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It's all rather quiet on the transfer front at Liverpool. With Jurgen Klopp having departed and FSG building Anfield's infrastructure back up brick by newly-made brick, supporters would be forgiven for questioning the tumbleweed skittering across the red of Merseyside.

Michael Edwards, moreover, is back, though this time in a bigger, broader, more influential role as FSG's CEO of Football. The transfer-orchestrating mastermind returned with the aroma of thrilling market movements, but all is currently quiet.

Is this a problem? A concern? In short: no. Liverpool long conducted their business surreptitiously with Edwards involved and an exciting incoming will likely spring up unexpectedly, like Alisson in the box at the Hawthorns. Arne Slot, still integrating as head coach and lacking most of his presently international-performing squad, has already confirmed that he has been in regular contact with sporting director Richard Hughes too.

The Reds faithful will be kept waiting for now, but there has been one gem of discourse that speaks loudly of Liverpool's intentions and desire to land the most talented players to ensure illustrious success.

Liverpool lining up new defender

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have maintained direct contact with Lille defender Leny Yoro's representatives despite the 18-year-old's desire to sign for Real Madrid.

The Athletic's David Ornstein broke the news of Liverpool and Manchester United's interest earlier in June, stressing, however, that the touted talent has also been courted by Los Blancos and is likely to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Yoro has one year remaining on his deal at Lille and there is hope at Anfield given the Ligue 1 outfit's €60m (£51m) demands. Real Madrid are reluctant to extend a bid beyond the €40m (£34m) mark.

Leny Yoro's season in numbers

Having broken into Lille's first team during the 2022/23 campaign, Yoro cemented himself as a regular feature in Paulo Fonseca's side last term, starting 30 matches in the top flight.

Described as "world-class material" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Yoro has proven himself to be both technically sound and instinctively steely in defence, ranking among the top 7% of centre-backs across Europe for pass completion last season (FBref) and winning 63% of his contested duels (Sofascore).

Also hailed as a "quick learner" by former coach Jean-Michel Vandamme, Yoro is on the fast track to elite-level success and this bespeaks his talent and the pressing need to snap him up at this fledgeling stage. Liverpool will long rue the missed chance to claim him down the line, should he join Real Madrid.

Yoro would be a revelation in Liverpool's backline, with his precocity perhaps even setting him up to be the biggest coup that Liverpool have secured in a long time.

The reason Liverpool want Leny Yoro

Slot was signed by Liverpool for a number of reasons, with one salient aspect stemming from certain similarities to one Klopp. Make no mistake, Slot is no pastiche, mimicking his illustrious German counterpart, but instead carries subtle elements that shape his own distinctive style.

After all, the Dutchman noted when discussing parallels between his game and Pep Guardiola's, Man City managerial extraordinaire, in 2023: "I certainly don't want to compare myself to Pep, but he is a control freak just like me."

Control. It's the ultimate byword for success in this modern-shaped footballing landscape. Gone are the golden days of hoofball, the seat-lifting seasons of Sir Alex Ferguson's direct and gritty success.

Slot, simply, is tailored for Premier League success at this contemporary stage, and Yoro would be the architect from the back. Ibrahima Konate is a strong and stylish defender but lacks fitness consistency and struggles with lapses in form. Virgil van Dijk is a galvanising leader and a world-class player but nearing his 33rd year and entering the final year of his Liverpool contract.

Quansah, aged 21 and on loan in League One only 14 months ago, would compete alongside Yoro for a regular starting berth, though the Frenchman's reputation as a "generational talent" – a claim relayed by The Athletic's Mario Cortegana – suggests that he could be the cream of Slot's crop.

Liverpool indeed view the whole saga as a unique market opportunity that would christen a new era with a player of prodigious potential. Moreover, his above-discussed playing style carries hints of Van Dijk, limiting his defensive involvement and instead relying on mobility and a sharp reading of the game to snuff out danger in its infancy, akin to the Netherlands skipper.

Out of contract in one year and available for an enticingly affordable fee, Yoro could well prove to be Liverpool's next version of Mohamed Salah, landed for a shrewd price and guided toward stardom.

A 25-year-old Salah signed for Liverpool from AS Roma in a £34m deal in 2017, having recorded 43 goals and 26 assists over three campaigns in Italy after failing to rise to the fore at Chelsea.

