Tag Futebol

With Champions League qualification secured, the next step for Aston Villa will be to ensure that they can be a competitive outfit in the competition next season, with Unai Emery in need of further additions to help bolster his chances across all fronts.

The onus will be on replicating and even bettering the success of last summer's transfer activity, with the Midlands side notably snapping up the likes of Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans, as well as club-record signing, Moussa Diaby.

Moussa Diaby's 23/24 PL season

38 games (25 starts)

6 goals

7 'big chances' missed

8 assists

13 'big chances' created

1.2 key passes per game

83% pass accuracy

0.8 successful dribbles per game

6.3x possession lost per game

Stats via Sofascore

The fleet-footed Frenchman – who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen on a £51.9m deal – enjoyed an impressive first season in English football after contributing ten goals and nine assists in all competitions, with Villa perhaps able to repeat that feat by landing the next Diaby this time around.

Aston Villa chasing French wonderkid

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Premier League outfit are said to be showing a 'strong desire' to sign Stade Rennais sensation, Mathis Lambourde, with Emery's side joined by a raft of Bundesliga clubs in keeping a close watch on the 18-year-old.

The report suggests that Villa have been 'seduced' by the youngster's quality and could be tempted to make a move this summer, albeit with nothing formal having taken place as yet.

The piece goes on to add that the teenager is happy to wait to see if a concrete approach from Monchi and co does arrive over the coming weeks and months, with no real desire to agitate for a move at present.

Mathis Lambourde's style of play

Amid the club's impending return to Europe's premier competition, the onus will of course be on snapping up figures who can immediately impact the first-team at Villa Park, with strength in depth required across the pitch for Emery to be successful.

That said, for Monchi to also be planning for the future with a deal for the likes of Lambourde is hardly the worst idea, particularly with the Rennes starlet earning rave reviews of late, having been dubbed a "huge talent" by respected youth insider, Jacek Kulig.

Due to his relative youth, the promising forward – who can play all across the front line or as a number ten – has actually made just three first-team appearances for his current side, albeit while chalking up 13 goals in only 18 games at U19 level, as well as three goals in 16 games for Rennes' B side.

It is on the international front where Lambourde has particularly dazzled after registering nine goals in only 15 outings for France's U17s, with such form having come amid comparisons to the aforementioned Diaby, due to the left-footer's ability to operate as a second striker or on the flanks.

As Kulig has noted, the emerging wonderkid's particular strengths lie in his pace, acceleration and dribbling, all facets of the game which Diaby has illustrated in abundance this term, the 24-year-old having been dubbed "electric" by pundit Gary Neville.

In terms of his dribbling prowess, the one-time Paris Saint-Germain man also ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for progressive carries per 90, showcasing a breathtaking ability to drag Emery's side up the pitch at breakneck speed.

While Diaby is a relatively young man himself, lining up a potential successor in the form of his teenage compatriot could prove a real masterclass, with Lambourde hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jhon Duran – the 20-year-old having scored eight times this season.

A player with an "extremely interesting future ahead", in the words of Kulig, it is easy to see why Lambourde has caught the attention of clubs across the continent, with Villa needing to ensure that they are at the front of the queue this summer.

Related Villa fighting PL rivals for "Swiss army knife" who's "like James Milner"

The Midlands side could have the next Milner on their hands, if a deal can be agreed this summer…

Posts ByRobbie Walls May 31, 2024

IPL 2020 will take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10, pending clearances from the Indian government.During its meeting on Sunday, the IPL governing council decided to set a 24-player limit for each squad, and approved the use of unlimited Covid-19 substitutes.The window makes IPL 2020 a 53-day event, three days longer than the last two seasons, and the longest of all the eight-team editions of the tournament. Ten of the 53 days will involve double-headers. The matches will be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, with night matches starting at 7.30pm IST (6.00pm UAE time), and afternoon matches at 3.30pm IST (2.00pm UAE time).A franchise told ESPNcricinfo that detailed fixtures would be sent to them on Monday, and that the first leg of the tournament will be played behind closed doors. The Emirates board, earlier this week, had shown a keenness to fill the stadiums to 30-50% capacity.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

