كشف كارلو أنشيلوتي، المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ريال مدريد الإسباني، عن موقف الدولي الإنجليزي جود بيلينجهام من المشاركة أمام برشلونة غدًا.
ويواجه ريال مدريد نظيره برشلونة، غدًا الأحد، في نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني، على ملعب الجوهرة المشعة، بمدينة جدة بالمملكة العربية المتحدة.
وقال أنشيلوتي في تصريحات بالمؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بالمباراة: “لقد قيّمنا ما حدث في مباراة الدوري، بدأنا بشكل جيد وتراجعنا في الشوط الثاني، علينا أن نتجنب الأخطاء التي ارتكبناها”.
طالع أيضًا | بنزيما يعلن موعد اعتزاله كرة القدم وما قاله لـ فينيسيوس.. ويصرح: أفكر في العودة إلى ريال مدريد
وأضاف: “الكلاسيكو هو دائمًا كلاسيكو، خاصة إذا كان في مباراة نهائية، واللعب ضد برشلونة دائمًا شيء مميز لنا وللجماهير في جميع أنحاء العالم”.
وسُئل كارلو عن ما إذا كانت الخسارة 4-0 في الكلاسيكو أسوأ ذكرياته، أجاب: “إذا كانت هناك هزيمة فهي هزيمة مثل أي مباراة، لكن غدًا مباراة نهائية، ونحن قريبون جدًا من الفوز باللقب”.
وأكمل: “يمكن أن يحدث أي شيء في كرة القدم، خاصة عندما يتعلق الأمر بمنافس مثل برشلونة، الهزيمة لن تكون جيدة بالتأكيد، لكننا سنواصل المضي قدمًا”.
وشدد: “لن تكون مفاجآت غدًا في التشكيل، تلك المباراة لا يمكن التنبؤ بها، ونحن واضحون جدًا، هناك العديد من التفاصيل التي تتحكم في هذه المباراة، ما يمكننا التحكم فيه هو مستوانا بالملعب”.
وواصل: “الفوز ببطولة السوبر دائمًا يجعلنا أفضل، عندما لا نحقق اللقب لا نفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا، وهذا ما يؤكد أنها منافسة تمنحنا الحافز والديناميكية فيما هو قادم من الموسم”.
وعن موقف أولمو من المشاركة قال: “داني أولمو سوف يلعب أمامنا، وعلينا أن نحاول التقليل من جودته، إنه لاعب هام للغاية، وهذا كل شيء”.
وعند سؤاله عن المنافسات على الألقاب لـ7 الممكنة هذا العام، أجاب الإيطالي: “لا نفكر في هذا، كل ما علينا فعله هو أننا نفوز غدًا ومن ثم نفكر في البطولات الأخرى، كأس العالم للأندية سيكون في الصيف، بعيد جدًا وبالتالي لا يمكن التفكير فيه الآن”.
وعن موقف بيلينجهام من المشاركة، قال أنشيلوتي: “إنه بخير، لقد تعافى من الإصابة التي كان يعاني منها، كانت مجرد حمل بدني من ضغط المباريات، لكنه اللاعب الذي يحدث الفارق دائمًا”.
وعلق على استبعاد إينياكي بينيا من تشكيل برشلونة أمام بلباو: “الجدول الزمني أمر مهم، ويجب أن يكون جميع اللاعبين منضبطين”.
وأردف: “المباراة غدًا بها العديد من المهارات الفردية لدى اللاعبين، سيكون هناك جانب مهم وهو التوازن بين العمل الجماعي والفردي، إنه كلاسيكو في النهاية”.
واختتم: “لا يمكن توقع النتيجة، نحاول أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا ونحاول الفوز بلقب آخر ونفتتح 2025 ببطولة، برشلونة هو منافسنا التاريخي وستكون لعبة معقدة للغاية، والصعوبة لن تكون علينا فقط، هم كذلك سيواجهون صعوبة”.
One of the common occurrences at Manchester United since Erik ten Hag has been in charge of the club is to sign players directly from, or with a connection to his former club Ajax. This has happened on multiple occasions, with the Dutchman regularly turning to his former club in order to bring in some familiar faces.
