The Selecao were thumped into the ground of the Estadio Mas Monumental by the reigning World Champions
It was an evening to forget for the . Dorival Junior's side were outplayed, outcoached and outclassed by Lionel Scaloni's Argentina as defeated Brazil 4-1 in front of their home fans Tuesday night. In a meeting of two historic rivals and heavyweights of South America, the best of Brazil did not show, as the hosts ran riot throughout the evening.
Just four minutes into the clash, Julian Alvarez found the back of the net before Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez doubled their lead in the 12th minute. Midway through the first half, Brazil were handed their lifeline, when Matheus Cunha scored from a very tidy angle to bring them within one goal.
However, a third for the hosts arrived nine minutes later, with Alexis Mac Allister making it 3-1 before the halftime break. Dorival made three changes during the interval, bringing on the likes of Leo Ortiz, Endrick and Joao Gomes, but none of the changes proved to be effective.
Argentina added their fourth, and the dagger, through an exquisite strike from Giuliano Simeone in the 71st minute. The Atletico Madrid forward scored from a near impossible angle close to the touchline, leaving Bento powerless in net as the effort hit the roof of the net.
With results from CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying now in stone through the March international break, Brazil sit fourth in the South American standings on 21 points through 14 matches played – with their Thursday win over Colombia proving to be a crucial result.
However, their tango with the reigning World Champions was not one to remember on the road to 2026.
GOAL rates Brazil's players from the Estadio Mas Monumental…
AFP
Goalkeeper & Defense
Bento (5/10):
Thrown into a tough situation due to Alisson's injury. Not much he could do on any of the goals, but overall, he wasn't giving anyone confidence in net as the backup.
Guilherme Arana (4/10):
Could not deal with Argentina's width, at all. A rough showing.
Marquinhos (5/10):
Captained them to a loss, but never gave up. Had his moments, but it was a showing where his flaws were exposed.
Murillo (5/10):
Decent first half, but pulled at halftime as it was obvious Dorival did not like the pairing.
Wesley (5/10):
Worked to the bottom of his boots by Argentina's pace and counter all evening long.
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AFP
Midfield
Joelinton (5/10):
Really struggled in the center of the park with possession and Argentina's press. Removed at halftime.
Andre (6/10):
Thrown into the XI after a late cameo last week and he struggled with forward progression, but threw in a few decent tackles.
AFP
Attack
Raphinha (7/10):
Promising moments all throughout the match. The final ball was never quite there, but he was the leader in the attack all game.
Vinicius Junior (6/10):
Some really bright periods on the ball, and his pace on the counter was crucial. But as the match grew, he was overwhelmed by the immediate press of Argentina.
Matheus Cunha (7/10):
Took his finish really well. Fantastic shot, and a few positive moments on the counter – but he was largely absent otherwise.
Rodrygo (4/10):
Two poor games this window for him. Hooked at halftime.
AFP
Subs & Manager
Endrick (5/10):
Subbed on at halftime, but it was like he wasn't even on the pitch. Complete ghost.
Leo Ortiz (6/10):
Subbed on at halftime and never really found his footing. Not an ideal cameo, but not a terrible one, either.
Joao Gomes (5/10):
Brought a decent tempo to the middle of the pitch after replacing Joelinton. Lacked the aggression Argentina brought.
Savinho (N/A):
Brought on with 20 minutes to spare, but the match was gone by then.
Ederson (N/A):
Subbed on in the 84th minute to get a cameo this camp.
Dorival Junior (3/10):
Ran out of ideas in the attack again. For all the progress the have made since his appointment, that is the one area where he continues to struggle. He was out-coached by Scaloni, and his fullbacks were exposed by the reigning World Champions while his attack was left hanging. Just not good enough from a manager of his stature.
