أعلن الألماني يورجن كلوب، المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول الإنجليزي، جاهزية اثنين من لاعبي الريدز، بعد إصابتهما، وذلك قبل المباراة المقبلة أمام واتفورد.
ويلاقي ليفربول نظيره واتفورد، يوم السبت المقبل، في منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ووفقًا لتصريحات كلوب، من المتوقع أن يكون ترينت ألكسندرأرنولد وديوجو جوتا متاحين لمباراة ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضد واتفورد يوم السبت.
غاب ألكسندر أرنولد عن مواجهتي ليفربول مع بورتو ومانشستر سيتي قبل فترة التوقف الدولية بسبب مشكلة في العضلات، بينما غاب جوتا عن مباريات بلده البرتغال الأسبوع الماضي.
من المقرر أن يتدرب كلاهما بشكل كامل مع زملائهما في الفريق قبل الرحلة إلى طريق فيكاريدج، ومع ذلك، يتفائل كلوب بقدرتهما على الظهور في عطلة نهاية الأسبوع.
وردا على سؤال حول تحديث اللياقة البدنية للفريق، قال كلوب لموقع ليفربول الرسمي: “كلهم جيدون، كلهم في حالة جيدة، دعني أقول ذلك على هذا النحو”.
وأضاف: “لذلك يبدو حقًا أن ترينت وديوجو جوتا سيكونان على ما يرام، وسوف يتدربان معنا غدًا بشكل طبيعي تمامًا، هذه هي الخطة”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. على رأسهم محمد صلاح.. ميرور ترشح 10 نجوم للتتويج بجائزة الكرة الذهبية
واستطرد: “ربما يحتاج تياجو ألكانتارا لفترة أطول قليلاً، هو لم يكن في تدريب الفريق حتى الآن، هذه ليست دائمًا علامة جيدة لبدء المباراة التالية”.
وأتم كلوب تصريحاته: “وبقية اللاعبين الدوليين، بعضهم عاد، ومن الواضح أن البعض لم يعودوا بعد، وسوف نرى”.
Sheffield United have been linked with several players in the transfer window, with Championship stars like Matty Cash and Antonee Robinson (who went to Fulham) among their targets.
However, with only two confirmed signings so far in Aaron Ramsdale and Wes Foderingham, Chris Wilder has been answering questions around the transfer window, giving Blades fans an insight into his plans.
Speaking to Yorkshire Live, the Blades manager said, “The market is slow, there’s not much happening, We have obviously done the big one from our point of view in terms of Aaron, delighted that we have got him in. The timing was key for him, we have secured a fabulous goalkeeper that has had a season in the Premier League and will get better and stronger and wants to come back home. I am delighted with his attitude, I think the world of the boy and he’s going to be a big player for us next season.
“Others we are working on, there’s a couple of players potentially who are going to go out and a couple of positions to cover and improve. We are working overtime as we always are – we have made our big signing now and we have to make sure from a financial point of view that we see what’s available.
“The loan market is available to us and we are going to use that and the key is when that window shuts and I am sticking the team down on that piece of paper that it looks better than what it ended up and I am certain that it will do.”
It is understandable that he feels like Sheffield United have already made their big signing in Ramsdale, who cost them £18.45m to become the second most expensive signing in their history, per Transfermarkt.
However, his indication of using the loan market may suggest that players like Cash, who is valued at around £15m, might not be heading to Bramall Lane in this window.
A deal for Cash might not be out of the question, though, as Wilder has hinted that some players could be offloaded, which may hint at an intention to sell first to free up space and funds for further signings.
With the transfer window not over until 5 October, the Blades have plenty of time to add more signings, but hopefully they can move on some players that Wilder believes are surplus to requirements in order for him to add greater squad depth.
His comments highlight that, despite their top 10 finish last season, the Blades cannot just splash the cash, but Wilder has earned the trust to utilise the transfer window in the best possible way that he can.
Blades fans, what further transfer activity do you expect in this window? Let us know your views by commenting below!
Sheffield United fans will be hoping that their club looks to buy some squad depth in the upcoming transfer window, and the recent reports suggest that the Blades are interested in signing midfielder John Swift.
According to The Daily Mail, Chris Wilder is a fan of Swift, who currently plays for Reading in the Championship. His interest is so much that the Blades have submitted a bid worth around £3.5 million.
Wilder wants to add a lot of depth to his midfield and his current contract runs out in 2022, but the Royals might have to sell due to financial implications which have been caused by recent events.
