England moved within touching distance of unprecedented World Cup qualifying history after a composed 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley maintained their flawless defensive record. With Thomas Tuchel's side yet to concede in the campaign, a clean sheet against Albania would make them the first European nation ever to complete an eight-game qualifying cycle without letting in a single goal.
England beat Serbia in penultimate qualifier
England cruised to another victory as they defeated Serbia 2-0 at Wembley on Thursday, stretching their perfect record in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring on the half-hour mark with a crisp volley, before Eberechi Eze came off the bench to curl home a superb late finish and seal a seventh straight win.
The match followed a familiar pattern in this qualifying cycle, with England asserting dominance early and forcing Serbia to defend deep for long spells. Harry Kane’s movement, Saka’s incisiveness and Declan Rice’s control ensured Serbia were rarely able to build sustained attacks, while England’s defence remained largely untroubled aside from isolated counterattacks.
England’s clean sheet was also significant, extending their run to seven games without conceding, already a rare feat in UEFA World Cup qualifying. Serbia created a handful of half-chances but were kept at bay through Jordan Pickford’s alert positioning and the strong recovery defending of Ezri Konsa and John Stones. With the win, England closed in on a piece of history never before achieved in a European qualifying group of eight matches.
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Three Lions closing in on a World Cup qualifying record
The victory places England on the brink of an unprecedented defensive milestone, one that would underline the transformative impact Tuchel has had since taking charge. Should the Three Lions avoid conceding in their final qualifier against Albania, they would become the first European nation ever to complete an eight-game World Cup qualifying campaign without letting in a goal. It would surpass even the great England side of 1990, which finished a six-game campaign without conceding.
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Tuchel's side maintain flawless campaign
Beyond the clean sheet streak, England’s qualifying journey has showcased the depth and discipline required to thrive under Tuchel’s demanding standards. Pickford has now kept ten consecutive competitive clean sheets, supported by a defensive line that has remained calm under pressure and excelled at denying opponents high-value opportunities. Stones, Konsa and Rice have all played crucial roles in sustaining England’s impeccable defensive record.
This campaign has also highlighted Tuchel’s insistence on competition for places, with no player guaranteed a starting role regardless of club form or reputation. Tuchel has repeatedly stressed that his focus is on building collective unity, and England’s ability to rotate without losing fluidity underscores how deeply the squad has bought into his approach.
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Albania trip last up in qualifying
England now travel to Tirana for their final World Cup qualifier to take on Albania, where the chance to make history may serve as a major motivational factor despite the game being a dead rubber. Top spot in the group is already secured and Albania are locked into second place.
Should England secure the clean sheet, they will step into the 2026 World Cup not only as qualifying history-makers but also as one of the tournament’s most tactically complete and defensively formidable sides.
Daniele De Rossi has been officially appointed as Genoa’s new head coach, replacing Patrick Vieira after the club’s difficult start to the Serie A campaign. However, the Roma and Italy legend will not be on the bench for his first match against Fiorentina. A suspension from his final game in charge of Roma, ironically also against Genoa, still needs to be served, meaning his return begins from the stands.
De Rossi appointed to lead Genoa revival
Genoa have confirmed the appointment of De Rossi as their new head coach following the dismissal of Vieira after a winless opening run. The Frenchman’s tenure produced three draws and six defeats, leaving the club rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table. Domenico Criscito and Roberto Murgita oversaw the team’s 2-1 win away to Sassuolo at the weekend, which lifted Genoa to 18th place, level on points with 17th-placed Pisa. But Genoa’s board moved quickly to secure a long-term managerial solution, turning to the former Roma captain for a new direction.
De Rossi has already arrived at the Signorini Sports Centre and has taken his first session with the squad, and he is expected to be presented officially in a joint press conference alongside Chief of Football Diego Lopez, where he will outline his plans to stabilise the club and rebuild confidence. The announcement statement read: "Genoa CFC announces that Daniele De Rossi has been appointed head coach of the first team. The new coach has already met with the players and will lead the afternoon training session scheduled at the Signorini Sports Center.”
AdvertisementTouchline ban from Roma days carries over
Despite being officially unveiled and immediately beginning work, De Rossi will not be physically present on the bench for Genoa’s upcoming match against Fiorentina. The reason traces back to his final match in charge of Roma in September 2024, a 1-1 draw against Genoa at the Ferraris. During that match, De Rossi was sent off for protesting against refereeing decisions and subsequently received a suspension.
