Tag Futebol

The visitors’ spinners were handled with ease in Colombo leaving Aaron Finch with issues to ponder

Andrew McGlashan20-Jun-2022

Sri Lanka’s performances have brought some joy at a difficult time•AFP

Big PictureOther than the opening T20I which was a very one-sided affair, Sri Lanka have heaped the pressure on Australia during this tour. They nearly stole a low-scoring clash in the second T20I, thrillingly won the third game off the bat of captain Dasun Shanaka, were only beaten by a Glenn Maxwell special at the start of the one-dayers and have now taken back-to-back ODIs against Australia at home* for the first time in 20 years to stand on the cusp of a series victory.It was a superb run-chase on Sunday night in Colombo when they made what had looked a strong total prove under par. It shone a harsh light on Australia’s spin bowling – which, admittedly, is missing the first-choice pair of Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar – and raised questions about the allrounder-heavy balance of the side.However, with these matches not carrying any Super League points Australia do have one eye on the upcoming Test series, especially when it comes to their all-format fast bowlers. Barely a day has gone by on this tour without an injury being added to the list and there will have been some concern when Maxwell grabbed at his left leg after a piece of fielding.Related

Kusal Mendis available for fourth ODI, Gunathilaka unlikely to play

Nissanka's brilliant maiden ODI hundred secures big chase

Head feeling 'sharp' ahead of Sri Lanka Test challenge

Significantly for Sri Lanka they have won the last two matches without their main weapon Wanindu Hasaranga who had appeared the major threat to Australia. Instead the 19-year-old Dunith Wellalage has shown outstanding composure in his first international series and legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay caused plenty of problems in the third game with sharp turn.The starring role in the record chase in Colombo, though, went to Pathum Nissanka, who played the innings of his short career with a superbly-paced 137, as he battled the oppressive heat which forced Kusal Mendis to retire hurt. It was a statement innings from a young player who should have a huge role to play in Sri Lanka’s future.Recent formSri Lanka WWLWL (last five matches, most recent first)
Australia LLWLLDavid Warner is yet to show his best with the bat in this series•AFP

In the spotlightNiroshan Dickwella’s return livened up proceedings in his first ODI for nearly a year. He was his usual talkative self behind the stumps – reading one play perfectly when he predicted Alex Carey would come down the pitch, then to see him send the ball straight for six – and though his innings did not develop from a promising position, the early flurry of boundaries played a part in making Sri Lanka believe they could succeed in a big chase. However, having played just two ODIs in the last three years he’ll want to make the most of every chance he gets.David Warner has taken a couple of blinding catches in the outfield during this series but has not quite got going with the bat. Trapped lbw by Maheesh Theekshana in the first game, he was then cut off when looking good for 37 in the second and top-edged a pull off the impressive Dushmantha Chameera in the third. With the series on the line Australia could do with him producing a dominant display.Team newsMendis has recovered from the cramps that forced him to retire and is available for the fourth match so there would not appear a need for Sri Lanka to change a winning team unless Danushka Gunathilaka passes a late fitness test. Hasaranga’s groin injury is expected to keep him sidelined.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Dunith Wellalage, 9 Jeffrey Vandersay, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Maheesh TheekshanaThe balance of the attack is the big question for Australia. Can they find a space for Mitchell Swepson and do they have the confidence in him? Mitchell Starc has yet to play in the series after his cut finger while Pat Cummins may be protected ahead of the Tests; speaking of which Josh Hazlewood could be due a rest too having played every game on tour.Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Alex Carey (wk), 6 Travis Head, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Cameron Green/Mitchell Swepson, 9 Jhye Richardson, 10 Matt Kuhnemann, 11 Josh Hazlewood/Mitchell StarcPitch and conditionsThe Colombo pitch did not live up to Aaron Finch’s pre-match thoughts of becoming trickier to bat on, instead skidding on nicely under lights with dew also playing a bit of a role. Both sides may, therefore, be keen to chase.Stats and trivia The combined figures of Sri Lanka’s spinners in the third game were 36-0-177-5. In comparison Australia’s went for 25-0-163-1 Sri Lanka’s last bilateral ODI series win over Australia came in 2010.*The statistic was corrected to make reference to home matches

Ronaldo has apologised to Neymar for suggesting that the Brazil superstar does not have a good relationship with the current CBF president.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ronaldo apologises to NeymarClaimed Neymar doesn't get on with CBF chiefNeymar withdraw from latest Brazil squadFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The legendary former Brazilian forward issued a public apology to Neymar on social media after he suggested that the Santos star has a bad relationship with current CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues. He also speculated that Neymar blamed the CBF chief for his ACL injury in 2023. Speaking on the Charla podcast, Ronaldo said: "As far as I know, Neymar doesn't get along with Ednaldo. He accuses Ednaldo of having injured his cruciate ligament in Cuiaba because of the unevenness of the pitch. That's what I heard, I don't know if it's true. But it's possible."

