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Leganes have prepared for the visit of Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid with a special video featuring the Ballon d'Or and cheeky mascot Super Pepino.

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Vinicius missed out on Ballon d'Or to RodriHeading to Leganes next in La LigaClub issue video ahead of clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Los Blancos return to La Liga action after the international break with a trip to Butarque to take on Leganes. Vinicius Jr will be part of the squad just weeks after narrowly missing out on winning the Ballon d'Or. Leganes have now had a bit of fun ahead of the game by releasing a video showing the prestigious award being captured and taken to the club's stadium, only to be swiped out of the Real Madrid dressing room by the one and only Super Pepino.

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A caption at the end of the video reads simply: "Dear Real Madrid friends, they say that in Leganes dreams come true, but we hope it is not in this match…"

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Real Madrid were so unhappy at seeing Vinicius miss out on the prestigious award they ended up boycotting the ceremony, while the Brazilian was told to "get the Ballon d'Or out of his head" and focus on his football. Vinicius certainly did that last time out in La Liga, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 win for Madrid over Osasuna.

Liverpool supporters far and wide will be desperate to see Arne Slot succeed in the Anfield dugout, but then Jurgen Klopp wore big boots and they will be decidedly hard to fill.

Granted, Slot, formerly of Feyenoord in the Netherlands, has tactical acumen, charisma and a winning smile. He has the ingredients to stir up success and lift an already talented squad that won the Carabao Cup last season and fought hard for the Premier League title, pulled away by a disappointing plummet in form toward the backend of the campaign.

But the idea of illustrious fortunes has already taken root in the hive mind of this Liverpool team, and now Slot is looking to build a foundation to reach such a level and sustain it.

Liverpool have a talented squad, yes, but so do Arsenal, and so do Manchester City. Moreover, so does a rather worrying group of top-flight rivals pushing for prominence. This squad might just need a tinker to put it in a good position to realise such potential next year, and beyond.

The Merseysiders might be well stocked across the park but there is no question that improvements could be made, with one exciting transfer story refusing to go away.

Liverpool transfer news

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are still interested in signing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, who was offered to the Reds at the end of June as the Magpies sought to solve their PSR concerns.

Now that Newcastle have avoided a breach, signing the one-time Liverpool academy member is going to be tricky, but Football Insider's report suggests that a new bid is being plotted. However, the Toon are looking for a 'huge fee' in order to sell.

Indeed, Eddie Howe's outfit's £75m asking price is proving to be a sticking point, but Michael Edwards is a savvy negotiator and could yet canvass a shrewd and acceptable proposal.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: summer transfer window 2024

Find every incoming and outgoing for each 2024/25 Premier League club here.

ByStephan Georgiou Sep 18, 2024 Anthony Gordon's Newcastle career in numbers

Newcastle signed Gordon from Everton for £45m in January 2023 after the winger forced his way out of Goodison via a transfer request. He had made his name with Everton after being released by his boyhood club (Liverpool) during his teenage years.

He might have flattered to deceive at first on Tyneside but the Englishman went from strength to strength after a summer of recovery and invaluable pre-season, he has bloomed into one of the Premier League's most coveted attacking players.

Indeed, having scored just one goal and failed to register an assist across 16 appearances during the latter half of the 2022/23 campaign, Gordon's prolific exploits last season earned him the prize of United's Player of the Season, with his teammate Bruno Guimaraes hailing his "unbelievable" efforts.

Fleet-footed, slippery and invariably dangerous, the 23-year-old proved that he can throw down with the best that Europe has to offer last year and was duly called up to Gareth Southgate's England Euro 2024 squad as a result.

After all, 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions during his first full year at St. James' Park is hardly something to be sniffed at, especially when considering the player's overall performance level.

Matches played

35

Matches started

34

Goals

11

Assists

10

Big chances created

16

Pass completion

82%

Shots taken per game

2.3

Key passes per game

1.6

Tackles per game

1.6

Ball recoveries per game

3.6

Dribbles per game

1.5

Duels won per game

5.3

All-encompassing, Gordon has the mark of an elite-level forward and would be a brilliant addition to Slot's Liverpool team, bringing pace, potency and playmaking quality to make a marked effect on the success of a new era. He is undoubtedly an "exciting" player, as former Red Emile Heskey billed him.