Keith Barker claimed his second LV= Insurance County Championship five-wicket haul of the season as Hampshire and Lancashire continued their close-fought encounter.Left-arm fast bowler Barker is the equal leading wicket-taker in Division One so far this season with 20 scalps, with his 5 for 67 adding to his impressive start to the campaign.The Lancashire-born Barker helped Hampshire secure a nominal six-run first-innings advantage, with Phil Salt and Tom Bailey’s half-centuries keeping the visitors well in the match.Nick Gubbins lead Hampshire’s evening lead builder, while James Anderson added two more wickets to his career tally – with Hampshire closing on 103 for 3, the lead growing to 109.The county champions tend to be the teams who take 20 wickets the easiest each match, and therefore have the best bowling attack. This is the main reason Hampshire and Lancashire are considered to be this year’s main challengers.Anderson, Hasan Ali and Tom Bailey vs Kyle Abbott, Muhammad Abbas and Keith Barker, or in terms of first class wickets 1,547 vs 1,515, back that up. Against other attacks the par on this pitch might be close to 350, rather than 250, such has been the relentlessness of accurate and skilful fast bowling.The helpful morning conditions which had reduced Hampshire to 40 for 5 on the first morning returned to see Lancashire lose six wickets in little over an hour on day two. Nightwatchman Danny Lamb pushed forward to third slip, Josh Bohannon and Dane Vilas were undone by some extra bounce by the impressive Barker and George Balderson nicked behind having been done on the angle by Abbott.Steven Croft attempted to cut with a flourish but instead nailed into the slip cordon and Rob Jones jerked behind – Lancashire 105 for 7, with all seven being caught behind the wicket. Hampshire’s lead would have been closer to three figures had Joe Weatherley held onto misjudgements from Bailey and Salt when there were in single figures.The duo put on 94 with risk-free cricket to as the ball started to age. Bailey dominated the offside with boundaries, while Salt milked either side of the wicket with intelligent running – half-centuries coming in 70 and 68 balls respectively.The stand ended when Bailey strode forward to edge to third slip, but Hasan joined the tail-end fun to take the scores to almost parity with a smart 19 – with Barker eventually ending things by bowling a slogging Salt and having Hasan picking out long-on.First time around, Anderson was forced to wait until his 18th delivery before taking Ian Holland’s outside edge. He needed half the deliveries to persuade Weatherley to prod a wobble ball to Rob Jones’ safe hands at third slip. Holland followed soon after lbw to Hasan.James Vince and Gubbins batted their way out of another sticky situation with their glorious shot-making, putting on 58 carefree runs before the former was adjudged leg before to Anderson – a decision that left Vince seething.Gubbins, who survived a tight lbw appeal, was joined by Liam Dawson and the pair put on an unbeaten 33 under the floodlights before play finished five over short due to bad light.
A week ago after Arsenal failed to find the net during a 0-0 stalemate with Everton, questions were raised about the quality of Mikel Arteta’s frontline.
Similar questions were asked a year ago but the Gunners found a solution, chiefly putting Kai Havertz up top.
Well, a readymade fix may have been found once again this time around with Gabriel Jesus of all people scoring five goals in his last two outings.
Before scoring a devastating hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, the Brazilian had not scored at the Emirates in over a year of football. It’s amazing what confidence does for you, isn’t it?
Jesus was selected to lead the line again when they took on Palace for a successive match on Saturday and the former Manchester City striker was in top form again, scoring twice against the Eagles.
However, with the blow of Bukayo Saka picking up a hamstring problem, any thoughts that had relaxed around the idea of signing more attackers should now be ignored.
Arteta and Co simply have to go out in January and bring in a new forward.
Arsenal chasing new centre forward in 2025
Back in the summer, all eyes were on Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko.
He looked like Arsenal’s top target but any hopes of a move were dispelled when the hulking striker signed a new deal with RB Leipzig to stay in Germany, terms that removed his £55m release clause.
Benjamin Sesko scores for Slovenia
Another option is Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres, a man who has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the last 18 months.
Arsenal have regularly been touted as a destination for the ex-Coventry man and 2025 could be the year he heads back to English football.
