Tag Futebol

علّق مارك أندريه تير شتيجن حارس مرمى برشلونة، على تعادل فريقه أمام غرناطة بمنافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وتعادل برشلونة بثلاثة أهداف لمثلهم أمام غرناطة، في مباراة شهدت عودة تير شتيجن أساسيًا بعد غياب للإصابة.

وقال تير شتيجن في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “لا يمكننا أن نستقبل ثلاثة أهداف في هذه المباراة”.

وأضاف: “في الوقت الحالي، علينا أن نكون أكثر تركيزًا عند الدفاع وأن نكون أكثر ترابطًا، ونحن نعلم ذلك، ولكن اليوم لم يكن من الممكن القيام بعمل أفضل، آمل أن نكون متصلين في نهاية الأسبوع المقبل”.

وأردف: “الأمر متروك لنا للتسجيل في جميع المباريات المتبقية لنا، الموسم طويل وعلينا أن نلعب أمام ريال مدريد وجيرونا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | لامين يامال بعد تعادل برشلونة أمام غرناطة: فرصة أخرى ضائعة ونكرر الخطأ

وأشار تير شتيجن: “يمكننا الاستمرار في القيام بذلك، لكن علينا أن نواصل التركيز على أنفسنا ونركز على المباراة التالية”.

وأستطرد: “لا أعرف إذا كان هذا وداعًا للدوري، الأمر صعب، لأنك تلعب ضد فرق تتمتع بشخصية كبيرة، لا توجد مباراة سهلة حتى لو كان التصنيف يقول خلاف ذلك، لقد شوهد ذلك اليوم أمام غرناطة، عليك أن تلتقط الوتيرة وتحاول حصد النقاط أسبوعًا بعد أسبوع”.

وأتم بشأن عودته للملاعب بعد غياب للإصابة: “لقد شعرت بالارتياح، في أول 15 دقيقة لم أكن واعيًا ولكن بعد ذلك شعرت ببعض راحة البال، العار كان أن نستقبل هذه الأهداف الثلاثة”.

Arsenal have made great strides in the last couple of years, emerging from the wilderness under Mikel Arteta to become genuine title challengers this season.

The Gunners have relied heavily on young stars to get back to a position of strength, none more so than tricky winger Bukayo Saka, who has become a shining light on their journey back to mixing it among the elite of English football.

Regardless if they succeed or fail in their quest to finalise a first Premier League winning triumph since 2004, Arsenal have already secured qualification for the Champions League, where they will mark their return to the competition after a six-year absence.

With impressive achievements comes greater expectations and the north London outfit will be expected to enter the transfer market for some high-profile reinforcements this summer.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates in the off-season to provide a touch of class in the middle of the park, though reports suggest that it may cost as much as £120 million to entice the 24-year-old to move across London.

As Arsenal enter a new era following an underwhelming period in the late 2010s and early 2020s until last season, both Saka and Rice could have a pivotal role to play in shaping the Gunners' future success.

How have Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice faired this season?

Both players have been among the cream of the crop in the Premier League this term, playing a major part in helping their respective clubs move closer to their objectives.

Starting with Saka, the 21-year-old has been in fine form for Arsenal, registering an awe-inspiring 14 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances encompassing all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Rice has also helped out on the goal contribution front for the Hammers despite being utilised primarily as a defensive midfielder, chipping in with four goals and four assists in 44 outings, as cited once more by Transfermarkt.

The combined £130k-a-week duo Saka and Rice have also shown their capacity to churn out consistent performances at will in 2022/23, respectively achieving an average match rating for their exploits on the pitch of 7.41 and 7.05, according to WhoScored.

Interestingly, the pair already have a strong bond together, both at England on the field and as friends as the pair have been described as being very close to each other.

Journalist Paul Brown thinks that Rice would improve immeasurably if he moved to Arsenal and linked up with his England teammate Bukayo Saka and other Gunners first-team stars.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Brown said about Rice in particular: "Watching him link up with the likes of Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, all of those players, I think they would improve him. I think Declan Rice going to a better team than West Ham would make him an even better player. I think that would be great to see personally."