Liverpool will of course weigh up the pros and cons but simply imagining the partnership that could be forged between the winger and Trent Alexander-Arnold is enough to get the legs wobbling.

How Trent could benefit Gordon at Liverpool

As per FBref, Alexander-Arnold ranks among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 5% for assists, the top 1% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90.

The £180k-per-week talent is truly one of Europe's superlative ball-playing stars, with pundit Jamie Carragher even exclaiming that "it's like having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back" – in reference to his ability to make staggering surgical passes, carving backlines open at will.

Gordon would relish the opportunity to play with such a phenom at club level.

Liverpool may have a top-class left winger in Luis Diaz, while Cody Gakpo has showcased his ability to wreak havoc from out wide for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 this summer, leading the scoring charts. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are both competent on the wing too, albeit better placed in a central striking position.

Supporters understand – if a bit grudgingly – that FSG are reluctant to authorise a high-cost acquisition in such a position given the rich spread of options at Slot's disposal, but if one were to leave, the stance would change entirely.

Diaz has been consistently linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months, but Liverpool would only entertain offers in excess of £50m and La Blaugrana aren't exactly loaded. Still, the interest is genuine and things could change over the next two months.

Harking back to that earlier Alexander-Arnold point, Gordon's pace and output might not be too dissimilar to that of Diaz but the England international is proving himself to be far more reliable in front of goal, providing the Reds' vice-captain with an unceasing attacking focal point to find with his diverse passing ability.

Alexander-Arnold created the joint-fifth-most big chances (16) in the Premier League last season despite starting only 25 times during an injury-affected year, and given that he is starting to shuttle into the centre with greater regularity, he might find himself placed to pick out surging peers such as Gordon with all the more constancy.

If the finances end up working out, Liverpool must surely push to sign Gordon, who wants the move and, four years younger than Diaz, could be one of Slot's linchpins over the coming years.

Hijack: Liverpool eyeing “monster” who'd be Slot's own Van Dijk signing

This would be quite the statement from FSG.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2024

Garber said global soccer leagues should look to the MLS approach as a model for success

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MLS commissioner Garber speaks at Leaders Week 2024Says other leagues should follow MLS' infrastructureSays streaming services may be future of sports coverageGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

MLS Commissioner Don Garber believes that global soccer leagues would be in "much, much better shape," if they followed a structure similar to that of the domestic men's league, according to the Sports Business Journal.

Garber's comments came at the Leaders Week 2024 conference in London Wednesday, with the veteran commissioner saying "If you were to ask the people that are running some of the big European leagues, they'd say, 'Boy, MLS has got it right."

Garber attributed the growth of MLS team valuations and investment in soccer-specific stadiums in part to the league’s unique structure as single business entity.

Garber said that a key driver for the success of MLS is the lack of promotion and relegation – a mechanism used in the majority of leagues around the world. Garber suggested that MLS owners and public entities would be reticent to put significant funds toward stadiums if their team had a chance of being sent down — resulting in a major revenue loss — after an unsuccessful season.

However, in certain instances, he admitted he may be open to trying the concept in certain scenarios.

“I do think that there are ways for us to think about what that could look like going forward as the development of the minor leagues continues to grow,” Garber said. “We have a competition with [Liga MX] called the Leagues Cup, where we play against the Mexican league in the summertime — could we have different ways that our teams are qualifying in for that?”

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That said, Garber also noted that there are structural changes that could still benefit MLS, especially around governance.

“In terms of governance, we'd probably change things: maybe not have strict salary caps, maybe not have a centralized entity like the league office making a lot of learned decisions based on committees and the like,” Garber said. “But I think we have a model that has driven our success, and I think if that model was adapted around the world, football would be in much, much better shape.”

Garber also discussed the growth of soccer in the U.S. beyond MLS, saying of the 2026 World Cup in North America: “People have no idea how big the World Cup is going to be in the States. I've said that to [FIFA President] Gianni Infantino. I've said it to Victor Montagliani, who runs CONCACAF. Our country is going to explode with interest, and that's not selling. We are a football-soccer nation.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Garber also pointed toward the value of the MLS' 10-year media deal with Apple TV, adding that he believes streaming services may become the dominant option for future sports consumption.