The Englishman, who came from Chelsea’s academy, has had a great season in the Championship as he has played 35 times and scored five goals whilst picking up ten assists, per WhoScored. He also averages 1.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions a game, highlighting he is very good at breaking up opposition attacks as well as being an attacking threat himself.
Comparing him to similar players in his position at the Blades, (John Lundstram and John Fleck), Swift has more assists than both of them, and more goals than Lundstram but the same amount as Fleck. Lundstram ranks highest in tackles (1.5) but Swift remains the best when it comes to interceptions per game.
It could be argued that he is doing better in some departments because he is in the division below, however it highlights that the potential to be a Premier League player is there, and with better finishers and creators, there is no doubt that Swift could improve his goal contribution tally. The offer as well is pretty low and he is a good age at 25, so if they can sign him for the fee mentioned it seems like a no brainer.
Blades fans, what are your thoughts on this? Let us know down below!
Wearing your best England shirt, with the Euros on the big screen, three lions ringing out in unison, whilst standing shoulder to shoulder with the hundreds of other hopefuls in one of the nation’s pubs, bars and beer gardens… that was how summer 2020 was supposed to play out.
Now, the world seems almost unrecognisable. Government lockdowns, social distancing and sports cancellations across the globe have become the norm. Many of us are now having to adjust to life at home for the foreseeable future while the heroes of the NHS lead the fight against the coronavirus pandemic which has turned the world upside down.
Wimbledon, the Olympics and the Euros are just a few of the major sporting tournaments which have been cancelled or postponed this summer. Whilst the postponement of these tournaments was in no doubt necessary to stop the spread of Covid-19, the decisions to do so were done with heavy hearts. When fans across the country despaired knowing they would have to wait another year for the eagerly anticipated Euros, for Gareth Southgate and his side, the postponement could be a blessing in disguise.
Injuries and poor form
After a successful qualifying campaign, England fans were hopeful of a strong showing at the tournament, with some hoping for the first silverware since 1966 after making it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. But those hopes were soon dashed after long-term injuries to strikers Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and the continuation of poor form for Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling. Worryingly for Southgate, these were the three players who have scored the most goals for the national team since 2018.
The World Cup Golden Boot winner, Kane was faced with a race against time to recover to full fitness after suffering a hamstring injury sidelining him since New Year’s Day. Despite reports claiming that he would be fit for the summer’s tournament, whether he would be at the top of his game was another question. The extra year means Kane does not have to rush his recovery and can put to bed those injury problems. The striker can ensure he is at the top of his game for next summer and hopefully lead England to glory.
Soccer Football – Euro 2020 Qualifier – Group A – Czech Republic v England – Sinobo Stadium, Prague, Czech Republic – October 11, 2019 England’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine
Manchester United talisman Marcus Rashford was another name who was a big doubt for the tournament. The 22-year-old has been out since January after suffering a double stress fracture in his back, casting doubt on his availability for Gareth Southgate. Like Kane, the postponement of the Euros enables Rashford to find his feet again and recapture his goal-scoring form.
Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling hasn’t been able to replicate the goalscoring form he started the season with. The winger has failed to find the net in his past 12 appearances, with his last goal coming in an away defeat to Wolves. A hamstring injury sidelined him momentarily, but this run of bad form was a cause for concern. As a key player in Southgate’s set up, the extra year off will take the pressure off Sterling and allow him a full season to re-find his goal-scoring form. After coming under scrutiny for his performances in Russia, this extra time could play right into Sterling’s hands.
Player development
Southgate is blessed in regard to the ages of those in his squad. Whilst the core of the England group shouldn’t change too drastically between now and next summer, the oldest, Jordan Henderson, will only be 30. This means that it is unlikely that Southgate should lose many players between now and then, while the opportunity for many to develop and mature is huge.
The postponement offers a great opportunity for Dean Henderson or even Nick Pope to take over as England’s number one. Jordan Pickford has been in unconvincing form this season, making a number of high-profile errors. Whereas Henderson and Pope have come on in leaps and bounds this season, with some even tipping Henderson to take over David De Gea at Manchester United. While Pickford would likely have kept the shirt this summer, next year a different picture could be painted.
Midfielders James Maddison, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish have also impressed this year with the latter being a standout in a struggling Aston Villa side. The delay offers the chance for these three to firmly put their name in the hat and prove to Southgate that they are part of the new ‘breed’ of players coming through the ranks. Southgate also remains a huge fan of Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
While this summer would have proved too early to justify his inclusion, his quality is clear and could make it next time around. Leeds United’s Kalvin Philips also impressed in the Championship this season, and if his side is promoted, his development could offer something different from the midfield. Selection will be difficult for Southgate next year, but it could be worse having so much strength in depth.
