Tag Futebol

Aston Villa have emerged as contenders to sign Fulham midfielder Zambo Anguissa this summer.

What’s the story?

Following the Cottagers’ relegation from the Premier League last weekend, it would be no surprise to see a few, if not many, of the club’s best players leave the London side over the course of the summer transfer window.

And, according to The Daily Mail, Dean Smith’s Villa side are monitoring developments over Anguissa ahead of a potential move, with Fulham braced for offers for many of their key men.

The report adds that the 25-year-old is likely to be one of those players sold following confirmation of Fulham’s relegation, while Villa are also set to face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Everton.

Upgrade on Douglas Luiz

A combative midfielder who has been one of the shining lights of Fulham’s season, Anguissa’s performances this campaign have been very impressive, and appears tailor-made to be a real upgrade on Douglas Luiz at Villa Park.

Joachim Andersen, his teammate at Fulham, has raved about about the £22.5m-rated powerhouse, saying: “He’s a top player. He’s a machine in the midfield. He’s winning so many balls and driving forward with it.”

And, Toni Conceicao, his coach for Cameroon, said: “He’s a quality player. In football, the collective is the most important, so you have to have players that work for the team. And although Anguissa is not a Messi or Ronaldo, he’s a player that has a lot of capacity to influence the match. He brings a lot of tactical culture and rigour to the team.

“He has got a really good passing ability, long and short, and is one of those players that makes the team tick without necessarily being the standout. As a coach and with all due respect to Fulham, which I know is a great club, Anguissa can reach an even higher level.”

And, when you compare the key stats between Anguissa and Luiz, it’s the former who comes out on top.

As per Whoscored, he is defensively far stronger than his Brazilian counterpart, averaging more tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League, and also committing far fewer fouls too – something Villa fans will be relieved to know after Luiz’s mindless challenge to give away a penalty against Manchester United at the weekend.

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And, as Andersen said, Anguissa is also adept at driving the ball forward, averaging a whopping 2.7 dribbles per game – far higher than Luiz, and actually only slightly below Jack Grealish with 2.8 in the entire Villa squad.

At 25, Anguissa seems like the dream Luiz upgrade and a player Villa must surely sign this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa have been handed a major boost that will have Dean Smith buzzing…

MatériaMais Notícias

Dudu deixou o gramado do Allianz Parque às lágrimas neste domingo, logo após a vitória do Palmeiras por 1 a 0 diante do Internacional, placar que aumentou a distância para o vice-líder Santos para seis pontos e deixou o Verdão mais próximo da conquista que não vem há 22 anos. O capitão da equipe de Cuca foi um dos mais emocionados na roda de oração do grupo após o fim do jogo, saudou a torcida que compareceu em bom número à arena e explicou os motivos do choro na saída do campo.

– É choro de agradecimento, pela força de vontade do nosso time. A gente vem numa desconfiança muito grande, muitos não acreditam, falam que é cavalo paraguaio. Mas a gente está perto, né? – ironizou o emocionado Dudu, questionado logo depois se suas lágrimas representavam “choro de campeão brasileiro”. Ele negou.

– Não é choro de campeão porque não ganhamos nada ainda. Nós ficamos tristes por falarem que não fazemos bom futebol, mas é um título que o clube não conquista há 22 anos e estamos muito próximos disso. Por isso falo para o torcedor acreditar, lotar essa arena, que vamos ser campeões.

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A vitória simples diante do Internacional, construída com um gol de Cleiton Xavier aos 16 minutos do primeiro tempo, levou o Palmeiras aos 70 pontos na tabela de classificação, contra 64 do Santos, o novo segundo colocado, e 63 do Flamengo, que era o perseguidor mais direto até a última rodada. Agora restam quatro partidas para o fim do Campeonato Brasileiro, contra Atlético-MG (fora), Botafogo (no Allianz), Chapecoense (no Allianz) e Vitória (fora de casa). O momento do “choro de campeão” está mais próximo.

-Agora temos dois jogos em casa, então é mais uma vitória e um empate que vamos ser campeões – explica Dudu.

