Aston Villa have provided Monchi and Unai Emery with funds to bolster the playing squad so far in the summer transfer window…

Who have Aston Villa signed this summer?

The Villans brought in Belgium international Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City as their first signing ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

They have since added Moussa Diaby for a club-record £51.9m deal from Bayer Leverkusen and central defender Pau Torres from Villarreal on a permanent basis.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

There could be further business to come for Villa, though, as they have been linked with a swoop to sign Leeds United ace Wilfried Gnonto this summer, who would cost at least £40m.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

The 19-year-old dynamo is an exciting young talent who could come in as a player with long-term potential whilst also having the ability to make an immediate impact on the pitch.

Emery could land Ollie Watkins a dream partner in the final third as the Italian ace is a versatile gem who could either play out wide to provide service for the England international or through the middle as a striker partner for him.

The former Inter prospect produced two goals and four assists in 14 top-flight starts for the Whites as they were relegated from the division last term and could improve upon that tally as part of a better team, given that Villa finished seventh in the table and a whopping 30 points clear of the Yorkshire-based outfit.

Watkins scored 15 league goals for the Villans last season and he could help the Italy international, who struck ten times in 16 U17 matches for Inter, to find his feet as a goalscorer at the top level after signs of promise so far.

The Leeds ace scored 12 goals and assisted ten in 74 games for Zurich prior to his move to England, but it is his play in deep possession that has caught the eye during his time at Elland Road so far.

In the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, Gnonto ranked amongst the top 13% of his positional peers for progressive carries per 90 (4.39), which shows that the teenage ace is excellent at driving his team up the pitch by picking the ball up in a deep position before racing past players to eat up ground.

Watkins, on the other hand, ranked in the bottom half of players in his position for progressive carries per 90 (1.44) and this suggests that he would benefit from having the Leeds star as a strike partner to do that side of the game for him.

Gnonto could use his dynamism and ball-carrying ability to push Villa forward and Watkins can maintain his position through the middle as the starting number nine and concentrate on getting into goalscoring areas to punish teams at the top end of the pitch.

The £40m-rated ace, who was described as an "absolute nightmare" for defenders by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has not proven himself to be a lethal scorer but his four assists in 14 top-flight starts suggests that he also has the creativity to provide the English striker with chances to score from.

Therefore, they could form a dream partnership upfront for Villa and one that could have the potential to get even better with time as Gnonto, hopefully, develops.

Steven Smith said he had never felt better in the middle than during the first stage of his 239 at the WACA

Daniel Brettig in Perth17-Dec-20172:23

Vaughan: Smith has the special skill and hunger of greatness

Australia’s captain Steven Smith has never felt better at the crease than during the early part of his Perth Ashes epic, before he re-adjusted to grind down England and absorbed a considerable physical toll to do so.By reaching 239 before his dismissal, Smith raised his career average to 62.32 after 108 innings in 59 matches, ranking him the second best batsman to Sir Donald Bradman in terms of average – now ahead of his former team-mate Adam Voges. The innings pushed Australia into a strong position to regain the urn with victory in the final Ashes Test at the WACA Ground, and Smith said it was not achieved without considerable exhaustion – support staff ran out a chair for him to sit on during drinks in the final session.”I was actually really tired at tea yesterday, and was struggling a little bit then, and went in and had to have some sugar and a banana and something to eat,” Smith told ABC Radio. “I don’t like to eat too much when I bat.”The strength and conditioning coach Kelly [Aaron Kellett] basically forced it down my throat and said ‘You need something to eat.’ It was good in the end, because it switched me back on and I actually felt pretty good in the last session. I was a little bit tired last night, but a good tired after batting for so long.””I really enjoyed it, particularly out there with Mitch [Marsh] who was playing so well and scoring so freely, it just enabled me to just keep batting and keep batting, and hopefully a few more this morning.”Smith’s innings was played in two distinct phases, as he motored to 92 on the second evening with scarcely believable levels of ease, before digging in on the third day to press into the lead, largely in the company of the recalled Mitchell Marsh. “I think that first night I was on, as you say,” Smith said. “I was in the zone, and everything hit the middle of the bat. I felt incredibly good. Probably didn’t feel quite as good yesterday, but still came off well and got the runs that we needed. That first night was probably as good as I’ve felt.Steven Smith walks off after making 239•Getty Images”I guess it’s just getting across into that position I’ve been getting into for a while, with my back foot on off stump or thereabouts, and watching the ball. If it’s at my stumps and it’s a good length, defending it, and if it’s too full, hitting it. Just defending good balls and putting away bad balls, really.”I just [try] not to think too much. Keep batting and keep enjoying it. I’d prefer to be out there. I don’t like watching cricket that much, to be honest. So I’d prefer to be out there making runs than up there watching someone else do it. That just motivates me to try and score as many runs as I can. I just sit on my bat at the other end if I’m off strike, and try and relax as much as possible. But nothing too different I don’t think.”As for Marsh, who in making 181 stamped himself as a long-term Australian Test player, Smith said the allrounder had made significant technical improvements. “I think his defence, he’s softened his hands a little bit,” Smith said.”He actually nicked one yesterday and it went down and didn’t carry here at Perth on a wicket that’s been pretty quick, to be fair, so I think that’s something he’s improved a lot. He was just defending the good balls, and anything that’s loose he was putting it away. We spoke about it out there: I said ‘That’s just batting. That’s how you do it.’ He was really confident and played exceptionally well.”

