Após conquistar o título da segunda divisão na Bélgica, defendendo o RWD Molenbeek, o volante Barreto acertou o seu retorno para o Criciúma. Cria das categorias de base do Tigre, Barreto foi relacionado para os dois últimos jogos da equipe catarinense na Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Entretanto, ainda não pôde fazer a sua reestreia.
– Fiquei muito feliz por poder voltar ao Criciúma, um clube que tenho muito carinho, fui formado aqui e foi uma honra poder voltar. Eu acredito que já estou com uma condição física muito boa, tenho trabalhado forte com o grupo, estou muito ansioso para voltar a entrar dentro de campo, sentir o calor da torcida e poder defender a camisa do Criciúma novamente – disse.
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O próximo duelo do Criciúma pelo Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B será contra o Sport, fora de casa. Caso vá para o jogo, Barreto reencontrará um velho conhecido, o técnico Enderson Moreira, com quem Barreto foi campeão da Série B em 2021 pelo Botafogo. Por conta disso, o volante falou sobre a preparação para a partida e o provável reencontro com Enderson:
– Estamos trabalhando muito forte para esse jogo contra o Sport. Será, novamente, uma viagem longa, assim como foi contra o Ceará, mas estamos bem preparados e acredito que vamos fazer um grande jogo. O Enderson é um cara espetacular, um grande treinador, que eu tive o prazer de trabalhar e será uma honra reencontrá-lo, dessa vez, em lados opostos. Mas sempre terei um respeito e um carinho muito grande por ele.
The Hawk-Eye team that supplies the technology did not travel back to Pakistan after the resumption of the league
Danyal Rasool22-May-2025
Quetta Gladiators have booked their place in the final already•Pakistan Super League
The remainder of the Pakistan Super League will continue to be played without the Decision Review System (DRS). The Hawk-Eye team that supplies the technology did not travel back to Pakistan after the resumption of the league, which was suspended earlier this month amid border tensions between Pakistan and India.DRS was available at the PSL – as it has been since 2017 – until the league was suspended on May 7. The first five games since the resumption have been played without incident or controversy. The PSL or the PCB is yet to make any public comment about its absence. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to the PCB and PSL.The fluid nature of scheduling following the rising tensions between India and Pakistan presented the PSL with huge logistical challenges. The production crew were required to extend their presence for a further week, while a game in Multan was relocated to Lahore to reduce travel, and moving camera equipment around. The series between Pakistan and Bangladesh was originally slated to begin on 25 May, the day the final of the PSL will now be held. Its start has been delayed by three days, while the number of games have been slashed from five to three.Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars take each other on in the Eliminator at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. On Wednesday, Quetta Gladiators booked their place in the final for the first time since 2019 when they beat last year’s champions Islamabad United by 30 runs. United will now take on the winner of Thursday’s game for a berth in the final alongside Gladiators on Friday.
أعلن الدنماركي ييس توروب المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي، عن تشكيل لاعبيه أمام إيجل نوار البوروندي، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
ويلتقي الأهلي مع نظيره إيجل نوار، في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب القاهرة، في إياب دور الـ32 من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
طالع.. لاعب الأهلي يتوج بجائزة أفضل هدف في الجولة 11 من الدوري
وكان الأهلي قد حقق الفوز في لقاء الذهاب، بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين يوم السبت الماضي. تشكيل الأهلي اليوم أمام إيجل نوار في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
في حراسة المرمى: مصطفى شوبير.
في خط الدفاع: عمر كمال عبد الواحد، أحمد بيكهام، ياسين مرعي، أحمد نبيل كوكا.
في خط الوسط: أليو ديانج، مروان عطية، محمد بن رمضان.
في خط الهجوم: طاهر محمد طاهر، أحمد عبد القادر، جراديشار.
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, among others, as pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter.
Potter has recorded the worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history apart from Avram Grant, who led the Hammers to relegation in 2011, so the tactician needs to turn things around quickly.
Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League
Win percentage
9. Sam Allardyce
30.7%
10. Julen Lopetegui
30%
11. Gianfranco Zola
27.8%
12, Graham Potter
27.3%
13. Avram Grant
18.9%
via StatMuse
West Ham have also conceded more goals than any other side in the top flight so far, becoming the first team to hit double digits in that regard this season, with their lacklustre 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham bringing Potter right back down to Earth.
The east Londoners recorded their first victory of 2025/2026 with an impressive 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, which turned out to be West Ham-linked manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s final game in charge at the City Ground.
However, West Ham’s weaknesses were laid bare for all to see during the London derby last Saturday, with goals from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounding off what was a convincing display for the visitors.
With Crystal Palace, Everton and Arsenal still to come before the next international break in October, these next few weeks could prove vital to determine Potter’s future, amid links to an array of potential replacements.
José Mourinho was tipped with a potential West Ham move, but the Portuguese appears more likely to join Benfica. Meanwhile, ex-West Ham star and England legend Frank Lampard has also been mentioned as a candidate to succeed Potter.
Nuno, now a free agent after leaving Forest, could be West Ham’s best bet, as David Sullivan is rumoured to be an admirer (Alan Nixon). Reports also suggest that Nuno’s priority is to stay in England and wants an immediate return to management.
While some media sources have rebuffed claims that McKenna could join (Claret & Hugh), others state he was a guest of the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs (Football Insider).
Ex-West Ham player warns McKenna not to join amid "disarray behind-the-scenes"
Now, speaking to C&H, an unnamed former West Ham player has sent a stern warning to McKenna over taking the job — urging him against it as the club is in “disarray” behind-the-scenes.
Given how things have been since David Moyes’ departure, he could have a point.
Should Kieran McKenna stay at Ipswich?
The 39-year-old, despite suffering relegation with the Tractor Boys last season, is still one of England’s most exciting young coaches.
Back in 2024, McKenna was credibly linked with both Tottenham and Chelsea after two fine seasons at Portman Road — where he guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
His stock has fallen since then, especially amid Ipswich’s slow start to 25/26, but the gap between England’s first and second tier is considerable. All the newly-promoted teams have gone straight back down at the first time of asking since 23/24, so relegation is hardly a reflection on McKenna’s managerial prowess.
McKenna won’t want another league drop on his CV, but West Ham’s squad boasts an array of talent and the tactician could arguably work wonders with them.
Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro e pré-eliminatória da Europa League são os principais destaques desta quinta-feira (17) de futebol. Confira onde assistir ao vivo e os horários das partidas.
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LIGA DE EXPANSIÓN MX – APERTURA
00h05 – Correcaminos Uat (MEX) x Tapatio (MEX) – Star+
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UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – 3ª RODADA DE PRÉ-ELIMINATÓRIA
13h – HJK Helsinki (FIN) x Qarabag (AZE) – Canal GOAT e Onefootball
CAMPEONATO PERUANO – CLAUSURA
15h – Atletico Grau (PER) x Sporting Cristal (PER) – Fanatiz.com 17h15 – Deportivo Binacional (PER) x Cesar Vallejo (PER) – Fanatiz.com
UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE – 3ª RODADA DE PRÉ-ELIMINATÓRIA
15h15 – Maribor (SLV) x Fenerbahçe (TUR) – Canal GOAT e Onefootball
CAMPEONATO EQUATORIANO – 2ª RODADA
16h – Libertad (EQU) x Delfin (EQU) – Star+ 18h30 – Universidad Catolica (EQU) x Aucas (EQU) – Star+ 21h – Tecnico Universitario (EQU) x Emelec (EQU) – Star+
BRASILEIRÃO SÉRIE B – 24ª RODADA
19h – Londrina x Atlético-GO – SporTV e Premiere 21h30 – Vila Nova x Mirassol – SporTV e Premiere
CENTRAL AMERICA CUP – FASE DE GRUPOS – 3ª RODADA
21h – Aguila (ELS) x Diriagén (NIC) – Star+ 23h – CD Motagua (HON) x Olancho (HON) – Star+
