Christian Pulisic has snubbed Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas when picking his all-time favourite USMNT player, with another icon getting the nod.
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Celtic needed two late goals in stoppage time to secure a 3-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
Brendan Rodgers brought Norwich City loanee Adam Idah on for Kyogo Furuhashi at half-time and the Ireland international scored twice put the Hoops in front, having been 1-0 down.
The 23-year-old marksman has already scored four goals in four league appearances for the club, and appears to be on course to become one of the manager's best signings of the season.
Most of the boss' key players – including Matt O'Riley, Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Kyogo Furuhashi – were brought to the club by his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian tactician rarely missed in the transfer market with some fantastic signings in his two years at the club, with O'Riley, Kyogo, and Jota among the most impressive moves.
However, Postecoglou did not always get it right and Argentine left-back Alexandro Bernabei is one example of that, as the flop has endured a tough time in Glasgow and is worse than current first-choice Greg Taylor.
How much Celtic paid for Alexandro Bernabei
The Scottish giants swooped to sign the defender from Lanus, in his home country, for a fee within the region of £3.75m in the summer of 2022.
Upon signing for the Hoops, Bernabei revealed that the manager had faith in him and his ability to adapt to life in Scotland quickly to make an impact on the pitch.
It was a significant fee to pay for a young left-back, particularly when you consider that the club paid £3m to sign Taylor from Kilmarnock back in 2019, who had yet to reach 100 first-team appearances.
The Argentina U23 international had played 88 senior games for Lanus prior to Celtic deciding that they wanted to bring him over to the Premiership.
He had established himself as a regular starter for his former club in the Liga Profesional during the 2021 campaign, though, with 23 league starts that year.
Appearances
24
Goals
Zero
Assists
Two
Dribbled past
34 times
Duel success rate
48%
Sofascore rating
6.64
As you can see in the table above, there were some warning signs for Celtic in his performances in his home country as opposition players found it a little bit too easy to get the better of him at times.
He was dribbled past 1.4 times per game and lost more than half of his physical duels across those 24 league outings throughout the 2021 season.
These statistics did not suggest that Bernabei was set to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch as an attacking left-back, with a lack of goals and assists, or that he would be able to deal with the physicality of Scottish football.
Of course, the young full-back was signed at the age of 21 and Postecoglou may have viewed him as a long-term signing who could develop his game in and out of possession.
Alexandro Bernabei's Celtic career in numbers
It has not gone to plan for the now-23-year-old defender, though, as he has struggled badly in the Premiership and failed to establish himself as a regular option for either of his managers.
Postecoglou handed him 15 appearances and nine starts in the Scottish top-flight during the 2022/23 campaign as Taylor retained his place as the first-choice at left-back.
The Argentine dynamo did provide an attacking threat down the left flank with one goal and three assists in those nine league outings, which is a return of one assist every three starts on average.
However, Bernabei struggled out of possession as he failed to step up to the level of physicality required of a left-back in the Scottish league.
The 23-year-old dud lost 60% of his duels, including 63% of his battles on the deck, in his 15 Premiership appearances, which shows that opposition players found it far too easy to get the better of him.
He was also dribbled past 14 times and gave away a penalty in those nine starts as the young flop failed to provide a solid defensive presence at the back for Postecoglou.
Appearances
Eight
Starts
Three
Goals + assists
Zero
Dribbled past
Five times
Duel success rate
47%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Bernabei has also struggled to find his top form under Rodgers in the Premiership so far during the 2023/24 campaign.
The Argentine defender, who was recently criticised for his "weak" defensive work by ex-Hoops full-back Mark Wilson, has not offered much in an attacking sense and has still been poor off the ball as the opposition have got the better of him too easily.
Put simply, Postecoglou endured a rare transfer howler by signing him as he cost more than £750k more than Taylor, yet is worse than the Scotland international.
Greg Taylor's season in numbers
The former Kilmarnock star has been the first-choice option for Rodgers in the number three position and been an excellent performer for the Hoops.