In total, Ten Hag has made 16 signings across four windows as United boss, with four of them having direct links to Ajax, and a further four having some kind of connection to Dutch football; Mason Mount had a loan spell at Vitesse, Tyrell Malacia came through the academy at Feyenoord, Sofyan Amrabat his former player at Utrecht and Wout Weghorst playing for several Dutch clubs.
Then, there are those with direct links to Ajax. Christian Eriksen played for Ajax earlier in his career before moving to Tottenham. Both Lisandro Martinez and Antony played under Ten Hag during his final seasons at the Dutch giants, and Andre Onana was a part of the hugely successful 2018/19 Champions League run where they made the semi-finals.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks toAntony
Now, Ten Hag is once again linked with a former Ajax player, who was a teammate of Onana’s during their remarkable Champions League campaign in 2018/19.
Man Utd target Dutch defender
The player in question here is Bayern Munich and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt. After leaving Ajax in 2019 to join Juventus, the Dutchman now finds himself at the German giants but could depart the club this summer.
Indeed, that is according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, who reports that the Red Devils “have started internal discussions” over the potential signing of De Ligt. As per the report, this is “primarily” to do with De Ligt’s former boss, Ten Hag, showing interest in adding his former captain to the United squad.
De Ligt
The report from Plettenberg does not include any other interested parties, meaning United could have a clear and unopposed run at the 24-year-old Netherlands international. However, he does specify that there have not been “any concrete moves” as of yet and that United are merely “in the process of gathering more information” about a transfer.
Plettenberg reports that a fee of around €50m (£42m) could be enough to sign De Ligt this summer, which is perhaps a surprising amount, given it would see Bayern make a loss. They paid £65.6m back in 2022 to acquire his services from Italian giants Juventus.
Why De Ligt would be a good signing
There is no doubt that United need to make at least one addition at centre-back this summer. Legendary Frenchman Raphael Varane has departed the club upon the expiration of his contract, with Red Devils icon Jonny Evans’ deal also up in a few weeks.
United have had an offer for one centre-back rejected already this summer. Everton turned down a bid for Jarrad Branthwaite, worth £35m, with the BBC reporting that they want closer to £80m. Thus, for half of the price, De Ligt could be a perfect alternative or rival.
Looking on a pure statistical front, De Ligt’s in-possession numbers stack up very well against the England international, as per FBref. The Dutchman averages 6.36 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to Branthwaite’s 2.14, and has a far better pass completion rate of 93.9% compared to Branthwaite’s 79.8%.
The 24-year-old’s ball-carrying stats are also slightly better than Branthwaite's. Whilst it is not necessarily a key feature of his game, De Ligt averages 1.04 progressive carries per 90, with Branthwaite’s just 0.06.
However, defensively the Everton man trumps De Ligt. Branthwaite averages a higher aerial win rate of 68.6% compared to De Ligt’s 59.4%, more ball recoveries per 90, specifically 5.23 compared to the Dutchman’s 4.74 and more tackles and interceptions made, with 3.35, with De Ligt slightly lower at 2.21 per 90.
In signing De Ligt, United would still be adding a quality defender to their squad, who is a more than capable box defender. Whilst not as mobile or adept at defending wide areas as Branthwaite, the former Ajax man is still a great defender.
The 24-year-old struggled with injuries all too often last season. He played just 30 times in all competitions, missing 20 games for both club and country with various injuries, notably a knee ligament issue. He worked hard to get himself in favour with outgoing Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, however, and became an integral player at the end of the season.
De Ligt's record under Ten Hag
With that being said, perhaps a move to United is a smart idea to help his career get back on the right track. De Ligt first made a name for himself playing under Ten Hag, and he is the manager he has played under the most in his career.
Competition
Games
Minutes
Clean Sheets
Eredivisie
48
4320
21
Champions League Qualifiers
6
540
3
Champions League
11
990
3
Dutch Cup
5
378
3
Total
70
6228
30
The United boss clearly thinks highly of him, having resigned to a sale of De Ligt in 2019, explaining that there was “zero chance” of him staying at Ajax, to which he was later proved right when he moved to Juventus. He attributed Ajax’s ability to play courageous and creative football “because De Ligt is our captain”, very high praise from your manager aged just 19. Not only that, Ten Hag noted his former captain’s love for the “art of defending” as a real strong point in his game.