“I do think the world is moving, as we all know, to a streaming environment," he said. "Ninety-eight percent of Americans have at least one streaming service. Think about that from where it was five years ago. Most kids today have never consumed cable. So, the most important question is, ‘Are we early? Are we on time?’ Time will tell, history will judge it.”

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IMGANWHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

Decision Day 2024 is set for Saturday. The league's regular season finale will determine the final entrants, and official seeding, for the 2024 postseason.

The no. 1 overall seed has already been clinched by Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who claimed the MLS Supporters' Shield earlier this month.

Leeds United have benefited in the not so distant past from giving players once disregarded as duds more opportunities to shine, who were once looking likely to be thrown to the scrapheap in West Yorkshire.

Junior Firpo from last season is a glowing example of the club's patience paying off, with the ex-Barcelona defender shining at points in the Championship by amassing an impressive eight assists, after really struggling in the Premier League for the Whites.

Brenden Aaronson will hope he can turn around his Leeds career in a similar fashion, on his return back to England this summer, but could find he's pushed to one side again, if Farke and Co are successful in their pursuit of this attacking midfield gem.

Leeds back in for £0 attacking midfield gem

According to a report by Football Insider, Leeds could be nearing towards a deal to sign Coventry City star Callum O'Hare on a free transfer very soon, with ex-Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson stating that a move will likely take place when in-demand attackers have departed Elland Road.

It is further revealed in the same report that O'Hare is high on the priority list owing to the fact Leeds are targeting signings who will not break the bank, with the Sky Blues man walking away from the CBS Arena for £0 this week, after failing to agree a new contract with Mark Robins' men.

With O'Hare lighting up the Championship again this season just gone in the number ten spot, when back fully fit for Coventry, Aaronson could find his minutes are still few and far between relocating back to his parent club from Germany.

The English magician would also thrive making the move to Leeds, with the Whites attack becoming an even more terrifying prospect for second-tier defences to contain and manage, if the 26-year-old does make the move.

What O'Hare could offer Leeds

The 26-year-old had wretched luck with injuries before his stunning 23/24 season, however, as a serious knee injury struck him down the campaign before, which meant he made only 11 league appearances in total.

Missing the opening few months this season sidelined still with this long-lasting knock, before finally being able to kick into gear, O'Hare effortlessly blew off any lingering cobwebs with six goals and three assists managed from 31 league clashes.

Stat – per 90 mins*

O'Hare

Games played

31

Goals scored

6

Assists

3

Shots*

1.3

Touches*

43.0

Ball recoveries*

3.3

Big chances created

4

Stats by Sofascore

Impressing last campaign for the Sky Blues in the league, when looking at the table above, as well as starring during his team's memorable FA Cup run, Aaronson's days will be numbered if this deal does get over the line soon.

Aaronson, in contrast, barely managed to leave a lasting impression on the Union Berlin masses during his loan stint in the Bundesliga, with only 43 minutes averaged per game for his short-term employers from his 30 appearances.

Only two goals would come his way when gifted a chance to impress in the German capital, with the American attacker needing to really dig deep back on his return to Elland Road to prove doubters wrong, after an equally uninspiring return of one goal and three assists when previously donning a Whites strip.

Described as being a "dangerous" attacker for the Sky Blues, alongside the likes of Kasey Palmer in the West Midlands, by football journalist Josh Bunting, Leeds fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of O'Hare terrorising Championship defences for fun pulling on his new Whites jersey.

He could well be a signing that sees Farke's men push on and win promotion this time around, instead of slipping up on the big occasion.

Medical scheduled with Leeds set to sell "aggressive" player

A deal is close.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 30, 2024

Unai Emery's first port of call after finishing his first full season at the Aston Villa helm appears to be signing former loanee Ross Barkley from relegated Premier League rivals Luton Town.