Aston Villa have been looking to seal the signing of Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this summer and a new update has now emerged regarding the situation.

Do Astn Villa want Nicolo Zaniolo?

The Villans made a dreadful start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday evening, falling to a shock 5-1 defeat away to Newcastle United.

In a game that many expected to be tight, Unai Emery's side were torn to shreds the more the minutes ticked by at St James' Park, with a serious knee injury to Tyrone Mings compounding their misery.

While Villa are still expected to have a good season, despite this setback, it was also a match that showed that further reinforcements are needed in the summer transfer window, as they challenge across four different competitions in 2023/24.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

One player who has been constantly linked with a move to Villa Park in recent days is Zaniolo, who only joined Galatasaray back in January but is seemingly open to sealing a switch elsewhere before deadline day arrives. A new update has now emerged regarding the Villans' pursuit of the attacking midfielder, who is still only 24 years of age.

Will Aston Villa sign Nicolo Zaniolo?

According to Sport Witness [via Calciomercato], Villa's interest in Zaniolo is "more than real" at the moment, with Emiliano Buendia's long-term injury further highlighting the need to sign him.

The report also states that Galatasaray are "not blocking" the exit door for the Italy international and he was left out of their most recent matchday squad against Kayserispor on Saturday.

However, the story adds that the Turkish champions have rejected Aston Villa’s opening €30m package, with those in the Midlands making a new improved proposal that includes a €5m loan fee with an option to buy set at €27m, with Zaniolo already saying yes to a move.

There could be understandable concerns about Zaniolo's injury record when it comes to Villa snapping him up this summer, but he does appear to have overcome the worst of them, making 10 Turkish Super Lig performances since arriving midway through last season.

He could be exactly what Villa are looking for in their midfield, in terms of providing extra creativity in front of the likes of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans, and his past pedigree speaks for itself.

Zaniolo made 128 appearances for Roma, showing that he can shine for a top European club, while 13 caps for Italy could be far more without the injuries. He has been lauded as "incredible" by former teammate Daniele De Rossi in the past, and at 24, there could still be so much to come from him, with his best years ahead of him if he can remain fit for long periods.

The fact that Galatasaray are seemingly happy for him to move on at the right price is an added bonus for Villa, who look to have a relatively clear path when it comes to acquiring his signature.

There shouldn't be an overreaction after the defeat to Newcastle, but equally, it was a sobering evening that did show that the Villans could do with bolstering their squad before the deadline.

Bringing in Zaniolo may immediately make them more of a force, however, giving them an extra attacking spark and someone who can provide end product from the middle of the park, having scored 24 goals for Roma.

Aston Villa could delve back into the transfer market this summer, as Unai Emery weighs up his options before the closing of the window next week.

The Villans have recruited well already in the build up to the 2023/24 campaign, with the captures of Youri Tielemans, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pau Torres and record-breaking Moussa Diaby, who has proven to be a strong acquisition with the £51.9m man scoring on his Premier League debut.

