Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur have identified several defensive targets for this summer, but one homegrown asset could be the standout…

What's the latest on Marc Guehi to Tottenham?

That's according to The Athletic, who detail various targets that Ange Postecoglou could swoop for in his first transfer window since joining.

Despite links in recent months suggesting a move for Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte, they could instead invest in youth and stump up the £50m Crystal Palace are set to demand for Marc Guehi with the defender believed to be a target.

After all, he boasts an impressively high ceiling, with his malleable nature making him the perfect foundation for which the Australian head coach can build his dynasty in north London. He has been a long-term target of the club, seemingly way before the arrival of the former Celtic boss.

Is Marc Guehi better than Aymeric Laporte?

The key differences between these two defensive stalwarts are their age and minutes played, with one having starred for a mid-table outfit, whilst the other has played a supplementary role in an unprecedented achievement in Manchester.

The Spain international made just 24 appearances in all competitions last term, with 12 of those coming in the league. For all his quality during his time at the Etihad, this lack of influence must surely be a factor in Postecoglou's thinking.

Not to mention that he is set to turn 30 next year, whilst Guehi is still just 22 years old.

Already an England international, and having starred for an uninspiring yet solid Palace side, even during a campaign where they were at points threatened with relegation, he still maintained a 6.94 Sofascore average rating. This was matched by Laporte in the league too, although he did play 25 fewer matches for a far greater team.

To further emphasise the impressive form of the Chelsea academy graduate, it is worth emphasising his 85% pass accuracy and 82% dribble success rate he upheld in his most recent season, to match his outstanding 3.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore. For context, no player made more clearances a match in the entire Spurs squad.

A true ball-playing leader, yet with the solidity needed to improve this struggling squad, it is no surprise to see former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik had branded him an "absolute tank", and a "brick wall" to have in front of him as a goalkeeper.

It is also worth outlining that, in Opta's player radars, he is shown to truly excel when it comes to touches of the ball and possession won. Able to wrestle back possession with his immense strength, but combining it with imperious technical quality, makes him something of a physical marvel.

Laporte has been impressive for so long, but his age would make him a short-term signing in an attempt to force instant success. Guehi poses a fine alternative in terms of instant impact but arguably has well over a decade to continue his growth into a huge figure in the Postecoglou revolution.

أثار قرار مدرب فريق باريس سان جيرمان، لويس إنريكي، حيرة الجماهير بسبب تصرفه تجاه النجم كيليان مبابي خلال مواجهة موناكو.

ويلتقي الفريقان في الوقت الحالي، في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة والعشرين من الدوري الفرنسي، موسم 2023/24.

وتواجد كيليان مبابي في التشكيل الأساسي لحامل اللقب، قبل أن يقرر لويس إنريكي استبداله بين شوطي المباراة.

وظنت الجماهير أن مبابي يعاني من إصابة، ولكن شبكة “rmcsport” الفرنسية نفت الأمر.

وذكرت الشبكة أن كيليان مبابي لا يعاني من أي إصابة جسدية، حيث تواجد في النفق المؤدي إلى غرف الملابس وقام بتحية أحدهم، قبل أن يؤكد له أن “الأمر على ما يرام”.

وسبق أن اُستبدل مبابي، في الجولة الماضية ضد رين في الدقيقة 65، وبرر إنريكي الأمر بكونه يريد التعود على فكرة اللعب بدون النجم الفرنسي (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

Fulham are in “talks” with Willian regarding a new contract at Craven Cottage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Willian leaving Fulham?

The Brazilian only joined Marco Silva’s side from Corinthians last summer and has impressed during his 29 appearances in his debut season, ranking as the manager’s overall second-best-performing player this term with a WhoScored match rating of 6.99.

The Whites winger, though, is already used to playing in the Premier League having previously undergone spells at both Chelsea and Arsenal so is no stranger to the style of play in England, hence why he’s likely adapted so well since putting pen to paper in SW6.