Matthijs de Ligt
Indeed, De Ligt’s leadership that he could bring to United to help fill the void of the soon-to-depart Varane. In the past, the World Cup winner’s leadership has been highlighted by several notable figures in French football. His captain in that successful 2018 tournament, Hugo Lloris, explained that Varane is a “leader in our team”, and former Real Madrid boss and one of France’s all-time greats, Zinedine Zidane, noted that on many occasions Varane has the “ability to be a leader”.
Manchester United's Raphael Varane.
Bringing in a player who Ten Hag both views and values so much as a leader would go a long way to helping United fill the Varane void. Not only that, he helps save money on the Branthwaite deal, which are funds that can be reinvested elsewhere into the squad. On the face of things, it seems like a deal United should strongly consider, especially for the rumoured £42m fee.
Ratcliffe must axe Man Utd ace who earns 4x more than Branthwaite
The Man Utd man only made 12 starts last season in the Premier League.
Kyle Walker is wanted by Al-Ahli as the Saudi Arabian club aim to team the Manchester City star up with Ivan Toney in Jeddah.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Walker eyed by Al-Ahli for huge move
Saudi club signed Ivan Toney in summer
City want around £20m ($26m)
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Per , Al-Ahli are interested in signing Walker this summer and have identified him as their leading summer target. The 34-year-old has two years left on his contract but City would accept around £20m for the England star if he decides he wants a new challenge. Walker has been in the headlines for off-pitch reasons, amid a love triangle involving his wife Annie Kilner and Lauryn Goodman.
Advertisement
Getty
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The emergence of Rico Lewis means City have a ready-made replacement for Walker on their books, and Al-Ahli are keen to team Walker with their marquee summer signing, Toney. However, it would almost certainly bring down the curtain on his England career; he has won 90 caps for his country.
DID YOU KNOW?
Walker has made three starts for City in the Premier League this season but he remains the club's captain. He has been with City since 2017, winning six titles and the Champions League.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFP
WHAT NEXT?
City play Wolves on Sunday. They are currently second in the Premier League table, one point behind leaders Liverpool.
Ipswich Town won't just be targeting flashy additions ahead of their voyage into the Premier League, with a focus on adding in future talents also on the agenda at Portman Road.
Kieran McKenna will be content with the main components of his squad currently, knowing that the back-to-back promotions that were achieved was due to having a tight-knit group moving up to League One and then the Championship, but that doesn't mean the Tractor Boys won't seal some incomings soon.
One potential incoming won't instantly break into the first-team, considering Ipswich are entering into an almighty tough season ahead as underdogs in the elite division, but he could end up being a Wes Burns repeat, who joined from lowly Fleetwood Town in 2021 and is now a key first-team performer.
Ipswich looking at exciting non-league starlet
According to a report by football journalist Graeme Bailey, Ipswich, alongside a whole host of other clubs up and down the English leagues, are eyeing up 18-year-old centre-back George Nevett from Rochdale this summer.
Crystal Palace and Southampton have allegedly been looking at Nevitt since January, according to Bailey, whilst the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall and Peterborough United are also keeping tabs on the Dale youngster.
Calm on the ball when playing out from the back for the National League side this season just gone, as can be seen in the video above, Nevett would go on to amass 34 league appearances.
It would still be a gigantic leap up for Nevett if Ipswich were successful in winning his services, however, considering this was his first full senior campaign.
Yet, Burns was playing at the same level for Forest Green once upon a time, with the Welsh winger now immortalised into the Ipswich hall-of-fame after bagging versus Huddersfield Town on the final day of the campaign, in a match that saw automatic promotion be clinched.
His compatriot in Nevett would be some way off becoming a hero in the first-team ranks if he does join, but he will take inspiration from Burns' ascent, as well as looking at Luke Woolfenden's rise, who was once a youngster learning the ropes at Portman Road himself before becoming a promotion-winner.