New reports from Football Transfers over the last couple of days indicate that the north London side are still interested in a deal and ‘remain in negotiations’ to sign Gyokeres from Portuguese club Sporting.
It’s thought that they are willing to do business at a cheaper price that has previously been reported with a £54m asking price revealed.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
How Gyokeres compares to Europe's top strikers
It’s become abundantly clear that Arsenal now need to finally bring in a top-tier striker.
Havertz’s form has, for the most part, been excellent in that central role, notably opening up the campaign by scoring four goals in his first seven Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring their fifth goal with Kai Havertz and OleksandrZinchenko
However, he hasn’t been quite so relentless in front of goal during the middle phases of the season, scoring just twice in his last nine league appearances.
Jesus’ form has been timely, therefore, but having not actually scored a league goal since January prior to Saturday’s clash at Selhurst Park, he cannot be relied upon long-term.
Thus, the arrival of Gyokeres, a “ball-striking monster” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, could be just what Arsenal need to win the Premier League title.
Last term, the Swede scored a mind-boggling 43 goals in 50 games and throughout 2024/25, he has found the net on 27 occasions from just 25 outings. That’s not bad, is it?
So, how does it compare to some of the game’s elite? Well, over the same time frame, the inevitable Erling Haaland has scored 56 goals, 14 fewer than Gyokeres has. If we compare him to his fellow countryman and another Arsenal target Alexander Isak, he is also streets ahead. Over the last season and a half the Toon star has found the net on 36 occasions.
Let’s compare them a little more deeply. Who’s the more complete striker?
Gyokeres vs Haaland & Isak (23/24 & 24/25 League stats)
Metric (per 90 mins)
Gyokeres
Haaland
Isak
Goals
1.02
0.90
0.74
Assists
0.24
0.14
0.16
Shots
3.61
4.11
3.01
xG
0.81
0.95
0.73
Key passes
1.82
0.93
1.30
Progressive passes
1.65
0.84
2.79
Shot-creating actions
4.50
2.05
3.03
Succesful take-ons
2.14
0.41
1.60
Aerial duels won
1.73
1.35
0.56
Stats via FBRef.
As you can see above, Haaland doesn’t actually offer much beyond his astonishing goalscoring exploits. On the other hand, you’ll get a better all-round game out of two striker profiles like Gyokeres and Isak.
Importantly from an Arsenal point of view, Gyokeres supplies a higher volume of key passes and progressive passes than Haaland, while he’s no slouch in the air either, showcasing his ability to potentially hold the ball up and act as a focal point for crosses like Havertz.
Newcastle Alexander Isak
What’s more, is his availability. Isak would be a phenomenal addition given his Premier League experience but has had a problem with injuries. The Sporting sensation, however, didn’t miss a single match last term.
Availability and reliability are often the best qualities but in this case it is merely a bonus. If Arteta manages to bring him to the Emirates, he may well have the most deadly of forwards in England.
Saved by Jesus: Arsenal were let down by "awful" 116-touch star at Palace
Arsenal returned to form in the Premier League with a thumping win over Crystal Palace.
Aggie Beever-Jones' equaliser helped Sonia Bompastor's side get back on track and now a sixth successive league title looks inevitable
Goals from Aggie Beever-Jones and Erin Cuthbert saw Chelsea come from behind in dramatic fashion at Manchester City on Sunday, thus further strengthening their tight grip on pole position in the Women's Super League's title. The Blues are pursuing a sixth successive crown and this fixture, against a City team that beat them in the Champions League in midweek, threatened to open things back up at the top, especially after Kerolin gave the hosts a first half lead. However, Sonia Bompastor's side showcased their winning mentality and strength in depth to fight back and secure a 2-1 victory late on.
