There’s no two ways about it; Chelsea’s Cole Palmer certainly won the honour of being the best signing of the 2023/24 season.

The versatile attacker only arrived at Stamford Bridge for £40m from Manchester City, and today, he’s one of the most talented forwards in England.

Over just 29 Premier League starts, the England international scored an insane 22 goals and provided 11 assists, which earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

Under new boss Enzo Maresca, his progress is only set to continue, but there’s one Blues target who could prove to be just as influential as the number 20 next season.

Chelsea want to bolster the midfield

According to a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are keen on signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The midfielder had looked to have completed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in a swap deal for Jakub Moder, with Romano revealing that a medical had already been booked for the duo, having agreed terms on the swap deal recently.

However, Chelsea have seemingly undertaken a last-ditch attempt to steal him away from the Seagulls, having lodged an enquiry of their own – with a further update from Romano revealing that the deal involving Brighton and Moder is now set to collapse.

Dewsbury-Hall could be as influential as Palmer

When Maresca joined Leicester City ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, he was tasked with the difficult job of reviving a squad and returning them to the top flight.

Not only did he achieve both of those goals, but he exceeded all expectations, and one player that he turned into a monster was the "superb" Dewsbury-Hall, as dubbed by journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Foxes’ midfielder became the most important player in the Italian’s system, operating as a left-centre midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation across 44 Championship matches.

However, it was the freedom to attack that really saw the 25-year-old’s game go to the next level, as he scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists.

Goals

0.76

0.30

Assists

0.38

0.35

Shots

3.44

2.15

Key passes

2.48

2.70

Progressive passes

6.77

6.73

Shot-creating actions

5.57

5.00

Progressive carries

4.02

3.91

There’s no doubt about it; that record for a midfielder is simply sensational, and it gives similar vibes to that of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who scored 211 goals for the Blues.

It’s expected that at Chelsea, Maresca will utilise the exact same approach that brought him success at Leicester, and therefore, the signature of Dewsbury-Hall is a must.

Just like Palmer, the England international was the catalyst for the majority of the attacking situations at the Foxes, as shown by his creative stats earlier on, and for that reason alone, he could prove to be just as influential as Palmer.

Another reason why he could have a similar impact is that he would operate on the left, and with Palmer playing on the opposite side, Chelsea would have a brilliantly balanced attacking setup, in turn making them far less predictable.

Overall, the signing of Dewsbury-Hall wouldn’t be one to get the Blues faithful out of their seats, but that was also the case when Palmer arrived last summer.

No Jackson, £226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea

Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.

ByTom Lever May 29, 2024

Football is huge in Turkey, with a rich history full of incredible players, passionate supporters, and moments that will never be forgotten on the global scene.

Turkey have produced players who have excelled in Europe’s top leagues in addition to dominating on home shores.

Turkey’s greatest football accomplishment at a major event was in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where the national team achieved its best-ever result in the competition with an impressive third-place finish.

They also demonstrated their potential to compete with the top teams in Europe in 2008 by making it to the semi-finals of the European Championship, and were 20 minutes away from repeating the feat at Euro 2024.

With that, here is the list of who we believe are the ten greatest Turkish footballers, based on their overall impact at either club or international level during their careers…

1

Hakan Şükür

1987-2008

2

Rüştü Reçber

1988-2012

3

Arda Turan

2005-2022

4

Tugay Kerimoğlu

1987-2009

5

Emre Belözoğlu

1996-2020

6

Nihat Kahveci

1997-2011

7

Bülent Korkmaz

1987-2005

8

Tuncay Şanlı

2000-2015

9

Nuri Şahin

2005-2021

10

Hakan Çalhanoğlu

2011-present

Euro 2024 Group F: Teams, players, fixtures and venues

Everything you need to know about Turkey, Georgia, Portugal and the Czech Republic ahead of Euro 2024.

ByStephan Georgiou Jun 10, 2024 10 Hakan Çalhanoğlu 2011-present

With noteworthy stints at Bayer Leverkusen, Milan and Inter, midfield maestro Hakan Çalhanoğlu has made tremendous progress in European football. He is known for his mastery of set pieces and playmaking ability. Çalhanoğlu’s ability to score goals from distance and deliver vital assists has helped him amass amazing figures, including 121 goals and 125 assists throughout his club career at the time of writing.

With his vision and leadership, Çalhanoğlu has been a prominent player for Turkey on the international scene, making a contribution in Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. Heading into this summer’s Euros, his overall record for his nation stands at 18 goals from 86 caps.

International caps

86

International goals

18

Clubs played for

Karlsruher, Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Milan, Inter

Club honours

Serie A, Coppa Italia x2

Individual honours

Turkish Footballer of the Year (2021)

9 Nuri Şahin 2005-2021

The story of Nuri Şahin’s football career revolves around his exceptional talent, adeptness in midfield, and tenacity. His professional career began at Borussia Dortmund, when he became the youngest player to play and score in Bundesliga history.

