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When Leeds United agreed a £20m deal to sign Michael Cuisance from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020, it very much appeared as if the Whites would be welcoming one of the most exciting young midfielders in world football to Elland Road.

Indeed, expectations for the France youth international were quite high, with former Borussia Monchengladbach coach Dieter Hecking stating of the then-21-year-old: “Michael is an exceptional player for his age. He’s a game-changer.”

Meanwhile, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic also praised the youngster very highly, saying of the playmaker: “Michael’s strengths are in his possession of the ball. He has a great technique, a strong left foot and a great mentality.”

As such, when Victor Orta’s move for Cuisance allegedly fell through as a result of a failed medical, many supporters of Leeds would have been extremely disappointed.

However, a little over 18 months later, it now appears as if the Premier League side dodged a substantial bullet on the midfielder, who has rather dramatically regressed in the meantime.

Leeds got lucky on Cuisance

Indeed, following his failed switch to Elland Road, Cuisance subsequently secured a temporary move to Marseille, with the Ligue 1 side possessing an option to purchase the Frenchman.

However, after a disappointing season with Les Phoceens – he averaged a SofaScore match rating of just 6.45 over his 23 league outings, ranking him as the club’s third-worst player in the division out of 31 – Jorge Sampaoli decided against signing the midfielder permanently, with the Argentine claiming that the youngster possessed something of an attitude problem.

After returning to Bayern last summer, the Bundesliga side once again made it clear that Cuisance was free to leave the club, with Serie A outfit Venezia eventually landing the 22-year-old in a £3.6m deal.

However, things do not appear to have improved for the £32k-per-week midfielder in Italy either, with the Frenchman averaging a SofaScore match rating of just 6.51 over his seven league fixtures this season, ranking him as his team’s joint-seventh worst performer in the Italian top flight out of 34.

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As such, considering his rather poor level of performance – in addition to the player who Markus Babbel dubbed a “rotten egg” and “not the brightest” now being valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt – it is clear to see just how lucky Orta and Leeds were in missing out on the £20m signing of Cuisance in the autumn of 2020.

AND in other news: £1.5m wasted: Leeds flop dubbed “as talented as Pogba” rinsed Radrizzani for 207 weeks

Everton have made a name for themselves when it comes to disastrous transfers ever since Farhad Moshiri took over as the owner at the club, with over £500m spent on players and absolutely no return on investment when you consider that the Toffees find themselves in a relegation battle this season.

Although Moshiri will definitely have regrets on some of the players he has already spent millions on, there are opportunities missed to sign players who have gone on to have a fantastic career elsewhere, and one of the biggest howlers was not securing the signature of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Sam Allardyce told the talkSPORT Breakfast Show that he wanted to sign the former Arsenal goal machine back in 2018 when he was the manager at Goodison Park;

“Aubameyang was desperate to come to the Premier League and we didn’t really know if it was definitely a yes [to Everton] or not – but it was probably not.

“Whether that could have happened or not, we never got that far.

“It was always going to be too much money for January, because of what the club spent previous to me arriving.”

The striker, who scored 68 Premier League goals has been hailed a “genius” by Jose Mourinho, and eventually signed for the Gunners in a deal worth £56m from Borussia Dortmund. The rest was history as he became a Premier League golden boot and FA Cup winner during his time at the London club.

When you compare the Gabon born striker’s Premier League attacking statistics (via Premier League website) with current Toffees striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Aubameyang would have clearly been the better striking option for Everton, out-achieving the 26-year-old attacker’s Premier League career so far with two seasons less in the league.

Aubameyang’s superior attacking output could have potentially saved the Toffees from several campaigns of struggles, especially this season when you consider the situation the club has found themselves in.

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It’s something that can definitely be partially blamed on the lack of goals and chances created in the attacking line so far with the side only scoring 29 times compared to the 47 strikes they have conceded already.