Since he was dismissed shortly afterwards and had not taken up another coaching role until now, that suspension was never served. Regulations require him to complete the ban in his next official match as a head coach, which happens to be this weekend. The irony of missing his debut due to an incident that occurred at the same stadium and against the same opponent only deepens the narrative of his return.
De Rossi will still prepare the team, lead training and select the match squad, but assistant staff will handle in-game touchline duties.
New chapter begins following turbulent end at Roma
De Rossi’s appointment marks the start of his second major coaching role. After replacing Jose Mourinho early in 2024, he guided Roma to sixth place and reached the Europa League semi-finals, achievements that initially earned him a contract renewal until 2027. However, a poor start to the 2024-25 season led to his dismissal just months later. That final 1-1 draw at Genoa symbolised the end of his tenure, and now becomes the context of his new beginning.
De Rossi’s managerial career mirrors his identity as a player, emotional, determined, and deeply tied to the fabric of Italian football. Genoa provides him an opportunity to rebuild his reputation at a club with proud tradition but immediate survival priorities.
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Getty Images SportFiorentina clash opens his new era
Genoa’s next match, at home against Fiorentina, will serve as De Rossi’s touchline debut in spirit if not in presence. Fiorentina themselves are in turmoil, having recently dismissed Stefano Pioli after a winless start of their own. Both clubs find themselves desperate for stability as they attempt to climb away from the relegation zone.
Genoa will expect De Rossi to bring structure and identity to a squad that has lacked both, and his experience with Roma in stabilising a troubled dressing room could prove decisive as the team heads into a critical run of fixtures. Beyond survival, the club hopes his long-term leadership will spark steady progress. The official restart is underway, even if the first match begins from the stands.
Bayern Munich have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars this season. The 23-year-old’s rise has attracted widespread interest across Europe, with both Bayern and Barca viewing him as a long-term successor to their current No.9s, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.
Bayern step up interest in Hoffenheim's breakout striker
Bayern are actively monitoring Asllani, the Hoffenheim striker who has burst onto the Bundesliga scene with a string of impressive performances. According to reports from , the Bavarians have already gathered details about the 23-year-old’s release clause as they seek a capable backup and eventual successor to Kane.
Asllani has been one of the standout players of the season so far, scoring six goals and providing two assists in nine competitive matches, building on an exceptional loan spell at SV Elversberg, where he tallied 19 goals and 10 assists in 39 appearances. His quick feet, sharp movement, and clinical finishing have caught the attention of scouts across Europe.
Bayern view him as an ideal fit for their future plans – a young, technically gifted forward capable of complementing Kane now and replacing him in the long term. With Nicolas Jackson’s future at the Allianz Arena uncertain, the German champions are preparing for possible changes in their attacking depth heading into 2025.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBarcelona also in the mix for Asllani
The Catalan giants have been tracking Asllani for months, identifying him as a possible successor to Robert Lewandowski, whose contract runs until 2026. Barcelona have sent scouts to multiple Hoffenheim matches and maintain strong data analysis files on the Kosovo international.
For Barca, Asllani represents an affordable and forward-thinking option – a player who fits the club’s tactical blueprint of mobility, technical ability, and intelligence in tight spaces. However, Bayern’s entry into the race threatens to complicate their pursuit, especially given the Bavarian giants’ financial advantage and Bundesliga familiarity.
Adding to the intrigue, Asllani himself has spoken openly about his admiration for the champions of La Liga. "FC Barcelona has always been my dream club," he said in a recent interview, further fuelling speculation of a potential move to Spain.
Even so, the Kraichgauers' willingness to negotiate may ultimately hinge on who meets his release clause, expected to be active in the summer of 2026. With several Premier League clubs also keeping tabs, the race for his signature is expected to intensify.
Bayern's transfer strategy and tactical vision
For Bayern, the pursuit of Asllani underlines their long-term planning and emphasis on developing depth behind Kane. The English striker has been prolific since his move from Tottenham but will turn 33 next summer, prompting the club to seek a forward who can rotate effectively while learning under one of the world’s best.