Tudo sobre

CucaInternacionalPalmeiras

MatériaMais Notícias

O Conselho Deliberativo do Flamengo vota nesta quinta-feira, em reunião extraordinária, a aprovação ou reprovação da parceria com o curso de línguas ‘Yes’. O departamento de marketing do clube firmou parceria com o novo investidor, que terá sua marca estampada na barra da camisa.

Se o Conselho Deliberativo do Flamengo aprovar – como previsto – a nova parceria, a marca do curso de línguas já estará presente no uniforme rubro-negro neste domingo, no jogo contra o Corinthians, no Maracanã.

Atualmente, o Flamengo conta com os patrocínios no uniforme da Caixa Econômica Federal, Tim, IFood e Adidas. Recentemente, o clube também firmou parceria com a MRVEngenharia até o fim de 2018.

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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has accused Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho of lying to the supporters following a recent incident involving defender Toby Alderweireld.

The Belgium missed Spurs’ draw with Newcastle last weekend, although the Portuguese claimed that his absence was down to his late arrival back from international duty.

Mourinho said that Alderweireld didn’t train on Thursday or Friday having failed to make the Covid test in time.

However, prior to Mourinho’s comments about the defender’s omission, Tottenham’s official Twitter account had posted a video from Friday’s training session that included Alderweireld.

Furthermore, Alderweireld then was an unused substitute against Manchester United on Sunday, and hasn’t played a single minute since the north London derby.

Fry told Football FanCast that there’s serious issues going on at Tottenham, and Mourinho’s stubbornness isn’t helping:

“Obviously something’s not right at Tottenham behind the scenes.

“To tell lies and you’re found out, [it] brings a big question mark, why did you tell a lie in the first place? Why not just say ‘I didn’t fancy playing him, I fancied playing someone else and I was wrong’. 

“I think he would never admit he’s wrong, that’s the problem. Spurs fans would like him to come out and say ‘I picked the wrong team, had the wrong tactics’, but he never will. He always thinks he’s right, he’s very stubborn like that.”

A journalist has dropped a quite big claim on Rafa Benitez and the proposed Newcastle United takeover consortium.

Writing in her latest piece for The Guardian, Louise Taylor has claimed that the former manager at the St. James’ Park faithful appears to be the consortium’s ‘preferred candidate’ should they complete a takeover in the North East, as he already has inside knowledge of the Tyneside club and is currently out of management and available for work.

Newcastle should hire Benitez if possible

If the Magpies do end up getting taken over by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group, then Benitez could well be the ideal candidate to potentially replace Steve Bruce.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager may feel as if he has unfinished business at the Toon, and if he was given the financial backing in the transfer market, then it may be seen as an attractive project for him to return.

Benitez guided NUFC to promotion back to the Premier League from the EFL Championship and managed to keep them in the top flight for two consecutive terms after that, boasting no fewer than 62 wins from 146 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), a 42.5% win ratio.

Nonetheless, it would be very interesting to see who the potential new owners would go for as their manager of they were to take over, or whether they would even stick with Bruce.

In other news, find out what takeover ‘advantage’ Newcastle have here!

After joining AC Milan on loan at the beginning of the 2020/21 season, not many Man United fans would probably have expected right-back Diogo Dalot to have enjoyed such a profitable campaign.

The young Portuguese defender has enjoyed an excellent season at the San Siro, racking up 24 appearances in all competitions for the Italian giants.

In that time, he has played a role in seven separate clean sheets, as well as getting himself on the scoresheet twice and providing a further two assists.

It is form that has seen Milan express an interest in signing him permanently, with The Metro reporting that they have submitted an informal offer of £12m.

Whilst it could be tempting for Ed Woodward to sell considering that Dalot is only valued at £9m at the current time, the club should do everything they can to keep hold of him once he returns from his spell in Italy.

Whilst Aaron Wan-Bissaka has consistently been the Red Devils’ starting right-back, United could find themselves in a precarious position should the former Crystal Palace man sustain an injury.

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Other than him, there is no other natural right-back in the squad at Old Trafford, meaning Dalot could certainly have a vital role to play upon his return.

Meanwhile, whilst the club are blessed with a number of talented left-backs in the form of Luke Shaw, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams, the Portuguese can also deputise on the left-side, again seeing him become an excellent option for squad depth.

At just the age of 22, Dalot also has plenty of time to improve, so he could become even better than his spell in Milan suggests he currently is.

