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Aston Villa are blessed with talent up front. They have two excellent centre-forwards in their current squad, namely Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran. The pair have been on fire this season, in what has been an underwhelming campaign for the Villans so far.

The duo are the top scorers at Villa Park this term across all competitions. Colombian international Duran has scored 12 goals, and England centre-forward Watkins, who scored in the Euro 2024 semi-final, has eight goals to his name. Morgan Rogers, with seven strikes to his name, is the only other player with more than five goals.

Incredibly, the Villans are looking to add more depth in the striker department to their squad during the January transfer window.

Villa’s striker target

The player in question here is young French striker Tidiam Gomis. The 18-year-old has been impressive for Ligue 2 side Caen and has now been linked with a move away to some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to a report from The Athletic, Villa are one of the sides pursuing the young attacker and actually seem to be leading the race for his signature. They are believed to be ‘in advanced talks’ to bring the 18-year-old to the West Midlands.

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In terms of the other sides who are believed to be interested, German outfit RB Leipzig and Italian giants AC Milan are in the race, according to Florian Plettenberg a few weeks ago. It seems as though the Villans will sign him. A fee is not clear at this stage, but his contract is up this summer and it could cost Unai Emery’s side next to nothing.

Why Gomis could be a good signing

There is no doubt that Villa are signing a player for the future as well as, or perhaps more so than, the present. Plettenberg described Gomis as a “top talent”, and he is certainly living up to that praise in a Caen shirt throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

This term in Ligue 2 for Caen, a club owned by France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, 18-year-old Gomis has scored two goals in 18 league appearances. He has played 1004 minutes this term, which equates to 11 full 90-minute games.

He also made history for the French side during the 2023/24 campaign, when he scored twice in the final game of the season. At the age of 17 years, nine months and 19 days old, he became the youngest player to do so for Caen, an impressive achievement.

Despite the fact he is so inexperienced, Gomis could certainly have a role to play at Villa Park this season if they decide to give him that opportunity. His stats on Sofascore are eye-catching, and he has created two big chances and completed 1.3 dribbles per game.

Gomis Ligue 2 stats 2024/25
Stat	Number
Starts	12
Goals	2
Big chances created	2
Key passes per game	0.6
Dribbles per game	1.3
Ball recoveries per game	3.1
Duels won per game	2.8
Stats from Sofascore

Gomis could form a deadly partnership with Villa’s latest recruit, Donyell Malen. On Tuesday evening, they confirmed the signing of the Dutchman from Borussia Dortmund, although it is not a deal that will affect the move for the Frenchman.

The former Arsenal academy player is someone who can both score and assist in attack, playing anywhere across the frontline. His best campaign came for former club PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands in 2020/21, where he scored 19 goals and grabbed eight assists in 32 games.

With those kinds of numbers, he could link up nicely with Gomis and could be a key provider of goals for the youngster. The Frenchman averages 1.2 shots per game and has already scored a couple this season, and with Malen’s obvious creative ability, that might only increase.

The same can be said the other way with Gomis also showing in the past he can be someone who can create chances, even if he is yet to register an assist this term. However, given Malen’s career-high of 19 goals in one campaign, the assists could start flowing for the Caen youngster.

All things considered, this seems to be a risk-free deal for the Villans. He is likely to cost little or nothing at all, and, as the stats show, clearly has talent waiting to be unearthed. Should he form a partnership with Malen, or indeed the likes of Watkins and Duran, it could be deadly for Villa.