Barkley, aged 30, has enjoyed quite the resurgence on English shores after losing his way these past several years, starting just ten league matches over the past two league campaigns with Chelsea and Nice (on loan in France), yet now hailed for being "not far off Player of the Season" by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

This is a shrewd move for an experienced and cultured midfielder who will add depth and dynamism to a team preparing for the raised bar of competing among Europe's elite, but supporters will hope for further, more lucrative deals to follow.

Though Villa have enjoyed immense success, some outgoings will be required to stay in line with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, but if certain blocks are shifted then an exciting new name could wind up in the Midlands.

Villa lining up marquee move

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa have joined Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in registering an interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Xavi Simons, who starred on loan with RB Leipzig in Germany this season.

PSG are expected to list Simons for loan once again this summer but could be tempted to sell if an acceptable offer is put forth, with previous reports suggesting that a sum of €60m (£52m) might do the trick.

The report does stress that Simons' preference is to move to Barcelona, having cut his teeth in La Masia's fabled academy, but whether the financially stricken giants have the means to bring the 21-year-old back remains to be seen at this stage.

Xavi Simons' season in numbers

An incredible, multi-functioning wide forward, Simons exceeded expectations with Leipzig last season and clinched ten goals and 15 assists from 45 matches in all competitions, placed alongside Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala as one of the Bundesliga's "three crazy attacking talents" – as per Jacek Kulig.

His versatility and ability to maintain potency wherever he is deployed make him a weapon of singular devastation, allowing Emery to deploy him where he sees fit to cater to the needs of the forthcoming fixture.

Xavi Simons: RB Leipzig Stats by Position
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Left winger	23	5	7
Right winger	18	5	5
Attacking midfield	2	0	3
Stats via Transfermarkt

During his German Bundesliga campaign, the 13-cap Netherlands international scored eight goals and provided 11 assists from 32 matches, as per Sofascore, creating 14 big chances, completing 82% of his passes and averaging 2.5 key passes, 2.6 dribbles, 5.2 ball recoveries and 6.3 successful duels per game.

He's truly shaping into one of the elite forwards of his generation, and Villa would hand him the freedom to cement a spot as the attacking fulcrum of an outfit on the rise, perhaps reflecting his own burgeoning potential.

Let's illustrate that point.

As per FBref, Simons ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90.

This level of offensive quality highlights the reason some of Europe's most illustrious teams are desperate to bring him to their stadium, and Villa must surely throw the kitchen sink at getting the deal over the line, with Simons even dubbed a "superstar" by journalist Antonio Mango.

It might require sacrifice, but perhaps that's simply part and parcel of rising through the levels to secure a spot at the forefront of the continental game.

Indeed, while it would not be the most popular move Emery has enforced since succeeding Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dugout, it might be the right time to sell Jacob Ramsey, especially given Simons would mark an almighty upgrade.

How Villa can sign Xavi Simons

Aston Villa might be in the pink in many ways but there is indeed an underlying caveat that summer transfer activity must be conducted with financial fair play rules in mind.

Simons might be an option for permanent or (initially) short-term transfer but there's little question that he would improve Emery's team, and every effort must be exhausted in bringing him to Villa Park.

But perhaps a sale would facilitate the move. While it would be met with division, Villa must consider cashing in on Ramsey to fund Simons' signing, and given that Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are involved in a tussle for his services, as per The Telegraph, it might open up the switch.

Villa's boyhood star, who is 22, has impressed in recent years but suffered an injury-affected season as his peers forged a path toward the Champions League, starting just eight Premier League matches and last featuring at the beginning of March – providing just one goal and one assist in 2023/24.

But he's still an excellent talent, predicted to bloom into a “top-class” player in the future by pundit Jamie Carragher, performing wonderfully last season, scoring six goals and supplying seven assists from 31 top-flight starts, as per Sofascore, completing 84% of his passes and averaging 1.2 key passes, two tackles and 4.6 successful duels per fixture.

Ramsey's obvious talent actually makes a deeper argument toward initiating the dynamic midfielder's sale, with David Ornstein even revealing back in January that Villan bosses hold an opinion that they could bring in as much as £50m for the player's departure, something that might not hold the same weight after his recent injury issues but nonetheless speaks of his pedigree.