With reports of Calvert-Lewin potentially on the move this summer it could be an opportunity for Moshiri and Lampard to find their next Aubameyang who can offer a consistent output of goal involvements, and ultimately improve their chances of thriving in the top half of the table once again should they survive their relegation challenge in the remaining months of the season.

In other news: Forget DCL: Everton must keep “terrible” £110k-p/w “huge liability”, Lamps needs him

Valencia left back Jordi Alba is the latest addition to Manchester United’s transfer list, with Sir Alex Ferguson looking to strengthen his squad at Old Trafford. The Manchester club are considering Alba as a long term replacement for Patrice Evra, with the 22 year old currently the stand out candidate.

Alba has been a stand out performer for Valencia thus far this season, with his displays catching the attention of Europe’s top clubs and the Spaniard made his international debut in last month’s 3-1 victory against Scotland.

The fact that Alba has Champions League experience, as well as a blossoming international career ahead of him has reportedly convinced United that he is their man.

United may also shop in Spain for a central midfielder, as they look to find a player who can assert dominance in the heart of midfield, a quality that has been questioned in recent weeks.

One of the player’s currently linked is Atletico Bilbao and Spain international Javi Martinez, although Bilbao’s apparent £30 million pound valuation may prove a stumbling block.

Perhaps more likely is a move for Villareal’s Bruno Soriano, with any offer around the £10 million mark likely to test the financially insecure club.

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Manchester City bounced back from the disappointment of forfeiting a two goal lead against Fulham to beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend. Goals from Mario Balotelli and James Milner ensured victory for Roberto Mancini’s men in a hard fought game at the Etihad Stadium.

Here are the captains, Vincent Kompany of Man City and Phil Neville of Everton, before the match, with referee Howard Webb tossing the coin. But what are the trio all so in awe of?

Leave your suggestions below…

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This week you can win a copy of The Smell of Football!

The Smell of Football is the brutally honest and utterly unputdownable story of how ‘Baz’ conquered his personal demons to build a life in the game.

From the terrified teenager who purposely tried to get injured in training rather than get picked for the first team, to the experienced pro who became Head of Medicine at Premier League Everton FC in charge of the treatment of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Tim Cahill.

For the FootballFanCast.com Caption Competition Terms and Conditions click here

Check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.

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Last week’s winner: Oliver Campbell – click here to see all entries

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‘It’s just a natural reaction from a demanding public. It’s nothing new. It’s the same everywhere.’

These were the words of Chelsea’s new manager after only his first home game in charge when addressing the issue that his team was subjected to booing by the home support. Villas-Boas then appealed to the Chelsea fans to get behind their team, claiming a negative atmosphere off the pitch effects players on it: ‘What I would say is empathy can be decisive because you have to put your opponents under pressure. You put opponents under pressure by raising your voices and supporting your team. In our game we need support and tranquillity. We suffered a goal in the fourth minute and people need to be behind us all the time.’

So is Villas-Boas right? Do supporters have a greater responsibility to lift their team when things are not going to plan on the pitch? Or should the ultimate responsibility lie with the players, whose job it is to lift the crowd and inspire their support?

In the context of what was only their first home game of the season, and, when the boos rang out, during half-time at a goal-down, it seems absurd that any supporter would be booing their team. Indeed, many fans would never dream of publicly booing their team, no matter what stage of the season, no matter how low things had gotten –I’m sure there are many of you out there. But how many, hand on heart, could say the same? Maybe supporting a ‘top four’ club spoils a supporter a little. How dare their team not perform, and be second-best at any stage on the pitch to a team that is seen as more inferior. But I suppose that’s where a paradox lies; ‘top four’ clubs contain world class players, who, particularly in Chelsea’s case have been bought in for massive amounts of money. If a loyal supporter who is lucky enough to only earn in a year, what one of these players earns in a week, see’s that player not pulling his weight or performing, isn’t that supporter well within their rights to let their feelings be known?