Medical booked: Aston Villa closing in on "highly talented" Carlos upgrade

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Joe Nuttall

Jan 14, 2025

One-Test batter selected in eight-man group to head to MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai in August

Alex Malcolm24-Jul-2022

Will Pucovski during a practice session•Getty Images

Will Pucovski remains part of Australia’s long-term plans, and has been named in an eight-man group of emerging batters and spin bowlers to head to the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai for a ten-day training camp in August.Pucovski, 24, has played just three first-class matches since making his Test debut in January 2021 against India in Sydney. He suffered a shoulder dislocation in that game and required surgery. He then suffered a concussion at Victoria training last October that kept him out of cricket for three months and then another incident in his first-class return in February triggered concussion symptoms forcing him into another break given his extensive history of head trauma.He made a successful return for Victoria at the end of the season, making 59 in the Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia. Selectors opted not to take him to Sri Lanka with the Australia A squad, with chairman George Bailey saying they were keen for him to have an extended run of uninterrupted cricket before calling him up for Australia A or national duty again.But the selectors have named him in a group of emerging prospects to head to Chennai for a training camp from August 7 to August 17. Pucovski joins fellow internationals Josh Philippe and Matthew Kuhnemann in the group, while Australia A players Henry Hunt, Tanveer Sangha and Todd Murphy have also been named. Two of Australia’s Under-19 World Cup representatives, Cooper Connolly and Teague Wyllie, will also make the trip. Wyllie made his first-class debut late last summer and was part of WA’s Sheffield Shield-winning team.Will Pucovski made a half-century in the Sheffield Shield final•Getty Images

The eight players will integrate with local Indian players for training sessions, and play one one-day match and a two-day game. Former Sri Lanka batter Thilan Samaraweera will coach the group after being part of the coaching staff for the Australia A team in Sri Lanka. Former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath will also be there as a coach as part of his role as a consultant to the MRF Pace Foundation. Selector Tony Dodemaide will be the tour manager.”It is exciting to renew the partnership with the MRF Foundation and provide this group of young players with a truly unique experience,” Dodemaide said. “Some players have toured the subcontinent in the past so this trip will further refine their skills while others will gain valuable new experience in these testing conditions.”The news follows Chetan Sakariya and Mukesh Choudhary being named to play in the KFC T20 Max series in Queensland next month as part of the exchange programme with the MRF Pace Foundation. The duo will also train at CA’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane and be involved in Queensland Bulls’ pre-season preparations.

From falling out with the head coach to becoming his new boss, Enoch Nkwe has completed a triumphant return to South African cricket. The 39-year old who resigned as assistant coach in 2021 in part due to differences with Mark Boucher has now been appointed Director of Cricket by CSA.Nkwe beat former South Africa spinner and current Warriors coach Robin Peterson to the job. He succeeds Graeme Smith whose tenure ended in March 2022.Once a promising batter for Gauteng who began his first-class career with a century on debut, Nkwe’s time on the field was cut short at age of 26 thanks to a finger injury. But as that door closed, another opened. In 2018, during his very first season as head coach, Nkwe claimed three domestic titles – two with the Lions and one with the Jozi Stars.That catapulted him to higher honours and, on the back of being named Coach of the Season in 2019, he took over as interim team director with South Africa remodelling the way they ran the game by borrowing from successful football teams. Nkwe even invoked his love of Pep Guardiola when he was first appointed.Nkwe’s tenure as interim director lasted five months between August and December 2019. He was then appointed assistant coach to Boucher, but in the lead-up to the 2021 T20 World Cup, he left the post citing disillusionment with the job and differences of opinion with Boucher, but the issues were not related to race.Nkwe’s demotion was a part of the Social Justice and Nation Building hearings, where CSA was said to be institutionally racist. He was stood down by then Director of Cricket Smith in favour of his former team-mate Boucher, but in arbitration it was found that Smith had acted on sound cricketing logic given Boucher’s 14 years of experience as a player in the top flight. Nkwe had never played international cricket for South Africa but he did have something Boucher didn’t at the time – a level four coaching certificate. That, though, was never a pre-requisite for the job. Gary Kirsten once served as South Africa coach without such certification.CSA has also brought in Mtunzi Jonas, who used to be a general manager with financial services company Absa Group, as their new Chief Commercial Officer. Tjaart van der Walt is their new Chief Financial Officer and Wanele Mngomezulu, who was part of the Jozi Stars’ set up in 2018, as Chief Marketing Officer.”The appointment of these executives is intended to strengthen CSA’s resolve and anchoring the administration with the best expertise on offer,” CSA chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said. “I am delighted that CSA has attracted this calibre of talent, which will change the fortunes of the organisation into the future. It is against this background that I congratulate the appointees for making it through the stringent recruitment process, which merited their appointments. They have indeed demonstrated their desire to serve this beautiful game in the different portfolio’s by bringing their capabilities to bear.”The Director of Cricket will assume duty on July 1 while the other three will join on August 1.

