All posts by h79snht.top

Newcastle United inherited obscene riches when the club was bought by the PIF back in 2021 but sporting director Dan Ashworth has ensured that money isn't being needlessly spent on players.

Manchester City's early days under Sheikh Mansour were a great reference point for what the Geordie club shouldn't do with their newfound wealth as City spent huge wads of cash on the likes of Jo, Robinho and Nigel de Jong, all of whom didn't last very long at the Etihad Stadium.

The Magpies have been smart with their recruitment, bringing in some hungry, young players with high ceilings for affordable prices, including Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, while the acquisition of Eddie Howe in the hot seat has proven to be a masterstroke thus far from the board.

With the January transfer window approaching, Newcastle seem to be following the same trend of talent identification and will look to sign one of Serie A's highly-rated centre-backs. However, this target is actually performing worse this season than long-time defender Jamaal Lascelles.

Newcastle transfer news – Radu Dragusin

Newcastle United have been keeping tabs on 21-year-old Radu Dragusin for quite some time and were first linked with signing the Romania international back in September.

However, this past week, in an interview with Turkish outlet Fanatik, via the Express, Dragusin's agent confirmed that he has held talks with the Magpies over potentially acquiring the centre-back in the future, as well as with Premier League leaders Arsenal and even AC Milan.

His agent stated: “I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams. We are getting closer and closer. I spoke to Newcastle, to Arsenal, to Tottenham. I also have messages with them, conversations. There are teams that ask.

“I want to say that 100% until next summer, Radu will play for a club in the top 10 in the world. He wants to be in the Premier League, but know that Milan likes him very much. I talked to the people there."

Dragusin could well be on his way to St. James' Park in the very near future, with the January window fast approaching, but is the Genoa star much better than what Newcastle United already have?

Radu Dragusin's career so far

Having made merely four appearances in total for Juventus, Romanian centre-half Radu Dragusin was sent out on loan to Serie B side Genoa in 2022 in the hopes of achieving first-team football.

In his first season with Genoa, the side were promoted back to Italy's top flight under former World Cup winner Alberto Gilardino, with Dragusin featuring 40 times for Il Grifone and picking up more goals than yellow cards. Midway through the 2022/23 campaign, Genoa signed the defender permanently for a fee worth £6.6m in total.

Genoa are currently sitting 15th in Serie A after 13 games and Dragusin has started every single game under Gilardino this term, scoring one goal which came during a 4-1 thrashing of Jose Mourinho's Roma back in September. According to the CIES Football Observatory, Dragusin's market value is just £13m after an excellent start to the campaign.

Radu Dragusin's stats this season

Dragusin has been one of Genoa's best players this season and has been a rock at the back for the Italian side as they vie to remain in Serie A. Compared to all other centre-backs in Europe's top-five leagues, the youngster comes out quite favourably, ranking above average in a number of key metrics, with 50% being the median.

Radu Dragusin – 2023/24

Per 90 Metrics

Percentile Rank

Non-Penalty Goals

84

Assists

90

Expected Assists

92

Key Passes

82

% Of Dribblers Tackled

98

Clearances

85

Aerials Won

77

% Of Aerials Won

84

Interceptions

56

Stats via FBref.

When analysing Dragusin's raw defensive ability and set-piece threat, his stats make for really impressive reading.

However, the biggest issue that clubs will have when scouting the centre-half is that Genoa play a very direct style of football which means that Dragusin ranks incredibly low in a whole host of important criterion needed to feature for an attacking side like Newcastle who want to have more of the ball than the opposition.

Radu Dragusin – 2023/24

Per 90 Metrics

Percentile Rank

Touches

6

Progressive Carries

32

Passes Received

8

Passes Attempted

8

Passes Completed

9

Pass Completion %

25

Switches

33

Progressive Passes

1

Stats via FBref.

Genoa have averaged 41.1% of the ball in each game in Serie A this season which is the lowest in the division, meaning Dragusin won't be used to playing consistently in a team that wants to maintain possession and build through the thirds on the deck.

Newcastle head coach Howe will likely see Dragusin as the man to partner alongside Sven Botman in the heart of the defence given that he is right-footed. This means that the 21-year-old will have to contend with both Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar for the starting berth in the team.

However, Lascelles is actually outperforming Dragusin statistically this season and has been sensational at the back for the Magpies amidst an injury crisis at the club.