A BCCI release said the Women’s T20 Challenge would also take place alongside the IPL, featuring three teams playing four matches during the final week of the tournament. The release added that the governing council would finalise and publish its standard operating procedures (SOPs) “in due course, including the agencies to execute and deliver a bio-secure environment for safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 Season.”In the lead-up to the meeting, it was understood that the date for the final was a toss-up between November 8 and November 10. With the latter date chosen, the IPL will for the first time have the final on a weekday – Tuesday.The BCCI said a meeting with the franchises would be called shortly, and among the logistical and operational issues that will be discussed before the SOPs are ready, three franchises – Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Kings XI Punjab – will likely be seeking clarity on the squad limit, given that all three of them currently have 25 players listed in their squads on the official IPL website.The IPL will retain all its major sponsor, including the Chinese mobile company VIVO, the title sponsor. The topic of Chinese sponsors has been a contentious one in recent weeks, given the cross-border tensions between India and China.ALSO READ: What to expect from the IPL governing council meetingIn April, the BCCI postponed the 2020 IPL season indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The board’s first preference was to stage the event in India, but the rapidly increasing count of coronavirus cases in the country has made that unfeasible. The total count of confirmed cases in India has shot past the 1.75 million mark, which puts the country place behind only the USA and Brazil worldwide.On July 21, Brijesh Patel, the chairman of the IPL governing council, announced that plans were afoot to hold the tournament in the UAE. Part of the 2014 edition was also held in the UAE, since it coincided with the general elections in India.

The agent of a Manchester United target described as a "monster" was "in attendance" to watch the defeat to Arsenal over the weekend, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 at home to the Gunners on Sunday afternoon, with a woeful season at Old Trafford now thankfully having just one game remaining in it. Huge changes are needed within the squad during the summer transfer window, and it could even be that Erik ten Hag's days are numbered, too.

Many players are being linked with summer moves to United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly keen on acquiring the services of Manchester City defender Yan Couto, which could be controversial, given the rivalry between the two clubs. The 21-year-old has been on loan at high-flying Girona this season, bagging eight assists in 33 appearances in La Liga and helping them to second place in the table.

If Ten Hag does stay on as manager, he could target some former players, and it is believed that he is "crazy" about the idea of snapping up Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The pair worked together effectively as Ajax, coming within seconds of reaching the 2019 Champions League final.

Benfica ace Joao Neves has been linked with United a number of times throughout this season, arguably being considered one of Europe's most exciting young midfielders – he has a £100m release clause in his current deal.

Man Utd target's agent spotted at Old Trafford

Taking to X, Romano claimed that Manchester United target Benjamin Sesko's agent was at Old Trafford to watch the weekend loss against Arsenal: "Benjamin Sesko’s agent was in attendance at Old Trafford for Manchester United-Arsenal. Here’s Elvis Basanovic posting from the stadium ahead of summer transfer window."

This is further evidence to suggest that Sesko is a genuine target ahead of the summer window, with the RB Leipzig star a young striker with an enormous amount of potential. Various reports have suggested that United could sign him at the end of the season, and his agent being present at Old Trafford will only add to the rumours.

Still only 20 years of age, he has already achieved so much in the game, scoring 11 goals in 27 caps for Slovenia, and also a combined 46 times for RB Salzburg and Leipzig. Journalist Sripad has even compared him to Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to sign “superb” £35m Man City player for Man Utd

This could be a controversial move…

ByTom Cunningham May 13, 2024

In Rasmus Hojlund, United already have an excellent young centre forward of whom big things are expected, but Sesko could come in and provide competition and ease the burden on the Norwegian. To have two exciting attacking options to lead the line would increase both depth and quality in the squad, with the Leipzig star coming in as a direct replacement for Anthony Martial.

Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts also called up, Sisanda Magala ‘has not met team requirements’, CSA says, but will work towards T20 series