He went on to make 274 appearances for the German club during his time there and played a key part in the team’s 2010/11 Bundesliga title triumph under Jürgen Klopp. Sahin’s impressive achievements in Germany saw him secure a move to Real Madrid in 2011, and later went on to play for Liverpool in the Premier League.

Şahin, despite being a deep-lying playmaker, scored 38 goals and laid on 65 assists throughout his tenure in Europe’s elite leagues. He is now set to lead Borussia Dortmund from the dugout, having replaced Edin Terzic at the helm following their Champions League final defeat.

At a young age, Şahin represented Turkey internationally, garnering over 50 caps and taking part in multiple qualification campaigns. His passing range and vision made him an important member of the national team, controlling the tempo in addition to providing direct assists.

International caps

52

International goals

2

Clubs played for

Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Werder Bremen, Antalyaspor

Club honours

Bundesliga, La Liga, KNVB Cup, DFB-Pokal

8 Şanlı Tuncay 2000-2015

Şanlı Tuncay had a lasting impression on Turkey and beyond. After making his debut with Sakaryaspor, he swiftly gained momentum at Fenerbahçe, where he established himself as a vital member of the squad, making over 150 appearances and making a substantial impact with goals and assists. His displays in both the Süper Lig and UEFA competitions demonstrated his versatile playmaking skills, ranging from attacking midfield to operating on the wing.

After joining Middlesbrough in the Premier League in 2007, Tuncay quickly won over supporters with his skill, hard work ethic, and knack for scoring crucial goals, including his unforgettable overhead kick against Aston Villa.

Despite the club’s ups and downs, Tuncay scored 18 goals in all competitions during his time at the Riverside Stadium. The next stops in his career included Stoke City, Wolfsburg and Bolton Wanderers, among others, where he consistently displayed his performance level and capacity to adapt.

Tuncay earned 79 caps on the international stage, tallying 22 goals. His enthusiasm and offensive prowess were evident during Turkey’s incredible run to the Euro 2008 semi-finals, where he was a vital member of the team.

International caps

79

International goals

22

Clubs played for

Sakaryaspor, Fenerbahce, Middlesbrough, Stoke, Wolfsburg, Bolton, Bursaspor, Umm Salal, Pune

Club honours

Super Lig x3

7 Bülent Korkmaz 1987-2005

Bülent Korkmaz is a legendary character in Turkish football, dubbed “Iron Bülent” for his tenacity. Throughout his illustrious career, Bülent embodied leadership and unshakable determination.

Korkmaz played his entire club career at Galatasaray, playing around 588 games in all competitions between the late 1980s and the early 2000s. During Korkmaz’s stint at the club, the Turkish club won multiple Süper Lig championships, Turkish Cups, and most famously, the UEFA Cup in 2000, which made the squad the first Turkish team to win a major European competition. These victories were made possible by his on-field leadership as he helped lead Galatasaray through their most successful years.

In terms of the international stage, Korkmaz amassed over 100 caps for Turkey, which involved taking part in big events like Euro 1996 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where Turkey finished an incredible third.

International caps

102

International goals

2

Clubs played for

Galatasaray

Club honours

Super Lig x8, Turkish Cup x6, UEFA Cup, Super Cup

6 Nihat Kahveci 1997-2011

Famous for his quick reflexes and energy on the pitch, Nihat Kahveci left his mark on Turkish football history over a career that spanned the top leagues in both Spain and Turkey. After rising through the youth ranks at Beşiktaş, Nihat rapidly demonstrated his ability to score goals. Despite not being the most prolific of strikers, his 191 appearances, 41 goals and 29 assists during his stint at Beşiktaş are evidence of his effectiveness and reliability as a forward.

Due to Nihat’s talents, he secured a move to Real Sociedad in La Liga in 2002, where he and Darko Kovacevic forged a strong alliance, leading the group to an unexpected second-place showing in the 2002/03 campaign. Nihat’s influence in Spain did not end there, as he went on to play for Villarreal, where he scored 25 goals in 78 games.

His ability to score in key situations, such as a standout performance in which he netted two goals against Real Madrid, solidified his reputation as one of the most potent Turkish strikers in European sport at the time.

He also played a distinguished role for Turkey on the international scene, collecting 69 caps and tallying 19 goals. His vital goals in the group and knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2008 demonstrated his capacity to perform on the biggest stage, as a major player in Turkey’s incredible journey to the semi-finals.

International caps

69

International goals

19

Clubs played for

Besiktas, Real Sociedad, Villarreal

Club honours

Turkish Cup x2

5 Emre Belözoğlu 1996-2020

Considered one of the best football players to come out of Turkey, Emre Belözoğlu is respected for his toughness and intelligence in the midfield.