Booing for many is a step too far however. Many can get frustrated, shout ‘constructive’ abuse (often the source of much amusement between fans and helps lighten the mood!), moan and groan, but booing the team is a no-no. Like it or not, when you are a fan, it is your duty to support your team through thick and thin. And when crowds famously unite in support and passion, as many English crowds do, it can motivate your team. Pick the players up off the floor and inspire them to great things, even when all hope seems lost. It is a sentiment not lost on Villas-Boas: ‘There are a couple of stadiums in the league where there are good examples of pressing the opponent by the crowd behaviour’ the Chelsea manager said on the subject. But still keen to emphasise his point and scrutinise those fans who were awfully quick to let their feelings known to the new manager, he simply stated: ‘Last year I was whistled at Porto and the season ended with four trophies and no more boos’.

He was right, and one tends to agree with his sentiments that those quick to judge, should wait to see what happens during the course of a whole season, not, the course of a whole half – especially in the opening home game of a new season, with a new manager at the helm and new tactics being deployed. But then again, patience is a virtue that seems to have no place in modern football.

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If you want to read more from myself including news, thoughts and views you can follow me on Twitter @fantasista1077 thanks!

The agent of Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia has stated that two anonymous Premier League clubs have stated an interest in his client, but that no official offers for the Spaniard have been made as yet.

Manchester United have in the past expressed an interest in Garcia, while both Arsenal and Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the midfielder.

Garcia has been a key man for the Estadio da Luz outfit this season, and played a part in leading the Portuguese club into the Champions League knock out rounds.

He could well be on his way out of the club in the summer, and Manuel Garcia Quilon has stated that Garcia has suitors all over Europe.

“There are not and there have never been any concrete offers,” the representative told O JOGO, translated into English by Sky Sports.

“But I can tell you that there are several clubs following him very carefully, especially two Premier League clubs. Then there is also one Bundesliga and one Serie club.

“But the player is calm and is now only focused on his work with Benfica and to win titles.

“Nothing has been discussed with [Benfica] president Luis Filipe Vieira, but if a good offer for the club and Javi arrives at the end of the season, we will analyse it and then we will see,” he concluded.

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The midfielder is thought to have a buyout clause in his contract set at the amount of €30 million (£25.1m).

By Gareth McKnight

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Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has denied claims that he was dropped for his side’s recent fixture against Sunderland, and states that he was merely being rested.

The Spanish stopper sat out The Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Sunderland last weekend as Anders Lindegaard got the nod, but this was not due to his form.

“I didn’t play in the past weekend but Ferguson told me it was just so I could rest. He’s an incredible coach and without doubt the best in the world,” he told Cadena Ser.

“What I have learned since the summer in England is more than most of my professional career in Spain. It is another world in all of the concepts.”

The ex-Atletico Madrid man has come under scrutiny since moving to the Premier League, with his performances at times questioned by the media.

However it would appear that Sir Alex Ferguson was merely shuffling his pack in a long season full of fixtures.

United sit five points adrift of cross-town rivals Manchester City at the top of the division, but De Gea feels that the reigning champions can still regain their crown.

“United can still win it all. It’s still not decided that City will finish first,” he stated defiantly.

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By Gareth McKnight

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The FA have granted Liverpool an extension in their deadline to respond to allegations of improper conduct, relating to their clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage last week.

The Anfield outfit were handed down two charges after an ill-tempered game; the first to Luis Suarez for a derogatory gesture to the home fans and the second relating to the behaviour of the Liverpool players following Jay Spearing’s red card.

The initial timeline for Kenny Dalglish’s men to respond to the charges was 4pm on Monday, but the Merseysiders have been given an extension to organise their defence.

Meanwhile, Reds attacker Dirk Kuyt has stated that his goal drought is not worrying him, and that he is sure that the goals will start to flow in the near future.

The Netherlands international has not hit the back of the net in the Premier League since May, with only one Carling Cup strike to his name this season; Kuyt feels this will change soon.

“I haven’t scored for a while but we all feel like we are close to it and we have the confidence to keep going and soon we will score more of our chances,” he told reporters.

“The last six months of last season we were all scoring goals. Sometimes in football it is like this, you have to keep working hard and it will come.