Per 90 Metrics

Radu Dragusin

Jamaal Lascelles

Fabian Schar

Pass Completion %

81.7

85.5

85.8

Progressive Passes

1.31

2.54

3.23

Passes To Final 1/3

1

2.25

3.69

Long Pass Completion %

47

40.5

61.8

Switches

0.23

0.28

0.69

Tackles Won

0.54

0.56

1.06

Blocks

0.77

1.55

0.77

Interceptions

1.23

0.42

0.92

Errors

0.23

0

0

Stats via FBref

Both Lascelles and Schar are performing at a much higher level right now than Dragusin, particularly the former who earned a 7.1 Sofascore rating at the weekend as Newcastle ran riot over Chelsea in the Premier League. Dragusin will struggle to break into Howe's side in the short term if Lascelles keeps up his excellent displays at St. James' Park.

The Bangladesh allrounder is currently recovering from a long-standing finger injury, which got worse due to an infection during the Asia Cup

Mohammad Isam31-Oct-2018

Shakib Al Hasan muscles a pull•AFP

The BCB has granted Shakib Al Hasan an NOC to participate in the UAE T20x tournament, meaning he will join the likes of Steven Smith, who is currently into the seventh month of a one-year ban handed to him by Cricket Australia for his part in the Newlands ball-tampering incident, Andre Russell and Shahid Afridi.Shakib, who is recovering from injury, is set to play in the tournament from December 23, a day after the end of West Indies’ tour of Bangladesh, to January 1 next year. The UAE T20x league runs from December 19 to January 11, clashing with the Bangladesh Premier League.Shakib is currently undergoing rehab for a long-standing finger injury, which got worse due to an infection during the Asia Cup. He underwent an emergency operation in Dhaka before heading to Australia for a further check-up. He came back to Bangladesh earlier this month and said that his return to competitive cricket depended largely on how quickly the infection was completely removed, suggesting he may be back for Bangladesh’s home series against West Indies, which begins with the first Test from November 22.”The physio and I have decided not to put a time frame for my return,” he said. “Possibly I will start training shortly. I have to start strength training from next week. When I will start improving gradually, and I will see that I don’t have problems in playing, I can think of returning to action. Until then, I wouldn’t want to return, neither the physio will let me.”Shakib said that the UAE stint could give him some match practice in his comeback bid. “It will be good preparation for me if I can be fit for these matches,” he said. I need these matches to get back from a major injury and into full rhythm.”GMT 10.30 The story had earlier erroneously stated that the UAE T20x league runs from December 23 to January 1.The error has been rectified.

MatériaMais Notícias

O fato do presidente da República Jair Bolsonaro (Sem partido) ter ratificado seu apoio à volta do público nos estádios do Campeonato Brasileiro foi recebido com preocupação e desconfiança entre as autoridades de saúde e pessoas ligadas ao futebol diante da escalada da Covid-19 no país. Bolsonaro frisou que há um parecer favorável do ministro da Saúde, Eduardo Pazuello, para que a cada jogo seja disponibilizada venda de 30% da carga de ingressos do estádio.

-Opinião particular, não. Eu não sou cidadão e presidente. Sou presidente 24 horas por dia. Conversei com o ministro (Eduardo) Pazuello, acho que há uns dois meses, e ele deu parecer favorável, àquela época, de 30% do estádio voltar a ser ocupado por torcedores. Não sei porque a CBF resolveu adiar essa decisão – afirmou, em entrevista coletiva após participar do jogo beneficente “Natal Sem Fome”, na Vila Belmiro.

Em nota, o Ministério da Saúde confirmou que “apresentou parecer favorável ao plano de estudos proposto pela Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) para a volta de parte do público aos estádios do Brasil”. Além disto, ressaltou que “a abertura, em um primeiro momento, deve ser para até 30% da capacidade dos estádios – podendo ser aumentado posteriormente – , conforme decisão do gestor local, que, dentre outros aspectos, levará em consideração a variação da curva epidemiológica, a taxa de ocupação de leitos clínicos e leitos de UTI e a capacidade de resposta da rede de atenção à saúde local e regional”.

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‘Seria uma imprudência e até uma irresponsabilidade abrir os estádios para volta do público, mesmo com um número reduzido agora’, afirma o epidemiologista Roberto Medronho

Além disto, o Ministério ressaltou que “a abertura deverá ocorrer mediante protocolos que devem ser estabelecidos com o objetivo principal de zelar pela saúde física e mental, assim como o bem-estar de todos”. A bola também foi passada para as autoridades de cada região e os clubes: “As medidas de segurança serão determinadas localmente entre os times de futebol e a administração local, envolvendo os setores de segurança pública, saúde e outros necessários para sua implementação e fiscalização.

Professor titular da UFRJ, o epidemiologista Roberto Medronho foi categórico em relação à possibilidade de retorno de público ao estádios neste momento.