Tottenham Hotspur have now held internal talks over a move for a “skilful” English player, according to a report.

Ange Postecoglou facing injury crisis

Tottenham’s squad is depleted as we enter the January transfer window, with Radu Dragusin the only partially fit centre-back available to Ange Postecoglou, who has since said he was forced to play the Romanian in the draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers: “Well we had no choice, if Radu doesn’t play, I don’t know who plays.

“He wasn’t 100%, but he felt he could get through with his ankle. We’ve got no choice unless I throw another 18 or 17-year-old out there. That’s the only fit players we have.”

To make matters worse, Spurs’ injury crisis comes at a time when there is some tricky games on the horizon, so Postecoglou may be forced to enter the market for a new defender in the January transfer window.

Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (h)

January 4th

Liverpool (h)

January 8th

Tamworth (a)

January 12th

Arsenal (a)

January 15th

Everton (a)

January 19th

Several players have been linked with moves to N17, but there is now a new target entering the frame, with The Boot Room reporting that AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomari is attracting interest for a move this January.

A number of Premier League clubs are said to be looking at the defender, with Tomori’s name being circled to several different teams as he begins to consider his future at San Siro. Tottenham are said to have discussed a move for the Englishman in the past few weeks, as he has fallen down the pecking order considerably at AC Milan.

The defender has featured for just 11 minutes since October 19th, and he is beginning to become unhappy with his game time, which could potentially lead to a move elsewhere. However, the 27-year-old’s situation could change in the near future, as new manager Sergio Conceicao may decide to reintroduce him to the starting XI.

Tottenham open talks over move for "excellent" £25m defender this month

Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his backline.

ByDominic Lund Jan 1, 2025 Tomori could be a solid addition for Spurs

Although the former Chelsea man has struggled for game time this season, he has enjoyed a successful spell with MIlan, making a minimum of 25 Serie A appearances in each of his last three seasons. Milan legend Franco Baresi clearly rates the Canada-born defender very highly, having described him as “skilful” in the past, while also praising him for his “great physical attributes.”

Previous reports have stated that Milan would be willing to sanction the £72k-per-week centre-back’s departure for a fee in the region of £21m this month, potentially making him an affordable option for Tottenham, should they decide to pursue a deal.

It is clear that Spurs will need to bring in a new centre-back in the near future, given the ongoing injury crisis at the club which risks derailing their season even further, and Tomori could be a solid addition to the squad.

تلقى نادي أتلتيك بلباو ضربة قوية وذلك قبل مواجهة ريال مدريد غدًا الأحد في الدوري الإسباني بتعرض نجم الفريق للإصابة.

ويلاقي أتلتيك بلباو نظيره ريال مدريد، ضمن منافسات الجولة 32 من الدوري الإسباني، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

ويحتل ريال مدريد المركز الثاني في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 66 نقطة، بينما يأتي أتلتيك بلباو في المركز الرابع برصيد 57 نقطة.

اقرأ أيضاً.. قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة أتلتيك بلباو في الدوري الإسباني.. موقف مبابي

وأصدر نادي أتلتيك بلباو بيانًا رسميًا يؤكد فيه غياب لاعبه، نيكو ويليامز، عن مباراة ريال مدريد غداً في منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وأوضح: “لم يتم ضم نيكو ويليامز إلى قائمة المدرب إرنستو فالفيردي، حيث أنه لن يسافر إلى مدريد لخوض المباراة ضد ريال مدريد على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو بسبب آلام في الفخذ”.