With only two league games played, there’s a long way to go for Villa, sparking rumours that the club could be eyeing further reinforcements to bolster the squad in preparation for what’s to come.

Who could Aston Villa sign this summer?

The position currently taking the headlines for Villa is at left-back, where speculation has surfaced regarding two figures that could be of interest to Emery and Monchi.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

As reported by journalist Rudy Galetti, Villa’s hopes to capture Marcos Acuna from Sevilla have taken a turn, with talks said to have “stalled” as the Spanish club weigh up whether to allow the 31-year-old to depart.

An alternative has arisen for Villa to target, with Fabrizio Romano stating that the Midlands side are “exploring conditions” for Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares, in the hope of signing the 23-year-old dynamo, who is likely to leave north London this summer.

CIES Football Observatory currently value him at €30m (£26m).

How good is Nuno Tavares?

Despite not making an impact at the Emirates since his arrival in 2021, the Portuguese gem shone away from the capital, where he found sanctuary at Marseille during a season-long loan last campaign.

The left-back became an integral part of the squad in France, registering 31 appearances in Ligue 1 where he showcased his ability in the final third by scoring six goals, via Transfermarkt.

Now, it looks certain that his future will be away from north London, which could be promising news for Villa who could sign a sure upgrade in the position by acquiring the former Benfica sensation.

Having been lauded as “outstanding” as well as possessing “fantastic physical capabilities” by former Marseille manager Igor Tudor, Emery could integrate the Gunners’ talents into his squad perfectly – and it could be bad news for Alex Moreno.

The Spaniard arrived at Villa Park in January from Real Betis, however, has missed the opening fixtures of the season as he nurses an injury.

The 30-year-old is an accomplished full-back but should Tavares make his way to Villa Park, the former LaLiga ace could have his position compromised by the Portuguese based on his playing style alone.

In signing the Arsenal outsider, Emery could equip his side with a wizard of progressive full-backs, with him excelling the Villa man in areas fundamental to those in the position in the Premier League.

As per FBref, Moreno averaged 2.51 progressive passes and 1.56 successful take-ons per 90 during his debut Premier League campaign, numbers that were comfortably succeeded by Tavares in Ligue 1 who averaged 4.41 progressive passes and 2.07 successful take-ons per 90 to assert his attacking prowess.

While being an attacking support system is not theoretically the most important duty of a left-back, the 23-year-old bettered the Spaniard defensively also, communicated by his average of 2.15 tackles per 90 to Moreno’s 1.56 for Villa.

Should Emery make a swoop for the £29k-per-week Arsenal man, the Villans’ winter arrival could already find himself being sidelined, with Tavares asserting himself as one of the liveliest wing-backs in Europe last term.

An internal ICC document, which lists and dates all the major tournaments in the 2019-23 cycle, includes dates for the IPL alongside major events such as the World Cup, Champions Trophy and World T20.

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Dec-20173:22

Bal: Unofficial IPL window great news for players

The Indian Premier League has been all but formally recognised in the new Future Tours Programme as a global event. In the next FTP cycle (2019-23), the IPL is the only domestic Twenty20 league during which all international cricket will come to a halt, for a period of two months, across April and May.Though that has more or less been the case since the IPL began in 2008, an internal ICC document, which lists and dates all the major tournaments in the 2019-23 cycle, includes dates for the IPL alongside major ICC events such as the World Cup, the Champions Trophy and the World T20.According to the dates submitted by the BCCI, which are with the ICC and have been identified in the new FTP, the IPL will be played each year from around the end of March until the end of May. Over five seasons, the only international cricket that might coincide with the league are two series featuring Ireland against Zimbabwe and one where England play a three-ODI series against Netherlands, the 13th-ranked side in the ODI league.Over ten years, the IPL has become the most lucrative and powerful cricket tournament not just for the BCCI, but also for a host of the world’s best players, many of whom have not shied away from foregoing international assignments to play in the league. But despite its growing impact on the international calendar, the BCCI and ICC have both been against recognising an exclusive window in the international calendar, mostly because doing so would mean it would need to consider a similar allowance for the other domestic T20 tournaments around the world.However, it would appear that both the Indian board and the ICC have shifted from that stance. Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s general manager of cricket, was in India to meet Rahul Johri, the BCCI’s chief executive officer, in November to discuss the FTP in preparation for the ICC scheduling workshop in Singapore, which was held on December 7 and 8. At the workshop, where member countries fleshed out a week-by-week schedule of the new FTP, the April-May period has been left blank.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