The rest, as they say, is history. Salah has blitzed through English and continental football like a bulldozer in a hayfield, bagging 211 goals and 89 assists across 349 fixtures for the Reds, winning the whole gamut under Klopp.

GK – Simon Mignolet

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

CB – Joel Matip

CB – Dejan Lovren

LB – Alberto Moreno

DM – Jordan Henderson

CM – Emre Can

CM – Gini Wijnaldum

RW – Mohamed Salah (G, 57')

LW – Sadio Mane (G, 29')

CF – Roberto Firmino (G, 55')

Shrewdly signed ahead of his golden days, moulded into a world-beater, Salah is arguably the kingpin of Klopp's reign, synonymous with the recent trophy-filled glory years on the red side of the River Mersey.

Yoro. Different man, different role, different circumstances, different leader. Possibly, though, the young centre-half could have the same impact, taking the Liverpool backline beyond the standard of which it has performed over these past several years and allowing Slot to foster a trophy-winning mentality that will collect Europe's biggest prizes over the coming years.

Liverpool have undergone a period of sweeping change but plans for success have been mapped out, no doubt. Slot has the charisma and the wherewithal to engineer a prosperous period but must now push to secure his new outfit's biggest coup since Salah.

Yoro will undoubtedly be considered among the world's best in only a few years, perhaps even sooner.

Liverpool in contention for "monster" signing who's better than Fabinho

An elite mix of clubs are all considering a move for this high-profile star.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Com chuva, o Corinthians treinou na tarde desta quinta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava em preparação para o duelo diante do Atlético-GO, que acontecerá neste domingo, às 18h15, no Estádio Antônio Accioly, em Goiânia-GO, pela 20ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A notícia do dia foi a ausência de Jô nos treinos.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
> Relembre a estreia de grandes jogadores do Corinthians na última década

No Campo 1, os atletas que atuaram por mais de 45 minutos diante do Juventude, na última terça, realizaram uma ativação com bola e, em seguida, retornaram para a parte interna do CT para novos trabalhos regenerativos com a equipe de fisioterapia, a exemplo do que aconteceu na quarta-feira.

Os demais atletas participaram do aquecimento e de um trabalho de perde-pressiona no Campo 3. Em seguida, o técnico Sylvinho separou o elenco: os zagueiros e laterais ficaram com ele para um trabalho específico de posicionamento e movimentação defensiva; enquanto os demais foram ao Campo 4 para um treinamento de ações ofensivas.

O meio-campista Adson segue na transição com a equipe de preparação física. Assim como na atividade da última quarta-feira, ele participou do aquecimento com o grupo e, depois, fez um treino com bola sob a supervisão do preparador Fabrício Pimenta. O jovem ainda é dúvida para a lista de relacionados.

Willian, por sua vez, novamente participou de toda a atividade do dia junto com os companheiros e deu mais um passo para sua estreia nesta segunda passagem pelo clube. Expectativa é de que ele seja relacionado para domingo.

Uma baixa nos treinamentos desta quinta foi o atacante Jô, que foi liberado da atividade do dia para resolver assuntos particulares. Se estivesse no CT, faria parte do grupo que se dividiu entre ativação em campo e um regenerativo.

A princípio, o camisa 77 retorna ao trabalho na manhã desta sexta-feira, juntamente com o elenco, que terá o penúltimo dia de preparação antes da viagem para Goiânia, onde enfrenta o Atlético-GO, neste domingo. Atualmente, o Corinthians é o sexto colocado no Brasileirão-2021 com 28 pontos.

continua após a publicidade

Leeds United fell short in their pursuit of an instant return to the Premier League at the first time of asking as they lost in the play-off final last weekend.

Adam Armstrong's first-half goal was enough to secure the win for Southampton at Wembley, which means that they will join Ipswich Town and Leicester City in the top-flight next term.

The Whites missed out on automatic promotion from the Championship and had to settle for the play-offs, which started well with a 4-0 aggregate win over Norwich City in the semi-finals.

Unfortunately, Daniel Farke's men did not step up to the big occasion in the capital and the club must now prepare for another season in the second tier.