وشارك نيكو ويليامز هذا العام في 42 مباراة مع أتلتيك بلباو في جميع المسابقات، حيث أحرز 11 هدفاً وصنع 7 أهداف منذ بداية الموسم.

🚑 PARTE MÉDICO

ℹ️ Nico Williams

🔗 https://t.co/W0tJMRfcto@ImqEuskadi I #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/YIBdRCK93J — Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) April 19, 2025

Leeds United’s goal for the 2024/25 campaign is crystal clear: they want to gain promotion to the Premier League via the automatic spots in the Championship.

The Whites were forced to settle for the play-offs last season after a third-placed finish after 46 matches and eventually lost 1-0 to Southampton in the final at Wembley, after beating Norwich 4-0 in the semi-finals.

Daniel Farke’s side will now be looking to finish in the top two to avoid the play-offs and go straight back up to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

The West Yorkshire outfit are currently sat in third place in the Championship table and are three points behind Sheffield United at the top of the division, which means that they are within touching distance of their goal as it stands.

Leeds will need their key players to step up between now and the end of the season to help them achieve their goal, whilst it is also an opportunity for the stars of the team to prove that they are ready to make the step up to the top-flight, whether that is with the Whites or not.

Two Leeds players who have come in for plenty of praise for their performances so far this term are central midfielder Ao Tanaka and forward Wilfried Gnonto, who both have the potential to make the leap.

Ao Tanaka's form this season

The Japan international was brought in on a permanent deal from Fortuna Dusselfdorf during the summer transfer window after Glen Kamara was sold to Rennes, to bolster Farke’s options in the middle of the park.

Tanaka was initially on the bench for the German head coach, with Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu the starters in midfield, before injuries to the first-choice pairing provided him and fellow summer recruit Joe Rothwell with an opportunity to thrive.

The Japanese maestro and the Bournemouth loanee have formed a solid partnership in midfield for the West Yorkshire outfit, and the former 2. Bundesliga man has been the pick of the pair of them.

Tanaka has provided an incredibly reliable presence in possession with a pass completion rate of 92% in the Championship, which shows that he rarely gives the ball away.

24/25 Championship

Ao Tanaka

Joe Rothwell

Appearances

15

18

Pass accuracy

92%

90%

Pass accuracy in own half

95%

94%

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.5

1.0

Ball recoveries per game

5.2

2.2

Duel success rate

56%

48%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old star has outperformed his midfield partner in and out of possession for the Whites so far this season.

It remains to be seen whether or not his current level of technical quality and defensive strength can translate to the Premier League, whilst Gnonto is another player who has shown potential to make the step up.

Wilfried Gnonto's form this season

The Italy U21 international had to play his role in the 2023/24 campaign as Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, who have both since moved on, stole the headlines with their performances.

Gnonto managed a return of eight goals and two assists in 36 appearances in Championship for Leeds, which was a solid but unspectacular haul for the young dynamo.

Summerville and Rutter leaving the club in the summer has provided the former Zurich star with an opportunity to shine as the main man at the top end of the pitch for the Whites, and his performances have reflected that.

Gnonto has already registered more assists (five) in the Championship this season than he managed in the whole of the 2023/24 campaign (two), which speaks to his increased responsibility in possession.

24/25 Championship

Wilfried Gnonto

Appearances

18

Goals

3

Big chances created

8

Assists

5

Dribbles completed per game

1.5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Italian maestro has contributed with 11 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in just 18 appearances in the division.

His return of five assists from eight ‘big chances’ created suggests that the wasteful nature of his teammates has prevented him from having more goal contributions to his name.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Whilst Tanaka and Gnonto have shown plenty of quality in the Championship in possession this term, Farke has a monstrous Leeds star who has showcased his Premier League class this season in Pascal Struijk.

Why Pascal Struijk is Premier League quality

The Dutch defender is already a relatively experienced player in the top-flight with 85 appearances across three seasons under Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce.

Struijk, however, did not do enough in the 2022/23 campaign to keep Leeds in the Premier League, with a pass completion rate of 79% and two penalties committed in 29 outings.