AdvertisementWHAT RONALDO SAID

On Monday, Ronaldo shared his apology to Neymar on as he wrote: "I would like to apologize to @neymarjr for having spoken about his relationship with the president of the CBF. As a former player, I know how badly told stories can harm us. I also know how much his talent can make a difference in the Brazilian National Team. That's why I support him!"

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The ACL injury in 2023 completely disrupted Neymar's career as he remained out of action for more than a year. He then momentarily returned to action for Al-Hilal in October last year, only to suffer a fresh knock. The former Barcelona star eventually terminated his Al-Hilal contract mutually and moved back to his boyhood club, Santos, in a bid to rebuild his faltering career.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

Neymar, who is recovering from a new injury that forced him to withdraw from Brazil's latest squad, is expected to return to the pitch on March 30 as Santos take on Vasco da Gama in a Brazilian Serie A clash.

Everton could now listen to offers for one of their stars in January, it has emerged, with the club possibly keen to cash in before the end of the campaign.

Everton pick up vital win vs Wolves

Having lost by four goals against Manchester United, Everton responded by thrashing Wolves 4-0 in a game where everything they touched turned to gold.

In a fairly even game between the two Premier League strugglers, goals from Ashley Young and Orel Mangala in the first half were added to by a pair of own goals from the unfortunate Craig Dawson, leaving the Toffees with a scoreline that flattered them but nonetheless a vital three points for Sean Dyche’s side.

Everton

Wolves

Possession

44%

56%

Shots

13

6

Shots on target

4

2

Big Chances

2

2

Expected goals

1.02

0.78

After the game, Dyche was effusive in his praise of the Everton players, admitting he “couldn’t be any more proud” of the way that they had bounced back.

“[There have been] a lot of question marks about what we are trying to achieve here and we had to answer them – I think the players have done. It was a good performance, a committed performance.

“I said in the week to the group that I couldn’t be any more proud of these players. They have been through all sorts and they have kept going.”

The result moves them up to 15th place in the Premier League ahead of the mammoth Merseyside derby clash at Goodison Park on Saturday, which will be the final one played at the current Everton Stadium.

Further ahead, the Toffees could be busy in January as they look to secure their Premier League status for next year, and now one player may well be set to leave.

Everton ready to cash in on forward, claims ex-scout

That is according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, who has claimed that Dyche and co could now accept offers to sell Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January.

The striker played a hand in the win over Wolves, winning the free-kick that led to their opening goal and leading the line well until he was replaced by Beto in the dying stages.

However, he is into the final months of his £100,000 a week deal at Goodison Park, and though he has been praised for his “fantastic” ability in the air, the Toffees do not want to lose him for nothing in the summer.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown explained that “if they can sell him for big enough money, they’ll do it”, but warned “it’s got to be enough so that they can take the money and reinvest in a new striker.”

“If not, he’ll probably leave for free, because he’s already turned down contract offers from them and it looks like he’ll be moving on”, he added.

Everton must cash in on £80k-p/w flop who Koeman was "delighted" to sign

Everton need an overhaul in 2025, and must begin the process by casting out the deadwood.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 6, 2024

As a potential free agent, Calvert-Lewin has been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal for a summer move, though it seems unlikely either side would move for him in January.

With money tight on Merseyside, it’s easy to see why Everton may want to cash in while they still can, but they may not be able to find a replacement who can produce what Calvert-Lewin can on such a tight budget.

Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons has admitted the club will not have a new head coach June, despite firing Becki Tweed way back in December.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Angel City sacked head coach Tweed in DecemberNew NWSL season begins this weekBut ACFC won't have replacement until JuneFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Angel City parted ways with Tweed before the end of 2024, after a disappointing NWSL season which saw the club finish 12th in a 14-team league. A month later, ACFC hired Parsons, who won everything possible in his five-and-a-half-year stint with the Portland Thorns, but to be the sporting director rather than the coach.