Why Nevett can look at Woolfenden for inspiration
Woolfenden is a story of perseverance paying off, with the 25-year-old very much contemplating an exit from his hometown club before McKenna's arrival on the scene, having found his first team opportunities limited.
It was a breakneck start to his senior career, making his Championship debut when just one year older than Nevett for the Tractor Boys back in 2018, before opportunities began to dry up in the first-team mix.
Season
Games played
Goals
Assists
23/24
42
1
1
22/23
47
2
1
21/22
38
0
0
20/21
28
1
0
19/20
36
1
2
18/19
1
0
0
17/18
4
0
0
Making a combined 89 appearances over the last two campaigns in all competitions, with McKenna at the helm, Woolfenden will hope he's still a vital name on the team sheet for the move up to the Premier League, having worked hard to get to this point.
Nevett will strive to be as patient if he ends up leaving the comforts of Dale behind for Suffolk soon, having been tipped to go "right to the top" by football analyst Tom Williams, when being linked with a switch to Oliver Glasner's Eagles back in January – having also been lauded as a "highly-rated" by journalist Pete O'Rourke.
This could end up being a major transfer battle, as Nevett weighs up whether a move to the Premier League early into his fledging career would be beneficial, or a switch that could be detrimental to the teenager.
Transfer reunion: Ipswich eyeing dream Hutchinson alternative
Ipswich Town could set their sights away from Omari Hutchinson with this summer addition.
Over the years, there is something romantic about Manchester United signing players from within the Premier League. It has often been a match made in heaven, with the Red Devils recruiting proven players from top-flight rivals, who have so often gone on to make a big difference in a title race.
Perhaps the best example is Wayne Rooney, who joined United from Everton in 2004, as an 18-year-old. Rooney is now the club’s record goalscorer, and won countless tiles both domestically and continentally with United, signing for a deal worth up to £27m.
Rio Ferdinand is another player who United brought in from a fellow Premier League side, this time bitter rivals Leeds United. Ferdinand cost the Red Devils £30m, a record fee at the time, and the defender became a pivotal member of the side, helping to create the same dynasty Rooney built.
Legendary striking duo Dwight Yorke who signed from Aston Villa, and Andy Cole who signed from Newcastle United, were also brought in from top-flight rivals. Cole arrived a few years before Yorke, but both were pivotal in United’s treble success of 1998/99 – contributing 53 goals between them.
Now, United could look to repeat the feat this summer and sign one of the best strikers of the 2023/24 season to strengthen their attacking options.
Man Utd looking to sign Premier League striker
The player in question here is Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins, who has had a stellar season at Villa Park, helping his side into the Champions League. He has now been attracting interest from several clubs this summer, including Manchester United.
At least, that is according to Graeme Bailey, who claims that Watkins is well-liked by the Old Trafford club, 'who want a striker to ease the burden' on 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
However, United are not the only Premier League side who are interested in signing 28-year-old Watkins from the Villans. Bailey explains that the England international also has 'admirers' from Arsenal, United’s arch-rivals Liverpool, and Chelsea.
With that being said, it would be a tough deal to do, despite all four clubs believing Watkins could be signed at the right price. According to Bailey, Unai Emery’s side 'insist they have no plans to sell' their star man, especially given the fact they have Champions League football to look forward to at Villa Park next season.
How Watkins could replicate Yorke at Man Utd
There are several striking similarities between Yorke’s move to United and Watkins’ potential transfer to the 13-time Premier League champions. The main thing is, of course, they are both coming from Villa.
Yorke joined United for a fee of £17.3m in 1998, off the back of an impressive season at Villa Park, in which he scored 12 goals and registered four assists. In today’s money, he would have cost the Red Devils £75.6m, worked out using the conversion tool on The Transfer Index.
Watkins himself is going into the summer following a superb campaign. The 28-year-old scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists in 37 Premier League games this season. As per Football Observatory, he is currently valued at £52m but could cost upwards of £75m, a similar fee to what Yorke would cost in 2024.