The drop down to the Championship has provided the left-footed brute with an opportunity to develop his game and ensure that he is better prepared for the top-flight if the Whites can get back there.

Struijk, who was once described as a “monster” by writer Daniel Fraiz Martinez, has provided great quality in and out of possession at the heart of the defence for Leeds and looks to have improved in the areas he struggled in at Premier League level.

Pascal Struijk

22/23 Premier League

24/25 Championship

Appearances

29

18

Pass accuracy

79%

92%

Pass accuracy in opposition half

72%

88%

Dribbled past per game

0.9x

0.3x

Duel success rate

59%

61%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old has significantly improved his use of the ball under the coaching influence of Farke in West Yorkshire, as he is now reliable in possession – in his own half and in the opposition’s half.

He has also improved his defensive work by not allowing players to dribble past him as frequently as he did in the Premier League, which suggests that forwards could find it more difficult to get by him now.

Therefore, Struijk could be ready to return to the Premier League and showcase a better version of himself in the division, with what will have been two years of Championship football to hone his skills.

Related Leeds could land "ridiculous" £5m star who'd be a dream signing for Tanaka

Leeds United were recently linked with an interest in the central midfield whiz.

Posts ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2024

Firstly, though, Leeds must ensure that they win promotion to the top-flight to provide the likes of Tanaka, Gnonto, and Struijk with the chance to shine at that level.

Former England coach Fabio Capello has accused Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola of making people lose interest in football.

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Capello slammed GuardiolaCalled the City boss 'arrogant'Revealed why Pep failed to win more UCL titlesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Guardiola is enduring his worst year yet as Manchester City boss in the 2024-25 campaign as the reigning English champions have dropped to fifth in the league table and are now merely fighting for a Champions League slot. They have also exited the Champions League as for the first time under the Catalan manager's tutelage, the Cityzens failed to reach the knockout stage.

AdvertisementWHAT FABIO CAPELLO SAID

Amid a terrible campaign with City, Guardiola has now faced criticism from ex-England and Real Madrid manager Capello, who had him on his playing squad at Roma in 2002-03. Capello told : "We didn’t discuss anything [at AS Roma]. He came to tell me how I should do my job and I told him: ‘Go for a run and then you can talk’. It’s just that he was walking around the pitch and I wasn’t going to eliminate him in front of people who had a lot better things than him. That was the end of the debate.

"You know what I don’t like about Guardiola? His arrogance. The Champions League he won with City is the only one where he didn’t try anything funny in the decisive matches. But all the other years, in Manchester and Munich, on key days, he always wanted to be the protagonist. He would change things and invent them so he could say: ‘It’s not the players who win, it’s me’. And that arrogance cost him several Champions Leagues. I respect him, but for me, it’s clear."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Italian coach added: "Besides, even if it is no longer his fault, he has done a lot of harm to football. Because everyone spent ten years trying to copy him. It ruined Italian football, which lost its nature. I said: 'Stop, you don't have Guardiola's players'! There was also the absurd idea that that was all there was to do to play well.

"A disaster and also a boredom that made many people flee from football, they only have to watch the highlights, why are you going to watch 90 minutes of passes and horizontal passes without fighting, without running…? Fortunately, football is changing. First of all, Spain changed it by winning the European Championship with two wingers and playing fast."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

After a disappointing loss at Nottingham Forest last weekend, City will aim to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this Saturday as they take on Brighton.

Exciting times in the Premier League. For Newcastle United, plenty to look forward to. Two wins in succession before the November international break restored the feel-good factor, and now it’s time to build.

Eddie Howe’s side have weathered plenty of adversity over the past year but are now in a wonderful position to ruffle some feathers at the front of the division once again, hosting West Ham United on Monday night.

The 14th-placed Hammers have toiled through the 2024/25 campaign, clearly not subscribing to Julen Lopetegui’s tactical brand, and Newcastle know that victory at St. James’ Park will lift them into sixth – and just two points behind Manchester City in second.

