Inter Milan scored a crucial early away goal in their Europa League clash with Wolfsburg. 

Rodrigo Palacio gave the Italians the lead as he smartly converted a lovely through ball by Mauro Icardi in the sixth minute.

It continued his good goalscoring run in the Europa League. 

Wolfsburg were level in the in the 28th minute thanks to a powerful header from Naldo, but Inter goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo will have been disappointed with this attempt to save.  

The goal was assisted by former Chelsea star Kevin de Bruyne.

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UEFA Europa League—Round of 16

UEFA Europa League (coverage begins at 5 p.m. GMT, 12 p.m. EDT)

Bleacher Report’s Christopher Simpson previews the first-leg matches in the round of 16 of this season’s Europa League.

Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Torino

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk vs. Ajax

Wolfsburg vs. Inter Milan

Club Brugge vs. Besiktas

Everton vs. Dynamo Kiev

Villarreal vs. Sevilla

Napoli vs. Dynamo Moscow

Fiorentina vs. AS Roma

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Instead of scouring the Internet for the latest football transfer gossip, Bleacher Report makes your life easier by providing you with a weekly power ranking of the 25 hottest transfer rumours/deals in one slideshow.

Whether it is the Bundesliga, Eredivisie, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A, alternative European leagues or non-European leagues, this slideshow will be inclusive.

These 25 players will be subjectively ranked via a combination of various standards:

• Current playing ability.
• Upside.
• Projected transfer value.
• Projected transfer resell value.
• Social media buzz.

Begin Slideshow

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Every big club needs an icon; somebody to look to when times are tough. For years, Liverpool have had that player in Steven Gerrard. However, with the iconic captain’s departure looming, someone will have to take up that role, and it’s Jordan Henderson who is increasingly being put forward as Gerrard’s replacement.

Can the 24-year-old really take up his mantle?

So far this season, the Sunderland-born player has been in fine form.

Helping to turn the Reds’ season around with a series of convincing displays, Henderson has been a revelation.

Nevertheless, though some die-hard fans might beg to differ, there are aspects of his game that need to be improved.

Here, we outline exactly what he could refine between now and the next campaign.

Ability to score goals needs to be looked at

In all competitions so far this season, “Hendo” has rattled the net on five occasions, making him the joint-third best goalscorer in the team.

In contrast, Gerrard has scored 10 times, six of which have come in the league. When you consider that Liverpool’s usual captain has been out injured for quite some time, you begin to see exactly just how prolific he can still be.

Henderson has not been as deadly in front of goal as his fellow team-mate has so often been. And it’s something he needs to work on.

On many occasions this season, the 24-year-old midfielder has been deployed at the front of a midfield three, where he’s been given the opportunity to become a force in front of goal. He’s also seen himself played slightly further back, where his assists have proven a real menace to opposing sides.

True, being a central midfielder means that goals are not your main priority, but when he possesses a superb strike of the ball from long range, it’s vital he makes it count a lot more than he has.

A reminder of his superlative goal against reigning league champions Manchester City proves he can do it against the best—why not do it more often?

Looking at the way he uses the runs of others before darting into space confirms his capacity to have an impact as a goalscorer, it’s just a pity he’s not been able to do it often enough. Perhaps next season will see the young starlet emerge as a contender for the club’s highest-scoring midfielder.

He has to craft his own leadership role over time

So far this season, Henderson hasn’t had the chance to cement his role as the true captain of the team with Gerrard interjecting at various points.

Speaking after Liverpool’s recent league win over Burnley, manager Brendan Rodgers was keen to point out just how noticeable the young star’s ability to lead has been, per the Mirror‘s David Maddock.

I think Jordan is improving all the time. As he matures even more technically, he’ll become even better. He’s always had athleticism, and tactically he’s improving all the time.

Technically, you see his qualities. His passing is improving. And he’s becoming one of the real leaders of this young team. It was a wonderful performance by him and the team in general.

Indeed, he has improved tremendously since taking the captain’s armband on a more regular basis.

And yet, he was always going to struggle to live up to the commanding presence of Gerrard, not least of all because he’s still so young.

After all, there have been snapshots already this season that he doesn’t quite possess the natural quality of a leader, and he’s going to have to learn to gradually grow into that role.

A reminder of the penalty debacle, below, shows us that young “Hendo” needs to become more accustomed to making big decisions.

Having had the ball snatched off him by Mario Balotelli, he essentially allowed the Italian to go above his station. Even Gerrard himself felt the former Inter Milan striker showed the stand-in captain a great deal of “disrespect,” as relayed by The Telegraph‘s Pete Oliver.

He needs to guide the club to silverware

Barking orders around the pitch and scoring goals for fun is all well and good, but the big element that needs to see a marked makeover is the club’s trophy cabinet.