Willian, however, will be out of contract at the end of the season meaning that he could be set to depart as a free agent should the club not offer him an extension, but it sounds like work is already underway behind the scenes to retain his services beyond the current campaign.

Have Fulham offered Willian a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Fulham have now opened discussions with Willian over fresh terms, but admitted that there are admirers overseas that are keen to recruit him should he leave. He wrote:

“Understand talks are ongoing between Willian agent and Fulham over [a] new deal in order to stay next season. Nothing is done/sealed yet. There are more European clubs and Saudi League clubs interested in signing Willian.”

Fulham will know how much of an integral part of their success Willian has been this season, and having been hailed “electric” in the final third by journalist Simon Collings, the left-winger being rewarded for his displays with a new contract would be nothing less than he deserves.

The Cottagers’ £40k-per-week attacker has ten goal contributions (five goals and the same number of assists) to his name in 29 appearances since joining, with this form having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he’s averaging 4.38 shot-creating actions per top-flight game which is higher than any other member of Silva’s squad, via FBRef.

Willian also provides the boss with wonderful versatility having operated slightly deeper in left midfield and even on the opposite flank as a right-winger over the course of the current term which is a great attribute to have, so making the decision to keep him beyond the summer has to be a no-brainer for the Craven Cottage board.

أصبح مستقبل الفرنسي كريم بنزيما في المملكة العربية السعودية مع فريقه اتحاد جدة، موضع شك، وفقًا لتقارير.

وانضم بنزيما إلى اتجاد جدة السعودي في صفقة انتقال حر الصيف الماضي بعد نهاية عقده مع ريال مدريد عقب مسيرة استمرت 14 عامًا.

بنزيما غير سعيد بالحياة في جدة ويسعى للعودة للمنافسة في أوروبا بعد ستة أشهر فقط من انضمامه للفريق السعودي.

وبحسب صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، اشتد إحباط بنزيما يوم الإثنين، عندما أمر مدرب الاتحاد، مارسيلو جاياردو، المهاجم بالتدرب بمفرده بعد جلسة أولية مع اللاعبين.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | أحمد حجازي: نسعى لتصحيح مسار الاتحاد واستعادة نغمة الانتصارات

ويشير التقرير إلى أن بنزيما رفض رفضًا صريحًا، واشتد غضبه وخرج من التدريبات أمام زملائه الذين أكملوا الجلسة في غيابه.

ويغيب بنزيما عن المشاركة مع اتحاد جدة في مباراته أمام الطائي اليوم بمنافسات الدوري السعودي.

يذكر أن آرسنال وتشيلسي ومانشستر يونايتد مهتمون بضم بنزيما وفقًا لتقارير، وارتبط الفرنسي بإمكانية الرحيل للدوري الإنجليزي قبل غلق نافذة انتقالات يناير، لكن ثلاثي البريميرليج أنهى النافذة دون تعزيز خط الهجوم.

Journalist Bobby Vincent has slammed Cesar Azpilicueta after he struggled to impress with a 4/10 display in the most recent Chelsea defeat.

What happened between Chelsea and Man City?

Even before Manchester City had taken to the pitch at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, they had already wrapped up the Premier League title.

Indeed, with Arsenal losing to Nottingham Forest the day before, the Blues' visit to Manchester was rendered essentially meaningless with both teams no longer having anything beyond pride on the line.

In the end, a single first-half goal from Julian Alvarez was enough to see City win 1-0 in a match that was played as if both teams had their minds elsewhere.

The defeat, however, does confirm that Chelsea are set for their lowest ever points total in the Premier League era no matter what happens on the final day of the season.

Evidently, it wasn't a good day for Frank Lampard's men but it seems one man stood out for all the wrong reasons.

Indeed, in the player ratings for football.london, Vincent tore into Azpilicueta and handed him a 4/10 for his efforts.