– O futebol é uma atividade considerada como não-essencial e estamos em um momento de aumento de casos de Covid-19. A curva é ascendente, semelhante ao que houve entre fim de abril e início de maio. Por isto, seria uma imprudência e até uma irresponsabilidade abrir os estádios para volta do público, mesmo com um número reduzido agora – afirmou ao LANCE!.

De acordo com dados do Consórcio “G1”, “O Globo”, Extra”, “O Estado de São Paulo” e “UOL” com dados das secretarias estaduais de saúde, na última terça-feira foram registradas 1.075 mortes no intervalo de 24 horas. Desde o início da pandemia, 192.716 faleceram de Covid-19 no Brasil. Foram confirmados57.227 novos casos de pessoas que contraíram o vírus nas últimas 24 horas, totalizando7.564.117 de infectados no país.

SÃO PAULO E RIO: JOGOS SÓ COM PORTÕES FECHADOS

A opinião de Jair Bolsonaro diverge também de órgãos governamentais do eixo Rio-São Paulo. Por meio de nota, a Secretaria de Esportes do Governo de São Paulo ressaltou que “os protocolos para retomada do futebol foram integralmente aprovados e liberados pelo Centro de Contingência do Coronavírus”. As medidas preveem testagem frequente, isolamento de possíveis atletas ou outros profissionais com diagnósticos positivos e até cancelamento de partidas.

A Secretaria mantém seu ponto de vista quanto à presença de público:

“Todas as atividades da modalidade, como treinamentos e competições, que têm autorização para retorno, deverão acontecer sem a presença de público, e não há previsão de liberação nesse sentido. O Governo de São Paulo mantém contato frequente com federações, clubes e entidades esportivas para evitar a disseminação da doença”.

A Secretaria de Saúde de São Paulo registrou na última terça-feira 293 novas mortes e confirmou 12.477 novos casos de Covid-19 em um intervalo de 24 horas. O total é de46.195 óbitos e1.440.229 infectados em território paulista.

Secretário estadual de Saúde do governo do Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Alberto Chaves reforça que não há uma projeção para que as portas dos estádios sejam reabertas aos torcedores no estado.

– São apenas conjecturas, opiniões, não há nada confirmado. A Vigilância Sanitária vai nos ajudar a dizer quais serão nossos próximos passos em relação ao combate à Covid-19. Em relação ao futebol, não há uma decisão da CBF sobre a abertura para público, por isto, as partidas seguem com portões fechados – declarou.

No mais recente boletim, o Rio teve 69 mortes e4.585 casos de infecção por Covid-19 em um intervalo de 24 horas. Houve confirmação de25.078 falecimentos e426.259 pessoas que contraíram Covid-19 em território fluminense.

CBF E CLUBES: RETORNO SÓ COM SEGURANÇA… E EM TODAS AS REGIÕES!

O assunto também não está em pauta com clareza no momento na CBF. A assessoria da entidade confirmou que a decisão tomada na reunião por videoconferência realizada em 26 de setembro com dirigentes de clubes e de Federações segue valendo. Por unanimidade, 19 clubes da Série A (apenas o Flamengo não participou) mantiveram o veto à presença de torcedores, como previsto na Diretriz Técnica Operacional de Retorno das Competições em relação ao combate à Covid-19.

À época, o mandatário da CBF, Rogério Caboclo, e presidentes de clubes condicionaram a volta ao público em jogos no Brasileirão caso haja permissão de autoridades locais para todos os 20 participantes receberem torcida.

‘Caso haja o aval das autoridades, há outra condição: jogaremos com torcida em competições nacionais desde que seja parelho entre todas as praças’, diz Romildo Bolzan Júnior, presidente do Grêmio

Presidente do Grêmio, Romildo Bolzan Júnior falou à reportagem sobre a chance de volta do público diante do impacto da Covid-19.

– O Grêmio só sentirá segurança para jogar quando as autoridades sanitárias derem todas as condições para que nenhum atleta ou funcionário corra risco. Caso haja o aval das autoridades, há outra condição: jogaremos com torcida em competições nacionais desde que seja parelho entre todas as praças. Todos os estados precisarão estar em condições para que os estádios possam receber público – afirmou.

O mandatário do Ceará, Robinson de Castro, reforçou que a liberação para parte do público só pode acontecer de maneira isonômica.

– As autoridades de saúde e governamentais nos dirão quando poderemos receber torcida. Porém, isto também passa por um consenso que tivemos com a CBF. É necessário este aval para todos os clubes envolvidos na competição. Caso contrário, há chance de um desnível técnico – disse.