Long-serving captain Gerrard has been admired for his loyalty ever since he turned down countless opportunities to go to European and domestic rivals.

In saying that, his positive cachet with the fans is also embellished by the fact he’s helped them to some memorable silverware—who could forget their Champions League triumph in Istanbul, fuelled by Gerrard?

And with the FA Cup final within their grasp, Henderson could himself become a trophy-winning captain much sooner than many had expected.

After all, there’s no guarantee that the LA Galaxy-bound midfielder will slot back into their starting XI, despite how revered he is at the club.

In short, a first club trophy since 2012 would set Henderson on the track towards glory.

And with the confidence of a cup win under his belt, he would see the stresses and strains of expectancy and predecessors dissolve away in a flash. Although some might continue to draw comparisons and references to Gerrard even then, at least they will mainly be positive ones.

Putting in a convincing performance against a stubborn Blackburn Rovers outfit will ensure the ex-Sunderland player earns the right to wear the captain’s armband at Wembley stadium. After that, it might well be his to keep.

Conclusion

Make no mistake, the deputy captain is a terrific player in his own right.

That said, he does need to replicate “Stevie G” in some regards.

As mentioned, every big club needs their general, and Henderson has the raw talent and the ambition to become that player for the Reds.

The Premier League might well be out of their reach, but they could still qualify for the Champions League.

With a driving force from midfield complementing the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, it’s likely they will achieve that goal. From there, Henderson can start to work properly on emerging from Gerrard’s shadow.

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The last 16 of the UEFA Europa League is upon us, and there’s plenty of mouthwatering clashes to behold.

As the business end of the lengthy tournament finally approaches, it’s time to get serious, with the prospect of silverware and a place in next year’s UEFA Champions League up for grabs.

Here’s all the information you need to catch Thursday’s first legs, and how they’re likely to play out.

Ties of the Round

Wolfsburg vs. Inter Milan

Making predictions regarding Inter Milan is always tricky.

When they look like they’ll be turned over, they produce a surprising performance as they did to come from two goals down to earn a well-deserved point against Lazio in December. When they should win comfortably on paper, they shoot themselves in the foot, such as in their shock 2-0 defeat to Parma in November.

Whichever Inter side turns up, it’s sure to be a thrilling encounter when they take on the sole representatives from Germany.

Wolfsburg currently sit nine points clear in second place in the Bundesliga, while Inter have struggled and find themselves down in ninth in Serie A.

The most fascinating prospect will be the appearance of Wolfsburg striker Bas Dost. The Dutchman has 16 goals in all competitions this season, with 13 of them coming in 2015, showing the finishing prowess of a predator:

Dost’s form hasn’t failed to escape the notice of the Guardian’s James Horncastle or B/R’s own Clark Whitney:

It may well be a purple patch, but for as long as it continues, Die Wolfe have a potent weapon in their arsenal, particularly with the creative Kevin De Bruyne supplying Dost with ammo.

The attacking midfielder has an incredible 11 goals and 18 assists this season.

Between the Belgian’s incisive passing and Dost’s instinctive finishing, Wolfsburg are well-suited to exposing Inter’s high defensive line, as noted by Richard Hall of ESPN. 

It could be a long night for Roberto Mancini’s men, but the deficit won’t be insurmountable in the second leg.

Prediction: 3-1

Fiorentina vs. Roma

An all-Italian clash between Fiorentina and Roma is set to get pulses racing on Thursday night.

The pair have already faced off three times this season, with honours so far even—a win apiece and a 1-1 draw.

Fiorentina’s 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions ended spectacularly on Monday at the hands of Lazio, and La Viola will need to pick themselves up as they face the Serie A runners-up.

It won’t be easy, though, as Fiorentina will likely be missing Stefan Savic and Mario Gomez, per Football-Italia.net, while January signings Alessandro Diamanti and Alberto Gilardino are not registered in Vincenzo Montella’s European squad.

Savic will be a big blow. The powerful defender is a huge presence in the air, and the loss of his calming influence make Fiorentina vulnerable to the likes of the pacey Gervinho.

Roma do not enter the tie in spectacular form, though, having drawn five of their last six matches.

Rudi Garcia had strong words for his players after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Chievo.

According to Joe Wright of Goal.com, he said: “Playing like that, we could’ve been on the field for three hours and still not scored. This was a terrible performance… Tomorrow we have to tell each other the truth and have a strong response. We must show our true face in the four big games we have coming up.”

How his players respond will be an interesting watch.

With the likes of Savic missing, Roma should have less of a problem finding the back of the net, but the Florentine outfit can draw on their impressive 2-0 away win in Rome in February.

What will follow will be a tense affair, with little to separate these two sides after 90 minutes, but Fiorentina can claim precious away goals here.

