchman.

Instead, the Seagulls goalkeeper misjudged the flight and bounce of the ball as it cannoned off his shoulder and into the back of the net.

A number of the Brighton players put their hands on their heads in sheer disbelief at their teammate’s shocking error.

Speaking on commentary, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook labelled it as ‘an absolute calamity from Verbruggen.’

Former Watford striker Deeney was equally ruthless in his analysis.

“What a stinker,” Deeney said.

“What an absolute stinker the fella has had there.”

Deeney added: “He [Palmer] actually shanks it into the ground, it bounces into the keeper and he falls backwards towards his goal, hits his shoulder and goes in.

“It’s awful, awful goalkeeping. The best part about it as we’re watching the replays is seeing all the Brighton players, all the confidence has just gone.

“They must be feeling 7-0 is coming again.”

It is not the first time this season Verbruggen has been shaky at the back.

In fact, the 22-year-old has made four errors leading to a goal in the Premier League, with only Robert Sanchez and Ipswich Town goalkeeper Arijanet Muric producing more (five).

Luckily for Verbruggen, Brighton found an equaliser just seven minutes later.

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Verbruggen will have wanted the ground to swallow him whole after his errorCredit: Getty

Seagulls defender Joel Veltman popped in a cross from just outside the box and was deftly flicked on by Georginio Rutter.

The pace on Rutter’s header left Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez with no chance as the hosts swiftly got back on level terms.

Brighton then took the lead in the 57th minute through Kaoru Mitoma after he deftly controlled a lofted pass from Rutter before lifting it over the on-rushing Robert Sanchez.

The Japanese international’s second-half strike ultimately proved to be the winner in a much-needed boost for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.

For Chelsea, the loss means they have failed to qualify for the fifth round of the FA Cup for just the second time since the 2014/15 season.

As for Brighton, they have now reached the fifth round of the tournament for the fourth time in the last five campaigns.

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Mitoma scored his third goal of 2025 as Brighton avoided a third-straight lossCredit: Getty

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February 8, 2025
Man United need complete overhaul and one player could change their whole team

Troy Deeney has named the one player who could change Manchester United’s entire team for the better.

Antony may be heading out the door as the £84million man closes in on a loan move to Real Betis, but Amorim’s squad still require a large overhaul, with Deeney naming the one player who could provide that.

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Antony could be close to a Real Betis moveCredit: Getty

When asked which position Man United should focus on in the January window, the talkSPORT host gave a blunt response.

“Everywhere,” he said. “They need a goalkeeper, another centre half, a left back, two midfielders and a striker”.

Asked to pick just one player who would be a game-changing signing for the struggling Red Devils, Deeney admitted suggested Victor Gyokeres.

The Sporting star has an incredible strike rate of 77 goals in 82 games for the Portuguese side, putting him firmly on the radar of Europe’s top clubs with a view to a summer deal.

Asked if Gyokeres would be a good signing to reunite with ex-Sporting boss Amorim, Deeney said: “That shirt’s just a bit heavier than you think.

“I think playing for Coventry and even Sporting to a degree doesn’t set you up to be really good for Manchester United,” he added.

Deeney did, however, offer one name which would ‘change the whole team’.

“For 90% of teams in world football, if you sign Alexander Isak, your whole team would change,” he said.

Deeney said that the Newcastle United was the best striker in the world at present, with the Sweden international chasing a possible Premier League Golden Boot with 17 goals already this term.

“The amount of goals [he scores] and you have to look at what he does

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Isak has scored 46 Premier League goals in 71 appearancesCredit: Getty

“He’s probably better with his back to play than [Erling] Haaland”.

Having scored 15 goals and registered a further five assists, Isak is just three goals behind Mohamed Salah in the Golden Boot race.

Man City’s Haaland is second to Salah on 17 goals, although Deeney remains confident in the Norweigan’s abilities despite having a ‘bad’ season.

“[Isak] is better at linking play, he makes very intelligent runs. Haaland is what we used to call a poacher, like a Gary Lineker that used to be on the end of everything.

“Isak is more of a striker. He’s like an advanced forward if you play FIFA. You can do a little bit of everything.

“If I was building a team today, I’m taking Haaland every day of the week because the guy’s hardly ever injured and he plays 50 games a season and he scores like 45 goals.

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Amorim certainly needs a sprinkle of stardust in his Man United teamCredit: Getty

“His bad season is some people’s best ever season,” Deeney said.

While signing a Haaland is out of the question for Man United, supporters will be desperate to see Amorim’s squad take shape in the coming months so that they can finally challenge at the top of the table once again.

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January 24, 2025
Troy Deeney challenged by Man United fan live on air over Raheem Sterling claim

Troy Deeney found himself in a debate with a defiant Man United fan after he claimed that Raheem Sterling would get into the team at Old Trafford.

The talkSPORT host made the claim about the Arsenal star earlier this season after seeing Antony, Bruno Fernandes and other offensive stars struggle under Erik ten Hag in the autumn.

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Sterling started against Man United and played 80 minutesCredit: Getty

Prior to Man United’s win against Southampton on Thursday, Ruben Amorim’s side were winless in four matches after losing to Newcastle, Bournemouth and Wolves.

And with the rumoured departure of players such as Marcus Rashford, Amorim is in need of new attackers to increase their goal threat.

And despite Sterling mostly sitting on the bench for the Gunners, Deeney holds the opinion that he could be of use to them.

Man United fan Aaron called in to Matterface, Crook and Deeney to question the ex-Watford star on the matter, saying: “I just wanted to ask him if he still thinks that Raheem Sterling is better than anything at Old Trafford?”

In response Deeney said: “At the time, yeah he was. When you look at it and you’re still bringing on Antony I would say yeah.

“When you’ve got Diallo who’s obviously doing well… he’s playing as a wingback though isn’t he? So this was, if you remember before the manager came in and the system changed.”

Asked if Sterling is better than Bruno Fernandes, Deeney asked: “Have you been watching recently?.

“I know he scores a goal, but he’s not been great.”

Aaron countered back and stated: “How can Sterling be better than anyone at Old Trafford.”

“Listen to what I’m saying and you’ll understand,” interrupted Deeney.

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Fernandes scored the opener against Arsenal in the FA CupCredit: Getty

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Troy Deeney was not impressed with what he was listening toCredit: talkSPORT

“Bruno Fernandes in this formation has moved up, right? Under the new manager in a new formation he’s moved up.”

But Aaron was not accepting Deeney’s opinions, saying: “On any day Fernandes is better than Sterling it doesn’t matter what you say.

“You’re meant to be a pundit and you said Raheem Sterling who can’t even get off the bench for Arsenal.

“I can name you three or four players better than Sterling. Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Mainoo, they’re all better.”

Clearly keen to avoid getting involved in an argument, Deeney said: “Yeah okay, you win.”

This season the Chelsea loanee has played 567 minutes including a third Premier League start in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Spurs.

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It’s been a frustrating time for Sterling since he moved to Arsenal last summerCredit: AFP

Sterling could see a lot more game time following the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

He did assist Ethan Nwaneri’s first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest but has failed to record any more goals and assists in the competition.

Only in the Carabao Cup against Bolton did he manage to score.

Upon signing Sterling many Arsenal fans were hesitant but they trusted Mikel Arteta, a man who previously coached the 30-year-old during his prime years at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

If he can recapture anything like the sort of form he showed at City, Arsenal fans could have a secret weapon for the second half of the campaign.

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January 17, 2025