EPIDEMIOLOGISTA ALERTA PARA LOGÍSTICA DO JOGO E CONDUTAS

Especialista em saúde pública, Roberto Medronho detalha outras preocupações com a rotina que envolve as partidas de futebol. A logística em torno dos jogos é um empecilho.

– Estamos em um momento de mar revolto, no qual aglomerações como as causadas em torno de partidas podem acentuar o risco de uma série de infecções e até mortes pelo novo coronavírus. No caso de um clássico e de jogos que envolvem times de ponta, torcedores vão de ônibus, trem, metrô… Aumenta o número de pessoas que se desloca em um ambiente fechado até o local da partida – destacou.

A conduta dos torcedores também é vista com desconfiança pelo especialista.

– Ao sair um gol, um torcedor aqui não tende a apenas a ficar no seu lugar e bater palma. É instintivo. Há o risco dele sair pela arquibancada para abraçar uma pessoa que pode não ser o seu familiar ou alguém com quem convive em sua casa. Dar margem para estas situações em um momento de crescimento da curva do vírus é extremamente preocupante – disse.

‘Estamos em um momento de mar revolto, no qual aglomerações como as causadas em torno de partidas podem acentuar o risco de uma série de infecções e até mortes pelo novo coronavírus’, diz Medronho

Medronho alerta que a fiscalização é essencial quanto a outro comportamento.

– Caso os torcedores não permaneçam de máscara durante o jogo, há um risco muito maior de se espalhar o novo coronavírus. Quando alguém canta a plenos pulmões ou grita, as gotículas flutuam no ar e ultrapassam os dois metros de distância que são sugeridos de isolamento social – ponderou.

A preocupação do epidemiologista é vista também em relação a cada fim da partida.

– É necessária uma organização para a saída deste público do estádio. O que vemos geralmente aqui é uma leva de torcedores saindo praticamente junta assim que o árbitro dá o apito final. Não é algo setorizado e vai muita gente para os mesmos transportes públicos – disse o professor titular da UFRJ.

Roberto Medronho esclarece que a chegada de uma vacina para combater a Covid-19 não significará o fim imediato dos cuidados.

– Mesmo com a chegada da vacina, precisaremos de algum grau de segurança. Manter os protocolos de higienização, evitar aglomerações, ficar um pouco mais em casa… – e falou sobre o momento do país:

– Cogitar uma volta do público aos estádios diante dos índices atuais é impensável – completou.

تحدث المدير الفني لمنتخب إسبانيا الأولمبي، سانتي دينيا، عن مواجهة المغرب الأولمبي، مساء يوم الإثنين في إطار منافسات كرة القدم، رجال، في أولمبياد باريس 2024.

ويلتقي المنتخبان مساء غدًا في مرحلة نصف نهائي منافسات كرة القدم، في الأولمبياد.

وتأهلت إسبانيا بعدما فازت على اليابان بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، في حين فازت المغرب على أمريكا برباعية نظيفة.

وقال سانتي دينيا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “المباراة ستكون متقاربة للغاية، ستُحسم بواسطة التفاصيل الصغيرة، ليست هناك حاجة إلى إعداد خاص بشأن ركلات الترجيح”.

وأضاف: “أعلم أن هذا نقاش، أعتقد أن التدريب (على ركلات الترجيح) صعب للغاية، ما لم تقم بـ 15 أو 20 ركلة متتالية، لكن من الصعب للغاية أن تغرس في ذهن اللاعب كيفية تنفيذ ركلة الجزاء في نصف نهائي بطولة، يجب أن تكون مستعدًا ذهنيًا، إنها مسألة نفسية أكثر منها بدنية”.

وواصل: “المغرب في الدور نصف النهائي لأنه يقوم بالأمور بشكل جيد للغاية، لقد خاضوا مرحلة مجموعات رائعة وفازوا 4-0 في ربع النهائي، لديهم لاعبون جيدون للغاية ويجب أن أهنئ المدرب (طارق السكتيوي) لأنه يقوم بعمل غير عادي”.

وأردف: “أعتقد أن المفتاح قد يكون إدارة التوقيت ومحاولة لعب كرة قدم جيدة وحماية مرمانا”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أشرف حكيمي عن مواجهة إسبانيا: لا بأس بذلك.. ومونديال قطر فتح الباب أمامنا

وستواجه إسبانيا اللاعب إلياس أخوماش الذي لعب حتى أكتوبر الماضي في الفئات الأقل في المنتخب الإسباني قبل قراره تمثيل المغرب.