Former England allrounder addresses accident and aftermath in documentary set for release this week
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Apr-20251:45
‘Flintoff’ on Disney+: An exclusive look at Freddie’s story
Andrew Flintoff, the former England allrounder, says he still “remembers everything” about the near-fatal crash he suffered while filming an episode of Top Gear, after addressing the incident and its aftermath in a new Disney+ documentary about his life and career.Flintoff, 47, was airlifted to hospital in December 2022, after the open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 that he was driving around Dunsfold Aerodrome overturned at 130mph. He was left with broken ribs and serious facial injuries, with the BBC paying him a reported £9 million in compensation after agreeing to “rest” for the foreseeable future.The documentary, directed by John Dower, is set for release on April 25, and in a Disney+ trailer that features previously unseen footage of the crash site, Flintoff is seen entering hospital for treatment on his facial wounds.”I remember everything about it,” Flintoff says. “It’s so vivid.”Flintoff retreated from public life for months in the aftermath of the accident, and in the trailer, he expresses his “frustration” with the media speculation about his crash.”This is what I’m left with … I’ve lived under the radar for seven months,” he says. “One of the real frustrations was the speculation, that’s why I’m doing this now, [talking about] what actually happened.”Everyone wants more, you’re just a commodity. I’m not saying I’m embracing them, but I’m not trying to hide my scars.”It’s almost like a reset, I’m trying to find out what I am now. I’ve always seemed to be able to flick a switch, I’ve got to find that switch again.’Flintoff’s return to the sport of cricket has been a key aspect of his rehabilitation. At the behest of his friend and former team-mate, Rob Key – now England men’s director of cricket – he made an incognito appearance at the 2023 Ashes, and went on to take up a series of roles within the game, including head coach of Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, and most recently head coach of England Lions.He has also appeared as the host of the rebooted ITV darts show, Bullseye, as well as filming a second series of his acclaimed series, Field of Dreams, in which he travelled to India with his team of new cricketers, and opened up about his struggles to recover from what happened.”‘I struggle with anxiety, I have nightmares, I have flashbacks, it’s so hard to cope,” he said during the series. “I genuinely should not be here with what happened.”It’s going to be a long road back and I’ve only just started. I’m going to need help. I really am. I’m not the best at asking for it.”The new documentary features also interviews with his wife, Rachael, former team-mates including his 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, and close friends including Jack Whitehall and James Corden.Speaking to the podcaster Joe Rogan, Top Gear’s co-host, Chris Harris – who witnessed the aftermath of the crash – said that Flintoff was lucky to be alive.”He’s a physical specimen, Fred, he’s a big guy – six foot five, six foot six, strong. And if he wasn’t so strong, he wouldn’t have survived.”He’s a great advert for physical strength and conditioning, because if he hadn’t been that strong, he’d have just snapped his neck, he’d be dead.”In a statement released after the crash, a BBC spokesman referred to an independent health and safety review of the show, and said: “[The review] found that while BBC Studios had complied with the required BBC policies and industry best practice in making the show, there were important learnings which would need to be rigorously applied to future Top Gear UK productions.”‘Flintoff’ is available exclusively on Disney+
Far removed from the days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment or Brian Clough’s no-nonsense approach, players have all the power in modern football.
Teams who hover around the bottom half of the Premier League have felt the full force of player power since the rise of the ‘big six’, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matheus Cunha and Kalvin Phillips moving within the top flight for huge fees in recent years.
Leeds United have dealt with their fair share of star players leaving for pastures new, including Ballon d’Or candidate Raphinha and academy starlet Archie Gray.