AdvertisementAngel City FCTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The new NWSL season begins this weekend, when the Orlando Pride face the Washington Spirit in the curtain-rising Challenge Cup. On March 16, Angel City will then begin its regular season campaign at home to the San Diego Wave, its big California rivals. However, it will do so under the interim charge of Sam Laity – an arrangement that Parsons says will continue until June.

WHAT PARSONS SAID

Speaking to media this week, Parsons said: :First of all, I want to share that Sam Laity is our interim head coach and we believe he will be our interim head coach until June. That's the current reality of our head coach process. Our head coach process is getting to a point where it is getting clearer, but it's still not clear when the head coach could be joining us at Angel City.

"The journey that we're on and the way the process is looking right now, the head coach won't be here at the beginning of March, like I previously shared was one option. The availability of the candidates that are left in the process are all available in June, and in the next few weeks, I hope to be able to give a more concrete update.

"While we're very committed to finding the best person, the only reason we're in a position to be able to do this is because we've got someone like Sam Laity, who's been in this league for over 12 years as an assistant coach and as a head coach leading our team and organization on the field right now. He's doing a tremendous job. We're very happy and grateful for the way that he has conducted himself and continues to lead our group."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Parsons' comments about candidates being available in June tie in with one rumour that has been doing the rounds in England, suggesting that Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor could be a target. The Women's Super League season runs until May and so any move would likely come after its conclusion, although Taylor squashed the rumours when asked about them in January, having only last year signed a contract extension until 2027.

“I’ve nothing to comment on in terms of the speculation," he said. "I think for me, I signed the contract around this time last year, really happy at the club, really grateful to the club for many, many years being here as a player and as a coach. I think we’ve got work to do here for sure. I’m excited about the challenge ahead. I’m excited about where we can potentially move things. Of course, there’s a lot of hard work still to be done, so I’m happy where I am."

It’s been a wild Premier League season for Manchester United this year, and we are only 11 games in.

Erik ten Hag was finally given the sack after another dreadful start to the campaign, and Sporting CP’s highly rated Ruben Amorim was hired to replace him.

The 39-year-old has built quite a reputation for himself in a relatively short time thanks to his progressive and effective tactical setup, which saw him guide the Lisbon-based outfit to their first league title in 19 years a couple of seasons ago.

One of the key aspects of his tactical setup is the 3-4-3 formation, and while he’ll likely find a way to make it work with players he has at Old Trafford, he might be annoyed by Ten Hag’s decision to sell someone who would have made an ideal wing-back under him, a player whose valuation has exploded this season.

Man Utd's 2024 departures

Before we get to the player in question, let’s look at some other sales United made over the summer, starting with someone having an incredible season: Scott McTominay.

The Scottish international joined Serie A giants Napoli for around £25m in August and has immediately become one of their most important players, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just ten appearances.

Moreover, he’s playing a significant role in the club’s surprise title push, as it was his equalising goal against Inter Milan at the San Siro last week that kept the Partenopei atop the table heading into the international break.

A player who has had a more mixed season since leaving is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined West Ham United for £15m in the same month.

Now, it’s not been plain sailing for the full-back in East London, as the Hammers are currently sitting 14th, but he has at least been getting plenty of game time and has ten starts and one substitute appearance to his name so far.

However, while his valuation hasn’t increased much this year, the valuation of one of his former teammates sold in the same month has.

The former United ace whose valuation has skyrocketed

The player in question, who could have been an ideal wing-back for Amorim, is Facundo Pellistri.

The 30-capped Uruguayan international was sold to Greek Super League outfit Panathinaikos for an estimated £6.8m in late August, following four years at United in which he made just 25 first-team appearances and was sent out on loan three times, twice to Alaves and once to Granada.

Now, you may expect a player who’s been on so many loans in a short space of time to fade into relative obscurity after being sold by a team like United, but instead, the 22-year-old gem, who was once dubbed a “wonderkid” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been having an excellent campaign in Greece.

Penarol

37

2

4

Alaves

35

0

0

Man Utd

25

0

2

Granada

15

2

2

Panathinaikos

15

2

1

He’s made 15 appearances so far, in which he’s scored twice and provided one assist, and has clearly shown that he’s still a serious talent, as the CIES Football Observatory now value him at up to €19m, which is about £15.8m, or a 132% increase on the fee he cost in the summer.

With that said, why would he make an excellent wing-back for Amorim?

The primary reason is that, in the manager’s system, he unsurprisingly uses his wing-backs as primarily attacking players, and the Montevideo-born gem has spent much of his career playing out on the wing, both on the left and right.