Three points seemed well out of Chelsea's reach at the interval, owing to an electric opening 45 minutes from Kerolin. The Brazilian caused Niamh Charles all sorts of problems down the Blues' left and it was no surprise when she broke the deadlock. Some neat footwork by the winger was also on show in the game's most controversial moment, as she was fouled on the edge of the box by Millie Bright before the loose ball fell to Jess Park, who fired it into the top corner. The whistle had already gone for a free-kick, though, from which Yui Hasegawa struck the crossbar.
If Chelsea were lucky to not be two goals down though, there was nothing fortunate about the way they responded to such an underwhelming first half. The Blues looked a totally different side after the break and it took just five minutes for Beever-Jones to level things up. From there, Khiara Keating became the star of the show, making huge saves to deny Wieke Kaptein and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd in particular. But there was nothing she could do to prevent Cuthbert from winning the game late on with a flying header that keeps Bompastor's side eight points clear at the top of the table, with just five games to go.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Etihad Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Hannah Hampton (6/10):
Didn't have enough of a view of the goal to do anything about it. Stopped everything else that was thrown at her and was good on the ball.
Ashley Lawrence (6/10):
Had an intriguing individual battle with Park, losing a few duels but also winning her fair share to limit the England forward's impact on the game. Great cross for Cuthbert's winner.
Lucy Bronze (6/10):
Covered well in a role not so natural to her.
Millie Bright (5/10):
Inherited the problem of Kerolin when she got past Charles and struggled to deal with the Brazilian throughout the first half.
Niamh Charles (4/10):
Improved in the second half but Kerolin got the better of her almost every time she ran at her. Had to intervene to help Bright for the opener.
AdvertisementMidfield
Oriane Jean-Francois (6/10):
Moved the ball well and improved in her pressing as the game went on.
Wieke Kaptein (8/10):
Was involved in all of Chelsea's best attacking play, showcasing great movement and eye for a pass.
Maika Hamano (5/10):
Honoured her defensive duties and was always trying to create something, though was also a little loose in possession at times. Off before the hour.
Attack
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (8/10):
Grew into the game massively and that made a massive difference in Chelsea's improvements after the break. Caused Layzell constant problems and her end product was great.
Aggie Beever-Jones (7/10):
Clinically took the first chance that came to her. Was involved in the build-up in that move, too, as was the case with several attacks.
Lauren James (7/10):
Was the only Chelsea player who looked like making anything happen in the first half and she continued to get on the ball to try and dictate in the second. Defensive work was great again, too.
Subs & Manager
Erin Cuthbert (8/10):
Helped to bring more control and steel to the Chelsea midfield, before scoring a brilliant late winner.
Mayra Ramirez (5/10):
Didn't quite have the impact Bompastor would've hoped.
Keira Walsh (6/10):
Another introduction that helped Chelsea get more control of the game.
Mia Fishel (N/A):
Made her long-awaited return from injury late on.
Catarina Macario (N/A):
Another sub in the final minutes.
Sonia Bompastor (8/10):
Could've made subs at half time, which she is no stranger to doing, but trusted in those on the pitch and they levelled the scores, before she then brought on game-changers like Cuthbert. Also made tweaks as well to stop City getting the ball to Kerolin in the second period and that helped nullify the opposition's attacking threat massively.
Gary O’Neil looks set to remain in the Wolverhampton Wanderers hot seat for the time being, despite his side’s recent set of dreadful results in the Premier League.
The 44-year-old has been given the dreaded vote of confidence by the Molineux hierarchy, but no doubt a defeat this coming weekend to Ipswich Town would again ramp up speculation that the former AFC Bournemouth boss is soon to be a goner.
Emotions abruptly change in football after all, with a number of rumoured faces being linked to the Old Gold job post whilst O’Neil is yet to be axed.
Rumoured names to replace O'Neil
The name with the most weight behind it at this moment in time does seem to be Graham Potter, who is also being heavily linked with a move to West Ham United who have just beaten Wolves 2-1 funnily enough.
Talks had even allegedly taken place between the ex-Chelsea man and the relegation candidates, but nothing has obviously yet materialised with O’Neil still in the dug-out.