According to the events document, penciled in at the scheduling workshop in Singapore, the 2018 edition of the IPL will begin on April 4 and end with the final on May 27. The IPL dates for five-year cycle in the FTP (between 2019-23) are: April 3 to May 26 (2019); April 1 to May 31 (2020); March 31 to May 30 (2021); March 30 to May 29 (2022); March 29 to May 28 (2023).The ICC also has earmarked the dates for global events that fall in the 2019-23 FTP cycle, starting with the 2019 World Cup in England, which starts on May 30, four days after the IPL; the World Cup final is scheduled for July 14. In 2020, Australia will host the World T20 between October 24 and November 15. The other two marquee events in the second half of the new FTP will be hosted by India: the Champions Trophy will be played in 2021, between October 21 and November 14, while the 2023 World Cup starts on February 9 with the final on March 26.The Asia Cup, which features the top five countries of the Indian subcontinent, has also got a fixed window for the next three editions. The tournament will be played between September 15-30 in 2018, 2020 and 2022. The Asia Cup is not part of the ODI League; in the recent past, the tournament has been played in both ODI and T20 formats.All these dates are virtually confirmed, but there remains a question mark on the IPL dates, which will undergo some tinkering. That is because, as per the judgement of the Supreme Court of India, the Indian team cannot play any international cricket 15 days before and after the IPL. Since most of the global tournaments start and end in the week before and after the IPL, this is something BCCI will need to work out soon. However, according to officially privy to preparation of the FTP, the BCCI is likely to adjust the end-dates of the IPL in years like 2019, when the World Cup warm-umps will clash with the last stages of the league.

Manchester United are keen on a deal for Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, but a fresh report has revealed that they aren’t the club in pole position to secure his services this summer.

What position is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch is primarily a central midfielder who only put pen to paper at the Allianz Arena last summer from Ajax, but his debut season didn’t go anywhere near as well as he would have hoped having been handed just three starts in the Bundesliga for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Due to his severe lack of game time and how low down in his manager’s pecking order he is, the 21-year-old has reportedly told chiefs that he wants to leave and complete a move to the Premier League before the end of the window, and there are two potential suitors waiting to snap him up.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that whilst the Bavarian club don’t want to sell, the Red Devils and Liverpool have both “called” to remain informed on the conditions of a deal should his side have a late change of heart over sanctioning his sale.

TEAMtalk claim that Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat still very much remains Erik ten Hag’s top target in the centre of the park, but should he fail to land his first choice ahead of September 1st, Netherlands’ youth international has been identified as an alternative having worked under the boss during his time at Ajax in the Eredivisie.

Are Man United signing Ryan Gravenberch?

According to 90min, Man United are “interested in striking a deal” for Gravenberch this summer, hijacking a possible Liverpool transfer, with those at Anfield in talks with Bayern that are, as it stands, at a “more advanced stage”.

Munich’s star is “keen to leave” to give himself the best chance of representing his country at the EURO 2024 tournament, and it’s stated that Tuchel’s men are “softening” their stance and have placed a price tag of around £20m on his head in a new development.

How tall is Ryan Gravenberch?

Standing at 6 foot 2, Gravenberch would add a completely different dimension to the midfield with his height and be a real physical presence in the centre, especially with him potentially being available for a fee of £20m, Man United could table an offer to test the water and see if they can hijack Liverpool’s move.

Since the start of his career, Amsterdam’s native has posted 69 goal contributions (36 goals and 33 assists) in 221 appearances whilst ranking in the 94th percentile for most shot-creating actions, highlighting that he’s much better at impacting the game at the top end of the pitch rather than defensively.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

Sponsored by Adidas, the talisman also recorded an 89.3% pass success rate last season which would make him the second-best achiever in Ten Hag’s squad, with only Victor Lindelof out of the regular starters able to top that (93.2%), displaying his excellent calmness and composure on the ball in possession.

