In a season that has felt like a real slog at times, last night was a moment of triumph for the Tottenham Hotspur faithful.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went into the second leg of their Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar a goal down and in real danger of not making the quarter-finals.

Fortunately, the team stepped up in a big way and, aside from a brief spell in the second half, were the far better side and could have easily put a couple more past the visitors.

Tottenham Hotspur vs AZ Alkmaar

Tottenham

Statistics

AZ Alkmaar

3

Goals

1

2.23

Expected Goals

1.19

60%

Possession

40%

3

Big Chances

3

17

Total Shots

10

5

Corners

2

529

Passes

352

All Stats via Sofascore

There were stand-out displays across the Lilywhites’ starting lineup, and while Son Heung-min had a game to remember, it was one of the manager’s signings that showed, when in full flow, he could be the club’s best player.

Son's dazzling display

It would be fair to say that, despite still being able to produce goal involvements on a pretty regular basis, this season has not been a particularly great one for Son.

It feels as if time is finally catching up with the 32-year-old winger, and in a lot of his appearances this term, he’s struggled to take on and beat opposing defenders, but not last night.

Instead, the South Korean superstar was a constant threat and barely allowed the Dutch side to breathe, as if he wasn’t taking them on himself with a mazy run, he was setting up his teammates with brilliant passes.

Football.london’s Alasdair Gold was equally impressed with the veteran winger, awarding him an 8/10 match rating on the night and praising him for putting in a true ‘captain’s performance’.

Unsurprisingly, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace’s statistics more than justify the praise, as in 94 minutes of action he amassed a combined expected goal plus assists figure of 0.47, provided one assist, took a shot on target, took 86 touches and played two key passes.

It was the sort of display that should remind people of just how good Son can be, although one of his teammates put in a similar performance and could now be described as the team’s best player.

Spurs' best player

There were a few other notable players from last night’s victory, including Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Dominic Solanke, but we don’t think any of them have a real claim at being Spurs’ best player just yet.

Instead, and this may be controversial to some, we reckon James Maddison put in the sort of performance that should remind fans he could be their most technically gifted and impressive player.

The former Leicester City star is undoubtedly guilty of fading away in some games and across seasons as well, but when he’s on it, as he was yesterday, the Englishman is a simply sublime footballer.

For example, against AZ, he was practically unstoppable, was here, there, and everywhere, and then, thanks to a clever pass from Son, got his rewards with a goal in the second half.

Gold was just as impressed with the 28-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by Statman Dave, awarding him a 9/10 on the night and writing that it was ‘one of his best performances of the season.’

It might sound like hyperbole, but his statistics suggest otherwise, as in 77 minutes of action, he amassed an expected goal plus assists figure of 0.52, scored a goal, took 77 touches, completed 94% of his passes, played two key passes, took one shot on target, won two fouls and even made an interception.

On top of playing incredibly well against AZ, the Coventry-born star has also been more productive than he has perhaps gotten credit for this season, racking up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in just 37 appearances.

Ultimately, yesterday was a brilliant day for Spurs, and while Son rolled back the years with his performance, we reckon Maddison put on a display that should have him in the conversation of the club’s best players.

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Tottenham are reportedly set to miss out on Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso despite striking a transfer arrangement with the Spanish outfit.

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• Tottenham eye Real Betis' Cardoso
• Strike transfer arrangement
• Still set to miss out on American

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As part of a deal to sell Giovani Lo Celso to Betis last summer, Tottenham secured a €25 million (£21m) purchase option for midfielder Cardoso. However, reports suggest they won't exercise that as the United States international is likely to head elsewhere.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE EXPLANATION

  Marca states Cardoso is not convinced about joining Tottenham, despite their Europa League victory and the prospect of playing Champions League football next season. The 23-year-old is said to have set his sights on Atletico Madrid, and a full agreement with him is reportedly 'imminent'.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report adds Atletico have been given the 'green light' to pursue Cardoso, following Betis' Europa Conference League final defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday. The former Internacional man may leave for a different price to the one Spurs negotiated, too.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The New Jersey-born Cardoso, who joined Betis in 2023 and has since scored five goals in 63 appearances, will head off on his summer break but when he returns to action, he could be an Atletico player.