Graham Potter as Chelsea manager
Moreover, other left-field shouts have included Carlos Corberan and David Moyes when looking at the ongoing rumour mill, with Corberan a potentially controversial appointment, considering his current side West Bromwich Albion are fierce rivals with O’Neil’s men.
But, away from those named so far, there is another spectacular option reportedly available to the Premier League strugglers who could become the club’s next Nuno Espirito Santo if he is handed the reins shortly.
Wolves chasing the next Nuno
Wolves fans would love to have Santo back in an alternate reality, as the former Old Gold favourite has Nottingham Forest in an unbelievable fifth spot in the top-flight rankings currently.
Whilst he is obviously out of reach, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho isn’t, who could love a return to English shores after once honing his craft as the ‘Special One’ in the Premier League before going on to succeed all across Europe.
Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce.
Reports from Turkey seem to suggest that Wolves have bid £5m to try and get Mourinho out of his current contract at the Super Lig giants, with the 61-year-old more than well-equipped to turn around the Old Gold’s stuttering fortunes.
Of course, Mourinho didn’t win that much-talked-about nickname by chance, with a stunning three Premier League titles collected whilst at Stamford Bridge, but it will be the defensive stability he could bring to proceedings at Molineux that will catch the eye more considering Wolves’ lowly predicament.
Mourinho’s PL record vs Santo’s vs Potter’s
Stat
Mourinho
Santo
Potter
Games managed
363
158
141
Wins
217
59
41
Draws
84
40
50
Losses
62
59
50
Goals scored
625
190
152
Goals conceded
305
209
169
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Looking at the table above, Mourinho – whilst at the helm of the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United alongside the Blues – had only seen his teams leak 305 goals from 365 Premier League games, helped of course by the fact he once had the likes of John Terry at his prime to call upon when at Chelsea.
But, he would be more likely to get a tune out of the downtrodden Wolves camp than Potter, who only has 41 top-flight victories next to his name from 141 career clashes, with just seven of those coming when in charge of the West London club.
The Portuguese icon is also unlikely to put up with any poor performances based on his past outbursts in the Premier League, with a number of Wolves underperformers perhaps raising their game if such an esteemed appointment was made.
As his compatriot Nuno – who Jamie Carragher dubbed “Jose Mourinho lite” in the past – has shown this season for Forest, a defence-first approach can work in guiding your team up the league, with his side conceding fewer goals than Manchester City at 18 from 15 games, whilst the Old Gold have shipped a disastrous 38.
The “outstanding” manager – as he was once labelled by Joe Cole – has only overseen 13 goals being leaked in league action back in Turkey, with this managerial coup having the potential to turn Wolves’ dire season around, away from simply sticking with what they have.
After notably securing promotion and qualifying for Europe during Nuno’s time at Molineux with a defensive-minded set-up – having been dubbed a “pragmatic coach” by Carragher – the appointment of another former Porto man in Mourinho could help to get this struggling side back to those previous heights.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers could soon be welcoming in a new boss if Gary O’Neil is sacked.
Chelsea have been one of the form sides in front of goal so far in the 2024/25 Premier League season. According to Sofascore, Enzo Maresca’s side have scored 38 times in the top flight, which just two sides have bettered. They are Liverpool with 45 and Tottenham Hotspur with 41.
Cole Palmer, who has 12 goals to his name, and Nicolas Jackson, who has scored nine times in the top flight, have shouldered much of the goalscoring burden. Certainly, the Senegalese centre-forward has been the only striker who has scored more than two goals in the league for Chelsea.
They are reportedly looking to add another striker to their squad to supplement those goals.
Chelsea target new striker
The player in question here is Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Evan Ferguson. The Irishman has struggled to find his best form over the past two seasons, with injuries impacting his game time. However, he is still a player with high potential.
With that in mind, it might not be a surprise that Chelsea are looking at signing him in January to add to their goal threat. According to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Blues are one of the sides who are ‘keeping tabs on Ferguson’s situation’ as the winter window gets underway.