Ramsey's brother, Aaron, was sold in similar circumstances last summer, joining Burnley for a fee in excess of £12m, and given that his homegrown status would hand Villa pure profit, this could be the ruthless move to make to ensure that the rise continues and Emery is provided with the perfect tools to crafter even greater success next season, and beyond.

Villa chasing £17m Watkins partner who's a better dribbler than Grealish

Unai Emery could score a big hit by signing this exciting talent this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 23, 2024

While the likes of Arsenal and Man City also appear ready to pounce, Villa would be wise to use their newfound Champions League status to do all they can to tempt Simons into making the move to the Midlands.

In recent years, Leeds United have spent fairly freely, breaking their transfer record on several occasions since 2020. But who is the Whites’ current record signing?

Football FanCast has taken a look at Leeds United’s most expensive signings in their history, as per Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.

1

Georginio Rutter

£35.5m

Hoffenheim

2023

2

Brenden Aaronson

£28.5m

RB Salzburg

2022

3

Rodrigo

£26m

Valencia

2020

4

Dan James

£25m

Man Utd

2018

5

Luis Sinisterra

£21m

Feyenoord

2022

6

Tyler Adams

£20m

RB Leipzig

2022

7

Jean-Kevin Augustin

£18.4m

RB Leipzig

2022

=8

Rio Ferdinand

£18m

West Ham

2000

=8

Noah Okafor

£18m

AC Milan

2025

=8

Diego Llorente

£18m

Real Sociedad

2020

11

Anton Stach

£17.4m

Hoffenheim

2025

12

Raphinha

£17m

Rennes

2020

13

Helder Costa

£16m

Wolves

2020

14

Jaka Bijol

£15m

Udinese

2025

15

Robbie Fowler

£14.5m

Liverpool

2001

16

Lucas Perri

£13.9m

Lyon

2025

17

Junior Firpo

£13m

Barcelona

2021

=18

Sean Longstaff

£12m

Newcastle

2025

=18

Robin Koch

£12m

Freiburg

2020

=18

Joel Piroe

£12m

Swansea

2023

Here's a detailed look at Leeds' 10 most expensive signings: 10 Diego Llorente £18m from Real Sociedad

Centre-back Diego Llorente was brought in ahead of Leeds’ return to the Premier League, with the Spaniard providing an experienced option in defence.

However, things never really went to plan for Llorente at Elland Road, who struggled to nail down a place under Marcelo Bielsa or Jesse Marsch.

9 Noah Okafor £18m from AC Milan

Switzerland international Noah Okafor was Leeds’ marquee signing in 2025 following the Whites’ second return to the Premier League.

The versatile forward impressed in a pre-season friendly against Leeds in Dublun, and weeks later, was unveiled as an £18m signing.

8 Rio Ferdinand £18m from West Ham

The oldest signing in the top 10 is defender Rio Ferdinand, who Leeds signed from West Ham in 2000.

The centre-back went on to impress in Yorkshire, playing in the Champions League and starring for England in the 2002 World Cup as a Whites player before joining rivals Manchester United in a big-money exit.

Year joined

2000

Appearances

73

Goals

3

Sold to

Man Utd (2002, £30m)

7 Jean-Kevin Augustin £18.4m from RB Leipzig

There were high hopes when Jean-Kevin Augustin signed for Leeds on loan when they were in the Championship, with an obligation to make a move permanent should they win promotion.

The Whites did go up, but Augustin didn’t live up to the hype, playing just 48 minutes for Leeds, who were involved in a long legal battle over making his deal permanent.

In the end, Leeds were ordered to pay an £18.4m fee to RB Leipzig and compensation to the player, making him the most expensive player per appearance in football history.

Year joined

2020

Appearances

3

Goals

0

Sold to

Nantes (2020, free)

6 Tyler Adams £20m from RB Leipzig

Tyler Adams was signed in the summer of 2022 ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge at Elland Road, with the central midfielder showing early promise for the Whites.

However, after Leeds were eventually relegated, he signed for Bournemouth to make a swift return to the Premier League.

5 Luis Sinisterra £21m from Feyenoord

Winger Luis Sinisterra had an injury-hit spell with Leeds after signing from Feyenoord in 2022, but did show his quality when fully fit.