Their failure to earn promotion could see players move on to raise funds this summer and one player who could depart is winger Wilfried Gnonto.

However, the Whites could land a dream replacement for the Italian youngster by immediately moving to sign a reported transfer target, should the Leeds star move on ahead of next season.

Leeds United's interest in Pro League star

Last month, GIVEMESPORT claimed that the Yorkshire-based outfit are one of a number of teams interested in signing Sint-Truidense VV winger Jarne Steuckers this summer.

The report stated that West Ham United are considering a swoop to land the young forward, whilst Southampton and Leeds have also sent scouts to watch him in action this season.

It revealed that the two Championship clubs, at the time, were keeping tabs on the talented gem's performances in Belgium, ahead of a possible deal to sign him in the next transfer window.

However, GIVEMESPORT did not state how much the Pro League side are looking for to allow their star attacker to depart ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Leeds could be in the market to land a right winger, which is where Steuckers operates, as Calcio Mercato claims that Gnonto is now eyeing up an exit from Elland Road this summer.

The Italian outlet reports that the 20-year-old attacker would like to return to Italy to play in the Serie A, after Milan and Fiorentina had shown interest in him last summer.

It also reveals that the winger's price tag was previously set at €20m (£17m) – warding off interest from teams in Italy – and that it remains to be seen whether or not his price has decreased due to Leeds' failure to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Wilfried Gnonto's Championship excellence for Leeds

It would be a blow for Farke and his team to lose Gnonto as the young whiz emerged as a key performer on the pitch during the second half of the Championship campaign.

The young dynamo only started 19 of his 36 appearances in the division but managed to showcase his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Whites.

No player overperformed against their xG (Expected Goals) tally by more than the Italian star, as he scored eight goals from an xG of 5.52 – an overperformance of +2.48.

Gnonto also ranked within the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Championship for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.44), which shows that he was one of the most prolific players in his position at scoring from open play.

However, the Leeds ace ranked within the bottom 43% for assists per 90 (0.11) and only the top 43% for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.15), which shows that the ex-Zurich whiz did not excel as much when it came to creating for his teammates.

23/24 Championship	Wilfried Gnonto
Appearances	36
Goals	8
Assists	2
Big chances created	5
Key passes per game	0.6
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gnonto made less than one key pass per game in the Championship for the Whites this season, with just two assists in 36 matches.

This shows that the Milan and Fiorentina target really got on the ball to split open the opposition's defence with passes and crosses, as his main focus was seemingly on scoring.

Overall, the right-footed gem provided excellent quality as a goalscorer and finisher for Farke but did not shine as a creator and Leeds could improve their squad by finding a player in that position who can excel as both a scorer and a creator of goals on the right flank.

Why Jarne Steuckers would be a dream replacement

The German head coach could land a dream replacement for the Italian whiz, should his wish of a move to the Serie A come true this summer, by winning the race to sign Steuckers.

Interest from West Ham and Southampton could make it a difficult deal to complete, given that they can offer Premier League football to the 22-year-old star, but Leeds could get ahead of their competitors by making a quick move for him, to show him that they are desperate to make him a key player at Elland Road.

His form over the last two seasons suggests that the potential is there for him to be a fantastic replacement and possible upgrade on Gnonto this summer, if he can adapt to Championship football.

Whilst on loan with MVV Maastricht in the Dutch second tier during the 2022/23 campaign, Steuckers racked up a staggering nine goals, nine assists, and 21 'big chances' created in 36 appearances.

That was a significantly better return than what Gnonto managed in the English second division, with one more goal, seven more assists, and a whopping 16 more 'big chances' created.

23/24 season	Jarne Steuckers (Pro League)	Wilfried Gnonto (Championship)
Appearances	35	36
Goals	6	8
Assists	7	2
xA	8.18	3.81
Big chances created	14	5
Key passes per game	2.7	0.6
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star continued to provide quality as a scorer and a creator of goals in the Belgian top-flight this season.

Steuckers, who U23 scout Antonio Mango lauded as "exceptional", has the potential to be a huge upgrade on Gnonto as a creator, as shown by his far superior chance creation and assist numbers over the last two years.