Declan Rice's stats are quite astonishing this season, as he currently ranks 1st in the Premier League for interceptions and 9th for progressive carrying with the ball (FBRef). These are two stats that could massively improve an Arsenal midfield that currently has the like of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey pulling the strings. Indeed, the pair have been good this season but clearly not as good as Rice, who has the ability to bring counter attacks to a halt with his interceptions, and then has the drive to move forward and possibly even start counter attacks, which will be news to the ears of the speedy Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners have conceded 12 goals in their last six games, so it's clear that things aren't perfect at the back. Rice offers that extra layer of protection with the interceptions mentioned above. As well as this, he is 6th in the Premier League this season for tackles, which further strengthens his argument to be the shield Arteta needs in front of his defence.

As well as Arsenal potentially taking Rice to the next level, it has been claimed by former professional footballer Paul Parker that Rice can take a "team to the next level", so it really could be a win-win for both the club and Rice as a player.

Interestingly, it was claimed that Arteta was hatching a bit of a plan to open talks and convince the midfielder to join the Gunners as soon as the season ends, with an "official" approach.

Arsenal are in a position they've longed to be in for some time and genuinely look like they have a young crop of talent that is growing with every passing moment on the elite stage.

Adding Rice into the mix this summer with players such as Saka and company around him would aid the Gunners in their mission to take that next step and may help them to realise their ambitions both in domestic football and on the continent moving forward.

Newcastle United have been transformative under new ownership and new management since the Saudi-led takeover of the club in 2021, casting aside the universally deplored proprietary of Mike Ashley, who had run the club into the ground during his lengthy ruling of one of the Premier League's most prominent outfits.

With the opulence of the owners capable of rivalling even the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, widely considered the two financial powerhouses in European football, many expected lofty fees to follow the completion of the deal, but the work completed on and off the pitch has been nothing short of astute.

Manager Eddie Howe has crafted a team seeking a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2003, and having clinched 65 points from 33 matches, in third place and nine points above Liverpool in fifth, a swift return to the forefront of the scene looks soon to be confirmed.

The cobwebs of the past are all but cleared at St. James's Park, but one particular deal, the 2018 sale of Mikel Merino, remains a reminder of the previous failings that left the club fluctuating between divisions and scarcely seeing success for many years.

When did Newcastle sell Merino?

Having signed Spanish midfielder Merino from German giants Borussia Dortmund in October 2017, mere months after landing the ace on an initial loan deal, he was sold to Sociedad the following summer after his £10m buyout clause was met.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and Merino's brief, 25-match stint on Tyneside preceded the birth of his true skill set at Sociedad, but his natural ability was never in question and granting his departure less than one year after his permanent acquisition seems somewhat premature.

He has now forged 191 appearances for Erreala, scoring 18 goals and serving 25 assists, with journalist Josh Bunting waxing lyrical over the 26-year-old, stating he "oozes confidence".

His rounded scope has expanded during his time in LaLiga, with his seasonal exploits notably demonstrating the improved creativity of his game – Merino has provided one goal and nine assists from 27 league appearances this term.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 6 foot 2 ace holds a €65m (£57m) release clause in his current contract, a fee the likes of Aston Villa have been willing to meet as recent speculation over the player's future mounts, which only serves as a poignant reminder to what could have been for the Magpies.

The aforementioned fee is actually an incredible 470% increase in value, something which could feasibly increase over the coming years, Merino still only 26 years old.

As per FBref, the £66k-per-week star ranks among the top 2% of positional peers for rate of assists, the top 1% for aerials won, the top 12% for tackles and the top 15% for clearances, highlighting the impressive ubiquity of his trade.

While Newcastle are on track for a sustained period of milk and honey, the 13-cap Spaniard's inclusion could've provided the extra slant in the midfield engine this term, perhaps proving the difference in the 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United, or issuing control in divisional clashes that could have pushed the club closer to the forefront of the Premier League table and into title contention.

Their wealth, fortunately, buffers the blow, but it certainly illustrates the ineptitude of the previous chapter and the strides taken in such a short time. Indeed, this is one transfer tale to file in the mistakes column.

Arsenal still have a good relationship with wonderkid Charlie Patino, despite the teenager's desire to leave the club in the summer transfer window, according to journalist David Ornstein.

What's going on with Arsenal and Patino?

The midfielder has spent the season on loan at Blackpool where, despite his side suffering relegation, he had a fairly productive first full senior campaign and made 36 appearances.