Only Luis Palma (12) has created more 'big chances' for their teammates than Taylor (eight) in the Premiership so far this season, which highlights the impressive work the Scottish ace has done at the top end of the pitch.
The 26-year-old whiz, who has scored two goals, has produced 1.9 key passes per game and produced the assist for Idah's equaliser against Motherwell on Sunday with an excellent left-footed cross.
Defensively, Taylor has only been dribbled past 19 times in 24 league starts, which is less than once per start on average. Whereas, Bernabei has been dribbled past 19 times in 12 starts since the start of last season in the top-flight.
He has also won 54% of his duels on the ground in the Premiership this term, which shows that the current first-choice left-back can hold his own on the deck and deal with the physicality of the division.
Therefore, Taylor is a better option for Rodgers than Bernabei as opponents find it harder to dribble past him, win a lower percentage of their duels against him, and the Scottish gem has the quality to offer more in possession.
Therefore, Postecoglou had a howler with the signing of the Argentine dud as he cost more than the Scotland international, despite currently being worse than the ex-Killie ace.
As Thursday's transfer deadline approaches, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is trying to secure a reunion with Ben Godfrey, one of his former players at Norwich City.
Everton are open to letting Godfrey leave Goodison Park before the end of the window as they look to trim their wage bill, but they have rejected Leeds' first loan offer. 49ers Enterprises are still pushing to get the deal done, and are expected to return with another bid.
In the meantime, though, it's sensible for Leeds to put some feelers out for alternative centre-backs, to ensure they're not left empty-handed if they can't pull off the Godfrey deal. That's where Bournemouth's Chris Mepham comes in.
Leeds unsuccessful with Mepham approach
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have made an approach for Mepham, along with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, but both the Championship promotion-chasers and Premier League strugglers have been rebuffed by Andoni Iraola's side.
The Cherries regard him as too important a player to be sold or loaned out at this late stage, and they've told his suitors that he won't be leaving this week.
"Aggressive" Mepham has been hard done by
It sounds like Leeds can forget about signing Mepham, until the summer at the very least, and that's as disappointing as it is surprising. Bournemouth's stance isn't really consistent with the hard facts when it comes to Mepham's lack of involvement this season – as you can see in the table below, he's played almost as many minutes in the domestic cup competitions (225) as he has in the Premier League (265). Indeed, his start in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out was only his third in the top-flight this season.
Chris Mepham stats
Appearances
Minutes
Premier League
6
265
League Cup
2
180
FA Cup
1
45
Leeds fans may have relished what former manager Scott Parker has called an "aggressive" approach to defending from the Welshman. When compared to fellow centre-backs in similar leagues over the last year, he ranks in the 94th percentile for dribblers challenged per 90 (2.08), demonstrating his eagerness to put a foot in, and the 90th for blocks (1.74), which shows that he's ready to throw his body in the way of the ball. He sits in the 91st for interceptions too (1.82), so he clearly defends on the front foot.
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Now that Leeds look set to miss out, there's extra pressure on the club to land Godfrey, or indeed a different, plan-c target. It's unclear why exactly Everton were dissatisfied with their proposed terms – they may have wanted the Whites to take on a greater share of the player's salary – but whatever the reasoning, they need to either meet the Toffees' demands or move on at this stage.
Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to be active in the final hours of the January transfer window and have reportedly made their move for another "devastating" striker.
Lemina to join Wolves
So far in 2024, Wolves’ focus has been on outgoings, with a number of players departing on loan. There is still time for additions to be made before Thursday evening’s deadline, with sporting director Matt Hobbs hinting at the possibility of a few new faces arriving at Molineux, saying earlier this month:
“We dealt with the most pressing profit and sustainability issues during the summer in a positive and proactive way, so while Gary knows we’ll support him if we can, we’re also not going to put ourselves in any danger whatsoever.
“If players have gone out on loan, we can look to replace them, but they’ve got to be better than what we’ve got. The boys have done unbelievably well, and we have some talented young players coming through who want more minutes off the bench, but if we can improve what we’ve got, and help Gary and the squad be more competitive, then we will, within the financial position.