Even United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has laid out his intentions for the right-back to return to Old Trafford, stating he was “looking forward” to reintroducing Dalot to the squad following the Red Devils’ recent clash with AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League.

He will be hugely disappointed then to see Dalot allowed to depart on a permanent basis following his temporary exit and excellent season with Milan.

AND in more news, take a closer look at Luke Shaw’s fantastic England return…

Crystal Palace all but secured another season in the Premier League with a slender 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

A first half Luka Milivojevic penalty proved to be the difference between the two sides after Darnell Furlong handled the ball in the penalty area.

The Serbian midfielder was the match-winner, but Christian Benteke also stood tall as a huge reason behind Roy Hodgson’s Eagles sealing what is a huge victory in context of their campaign.

Following the Belgian’s goal in the 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, he put in another vital showing, albeit being more effective defensively against the Baggies.

According to WhoScored, the former Aston Villa and Liverpool man produced a huge seven clearances throughout the 90 minutes, with only Palace teammate Gary Cahill contributing more. He also won a massive 13 aerial challenges, proving to be an extremely physical and dominant presence in the Palace attack.

That saw the forward accumulate 51 touches of the ball throughout the 90 minutes, with only goalscorer Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt having more for the home side.

Benteke was also unfortunate not to get his name on the scoresheet once again. The £8.1m-rated forward fired in three shots throughout the match, getting two of them on target. As a matter of fact, he had as many shots at goal as the rest of the Palace team put together.

In all, it was a highly impressive performance from Benteke both going forwards and in defence.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson will hope to see more of those kind of displays for the remainder of the campaign, especially with the club’s place in the top flight all but confirmed ahead of 2021/22.

In more news, read why Palace should avoid making a permanent switch for Benteke’s international teammate Michy Batshuayi…

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has revealed that Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul still wants to come to Leeds United, and refused to rule out a potential summer transfer.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the previous summer transfer window suggested that De Paul was a key target for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, with Hay himself claiming that Leeds’ interest in the midfielder remained serious.

Now, writing for The Athletic, the journalist has delivered an update on the £31.5m-rated ace, saying: “De Paul wants to come. He’s not making any secret of that. But Leeds didn’t push it much last summer and didn’t get involved with him at all in this window. I’d never say never because he looks like a decent fit but Leeds have always seemed a bit indifferent about it. Maybe that will change when the season ends.”

Orta should make a move

Having failed to sign De Paul in the summer, and having also missed out on fellow midfield target Michael Cuisance after issues over his medical, it’s clear that Leeds are keen on strengthening their squad in that engine room.

And with Hay revealing that De Paul still wants to come to Elland Road, it’s all perfectly set up for Victor Orta to go back in for the Argentine.

The 26-year-old has been an ever-present for Udinese in Serie A this season, playing every single minute in the Italian side’s league campaign until he was sent off at the weekend.

His dynamism and box-to-box style has brought him five goals in 20 league games, and his all-action displays are something that would surely fit in seamlessly with Leeds’ intense running.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Evening Post, Smarterscout’s Dan Altman said: “There aren’t any central midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues who can match Rodrigo de Paul’s style of play and his pitch coverage.

“He’s most active in the right channel, crossing midfield, but he can pop up almost anywhere. He’s an avid defender, and his attacking contribution is huge at a Premier League standard. He’s Argentine and has enormous output on both sides of the ball, so he seems like a great fit for Bielsa’s Leeds.”
Whilst Erick Pulgar of Fiorentina has been the name Leeds fans have come to know over these past few weeks following reports of a move in the January transfer window, De Paul should be the priority.
The Argentine is keen to join Leeds, and was a key target last summer. The end of the season could be the perfect time for a move to finally be made.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has revealed Leeds are planning a summer move for this ace…

Every club has them. The ones that got away, the nearly and not-so-nearly deals.

Glasgow Rangers themselves are no exception to the rule, having signed some great players, but missed out on some even greater ones.

Rangers were by no means quiet in the extended summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe on four-year deals for undisclosed fees, although they missed out on signing former Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney.

However, if they had stuck to their guns, they could have had one of the Sky Bet Championship’s hottest young talents on their books.