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Kelan Sarson

May 28, 2024

The 5 foot 10 magician could, therefore, be a dream replacement for the Italian this summer as he is another young winger who provides a goal threat, whilst also being able to improve Leeds' attack by creating far more high-quality chances than the 20-year-old.

أثنى آندي روبرتسون، لاعب فريق ليفربول، على زميله النجم المصري محمد صلاح بعدما قادهم إلى الفوز في مباراة اليوم ضد جيرونا، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحل ليفربول ضيفًا على خصمه جيرونا، في الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري حيث فاز الضيوف بهدف دون رد.

ويعود الفضل في ذلك الفوز الصعب إلى محمد صلاح، الذي سجل هدف المباراة الوحيد من ضربة جزاء.

وقال روبرتسون، في تصريحات نشرها الموقع الرسمي للنادي: “نعم، لقد سجل أهدافًا، أعتقد أن محمد صلاح يلعب بشكل أفضل مما فعل الليلة – كما فعل معظمنا – ولكن عندما نحتاج إليه أكثر فإنه يتقدم”.

وأضاف: “إنه جيد جدًا في تنفيذ ركلات الجزاء، ولا نشك أبدًا في قدرته عندما نحصل على ركلات الجزاء، لحسن الحظ، نجح في تسجيل الهدف”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليس محمد صلاح.. سلوت: تمنيت رؤية لاعب ليفربول يسجل هدفًا.. وأشعر بالأسف تجاه جيرونا

وواصل: “لقد كان الأمر يتعلق باللعب بأسلوبنا ولحسن الحظ نجحنا في الحد من فرصهم، إنه (محمد صلاح) من صنع فوزنا بالمباراة مرة أخرى”.

وأردف: “6 انتصارات من أصل 6، لا يمكنك أن تطلب أفضل من ذلك، ليس من السهل القيام بذلك، وإلا لكان هناك المزيد من الفرق التي تفعل هذا الأمر، كان أداؤنا جيدًا وفزنا في المباريات”.

واعترف: “ولكننا سبق وأن لعبنا بشكل أفضل كثيرًا مقارنة بالليلة، هذا أمر مؤكد، لم نكن في أعلى مستوياتنا الليلة، لكن في هذه المرحلة يتعلق الأمر بالفوز بالمباريات وضمان التأهل، وأعتقد أننا فعلنا ذلك”.

وأكد:”أعتقد أنه كان علينا أن نكون أكثر سيطرة، في بعض الأحيان في الشوط الأول خاصة كانت مباراة كرة سلة – ذهابًا وإيابًا – وهذا ما أرادوه، منحنا حارس مرمى فريقنا الكثير للقيام به، وهذا ليس من عاداتنا”.

وشدد: “يمكننا أن نلعب بشكل أفضل بكثير مما فعلنا لكن الحصول على ثلاث نقاط أمر بالغ الأهمية، خاصة خارج ملعبنا في دوري أبطال أوروبا”.

وفيما يخص فوزه بجائزة رجل مباراة اليوم، قال: “لقد حصلت على واحدة من قبل، أعتقد منذ عامين! أنا سعيد بالحصول عليها، من الواضح أن الأمر يتعلق بالفريق ولكن من الجيد دائمًا الحصول على هذا التقدير”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Embalado desde a chegada de Renato Gaúcho, que só conheceu vitórias até o momento, o Flamengo agora vira a chave para atuar pelas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. O primeiro desafio, o jogo da ida, será realizado contra o ABC, nesta quinta-feira, às 20h (de Brasília), no Maracanã.

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+ Veja todos os confrontos da Copa do Brasil

Renato Gaúcho, aliás, estreará pelo Flamengo na Copa do Brasil, já que o time ainda era comandado por Rogério Ceni quando eliminou o Coritiba na fase anterior. Em meio a uma dura sequência de jogos no Brasileiro e Libertadores, o treinador resolveu poupar três titulares da partida: Rodrigo Caio, Gustavo Henrique e Filipe Luís.

+Titular, misto ou reserva: como você escalaria o Flamengo para encarar o ABC? Vote!

Do outo lado, o ABC chega após perder para o Atlético-CE, pela Série D, e interromper uma série de três vitórias consecutivas. Em busca de surpreender os amplos favoritos no Rio, aequipe potiguar quer manter a pegada na Copa do Brasil, na qual eliminaram a Chapecoense, na última fase.