“Last season I was scoring five or six games in a row and everything I touched was going in. Now sometimes you are a little bit unlucky to be just in the wrong position or you just miss a chance – that is football.

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“I will work hard and wait until the time comes. I am sure with the way this team plays everyone up front will score loads of goals,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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The controversial plan to unite Argentina’s first and second divisions into a 38-team national championship from next year has been scrapped.”The AFA resolved tonight (Monday) to suspend consideration of the proposal,” the sport’s national governing body said in a statement on its official website, while not ruling out looking at it again at a later date.

Players, coaches, fans, club directors and media slammed the idea, made public last week, which would have been introduced in the 2012-13 season.

Fans called for a demonstration at AFA headquarters in Buenos Aires.

The plan to include the 20 first-division sides and 18 from the second-tier Nacional B was regarded by many as a means of helping relegated giants River Plate return to the top flight as quickly as possible, while also ensuring other big teams did not risk the drop.

Reports also suggested it might have been a plan for the government, which controls broadcasting of first-division matches, to expand into the Nacional B, which is televised by a private channel.

The Apertura championship, first of two in the Argentine first division season, kicks off this weekend.

The Nacional B is a single championship, with River set to compete in it for the first time after being relegated in June.

The old chestnut is that football is a gentleman’s game played by thugs, while rugby union is a thug’s game played by gentlemen. Some have ventured to suggest that rugby league is a thug’s game played by thugs… but I couldn’t possibly comment as I’m due to travel north at some point in the future. But as a former footballer and a keen fan of the egg-chasing, I’ve always been willing to accept that while rugby union players might not always be more intelligent or better-bred than us, they’re generally a hell of a lot more dignified. That was, of course, until these last six weeks and what must surely rank as England’s most disgraceful World Cup campaign in ANY sport.

After the dwarf-throwing, carousing and leaping off ferries, as well as several pretty disreputable on-field performances, I have to say that I feel sorry for Martin Johnson. When England’s footballers flopped so badly at the World Cup in South Africa last year, I firmly believed Fabio Capello was wrong to lock up his players and leave them in isolation. So I can hardly say now that I disagree with Johnson’s approach of treating his players as adults and allowing them to go out for a drink. If Johnson keeps his job – and I can’t see many coaches banging on the RFU’s door demanding to replace him – then he will be left with a major dilemma on future tours because he has been let down badly.

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For the 1966 World Cup, we were away together as a squad for – as my missus always remembers – a total of 14 weeks. And I can honestly say that, while we enjoyed the occasional lively night out on the beer, nobody ever over-stepped the mark. There was always the feeling that we were there to do a job, that we had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something really special and win the World Cup. It was a sense of duty and a pride in our country that I believed our rugby players possessed. Sadly not.

I always thought Mike Tindall was a bright lad. When you’re the England rugby captain, in the most rugby-mad nation on Earth and you’ve just married into what is New Zealand’s Royal Family as well as our own, you really ought to know better. Tindall is worthy of that harshest of condemnations: he acted like a footballer. Footballers have realised for a long while that camera phones and CCTV have changed the game. Every drinker in every pub is now a potential photo-journalist. Our rugby players are learning this the hard way.

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Nightmares

I’ve always admired the hell out of rugby players. They put themselves through the sort of physical punishment that footballers could not imagine in their worst nightmares. When you compare it to footballers diving around as if they’ve been shot in the head, when they’ve actually just stubbed their toe, it really is laughable. Yet everything about rugby union seemed far more civilised than in my own sport. I went to Twickenham last year to see England play the All Blacks and enjoyed the lack of segregation and the mutual respect between rival fans.

On the pitch, self-discipline and respect towards referees are things that rugby players have long been rightly proud of. Yet dissent is gradually creeping its way into the sport and you fear rugby will end up going the same way as football in the long run. Rugby players used to enjoy the moral high ground over footballers – but that has now been lost. And this thug can tell rugby’s gentlemen that the high ground will not be easy to regain.