Prediction: 2-2

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Roberto Mancini is “certain” Yaya Toure would move to Inter Milan if he opts to leave Manchester City.

The current Nerazzurri boss indicates Yaya‘s exit is inevitable, as reported by Oliver Todd of the MailOnline:

Yaya has played in every top League, apart from Germany and Italy. If, as it seems, he wants to have an experience in Italy, then there is this possibility he could come here. It won’t be easy, but he’s a player with incredible technique and character. Would Inter be his first choice? That’s certain.

Sky Sports Pete O’Rourke believes Mancini is suggesting Yaya could make the switch soon:

Such comments are unlikely to fill City boss Manuel Pellegrini with joy. The Chilean suggested Yaya would remain at the Etihad in February, after Mancini first made it clear he wishes to land the Ivorian midfielder. Steve Bates of the Mirror reported Pellegrini‘s comments:

I don’t have an opinion about what another manager says about Yaya. Of course, every manager of every team would want Yaya in their team but I don’t have anything to say about that. Yaya is very happy here and he doesn’t have any intention to go anywhere else.

Of course, Mancini was the manager who brought Yaya to England. They won three trophies together at the club, signalling the onset of City’s emergence as a powerhouse side after investment from Sheikh Mansour.

Yaya has remained a key player since arriving from Barcelona in 2010. He is most effective when driving the team forward from deep, bursting into life to aid City’s attacks on the edge of the opposition’s area. Yaya can pick up considerable speed when stretching his legs and is a scorer of important goals for the side.

City’s poor January coincided with him leading Cote D’Ivoire to their first African Cup of Nations triumph in over two decades. Although the current season hasn’t ranked among his best—he has shown a tendency to switch off this term—City remain a much tougher force with Yaya in the side.

At 31 years old, Italy could present an interesting option for the player. Many move to Serie A as their careers begin to wind down in a bid to maintain momentum. The Italian division isn’t as intense as those in England or Spain, with ex-Premier League stars such as Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole choosing to make the journey prior to the current season.

Yaya has the ability to dominate anywhere in the world, so it’s obvious to see why Mancini is itching to work with him again. Few possess the natural attributes that make his game so effective. Even when he’s not performing particularly well, Yaya can be considered among the best midfield goliaths on the planet.

He will have two years left on his contract at the end of the season, per Transfermarkt.co.uk, so Inter will likely have to stump up big bucks if they are to deliver on Mancini’s hopes.

Yaya still has unfinished business at City—namely, winning the Champions League—a dream that could be put to bed when the English champions attempt to overturn a 2-1 deficit during the upcoming round-of-16 second leg against Barcelona.

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With Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling currently embroiling in long-term contract talks with the club, Brendan Rodgers must convince the 20-year-old the club is the best place for him to develop into a superstar.

Sami Mokbel and Dominic King of MailOnline recently laid out the details of the negotiations.

Mokbel claims that: “Brendan Rodgers has identified Sterling as one of the premier young players in Europe. Sterling’s advisors are only right to bide their time over ensuring they secure the best possible deal for their client.”

Continuing Mokbel‘s point, King details: “Sterling’s advisors are playing hard and are looking to secure the absolute maximum for their client. At the moment they have reached deadlock.”

King suggests that Liverpool’s offer is “close to £100,000 per week.”

With Real Madrid and Chelsea reportedly circling, according to the Express‘ James Dickenson, Liverpool need to find a resolution.

But Sterling would be wise to stay with Liverpool and continue his progression.

Raheem Sterling: The Player

There is no surprise Sterling’s representatives are pushing for the best deal possible at Liverpool, given the forward’s performances.

At the end of 2014, Sterling’s talent was recognised with his winning the European Golden Boy award for his achievements in the past year, ahead of the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Munir El Haddai and Domenico Berardi, as well as Reds teammates Lazar Markovic and Divock Origi.

This attests to Sterling being the best young talent in European football, and his performances this season have continued this output.

He has scored the second-most goals (six) of any player aged 20 or under in any of Europe’s top five leagues—Berardi is first, with seven.

He has made the fourth-highest average of key passes per game (2.05) of any player aged 20 or under in any of Europe’s top five leagues to have played five or more games, behind only Bayer Leverkusen‘s Julian Brandt (2.08), AS Monaco midfielder Bernardo Silva (2.1) and Inter Milan man Kovacic (2.16).

Sterling has proven the most clinical in this regard, with the most assists (seven) of any player aged 20 or under in any of Europe’s top five leagues.

But it is not only as a young player that Sterling can be judged—his contemporaries are at the high end of the European footballing scale.

Sterling is level with Franck Ribery, Alexis Sanchez, Arjen Robben, James Rodriguez, Oscar, Thomas Muller, Carlos Tevez and Toni Kroos, among others, this season in terms of assists.