Confira mais informações da partida entre Flamengo e ABC:

Estádio: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Data e hora: 29 de julho de 2021, às 20h
Árbitro:Marielson Alves Silva (BA)
​Assistentes:Alessandro Alvaro Rocha de Matos (Fifa-BA) eElicarlos Franco de Oliveira (BA)
Árbitro de vídeo:Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior (PE)

Onde assistir: Premiere, SporTV e Tempo Real do LANCE!

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Renato Gaúcho)
Diego Alves; Isla, Bruno Viana, Léo Pereira e Renê; Arão, Diego, Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro, Bruno Henrique e Gabigol.

Desfalques: César e Piris da Motta (em recuperação); Rodrigo Caio, Gustavo Henrique e Filipe Luís (poupados)
Suspenso: –
Pendurado: –

ABC (Técnico: Moacir Júnior)
Welligton, Netinho, Donato, Vinicius Leandro, Alisson Cassiano e Bruno Souza; Vinicius Paulista, Valderrama, Marcos Antônio e Wesley Pimbinha; Gustavo Henrique.

Desfalques:Ramon Baiano, Negueba, Wallyson e Soares (em recuperação)
Suspensos: –
Pendurados: –

PALPITES: Na redação do LANCE!, 90% acreditam em vitória do Flamengo; 10% apostam em empate.

Leeds United are preparing to take on Southampton at Wembley in the play-off final on Sunday, with a place in next season's Premier League up for grabs.

The Whites can seal an instant return to the top-flight by picking up a win against the Saints this weekend, which would then leave Daniel Farke and his team preparing for a huge summer transfer window.

They would need to bolster the squad to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding an immediate drop back down to the Championship, which was the fate suffered by Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton Town this year.

The Yorkshire-based outfit are already reportedly eyeing up a new right-back to add to the group should they win promotion to the Premier League on Sunday…

Leeds United's interest in Bundesliga ace

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Leeds have made contact over a possible deal to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Marius Wolf.

The reporter states that the Whites have "inquired" about a swoop for the German full-back, whose contract with the Bundesliga giants is set to expire this summer.

He states that the £55k-per-week ace is a "serious" option for Farke to bring to Elland Road ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, if they are in the Premier League.

However, Plettenberg adds that they face competition from clubs in Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, which suggests that there could be a fight to land his services on a free transfer over the coming weeks and months.

If Leeds do win the race for his signature, though, then Farke could land an exciting partner for Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto down the right flank next time.

Why Marius Wolf could thrive with Wilfried Gnonto

The 28-year-old defender, who has played 22 matches in the Bundesliga for Dortmund this season, is a progressive and forward-thinking full-back who can bomb forward to link up with the former Zurich star in attack.

Wolf ranks within the top 15% of full-backs in the Men's Big 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for progressive carries per 90 (2.95), as well as the top 26% for progressive passes per 90 (4.54).

This suggests that the attack-minded dynamo, who has still won 51% of his defensive ground duels in the league this season, is a very progressive player who consistently looks to drive his team up the pitch to find teammates in dangerous positions.

He also ranks within the top 19% of his positional peers in the aforementioned criteria for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.84), which illustrates how often Wolf can make things happen for his team in the final third.

This could allow him and Gnonto to thrive as an attacking pair down the right side as the Italian winger is a clinical attacker who could make the most of the Dortmund man's progressive play.

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The 20-year-old star scored eight goals from 5.47 xG in the regular Championship season – the highest overperformance on xG in the entire squad – and this speaks to his ruthless nature in front of goal.

He also ranks within the top 9% of his positional peers in the second tier for progressive passes received per 90 (11.32), which suggests that Gnonto is constantly in good positions to receive the ball from deep.

The former Inter youngster could, therefore, thrive with Wolf's impressive ability to make progressive passes and create shooting opportunities from right-back, which is why they could be an exciting pair for Leeds if the club snap him up on a free transfer.

Arsenal appear to be eyeing up a move for a free agent, with the Gunners already having him at London Colney.

Arsenal transfer rumours

Mikel Arteta’s side have been in fine form in the Premier League in 2024, with the Gunners looking to pip both Liverpool and Manchester City to the title.