Starting his career at Galatasaray, Emre made a name for himself as a pivotal player in the midfield, helping the side win both domestic and European titles, notably the UEFA Cup in 2000. He made over 150 appearances during his time there, where his passing range and vision were key components of the team’s style of play.

Emre’s skills allowed him to play in some of Europe’s top divisions, such as Serie A with Inter, where he won the Italian Cup, and the Premier League with Newcastle United, where he demonstrated his versatility as a midfield player. Lastly, in La Liga, he added further experience with Atlético Madrid, which enabled them to win the UEFA Europa League in 2010.

Throughout his career, Emre’s command of the midfield and superb set-piece abilities made him an indispensable member of any squad he played for. This led to him making over 720 club appearances.

Emre gained more than 100 caps for Turkey throughout his international career, playing an important part in helping the team advance to the last four at Euro 2008 and the World Cup semi-finals in 2002.

International caps

101

International goals

9

Clubs played for

Galatasaray, Inter, Newcastle, Fenerbahce, Atletico Madrid, Istanbul Basaksehir

Club honours

Super Lig x5, Turkish Cup x4, UEFA Cup, Super Cup x2, Coppa Italia

4 Tugay Kerimoğlu 1987-2009

During his career, Tugay played for some of the top clubs in Europe, due to his exceptional technical skill, keen vision and remarkable game-reading abilities, all of which helped him stand out in the midfield.

Tugay started his brilliant career at Galatasaray, where he progressed through the ranks to become one of the most important players for the team. He accumulated numerous trophies throughout his ten years with Gala, including two Turkish Cups, six Süper Lig crowns, and the coveted UEFA Cup in 2000. Following his success in Turkey, he made the move to England to join Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in 2001, and went on to become a cult hero there.

Tugay had over 230 appearances in the Premier League, which only makes up a small part of the mammoth 734 appearances in his entire career.

Tugay represented Turkey in international competitions, winning 94 caps for the national team. Turkey placed third in the 2002 World Cup with him in the side as an ever-present.

International caps

94

International goals

2

Clubs played for

Galatasaray, Rangers, Blackburn

Club honours

Super Lig x6, Scottish Premiership, Turkish Cup x4, Scottish Cup, League Cup

3 Arda Turan 2005-2022

Arda started his career at Galatasaray, where he rose from the youth ranks to become a vital member of the team. He was instrumental in helping the team win the Turkish Super Cup and the Süper Lig during his tenure there, making an early impression with goals and critical assists that foreshadowed an incredible career.

It was his unprecedented success at Atlético Madrid that really elevated his name, as he played a key role in the team’s 2013/14 La Liga triumph, a historic feat that ended a ten-year Barcelona–Real Madrid duopoly in Spain, having previously helped the team to Europa League and Super Cup titles.

After relocating to Barcelona, Arda won two Copa del Rey championships, a FIFA Club World Cup, a Spanish Super Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, and another La Liga title.

Arda earned 100 caps for the Turkish national team and has been a mainstay on the international scene.

International caps

100

International goals

16

Clubs played for

Galatasaray, Manisaspor, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Istanbul Basaksehir

Club honours

Super Lig x2, La Liga x2, Turkish Cup, Copa del Rey x3, Europa League, Super Cup

2 Rüştü Reçber 1998-2012

Rüştü Reçber is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to come out of Turkey, and his incredible performances have made a lasting impression on the national and international football scene in his home country.

Turkey’s remarkable run to a third-place finish in the 2002 World Cup was made possible in large part by Rüştü, in what was his most noteworthy international achievement. However, this wasn’t the only time he shone for his country, as he is one of the Turkish national team’s most-capped players, with 120 caps to his name.

The goalkeeper’s career at club level was primarily shaped by his tenures at Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş, where he showcased his abilities in several domestic and European campaigns. While playing at Fenerbahçe, he won multiple Süper Lig titles, Turkish Cups, and the Turkish Super Cup. Beyond this, he spent a short time in Spain after moving to Barcelona in 2003 as a result of his performances, but soon returned to Turkey and kept up his impressive displays with Beşiktaş, adding titles to his collection.

His individual achievements highlight his impact and performance at the top level of football, as he was selected as the Turkish Footballer of the Year and made the 16-man FIFA Team of the Tournament for the 2002 World Cup.

International caps

120

International clean sheets

57

Clubs played for

Burdurgucu, Antalyaspor, Fenerbahce, Barcelona, Besiktas

Club honours

Super Lig x5, Turkish Cup x2

1 Hakan Şükür 1987-2008

Hakan Şükür will go down as one of the country’s most prolific strikers, having carved out an extraordinary career full of noteworthy accomplishments and awards, cementing his legendary status in Turkish football.

The striker’s abilities were most clearly demonstrated on the global scene at the 2002 World Cup, where he was a major player in Turkey’s incredible run to a third-place finish. One of his most iconic moments was 11 seconds into the third-place contest against South Korea, where he scored the fastest goal in World Cup history.