“Let’s focus on the players we’ve have in the building. Gary has spoken about developing the players that are here and I think all of them have improved under him, and that will continue to be the case. A lot of the time solutions lie within, but if we can help, we of course will.”
One player who appears to be on the cusp of joining Gary O'Neil's side is Paris Saint-Germain youngster Lemina. An agreement has been reached to sign the younger brother of Mario Lemina on loan with an option to buy.
After the teenager, though, it looks as if Wolves are working towards a significant striker signing.
Wolves make Broja approach
While talks are underway for Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, Wolves have also made a late approach to sign Armando Broja from Chelsea. However, the transfer expert stated that the Blues have turned down any talks over a deal, perhaps ramping up the importance of the move for Alberto.
Recent rumours suggested that Chelsea may have been willing to do business for Broja in a deal worth £35m, however, with it being so late in the window, it looks as if a transfer is now unlikely.
The 22-year-old has played less than 700 minutes of football at Stamford Bridge this season, so could’ve been open to the idea of a move to the Midlands.
He also previously impressed on loan at Southampton previously in the Premier League, with former defender Sergio Porrini previously hailing the Albania international.
"From last year to this year he has grown a lot and at Southampton he exploded. His greatest qualities are in his progression, especially with the ball at his feet. With the necessary comparisons, he is a bit reminiscent of Leao in how he becomes unstoppable if he extends the ball into space However, he is less good with his back to goal, in constructing the action, but in spaces he is devastating."
A move for a striker could be one to watch before the deadline then, but it looks as if it won’t be Broja.
Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign a "criminally underrated" alternative to heavily-linked midfielder Amadou Onana this month, according to reports.
Edu eyeing new midfielder for Arsenal
As per widespread rumours in the last few months, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are eager to bring in a new central midfielder this month.
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They've been linked with the likes of Onana and Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz beforehand, with journalist Sacha Tavolieiri making a big claim last week that Arsenal had opened talks for the former.
Thomas Partey's reoccurring injury problems have been a source of real frustration for Arteta and co this season, with Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho also looking set to leave when their contracts expire at the end of 2023/2024.
Onana, though, is rumoured to cost around £50 million, and it is believed that Arsenal will have to weigh on the cautionary side when it comes to abiding by Financial Fair Play laws.
The north Londoners spent over £200m on new recruits in the summer window, including a deal for club-record signing Declan Rice, so their January budget may also be limited as a result.
Amadou Onana
January 9th
Youssouf Fofana
December 8th
Douglas Luiz
December 22nd
Pedri
January 3rd
Alternative options to Onana may well be a prudent idea from Edu's perspective, if Arteta is indeed determined to shore up his numbers in the middle of the park.
Arsenal offered Jordan Henderson deal
According to a report by journalist Graeme Bailey, sharing information to HITC, former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is a name who's been floated to the club. The Al-Ettifaq star is apparently eager to make a return to Europe, with Arsenal offered the chance to sign Henderson and make that dream a reality.
However, it is believed Ajax is a far more likely destination for the 33-year-old, as the player and his representatives prepare to open exit talks with Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson is a player of real English top flight experience, though his age and high salary could be a sticking point for Arsenal.
That being said, Trent Alexander-Arnold has sung the praises of his ex-teammate, calling him "criminally underrated".
“I think he is criminally underrated as a footballer,” said Alexander-Arnold. “He is someone who can influence games. When people think of him, they think about shouting, running and the dirty side of the game, but on the ball, he is technically an outstanding footballer.
“He is a natural-born leader and you can tell it is not forced, it’s completely natural."