Asllani’s profile, a mobile, pressing-oriented striker who thrives in link-up play aligns with Die Roten's attacking identity under Vincent Kompany. His experience in the Bundesliga also makes him an attractive, low-risk investment compared to recruiting from abroad.
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim are bracing for offers, aware that Asllani’s rapid progress and international exposure with Kosovo have made him one of the most in-demand young forwards in Europe. His contract runs until 2029, but the player’s camp reportedly plans for a summer exit, aiming for a step up to Champions League football.
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Getty Images SportFuture battle brewing for Asllani's signature
With Bayern, Barca, and several Premier League sides monitoring developments, the striker's next move could define his career trajectory. Asllani's form has turned him into one of the Bundesliga’s hottest properties, and his ambitions suggest he will not remain at Hoffenheim for long.
The 2026 summer transfer window is expected to be decisive, as his release clause becomes active and clubs formalise offers. Die Roten are believed to have a slight edge due to their domestic advantage, but Barcelona’s long-term admiration and Asllani’s personal preference could still swing the decision.
Regardless of where he ends up, Asllani looks destined for the top tier of European football. Whether he becomes Kane’s heir at Bayern or Lewandowski’s successor at Barca, the young striker’s next chapter promises to be one of the most fascinating transfer stories of 2025.
Glasgow Rangers are eyeing a “tremendous” young manager as Russell Martin’s successor at Ibrox, with the free agent coach now seen as an option alongside the heavily linked former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl.
Rohl emerges as early Ibrox candidate
The Gers are on the lookout for their next boss, following the sacking of Martin over the weekend, in a decision that felt like it had been coming for a while.
The 39-year-old simply didn’t perform to the level many Rangers fans expected when he was appointed during the summer, with Sunday’s 1-1 draw away to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership leaving them 11 points adrift of leaders Hearts, and eighth in the table.
Unsurprisingly, plenty of names are already being thrown around as possible replacements for Martin, including the former Sheffield Wednesday manager, who is currently without a club. Rohl is reportedly admired by those high up at Rangers, but would be another gamble on a young, inexperienced boss.
In terms of a more experienced head, Sean Dyche has also been linked with the now vacant Ibrox dugout, with the ex-Everton boss proving himself in the Premier League for many years, and he’s not the only Englishman in the mix.
Rangers keen on Gerrard after McCoist show of support
According to a report from talkSPORT, Rangers are eyeing a potential reunion with Steven Gerrard alongside their admiration for Rohl, seeing the Liverpool legend as an alternative option to the German. The 45-year-old famously won the Scottish Premiership title with the Gers back in 2020/21, instantly making him a hero, although his exit to Aston Villa didn’t go down too well at the time.
Gerrard is represented by the Wasserman group, who manage top coaches like Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe. And a move back to Rangers certainly feels like a good option, with the former Liverpool midfielder already knowing the club well, not to mention delivering success.
His former assistant at Al-Ettifaq, Dean Holden, even revealed he would “pay” to work under the 45 year-old because of how he sees the game: “Steven Gerrard sees the game differently, as his assistant I learned so much. He empowered me to be creative and come up with ideas, to challenge him. He’s a really generous guy and I am grateful for the opportunity – I felt like I got five years of experience from him in a year.
“In any other industry, you would pay for the experiences I had. If you were a doctor, you’d pay to go and observe the best brain surgeon in the world.”
Granted, his managerial career hasn’t necessarily progressed hugely since that spell in Saudi Arabia, but former Gers hero Ally McCoist lauded him after the aforementioned title win four years ago.
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Rangers fans are sure to be divided over who they want to see come in, but whatever happens, those high up at the club cannot afford to rush that person and bring in the wrong person. Philippe Clement struggled in charge and Martin was even more disappointing, and the Gers must avoid past errors when it comes to hiring.
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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After missing out on Marc Guehi at the 11th hour, Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on signing another Premier League rival when 2026 arrives.
How Liverpool missed out on Guehi
The medical was complete, the fee was agreed and a goodbye video had even been put together by Crystal Palace. All that was really left to do was for Guehi to sign on the dotted line and for Liverpool to announce his arrival. That was until chaos at Selhurst Park erupted, however.
In a mini-civil war at the club, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner reportedly threatened to quit if chairman Steve Parish sold Guehi to Liverpool on deadline day. It was either the £35m fee or his manager, Parish had to choose. And when Igor Julio ditched a move to Crystal Palace for West Ham United, there was only one option for the Eagles.