However, his efforts didn’t stop there as he went on to score 51 goals for the Turkish national team, making him the team’s all-time leading scorer.

As well as being a Turkey legend, he was highly revered at Galatasaray. During his time at the Turkish giants, he won multiple Süper Lig titles and Turkish Cups, while he was part of the club’s first-ever UEFA Cup victory in 2000, scoring 288 goals and laying on 133 assists in a whopping 539 games.

He wasn’t always based in his home country, as he ended up tasting football in the foreign leagues, where he maintained his scoring prowess throughout spells in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and in Serie A with Inter.

International caps

112

International goals

51

Clubs played for

Sakaryaspor, Bursaspor, Galatasaray, Torino, Inter, Parma, Blackburn

Club honours

Super Lig x8, Turkish Cup x6, Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup

Tottenham have started their summer transfer window with purpose, acquiring Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray for around £40m, and Lucas Bergvall from Djurgarden for £8.5m.

Ange Postecoglou will be happy with the investment so far ahead of the next Premier League season, getting some very promising young midfielders, but attention could now turn to some forward reinforcements, to help the likes of Son Heung-min in the next campaign, spearheading the attack.

Son scored 17 goals in 36 appearances last season for Spurs, with the next-best tally coming from Richarlison, netting 12 goals in his 31 appearances. They were the only two players to get double-digit goal tallies.

Tottenham chasing England international

According to reports from GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are seriously considering a move for Crystal Palace star, Eberechi Eze.

It is understood Eze is open to offers, and he has a release clause of £60m plus £8m in add-ons. It's reported that there has been talks with agents to discover the potential terms of a deal.

The reports also state Spurs interest in Rennes winger Desire Doue. However, with his fee possibly being inflated towards that similar £60m fee that Eze would cost, it could deter Tottenham from getting involved.

The England international could add that extra creative spark in attacking areas for the Lilywhites, with an ability to add goals from open play and set pieces too. The 26-year-old made 31 appearances in all competitions for Palace last season, scoring 11 goals, and providing six assists.

How Eze is similar to Euro 2024 star Jamal Musiala

The players rank as each other's closest "similar player" via FBref's compare feature, and whilst one has been lighting Euro 2024 up, the other has made a few appearances from the bench, but the similarities in their styles of play and best qualities are worth speaking on.

Musiala – once of Chelsea – made 38 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich last season, scoring 12 goals, and providing eight assists. The German also started all five of Germany's Euro 2024 games, scoring three goals.

Both players want to be heavily involved in the attacking third, whether it's creating chances for others, or finding space for a shot themselves. Eze only got three fewer G/A for Palace last season, as Musiala got for Bayern, and this was playing in a far worse side.

Both players love to beat their man, taking players on and using their high level of dribbling to create chances and advantages. Eze averages 3.02 successful take-ons per 90, but surprisingly only averages 2.98 progressive carries per 90.

Whilst Musiala averages 4.07 successful take-ons per 90, ranking him in the top 1% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe for this metric, but also averages 5.3 progressive carries per 90, nearly double Eze in this stat. Either way, they are both very strong ball carriers who love to make things happen in the final third.

The fact Musiala makes more could well be down to the fact Musiala is playing in a much more ball-dominant team, where teams sit off a bit deeper and progressive carries are important to breaking the lines, whilst Palace for large parts of the season, were hitting teams on the break.

So, by putting Eze in a possession-orientated side, he would get far more frequent chances to carry the ball and get into 1v1 situations, which would see vast improvements in his other metrics, and also his G/A output on a better side.

Spurs have big interest in special star who could be their answer to Yamal

Tottenham looking to add a tricky and direct winger to their ranks

ByConnor Holden Jul 4, 2024

علّق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على الأزمات المتكررة داخل نادي الزمالك، موجّهًا انتقادات حادة لطريقة إدارة الملفات الرياضية والفنية، ومطالبًا بوقفة صريحة مع النفس بعيدًا عن شماعة التحكيم والمبررات الجاهزة.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الإثنين: “ربما آن الأوان أن تجلسوا مع أنفسكم جلسة صريحة، وأن تطرحوا الأسئلة بوضوح: ما هي مشكلاتنا؟ ما المشكلة الحقيقية التي نعيشها؟ هناك خوف دائم ومستمر من الجمهور ومن ردود أفعال الجمهور، نعم هذا موجود في كل مكان في العالم، لكن ماذا بعد؟”.

وأضاف: “إذا كنت أعاني مرضًا معينًا، ولدي مشكلة واضحة وتشخيصها ظاهر تمامًا، فهل أذهب لإجراء عملية جراحية لعلاج هذا الورم أو هذا الخُراج أو هذه المشكلة، كما يقول لي الطبيب، أم أظل طوال الوقت أبحث عن مبررات، وأقنع نفسي وأقنع الناس بأن المشكلة في أمر آخر؟ أخسر بطولة فأقول التحكيم، أخسر مباراة فأقول إدارة المسابقات، أو أقول إن هناك ظلمًا، أو ألوّح بالانسحاب من الدوري وترك كأس مصر وترك كل البطولات المحلية من أولها إلى آخرها؟”.