Leeds' record departures
Leeds’ largest ever sales
Signed for – fee
10. Chris Wood
Burnley – £14m
9. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Atletico Madrid – £14.5m
8. Luis Sinisterra
Bournemouth – £20m
7. Tyler Adams
Bournemouth – £23m
6. Crysencio Summerville
West Ham United – £25m
5. Rio Ferdinand
Manchester United – £30m
4. Archie Gray
Tottenham Hotspur – £40m
3. Georginio Rutter
Brighton – £40m
2. Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City – £42m
1. Raphinha
Barcelona – £50m
Despite Leeds’ status as a huge club with a rich history, some players are just destined for greater things, as Pascal Struijk revealed just how good Raphinha was right from the off at Elland Road: “I knew for sure that he would be able to play with a top team.
“You look at his goals and assists, which he did for us as well. When you go to a big team, it’s about how you react when you make a move like that and I always believed in his ability, I had no doubts.
“My first impression of him was, ‘this guy’s got quality’. Sometimes you have players and you see them on the pitch and you think, he’s got that bit extra. When you see him doing it in the Prem, the talent speaks for itself.”
The Brazilian left Yorkshire on good terms after scoring in the game that secured the Whites’ Premier League status for another year, but not everyone on the list above can say the same.
I was as good as Gerrard and Rooney at youth level, but only scored 3 goals for Leeds
Things didn’t really work out at Elland Road.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 5, 2025 Ferdinand: 'I was a nightmare to make Leeds sell me'
Rio Ferdinand was perhaps the most controversial transfer of his time, leaving Leeds to join arch-rivals Manchester United in 2002, going on to win six Premier League titles under Fergie as one of the greatest centre-backs of all time.
And while it may be of little surprise to the Elland Road faithful who have never forgiven the legendary England defender, he told talkSPORT this week that he refused to leave then-chairman Peter Ridsdale’s office, imploring Leeds not to haggle on their price.
That’s not to say Leeds were hard done by from a financial point of view however. Accounting for inflation, Ferdinand would be the second most expensive Premier League transfer of all time, coming in at around £200m in today’s terms.
Considering Southampton only received £75m for Van Dijk, widely regarded as the world’s best current centre-back, when he joined Liverpool in 2018, Ferdinand certainly cost the Red Devils a pretty penny.
However, his attitude towards his former employers only soured relations further after what was already a controversial move, taking advantage of the club’s financial difficulties as they plummeted to the third tier of English football.
Being a Leeds United supporter has certainly been somewhat of a rollercoaster over the last couple of years, with the club always in the middle of some form of drama on or off the pitch.
From big-money departures to Wembley defeats and title victories, the fans have truly been through it all, with another new chapter appearing on the horizon in the coming months.
After promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, it hands the Whites a fresh opportunity to create new history and cement themselves as one of England’s greats.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
They will face a huge task to beat the drop, given the gap between the two divisions, but after their ninth-placed finish back in their previous return to the top flight is evidence that they can defy the odds.
If they are to break the mould, investment is needed, but it’s also pivotal that players who are not required are moved on to provide boss Daniel Farke with added funds to make changes.
The latest on Leeds players who could leave Elland Road this summer
Striker Patrick Bamford has failed to deliver throughout 2024/25, not scoring a single goal across all competitions, leading to rumours about his future in Yorkshire.
He’s been linked with a move to newly promoted Championship side Wrexham, which could lead to a permanent move away, looking to cash in given the fact he has just one year left on his current deal.
The 31-year-old won’t be the last player to depart Elland Road this window, with full-back Junior Firpo also touted with an exit, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
He confirmed that the Dominican international has been approached by his former side, Real Betis, over a return to the LaLiga outfit, with his contract set to expire in just over two weeks.
The Whites have made an offer to extend his stay in Yorkshire, but as of yet, no agreement has been reached, with the defender looking more likely to leave given the time remaining on his deal.
Why Leeds’ £60k-p/w star could be a repeat of Summerville
Crysencio Summerville captured the hearts of the Leeds fanbase during his spell at Elland Road, producing numerous moments of magic after breaking into the first team setup.
Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville
His first major moment came back in October 2022, coming off the bench to score the winner against Liverpool at Anfield – in a game which was undoubtedly the highlight of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Dutchman would become a key member of the side after relegation to the Championship, scoring 20 times and registering nine assists, but it wasn’t enough as the club lost in the play-off final against Southampton.