Stat
Watkins (2023/24)
Yorke (1997/98)
Games
37
30
Goals
19
12
Assists
13
4
Watkins could certainly have a similar impact at United to that of Yorke. The Trinidad and Tobago international was more than just a goalscorer for the Red Devils, providing 32 assists to go along with his 66 goals. Watkins is also a provider of goals as well as a scorer, as he has shown this season. His 13 assists were bettered by no one else, and he won the playmaker award.
Watkins was described as a “nightmare to play against” by Leicester City defender Conor Coady last April, and this is certainly something that is reflected in his stats from this season. As per Fbref, Watkins averages 0.36 assists per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, which ranks him in the top 1%. He is a wonderful creator.
Not only that, but he has the uncanny ability to make something out of nothing in front of goal, the mark of all good strikers. He averages 0.73 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 7%.
Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa
Like Yorke, Watkins would join United as a proven Premier League footballer in the prime of his career. Whilst he would have to sacrifice Champions League football this season, he has the chance to help take the Red Devils back to the top and go down in the history of the club.
It remains to be seen whether a deal for the Englishman will be struck, yet it might be one that could help spur United on and help them fight on all fronts for trophies again.
Man Utd eye dream Branthwaite alternative who's "similar" to Ferdinand
The Red Devils could be looking to secure a long-term centre-back addition…
Akmal was banned for three years by the PCB for not reporting corrupt approaches
Danyal Rasool06-Jul-2020Umar Akmal’s appeal against his three-year ban will be heard next Monday on July 13 by an independent adjudicator at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore. The adjudicator is a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retired) Faqir Mohammad Khokhar, and notices have been issued to both Akmal and the PCB with regards to the timing of the hearing.The appeal was set to be heard on June 11 but became yet another victim of the coronavirus pandemic, coming at a time when cases were increasing rapidly across Pakistan and lockdowns were imposed across Lahore. As a result, it was postponed; and now that the date of the new hearing has been confirmed, Akmal is set to learn his fate in a week’s time.Akmal was banned for three years by the PCB on April 27 for failing to report corrupt approaches and was found guilty of two breaches of the board’s anti-corruption code. The charges come under Article 2.4.4, which deals with “failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code”. While each charge carries a three-year ban, they are being run concurrently.The severity of the punishment was at the time considered surprising, but it emerged he had been handed the stiffer-than-expected penalty for failing to show sufficient remorse. Players who had fallen foul in a similar manner to Akmal previously were handed far lighter sanctions, with Mohammad Irfan banned in 2017 for six months, while Mohammad Nawaz was given a two-month ban.Three weeks later, Akmal announced he would contest the decision on grounds that the length of the ban was unprecedented for a breach of the nature he had been found guilty of committing. According to the PCB’s code, the appeal does not mean a fresh hearing will have to be conducted, with the appeals process limiting itself to “a consideration of whether the decision being appealed was erroneous”.The ban has come as the most significant setback to 29-year-old Akmal, whose career has been littered with controversy. Repeated incidents of indiscipline since his debut in 2009 have meant that he has been fined and suspended on several occasions; and an inability to stay fit has led to penalties as well. In September 2017, he copped a three-month ban for publicly criticising then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, and earlier this year, was reprimanded by the PCB for misbehaving after failing a fitness test, reportedly exposing himself to a trainer in frustration at one point.
It was another weekend of mixed fortunes for Arsenal, as they dispatched Bournemouth to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League, only for Manchester City to instantly reduce the gap back to a single point.
Mikel Arteta's side might not be in the driving seat anymore, but with players like Leandro Trossard scoring for fun at the moment, they look set to carry on the fight until the very end.
The Belgian has become one of the Gunners' most important players in recent months, and yet there is a squad player who earns more than him and summer signing Jurrien Timber, who must be sold this year.
The signings of Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber
The North Londoners completed the £27m signing of Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 after missing out on their supposed primary target Mykhailo Mudryk to cross-city rivals Chelsea – talk about dodging a bullet.
Trossard's Arsenal record
Season
2022/23
2023/24
Appearances
22
44
Goals
1
16
Assists
10
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.50
0.40
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Since moving to the capital, the versatile forward has become an integral part of Arteta's system. He provided ten assists and scored one goal in 22 appearances last season before scoring 16 goals and providing two assists in 44 games so far this year.