He also wrote: "Got rinsed by Cole Palmer early on. He couldn't keep up with the City youngster in one-on-one situations. A tough afternoon for the Spaniard."

How bad was Azpilicueta vs Man City?

When you look at his stats on SofaScore, it highlights just how much Azpilicueta struggled at right-back on the day.

Indeed, the 33-year-old was dribbled past twice and gave away three fouls (the most of any Chelsea player in both categories). He lost his only aerial duel and won just 3/9 ground duels attempted.

Whilst he was also sloppy on the ball, losing it eight times and failing to find a teammate with either of his two crosses. And he finished the game with the same amount of touches (43) as goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga

Incidentally, covering the game with live updates on Twitter, Vincent also noted Azpilicueta's earlier on in the match.

For instance, at one point in the first half, he wrote: "Not sure how it's not 2-0 to City. Foden has a great chance. Azpilicueta having a nightmare up against Palmer."

All in all, it's fair to say the £180k-p/w defender had a day to forget at the Etihad and it remains unclear just how much longer he'll be trusted as a regular in the team as he turns 34 in August.

Match facts

Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Start time 0900 local (0700 GMT)1:03

Can Zimbabwe stop series whitewash in Harare?

Big picture

Over the last two years and a bit, India’s ODI top three has been among the best in the world. They have had issues, however, with Nos. 4, 5 and 6. Addressing those issues must have been among the selectors’ primary concerns when they picked a largely experimental squad to tour Zimbabwe. Two-thirds of the way into the ODI series, India’s Nos. 4, 5 and 6 have faced one ball between them. One ball.Two matches down, the series already won, India have barely been tested. Their bowlers have enjoyed the conditions, which have offered a bit of swing and seam for the quicks and a bit of grip for the spinners, and have racked up sensational numbers. Of the five bowlers India have used, only Axar Patel (24.00) averages more than 20 in this series. But perhaps they have had it all too easy. No meaningful partnerships to stretch their patience or skillsets, no withering attack to quell, not one batsman building an innings and refusing to give his wicket away.The batsmen, needless to say, have had it even easier: they had to chase 169 in the first ODI and 127 in the second.Zimbabwe aren’t a great side. This was known even before the series began. But they are better than their displays so far suggest. It will be in both sides’ interests if they actually show up on Wednesday, and play to their potential. The series cries out for a big top-order partnership from Zimbabwe, for a burst of wickets from their bowlers, for the crackling contest that isn’t beyond them.

Form guide

Zimbabwe: LLLWW (last five matches, most recent first)
India: WWWLL

In the spotlight

It isn’t his fault that he has bowled with woefully inadequate totals to defend, and, given those circumstances, Tendai Chatara has actually bowled pretty well so far. His pace isn’t yet up to the level it was at before he broke his shin last year, but he has hit the deck, straightened a few past the edge, picked up Zimbabwe’s only wicket in the first ODI and could have had one in the second game too, had he not overstepped. He will hope Zimbabwe either bowl first or put decent total on the board on Wednesday, giving him a chance to apply some sort of pressure on India’s batsmen.Kedar Jadhav scored an unbeaten 105 the last time he batted in an ODI. That was in July 2015. Since then, he has lost his place to more established names and come back for this series only to notch up DNBs in the first two matches. He will hope India bat first, or that they get a decent target to chase, or that he gets a major promotion up the order.