Firdose Moonda30-Jan-2020Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi and Jon-Jon Smuts have passed fitness tests at CSA’s strength and conditioning camp and will be part of the national squad for the ODI series against England, which starts next Tuesday.Sisanda Magala, who was also at the camp, has not met requirements and will continue to work with fitness trainer Tumi Masekela with the aim of putting himself into contention for the T20 series which starts on February 12.”Sisanda has put in an immense amount of work over a short period of time and we want to ensure he has the tools to deal with the high demands of international cricket when the opportunity arises,” Graeme Smith, CSA’s acting director of cricket said. “The Proteas men have an incredibly busy year of limited-overs cricket ahead of them and we want to be certain that our players are up for the demands that will come.”Magala, who finished sixth on the Mzansi Super League wicket-takers’ list and who is renowned for his death-bowling skills, has been identified as a candidate for this year’s T20 World Cup. However, he has not been able to pass recent fitness tests and will only be eligible for national selection if he meets South Africa’s criteria, something the other three have now done.ALSO READ: South Africa consider touring Pakistan for three T20Is in MarchSmuts was withdrawn from the T20 squad for the tour to India in September last year because of fitness concerns but has now met requirements. So has Shamsi, who is considered South Africa’s first-choice ODI spinner, but faces competition for his place from both Smuts, an allrounder who bowls left-arm spin and Bjorn Fortuin, who could earn his debut cap in the series.Both Shamsi and Ngidi have been named in the Titans squad to play in the domestic one-day cup opener against the Lions on Friday, after which they will join up with the national squad in Cape Town.The fixture marks a competitive return for Ngidi, who has not played since the MSL in early December, where he injured his hamstring. Ngidi was not available for selection for the recently concluded Test series against England, which South Africa lost 1-3. He will make his return in shorter formats, where South Africa have a busy schedule ahead with three ODIs and three T20s against each of England and Australia in the next six weeks.

As absurd as it might sound, given the last decade of football, Arsenal will still feel disappointed following their 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

While the Bavarians are European royalty and can, therefore, never be written off, the contrasting form of the two sides heading into the clash made the home side favourites in the eyes of many.

However, Harry Kane did what he always does and scored at the Emirates, while Thomas Tuchel's wingers caused chaos out wide for the Gunners' defenders.

Leroy Sané was particularly terrifying out on the left and put in a performance in stark contrast to Mikel Arteta's own leftwing star – who has now played himself out of the starting lineup.

Gabriel Martinelli's performance against Bayern Munich

The player in question is Brazilian wideman Gabriel Martinelli, who returned to the starting XI against Bayern for the first time since injuring his foot against Sheffield United in the Premier League on March 4th.

It was a change to the team that many fans would have been happy to see and even calling for, as on his day, the 22-year-old can be near enough unplayable. For example, just last season, the "sensational talent", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, ended the campaign with 15 goals and six assists in 46 games.

However, last night, he was utterly ineffective. Whether it was due to a lack of game time in recent weeks, a lack of match sharpness, the excellent defending from Bayern or just the occasion itself, for whatever reason, the usually explosive winger was practically nowhere to be seen.

This is an opinion shared by GOAL's Matt O'Connor-Simpson, who gave the former Ituano-gem a 4/10 on the night and wrote that he 'didn't really get into the game, with Kimmich largely getting the better of him.'

While that might sound harsh, it's an observation backed up by the star's statistics. In his 66 minutes of action, he registered an expected goals figure of just 0.10, took no shots on target, took one shot off target, failed in three of his four dribbles, took just 27 touches and lost the ball eight times.

Martinelli's game vs Bayern

Minutes

66

Expected Goals

0.10

Expected Assists

0.10

Shots on Target

0

Shots off Target

1

Shots Blocked

2

Dribbles Attempted (Successful)

4 (1)

Touches

27

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (1)

Duels (Won)

6 (1)

Lost Possession

8

Fouls

1

All Stats via Sofascore

Overall, it wasn't a good performance, and with two players right behind him, it looks as if Martinelli has played himself out of the starting lineup, at least for now.

The options to replace Martinelli

Now, there are only two genuine options for this, and both came on in the second half last night: Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.

While Martinelli struggled to make even the smallest impact on the game last night, both of Arteta's attacking substitutions made a monumental difference. Trossard scored the Gunners' equaliser after some genuinely incredible footwork from Jesus cleared the way for him.

That said, which one should start in the second leg?

Well, in terms of pure output this season, it's close, but with 13 goals and two assists to his name in 38 appearances, the Belgian comes out just ahead, although with eight goals and six assists in nine fewer appearances, the former Manchester City ace is arguably more dangerous.

Moreover, while the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion star has an impressive haul of four goals and one assist in eight Champions League appearances this season, his Brazilian competitor has an even more impressive record of four goals and three assists in seven appearances.

Trossard vs Jesus this season

Player

Trossard

Jesus

Appearances

38

29

Goals

13

8

Assists

2

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.39

0.48

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Lastly, when it comes to experience in Europe's premier competition, there is no competition between them. The 27-year-old marksman has years of experience to call upon in the toughest of moments, which is something Trossard just doesn't have.

Ultimately, while Martinelli is an incredibly talented winger and looks destined for a tremendous career in north London, his shocking performance last night must see him dropped from the lineup ahead of the second leg and replaced with the vastly experienced Jesus.