وعن ذلك، قال دينيا: “نحن نقدره بشكل لا يُصدق، لقد التقيت به في فئة تحت 15 عامًا، وكان قائدًا معي في فئة تحت 19 عامًا وكان معي أيضًا في فريق تحت 21 عامًا، لدي عاطفة كبيرة تجاهه. كان التغيير قرارًا شخصيًا وأنا والاتحاد نحترمه”.

وأكد دينيا أن هناك شكوكا مستمرة حول قدرة اللاعب دييجو لوبيز على اللعب غدًا، بعدما أنهى مباراة اليابان بعدم الارتياح، ممازحًا: “لقد قال إن قاطرة دهسته”.

وأوضح: “الطقس حار أينما ذهبنا، لكن يتعين علينا التكيف، نحاول التعافي بأفضل ما يمكن بين المباريات وتوزيع الدقائق في التدريبات بين أولئك الذين لعبوا أقل”.

أصر فيرجيل فان دايك على أن ليفربول يجب أن يتعلم من أخطاء الموسم الماضي إذا كان يريد المنافسة على الألقاب مرة أخرى، وقدّم وعدًا لجماهير الفريق.

ويستعد ليفربول للموسم الجديد بعد رحيل المدرب يورجن كلوب، حيث يتولى آرني سلوت تدريب الفريق الآن.

وعندما سُئل عن المجالات التي يحتاج الفريق إلى تحسينها، قال فان دايك لشبكة “ESPN”: “من الصعب إعطاء إجابة على ذلك لأن هناك الكثير من الأشياء التي تلعب دورًا”.

وأضاف: “من الواضح أن فريقين آخرين كانا أكثر ثباتًا (يشير إلى مانشستر سيتي وآرسنال)، وكانا أفضل في التعامل مع الموقف، وكان لديهما جودة أكبر في ذلك الوقت، وربما كنا قليلي الخبرة بعض الشيء، لقد تعرضنا لبعض الإصابات، ولم نكن جيدين بما يكفي، ربما بسبب التوتر”.

وأردف: “هذا بالتأكيد شيء يجب أن نتعلمه، لكن لا يمكنني حقًا أن أعلق ذلك على شيء واحد معين، حدث خطأ ولماذا لم نتمكن من المنافسة حتى اليوم الأخير”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رومانو: اتفاق وشيك.. ليفربول يقترب من الإعلان عن صفقة مفاجأة

وأكمل: “لكنني أعتقد أن الجميع كان عليهم التفكير، فيما حدث في الموسم الماضي خلال الصيف، والعودة بعقلية ومهارات محسنة أيضًا من أجل الأداء حتى اليوم الأخير ونأمل أن ننجح”.

وأستطرد: “هذا هو الهدف، نريد أن ننجح، نريد أن نتنافس حتى اليوم الأخير في كل مسابقة نلعبها، نعلم أن هذا صعب للغاية لكننا سنحاول ذلك، وهذا شيء يمكنني بالتأكيد أن أعد به”.

وأشار: “كما إن العودة إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا هذا العام أمر كبير وأنا أتطلع حقًا إلى ذلك، أتطلع حقًا إلى التواجد هناك مرة أخرى وآمل أن أحقق النجاح”.

وأتم: “نحن نعلم مدى صعوبة الفوز بهذه المسابقة، لذلك سنقاتل، ونأمل أن نلعب مباريات جيدة ونستمتع بها ونفوز قدر الإمكان”.

Glasgow Rangers head into the weekend buoyed by two recent victories in the Premiership and it keeps the Ibrox side in the chase for the title.

Celtic lead the way, but if the Gers can go on a consistent during the festive season, culminating in a victory over their Old Firm rivals, then the chase for the league crown may be closer than many anticipate.

Philippe Clement will be under no illusions, however, as the Light Blues have not been at their best since returning from the international break and their lacklustre efforts in front of goal could cost them dearly against stronger opposition.

With this in mind, will the Belgian delve into the transfer market in order to improve this department?

Rangers transfer news – Scott McKenna

The former Club Brugge manager may have to ship a few players out during the January transfer window in order to raise funds for any potential new signings.

This could mean some wholesale change at Ibrox in the coming weeks, and it should hopefully stand the club in good stead for the future.

While an attacking player or two would not go amiss, it might be the defence in which Clement strengthens first and a move for Scott McKenna would make perfect sense.

The defender – alongside club captain Joe Worrall – have both been banned from Nottingham Forest first team training, although it has been reported that this is not due to behavioural reasons, instead because they are expected to move on in January.

Both players have been told they are free to find new clubs in the winter window and the Gers could look to snap him up in the next few weeks.

Football Scotland have claimed that Rangers could potentially be one of the possible destinations for the Scottish defender, although Celtic have also been mentioned as a suitor, although there is nothing concrete to suggest there is interest from the club at this time.