وتابع: “يا جماعة، نادي الزمالك منذ عام 2003 لم يقترب من بطولة أفريقيا، سواء شارك أو لم يشارك، منذ آخر مرة فاز بها على الرجاء في 2002 أو 2003 بهدف تامر عبد الحميد، لم يقترب من اللقب القاري، هل هذا أيضًا بسبب التحكيم؟ قف مع نفسك يا أخي، وانظر إلى المشكلات والأزمات الموجودة”.

واستكمل: “الزمالك في بطولة أفريقيا العام الماضي خسر من فريق يُدعى ستيلينبوش من جنوب أفريقيا، وهو فريق كان الزمالك قادرًا على الفوز عليه بفريقه الاحتياطي، ومع ذلك خسر وخرج من القاهرة، هل هذا أيضًا بسبب التحكيم؟ هذا أمر غير مقبول”.

وأشار: “في المباريات الأخيرة أمام الأهلي، كان التحكيم أجنبيًا، والزمالك خسر، فهل هذا أيضًا بسبب التحكيم؟ أنا أقدّم لك أمثلة من خارج أي إطار محلي، من خارج كل الأعذار”.

طالع أيضًا | تعليق قوي من شوبير على بيان النيابة العامة بشأن أرض الزمالك: “الأهلي نجح”

واستطرد: “إذا كنت قد أقنعت نفسك أن كل ما يحدث محليًا سببه ظلم أو تحكيم، فدعنا ننظر إلى الأرقام: انظروا إلى عدد بطولات الأهلي في الدوري، وعدد بطولات الزمالك، ثم نعود ونقول التحكيم؟ هذا غير معقول على الإطلاق”.

وتابع: “سأسأل سؤالًا واضحًا: سبق للزمالك أن تعاقد في موسم واحد مع 15 لاعبًا، وكان بطل الدوري في الموسم السابق، وكان معه مدرب اسمه فيريرا، الذي كانوا يطلقون عليه البروفيسير؟ ثم يأتي النادي فيستغني عن نصف اللاعبين ويرحل المدرب، هل هذا ذنب التحكيم، أم ذنب الإدارة الرياضية في مصر، أم ماذا؟”.

وأكمل مُبديًا دهشته: “مدرب عظيم يحقق بطولتين متتاليتين، ولاعبون يحققون البطولات ويكسرون الدنيا، ثم تذهب وتتعاقد مع 15 لاعبًا، لتكون النتيجة أن ثلاثة أرباع هؤلاء اللاعبين لم يشاركوا، ويبدأ الزمالك في الخسارة، واللاعبون الذين رحلوا كانوا أفضل ممن بقوا. ما الذي يحدث؟”.

واسترسل: “ألا تحسب الأمور بهذه الطريقة؟ حل مجالس إدارات الزمالك، والمشكلات الإدارية المستمرة، ما سببها؟ أليست صراعات داخل النادي؟ أليست جبهات داخلية؟ دعونا نتحدث بصدق، أنا محروق أكثر من بعض الزملكاوية أنفسهم”.

وأضاف: “لكن في كل مرة يتم توجيه الناس بعيدًا عن الحقيقة، ويقال لهم إن المشكلة في مكان آخر، رغم أن الحقيقة واضحة أمامنا، ثم تبدأ بعض الأصوات المحسوبة على الزمالك في التصعيد، فيرد عليهم بعض المنتمين للأهلي، وهم أذكياء، لأنهم يتركون الأزمة تتفاقم، وفريقهم يواصل الفوز. لماذا يحدث هذا؟”.

واسترسل: “لماذا، على سبيل المثال، تتعاقد هذا الموسم مع صلاح مصدق، وعبد الحميد معالي، والجفالي، وغيرهم، ثم في النهاية تقول لهم اخرجوا؟ لديك مستحقات متأخرة لمصدق، ولمعالي، وللجفالي، وعندما تعاقدت مع معالي قلت إنه أفضل ناشئ في المغرب، ثم لم يلعب، ذنب من هذا؟ ذنب المنافس؟ أم ذنب النظام؟ أم ذنب من لم يُحسن الاختيار؟”.

وشدد: “لا تذهب وتقارن بالأهلي الآن، لأن المنافس لديه إمكانيات، ولديه أموال، وسأرد على مسألة الأموال بوضوح، من يقول إن أشرف بن شرقي كان صفقة سيئة؟ أو إن فرجاني ساسي كان صفقة غير جيدة؟ لا أحد يستطيع أن يقول ذلك، لأن اللاعبين أبدعوا، والزمالك استفاد وفاز ببطولات بوجودهم”.