It’s the one deal that Liverpool failed to get over the line and they may regret not doing so. Recent reports have emerged which claim that Real Madrid are now interested in signing Guehi when his contract expires next summer and, as Liverpool know all too well, the Spanish club rarely miss out on their targets.
Whilst that move could end up benefitting them if Ibrahima Konate signs a new deal and stays put as a result, Arne Slot could still do with another central defender in 2026.
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If it’s not Guehi, then Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes must get back to the drawing board before doing what they do better than most when the opportunity arrives.
Liverpool eyeing Van Hecke swoop
According to TeamTalk, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2026, having already sent scouts to watch the defender in action. Joined by Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in an early race for his signature, Liverpool could yet push on to land an impressive Guehi alternative.
Minutes
2,958
3,059
Progressive Passes
228
134
Tackles Won
29
34
Ball Recoveries
131
146
In possession, Van Hecke should be Liverpool’s man. His progression numbers last season were excellent, especially compared to Guehi, who got the better of the Brighton man when it came to ball recoveries and tackles.
Whether the Reds believe that Van Hecke can eventually match Guehi’s dominance off the ball is the big question, but he certainly puts himself about, nearly causing a full blown fight between himself and Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk this time last year.
Praised as a “great character” by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, the 25-year-old has shown he’s not afraid of anyone in the Premier League and a big move now awaits. With just two years remaining on his current deal at The Amex, Liverpool could even land a bargain deal to sign Van Hecke if they are willing to wait until next summer.
Glasgow Rangers are not in the position they want to be in. They failed to qualify for the Champions League, dropping into the Europa League, and are yet to win their first game in the Scottish Premiership.
A clash with their city rivals on Sunday does not provide much hope that the first win in the league campaign will come before the first international break, particularly after a 6-0 thumping against Club Brugge.
Despite some supporters calling for the club to take action on the head coach, Russell Martin has the backing of the board and will be in the dugout at Ibrox this weekend.
The Light Blues board are doing more than just backing the former Southampton boss with their word, too, as they are making moves in the transfer market to improve the team.
Rangers have reportedly agreed a deal with Girona to sign Macedonia international Bojan Miovski in a permanent deal that could be worth up to £4.2m.
The centre-forward is set to undergo a medical with the Scottish giants on Friday before his official unveiling, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to play a part against Celtic.
What Bojan Miovski will bring to Rangers
With Hamza Igamane due to sign for French side Lille, Rangers needed to add more goals to their team before the end of the summer transfer window on Monday.
The Morocco international scored 12 goals in the Scottish Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, whilst playing on the left flank or through the middle as a striker, and Miovski is the calibre of player who can replace the goals that they are set to lose through Igamane’s exit.
His form for Aberdeen in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons shows that the left-footed number nine knows how to score goals on a regular basis in Scottish football, and that he may not need much time to get going at Ibrox, as the forward is already used to the country and league.
Miovski, who also has experience of scoring at Ibrox against Rangers, plundered 32 goals in two seasons in the Premiership with the Dons, per Sofascore.
xG
15.60
17.08
xG on target
18.36
17.60
Goals
16
16
Shots on target
36
44
Chances created
27
23
Assists
2
2
As you can see in the table above, his xG on target was higher than his xG in both of his seasons in the division, which shows that he is a clinical striker who can consistently produce high-quality shots on goal.
Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.
This is why this signing could be perfect for Rangers in their hunt to replace the goals that they will lose with Igamane’s move to Lille in the coming days.
Rangers in talks to sign Premier League talent
Miovski may not be the only signing to come through the door before the deadline, though, as the club are looking at another experienced talent who could be just as important as the striker.
Transfer Focus
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According to journalist Santi Aouna, Glasgow Rangers are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United this summer.
The report claims that the Scottish giants are in talks with the Premier League side over a possible move for the Frenchman, although it is unclear if the discussions are centred around a loan or a permanent transfer.
Leeds United's IllanMesliercelebrates after the match
Aouna adds, though, that Valencia and Lorient are also interested in signing the left-footed stopper, which means that there is plenty of competition for his signature.
Valencia are said to have made him their number one target, but must first sell Stole Dimitrievski, and Lorient have already made their first offer to Leeds.