Arsenal's recent Premier League results	Date
Brighton 0-3 Arsenal	April 6th
Arsenal 2-0 Luton Town	April 3rd
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal	March 31st
Arsenal 2-1 Brentford	March 9th
Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal	March 4th
Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle United	February 24th

However, away from the pitch, sporting director Edu Gaspar already appears to be planning for the summer.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of players in recent months, including some high-profile names such as Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

However, the Gunners also appear to have their eyes on some young talent, looking to the future, with AC Milan starlet Franceso Camarda, Brazilian talent Douglas Mendes and Georgian teenager Vakhtang Salia all on the Emirates radar.

Another gem has now been linked with a move to north London, one who has already trained with Arsenal.

Free agent trains with Arsenal

According to reports from Denmark, relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal have recently had highly-rated goalkeeper Lucas Martin Nygaard training with them.

The 17-year-old has been without a club since leaving FC Nordsjaelland earlier this year and has also trained with Paris Saint-Germain. The report claims that the two sides have brought him to their bases to take a good look and decide on any offer.

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The Spaniard is a really big admirer.

By
Emilio Galantini

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No concrete offer has been made as of yet, but it looks as if Arsenal have their eye on Martin, who Denmark U18 manager Lasse Stensgaard recently called a “real winner”.

“He’s a real winner and he will do everything he can to win. He trains insanely well and gives it his all on the pitch, and that also means that he takes the lead in that part when we play the games. He sets a standard that we are here because we have to win and not just play the game.

“In the last couple of years, he has improved his saves so that he’s also a decisive player and can take some balls, so he’s not just primarily good with his feet, but also good at what is actually in the job description.”

A move to north London could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks or months, especially with Martin already visiting London Colney.

‘Rahul really brings in a good balance if he can keep and bat that well,’ the captain says

Shashank Kishore in Bengaluru20-Jan-2020The “Dhoni, Dhoni” chants reverberated around the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. No, the former India captain wasn’t around; this was the crowd showing its displeasure towards KL Rahul for a missed stumping to reprieve Steven Smith. Without the benefit of replays, it would have been hard to tell that the ball had ricocheted off Smith’s pads to evade Rahul.Virat Kohli didn’t like what he heard and prompted the crowd to go “KL, KL” as he was shown on the big screen. Soon enough, the crowd changed their chants to “Rahul, Rahul”. This wasn’t the most significant moment of the game, of course, but it told you how much the India captain values Rahul’s presence and he compared the “sacrifice” with the one the other Rahul – Dravid – had made at the 2003 World Cup for the team’s balance.”If you look at the 2003 World Cup where Rahul started keeping, the balance became different because you could play an extra batter and guys at the top could really play positive cricket,” Kohli said at the post-match briefing after India had bounced back to win the three-match series 2-1 against Australia.ALSO READ: Has KL Rahul solved India’s middle-order muddle?Even though Kohli finished as the Player of the Series, Rahul played a massive hand, too: from doubling up as a wicketkeeper to marshalling the lower order to opening the batting – performing every role with an air of nonchalance while providing the much-required balance the team was after. “So, look, he is very open to playing anywhere because he is a proper batsman who can do you good in any format and at any position in the game,” Kohli said on Rahul performing multiple roles.Rishabh Pant’s concussion in the Mumbai ODI might have prompted India to experiment with Rahul as the wicketkeeper for a game or two, but Kohli said the team management was keen to extend that to the upcoming New Zealand series, too. Kohli was emphatic in his view that Rahul deserved a longer run with the gloves before he was judged, and having endured his fair share of being moved up and down in the batting order, and being in and out of the team, it was only fair he be given the extra opportunities in his new role. At the same time, Kohli didn’t want to be drawn into commenting on whether that would mean Pant, Sanju Samson and possibly Dhoni fall back in the pecking order.”That was a spicy question,” Kohli said jokingly, when asked about the wicketkeeping race. “Rahul really brings in a good balance if he can keep and bat that well in that position (No. 5). He has come into the slot and he has done well so we will have to persist with that a little bit and see where that takes us and not necessarily be confused about the other options we have.”KL Rahul shows his quickness behind the stumps•BCCI