وأردف: “لكن في النهاية نعود ونلوم الرعايات، ونقول إن الأهلي يحصل على دعم أكبر، الأهلي يفوز ببطولات محلية وقارية وأفريقية، ويشارك في كأس العالم للأندية، ويعيش حالة استقرار كاملة دون هزات، طبيعي جدًا أن تأتيه رعايات وأموال، هذا أمر طبيعي”.

وأوضح: “ما الذي تريده إذًا؟ هذا هو المنطق، لا يمكن أن تظل طوال الوقت تخشى غضب الجمهور، فتقدّم له مبررات وحججًا وشماعات. اتركوا سلاح التبرير”.

واختتم: “والله العظيم، لا يوجد أجمل من الصراحة، قل: لدي مشكلة في كذا وكذا، العملية الجراحية صعبة، لكن سأجريها، وسأتعافى بعدها، وربنا يكرم، وتستقيم الأمور، وأنجح إن شاء الله، أما الاستمرار في المبررات والاتهامات، فلن يؤدي إلى شيء”.

Wrexham may have completed the signing of Manchester United academy graduate Matty James, who has been spotted in the club's training gear.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham closing in on free agentJames seen in training kitPlayed in United's academyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per multiple accounts on social media, James has been spotted wearing Wrexham's training kit. James is a free agent after leaving Bristol City at the end of the 2023-24 season, but could now have found a new home in Wales.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

James is a vastly experienced Football League campaigner who has played for the likes of Preston North End, Leicester City, Barnsley and Coventry, along with Bristol City. He came through the ranks at United, but he never made a first-team appearance for the club.

DID YOU KNOW?

Both George Evans and Jordan Davies are injured and are not available for selection by Phil Parkinson. As a result, Wrexham have been left light in midfield, and a solution could well come in the form of James.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Wrexham play Charlton Athletic this weekend in League One but it is unclear if James will be signed in time to feature.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has addressed the potential of Sam Kerr joining up with Australia this month during her recovery from an ACL injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kerr still sidelined with ACL injury
• But Australia want her to join October camp
• Chelsea boss Bompastor offers her perspective

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kerr has been sidelined since suffering the long-term knee injury back in January and is currently going through her rehab and recovery at Chelsea. However, ahead of the Matildas' games in Europe against Germany and Switzerland this month, Australia interim coach Tom Sermanni has said he would like Kerr to join the national team on camp.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  “I have spoken to her about coming into camp for these games we’ve got in Europe, we’re still having that conversation," Sermanni said last week. "Some players will walk across hot coals to come into camp regardless of their condition, some who are injured often don’t like to be in the team environment. It’s always good to have someone of that calibre and someone who’s now a really mature player and a leader in the team. So having those players present around the camp is always a big bonus."

• WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

  Asked for her perspective on the situation on Wednesday, Chelsea boss Bompastor said: "We always have a close relationship with every national team coach. Communication is really important and we just have to be on the same page. If we feel that's the best for the player, I would be happy to help the national team and the player. These are conversations we are having and if she has to go, she will go. But in my mind, at the moment, this is not the decision we are taking."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  At the same time, Bompastor was able to offer a positive update on the progress of Kerr's rehab. "Sam is doing good," she said. "I think during the international break, we have a meeting with the staff just to make her home plan and see when she will be able to start to practice individually with the technical staff, which will be a new step for her. But at the moment, she's in a good place. She's in a good form mentally and she just brings some positive things to the team, being around. Even if she's not training collectively with the team, she just brings so much to the squad."

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo continua seu bom início no Campeonato Paulista Sub-15 e Sub-17. Os times das duas categorias golearam a equipe do Ska Brasil neste sábado (11). Jogando em Cotia, o sub-15 venceu de virada por 6 a 2, enquanto o sub-17 ganhou a partida pelo placar de 5 a 1.

RelacionadasNBA“Raptors não é um time para agora”, avisa Masai UjiriNBA11/09/2021São PauloSão Paulo encerra preparação para enfrentar o Fluminense; veja possível escalação para o jogo do BrasileirãoSão Paulo11/09/2021São PauloWelington volta de lesão e fica à disposição de Hernán Crespo para próximos jogos do São PauloSão Paulo11/09/2021

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO DE 2021!

As duas categorias mantiveram o 100% de aproveitamento no estadual. Enfrentando os mesmos adversários nas duas categorias, o São Paulo já havia vencido o Desportivo Brasil e o Ituano.

A primeira equipe a entrar em campo foi a sub-15. Os visitantes abriram 2 a 0, mas, ainda no primeiro tempo, o São Paulo reagiu e empatou com gols de Guilherme Batista e Hugo.

Já no segundo tempo, os dois jogadores seguiram sendo importantes para a virada. Aos seis minutos, Guilherme deu passe para o gol de Hugo, deixando o placar em 3 a 2. O Tricolor ampliou com gols de Giovani, aos nove minutos, Felipe aos 24 e Thierry, aos 38.