With the failure to secure a left-sided centre-back to compete with Ben Davies in the summer, Clement could certainly rectify that decision by making a move for the Forest player.

The 27-year-old titan would also boost the homegrown quota, which is so important for European competitions and his £20k-per-week wages should pose too much of a problem, especially if a few players are offloaded from the wage bill.

The Ibrox side could secure him for a knockdown price as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season and a move could be ideal for both parties, especially as Connor Goldson needs a dream partner at the heart of the defence.

The statistics that show Scott McKenna would be a dream Connor Goldson partner

As previously stated, the Gers failed to sign a left-sided centre-back during the summer and with Davies the only player who is a natural in this position, it poses a slight worry.

The Englishman has not quite lived up to his £4m transfer fee and he was linked with a move to Stoke City on loan just a few months ago before the Light Blues rejected the approach.

Leon Balogun was the only central defender signed by Michael Beale and while his experience has been invaluable at times, the 35-year-old ace will only be at the club for a season as his contract expires next year.

Goldson has been the mainstay at the back for the club this term, but the constant chopping and changing of defensive partners is not ideal.

The 30-year-old colossus has kept clean sheets in nine of his 14 matches in the Premiership this term, along with winning 5.7 total duels per game – a success rate of 69% – and recovering 7.4 balls per game, certainly justifying his constant selection in the starting XI.

Adding McKenna into the mix could see the defence improve and while he has not had much gametime this term – featuring just five times in the Premier League – his experience of Scottish football suggests it would not take him long to get up to speed.

Scott McKenna’s career statistics

The defender started his career with Aberdeen, making 118 appearances across a six-year spell which included a couple of loan spells at Ayr United and his performances for the Dons eventually led to international recognition.

Indeed, he won his first 14 Scotland caps whilst in the north-east and, with his stature growing in the Premiership, he began to attract interest from England.

Scott McKenna's domestic statistics

2022/23

2023/24

Accurate passes per game

27.8

26.2

Total duels won per game

2.9

5.2

Tackles per game

0.6

0.8

Clearances per game

4.2

5

Interceptions per game

0.6

1

Stats via Sofascore

Forest secured his signature with a transfer fee which could rise to £5m and on the surface, it was an excellent deal for both parties.

The Scot made 24 Championship appearances during his maiden season at the club, but it was the 2021/22 campaign when he really began to demonstrate his talents.

Not only was he voted Player of the Year after making 51 appearances in all competitions, but he also played a vital part in Forest securing promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the 21st century.

McKenna impressed in the top flight last season, ranking third across the whole squad for accurate passes per game (27.8) along with ranking third for clearances per game (4.2) while winning 61% of his total duels per match, and he certainly looked comfortable playing against the elite.

He was even hailed as “incredible” alongside Willy Boly back in February, and it looked as though he could form the cornerstone of the Forest defence for the next few years.

The recent updates surrounding his future prove that he will be on the move during January, and it represents an ideal chance for the Light Blues to sign a Premier League quality defender for a solid transfer fee.

He could, therefore, be a dream partner for Goldson and add a left-footed balance in the centre-back partnership, which could help Rangers build out from the back.

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Posts ByDan Emery Dec 5, 2023

Clement’s side have conceded only seven goals in the league this term, and they have the best record in the division, yet much of this is due to the performances of Jack Butland in goal as opposed to excellent defending.

If the Belgian manages to make a few signings in the next few weeks, it could just give the Ibrox side the boost that they need in order to improve on their recent performances.

While Celtic are at the summit, they can still be caught, but it will take a massive effort from all involved at the club and the hard work starts now.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após três vitórias consecutivas no Campeonato Brasileiro, o Athletico deu um salto na classificação e voltou a sonhar com voos mais altos na reta final da temporada 2020/2021.

+ TABELA DE CLASSIFICAÇÃO DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

O desafio do fim de semana é o Coritiba, em clássico marcador para o Couto Pereira, na noite deste sábado.

Para o duelo contra o maior rival, o técnico Paulo Autuori não poderá contar com Nikão e Renato Kayzer, suspenso. Com isso, Fernando Canesin e Bissoli podem ficar com as duas vagas.

+ Tem jogo até fevereiro! Veja o calendário do seu time até o final da atual temporada

Confira a provável escalação: Santos; Jonathan, Pedro Henrique, Thiago Heleno e Abner; Richard, Christian, Léo Cittadini e Fernando Canesin (Reinaldo); Carlos Eduardo e Bissoli (Walter).