The 29-year-old has been so influential in the year and a half he's been in N5 that he has now firmly established himself as the starting leftwinger for the rest of the campaign, ahead of the incredibly talented youngster Gabriel Martinelli and all while earning the relatively modest – in the world of football – wage of £90k-per-week.
On the other hand, Timber – who also makes £90k-per-week – hasn't been able to prove his worth in England as, after making his £38m move from Dutch giants Ajax in the summer, he played just 50 minutes of Premier League football before suffering from an ACL injury which has seen him remain out of action to this day.
However, the "intelligent, mature, and versatile young defender," as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, proved his worth in Amsterdam before coming to London. He made 121 appearances for Die Godenzonen, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
Overall, both stars have shown why they should be earning the salary they are, but this cannot be said for a Hale End graduate who is making more than both while playing little to no role in the first team this year.
Wage Burners
Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.
Why Reiss Nelson has to be sold
Nelson has been with Arsenal since the age of eight and has been in and around the first team for six years, since making his debut in the 2017 Community Shield.
However, aside from the odd goal here and there – including that last-minute winner against Bournemouth last season – he's struggled to have a tangible impact on the first team's fortunes.
The Elephant and Castle-born winger has made just 89 appearances for Arsenal since his debut, in which he has scored eight goals and provided nine assists, which, while not a terrible return, is nothing special, which makes the fact he was offered a £100k-per-week contract last summer all the more perplexing.
The finances of Reiss Nelson's Arsenal Deal
Wages (Total)
£100k (£9.2m)
Appearances
89
Cost per Appearance
£103k
Goals
8
Cost per Goal
£1.1m
Assists
9
Cost per Assist
£1m
Goal Involvements
17
Cost per Goal Involvement
£540k
All Stats via Transfermarkt & All Wages via Capology
In all, when taking into account the money the 24-year-old has earned in the seasons he has been in London – he spent two seasons on loan – he has cost the Gunners around £9.2m in wages, which can be broken down to £103k-per-appearance, £1.1m-per-goal, or £1m-per-assist.
In other words, from a financial or footballing perspective, it's not been a beneficial deal for the club.
So, with Football Transfers reporting late last week that Crystal Palace are interested in bringing the Hale End graduate to Selhurst Park in the summer, it might be high time for Edu and Arteta to let him go and finally cash in on a player who hasn't justified his wages in red and white.
Arsenal eyeing dream £26m Isak alternative who reminds Wenger of Henry
The incredible forwards has been tearing it up this season and could be the better option for the Gunners.
O São Paulo treinou na manhã desta terça-feira (29), no CT da Barra Funda, em preparação para o clássico contra o Corinthians, às 21h30 desta quarta-feira, na Neo Química Arena, pela oitava rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. E a atividade contou com uma novidade.
Léo renovou contrato: veja a duração dos vínculos dos jogadores do São Paulo
Em recuperação deum estiramento no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda, o zagueiro Miranda treinou com o elenco do Tricolor e pode ser ao menos relacionado para o Majestoso. A tendência é que fique no banco de reservas.
CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO DE 2021!
RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo estreia no Paulista sub-20 contra o Audax; veja a tabelaSão Paulo29/06/2021São PauloSão Paulo aguarda situação de Léo; zaga passa por diversos desfalquesSão Paulo28/06/2021São PauloMarquinhos vibra com gol na estreia de Alex no São Paulo: ‘Especial’São Paulo28/06/2021
Miranda se lesionou na derrota para o Atlético-MG por 1 a 0, no dia 13 de junho, no Mineirão. Na ocasião, ele sentiu dores ainda na primeira etapa após uma dividida e precisou sair de campo. Desde então, o camisa 23 foi desfalque em quatro partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro.
🆕 De volta ao CT da Barra Funda com novidade 👇@miranda023, que se recupera de um estiramento no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda, treinou com o elenco.#VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪
Como mostrou o LANCE!, o São Paulo vem convivendo com diversos desfalques na defesa. Além de Miranda, Arboleda, que está na seleção equatoriana, também não vem jogando pelo Tricolor. Sendo assim, o time de Hernán Crespo vem precisando improvisar, colocando o lateral-esquerdo Reinaldo no setor.