The Englishman was regarded as one of the best talents to ever come out of Arsenal's Hale End academy, but it seems that his potential will have to be fulfilled elsewhere as he has expressed his desire to leave.

Patino wants regular football next season, and does not want to head out on another loan spell. With Arsenal back in the Champions League, they cannot offer him the playing time he wants, and he is set to leave permanently.

Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast (26.00), Ornstein revealed that the decision to leave has been seen as best for all parties, and Patino's relationship with Arsenal is far from broken.

"The conversations I've had suggested that the dialogue the discussions, the talks around the Patino situation have been amicable. It's not like there's a player desperate to go and a club standing in his way and wanting to stockpile him, and hoard this young homegrown talent who fans are pinning their hopes on and vice versa, there's a realisation and maturity in it that sometimes these situations occur," he stated.

"Let's be grown up about this, the fairytale doesn't always happen. Of course he would have been one of the next stars at Arsenal, but Arsenal look dramatically different to how they were looking when he was starting to emerge. And timing is a blessing or a curse, you know, right place at the right moments and wrong place at the right moment."

Are Arsenal and Patino making the right decision?

Arsenal have had a number of high-level talents emerge from Hale End in recent years including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, but there was a very different outlook at the club when they broke into the team.

When Arsenal were going through a tough period of low league finishes, talent emerging from the squad could flourish with less pressure, and Europa League football to get acquainted with the team.

Arsenal are now competing at the top of the table and will be in the Champions League next season. The level of the team has been raised, and even the likes of Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are struggling for game time now.

Patino could have gone on another loan before attempting to join the squad in 2024, but his lack of patience when looking at an already young team competing at the top of the country may be justified, and a move to a club where he can play regularly could suit all parties well.

حدد روى فيتوريا المدير الفني لـ منتخب مصر الأول، برنامجاً بدنيًا لـ أحمد حجازي مدافع اتحاد جدة، قبل خوض منافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا في الفترة من 13 يناير إلى 11 فبراير 2024، بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا في كوت ديفوار.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية لبطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية مع منتخبات غانا والرأس الأخضر وموزمبيق.

طالع | “بطولات” يكشف كواليس عفو فيتوريا عن إمام عاشور وحسين الشحات

علم “بطولات” بأن روي فيتوريا وضع برنامجًا بدنيًا لأحمد حجازي لتجهيزه لمعسكر الفراعنة قبل كأس أمم أفريقيا.

ولا يشارك حجازي في مباريات مع فريق اتحاد جدة حتى كأس أمم أفريقيا المقبلة، حيث كان الظهور الأخير له في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، وذلك بسبب عدم قيده في قائمة الفريق بالدوري السعودي.

ومن المقرر أن ينتظم لاعبو منتخب مصر في معسكر مغلق يوم 3 يناير المقبل، استعداداً للمشاركة في بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية.

Arsenal have held preliminary talks with representatives over signing Leicester City star Youri Tielemans this summer, according to reports.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Mikel Arteta is currently leading Arsenal's charge for a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, yet off the field, it is sporting director Edu's task to help maintain their status as one of England's most imperious sides right now.

Reports have suggested that the central midfield area is a serious priority for Arsenal, where West Ham captain and England international Declan Rice is continuing to attract real interest. The Gunners are apparently willing to pay north of £100 million to capture him, meanwhile the likes of Brighton's Moises Caicedo and even Barcelona midfielder Raphinha are also believed to be on their radar.

In other areas, recent claims state that AC Milan star Theo Hernandez is a player wanted by Arsenal, with Italian sources even saying that they could try and tempt Paolo Maldini with a swap deal offer.

Now, adding fuel to the fire, a report by TEAMtalk has shared news on the north London club's alleged interest in soon-to-be free agent Tielemans. The Belgium international looks likely to leave on a Bosman deal this summer and Arsenal have held preliminary talks with his representatives over joining them.

Indeed, they've apparently held discussions with Tielemans' camp, and while Arsenal are admirers of the 25-year-old, it is also believed Arteta's side have backed away for now – coming after the player's extortionate wages demands.

Tielemans has apparently requested a deal which would put him in the top earners bracket at Arsenal, something which could be a roadblock for them, with Newcastle adopting a similar stance on the midfielder.

Should Arsenal sign Tielemans?