Upfront, Tammy Abraham will be entering his second full season in the Premier League so will gain far more experience on both international and club level. Manchester United starlet Mason Greenwood may also force his way into Southgate’s plans if he continues to rise as he is. He looks a natural goal scorer and they don’t come about all that often.
Other Nations
Unlike England, a number of countries will be entering the tournament with their key players entering the twilight years of their careers. Belgium’s Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne will be 30 with centre-back pairing Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen 32 and 34 respectively.
For Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo will be 36 next year, and while the man is a machine, it remains to be seen whether he will be hitting the same heights as he did at the World Cup in 2018. Luka Modric could be another name who struggles to be as effective in 2021.
The midfielder was named the player of the tournament during the World Cup but will be 35 by the time the Euros come about. Olivier Giroud is another name who will be 34 at the next tournament, although the French squad is generally quite young, the towering forward was key in their World Cup win.
While the sadness of this summer’s postponement is fresh in our minds, it could well have been the best outcome for Southgate and his side. The team will be in an incredibly strong position next summer and injuries permitting it could be the best chance to end the drought for the long-waited international trophy.
One signing from the Mauricio Pochettino era at Tottenham Hotspur may not be at the club much longer after fresh reports emerged linking him with an exit.
According to Football Insider, Spurs are ready to sell centre-back Juan Foyth this summer with the north Londoners looking to recoup as much of the £8m they paid for him as possible in order to bolster funds for a rebuild.
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The 22-year-old has failed to make an impression on manager Jose Mourinho since he took over back in November, and despite blocking an exit during the January transfer window, it is expected that they will tell the Argentine to find a new club come the end of the season.
Such a report has divided the Spurs faithful, some see the decision as a wise one whilst others believe it would be a massive mistake and a loan move would be more suffice.
Foyth has only featured seven times this season, taking his total for the club to 32 appearances since joining from Estudiantes in the summer of 2017.
Here’s what fans have been saying…
AND in other news, Spurs fans react over Hugo Lloris bombshell…
West Bromwich Albion could soon be reeling from another sense of deja vu at the Hawthorns this year.
The Baggies are well known for their academy setup, boasting players like Rekeem Harper, Nathan Ferguson and Kyle Edwards but far too often, their ties don’t last longer than a few years.
In the summer, the club lost out to two European heavyweights. Barcelona nabbed Louie Barry while they were powerless in stopping Morgan Rogers exit for Premier League champions, Manchester City.
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A similar situation could soon be on Luke Dowling and Slaven Bilic’s hands.
The Daily Mail reported that AFC Bournemouth were keeping tabs on U23 starlet Rayhaan Tulloch as the highly-rated striker is yet to break into the first-team in the west Midlands.
Eddie Howe’s Cherries sent scouts to watch him on Monday night, and he duly delivered, scoring a goal in their 3-1 win over Fulham U23s.
It is the 18-year-old’s fifth goal of the Premier League 2 campaign while he has also notched two assists playing in pretty much every attacking position possible, via Transfermarkt.
Reports also claim that the club want to open negotiations over a long-term contract extension, but they could well have some persuading to do if the Premier League outfit does indeed chance their arm.
Midlands rivals Aston Villa are also said to hold interest in the emerging prospect.
Former Baggies boss Alan Pardew handed Tulloch his debut at the age of just 16, but since then, he’s only ever made one other appearance for the senior side.
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Bilic has shown he’s willing to give youth a chance through the promotion of both Ferguson and Edwards during pre-season, but even the former proves that their previous mistakes haven’t been learned from as the Baggies could be forced to cash in on him in January.
The ongoing saga with Harper won’t provide much confidence either as the young midfielder has played just six minutes all season.
For fans at the club, this will surely feel all too similar and frustrating. Maybe they can start a new trend by keeping hold of the England U18 international.
Meanwhile, West Brom could lose another promising talent in January to a Championship rival…
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to Corriere Bergamo, Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of several clubs chasing Atalanta starlet Dejan Kulusevski, and he is a player that would absolutely delight manager Nuno Santo.
What’s the word?
Reports in Italy suggest the 19-year-old is rather unlikely to return to his parent club as his impressive outings for Serie A rivals Parma have attracted interest from across Europe.
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Inter Milan, Manchester United and Southampton are just three teams the west Midlands club will have to compete with in order to clinch the Swedish prospect.
A fee between €17-18m (£14.6-£15.4m) is touted to be enough to secure Kulusevski with Atalanta willing to listen to offers as soon as January despite his loan deal lasting until the summer.
This week he is in line for his first senior international bow after being called up to the Swedish squad for their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Romania and the Faroe Islands.