Furthermore, he has recorded the eighth-most key passes (51) in the Premier League this season, behind only Alexis Sanchez (52), David Silva (53), Cesc Fabregas (53), Dusan Tadic (54), Stewart Downing (60), Christian Eriksen (63) and Eden Hazard (68).

Sterling is already an elite talent, and this has drawn premature comparisons with Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

For example, Paul Scholes wrote in his column for The Independent: “I see him as one of those brave wingers, a tough kid who gets kicked and then picks himself up again. He gets on with it and does not hide on the pitch, a bit like Cristiano Ronaldo once did at Manchester United.

Rodgers himself claimed in November of last year, via Simon Mullock of the Mirror, that: “At 19, Raheem has had a similar impact on the game to Ronaldo at the same age.”

Perhaps most fundamentally at present, Sterling has scored more goals (six), made more assists (seven, joint with Jordan Henderson) and made more key passes (51) than any Liverpool player in the Premier League this season.

He can play in a wide variety of positions and has invaluable European and international experience at a very young age.

Sterling is incredibly important to Liverpool, but is that dependence reciprocal?

Brendan Rodgers, and Sterling: The Person

Rodgers continued his Sterling-Ronaldo comparison by outlining just how the 20-year-old can reach the level of his Madrid counterpart.

“Now it’s about Raheem going to the next level. The first part of the learning curve is getting into the team and establishing yourself as a player and earning respect,” Rodgers declared. “Raheem has done that—and now hopefully he will move on to the next level like Ronaldo did.”

Rodgers continued to declare, “Raheem certainly won’t find a better role model…[Ronaldo] is an incredible player and a great, great professional.”

This underlines Rodgers’ role in Sterling’s development—the Reds boss is best placed to nurture the forward’s progress, and this is one of the main reasons why Liverpool is the perfect place for him.

Ever since his strong rebuttal of a 17-year-old Sterling in his first pre-season as Liverpool manager, Rodgers has played a heavy part in his development.

This extends from Rodgers’ heavy emphasis of youth development at the club, as detailed by Liverpool Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe in an interview with Bleacher Report’s Karl Machett in December:

He is quite unique in that he knows the names of all the scholars in our system and often asks how certain individuals are progressing. The first-team staff are equally supportive with the Academy. John Achterberg, Mike Marsh and Colin Pascoe are all frequent visitors to games at the Academy. You will often find them all watching any game from the formative age groups right the way through to the 21s. Their expertise and opinion is both valuable to staff and inspirational to the younger players.

Under Rodgers, the likes of Jordon Ibe, Sheyi Ojo, Jordan Rossiter and Jordan Williams have all seen some form of first-team action this season, while the average age of the Liverpool squad currently stands at just 25.9, according to Transfermarkt.com.

Rodgers’ belief, outlined in interview with The Anfield Wrap in 2012, is that “a young player will run through a barbed-wire fence for you.”

No young player has shown more determination to succeed at Liverpool, and that is largely due to Rodgers’ careful man-management and stimulation.

Rodgers continued that he was trying to “keep [Sterling] out of the media,” and this has been invaluable.

Rodgers has identified that Sterling is a player who needs to be protected, and the development of the forward under the Liverpool manager is a testament to this approach.

The Contract

Last month, Rodgers outlined the current terms on offer to Sterling within the club’s protracted negotiations, via BBC Sport.

“The club has offered an incredible deal for a young player,” Rodgers said, before adding an important caveat: “[But] if they get too much, too young then it really sabotages their development.”

This is a continuation of Rodgers’ protection of Sterling.

While the player’s agent may be pushing for an astronomical fee, as The Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe alluded to in interview with Anfield HQ (h/t This is Anfield), Rodgers’ approach to Sterling’s contract situation is characteristically rational.

“It is very important for young players, not just Raheem, that they have something to strive for,” Rodgers continued. “If they are given sound advice they will see that. It is about mapping out the career of a player. It is not just about this deal.”

In short, Rodgers doesn’t want to Sterling to go the way of Alexandre Pato, for example, who faded dreadfully after a big-money move to AC Milan as an 18-year-old.

Sterling’s prospective Madrid teammate Gareth Bale could even serve as prime evidence that this move wouldn’t be the right one, with crowd criticism and the demands of the environment affecting his performance, according to Sky Sports.

If a 20-year-old Sterling is given a contract worth “north of £120,000 a week,” as Bascombe reveals, where is the motivation to progress?

Rodgers evaluated Sterling’s contract situation by proffering: “We believe this will be the best place for him and I believe he knows that as well.”

As has already been proven, Liverpool is the perfect place for Raheem Sterling to develop into a superstar.

Statistics via WhoScored.com and Squawka.com.

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