Já o time sub-17 iniciou a goleada ainda no primeiro tempo. Logo aos 15 minutos, Eduardo marcou o primeiro gol do São Paulo. Apenas três minutos depois, Caio Matheus ampliou.

Na segunda etapa, o Tricolor marcou mais três vezes. Lázaro marcou aos 26 minutos, Matheus Manso aos 36 e Paulinho aos 41, fazendo os cinco gols da vitória por 5 a 1.

Os próximos jogos do sub-17 e do sub-15 pelo estadual são na quarta-feira (15). As duas categorias visitam o Grêmio Osasco no Estádio Municipal Prefeito José Liberatti.

With David Warner injured, Pucovski has firmed to open the batting for Australia in Adelaide

Andrew McGlashan04-Dec-2020A likely Test debut. Filling the shoes of David Warner. Forming a new opening partnership with Joe Burns. Tackling the pink ball. Facing Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and the rest of the India attack. While that may read like a daunting list, Will Pucovski is keeping it all perspective ahead of a fortnight that, barring some unlikely events, will see him open the batting for Australia at Adelaide Oval.”It’s still just another ball coming down at you,” was a common refrain from Pucovski as he spoke two days out from the Australia A match against the Indians at Drummoyne Oval.Until Warner injured his groin in the second ODI at the SCG last week, it was looking unlikely that Pucovski would debut at the start of the Test series despite back-to-back double hundreds in the Sheffield Shield. A host of names including the national selection Trevor Hohns, coach Justin Langer, captain Tim Paine and Warner himself had vouched for the incumbent Burns despite his lean start to the season.ALSO READ: Joe Burns rediscovers the fundamentals of opening ahead of David Warner’s absenceNow, however, with Warner seemingly scrubbed from at least the opening Test of the series with what is expected to be a four-week recovery, Pucovski is set to walk out alongside Burns to open Australia’s innings.Pucovski had not been paying any attention to talk of a “bat-off” between him and Burns in the Australia A match – instead, he is training at Junction Oval in Melbourne and enjoying some trips down the coast after the Shield hub finished – and the fact a Test debut is now far more realistic is not changing much.”Selection, injury and stuff like that is out of my control,” he said. “Obviously, you never want anyone to be injured, especially such a good player and as a group, we would love to be available for the first Test. If I play in Adelaide, I play; if Dave gets up and I don’t play, it’s just one of those things. Hope he gets better as fast as possible.””If you are in the 17-man [Test] squad you know you are pretty close either way. It’s not a huge difference, to be honest.”One of the reasons Pucovski was appearing unlikely to debut before Warner’s injury was the successful opening stand formed between the latter and Burns in which they have an average partnership of 50.55 across 27 innings.”Joe and I get along really well, which is obviously a good start,” Pucovski said. “We haven’t batted together heaps, but that’s cricket, you end up batting with people you don’t bat with very often – so long as you know how to bounce off each other, get each other going or know what each other requires that’s all that matters. We’ve had a few conversations, just about little things, to help each other through.”Depending on how the opening Test plays out, there is a chance that Australia’s openers will have to combat the most challenging period of a day-night Test during dusk as the lights take hold into the final session. Pucovski has played two day-night first-class matches, against England in 2017-18 and Pakistan last season, with scores of 4, 5 and 1 but is currently a player riding a wave of form and confidence.”It can be a bit different, but it’s pretty cool and pretty fun especially once it gets into that dusk evening time,” Pucovski said. “It’s one of those things growing up you never really thought would happen but that’s part of Test cricket now and it’s an unbelievable atmosphere.”I haven’t been playing in a Test with a crowd and the pink ball, but just watching, when Australia played New Zealand at Adelaide two or three years ago, I just happened to be in Adelaide and we went down for an hour or two and it was an incredible atmosphere.”Neither is Pucovski overthinking the step up in class when he faces the Indian attack. “Obviously they are very good bowlers, but I’ve faced a lot of very good bowling in first-class cricket. At the end of the day, I look at it as it’s just a ball coming down and you and I just have to do my best to react in the best way possible.”Overall, there was excitement in Pucovski’s voice about what lies ahead. “It’s pretty cool, you watch these blokes on TV dominating around the world and never think that could be me facing them one day,” he said. “But it could become a reality.”