However, they will face fierce competition from other Premier League sides. Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Fulham are also interested, and West Ham United have reportedly made contact.
Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
The Seagulls are believed to be open to a loan deal which could include an option or obligation to buy the striker at the end of his temporary move.
Why Ferguson would be a good signing
Since bursting onto the scene in the 2022/23 season, it has not been an easy ride for 20-year-old Ferguson. He missed 17 games for club and country last term, a total of 164 days with two separate injuries.
Brighton & Hove Albion'sEvanFergusoncelebrates scoring their fourth goal
With that being said, his talent is clear to see. In 79 appearances for Brighton so far, he has 17 goals and five assists, coming in 3525 minutes, the equivalent of just 39.1 90 minute games. That averages out to a goal contrition every other 90 minutes, a strong record.
Indeed, his breakout campaign in 2022/23 was impressive. He played 25 times for the Seagull’s first team, scoring ten goals and grabbing four assists. That includes six strikes in 19 Premier League games.
Indeed, he was so good that season that comparisons can be made between the Irishman and one of the best strikers in the Premier League, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian himself was on fire in his debut season in England, scoring 36 goals in just 35 games.
The expectations were different for both going into the 2022/23 campaign. No one really thought Ferguson would become the clinical finisher he did, yet he exploded out of nowhere.
Haaland had all the expectations on him, as the big-money signing with a reputation for scoring goals week in, week out.
The pair can be compared on FBref for their extraordinary campaigns in their first full season of the Premier League.
For example, the Brighton striker had a non-penalty expected goals tally of 0.5npxG per 90 minutes and averaged 1.61 shots on target per game. Haaland is not too far ahead, with 0.75npxG and 1.72 shots on target each game.
Stat (per 90)
Ferguson
Haaland
Goals and assists
0.75
1.43
Non-penalty expected goals
0.5npxG
0.75npxG
Shots on target
1.61
1.72
Goals per shot
0.17
0.25
Shot-creating actions
2.08
2.34
Ferguson is clearly a player rated by his fellow peers. Kylian Mbappe has previously noted his talent, describing him as a “very good striker” before Ireland and France played each other back in 2023. That is high praise indeed from one of the world’s leading attackers.
This could be a smart signing for the Blues on a loan deal. Ferguson could help to supplement the goals scored by Jackson and Palmer, whilst also not having the pressure of being a first-choice striker himself. His talent is there, and perhaps it can be unearthed once more at Stamford Bridge.
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Who could be off in the winter window as Enzo Maresca tinkers with his squad?
Manchester City have struggled this campaign, currently finding themselves sixth in the Premier League, coming off the back of four consecutive Premier League titles. Pep Guardiola’s side look a long way off retaining their crown, and making it five in a row.
Guardiola’s men have averaged the most possession in the division this season, with 61.6%, have taken the most shots per game, with 17.5, and have conceded the fewest shots per game, with 9.3.
However, despite conceding the fewest shots per game, Manchester City are conceding the highest xG per shot in the division, with 0.18.
Since the injury to Rodri, the midfield balance has been a real issue for City, and when you mix that with a lack of legs and ageing personnel in the entirety of the squad, it becomes even more apparent that the squad needs a rebuild, which could see the wheels begin to turn in the January transfer window.
Man City looking at Kevin De Bruyne replacement
According to reports from The Times last weekend, Jamal Musiala is one name on the radar for Manchester City heading into the new year. However, further reports from Football Insider, have claimed Bayern Munich have no intention of letting the 21-year-old leave in the mid-season window.
With the German currently in limbo regarding a new contract with the Bundesliga giants, Manchester City will believe there is a good chance to prise him away. Other clubs interested include Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Germany star Jamal Musiala
Musiala has made 22 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring 14 goals, providing six assists and totalling 1,609 minutes played.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
How De Bruyne compares to Musiala
One of Guardiola’s key men is clearly Kevin De Bruyne, who spent a couple of months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Guardiola’s comments when the Belgian returned show how integral he still is to this City side, with the Spaniard stating “I am so happy he is back”.