One of the biggest clubs in Europe has tabled a huge offer to a Liverpool superstar ahead of a potential eye-watering move this summer, according to a new report.

Busy summer of ins and outs expected at Liverpool

The Reds have been quiet in the transfer market in recent years, with very few ins and outs happening, certainly in comparison to most of their Premier League rivals.

That has to change this summer, however, with Arne Slot arguably needing to be backed in the market, freshening up his squad and strengthening in various key areas, including left-back and centre-forward. There will also be a number of departures, allowing Liverpool to get players off their wage bill, with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota at risk of being moved on, among others.

Lille striker Jonathan David has been linked with an exciting move to Anfield at the end of the campaign, with the Canadian potentially seen as an upgrade on Slot’s current central attacking options. The 24-year-old has enjoyed another standout season in Ligue 1, scoring 14 goals in 20 starts, as well as netting seven times in the Champions League.

At the other end of the pitch, Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi continues to be mentioned as a possible summer target. A huge bid will be required to prise him away from the Eagles, but the Reds could see him as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

European giants make huge bid to Van Dijk

Speaking of the Dutchman, Anfield Watch report that Paris Saint-Germain are in talks with Liverpool captain Van Dijk’s agent about a stunning move to the Ligue 1 giants at the end of the season.

It is stated that a “pre-tax offer of €80million (£67.3m) spread over two years, with a potential third season in the French capital, is on the table along with a hefty signing bonus taking the initial proposal to €100million (£84.2m)”. That €80m figure would be £650,000 per week for two years before tax, which is almost triple his current £220,000-a-week wage.

This is an update that will cause real concern among the Liverpool fanbase, with Van Dijk one of the most influential players in the history of the club.

The Reds’ skipper may now be 33, but he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, but the fact that he hasn’t yet signed a contract extension is raising serious alarm bells.

Appearances

29

Starts

29

Minutes played

2,610

Goals

1

Assists

1

Clearances per game

4.9

Aerial duel wins per game

3.1

Pass completion rate

91.9%

Van Dijk’s head could be turned by a move to a side that recently knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League, especially given the eye-watering wages mentioned.

Slot has a "world-class" 19-year-old who can end Diaz's Liverpool career

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ByAngus Sinclair Mar 18, 2025

The hope is that the Netherlands international will ultimately still sign a new deal with the Reds, wanting to see out the remainder of his career at Anfield, but with each week that passes without an extension being signed, the more doubts continue to build.

يستعد فريق مانشستر سيتي، بقيادة المدرب بيب جوارديولا، لخوض ثاني مبارياته في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، نسخة 2025، وذلك فجر يوم الإثنين، ضد نظيره العين الإماراتي.

ويلتقي الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور مجموعات البطولة، المُقامة حاليًا في أمريكا، لحساب المجموعة الثامنة على ملعب “مرسيدس بنز ستاديوم”.

وحقق مانشستر سيتي فوزًا على الوداد المغربي بهدفين دون رد في الجولة الأولى من دور مجموعات البطولة.

في حين أن العين تلقى هزيمة ثقيلة على يد يوفنتوس بخمسة أهداف دون رد في إطار منافسات الجولة نفسها.

ومن المتوقع مشاركة النجم المصري عمر مرموش في مباراة مانشستر سيتي المرتقبة، في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الإثنين. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي المتوقع أمام العين في كأس العالم للأندية

حراسة المرمى: أورتيجا.

خط الدفاع: ماتيوس نونيز، روبن دياز، جفارديول، ريان آيت نوري.

خط الوسط: رودري، جوندوجان.

خط الوسط الهجومي: برناردو سيلفا، بوب، عمر مرموش.