Moreover, he’s also got some experience playing at right-back, as Ten Hag played him there in the Community Shield this season, and he’s also played in that position for Uruguay.

Therefore, he’d have the attacking experience to make an impact at the sharp end of the pitch and know what to do when the team revert to a five at the back shape.

Ultimately, none of that matters anymore, as Pellistri’s focus is squarely on helping Panathinaikos this season, and while Amorim may begrudge Ten Hag’s decision to sell him, we would be surprised to see the club activate their buyback clause.

Amorim could unleash a "world-class" £90m star in the making at Man Utd

Manchester United fans will be desperate to see him play under Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 15, 2024

Southampton make the daunting trip to Manchester City this weekend and Russell Martin has confirmed that they will be without Will Smallbone, with Premier Injuries’ Ben Dinnery offering a likely return date.

Southampton prepare for huge Man City test

Saints have experienced a huge baptism of fire since their return to the Premier League, having bounced into the 2024/25 campaign fresh off the back of their Championship promotion success. They have picked up just one point from their opening eight matches, leaving Martin battling to save his job.

Last weekend, Southampton suffered their lowest moment of the season so far, blowing a 2-0 lead at home to fellow newly-promoted side Leicester City and eventually succumbing to a 3-2 defeat in stoppage time.

Next up for the south coast outfit is the worst possible game after that, with Martin’s men making the trip to reigning Premier League champions for a tricky test, made harder by the fact Yukinari Sugawara is an injury doubt heading to City.

In truth, the wider footballing public will be expecting a resounding home win and perhaps even a cricket score, and in fairness to Southampton, this isn’t the kind of game to properly judge them in. That being said, a big response is still needed after the Leicester loss, but some concerning injury news has emerged in the lead-up to kick-off.

"Outstanding" Southampton could miss more games after Man City

Speaking ahead of the City game [via SaintsExtra on X], Martin confirmed that while Sugawara is a doubt, Southampton will be definitely without Will Smallbone, who will be “out for a little bit of time.”

This is a big blow for Southampton, with Martin confirming that Smallbone had picked up a knock against Leicester, but now saying that his absence could be lengthy. Dinnery, a popular injury expert amongst Fantasy Football fans, has shared further details on the midfielder’s thigh injury, reporting a likely return date after the next international break, on November 24 against Liverpool.

The Englishman has become such an important player for Saints, featuring in all 46 Championship games last season, 38 of which were starts, with his manager speaking so highly of him, saying: “He’s a really outstanding footballer and his performances so far have justified why I wanted to sign him at Swansea – so we must have got one right. He will play in different roles for us as well. He really is a gifted footballer with some good Championship experience after last season.”

While Southampton have clearly struggled so far this season, Smallbone has still been a solid performer, averaging 1.8 tackles per game and completing 82.5% of his passes, so his absence could hurt the team.

Premier League Table: Latest EPL standings for 2024/25 season

Stay up to date with the English Premier League standings after matchday 33.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

In terms of the City game, Southampton are essentially expecting a miracle, but supporters will be praying Smallbone’s issue is not as serious as Dinnery’s report suggests, hopefully getting him back for the ‘easier’ fixtures before Arne Slot’s men come to town.

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual honour in football, and the 2024 winner will be announced on Monday 28th October at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

One player who could be in line to become the latest winner of the award is Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior. The attacker is among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees, and we have looked at reasons why Vini Jr is among the frontrunners to be crowned in France and become the first Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner since Kaka in 2007.

Ballon d'Or 2024: The 10 favourites to win the men's award

The nominees have been announced, but who are the favourites to win the men’s Ballon d’Or in 2024?

1 ByLuke Randall Sep 4, 2024 1 Another La Liga title

The left-winger helped Real Madrid to yet another La Liga title during a phenomenal 2023/24 season, with Vinicius picking up his third Spanish title.

He chipped in with 15 goals and 6 assists, bettering his tally of 20 goal contributions in 2022/23 in seven fewer games.

2 Champions League glory

It was in the Champions League where Vinicius really starred, with Real crowned kings of Europe for a record-extending 15th time with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.

Vinicius impressed and scored against Dortmund, scoring six goals and registering five assists in 10 Champions League appearances across the campaign. Champions League winners tend to have a greater chance of lifting the Ballon d’Or, so Vinicius’ performances in Europe’s greatest club competition would have caught the eye.

The 15 best Champions League/European Cup finals – ranked

The Champions League final can be a dull affair, but some deserve to be remembered for years to come.