Bayern’s “indispensable” player, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured seven senior trophies since first bursting onto the scene, so he would be able to match the winning mentality of the current group who are already at Old Trafford.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish football phenomenon, enjoyed an extraordinary career with a series of remarkable feats. Born on October 3, 1981, in Malmo, Sweden, Ibrahimovic quickly showcased his football prowess. He commenced his professional journey with Malmo FF, rapidly gaining attention for his technical finesse, strength, and audacious strikes.

In 2001, Ajax signed Ibrahimovic, where he flourished as a prolific striker, amassing 48 goals in 110 appearances. His dazzling performances attracted the eyes of Europe's elite clubs, leading to his move to Juventus in 2004. Despite a brief Juventus spell due to the Calciopoli scandal, Ibrahimovic's resilience shone through, and he emerged as a key player for Inter Milan after signing for the Serie A giants in 2006.

Zlatan's early career was punctuated by league titles with each of these clubs, demonstrating his consistency and influence. A versatile forward known for his acrobatic goals, he amassed a remarkable goal tally, setting a standard for future generations.

His early milestones paved the way for a glittering career, cementing his legacy as one of the game's most charismatic and accomplished talents.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Malmo

Ibrahimovic's formative years at Malmo were a precursor to his footballing brilliance. Rising through the ranks of the Swedish club, he made his senior debut in 1999. His meteoric rise continued as he netted 16 goals in 40 appearances.

Zlatan's prolific strike rate and technical prowess caught the attention of larger clubs, leading to his transfer to Ajax in 2001. Despite a very brief stint at his boyhood club, his time at Malmo remains a testament to his innate talent and the launching pad for a career that would later redefine football's limits.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Ajax

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's tenure at Ajax, spanning from 2001 to 2004, marked a crucial phase in his rise to footballing stardom. The Swedish sensation's time at the Dutch club was characterized by his unique blend of skill and power. In 110 appearances, Ibrahimovic netted an impressive 48 goals, showcasing his clinical finishing and ability to score from both close range and long distance.

During his stint, Ajax secured two Eredivisie titles in 2001/2002 and 2003/2004, with Ibrahimovic being an instrumental part of the team's success. His remarkable athleticism and towering presence also made him a formidable aerial threat, a trait that would become one of his trademarks throughout his career.

Ibrahimovic's performances at Ajax drew the attention of Europe's top clubs once again, leading to his subsequent transfers to Juventus. Despite his relatively short time at the club, his impact was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on Ajax's fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.

His Ajax chapter served as a stepping stone, propelling him towards a legendary career defined by his unique playing style, record-breaking achievements, and charismatic persona on and off the field.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Ajax

Title

Years(s)

Eredivisie (2)

2001/2022, 2003/2004

KNVB Cup (1)

2001/2002

Johan Cruyff Shield (1)

2002

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Juventus

Signed for €16m, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at Juventus club was highlighted by his incredible technical prowess and goal-scoring ability. In 92 first-team appearances, Ibrahimovic netted 26 goals, showcasing his versatility as a striker.

During his Juventus tenure, he contributed to two Serie A titles, although they were later revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal. Nonetheless, his performances were nothing short of remarkable, solidifying his reputation as one of the world's most talented forwards. Ibrahimovic's time at Juventus would lay the foundation for his subsequent successes, as he moved on to Inter Milan and continued to amass accolades and records throughout his illustrious career.

His Juve chapter, although relatively brief, remains an integral part of his journey and a testament to his ability to make an impact on the biggest stages of football.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Juventus

Title

Year(s)

Serie A (2)

2004/2005, 2005/2006

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan

Ibrahimovic signed for Inter Milan in August 2006 in a deal worth €24.8m His arrival marked a turning point for the club, with his imposing presence and goal-scoring prowess invigorating Inter's attack. In 117 appearances, he netted 66 goals in all competitions.

The Swede's time at Inter was laden with success, securing three Serie A titles consecutively from 2006 to 2009. His partnership with players like Adriano and later Samuel Eto'o propelled Inter to domestic dominance.