He would subsequently depart and join West Ham United in a £25m deal last summer, banking a huge profit but losing one of their shining lights in the process.
Whilst Firpo would be leaving for nothing, it could see a repeat of a deal for Summerville, with both players moving on after impressive years in the second tier, with the defender notching 14 goal contributions this season.
Leeds United's JuniorFirpoin action with Bristol City's Max Bird
The defender, who also earns £60k-per-week, has matched the Dutchman in struggling in the top flight previously in Yorkshire, leading to many fans previously voicing their displeasure over his performances, with such a move freeing up money off the wage bill.
The winger has struggled with injuries since his subsequent move to the top tier, starting just seven league games this season, with the deal now favouring the Whites despite the disappointment at the time.
Junior Firpo’s stats for Leeds in the Championship (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
32
Goals & assists
14
Pass accuracy
83%
Chances created
1.7
Touches in opposition box
4.1
Duels won
6.3
Tackle success rate
52%
Stats via FotMob
Such a deal allowed for Manor Solomon to move to the club, handing Farke an added talent whilst banking good money, something which could replicate itself with Firpo this summer.
Understandably, given his form at Elland Road, no fan would want to lose the defender, with continuity crucial if the side are to beat the drop throughout 2025/26.
However, if the full-back doesn’t want to stay, it would be best to part ways this month and make a move for a player who could fill the void in Yorkshire.
Should he struggle to make an impact away from the club like Summerville, it would be a good decision to allow him to depart, putting trust in the hierarchy to recruit a suitable replacement in the coming months.
Their new Klich: Leeds submit offer to sign £22m star with a "huge future"
Leeds United have reportedly made an official offer to sign a star who could be Mateusz Klich 2.0.
Football might have stopped for a few months, but the powers that be at Arsenal can’t afford to take a break.
The transfer window is here, and with it, the Gunners have the chance to close the gap between Premier League rivals Liverpool.
However, while the impending signing of Martin Zubimendi is undoubtedly exciting, Mikel Arteta and Co need to add some attacking stardust to the team, as the Reds look intent on bringing the incredible Florian Wirtz to Anfield in the coming weeks.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtz
Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with another international superstar who has won comparisons to the German monster and could, therefore, be their answer to him.
Arsenal transfer news
Before we get to the superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some other exciting attackers who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Rafael Leao and Ademola Lookman.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could cost up to a staggering £145m thanks to a release clause in his contract, but with a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 games this season, he’d undoubtedly improve the Gunners’ frontline.
Lookman, on the other hand, would cost far less at around £55m but has actually been even more impressive than the Portuguese international this season, racking up a haul of 20 goals and seven assists in 40 games for Atalanta.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
Yet, to match a signing like Wirtz, Arteta and Co need someone of comparable significance in the eyes of football fans, someone like Rodrygo.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish outlet AS, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.
In fact, the report claims that alongside other suitors like Manchester City and Chelsea, the Gunners are now ‘moving’ for the talented winger, who is awaiting a conversation with new manager Xabi Alonso to determine his future at the club.
The report does not mention a potential price, but according to other stories last month, the former Santos star could be available for around £85m.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability and stature in the game, this is a transfer Arsenal should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons with Wirtz.
Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz
So, before we go into the other reasons why Rodrygo could be Arsenal’s answer to Wirtz this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to the German and where it even comes from.
In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.
By doing this, it has been concluded that the Bayer Leverkusen star is the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real ace across the last 365 days.
Rodrygo & Wirtz
Statistic per 90
Rodrygo
Wirtz
Progressive Carries
5.28
5.02
Progressive Passes Received
11.8
11.8
Goals per Shot
0.11
0.11
Key Passes
2.29
2.18
Crosses
3.79
3.87
Aerial Duels Won
0.33
0.34
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to progressive carries, goals per shot, key passes, crosses, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
However, besides having some undeniably statistical similarities to the Bundesliga winner, the “terrifyingly good” Brazilian, as dubbed by journalist Sam Tighe, would also be moving to one of next season’s Premier League challengers.