ByPatric Ridge May 30, 2025 3 Huge praise from stars including Neymar

Vinicius has come in for plenty of praise in the media over the last 12 months, establishing himself as one of Real Madrid’s most important players.

Fellow countryman Neymar is certain Vinicius will lift the Ballon d’Or, saying in the summer: “As for Vini, obviously I think the Ballon d’Or is his today. I sent [him] messages before and after the [Champions League final] game. He’s a boy I love with passion, a great friend that football gave me. He will certainly be crowned with the Ballon d’Or.

“He’s incredible. Carrying our country’s flag around the world and we’re really rooting for him.”

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand’s reaction to Vinicius’ Champions League final goal said it all.

4 Picking up where he left off in 2024/25

After a hugely successful 2023/24 season with Real and representing Brazil at the Copa America, Vinicius would have been forgiven if he made a relatively slow start to the current campaign.

However, he has carried on his excellent form, and had contributed to 10 goals prior to the October international break, all in just nine La Liga appearances. This included providing an assist in all five league games during September.

The top 10 players who have never won the Ballon d'Or award

Football FanCast has taken a look at the best players to have never won the award.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 1, 2023 5 Market value at a career high

Vinicius’ starring displays on the pitch for Real Madrid and Brazil have resulted in his transfer value increasing to a career-high figure, as per Transfermarkt.

It did sit at €150m (£126m) during the 2023/24 season, but increased to a whopping €180m (£151m) back in June after the Champions League final triumph. As a result, he’s the highest-valued player in Brazil, joint-highest at Real Madrid alongside Jude Bellingham and second-highest in the world behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Neymar wants to win the World Cup with Brazil having made a highly-anticipated return to boyhood club Santos.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Neymar eyes World Cup glory with BrazilWants to win everything at SantosWas unveiled at Santos on FridayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazil icon finally completed his much-hyped Santos comeback as the player was unveiled in front of a sea of fans on Friday. After making an emotional move back to his homeland, Neymar vowed to win everything including the 2026 World Cup with the Selecao. He also clarified that he is willing to play in any position, such is his enthusiasm to help the club, including defensive midfield.

AdvertisementWHAT NEYMAR SAID

After formally signing for the Brazilian giants, Neymar interacted with the media in a press conference where he said: "I’m a competitive guy. I want to win everything I do that involves competition. I’m returning to Santos wanting to be champion again. It’s a comeback after 13 years, and winning a Paulista that I’ve won three times, winning again will be different. I have this fire to win in my blood. You know how competitive I am. I didn’t come here to hang out, I didn’t come here to sit at home on the couch.

"I came here to find my happiness in playing soccer and helping Santos. I’m going to dedicate myself to making the Santos fans happy and making myself happy. Being there at Vila Belmiro, it’s impossible not to be happy."

He added: "I have been away from the pitch for a long time, I played two games for Al-Hilal after my injury. I can play anywhere. I have perfected the position of number 10 over the years, since I played in this position at PSG. It will depend on the coach, whether it is on the wing, number 9, as a defensive midfielder, whatever he wants."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

On his international future, he added: "Obviously, the national team is something I want to return to. I still have something to achieve (the World Cup), a mission that I think is my last, so I'm going to go after it no matter what. I have goals."

On Saturday, the player shared photographs from his unveiling ceremony at Santos on Instagram and wrote in the caption: "I'm living a dream and I don't want to wake up."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

The 32-year-old is expected to join the team's training on Monday. Manager Pedro Caixinha will assess the condition of the star winger before deciding when he could take the field for Santos.

كشفت تقارير صحفية أن أحد لاعبي فريق ليفربول يواجه خطر إمكانية فقدان الحصول على ميدالية بطل الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حال تتويج كتيبة آرني سلوت باللقب.

ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 64 نقطة، بفارق 11 نقطة عن آرسنال أقرب منافسيه، مع العلم أن الريدز خاض مباراة أكثر.

ويُعد ليفربول هو المرشح الأبرز للحصول على لقب الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي، 2024/25.

ولكن هناك إمكانية لعدم حصول أحد لاعبي ليفربول على ميدالية بطل الدوري الإنجليزي، حال التتويج، حسبما ذكرت صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية.

وأوضحت أن اللاعب فيديريكو كييزا قد لا يتمكن من الحصول على ميدالية بطل البريميرليج، عند تتويج ليفربول باللقب المنتظر.