The 33-year-old has made 17 appearances so far this season, scoring two goals, providing two assists and totalling 898 minutes played.
However, as the Belgian is ageing, his availability is becoming less reliable, and bringing someone like Musiala through the door could prove to be the quality replacement needed for the superstar midfielder.
De Bruyne vs Musiala comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)
De Bruyne
Musiala
Goals
0.33
0.77
Assists
0.17
0.39
xG
0.24
0.48
xAG
0.51
0.35
Progressive Carries
2.70
4.17
Progressive Passes
10.1
6.22
Shots Total
3.58
3.72
Key Passes
3.10
2.50
Shot-Creating Actions
6.70
5.96
Successful Take-Ons
0.80
3.14
Stats taken from FBref
When comparing the two, you can see Musiala would provide an extra carrying quality to City, with an ability to pick up the ball in deep channel pockets and drive the team forwards, with 4.17 progressive carries per 90, but also 3.14 successful take-ons per 90, which is hugely important when facing man to man pressing schemes in the modern game.
Musiala doesn’t quite have the same passing range as De Bruyne, but he is still efficient with his key passing, making 2.50 per 90 (slightly less than De Bruyne’s 3.10), showing a good understanding of his decision-making when passing. Jacek Kulig has described the German as an “unbelievable” player, after showing his impact for Vincent Kompany’s side so far this season.
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
Of course, replacing a player who averages 10.1 progressive passes is always going to be tough, but Musiala provides 6.22 of his own, plus bringing other qualities such as his carrying prowess. In regard to Manchester City’s rebuild, the £90m-rated Germany sensation could be the start of a new generation for the Citizens.
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يستعد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، لخوض مواجهة قوية اليوم الخميس أمام نظيره المصري، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وتقام المباراة بين الزمالك والمصري، على أرضية استاد برج العرب بالإسكندرية، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة حسم الدوري الممتاز.
يدخل الزمالك اللقاء وهو في المركز الثالث برصيد 38 نقطة، جمعها من 11 انتصارًا و5 تعادلات، مقابل 3 هزائم.
طالع | تشكيل الزمالك الرسمي أمام المصري في الدوري.. السعيد ومنسي في الهجوم
أما المصري، فيحتل المركز الرابع بـ34 نقطة، بعدما حقق 9 انتصارات و7 تعادلات، وتلقى 3 هزائم فقط.
وكشفت التدريبات الختامية للاعبي الزمالك، ملامح التشكيل الذي سيخوض به البرتغالي جوزيه بيسيرو المدير الفني مباراة اليوم أمام المصري، خاصة في ظل المفاضلة بين اشراك ناصر ماهر أو محمد شحاتة. تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام المصري اليوم في الدوري المصري
حراسة المرمى: محمد عواد.
خط الدفاع: أحمد فتوح – صلاح مصدق – حسام عبد المجيد – أحمد حسام – عمر جابر.
خط الوسط: نبيل دونجا – “محمد شحاتة أو ناصر ماهر”- عبد الله السعيد – مصطفى شلبي.
Gaby Lewis will captain Ireland Women for next month’s six-match, multi-format series against South Africa in Dublin.As a result of injuries and player unavailability – primarily due to school or college exams – head coach Ed Joyce is without eight of his 20 senior performance squad members for the series.Lewis will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Laura Delany, who is recovering from injury. Still only 21, Lewis already has 88 caps and is Ireland Women’s fifth-highest run-scorer across all formats. She also becomes the first child of a former Irish cricket captain to lead her country, following in the footsteps of her father, Alan Lewis, who led the Ireland men’s team 35 times.Lewis became the first Ireland woman to score a century in any format last August when she struck an unbeaten 105 from 60 balls against Germany in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier and she was subsequently named in the ICC Women’s T20I team of the year for 2021.”It’s an absolute honour to be asked to captain Ireland for the first time,” Lewis said. “The opportunity to take on one of the world’s leading sides is one I am relishing, and I know the squad is looking forward to the challenge.”One of the benefits of a competitive domestic Super Series is that – even with up to nine players missing – we are still able to bring in a talented group of players as cover, showing that we are growing our player pool and developing our emerging talent in the right way.”