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Ed Smith said Jofra Archer had not been considered for selection for the Caribbean tour because he is currently ineligible

George Dobell10-Dec-2018

Jofra Archer reacts in the field•BCCI

When the ECB announced a change in England’s eligibility criteria a few weeks ago, it was assumed by some it had been done so to accommodate Jofra Archer.It’s an understandable theory, too. Archer is one of the most exciting talents in the game and, having impressed in the BBL and IPL, would appear to have the skills – not least the ability to bowl quickly – to strengthen England’s World Cup squad.But, on the strength of Ed Smith’s comments as he named England Test and ODI touring squads for the Caribbean, Archer is not the allrounder making a late charge for inclusion. Instead, on current evidence, it seems Joe Denly make be the more likely to make a late run for a place.Denly is, after all, included in England’s ODI squad for the tour and was named by Smith as “well placed” for inclusion in the three T20 games that follow. He was Player of the Match in his most recent international appearance, a T20 in Colombo, and seems to have pushed ahead of Liam Dawson, for whom he was an injury replacement in the ODI squad in Sri Lanka, in the pecking order.Archer’s main issue is simply that he doesn’t become available until the last minute. Barbados-born but with a UK passport (courtesy of his British father), Archer is currently expected to become eligible for selection somewhere around March 22. By then, England will have completed their Caribbean tour (the final ODI is March 2, the final T20 March 10) and will have no more cricket before they are obliged to name their provisional World Cup squad on April 23.That would mean Archer would have to be selected before he had gained an international cap. And while he would have some time to gain experience – and, just as importantly, for England to gain experience of him – in a five-match ODI series against Pakistan in May before the final squad has to be submitted, Eoin Morgan has previously suggested it would probably be too late to consider him for World Cup selection unless injury intervened.A squad that has built for the tournament for years may well be reluctant to make the mistake of several previous England World Cup campaigns in abandoning their plans at the last moment; even for a player as talented as Archer.There is, perhaps, a caveat to all this. Archer could, in theory, pull out of all or part of his BBL deal with Hobart Hurricanes, which might allow him to spend more time in the UK and therefore accelerate his residency by a few weeks. It may yet prove relevant that England have yet to name their T20 squad for the Caribbean in March.While Smith didn’t rule out the possibility of picking Archer in England’s World Cup squad, he said he had not spoken to him or given any thought to asking him to pull out of his Big Bash contract.”As a selector, what I try to do is try and keep things as simple as I can,” Smith said. “Who is available and, of those available players, which is the strongest squad to give the captain and coach every opportunity to pick the team to win the game. As it stands now, Archer was not available for those tours so was not considered for selection.Joe Denly finished up with a four-wicket haul•AFP

“I wouldn’t answer any hypothetical question about who we would or would not consider based on facts we don’t have. I’ve not spoken to Jofra.”I wouldn’t rule anything out. I don’t really believe in ruling things out. If there are other players who become available and we think they’re worthy of consideration then we’ll consider them.”By contrast, Smith spoke in glowing terms of Denly, who retained his place in both the Test and ODI squads for the Caribbean despite not playing a game in either format in Sri Lanka.”Joe has played one game that registers on his historical record since his return to international cricket and in that one game he was man of the match,” Smith said. “That’s what he’s done since his return.”He’s probably doing all the right things. He has had an outstanding spell in his career and matured a little bit later than some cricketers. He played in the last T20 and was man of the match having not played in the one-day side, even though he was part of the squad. You’d have thought he was well placed to be part of that series of T20 games in the Caribbean.”

On the pitch, Everton have enjoyed a solid season so far under Sean Dyche with results enough to leave them in mid-table and away from the relegation zone. Consequences of actions off the pitch have dragged them back into the bottom three, however, and five points adrift of Premier League safety after their point deduction for breaching financial fair play rules.

Dyche and everyone involved at Goodison Park may be incredibly frustrated after the form they found themselves in. Nonetheless, the Toffees have been forced to save themselves once again and after transfers put them in this mess, Everton could look to the winter window and one particular target to get them out of it.

Everton transfer news

Welcoming the likes of Ashley Young, Arnuat Danjuma and Jack Harrison during the summer transfer window, Everton's reinforcements were beginning to pay dividends. And if it wasn't for their point deduction, the Toffees would be sitting on 14 points right now, five points clear of the dropzone and sitting comfortably in 15th. Now, with a busy festive period of fixtures approaching, Everton must rally and ensure that the deduction doesn't result in a change of form on the pitch. To ensure that, the Toffees could reportedly turn to the January transfer window to welcome one particular player.