وانضم كييزا إلى ليفربول قادمًا من يوفنتوس، في الصيف الماضي، ولكن الأمور لم تسر بشكل جيد بالنسبة للاعب في “الأنفيلد”، حيث لم يشارك كييزا إلا في 3 مباريات فقط في الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي.

وحسب قواعد الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لن يستطع أي لاعب الحصول على ميدالية بطل الدوري الإنجليزي، حال تتويج فريقه، ما لم يشارك في 5 مباريات في موسم البطولة.

وعانى كييزا من مشاكل فيما يخص اللياقة البدنية، إلى جانب تعدد إصاباته، والتي أثرت على نسبة مشاركته مع ليفربول.

ولا يقتصر السبب وراء استبعاد كييزا المتكرر من المشاركة على ذلك فقط، بل وجود لاعبين آخرين أكثر جاهزية وأفضل من ناحية الأداء، مثل النجم المصري محمد صلاح.

وسبق أن صرّح المدرب آرني سلوت بأن وجود لاعبين مثل محمد صلاح في مركز الجناح الأيمن، يجعل مشاركة كييزا أمرًا صعبًا، حيث من الطبيعي أن يفضل الهولندي الاعتماد على نجوم مضمونين (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وعلى الجناح الأيسر، هناك عدة لاعبين كذلك مثل لويس دياز، ديوجو جوتا وكورتيس جونز، إلى جانب كودي جاكبو، مما يعني منافسة شرسة أمام كييزا.

وبشكل عام، شارك كييزا في 10 مباريات بقميص ليفربول في مختلف المسابقات هذا الموسم، وسجل 3 أهداف.

وسبق أن فشل أحد لاعبي ليفربول في الحصول على ميدالية لقب الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2019/20، بسبب قلة المشاركات، وهو هارفي إليوت الذي خاض مباراتين فقط.

Arsenal could make a £21 million bid to replace defender Takehiro Tomiyasu with an elite club’s highly-rated player in January, as transfer chief Edu Gaspar and the Gunners recruitment team make a head start on next year already.

Arsenal's rumoured transfer targets for 2025

Mikel Arteta watched on as his side spent around £100 million on five key additions in goalkeeper David Raya, defender Riccardo Calafiori, midfielder Mikel Merino, Neto and Raheem Sterling this summer, but there is still work to be done on the squad.

Ornstein suggests £240,000-per-week Arsenal star has a "significant" injury

The Gunners are gearing up for their opening Champions League game of the season.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 18, 2024

Kai Havertz has seriously impressed in his centre-forward role, though it is still believed that Arsenal are looking at bringing in another striker to complement the German and Gabriel Jesus.

According to recent reports, Arsenal have already made contact over Benjamin Sesko ahead of a potential swoop in 2025, coming after the RB Leipzig striker rejected a move to north London this year in favour of remaining at his current club.

Considering the likes of Man United and Chelsea also contended for Sesko, Arsenal could face stiff competition to sign the Slovenian starlet, so Edu has alternative options in mind.

Appearances

42

Goals

18

Assists

2

Minutes per goal

115

Minutes played

2,057

Indeed, Arsenal are the rumoured frontrunners to sign Jonathan David from Lille, with the Canada striker out of contract next summer and able to agree pre-contract moves as early as January.

Arteta also wants to strengthen defensively and on the left side, regardless of Calafiori’s arrival before summer deadline day. Arsenal are targeting Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, according to some other reports, which could throw Jakub Kiwior’s long-term future into doubt.

The same can be said of Tomiyasu, who is yet to feature for Arsenal this campaign after injuring his knee in pre-season. The Japan international also missed 13 games with a calf injury last campaign, with his fitness record proving to be a cause for concern.

Arsenal could make £21m bid for Yann Bisseck to replace Tomiyasu

As per Inter Live, Arsenal would be willing to offer Tomiyasu to Inter Milan, but the Nerazzurri are not interested in taking the 25-year-old.

Instead, Edu would have to find a different buyer for Tomiyasu, and once they do, highly-regarded young Inter defender Yann Bisseck is a candidate to replace him.

Inter Live claim that Arsenal could make a £21 million bid for Bisseck as early as January, with the centre-back only joining Simone Inzaghi’s side at the start of last season from Aarhus.

Bisseck made 21 appearances in all competitions for Inter last campaign, even managing to chip in with two goals and two assists in that time, and the 23-year-old German has been called a “diamond” by Serie A expert Nima Tavallaey Roodsari.