Indeed, it seems Ross Wilson and co. have missed the chance to sign Bright Osayi-Samuel, with Football Insider’s Wayne Veysey saying Fenerbahce have pipped Rangers to the signing of the Queens Park Rangers winger.

The 23-year-old is set to swap the Championship for the sunny heights of the Super Lig after opting to leave the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

QPR director of football Les Ferdinand has given the green light for Osayi-Samuel to complete the move for a fee believed to be in the region of £700,000 in a big blow for Steven Gerrard.

The Nigerian has genuinely been one of the best players in the Championship, given his decent record for the R’s – 13 goals and 13 assists in 115 appearances, albeit a substantial amount of those from the bench.

Rangers and several clubs south of the border were interested in the £3m-rated ace, but Fenerbahce have beaten them to the post for a player who was dubbed “dangerous” by Mark Warburton.

Not that he’d like to admit it, but their failure to sign Osayi-Samuel will have left Gerrard with a sour taste after their inability to strike a deal with the Championship club for little more than a compensation fee.

Ryan Kent has long been considered Gerrard’s first-choice left winger, with the Light Blues boss not adverse to starting Ianis Hagi on the left wing. However, although Rangers have three other options out wide in Brandon Barker, Jordan Jones and Glenn Middleton, his squad options are thin in that area, as both Barker and Jones are considered surplus to requirements.

It seems Gerrard has made it a winter priority to give himself plenty of alternatives after links to the likes of Francis Amuzu and Scott Wright.

In Osayi-Samuel, however, not only would he have been able to provide cover for Kent, he would also have been able to provide competition as well. After all, he is currently averaging 2.8 dribbles per game so far this season, which is more than Kent himself (1.9).

His ability to play on both wings will also be an added bonus for Fenerbahce and a bitter note for Gerrard.

AND in other news, Rangers would be signing another Ryan Kent in Francis Amuzu…

Lee Johnson has made himself quite clear this winter. He wants to sign players capable of stretching the play in the final third.

If Sunderland are to achieve promotion, then those individuals must also be capable of scoring goals.

What’s the word?

The Black Cats’ festive and New Year period has been a rather disastrous one. Four games were postponed due to the ongoing pandemic and their 0-0 draw with Northampton last weekend hardly did enough to raise spirits.

However, the addition of new players this month could add a great deal.

Carl Winchester from Forest Green has been linked but a new target on their radar is Hibernian forward Kevin Nisbet.

According to The Scottish Sun, Sunderland have already made contact with Hibs in a bid to sign the 23-year-old.

It’s reported that the Mackems have asked for a valuation of the player ahead of a January switch. He was signed for £250,000 but considering his form, would likely cost Sunderland more.

Bye-bye Grigg

If Sunderland sign a new striker this month, then it would have two positives. Not only would it bump £4m signing Will Grigg down the pecking order, but it would also significantly boost their promotion hopes.

Grigg has failed to score at all this season and besides Charlie Wyke, they lack natural goal scorers. However, if they bring Nisbet to the Stadium of Light they’d have an exquisite finisher, one who has a habit of beating goalkeepers.

The forward has found the net on 12 occasions in all competitions for Hibs this season and it’s that kind of record that the Mackems have been crying out for.

Their top goal scorer in league football last term was Chris Maguire with ten strikes so it’s clear they need one thing in order to boost their promotion bid; more goals.

Nisbet would provide that in abundance and if a certain Jack Ross can get the best from him, surely Lee Johnson can as well?

Ross’ football wasn’t the most pleasing on the eye in the north-east but he’s extracted enormous results from the young striker in Scotland.

Speaking about Nisbet this season, the former Sunderland manager said: “Both feet, headers, tap-ins, longer range ones. Today (11/23/20) he played as a lone striker and that’s not something he’s had to do a lot this season, he’s played against Nir (Bitton) and Kristoffer Ajer who are two good players.”

Ross continued: “To show he can handle that and work tirelessly, and then get his reward, he’s been a brilliant signing for us and his goal return is excellent, at this season to have that number of goals is terrific and I don’t see that changing.”

Considering some of the defenders he’s defeated in the SPFL, he would surely be a big threat in League One. Kristjaan Speakman needs to sign him.

AND in other news, Sunderland could find their new Bailey Wright in £750-p/w gem once dubbed “faultless”…