“I’ve faced a lot of short bowling in my life and I haven’t had too many stresses with it”

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2020

Steven Smith sways out of the way of a bouncer•Getty Images

Steven Smith has challenged India’s pace attack to bring on the short bowling during the Test series, believing if they focus on banging the ball in at him it will work in Australia’s favour.In Australia’s most recent Test series, against New Zealand in the 2019-2020 season, Neil Wagner produced a sustained short-ball attack to Smith. The left-armer removed Smith four times with the short delivery – twice caught at square leg, once at leg gully, and once fending to the off-side gully – but Smith still averaged 42.80 in the three matches.Though Smith did not score a century he soaked up a lot of pressure for his team-mates by wearing down the bowlers. Australia scored more than 400 in each of their first innings during the series. Smith’s strike-rate in that series was 34.13, comfortably the lowest of his career, but he is more than happy to play a role for the team.”It’s no dramas for me. I just play the game and sum up the conditions, how they’re trying to get me out and being able to counter that,” Smith told “I mean, a few different oppositions have tried it and they’ve certainly found it more difficult to [execute it] the way Wagner did. He’s got an amazing skill set where his speeds go up and down…everything is between your ribs and your head.”If teams are trying to get me out like that it’s probably a big benefit for the team because it takes a lot out of people’s bodies if you continually bowl short. I’ve faced a lot of short bowling in my life and I haven’t had too many stresses with it. I suppose we’ll just wait and see.”Smith was not part of the previous series between these teams as he was serving his suspension for the Newlands ball-tampering scandal but on his return to Test cricket had a magnificent Ashes series despite missing one Test after being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s.The match-ups between the two pace attacks is one of the most keenly awaited contests of the series. Australia will likely line-up with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood while India will certainly have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami and may be able to call on Ishant Sharma if he recovers from the side injury sustained at the IPL. Umesh Yadav and the highly-rated Navdeep Saini are also part of their Test squad.In the series two years ago, Australia’s pace attack faded in the latter two Tests as India won the series with a victory at the MCG and a draw at the SCG where they piled up more than 600, but coach Justin Langer has no doubt what they deliver this time.”A world-class bowling attack. And two years better,” he said. “I can’t wait to see them go. And we’ve got good depth as well. James Pattinson who has come back from that back injury, we saw how powerful that was during the last Ashes in England. Michael Neser keeps playing well over and over again. And Sean Abbott, every Shield player I’m talking to they’re all saying he is bowling fast.”

Eberechi Eze is a name that’s been circulating in the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase over the last few weeks.

The reason for this is due to the Crystal Palace star being linked with a move to Spurs recently, and given his quality, it’s no surprise the Lilywhites faithful are excited.

Palace’s number ten was absolutely instrumental in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists.

A big price tag may well be needed to prise him away from Selhurst Park, although it's not more than one of their current star men.

What Spurs paid for Cristian Romero

Prior to the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Tottenham reinforced their backline with Cristian Romero from Atalanta.

The Argentine moved to Spurs off the back of an impressive Champions League and Serie A campaign in Bergamo, picking up three goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

Romero originally joined on a season-long loan, starting 22 league games in his debut Premier League season and becoming an important player.

Therefore, upon the expiration of his loan, Spurs triggered his option to buy for £41m without hesitation, with Daniel Levy viewing him as a player who could develop into a world-class defender at Tottenham.

However, Romero’s signature wasn’t exactly cheap, as they also had to meet his salary demands, and he eventually signed a £165k per week deal until 2027.

Romero’s transfer value in 2024

His first season as a permanent Spurs player featured plenty of ups and downs, including picking up two red cards.

However, under Ange Postecoglou, the World Cup winner has progressed brilliantly, starting 33 times in the Premier League last season.

The centre-back ended the campaign as Spurs’ fourth-highest goalscorer with five, while also boasting the most passes completed, interceptions, and clearances in the squad.

Tottenham’s “perfect” defender, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, has truly become irreplaceable, acting as a true leader at the heart of the backline, but what is he exactly worth today?

Premier League's Most Valuable CB's
Player	Value
William Saliba	£68m
Ruben Dias	£68m
Gabriel Magalhaes	£59m
Cristian Romero	£51m
Micky van de Ven	£47m
Via Transfermarkt

Well, as you can see from the table above, Romero is now estimated to be worth an incredible £51m, as per Transfermarkt.

This makes the 26-year-old the fourth-most valuable centre-back in the entire Premier League, only behind the Arsenal duo and Ruben Dias, which just proves how important he truly is.

On top of that, he’s currently the second-highest valued player in the entire Spurs squad, only behind James Maddison, who’s worth £59m.

Interestingly, despite the season that Eze just had, Romero is also worth more than the attacking midfielder, who’s currently valued at £47m. The Palace sensation was a true hit last term and would be a fantastic signing for Tottenham.

Fans may even get a look at him in action at Euro 2024 with the winger earning a well-deserved call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the tournament.

Nevertheless, as impressive as Eze has been, it’s also quite clear that Romero is one of the finest in England, with his £51m market value reflecting that perfectly.

Despite costing £41m originally, Spurs have truly hit the jackpot on the number 17, and if he continues to perform as he did last season, he’ll only be viewed as an even bigger bargain.

What Spurs' starting lineup could look like after £201m spending spree

Spurs will want to give Postecoglou everything he needs to build a successful side this summer.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 9, 2024