Related Saved by Jesus: 4/10 star had one of his worst nights in Arsenal colours

The talented star underperformed when Arsenal needed him most in Europe.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 10, 2024

Half-centuries to Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt propelled England Women to a resounding 84-run victory over Pakistan and an unassailable 2-0 lead in their T20I series in Malaysia.Jones compiled an innings of 89 runs off 52 balls before she was bowled by the off-spin of veteran allrounder Nida Dar as England fell to 162 for 4 after Heather Knight had won the toss. It was a second half-century in a row for Jones as she shared a 120-run partnership with fellow opener Wyatt, who struck 55 off 36 balls in her 100th T20I before she was caught by Javeria Khan off the bowling of Anam Amin. Jones also scored 53 off 39 balls in England’s 29-run win in the first of their three T20Is against Pakistan on Tuesday.Wyatt was thrilled to have reached her 100-match milestone. “There have been a lot of highs and lows along the way but I’ve enjoyed the journey, and it means a lot to get here,” she said.””It’s great batting with Amy and we were happy to get us off to a good start. We’d have liked one of us to go on and get a hundred but it was a decent total.”It’s tricky with the ball when the chase begins to be unlikely, but the bowlers stayed really disciplined and kept their standards high.”England’s bowlers contained Pakistan well, with Iram Javed top-scoring for the hosts with 38 before she was caught behind by Jones off the bowling of Katherine Brunt. Brunt finished with 2 for 19 off her four overs, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone recorded the impressive figures of 3-1-5-2. Mady Villiers, playing only her second T20I since making her debut against Australia during the Ashes in July, took 2 for 21 off four overs.The teams play the final match of the series on Friday, after which England’s next T20I campaign will be the tri-series with Australia and India in Australia in January and February with new coach Lisa Keightley in charge. That series precedes the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, also in Australia, in February and March.

Former England international Jesse Lingard has paid tribute to Gareth Southgate following his resignation as Three Lions boss.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

England lose to Spain in Euro 2024 finalSouthgate resigns as Three Lions bossLingard pays tribute to ex-managerWHAT HAPPENED?

Two days after England's 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, Southgate decided to resign as Three Lions manager – ending a near eight-year spell in charge. Now, FC Seoul man Lingard, who was handed his England debut by Southgate in 2016, has heaped praise on the 53-year-old and wished him the best in the future.

AdvertisementWHAT JESSE LINGARD SAID

He wrote on Instagram: "Thank you for everything gaffer, from managing me at u21 level to giving me my debut for @england and making many memories that brought the nation together that I’ll cherish for a lifetime 🙌🏾❤️ wishing you the best on your next chapter 🤝🏾."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lingard earned all of his 36 caps under Southgate between 2016-2021, with his highlight coming during the 2018 World Cup as England reach the semi-finals in Russia. His gaffer led the nation to two Euros finals, is the country's most successful national boss since Sir Alf Ramsey and it is clear he had a big impact on many players during his time as England manager.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

For former Manchester United player Lingard, he could feature for Seoul against Pohang Steelers on Wednesday in the Korean FA Cup, whereas England are looking for a replacement for Southgate in the Three Lions hotseat.

Left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny and paceman Al-Amin Hossain have been recalled to Bangladesh’s T20I squad for their three-match series against India next month. Both of them had last played a T20I in 2016.

Bangladesh T20I squad

• Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Aminul Islam, Arafat Sunny, Mohammad Saifuddin, Al-Amin Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam

• IN: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Arafat Sunny, Al-Amin Hossain

• OUT: Sabbir Rahman, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Najmul Hossain

Along with them, Tamim Iqbal, who had taken a break from the game, will return to action in India, as will Soumya Sarkar, who was dropped midway through the T20I tri-series at home against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in September.Meanwhile, Sabbir Rahman, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain and Najmul Hossain, who were all in the squad for the tri-series, were left out.Sunny was the top wicket-taker for Rajshahi Kings in the 2018-19 Bangladesh Premier League, taking 16 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 7.68. Al-Amin had an underwhelming BPL stint, managing just three wickets in five games, but chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that his fitness had tilted the scales in his favour.”Al-Amin is in good shape and one of the few fit pace bowlers currently,” he said. “We want to make use of his experience of playing in the 2016 World T20 in India. For our spin options, we picked Sunny as a back-up, since Taijul will only play the Tests.”Minhajul also explained that Soumya had been picked following a request by the coach, Russell Domingo. “We didn’t pick him, but we selected him because of the coach.”Soumya was recalled despite scoring just 60 runs in the two innings he played for Bangladesh A and Khulna Division after being dropped from the national side. Soumya had struggled in the World Cup, too, managing only 166 runs in eight innings at an average of 20.75.As for Tamim, who had missed the one-off Test against Afghanistan and the subsequent tri-series, he is understood to be recovering well from a rib injury, and proved his fitness in the four-day National Cricket League by making 30 and 46 for Chittagong Division.