Why Meslier could be an important signing for Rangers
At face value, it would be understandable if this is a link that does not generate much excitement from supporters. Ultimately, Meslier is currently the third choice at Elland Road after being dropped towards the end of last season.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper conceded 2.73 goals more than expected, based on the xG against him, in the Championship last term, which shows that he was not good enough as a shot-stopper despite his haul of 21 clean sheets, per Sofascore.
Leeds United's IllanMeslierreacts
However, there are other aspects of Meslier’s game that could be well-suited to what Rangers need between the sticks, particularly if they continue to back Martin as the head coach, and he could be just as important as Miovski.
Because of the way that the defence is set up, the Gers need a goalkeeper who is proactive when coming off his line and willing to come out to sweep outside of the box as well as coming out to collect crosses.
The goal above, whilst not being solely Jack Butland’s fault, shows that the Rangers number one is not comfortable playing the role that is being asked of him, as he got caught between staying and coming out.
Butland is an old-fashioned goalkeeper who sticks to his line and looks to make saves, rather than being amazing with the ball at his feet or in other areas of goalkeeping, which may be why Meslier could be an upgrade on him, despite his flaws as a shot-stopper.
Post-shot xG minus goals conceded*
-0.04
+0.01
Save percentage
64.9%
72.8%
Percentage of crosses stopped
4.2%
9.4%
Defensive actions outside the penalty area
0.40
0.86
Average distance of defensive actions
12.4 yards
13.8 yards
Crosses stopped*
0.70
0.81
As you can see in the table above, the Leeds outcast could be just as important as Miovski for Rangers because he could also arrive as an upgrade in a key position for Martin.
The £30k-per-week gem appears to have the mentality and the quality to perform far better than Butland as a sweeper-keeper for the Gers, whilst also enjoying a much higher save success rate and claiming a higher percentage of the crosses into his box.
Leeds United's IllanMesliercelebrates
This means that he may prevent Rangers from facing as many shots as they currently are by coming off his line to stop crosses from reaching attackers and through balls from creating chances out wide or through the middle.
Therefore, Meslier could be a very important signing to make the style more effective from a defensive perspective, just as is the case with Miovski from an attacking perspective.
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Nesta segunda-feira (29), o Internacional divulgou uma parcial da venda de ingressos para o compromisso da próxima quarta-feira (31) pela Copa do Brasil. Na oportunidade, o Colorado receberá o América-MG, às 21h30 (de Brasília), no Beira-Rio, pelas oitavas de final.
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Para o embate em questão, 20 mil entradas foram comercializadas pelo clube, não havendo maiores detalhes qual a proporção entre sócios-torcedores via sistema de check-in e ingressos propriamente adquiridos.
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O único ponto a ser especificado pelo Inter se deu em relação ao fato de que não há mais ingressos disponíveis para o Portão 7, um dos setores no Beira-Rio com os valores mais acessíveis ao lado do Portão 3.
Vindo de duas vitórias na temporada, a equipe dirigida por Mano Menezes precisará de seu torcedor para reverter um caráter de desvantagem na Copa do Brasil. Isso porque, na ida, o Inter perdeu por 2 a 0 e precisa, ao menos, ganhar por dois tentos de diferença para levar a disputa para as penalidades.
Enzo Maresca’s side ended last season in spectacular fashion by securing Champions League football and winning the Conference League, and now there is an expectation they’ll at least challenge in the Premier League.
Fortunately, this summer has gone about as well for the Blues as could have, as they won the Club World Cup and are undefeated in their pre-season clashes.
Moreover, the board have made some smart additions to the team, and are now being linked with an upcoming star who has been compared to Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal.
Chelsea target a Bellingham & Yamal hybrid
Chelsea have really made the most of the transfer window this summer, as on top of making a pretty penny on the likes of Noni Madueke, Djordje Petrovic and Lesley Ugochukwu, they’ve seriously strengthened Maresca’s squad.
Transfer Focus
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The likes of Liam Dealp, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens should bring a mountain of goals to the team, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could be one of the next great defenders in world football.
Yet, with the window still open, the Blues appear keen on adding more talent to their already impressive squad, and in this case, a player who has been compared to both Bellingham and Yamal.
At least that is according to a recent report from The Athletic, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s concrete interest in Xavi Simons.
In news that should reassure fans, the report has revealed that the West Londoners are still in talks with RB Leipzig over the incredibly talented Dutchman.