Tamim Iqbal, who scored 74, and Abu Jayed, who dismissed both New Zealand openers cheaply, ensured the match remained on an even keel
The Report by Mohammad Isam in Wellington09-Mar-2019
Neil Wagner is pumped up after taking a wicket•Getty Images
Neil Wagner used the short ball to telling effect once again as New Zealand bowled Bangladesh out for 211, before Abu Jayed took two wickets in an impressive opening spell to even out the game for the visitors. They could have been in a stronger position at stumps had they built on the efforts of Tamim Iqbal, who made his third successive 50-plus score of the series, but a collapse from the solidity of 119 for 1 ensured they didn’t post a particularly challenging first-innings total.Until rain forced play to end at 5pm, the Basin Reserve saw a nearly full day’s play, which was a welcome change after the first two days were washed out.A good contest was developing when Tamim and Shadman Islam took on the New Zealand attack in the first hour, their shot-making defying the fear of everyone at the Basin Reserve that the lavishly grassed pitch would be overly helpful to the seamers. They put on 75, their third successive 50-plus stand of the series.Bangladesh’s confidence, however, gave way to carelessness. Shadman edged Colin de Grandhomme behind, before Neil Wagner removed Mominul Haque and Mohammad Mithun in almost identical circumstances in a 15-minute burst before lunch. Mominul survived a caught-behind decision via review, but fell next ball, caught behind down the leg-side. In Wagner’s next over, the last one before lunch, Mithun successfully reviewed a caught-behind decision, and nicked the next ball, a shortish one angling away from him.Tamim, who had been forceful at the other end with some excellent drives through the off side as well as pulls and cuts square of the wicket, fell nine balls into the second session, top-edged an attempted pull off Wagner. Soumya Sarkar got out playing a similar shot against a similar length, with Matt Henry, playing his first Test in more than a year, picking up the wicket.Wagner then had Mahmudullah caught in two minds – between a pull and a flick – and caught at square-leg, to leave Liton Das, the last recognised batsman, shepherding a long tail. He added 38 for the seventh wicket with Taijul Islam but the rest folded quickly as the tea interval approached.Post tea, Jayed had Tom Latham caught behind after a string of testing deliveries to the in-form left-hander, who made 161 in the Hamilton Test. Jeet Raval then spooned Jayed to cover to make it 8 for 2, before Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor batted out the remaining 3.1 overs before rain arrived.
An in-form £39 million striker has "emerged" as a lead contender to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham, with the club eyeing a 2024 transfer bid.
Postecoglou eyeing new striker for Spurs
While the general consensus is that Spurs are most eager to sign a new centre-back, there have been some suggestions that the north Londoners could look to replace Kane next year.
Indeed, Tottenham hold a serious interest in signing Brentford star Ivan Toney as one option (Fabrizio Romano), with The Independent most recently claiming Spurs really like the 27-year-old as a player.
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However, the presence of both Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for Toney complicates matters, and it is believed that the former are currently favourites to sign him as things stand.
The England international could command a hefty price tag of around £100 million as well, according to Sky Sports, and that is a price which Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would be very unlikely to entertain.
Other, more affordable striker options like Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy could be far more attainable. The Guinea international's representatives have apparently reached out to Spurs and other interested English sides. Guirassy also has a £15 million release clause in his contract, making him a pretty tempting choice ahead of 2024.
However, it is apparently Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez who is really catching the attention of Ange Postecoglou's side.
The Mexico international's scintillating form is one big draw, but reliable transfer journalist Romano also stated recently that Gimenez could be available for around £39 million.
Gimenez emerges as lead contender to succeed Kane
According to journalist Dean Jones, writing for GiveMeSport this week, Gimenez has now emerged as a lead contender to replace Kane at Spurs.
The North American has scored 18 goals in 16 Eredivisie starts so far this season, making his possible £39m valuation look like a bargain when comparing the prices of Toney or other star strikers like Victor Osimhen.
"Spurs have continued to track Feyenoord striker Santi Gimenez in recent weeks, in mind of a bid for the player in 2024," wrote Jones.
"He has emerged as one of the leading options to join Spurs when they look to finally replace Harry Kane in the setup.
"The club will look to totally avoid that Kane narrative whenever the time comes to sign a new frontman but the comparisons will be obvious. As such Spurs will make checks on the personality and maturity of any player that might be given such a tag, to make sure they could handle such pressure."
Gimenez has been called "sensational" for his displays in the Netherlands this term, with journalist Graeme Bailey saying as much while also sharing Tottenham's fondness.
“Santiago Gimenez looks sensational by the way, he looks so good. He looks amazing to me,” said Bailey on the Talking Transfers podcast earlier this season.