Moreover, as the 24-year-old would be moving to the Emirates from Los Blancos, it would have a similar project-defining feel and be just as much of a statement as the Merseysides signing the Pulheim-born gem.
Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as it would be an unmistakable signal to their title rivals that they are not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.
Mega Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal eyeing £101m star with "devastating pace"
The sensational talent would be a real needle-mover for Arsenal.
Birmingham City really were in a league of their own at the summit of League One.
Chris Davies’ men blew away all of their competition with a mammoth 34 wins being picked up across 46 clashes, leading to the Blues ending the memorable campaign with a record-breaking 111 points next to their name.
The attack regularly stole the headlines as Jay Stansfield and Alfie May terrorised many a League One defence, but Birmingham also finished the season with the meanest defence when shipping just 34 strikes.
Still, Davies and Co will know the Championship will be a far trickier level when it comes to collecting clean sheets galore, with reported target Harry Darling one potential defensive purchase the Blues could now make heading into next campaign.
Birmingham's pursuit of Darling
The newly crowned champions of the third tier could end up landing Darling on a free transfer with his future at Swansea City remaining on shaky ground.
Undoubtedly, the 25-year-old could settle in nicely to his new environment at St. Andrew’s as a confident and composed performer out from the back, away from the brute forces already at Davies’ disposal in Christoph Klarer and Krystian Bielik.
Indeed, Darling would close out his impressive individual season with the Swans by chipping in with five league goals and three assists, on top of also averaging an unerring 53.9 accurate passes per league clash.
But, Birmingham could well land themselves a better signing than the in-demand centre-back by opting to go for this more experienced figure instead, who already knows the lay of the land in the West Midlands.
Harry Darling for Swansea City.
Exceptional target could be better than Darling for Birmingham
Davies won’t want to make wholesale changes for the sake of it, knowing full well his runaway League One leaders should be able to acclimatise back to the Championship smoothly.
Therefore, instead of signing Darling, the Blues could go all in to snap up former loanee Ben Davies on a permanent deal, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that this could soon be a deal that goes ahead, albeit after his parent side, Rangers, have appointed a new manager.
Darling might well be fresh off a stylish season with the Swans, but Davies is already very firmly in the hearts of Birmingham supporters for his battling performances that saw the Blues coast to the League One title.
Moreover, there’s no guarantee that the 25-year-old would be able to come in and complement the likes of Klarer and Bielik immediately. Whereas, with a season already done alongside the Austrian and the ex-Derby County man, it’s safe to say Davies knows all the quirks of their respective games and how he is able to slot in alongside them to form an imposing back-line.
Davies’ league numbers (24/25) vs Klarer’s vs Bielik’s
Stat (* = per game)
Davies
Klarer
Bielik
Games played
35
43
32
Goals scored
1
1
1
Assists
1
3
0
Touches*
88.6
91.8
72.4
Accurate passes*
67.9 (88%)
68.4 (88%)
52.3 (88%)
Ball recoveries*
3.3
3.5
4.1
Clearances*
6.2
5.6
3.3
Total duels won*
6.3
7.5
5.8
Clean sheets
20
18
6
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at the table above, it’s no great shock to realise that Birmingham had the sternest defence in the division, with Davies picking up 20 clean sheets across 35 league clashes. Moreover, the 29-year-old’s gleaming average of nearly 70 accurate passes per game even betters Darling’s high amount.
With 151 career games already under his belt in the Championship too, it does feel like a no-brainer of a decision to make to bring back the “exceptional” defender, as he was lauded by his manager last season, over adding Darling into the camp.
Davies has already shown he’s more than ready for a return to the second tier by bossing League One, meaning a permanent deal will surely be struck up soon.
Birmingham could sign their next Redmond with move for "outstanding" star
Birmingham City could sign an updated version of Nathan Redmond with this outstanding attacker.