If the Gunners can find a good compromise in negotiations over personal terms, Tielemans would be a good back-up signing for zero transfer fee.

As per WhoScored, the midfield ace ranks in Leicester's top six for attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 this season – and he also stood out as one of their top performers last year.

Fabrizio Romano also claimed last summer he 'would love to join' Arsenal, with Tielemans targeted at the time, and now Edu could have an opportunity to snap him up for nothing.

Called 'magnificent' by journalist Robert Lusetich for his performances in the last two years, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have him as an option from the bench.

Aston Villa have found their form again in the Premier League as Unai Emery’s side have won their last two matches in the division after a three-game losing streak.

The Villans had been beaten by Leicester, Manchester City, and Arsenal in succession but have bounced back with wins – and clean sheets – against Everton and Crystal Palace.

Their 1-0 victory over the Eagles was their most recent success but Emery was hit with a huge blow during the game as defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara was forced off with a muscular issue.

It has since been revealed that the former Marseille gem is set to be out for a ‘few weeks’ with The Athletic’s Gregg Evans claiming that Calum Chambers is the most likely player to replace the Frenchman at the base of the midfield.

However, the English defender’s woeful form in the Premier League this season does not suggest that he is ready to step up into that role in the upcoming matches.

The 28-year-old has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.42 across six outings in the division, whilst also averaging a score of 6.45 in two EFL Cup appearances, and lost a staggering 67% of his individual duels in that time.

He has been physically dominated and only made 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game to make up for his lack of strength, whilst completing 82% of his passes.

Instead of unleashing the underperforming dud to replace the injured Kamara, who was once dubbed a “phenomenon” by ex-teammate Rolando, Emery could dip into the academy set-up to bring youth a young player – Hayden Lindley.

Who is Hayden Lindley?

The 20-year-old is a natural defensive midfielder, not a centre-back by trade like Chambers, and has caught the eye for the club’s U21 side in recent seasons.

In the EFL Trophy earlier this term, the youngster put in a fantastic display against Wimbledon – recording a Sofascore rating of 7.6 – as he won 100% of his duels and completed 83% of his passes.

In 2021/22, the enforcer made three tackles and interceptions per match across three outings in the same competition and this shows that the academy ace has the potential to make vital defensive contributions on a regular basis.

Lindley, who played five games on loan at Newport County earlier in his career, has made eight Premier League 2 appearances for the U21 side this term and picked up five yellow cards, highlighting the level of aggression and physicality he can bring in the middle of the park.

The young talent also has a mature head on his shoulders having been the captain of the U21s, indicating that the gem has leadership qualities that could allow him to adapt to the step up to senior level.

Therefore, Emery must push Chambers to one side and unleash Lindley to see if he can make his mark in the first team during Kamara’s absence.

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has been criticised for an ‘anonymous’ display as his side crash out of the FA Cup to Blackburn Rovers.

The Lowdown: Foxes defeated…

The Foxes were humbled by a Rovers side who displayed real determination and an underdog spirit.

Brendan Rodgers and his team were simply not at the races on a night to forget for the Premier League relegation-battlers, with Blackburn forward Tyrhys Dolan putting them 1-0 down just past the half hour mark.

Leicester then had a mountain to climb when attacking midfielder Sammie Szmodics doubled the away side’s lead, a strike which eventually gifted Rovers the win despite Kelechi Iheanacho’s late goal back.

The Latest: talkSPORT man hammers Vardy…

On a night to forget for Rodgers, with his side bowing out to a 2-1 defeat, talkSPORT reporter Jason Bourne criticised the display of Vardy on social media.

The Englishman was ‘pretty anonymous’ last night, according to Bourne, with the stats perfectly backing his point.

The Verdict: Right call?

As per SofaScore, the 36-year-old took fewer touches than any Leicester City starter on the night with just 19 – highlighting what was an ‘anonymous’ display.

Vardy did manage a key pass and two shots on goal with his limited involvement, one on target and one off, but this may well be a night to forget for the club legend.

The Englishman also completed just ten passes on the night, further reinforcing his struggle to get involved, with Vardy now looking to get back to winning ways.

Leicester take on strugglers Southampton in the Premier League this weekend and it’s a match which could be pivotal in determining who drops to England’s second tier.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a summer swoop for a La Liga winger as Julen Lopetegui aims to continue his rebuild at Molineux.