The Colombian was part of the squad that was relegated from the Premier League before forcing an Elland Road exit in 2023, eventually making his loan move to Bournemouth permanent in February 2024.

Year joined

2022

Appearances

26

Goals

8

Sold to

Bournemouth (2024, £20m)

4 Dan James £25m from Man Utd

Signed from Old Trafford in 2021, Dan James was a long-term target for Bielsa, who nearly joined Leeds from Swansea City years prior before a dramatic deadline-day collapse.

The Whites eventually got their man, though, with James now making more appearances for Leeds than any other of his previous clubs.

3 Rodrigo £26m from Valencia

Bielsa’s most expensive signing as Leeds manager was Spanish forward Rodrigo, who spent three years at Elland Road, scoring 28 goals in 97 appearances.

Rodrigo was mainly deployed just behind the striker, something which arguably didn’t play to his strengths, with his best season in front of goal for Leeds coming in the year the Whites were relegated.

Year joined

2020

Appearances

97

Goals

28

Sold to

Al-Rayyan (2023, £3m)

2 Brenden Aaronson £28.5m from RB Salzburg

Attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson was on the Leeds radar for a good six months prior to signing in 2022, quickly joining after the club ensured their Premier League status.

During his first year as a Whites player, the USA international struggled as Leeds were relegated, and he remains under contract until 2027.

1 Georginio Rutter £35.5m from Hoffenheim

Top of the charts is Georginio Rutter, who has now won the Elland Road faithful over after an underwhelming start to life in West Yorkshire.

The French forward made his mark in the Championship during the 2023/24 season but left for Brighton after the Seagulls trggered his release clause hours before it was due to expire.

Vinicius Jr. has been told it would be the "biggest crime in history of the sport" if he wins the Ballon d'Or after another poor display for Brazil.

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Vinicius' dismal Brazil form continuesWent missing in Brazil's 1-0 loss to ParaguayReceived immense backlash from frustrated fansWHAT HAPPENED?

The Real Madrid winger was an anonymous figure on the pitch as Brazil slumped to a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in their latest CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier. Although he did find some spark in the second half, his efforts were not enough to secure at least a point for the Selecao away from home.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Furious Brazil fans hit out at Vinicus after the match for failing to lead his country to victory and even expressed their desire for the Ballon d'Or favourite to miss out on the coveted individual prize.

An X user, @ney2maa, wrote: "We cannot let someone like Vinicius who ghosts for his national team every single game to win the Ballon d'Or man. It would be the biggest crime in the history of the sport."

Whereas, @EifSoccer stated: "Not even an exaggeration – Vinicius has to be one of the worst international performers in football history relative to his club performances. We are talking about a Ballon d’Or future winner. He has never performed for Brazil. At this point, how can Brazil play him?"

Meanwhile, @Ollican wrote: "There’s a reason Zidane always benched him. Vinicius has been atrocious under every manager in his career except Ancelotti. This isn’t even him being a system player, which is disastrous in itself but an issue of skillset. Once he flukes that Ballon d’Or, it’s toast tbh. Smh 🤦🏾‍♀️"

@SelecaoTalk argued: "Vinicius Jr touching the ball just 37 times in a game where Brazil have 70%+ possession is extremely worrying. It’s not like he’s trying things and they aren’t working. He’s just not involved at all."

Manchester City fan @Siphe_Sihle1 chipped in: "Yet people say he should win the Ballon d'Or. Absolutely pathetic. Rodri does it for club and country."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Brazil have slipped to the fifth spot in the CONMBEOL standings after losing their fourth match in eight games. However, they are still within direct qualification bounds as the top six teams will head to the 2026 global event in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

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(C) Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

After a dismal outing with the national team, Vinicius will be desperate to head back to the comforts of Valdebebas in Madrid where Carlo Ancelotti is waiting for him in the tactical room. He remains one of the key players for Los Blancos and will look to shrug off his poor international form when the reigning La Liga champions face Real Sociedad on Saturday.

أكد البرتغالي هيلدر دوارتي المدير الفني لفريق بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي، أنه يرغب في تحقيق الفوز على الزمالك، في المباراة التي تقام بينهما مساء الأربعاء، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

الزمالك يستضيف بلاك بولز، في إطار الجولة الأولى من عمر مواجهات دور المجموعات من بطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية للموسم الحالي 2024-2025.