The one significant advantage India get from playing Rahul as wicketkeeper is they can field an additional batsman in Manish Pandey, who is one of the best fielders in the squad as he showed in Rajkot, taking a screamer to dismiss David Warner. “So I think lack of clarity in terms of positions has really hurt us in the past. Now that we understand that this feels right, we will go ahead with that for a while and figure out if this is the right thing to do or not,” Kohli said. “You can chop and change immediately and create confusion among the group. I don’t see any reason why we should change this balance. It has done well for the team and we will continue with the same for a while.”Rahul kept his side of the bargain by scoring fluently in three outings, including a match-winning 80 off 52 balls in India’s must-win game in Rajkot, notwithstanding his yo-yoing batting position. In Mumbai, he batted at No. 3, was pushed to No. 5 in Rajkot and finally opened the batting in Shikhar Dhawan’s absence in Bengaluru. In Rajkot, he was mostly tidy behind the stumps and even quipped, “I hope I’ve kept our bowlers happy.” His tall frame hasn’t been an obvious hindrance yet to his wicketkeeping, but it is one thing keeping as a back-up, and another to do it regularly. What does help Rahul is strong fundamentals that helped him become a state regular as a wicketkeeper in age-group cricket, before he made batting his primary responsibility.In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Rahul’s wicketkeeping skills were much lauded, especially under pressure in a tense final, in which he calmly gathered a flat throw from the deep in the final over to effect a crucial run-out that proved to be the turning point. Having also kept regularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the 50-over competition, prior to that, while also opening the batting, Rahul has shown he has what it takes, and Kohli is happy to back him for the moment.”He won’t go slam bang from ball one but he can do what he did in Rajkot just by playing good cricketing shots,” Kohli said of Rahul’s batting. “So I think solid game plan and understanding of his game is helping. He has reflected on what he needs to do in the last five-six months and he has come a long way. These are good signs for us. It gives a boost to the team because he keeps as well. It definitely allows us to play an extra batsman, which strengthens our batting massively. That is a very important factor as far as the team balance is concerned.”

وصلت بعثة منتخب مصر للناشئين مواليد 2008 بقيادة أحمد الكاس، منذ قليل إلى المغرب من أجل المشاركة في تصفيات شمال إفريقيا.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق تصفيات شمال إفريقيا للناشئين تحت 17 سنة بدولة المغرب في الفترة من 11 إلى 23 نوفمبر المقبلين.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع المغرب، ثم يواجه الجزائر، ويخوض ثالث مبارياته أمام تونس، ثم يختتم التصفيات بمواجهة ليبيا.

طالع.. خاص | اتحاد الكرة يكشف تفاصيل أزمة التسنين في منتخب مصر 2008

ويترأس البعثة إيهاب الكومي عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، ويضم الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر 2008 كلا من أحمد الكاس مديرا فنيا، ووليد مهدي مديرا للمنتخب، ومحمد إبراهيم مدربا عاما، ورامي عادل مدربا مساعدا، وأحمد فوزي مدربا للحراس، والدكتور علاء الجوهري مدربا للأحمال.

يذكر أن الآونة الأخيرة، شهدت أزمة في منتخب مصر مواليد 2008 مع مواليد 2009 أيضًا، في توزير بعض أعمار اللاعبين، قرر اتحاد الكرة إيقاف اللاعبين الذين ثبت ضدهم التوزير في إعمارهم.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has showcased his willingness to trust and develop academy talents in his debut season with the Yorkshire-based side.

The German boss worked the likes of James Maddison, Ben Godfrey, Max Aarons, and Emiliano Buendia during his time with Norwich City, and has now provided Mateo Joseph and Archie Gray with opportunities to shine this season.

Gray, who was 17 at the start of the campaign, made his senior debut under the Whites manager this term and has racked up 36 appearances in the Championship so far.

The England U21 international is the first-choice option for Farke at right-back, whilst Joseph is currently the back-up to Patrick Bamford in the number nine position, and this shows that the tactician is prepared to bring academy gems into the team if they are good enough and ready to feature.

This bodes well for the array of talent currently occupying the U21 and U18 teams at Thorp Arch, as they know that the club have a manager who will not ignore them if they perform to a high level, in matches and in training.