What’s the latest on Abde Ezzalzouli’s move to Wolves?

According to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror (12/2/22, page 73), Barcelona are now open to offers for young winger Ezzalzouli as Xavi seeks to improve the club’s financial situation by selling a few players, and the 21-year-old is one for whom he is willing to entertain bids.

The Old Gold were linked with a move for the youngster during the January transfer window but nothing materialised, although this recent update from Barcelona could well pique Lopetegui’s interest once again.

Could Ezzalzouli become Wolves’ next Adama Traore?

The Moroccan winger has spent the season on loan with Osasuna, playing 14 matches in La Liga while registering two assists, and it seems evident that he could have a bright future in the game.

He made his Barcelona debut last season and Xavi lavished praise on him, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo, describing them as players who are “bursting with personality”.

Ezzalzouli has similar attributes which could see him become Wolves’ next Traore if he continues on his upward trajectory. The Barcelona coach even dubbed him as “spectacular” previously, and the Old Gold could be signing a wonderful talent if the 21-year-old makes the move to England this summer.

Traore has been a bit hit-and-miss since joining the club in 2018. Across 178 matches in all competitions for the Premier League outfit, he has scored just 13 goals and registered 18 assists, yet his relentless nature and explosive pace ensures that he is always a threat when playing.

Over the course of his career, the 27-year-old has averaged 4.1 dribbles and one key pass per game, proving that despite his lack of goals, he is certainly able to create plenty of chances for others.

According to FBref, Traore and Ezzalzouli are statistically similar footballers, with the Wolves star the fifth-most similar player to the Barcelona sensation.

This season has seen the two players register similar statistics when it comes to goal contributions (two each), total shots (14 to 13), goal-creating actions (three each), successful take-ons (23 to 14), and touches in the attacking third (220 to 196).

These figures clearly show that both players have a keen eye for goal while retaining the ability to successfully beat opponents and create chances for team-mates.

Ezzalzouli is still quite raw, although Lopetegui could see a move as the chance to develop him into one of the most talented wingers on the continent. He could well blossom into the next Traore at Molineux, albeit one who is far more clinical.

Leeds United could now end their deadline day with a bang with one final deal…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to The Sun, who claim that the Whites are one of three Premier League clubs vying to attain Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City for the remainder of the season.

Having only left Elland Road in the summer for £45m, injuries have prevented the 27-year-old from having the chance to establish himself in Pep Guardiola’s team.

As such, in an effort to regain fitness and perhaps make more starts than he has done at his new club, a return to Yorkshire could be perfect for all parties involved.

That said, for the time being, the Citizens are unwilling to do business.

Phillips would be the icing on the cake

Having already enjoyed a wildly prosperous January transfer window, in which Weston McKennie has just yesterday been announced, this move could see a second midfield addition that would given them some unimaginable depth in the engine room for a club currently not far from the relegation spots.

To see the return of a player that was so revered amongst fans would surely be well received, especially after he had earnt them such a substantial fee in the summer which afforded their rebuild.

In fact, journalist Amos Murphy even noted that before his move that, should he be sold, he would remain a hero of the area. He wrote on Twitter:

“Kalvin Phillips has a mural in Leeds city centre and was part of the team that returned them to the Premier League. Regardless of if he leaves or not, think it’s safe to say his legend status is already secured.”

Despite not featuring much last campaign, upon their first season back in England’s top flight he truly showed what he was all about.

Earning a 7.21 average rating, he would record 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game, pairing this with 1.2 key passes and an 85% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

It was this form which earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s starting squad for Euro 2020, where he would go on to garner further praise from the likes of Fabio Capello.

The former England boss spoke about the comparisons he had earned to Andrea Pirlo:

“Phillips is not like Pirlo and he will never be. He is a much faster and more aggressive player, of good quality but he is not Andrea’s heir. He reflects a lot the tactical qualities of Marcelo Bielsa.

“At Leeds with Bielsa, Phillips has really grown a lot and today he is the best modern midfielder I have seen on the pitch – but no one should compare him to Pirlo.”

Should he make a sensational return to Elland Road and recapture that aforementioned form, he could further cement his legacy by helping propel this ever-growing Leeds side up the table.

It would surely be the icing on the cake in what has been a solid January transfer window.