خط الهجوم: هالاند.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

Never easy, never serene but his dreamy back-foot fours off James Anderson helped make it reality

Paul Edwards23-Apr-2023
It was never easy, it was never serene and until Kasey Aldridge drove James Anderson for a couple of dreamy back-foot fours quite late in the evening session, it never looked anything like certain, but Somerset’s batters secured a draw they probably deserved on this final day at Taunton. And whatever they might say to the media, the county’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, and the head coach, Jason Kerr, will be grateful for an outcome that had looked unlikely less than ten overs into the day when the frailties of the home side’s batters were plain, the ball was still newish and Tom Abell’s team were over 60 runs in arrears.Needing to clear a deficit of 113, Somerset would have probably settled for being two down at lunch; instead, they lost three wickets in successive overs before most people on the County Ground had finished their first coffee. The only unexpected aspect of this rapid tumble was that Tom Bailey, rather than Anderson had authored two of the successes and even that did not surprise Lancashire supporters who have long thought Bailey one of the best bowlers on the circuit. His removal of Tom Lammonby and Cameron Bancroft, who were playing forward a little too hard handedly outside the off stump, were very much signature dismissals for a cricketer who rarely gives his opponents any peace.Squeezed neatly between these successes was the departure of Sean Dickson, who shuffled across his stumps and then played outside the line in the manner of a man who is plainly out of form. Anderson will bowl far better balls for no reward.The rest of the session saw Somerset edge their way towards the runs needed to make Lancashire bat again but they lost Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the process when the former Yorkshire player nicked George Balderson wide of Colin de Grandhomme’s right, only to see the New Zealander stick out a huge paw and grab the ball. However, any satisfaction de Grandhomme felt at this grab was short-lived. A few overs later he spilled a far easier two-handed chance when James Rew was on 9 and the deficit not yet expunged. Rain then forced the players to take a slightly early lunch with Somerset eight runs to the good.For half an hour after the resumption, Abell batted circumspectly but his young colleague rather less so. Indeed, Rew tried to whack the ball to all parts, especially off the left-arm spinner, Tom Hartley, and it should have led to his dismissal on 27 when he skied the simplest of chances to backward point where Anderson, a fine fielder, dropped the thing. No one, least of all Anderson himself perhaps, could believe it. True, when about to catch the ball he had assumed a position that recalled a person kneeling at the communion rail but even when all excuses are made, it was an utter dolly.The error did not seem to damage Lancashire’s push for victory very grievously. When Abell had made 40, Bailey slanted a full-length ball through his defence and nine overs later Rew went as well, caught at slip by Luke Wells off Hartley for 47. Nevertheless, the 19-year-old’s match aggregate of 164 is testament to his ability and certainly compares well with the totals compiled by Somerset’s high-profile signings in their first three matches.And Rew’s wicket was the last to fall on an afternoon when the body language of Lancashire’s fielders suggested they had come to terms with this flattest of pitches having the final word. Gregory batted sensibly during his unbroken 87-run stand with Aldridge, who himself played with increasing ambition on the way to his maiden first-class fifty, something that will have encouraged home supporters who are already wondering when they will see their new signings make runs. For a while, the outcome appeared in doubt and we wondered about a late run-chase if the new ball did the trick for Lancashire. Then Aldridge stroked those two fours and it was quite plain how the game was going to end.”I’m really pleased,” said Aldridge. I have been working very hard on my batting during the winter. Although I have been seen mainly as a bowler over the last few years, I am very keen to become regarded as a genuine all-rounder. I’ve been batting well in the nets, but it doesn’t matter there. To put runs on the board out in the middle is very important to me. Today I just tried to give myself time because there was plenty of it and there was no rush. But it was still important to get runs if we were to come out with a draw.”

Everton boss David Moyes will inherit financial backing from The Friedkin Group this summer, and he is expected to bring in a new era with some exciting arrivals.

Everton set their stall out ahead of upcoming window

Life at Everton is an exciting prospect for supporters, who have enjoyed visits to their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock during test events. David Moyes has plenty on his plate before the move becomes reality, but he will hope to bring some recognisable names to the club during the close season to ensure morale remains at a recent all-time high.

According to reports, Federico Gatti could become a Toffee this summer for £25 million. Juventus have put his contract situation on hold until the end of the campaign, sparking hope of a timely intervention from the Premier League outfit.