Current U18s star Josh McDonald is one player who could have his eyes on a future place in the first-team, and Farke could eventually unearth him as a homegrown heir to Dan James, who has had somewhat of a revival at Elland Road this season.

Dan James' initial struggles at Leeds

In the summer of 2021, former Leeds duo Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta swooped to sign the Wales international from Manchester United for a reported fee of £25m.

The forward started regularly throughout the 2021/22 campaign for Bielsa, and then his replacement Jesse Marsch, but failed to deliver goals and assists at an impressive rate.

He produced four goals, with eight 'big chances' missed, and assisted four for his teammates, with 0.8 key passes per game, over 31 Premier League starts.

His less-than-impressive form at the top end of the pitch, after a big £25m move to Elland Road, led to a loan to league rivals Fulham for the 2022/23 campaign.

22/23 Premier League

Dan James

Appearances

24

Starts

7

Goals

2

Assists

1

Key passes per game

0.4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, James also struggled during his time with the Cottagers as he only racked up three direct goal contributions in 24 matches.

His lack of end product on the wing in the Premier League may have contributed to Fulham's decision to send him back to Elland Road last summer, instead of attempting to sign him on a permanent basis.

That did, however, provide Leeds and Farke with an opportunity to help him regain his confidence by playing regular football in the Championship this season.

Dan James' impressive form this season

The 26-year-old speedster has started 24 of his 34 appearances in the second tier for the Whites so far this season, and has showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

James has plundered an eye-catching 12 goals and seven assists in those 24 starts – a return of one goal or assist every 1.26 starts on average in the league.

Only Wilfried Gnonto (2.72) has outscored his Expected Goals by more than James (1.8) within the Leeds squad, as the electric winger has found the back of the net 12 times from an xG of 10.2.

This shows that the former Manchester United forward has been efficient in front of goal, and not wasted many opportunities to get his name on the scoresheet.

The Welsh wizard has also showcased his creativity with 12 'big chances' created and 1.5 key passes per game across his 34 league matches for Leeds this term. He ranks within the top 5% of Championship attacking midfielders and wingers for Expected Assisted Goals (0.29) per 90, and the top 8% for assists (0.30) per 90.

These statistics show that the Whites star has been an excellent operator as both a scorer and a creator of goals, whilst having the quality to operate on either the right or the left wing for Farke.

In total, James has racked up 16 goals and 12 assists in 77 appearances in all competitions since he made the move to Leeds in the summer of 2021, which is a return of 2.75 matches per game on average.

Josh McDonald's Leeds potential

Leeds swooped to sign McDonald from Scottish side Hamilton Academical in the summer of 2023, at the age of 16, amid interest from Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers.

Football Insider quoted an unnamed Scotland U18 coach as describing the talented teenager as an "exceptional" young gem, which is why he played for his country at U18 level despite being just 16 at the time.

The outlet noted the club's desire to bolster the quality of their youth teams across the board, which is why they were keen to sign the 16-year-old to add him to their U18 group.

McDonald has been playing for Leeds at that level so far this season and has caught the eye with his contributions at the top end of the pitch.

Like James, the Scottish wizard has the ability to play on either the left or the right side of the attack, rather than being restricted to one or the other, and that could help his first-team chances as he could fill in for multiple positions.

As you can see in the table below, McDonald has featured regularly for the club in the league and the cup during his debut campaign in English football.

23/24 season

Josh McDonald

FA Youth Cup

U18 Premier League

Appearances

4

17

Minutes played

344

1,028

Goals

0

5

Assists

1

3

Stats via Transfermarkt

He has racked up eight direct goal contributions in 17 appearances for the U18s this season, which is a return of one goal or assist every 2.13 outings on average – better than James' Leeds career average of one every 2.75 games.

These statistics show that McDonald, like the Wales international, can both score and create goals at a decent rate from either the right or left wing.

At the age of 17, the Scottish maestro also has plenty of time left to develop and progress over the years to come, and could be a player Farke keeps an eye on for the future as a possible long-term homegrown heir to James, who is nine years older than him.

It would be a dream scenario for Leeds and the German boss as the club would not need to splash out millions on a replacement for the Welshman, should McDonald continue to progress and emerge as a senior option.