الزمالك يتواجد في المجموعة الرابعة لـ كأس الكونفدرالية، بجانب كل من المصري البورسعيدي وبلاك بولز، إنيمبا النيجيري.

وقال دوارتي خلال تصريحات في برنامج “ملعب أون تايم” المذاع على “قناة أون تايم سبورت 1”: “سوف نواجه الزمالك وهو فريق كبير ومخضرم في البطولات الإفريقية، علاوة على ذلك يوجد فارق في المستوى، لذلك علينا الظهور بمستوى مختلف”.

وأضاف: “نحن أبطال موزمبيق ونهاجم دائمًا وندافع أيضًا، ونعلم أننا سنواجه صعوبات كبيرة أمام الزمالك، نريد أن نُحقق إنجاز كبير ضد فريق الزمالك الكبير، لا نريد التعادل بل الفوز على الأبيض”.

طالع | مدرب بلاك بولز: واجهت جوميز من قبل.. والزمالك بلا نقاط ضعف

وأكمل: “نريد بالطبع الفوز، ونعلم أن المباراة ستكون صعبة جدًا، ولكننا نؤمن بأنفسنا بأنه يُمكننا الفوز، فريق الزمالك يمتلك لاعبين كبار ولكن دعونا نحاول المنافسة، نعلم أن المستوى مختلف بيننا وبينهم لكننا سنحاول في تلك البطولة وسوف تكون مباراة كبيرة جدًا”.

وأتم: “دائمًا أريد الفوز بالطبع، لن أدخل المباراة من أجل التعادل، إذا فكر أحد في التعادل كما نقول في البرتغال أنه سوف يخسر الكرة، لذلك لاعبينا لا يريدون التعادل”. موعد مباراة الزمالك وبلاك بولز في كأس الكونفدرالية

وتقام مباراة الزمالك ضد بلاك بولز، في تمام الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، يوم الأربعاء 27 نوفمبر.

Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon with sights firmly fixed on ending a depressing bout of form, with just one victory from five matches in the league, also crashing out of the Europa League against Atalanta in this timeframe.

The winds of change are blowing at Anfield, with Liverpool preparing for life under Jurgen Klopp after nearly nine years with the German at the helm, lifting the club back to its perch and winning a host of major honours.

Klopp's side have enjoyed a thrilling campaign for the most part, resurgent and triumphing in the Carabao Cup back in February despite mountainous injury problems in what seemed like a tone-setter for the final phase, with silverware up for grabs across every possible front.

That hasn't happened, but the third-place Premier League side have still come on leaps and bounds this season, having fallen off a proverbial cliff last year.

With just three matches left at the helm for the Merseysiders, Klopp will be determined to string together a first-class burst of form to close his illustrious tenure with a bang, though he will have to overcome a concerning injury blow against Spurs at Anfield this afternoon.

Liverpool team news

In his pre-match press conference, a free-speaking Klopp revealed that captain Virgil van Dijk is a doubt having not trained all week, though he was involved in parts of team training on Friday and might play a part.

Diogo Jota is still unavailable as he recovers from an issue but Conor Bradley is ready to make his return after spending the past several weeks recuperating from an ankle injury.

Veterans Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara (both out of contract this summer) and talented youngster Ben Doak all remain sidelined with long-term problems.

The potential absence of Van Dijk is hardly a nerve-settling piece of news, with the Netherlands star a pillar of strength and leadership in testing circumstances this season.

Virgil van Dijk's season in numbers

Van Dijk was knocked off-kilter last season as Liverpool flattered to deceive throughout a torrid campaign, but he's been back to his imperious best since earning the captain's armband last summer and has been one of the standout reasons behind his squad's revival.

As per Sofascore, the 32-year-old has completed 33 Premier League matches this season, scoring two goals and adding two assists, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.2 tackles, 4.8 ball recoveries and 3.9 clearances per game and winning a staggering 77% of his duels, utterly dominant in the air and calmly crunching in ground battles.