Related Everton could sign "terrific" striker with more goals this season than DCL

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Posts ByAdam Scully Nov 29, 2023

According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Everton are keeping tabs on Leander Dendoncker ahead of a potential January move. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has fallen out-of-favour under Unai Emery and the Villans are now reportedly willing to listen to offers for their midfielder. Dendoncker very nearly completed a move away from the Midlands in the summer, only for a proposed move to Fenerbahce to collapse on deadline day.

With Everton in the market for a defensive midfielder, they could turn to Dendoncker when the winter window opens.

"Brilliant" Dendoncker needs move

Dendoncker's stats at Aston Villa so far this season don't exactly paint a pretty picture. The Belgian is yet to start a Premier League game and has managed just seven minutes in England's top flight. His only two starts have come in the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup, as Villa defeated Zrinjski Mosar 1-0 and, ironically, lost against Everton 2-1 to exit the League Cup in frustrating fashion.

Dendoncker could get the minutes that he needs at Everton, however. As things stand, Dyche has the likes of James Garner partnering Idrissa Gueye, opting to push Abdoulaye Doucoure further forward. In Dendoncker, the former Burnley boss could have an ideal and certainly more experienced partner for Gueye than Garner; a partner that could make the difference between survival and relegation.

Dendoncker's former teammate, Max Kilman, knows all about his quality despite his current role at Villa, telling The Express & Star via Molinuex News: “Leander’s performances always go under the radar. He does the job and gives you a good performance every time. I’m delighted for him to get his goal and glad that people realise how good he has played. He’s brilliant, nothing phases him. He knows his task and he doesn’t feel the pressure.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo joga contra o Internacional, às 21h30, no Morumbi, nesta quarta-feira (20), buscando mais do que continuar na liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro. Uma vitória deixa o Tricolor com mais folga na ponta da competição e dá outras alegrias ao torcedor e elenco são-paulino.

Jogo pela liderança! Relembre 9 duelos marcantes entre Internacional e São Paulo

Começando pelo retrospecto nesse ano. Desde que 2021 começou, o São Paulo não sabe o que é vencer. Foram três jogos, com duas derrotas (Red Bull Bragantino e Santos), e um empate (Athletico). Essa sequência ruim deixou um ar de dúvidas sobre o momento da equipe na reta final da temporada.

SIMULE OS PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO SÃO PAULO NO BRASILEIRÃO

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Com isso, cresceu a pressão no trabalho do técnico Fernando Diniz. Contestado por não mudar o esquema de jogo e algumas substituições equivocadas, ele vem encontrando dificuldades nos últimos jogos, como aconteceu no primeiro turno.Com a pressão de tirar o Tricolor da fila, que já dura oito anos, Diniz comentou sobre o duelo contra o Inter e tratou de tirar o peso do jogo.

– Decisão tem sido todos os jogos, que você vai somando pontos para ser campeão. Os 38 jogos são decisivos. Assim que a gente tem encarado desde quando começo. Vamos encarar como decisão, como hoje, mas não vai terminar o campeonato na quarta-feira, independentemente do resultado – afirmou em entrevista coletiva após o empate contra o Furacão.

Elenco e diretoria podem retomar confiança na reta final da temporada

Com Luciano de volta, o São Paulo pode retomar a confiança com um triunfo sobre o Colorado. Desde que o ano começou a equipe vem oscilando, com apenas três gols marcados e seis sofridos em três partidas.

A última vitória foi justamente com o camisa 11 no ataque, quando o Tricolor venceu o Fluminense por 2 a 1, no Maracanã, no dia 26 de dezembro do ano passado. Desde então, o time viu a gordura na liderança do Brasileirão cair de sete para apenas um ponto.

Caso triunfe diante do Colorado, a pressão sobre a nova diretoria do São Paulo também terá um alívio. Julio Casares assumiu a presidência do Tricolor e trouxe Muricy Ramalho como coordenador. Após a derrota no San-São, Muricy se reuniu com o elenco para uma conversa motivacional.

No último treinamento antes do jogo contra o Inter, houve nova reunião entre a diretoria, comissão técnica e jogadores.

– Para ganhar tem que querer mais que os caras. Não pode ser igual a eles, não pode ser. O próximo jogo agora é decisão, são nove decisões. E decisão é diferente, tem que se tratar de forma diferente. É sempre um pouco a mais a todo momento – discursou o técnico tricampeão brasileiro com o São Paulo.

No último treinamento antes do jogo contra o Inter, houve nova reunião entre a diretoria, comissão técnica e jogadores.

É justamente com esse pensamento que o São Paulo encara ‘o jogo do ano’ contra o Internacional. Uma coisa é certa: esse duelo pode ser encarado como um ‘divisor de águas’ para o Tricolor na temporada.