Leeds United took another step on the road to securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League with a big 3-1 win over Hull City on Monday.
The Whites needed a late penalty from Crysencio Summerville, who took the ball off Joel Piroe to take the spot-kick, and a stoppage time long-ranger from Dan James to secure all three points at Elland Road, after Fabio Carvalho cancelled out Sam Byram's opener.
Ipswich Town are currently one point ahead of the club, in first place, whilst Leicester City are one point behind Daniel Farke's side, with one game in hand on the top two.
Daniel Farke before a game with Leeds United.
Leeds will be looking to avoid the lottery of the play-offs in the post-season and that means that they have to keep churning out results over the next six matches to ensure that they finish in one of the top two places to land automatic promotion to the Premier League, having been relegated from the top-flight last summer.
The Whites reportedly already have allowed some of their focus to shift to the summer transfer window and how they could improve their squad, whether they are in the Championship or the top division.
Leeds interest in Championship star
According to a recent report from the Belfast Telegraph, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Sunderland star Trai Hume at the end of the season.
The outlet claimed that the Whites are considering a swoop to snap up the Northern Ireland international to bolster their options at full-back ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
It named Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Leicester as the other English teams keeping tabs on his progress at the Stadium of Light, which means that there could be Premier League competition for his signature.
Trai Hume
Reigning Serie A champions Napoli, who were in the Champions League this season, are also said to be weighing up a move for the talented right-back, who has seemingly caught the eye with his performances on the pitch in the Championship this season.
The report did not, however, reveal how much Sunderland would demand for the defender, who they paid £200k for in January 2022, from the interested clubs.
It, therefore, remains to be seen how viable a deal is for Leeds irrespective of the division they are due to be in next season. If the Whites are promoted to the Premier League, though, they could use that to tempt the full-back into making the move to Elland Road.
Farke could now land a big upgrade on current right-back Byram, who is out of contract at the end of this season, by securing a deal for Hume.
Sam Byram's Leeds season in numbers
The German boss brought the Leeds academy graduate back to Yorkshire for a second spell at the club, having also worked with him during their time together at Norwich, on a free transfer from the Canaries last summer.
Byram penned a one-year deal at Elland Road and has been a reliable performer when called upon throughout the season, at both left-back and right-back.
In four years at Norwich, the defender only played 54 matches in all competitions for the Norfolk-based outfit, with various injury issues, but has already racked up 32 appearances for Leeds this term.
Appearances
29
Starts
21
Sofascore rating
7.17
Duel success rate
55%
Tackles per game
1.8
Interceptions per game
1.2
As you can see in the table above, 29 of those games have come in the Championship as the versatile ace has provided Farke with defensive quality on the left and the right flank.
Byram, who scored the opening goal against Hull on Monday by bundling the ball in at the back post, has chipped in with two goals and one assist in those matches, with only one 'big chance' created for his teammates.
Sam Byram
Despite his solid performances in the Championship, his aforementioned injury issues with Norwich and the fact he turns 31 in September mean that it could make sense to shake hands and part ways in the summer.
His contract expires at the end of this season and Hume could be brought in as a natural successor to Byram, whilst being an upgrade on the 30-year-old gem who also has room to improve at the age of 22.
Why Trai Hume would be a Sam Byram upgrade
The Northern Irish whiz has been in fantastic form in the Championship for the Black Cats so far this season, and has outperformed the current Leeds man.
His progressive play on the ball could, firstly, make him a smart addition for Leeds from a stylistic perspective, given Farke's possession-based system.
Hume ranks within the top 16% of full-backs in the division for progressive passes (4.91) per 90, and the top 18% for pass success rate (81.6%), which shows that the 5 foot 11 dynamo looks to play forward to progress play for his side and is efficient at doing so in comparison to his positional peers.
The 22-year-old star, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting, also has fantastic defensive qualities that could make him a big upgrade on Byram.