Exciting times indeed. Of course, Newcastle will need to ensure that they defeat West Ham, who are desperate to turn their season around and will be looking to exploit the hosts’ injury issues.

Newcastle's injury list

He’s not actually injured, but Dan Burn will be sidelined for this crucial fixture, for the 6 foot 6 defender has accumulated five yellow cards and has received a one-match suspension.

Emil Krafth’s untimely injury means he can’t step in alongside Fabian Schar, and though Sven Botman is approaching the end of his rehabilitation after an ACL injury sustained at the start of the year, he is not ready to return. As such, expect the dependable Lloyd Kelly to take the left side of the central defence.

That aside, though, the Toon have a healthy and dynamic crop of players and will determined to exacerbate their opponents’ troubles.

23/24

Premier League (A)

2-2 draw

23/24

Premier League (H)

4-3 win

22/23

Premier League (H)

1-1 draw

22/23

Premier League (A)

5-1 win

21/22

Premier League (H)

4-2 loss

21/22

Premier League (A)

1-1 draw

Jarrod Bowen will likely be the architect of any good fortune that the visitors have, however, and it’s imperative that he is subdued, for he will be hungrily eyeing a potential chink that Burn’s absence might present.

Newcastle must stop Jarrod Bowen

West Ham are there for the taking, with Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez both suspended. Forward Niclas Füllkrug will be assessed as his anonymity in England stretches on, but Bowen is fit and will relish the chance to stir an upset on Tyneside.

Having posted 20 goals in all competitions for David Moyes’ struggling outfit last year, Bowen further reinforced his claim as one of the Premier League’s star forwards, but he’s not been at his best thus far in 2024/25, albeit notching three goals and two assists from 11 league games.

Of course, the England star is “unplayable” on his day, as Thomas Frank candidly admitted after he scored a hat-trick against Brentford last year, and it’s a skill set that Newcastle wanted within their ranks.

This summer, the Magpies held a vested interest in Bowen, but the east Londoners put intrigue to bed by stamping a £100m price tag on their superstar. Given that he’d signed a new long-term deal in 2023, the ball was firmly in their court.

Sources such as TEAMtalk have latterly revealed that Howe is still set on signing the 27-year-old and is targeting a blockbuster deal at the end of the season.

In any case, the home support won’t want him to enjoy a successful audition at St. James’ Park tonight. With defensive issues, Newcastle might have a tough time containing him, and that’s why Joelinton should be unleashed on the right flank in a fresh approach to securing victory.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Why Joelinton must start out of position

Anthony Gordon is a tremendous winger but he’s quite clearly more effective on the left flank than the right. Against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago, the former Everton prospect toiled out of position before enjoying a rejuvenation in his natural role, placing three key passes, as per Sofascore.

Joelinton has struck a neat partnership with the box-to-box Joe Willock in recent weeks, but his protean quality lends itself to a wealth of deployments, and he must be unleashed at right wing against the Hammers – especially since Howe clearly doesn’t favour Miguel Almiron or Jacob Murphy all that much.

Reporter Dominic Scurr claimed that the hulking Brazilian was “the key” in the turnaround victory at the City Ground, not just scoring but notably winning ten duels and making three tackles as he overwhelmed Nuno Espirito Santo’s hitherto high-flying team.

“He’s like gold dust because you know wherever you put him he’ll do a good job,” Howe gushed post match. His tactical flexibility makes for a singular weapon that must be utilised once again against West Ham, and given his all-encompassing sheen that works well on the right, he may well prove to be a worthy tool to outperform his right-winged adversary Bowen.

After all, just look at the underlying data. As per FBref, the 28-year-old Brazilian ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 16% for progressive carries, the top 14% for tackles and the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90.

A veritable machine, Joelinton truly is a special player and can bring so much to Howe’s many-faceted system when at his best.

Bowen is of course going to be one of the biggest dangers this evening, but Joelinton has proved that he too can make a marked difference when shifted into a more unnatural role on the right wing, which in turn might enhance the fluency of Gordon on the alternate side and Alexander Isak as the killer in the middle. Bring it on.