A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but reports from earlier this summer have claimed that the German outfit want £61m for the dynamic attacker.
While that may seem like a lot, it’s probably fair for a player of his talent, especially as he’s been compared to Bellingham and Yamal.
How Simons compares to Bellingham & Yamal
So, there are a number of fairly surface-level similarities you can point to between Simons, Bellingham, and Yamal, such as them all being relatively young stars who are full internationals, play in Europe’s top five leagues, and are capable of creating chances out of nothing.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
However, with FBref, we know that there are also plenty of quantifiable statistical similarities between them, as they looked at all attacking midfielders and wingers at last summer’s European Championships and concluded that the Real Madrid ace was the tenth most similar to the Leipzig star, and the Barça gem ranked as the sixth most similar.
You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Dutchman ranked closely to the two international superstars.
Non-Penalty Expected Goals
0.11
0.09
Passing Accuracy
82.6%
85.7%
Passes into the Final Third
3.60
3.78
Tackles + Interceptions
2.60
2.57
Ball Recoveries
3.40
3.65
When it comes to the former Borussia Dortmund star, these metrics include things like non-penalty expected goals, passes into the final third and ball recoveries per 90, suggesting that the former PSV Eindhoven ace could be as dangerous in the right situations.
Interestingly, one of the standout similarities with Barcelona’s teenage sensation is their goal-creating actions per 90, which encompasses the two most critical offensive actions that precede a goal, which is a great metric to share with someone as effective as Yamal.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.79
0.89
Live Passes
35.4
33.6
Goal-Creating Actions
0.79
0.72
Tackles Won
1.00
1.07
Carries
31.8
34.8
However, while comparisons to two of the most exciting players in world football are undoubtedly encouraging signs, there are other clear reasons why the Pensionsers should be all over the 22-year-old “game-changer,” as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him.
For example, in just 33 appearances last season, totalling 2763 minutes, the Amsterdam-born dynamo scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.
In other words, the sensational talent, who one analyst has dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world,” managed to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 144 minutes.
Ultimately, while he will cost a pretty penny, Chelsea should be doing all they can to secure Simons’ services as soon as possible.
Dream Colwill fix: BlueCo prepare bid to sign £43m "beast" for Chelsea
The incredible international could help solve Chelsea and Maresca’s most significant problem…
كشفا خوان لابورتا رئيس نادي برشلونة ونائبه، آرائهما فيما قاله الألماني هانز فليك، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم، عن إصابة لامين يامال بسبب الإجهاد الذي تعرض له مع منتخب إسبانيا.
لامين تعرض للإصابة مع منتخب إسبانيا خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الأخير، حيث أصيب خلال لقاء لاروخا مع تركيا ضمن تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026 المقبل.
وتسببت إصابة يامال في غياب اللاعب البالغ من العمر 18 عامًا عن مواجهة نادي برشلونة أمام نظيره فالنسيا ببطولة الدوري الإٍسباني للدرجة الأولى، والتي انتهت بفوز البارسا بستة أهداف دون رد.
اقرأ أيضًا | موندو: باريس سان جيرمان يضغط لخطف اسم بارز من برشلونة
وقال لابورتا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” بشأن تصريحات فليك بأن لويس دي لافوينتي مدرب منتخب إسبانيا أهمل في التعامل مع إصابة لامين: “لديه كل الحق تمامًا”.
ولم يرغب نائب رئيس النادي في الدخول في جدل مع الاتحاد الإسباني بشأن لامين: “هذه مسألة يتعامل معها ديكو بشكل مباشر، وليس لدي ما أقوله، أتمنى لـ لامين الشفاء العاجل”.
وفيما يتعلق بتعطش كريستنسن لدوري أبطال أوروبا الذي كشف عنه عشية المباراة، قال يوستي نائب برشلونة: “يجب أن يتحول هذا التعطش إلى حماس، جميع المشجعين واللاعبين أيضًا، يدركون أن دوري أبطال أوروبا هو أهم لقب نتنافس عليه هذا الموسم ولكن علينا أن نحول هذا التعطش إلى حماس، لا لضغط”.
ومن المقرر أن يواجه الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة نظيره نيوكاسل مساء اليوم، الخميس، ضمن منافسات مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً، على ملعب “جيمس بارك”.