Ireland vs SA schedule
June 3 1st T20I, Pembroke
June 6 – 2nd T20I, Pembroke
June 8 – 3rd T20I, Pembroke
June 11 – 1st ODI, Clontarf
June 14 – 2nd ODI, Clontarf
June 17 – 3rd ODI, Clontarf
Selectors have chosen four possible debutants in the 14-player squad, including New Zealand-born Arlene Kelly, as well as Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes and Kate McEvoy. Jane Maguire is in line to make her T20I debut, if selected, having played four ODIs. New Zealand-based Eimear Richardson was unavailable for the series.The 28-year-old Kelly, who plays for Auckland Hearts in New Zealand, is an Irish passport-holder and recently relocated to Ireland to pursue cricket opportunities. She has featured for Dragons in the early stages of the Arachas Super Series, claiming Player of the Match honours on debut after scoring 60 and taking 3 for 35 against Typhoons at Lisburn.Carrie Archer, chair of national women’s selectors, said: “We are excited about the inclusion of these potential debutants, but at the same time acknowledge that there’s a lot of years of experience missing. We will be facing one of the world’s top-ranked teams, and this is our first outing in the ICC Championship.”Despite the challenges, the squad will still feature a number of senior players who have a wealth of experience – Gaby Lewis, Shauna Kavanagh and Mary Waldron have 335 caps between them. We wish Gaby and her team the best for the challenge ahead.”South Africa’s tour of Ireland will begin with three T20Is, starting on June 3, ahead of three ODIs from June 11-17.The three ODIs will be Ireland’s first fixtures as part of the ICC Women’s Championship. It was announced this week that Ireland and Bangladesh had been added as the ninth and tenth teams in the 2022-25 Women’s Championship, offering sides a chance of direct qualification to the next ODI World Cup in 2025. During the four-year cycle, Ireland will host England, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, and tour Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and West Indies.Ireland squad: Gaby Lewis (capt), Alana Dalzell, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kate McEvoy, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Celeste Raack, Mary Waldron
Antony took charge of Real Betis celebrations after playing a key role in the comeback derby victory over Sevilla, but Manuel Pellegrini demands more.
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Real Betis edged out Sevilla 2-1Antony was once again impressiveWas ecstatic after inspiring Betis to sixth consecutive league winFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
After a turbulent spell at Manchester United, Brazilian winger Antony appears to have rediscovered his form in La Liga with Betis. Since arriving on loan, the 25-year-old has made a significant impact, scoring four goals and providing four assists in just 12 matches. His revival continued on Sunday night as he played a crucial role in Betis’ 2-1 comeback victory over Sevilla, ensuring his side emerged victorious in the fiercely contested Seville derby.
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Following the final whistle, as Betis supporters stayed behind at the Estadio Benito Villamarin to celebrate their team’s sixth consecutive La Liga victory, Antony took center stage in the festivities. The winger, visibly energized by the win, waved the club’s flag enthusiastically, having removed his shirt in the midst of the celebrations. The former Ajax star further embraced the moment when goalkeeper Adrian, who joined Betis on a free transfer last summer after leaving Liverpool, lifted him into the air in front of the euphoric crowd. Antony’s passionate reaction to the win underlined how much the club's supporters have already welcomed him into their ranks.
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While Antony's performances have earned praise, Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini insists that there is still room for growth and urged him to reach even greater heights.
He told reporters: “I'm very happy for him, because he has a lot of potential and was going through a rough patch. The way we're playing is really good for him. He needs to improve because he can be more influential.”