Frontrunners: Newcastle want to sign £17m star to finally replace Anderson

Newcastle eyeing move for Algerian sensation in January…

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 24, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de entrar em acordo com a Portuguesa e estrear no Carioca atuando no Luso-Brasileiro, o Flamengo terá uma nova casa a partir da terceira rodada do Estadual: o Estádio Raulino de Oliveira. A diretoria da Gávea já está em contato com a Prefeitura e Ferj para viabilizar as partidas no local já contra o Boavista, em 2 de fevereiro. O clássico com o Fluminense, no dia 6, também será em VR.

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>Confira as marcas mais valiosas do futebol brasileiro de acordo com estudo

A mudança do Flamengo passa pela capacidade e estrutura do estádio. O Raulino de Oliveira tem capacidade para cerca de 16 mil torcedores, já o Luso-Brasileiro não pode receber mais do que cinco mil torcedores. O que também motivou a alteração foi a decisão tomada pela comissão técnica de Paulo Sousa, que comandará o time principal já na terceira rodada, contra o Boavista.

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O Fla-Flu será válido pela quarta rodada da Taça Guanabara. Incialmente, o clube da Gávea pretendia realizar o clássico no Estádio Mané Garrincha, em Brasília, mas o veto de público por conta da Covid-19 impediu os planos.

Neste sábado, o Rubro-Negro já atuará no Raulino de Oliveira, mas, desta vez como visitante. Com o time formado por jovens da base, o Flamengo, sob o comando de Fabio Matias, enfrenta o Volta Redonda, neste sábado, às 18h.

Liverpool are believed to be showing an interest in signing an attacking “beast” to potentially replace Darwin Nunez, according to a fresh claim.

Liverpool contract & transfer news

While Reds supporters are desperate to see more transfer business happen than in recent years, retaining the services of key trio Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah is equally important.

On Monday, it emerged that Van Dijk has been in talks over a contract extension at Anfield, with both the Dutchman and Liverpool keen on reaching an agreement before his current deal runs out at the end of this season. It is a significant update and the hope is that his two teammates are in a similar position.

In terms of possible new signings, Brighton attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte has been linked with a move to the Reds, with Manchester City also in the mix to sign him. He has even been compared to Lionel Messi, which is the highest compliment you can pay any footballer.

Many fans want a new centre-back to come in and add further depth to Arne Slot’s squad, and Borussia Dortmund ace Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as a target. The 24-year-old has started six Bundesliga games this season, completing over 90% of his passes.

Liverpool eyeing move for attacking "beast"

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool and Slot are keen on signing Porto forward Samu Omorodion, who could come in to replace Nunez. The Uruguayan hasn’t always fully convinced since arriving from Benfica in the summer of 2022, and doesn’t seem to be firmly in Slot’s plans. This update claims the Reds will likely sell Nunez and allow Salah to leave for free, meaning attacking reinforcements – namely Omorodion – will be a necessity.

Other clubs are also interested in snapping up the 20-year-old, however, with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain mentioned in the report, while he was on the brink of joining Chelsea this summer before his move to Portugal.

Omorodion jumps out as such an exciting attacking option for Liverpool to bring in, considering the impact he is already making at such a young age. Having moved to Porto from Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window, the Spaniard has been on fire, scoring seven goals in as many matches so far this season, in all competitions. Three of those have come in the Europa League, in just two appearances.

Football analyst Antonio Mango has described Omorodion as a “beast”, such is his level of attacking threat, while pundit Mario Suarez has said of him: “I think he looks like a little bit of Diego Costa when he was young. Big and strong, running for the space, scoring goals.”

While Nunez is undoubtedly popular among Liverpool fans, in terms of his character and passion – the Anfield crowd often sing his name as much as anyone – there are clear doubts as to whether he is ever going to be the clinical finisher and subtle link-up player that Slot wants in his attack.

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He is now in his third season with the Reds and still looks very raw at times, so if Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and others believe Omorodion is a younger upgrade on the 25-year-old, they should be trusted.