“Teams have been watching Feyenoord, of which there is a few, they are the best team in Holland, we know Arsenal and Tottenham have been watching Gimenez as of late.”
USMNT prospect Benjamin Cremaschi has given a fascinating insight on what it's like to share the field with Inter Miami teammate Lionel Messi.
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تعادل فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول سلبيًا في مواجهة لاس بالماس، على ملعب أنفيلد، في إطار استعدادات الفريقين للموسم الجديد 2024\2025.
ليفربول يستضيف إيبسويتش تاون في الجولة الأولى من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، يوم السبت المقبل، في حين يلاقي لاس بالماس نظيره إشبيلية الجمعة القادمة في أولى جولات الليجا.
طالع أيضًا.. بالفيديو | ماذا قدم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وإشبيلية الودية؟
وفاز ليفربول 4-1 على إشبيلية في وقت سابق من هذا اليوم على ملعب أنفيلد، قبل أن يستضيف لاس بالماس بالصف الثاني ويتعادل سلبيًا.
وشارك روبرتسون أساسيًا بجانب واتارو إندو وكورتيس جونز وكذلك هارفي إليوت، مع داروين نونيز وكودي جاكبو، من ضمن الفريق الأول، بالإضافة لعدد كبير من اللاعبين الشباب.
ثلاثي وسط الملعب جونز وإندو وإليوت، استمروا حتى نهاية المباراة، بالإضافة إلى كوناتي، بينما جميع اللاعبين قام آرني سلوت باستبدالهم.
وشهدت المباراة سيطرة ليفربول على الكرة وإهدار العديد من الفرص عن طريق داروين نونيز.
وتعتبر هذه هي المباراة الأخيرة للريدز قبل ملاقاة إيبسويتش تاون يوم السبت المقبل، في موسم جديد هو الأول لـ آرني سلوت المدر بالهولندي مع الفريق.
نجح منتخب إسبانيا في تسجيل الهدف الثاني بشباك نظيره المغربي في المباراة الجارية بينهما الآن في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية “الأولمبياد” باريس 2024، لتصبح النتيجة 2-1.
منتخب المغرب يلاقي إسبانيا، ضمن منافسات دور قبل النهائي من بطولة أولمبياد باريس، على ملعب استاد فيلودروم.
صحف إسبانيا تعلق على ركلة جزاء المغرب في نصف نهائي أولمبياد باريس
وأحرز الهدف الثاني الظهير الأيمن الإسباني خوانلو في الدقيقة 85 من عمر اللقاء، بتسديدة أرضية زاحفة من داخل منطقة الجزاء
وكان سفيان رحيمي تقدم بالهدف الأول للمغرب، في الدقيقة 36 بعدما نجح في ترجمة ركلة جزاء احتسبها حكم اللقاء إلى هدف أول لـ أسود الأطلسي.
ونجح فيرمين لوبيز من تسجيل هدف إسبانيا الأول والتعادل أمام المغرب في الدقيقة 66 من عمر المباراة، بتسديدة متقنة من على حدود منطقة الجزاء سكنت شباك منير المحمدي حارس أسود الأطلس.
وكان منتخب المغرب حقق تأهلًا تاريخيًا إلى دور نصف النهائي بالفوز على المنتخب الأمريكي بنتيجة 4-0 في دور ربع النهائي.
منتخب المغرب كان قد استطاع التأهل من دور المجموعات متصدرًا لمجموعته، برصيد 6 نقاط، بالفوز في مباراتي العراق والأرجنتين وتلقى خسارة أمام أوكرانيا.
وعلى الجانب الآخر، جاء تأهل منتخب إسبانيا إلى الدور نصف النهائي من أولمبياد باريس، بعد الفوز على اليابان بثلاثية نظيفة، بدور ربع النهائي.
وكان منتخب إسبانيا قد صعد من دور المجموعات كوصيف للمجموعة الثالثة خلف المتصدر منتحب مصر، برصيد 6 نقاط. هدف إسبانيا الثاني أمام المغرب في أولمبياد باريس