Team news

Craig Ervine injured his hamstring before the second ODI, and Sean Williams, who replaced him, injured his finger soon after the toss and was unable to bat. It is unclear if either will be available on Wednesday. Timycen Maruma could get a look-in if both are ruled out. Zimbabwe already have a lengthy batting line-up, though, and might be tempted instead to pick an extra bowler – either a seamer in Donald Tiripano or Tawanda Mupariwa, or a spinner in Wellington Masakadza or Tendai Chisoro.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Chamu Chibhabha, 3 Peter Moor, 4 Vusi Sibanda, 5 Sean Williams/Craig Ervine/Timycen Maruma, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Elton Chigumbura, 8 Richmond Mutumbami (wk), 9 Graeme Cremer (capt), 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Taurai MuzarabaniIndia played the same XI in the first two games and, given the lack of batting time for their middle order, could shuffle the top six. MS Dhoni hinted after the second ODI that India might rest one of their bowlers, and that could mean Jaydev Unadkat, Rishi Dhawan or Jayant Yadav gets a look-in.India (probable): 1 KL Rahul/Mandeep Singh, 2 & 3 Karun Nair/Ambati Rayudu/Faiz Fazal, 4 Manish Pandey, 5 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 Axar Patel/Jayant Yadav, 8 Dhawal Kulkarni, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Jasprit Bumrah/Rishi Dhawan, 11 Barinder Sran/Jaydev Unadkat

Pitch and conditions

Chilly weather is likely to continue on Wednesday, with a high in the low 20s, though no rain is forecast. The early morning start will tempt both teams to bowl first and utilise the swing on offer, but India might look to bat first and challenge both their batsmen and bowlers.

Stats and trivia

• MS Dhoni is one short of 350 ODI dismissals. He currently has 260 catches and 89 stumpings from 277 matches.
• One stat to sum up the series so far: India’s batsmen average 100.66 per wicket. Zimbabwe’s average 15.47.

Quotes

“They put a fielder there. If there’s a fielder, hit it down, get the single. We didn’t do that.”

تعرف على تشكيل منتخب سوريا اليوم أمام أوزبكستان في كأس آسيا

أعلن الأرجتنيني هيكتور كوبر المدير الفني لـ منتخب سوريا، التشكيل الرسمي لمواجهة أوزبكستان، في المباراة التي تقام اليوم السبت، ببطولة كأس آسيا 2023.

ويلتقي منتخب سوريا مع أوزبكستان، في إطار الجولة الأولى من عمر مباريات المجموعة الثانية لبطولة كأس أمم آسيا بقطر.

طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة سوريا وأوزبكستان اليوم في كأس آسيا

وتقام بطولة كأس أمم آسيا، في قطر من الفترة 12 يناير وتستمر حتي 10 فبراير المقبل.

ويتواجد منتخب سوريا في المجموعة الثانية لـ كأس آسيا مع منتخبات أوزبكستان وأستراليا والهند. تشكيل منتخب سوريا اليوم أمام أوزبكستان في كأس آسيا

حراسة المرمي: أحمد مدنية.

خط الدفاع: أيهم أوسو، ثائر كروما، مؤيد العجان، عبد الرحمن ويس.

خط الوسط: إيزاكيل العم، خليل إلياس، عمار رمضان، محمود الأسود، إبراهيم هيسار.

خط الهجوم: بابلو الصباغ.

Leeds United fell to a second successive heavy defeat on Monday night, as they were thrashed 6-1 by Liverpool at Elland Road to increase their relegation fears.

Shipping 11 goals in their last two games now means that Javi Gracia's side officially have the worst defence in the division and with just seven games to go, the Yorkshire outfit must improve at the back if they are going to avoid a return to the Championship.

Fingers were naturally pointed at Leeds' defence after they were carved open again and again on Monday night against a seemingly revitalised Liverpool side, and it was arguably Rasmus Kristensen who was the worst performer in the embarrassing defeat.

How did Kristensen perform against Liverpool?

As per Sofascore, the Danish defender would earn a woeful 5.3 rating for his performance at Elland Road, which was the joint worst of any outfield player to feature in the game.

The right-back position has been a problem all season for Leeds and after Luke Ayling was culpable against Crystal Palace last time out, Kristensen was given the nod to start but found himself tormented throughout by the Liverpool attackers.

Three of Liverpool's goals on the night would come down Kristensen's side, with the 25-year-old failing to track the runs of Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota for the second and third, with Yorkshire Post writer Leon Wobschall lamenting his "appalling" defending, before he was left in the dust by Andrew Robertson who crossed for the fourth.