Perfect player
It is well known that Wolves are chasing reinforcements in January as BirminghamLive revealed that both a central defender and a central midfielder are high on their wishlist, and that was even before Willy Boly went down with a serious injury.
Kulusevski is an attacking midfielder that can play in the centre or on either wing – this campaign he has played the majority on the right-hand side of midfield, scoring twice and assisting five goals per Transfermarkt.
The Swedish prodigy offers a physical presence at 6 foot 1 with his passing and dribbling being noted as his key attributes in the final third, aside from clearly being a goal threat.
Goal.com also claims that his defensive upbringing, which includes playing five-a-side football, has enabled him the intelligence and knowledge to drop back and help out the team – mainly when he’s playing alongside former Arsenal winger Gervinho.
This very aspect of his game would make him the perfect addition at Molineux as Wolves sometimes deploy a 3-4-3 formation with either wide forward operating the half-spaces behind Raul Jimenez.
Nuno must push the boat out in a couple of months to clinch this dream option.
Loads of Aston Villa fans have been lauding summer signing Trezeguet for his “outstanding” performance against Liverpool on Saturday, as the £8.75million arrival opened his account in a 2-1 defeat.
Trezeguet made his seventh start in the Premier League against Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing Reds, and gave the German cause for concern in the 21st-minute by handing the Villans a well-deserved lead.
Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
The Egyptian forward volleyed home at the back post midway through the first-half, after John McGinn delivered a teasing free-kick into the box which Liverpool’s defenders failed to deal with as he was left unchallenged to score.
A mistake by Trent Alexander-Arnold could have gifted Trezeguet his second in the closing stages, too, but the 25-year-old could not beat Virgil van Dijk after pouncing on an error by the England right-back.
Andy Roberston pulled the Anfield outfit level not long after, and Villa were left heartbroken in stoppage-time when Sadio Mane fired a low header home.
Fans have been lauding Trezeguet for his performance despite the end result, though, with many impressed by the former Kasimpasa man’s efforts against the unbeaten Premier League leaders.
As well as his goal, Trezeguet attempted 13 passes, nine of which came in the final third, along with five attempted dribbles, two successful tackles, two interceptions, four blocks, and was dispossessed by an opponent just once, per WhoScored data.
One would have thought that Arsenal fans would have been buzzing when they saw their starting XI against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Gunners supporters have been desperate to see Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe in the starting XI together, and they finally got their wish.
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However, there were still a number of complaints about one aspect of the lineup after Unai Emery’s team selection was revealed.
Indeed, some fans weren’t happy with as they thought that Aubameyang had been forced out to the left-wing in order to accommodate Lacazette.
However, once the game kicked off it became clear that Emery’s lineup had attempted to make the best of the Gabonese forward as Arsenal lined up in a 4-2-4 rather than the expected 4-3-3.
This made a number of these complaints look rather silly, but they’re still worth looking at as they’re indicitave of the attitudes towards the manager at the moment.
كشف الأرجنتيني ماوريسيو بوتشيتينو المدير الفني لنادي باريس سان جيرمان، أنه لم يتمكن من النوم بعد إقصاء بايرن ميونخ من ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.
باريس سان جيرمان نجح في التأهل إلى نصف نهائي الأبطال بعد إقصاء بايرن ميونخ، بالفوز ذهابًا بنتيجة 3-2، والهزيمة إيابًا بهدف نظيف.
وقال بوتشيتينو في تصريحات لإذاعة “كادينا سير” الإسبانية، عبر برنامج “إل لارجويرو”: “لا أعرف ما إذا كنت متعبًا اليوم أكثر مما كنت أعانيه بعد المباراة، لم أنم بعد إقصاء بايرن ميونخ”.
اقرأ أيضًا | بسبب رونالدو.. باريس سان جيرمان يتراجع عن ضم ميسي وتجديد عقد مبابي
وأضاف: “باريس سان جيرمان يهدف للفوز بأي مسابقة يلعب بها، وحلمنا هو التتويج بدوري أبطال أوروبا، والآن نحن بالفعل في المربع الذهبي”.
وواصل: “الخبرة نقطة مهمة في هذه المسابقة، يمنحك الفريق القدرة على الإدارة، والآن سينقل اللاعبين هذا النضج من خلال المنافسة”.
وأتم تصريحاته قائلًا: “هناك العديد من العوامل التي تؤثر على مستوانا في الدوري الفرنسي، الظروف تحتاج إلى تحليل، لكن الفريق بدأ الموسم بشكل سيء، وكان أحد أكثر الفرق تضررًا من فيروس كورونا”.