أعلن نادي رابيد بوخارست المنافس في بطولة الدوري الروماني عن وصول قرار رسمي من الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” بشأن أزمة اللاعب، آرون بوبيندزا.

وكان الزمالك قد دخل في أزمة مع رابيد قبل شهر بسبب اللاعب الجابوني الذي أعلن النادي المصري عن التعاقد معه رسميًا عبر حساباته الإلكترونية.

ولكن اللاعب لم يأت إلى القاهرة ولم ينضم إلى الزمالك بل انتقل إلى رابيد بوخارست وأعلن النادي الروماني عن الصفقة ولكن لم يلعب أبدًا مع الفريق.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الزمالك: سنتحرك لتثبيت جملة أكبر قلعة رياضية في مصر

وكان الزمالك قد رفع شكوى ضد اللاعب في الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، ما أجل حصول رابيد بوخارست على البطاقة الدولية ومشاركة بوبيندزا مع الفريق.

ولكن اليوم، الخميس، أكد نادي رابيد بوخارست الروماني عبر حسابهم الرسمي على موقع “فيس بوك” أنهم تلقوا هذا الصباح ردا من الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” وهو إيجابي بشأن أوراق اعتماد آرون بوبيندزا.

Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their first league double over Chelsea since the 1974/75 season with their recent 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge and the Old Gold are eyeing a top-half Premier League finish this term.

The momentum is clearly with Gary O’Neil’s side following their third win of 2024 and if they can maintain this type of form, they could even challenge for the European spots.

Will his decision not to sign another centre-forward during the dying embers of the transfer window come back to haunt O’Neil, however? Especially as they were linked with a few names.

The striker Wolves missed out on

With the Molineux outfit sending Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva out on loan, while losing Hwang Hee-Chan to international duty, it looked as though they would be signing at least one attacker.

Hugo Ekitiké was a player heavily linked with the club throughout the transfer window, yet no move materialised, and he ended up joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan deal with an option to buy – coincidentally, the same club Kalajdzic joined.

It could turn out to be a bad call not making a more concrete move for the youngster, especially considering his talents in front of goal.

With Matheus Cunha shining of late – notably scoring a hat-trick versus Chelsea – Ekitike could have worked well alongside the Brazilian, and it may have been a partnership which spurred Wolves on to potentially grabbing a European spot.

Goals

0.42

0.23

Assists

0.28

0.31

Progressive carries

4.21

1.80

Passes completed

22.9

21.2

Tackles (Mid third)

0.69

0.78

Interceptions

0.60

0.70

Hugo Ekitiké would have been ideal for Matheus Cunha

The 6 foot 2 gem burst onto the scene with Stade Reims during the 2021/22 campaign, scoring ten goals in Ligue 1, and he was even touted for a move to Newcastle United in the January transfer window midway through that season.

“Outstanding talent – huge signing for Newcastle if they get it done, many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe, stated journalist Graeme Bailey amid the interest, and the young talent soon found himself in a team containing the French superstar.

Three goals in 25 league games wasn’t a reflection of his abilities, but he had to contend with playing as a backup to the acclaimed triumvirate of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The striker did rank fifth among the squad for goals and assists (five), fourth for shots on target per game (0.5) and fifth for scoring frequency (a goal every 385 minutes), suggesting that he didn’t do too badly among some sublime talents.

If he made the move to Wolves, however, his abilities would have allowed him to work in tandem with Cunha at the head of the club’s attack.

The 21-year-old currently ranks in the top 13% when compared to his positional peers for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.26) and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90 (2.23), demonstrating that his game goes to a much greater depth than just scoring goals.

With Cunha netting 11 goals and grabbing seven assists this term, it is evident that they are both equally adept at finding the back of the net along with creating chances for others.

This duo could have caused plenty of chaos against defences in the Premier League and O’Neil may go on to rue missing out on the prodigious Frenchman.