Aside from his supreme defensive strength and commanding leadership, Van Dijk is also one of the game's highest-quality distributors from the back, ranking among the top 10% of centre-halves across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 12% for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

This is all a roundabout way of saying that he's not an easy man to replace, and given the error-strewn, unconvincing displays of Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah these past few fixtures, it might be time for Klopp to try something different and throw Joe Gomez back into the starting mix.

Why Joe Gomez must replace Virgil van Dijk

The spirit of James Milner lives on at Liverpool, with Gomez thriving as the Reds' multi-dimensional utility man this season, playing across a range of roles and impressing while doing so, with writer Joel Rabinowitz acknowledging the recently-recalled England star's “renaissance”.

Right-back

23

1

5

Left-back

17

1

5

Centre-back

5

1

5

Defensive midfield

2

0

2

The 26-year-old is Liverpool's longest-serving first-team player after joining from Charlton Athletic as a teenager for a fee of £3.5m in 2015, having completed 222 appearances and won the whole gamut under Klopp's wing.

But all things come to an end and recent news has suggested that Gomez is now considering leaving the club alongside Klopp this summer, having given his all for nearly one decade and now seemingly wishes to search for pastures new.

Be that as it may, Gomez is an invaluable member of the side and by being placed into a central defensive role against Tottenham, he could produce the kind of showing that would leave Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and co throwing the kitchen sink at convincing him to stay put.

Gomez ranks among the top 8% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 19% for progressive passes, the top 20% for interceptions and the top 4% for aerial wins per 90 (FBref).

While these metrics have been collated against positional peers – wide defenders – Gomez has a wealth of experience as a central defender and he might prove to be the counterbalancing force to succeed alongside Konate later today.

Spurs are in dismal form themselves, losing three successive Premier League matches, but complacency will be the detriment to Liverpool's performance, with the likes of Heung-min Son, James Maddison and co more than capable of incisively bypassing a red rearguard that has shipped eight goals from as many matches in April.

The £85k-per-week Gomez has scarcely played at centre-back this season but the last time he did, during a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League way back in September, he incredibly took 121 touches, completed 95% of his passes and won five of his seven contested duels.

This kind of proactive, crisp and all-rounded display is exactly what will be needed if Liverpool are to dispatch Tottenham and set the mood for a fitting send-off for esteemed Klopp.

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Gomez is multi-functional and has even been remarked to be "absolutely priceless" to Liverpool by pundit Steve McManaman given his dynamism and elite tactical flexibility.

This might prove to be the 6 foot 2 star's final chance at Liverpool, where he could make a big impact in a fresh role and perhaps convince Anfield bosses that he must remain at the club.

Former Liverpool and Rangers manager Graeme Souness has questioned Manchester United's decision to sign 'lightweight' Matthijs de Ligt.

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Article continues below

Souness raises questions over De Ligt's abilityNot the solution to Man Utd's problemsJoined the Red Devils from Bayern Munich on TuesdayWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils officially announced the arrival of the Dutch defender on Tuesday as they paid £38.5m ($49.5m) plus £4.3m ($5.5m) in add-ons to Bayern Munich to secure the signature of the centre-back. De Ligt, 25, has already built an impressive resume, having played for top European clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, however, some experts have raised concerns over his abilities.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

One such expert is ex-Liverpool boss Souness, who tagged the Dutchman as a 'lightweight' defender and questioned whether he will be able to solve United's defensive woes. The club desperately needed a centre-back with experience at the highest level after Raphael Varane left Old Trafford at the end of the 2023-24 season.

WHAT GRAEME SOUNESS SAID

Speaking to talkSPORT, the 71-year-old said: "I'm doubtful about De Ligt. He didn't get into the national team during the Euros, he was a squad member. He's been at two enormous football clubs, they normally don't like to sell players. That in itself tells a story. I'm not sure he is what Man United needs at this time. Jonny Evans played 23 times for Man United, they desperately need a centre-half. I look at De Ligt, he's a lightweight centre-half. What you want from a centre-half first and foremost is to defend."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Netherlands international could make his debut in the Premier League on Friday as Erik ten Hag's side take on Fulham at Old Trafford in their 2024-25 curtain raiser.