Further up the field of play, highly-rated Sunderland breakout star Chris Rigg is an Everton target. Transitioning to a younger core appears to be on the agenda, which could see Abdoulaye Doucoure depart Goodison Park amid speculation over his long-term future.

Internally, Moyes must decide on out-of-contract stars such as Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman. Jesper Lindstrom, Jack Harrison and a host of other loanees are also in the dark over where they will play their club football next term, prompting scope for movement in both directions.

Everton’s main priority at this point is moving up the Premier League table until safety is mathematically confirmed. Still, questions remain concerning whether the Toffees will conduct a rebuild or a refresh once the window opens.

Everton’s next five fixtures under David Moyes

Liverpool (A)

Premier League

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

Manchester City (H)

Premier League

Chelsea (A)

Premier League

Either way, supporters may now have an inkling of where Moyes’ transfer plans lie following news he has a talented forward in his sights who is also attracting attention from European heavyweights.

Everton to fight Bayern Munich for Stuttgart's Woltemade

According to reports in Germany via Sport Witness, Everton are in the mix to sign Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade. Brighton & Hove Albion and Bayern Munich will also compete for his signature. The latter would like to bring in the Germany Under-21 international to fight it out with Harry Kane to lead their frontline, which is a testement to his return of 12 goals and three assists in 24 appearances this campaign.

Everton must rue losing "special" star worth even more than Branthwaite

The former Everton star left Goodison Park in acrimonious circumstances.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 28, 2025

Labelled “very special” by Sebastian Hoeneß, the 23-year-old has also shown his capacity to fashion opportunities for others, laying on 24 chances and completing 26 dribbles in the Bundesliga.

Capable of playing as a centre-forward or in a slightly detached role off the main striker, Woltemade possesses the versatility necesarry to make an impact in the top-flight. The Toffees have sent scouts to watch him in action on several occasions, indicating interest in his services definitely carries some weight.

The sticking point for Everton may be their competitors. Opportunities for a young star to join Bayern Munich don’t come around often, while Brighton have shown an ability to develop talent at an alarming rate over the last few years.

Can Moyes convince Woltemade that Merseyside is a better destination? There is no time like the present, with the club set to embark on an exciting new era.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has expressed a desire to coach an international team at a World Cup one day.

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Guardiola eyes international postKeen on managing at World CupStill focusing on Man CityFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

While Guardiola is focusing on managing City for the time being, the former Barcelona boss admits he would like to give international management a go – particularly at a World Cup, a Euros, or Copa America.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

“I would love to be in a World Cup, in a Euro, a Copa America,” Guardiola said in an interview with Reuters. “I have always thought about it. But it depends on many, many things. If it happens, it’s fine. If it doesn’t happen, it’s more than fine as well.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Guardiola signed a new City deal until 2027 last year but recently vowed to quit if his squad got too big. Speculation may continue to mount over the ex-Bayern Munich manager's future at the Etihad, and little hints like this may suggest his time with City may end in the not-so-distant future.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

In the more immediate future, Guardiola's City begin their Club World Cup campaign this month, starting with group stage games against Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus between June 18-26.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nos Aflitos, o CRB visitou o Náutico e acabou derrotado por 2 a 1, placar que frustrou o elenco e, principalmente o técnico Daniel Paulista.

Após o duelo, o treinador analisou o desempenho do time e assumiu a responsabilidade pelo revés.

‘Infelizmente, mais uma vez, em erros individuais que acabam sendo determinantes, acabaram comprometendo todo o desenrolar do jogo porque tomamos dois gols um em cima do outro. Lógico que assumo a responsabilidade, a responsabilidade maior é sempre do treinador, mas todos também têm que ter uma reflexão sobre a sua parcela de culpa – disse o treinador, alertando para o momento de instabilidade da equipe no Brasileiro’.

Calendário

Na próxima jornada da Série B, o Galo mede forças contra o Grêmio, no estádio Rei Pelé.

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يُفكر نادي ليفربول الإنجليزي في إبرام صفقة تبادلية مع كريستال بالاس، من أجل حسم التعاقد مع مارك جيهي.