During the game, the defender, who earns £40k-per-week, was dribbled past three times and won just six of his 14 duels, which suggests that the Liverpool attackers well and truly had the better of him, as he has only been dribbled past 1.1 times on average in the Premier League this season.

Kristensen's passing was also disastrous throughout, as he completed just 19/36 passes with a success rate of 53%, which again is significantly worse than his average of 64.8% in the top flight.

All six of the summer signing's crosses and long balls would fail to find their mark, and he was guilty of giving the ball away a remarkable 24 times, which just invited the pressure from Liverpool and was clearly a factor in them dominating proceedings on Monday night.

Since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in a deal worth £10m last summer, Kristensen has done little to justify Jesse Marsch's decision to bring him in, and it would be a surprise if he was trusted again by Gracia in the remaining fixtures after another horror show against Liverpool.

Manchester United cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night after dispatching Real Betis across two legs.

The Red Devils ran out as 5-1 victors on aggregate against the La Liga side and capped off the tie with a 1-0 victory away from home on Thursday.

Erik ten Hag’s men are now set to play against Sevilla in the next round of the European competition as they aim to add a second trophy of the season to their cabinet.

However, not all United players were praised for their displays out in Spain, with summer signing Malacia receiving some criticism after the game.

The 23-year-old played the entire 90 minutes in Seville and recorded two tackles, but was dribbled past on three occasions (via Sofascore).

On top of this, the Dutchman may feel fortunate to have not received a yellow card having given away four fouls during the game.

Having also lost possession 11 times and failed to provide a single cross, some took to Twitter to vent their frustrations – and the best reactions can be seen below…

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a trying season, in which the squad have become one of the most unpredictable outfits in the whole Premier League.

Where they will dismantle Manchester City one week, they can then be bludgeoned by Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers the next.

In this topsy-turvy campaign, which has also seen Antonio Conte forced away from the dugout as he recovers from surgery, Cristian Stellini has been forced to stand in.

As an interim manager of sorts, his team selections have not been too adventurous. The Italian sticks largely to the formula, and as such has earned a mixed bag of results.

However, there is hope that the former Chelsea boss could return soon, where he can begin overseeing the development of the club once again. His first port of call might be to consult Heung-min Son, whose form has hardly picked up since his enforced absence despite the continued faith in him.

The prospect of an up-and-coming star from the academy could be threatened, with Romaine Mundle poised to emulate the ageing South Korean.

Who is Tottenham starlet Romaine Mundle?

Having dragged his goal tally in the league up toÂfive now, Son remains far away from replicating his 23-goalÂhaul from last campaign. The 30-year-old has often been relied upon alongside Harry Kane to maintain the bulk of the goalscoring burden for the Lilywhites, so his lack thereof has hindered Conte’s side.

It could now pave the way for someone like Mundle to break through, with the versatile wide man boastingÂthreeÂgoals andÂthreeÂassists in the Premier League 2 this season.

This year seems poised to be his breakout one, as the 19-year-old has swept aside his previous tallies to truly star at U21 level.

Unsurprisingly, this has drawn praise from a host of journalists who all expect a sparkling future for the confident teenage sensation. Just last year saw Alasdair Gold label him “bright” down his flank, whilst fellow journalist Josh Holland commended him for causing a young Foxes side “many problems.”

Those words could quite easily describe the Son of seasons gone by who has been a rampant threat for many a Premier League defence since arriving from Germany.

In the clip above, there is plenty to like about the talented teenager who likes to receive the ball in tight spaces in and around the penalty area before using trickery and quick feet to beat his marker in true Son fashion.

Whilst filling the South Korean’s boots is a task few in the world could accomplish, his recent downturn in form makes it slightly more surmountable. Should Mundle continue his upward trajectory, there is every reason to believe he can soon be the man to replicate his goalscoring feats at the senior level.