Appearances
29
40
Tackles per game
1.8
3.4
Interceptions per game
1.2
1.5
Ball recoveries per game
3.7
5.5
Ground duel success rate
55%
58%
Aerial duel success rate
54%
60%
Red cards
0
1
As you can see in the table below, the Black Cats titan has outperformed the English defender in almost every key defensive metric in the Championship this season.
Hume wins possession back for his team more frequently, through tackles and interceptions, and wins a higher percentage of his duels with opposition attackers, on the ground and in the air, which shows that he is a more effective and efficient defender.
Like Byram, the young enforcer also has the versatility to be deployed at left-back or right-back. This means that the Leeds target could be the perfect signing to replace the former Norwich ace, given that he can operate and provide cover on either side.
Therefore, Farke must push to secure a deal for the talented defender to improve his squad during the summer transfer window, as Hume could offer more quality at the back with his fantastic defensive skills whilst also having room to develop at his young age.
On the whole this season, Manchester United’s League standing isn’t a true reflection of their performances, and in truth, they should be even lower in the table.
Erik ten Hag is now under increasing pressure to succeed, but the same problems continue to occur every game, with no signs of visible progression.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
The only positive that can be taken from this campaign is the rise of the youth, with Alejandro Garnacho thriving in particular, becoming a key player for the Red Devils, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the Premier League.
At just 19 years of age, the winger has truly cemented himself a spot in the starting lineup, as he continues to impress, but just imagine the levels he could go to with a new full-back providing support behind him.
Man Utd’s search for a new left-back
This season, the left-back position has been a huge problem for the Dutch boss due to often being left without a single available player in that role.
That’s currently the case at the moment, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both unavailable due to injuries, with the latter set to miss the entire campaign. It’s seen young Harry Amass given time among the senior team, however, named among the substitutes against Liverpool last Sunday.
Luke Shaw
Therefore, it’s no surprise to see that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is desperate to sign a new left-back this summer, and his first potential acquisition could be Miguel Gutierrez, according to the Sunday Mirror via TeamTALK.
However, the English club will not get a clean run at the Spaniard, with Real Madrid having a £6.8m buy-back clause and Arsenal previously scouting him.
Girona defenderMiguel Gutierrez.
That said, let’s take a look at the potential influence Gutierrez could have on Garnacho in particular.
Why Gutierrez could turn Garnacho into a monster
Gutierrez has taken Spain by storm this season, thriving in the unbelievable Girona side that has won the hearts of many football fans across Europe.
The 22-year-old defender has been simply sublime across his 28 La Liga appearances, showing he can impact the game both defensively and in the final third.
Miguel Gutierrez for Girona against Barcelona.
But most importantly, he’s suffered no injuries all campaign, with his latest and only setback of his career occurring in the 2021/22 season.
This means that if he were to join the Red Devils, he would be able to develop a brilliant relationship down the left with Garnacho, who’s slowly nailing down that role even over Marcus Rashford.
As you can see by the table below showcasing Gutierrez’s recent performance against Rayo Vallecano, the “fantastic” ace, as dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig, is an exceptionally well-rounded star.
Assists
1
Big chances created
2
Key passes
3
Successful dribbles
3/4
Duels won
6
Interceptions
2
Dribbled past
0
Firstly, the number 3 is an extremely solid defender who likes to take a proactive approach, as shown by his two interceptions, six duels won, and the fact he wasn’t dribbled past once.
However, it’s the threat that he brings in the final third that could see Garnacho improve, with Gutierrez often opting for direct dribbling to evade the opposition and drag them out of position, in turn potentially giving the Argentine more space to work his magic.
The Spaniard is also an accurate crosser of the ball, as displayed via his assist, three key passes, and two big chances created, with his overlapping runs making the United attack on the left far less predictable while giving Garnacho the option to cut inside or lay the ball off.
On top of this, the former Madrid ace currently ranks joint-first for big chances created in La Liga (14), which is the same as Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League and 13 more than Shaw.
Overall, United have needed a reliable left-back for years now, and Gutierrez does tick every box for the kind of profile that Ten Hag’s team needs. It could just prove game-changing for the progression of one of the club’s best young talents too.
Man Utd can sign bigger talent than Garnacho in “future Ballon d’Or winner”
The Man United target is starring at just 16 years old.