جيهي، صاحب الـ24 عامًا، يأتي على رأس أولويات المدرب آرني سلوت لتدعيم الدفاع، لكن مطالب كريستال بالاس المالية التي تقترب من 50 مليون جنيه إسترليني قد تعرقل الصفقة.

الأمر الذي دفع ليفربول للتفكير في إدخال لاعبه الشاب بن دوك ضمن العرض في صفقة تبادلية، مع مبلغ مالي.

ويُقدّر دوك، البالغ من العمر 19 عامًا، بنحو 25 مليون جنيه إسترليني، رغم محدودية مشاركاته، إلا أنه جذب اهتمام إدارة كريستال بالاس بعد مستواه الملفت خلال إعارته إلى ميدلزبره، حيث خاض 24 مباراة في التشامبيونشيب سجل خلالها 3 أهداف وصنع 7.

في المقابل، يبدو أن كريستال بالاس لن يتهاون في مطالبه، خصوصًا تحت قيادة رئيس النادي ستيف باريش المعروف بتشديده في التفاوض حول أسعار لاعبيه.

اقرأ أيضًا | مدرب نيوكاسل يتخذ خطوة مع إيزاك بعد مفاوضات ليفربول

عقد جيهي ينتهي في صيف 2026، لكنه لم يكن من أصحاب الرواتب المرتفعة في النادي، كما أن المال ليس دافعه الأساسي، وهو ما قد يصب في مصلحة الأندية المهتمة.

ولا يعتبر ليفربول الطرف الوحيد الذي يترقب وضع جيهي، حيث أبدت أندية مثل مانشستر يونايتد ونيوكاسل يونايتد اهتمامًا أيضًا بالتعاقد معه هذا الصيف.

ويُواصل ليفربول العمل بنشاط في سوق الانتقالات لتعزيز صفوفه استعدادًا للموسم الجديد، بعد ضم أسماء بارزة، أبرزها فلوريان فيرتز، جيريمي فريمبونج، ميلوس كيركيز، وفريدي وودمان.

Chelsea have now opened talks over a deal for a “relentless” forward, and they are willing to match the £50m asking price, according to a report.

Blues looking to refresh attacking options

The Blues have already sealed a deal to sign Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, but with the youngster not set to arrive until 2026, they may have to bring in some additional reinforcements this summer, given that there could be some major departures.

AC Milan have now made a bid of £33m for Noni Madueke, and the Italian side are confident they will be able to get a deal done this summer, having identified the winger as one of their key targets.

There is also speculation over the future of Jadon Sancho, with it recently emerging the west Londoners have the option to send the Englishman back to Manchester United, should they be willing to pay a £5m fee.

In terms of potential incomings, Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz is now of interest to Enzo Maresca’s side, having submitted an enquiry over a summer deal, while they are also vying to sign River Plate attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono.

Related Juventus keen to sign £215k-p/w Chelsea ace who Maresca is ready to sell

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According to a report from The Boot Room, Chelsea have also stepped up their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who is one of the most sought-after wingers in Europe at the moment.

The Blues have now opened talks over a deal for Williams, and there is a feeling he would be open to a move to the Premier League, despite a preference to move to Barcelona.

Athletic Bilbao are looking to receive a fee of £50m for the Spaniard, which Maresca’s side would be willing to pay, and he could be brought in to replace Madueke, given that they are now ready to sell the 23-year-old this summer.

"Relentless" Williams could be a fantastic signing

A number of top clubs are in the race for the 22-year-old, with Arsenal believed to be leading the race, and it is clear to see why, given the level of his performances for club and country in recent times.

The Spain international played a major role in his side’s Euro 2024 triumph, picking up two goals and an assist in the tournament, including the opening goal against England in the final, and he ranks highly across some key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.30 (80th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.10 (87th percentile)

Progressive carries

6.06 (96th percentile)

Successful take-ons

3.47 (98th percentile)

As shown, the Bilbao star is particularly impressive at dribbling, and he has received high praise for his ability to drive at the opposition from freelance scout Ben Mattinson.

With Madueke and Sancho potentially in line to leave this summer, there could be space for a new winger in Maresca’s squad, and Williams could be the perfect addition.