Moreover, Ibrahimovic earned recognition for his flair, unique skill set and uncanny ability to score from unconventional positions. His stint at Inter showcased his evolution into one of the world's top strikers, setting the stage for his continued exploits at various elite clubs. His legacy at Inter Milan remains etched in football history, as he left an indelible mark on the club's resurgence in Italy.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Inter Milan

Title

Year(s)

Serie A (3)

2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009

Supercoppa Italiana (2)

2006, 2008

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona

Ibrahimovic's spell at Barcelona was a brief yet eventful time, lasting just one campaign in 2009/2010 season.

His £59m move to the Spanish giants was high-profile but, despite his undeniable talent, he faced difficulties in fitting into the tactical framework of the team.

In his single season with Barcelona, Ibrahimovic made 46 appearances, scoring 22 goals and contributing to the club's La Liga victory that year. However, his time there was defined by the clash of playing styles and interpersonal differences with Pep Guardiola, leading to his eventual move to AC Milan.

Despite the challenges, Ibrahimovic's time at Barcelona remains a testament to his versatility as a striker and his ability to make an impact at some of the world's most prestigious clubs.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Barcelona

Title

Year(s)

La Liga (1)

2009/2010

Supercopa de Espana (2)

2009, 2010

UEFA Super Cup (1)

2009

FIFA Club World Cup (1)

2009

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first spell at AC Milan, from 2010 to 2012, marked a triumphant return to Serie A after his stint at Barcelona. Initially signing on a season-long loan before making his San Siro stay permanent the following summer, his arrival injected new life into the team, elevating Milan's attacking prowess. In 85 appearances, Ibrahimovic netted an impressive 56 goals, showcasing his enduring scoring ability and leadership on the field.

During his time at Milan, the Swede guided the club to the 2010/2011 Serie A title, ending Inter Milan's domestic dominance. His partnership with Robinho and later Stephan El Shaarawy became a cornerstone of Milan's attacking strategy. His time at the club also saw him clinch the Serie A top scorer award in the 2011/2012 season.

Beyond his prolific scoring, Ibrahimovic's presence inspired his teammates and resonated with the Rossoneri faithful, and that was a relationship that would eventually be rekindled later in his career.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at PSG

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from 2012 to 2016 marked a period of remarkable dominance and personal achievement. Signed as the club's marquee player in July 2012, he quickly established himself as the focal point of PSG's attack. In his 180 appearances across four full seasons, Ibrahimovic scored an astonishing 156 goals, cementing his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the club's history.

During his PSG stint, Ibrahimovic led the club to four consecutive Ligue 1 titles, along with numerous domestic cups. His partnership with fellow striker Edinson Cavani propelled PSG onto the European stage as well. Notably, Ibrahimovic's mesmerizing strikes and creative brilliance became synonymous with PSG's ascendancy.

His time in Paris also brought personal accolades, including Ligue 1's top scorer honours in multiple seasons. His charisma, leadership and audacious style left an indelible mark on the club and its fans. Ibrahimovic's PSG chapter showcased his enduring impact on and off the field, and his legacy continues to influence the club's trajectory even after his departure.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at PSG

Title

Year(s)

Ligue 1 (4)

2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016

Coupe de France (2)

2014/2015, 2015/2016

Coupe de la Ligue (3)

2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016

Trophee des Champions (3)

2013, 2014, 2015

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Man United

Signed by Jose Mourinho on a free transfer, the striker quickly became a pivotal figure in Man United's attack. Despite a knee injury that sidelined him for part of his second season, including the Europa League final, Ibrahimovic's influence was profound.

In 53 appearances across two seasons, he scored 29 goals, including a match-winning brace in the 2017 EFL Cup final, making him the first player to win domestic league titles in four different countries. That success led to Man United offering the striker a fresh one-year contract to remain at the club, which the Swede accepted.

However, injuries during the first half of his second season at Old Trafford led to the mutual termination of Ibrahimovic's contract in March 2018.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Man United

Title

Year(s)

EFL Cup (1)

2016/2017

FA Community Shield (1)

2016/2017

UEFA Europa League (1)

2016/2017

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at LA Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at LA Galaxy, from 2018 to 2019, left an indelible mark on Major League Soccer (MLS). His arrival brought unparalleled star power and an immediate impact. In 58 appearances, the striker netted an incredible 53 goals, showcasing his enduring scoring prowess.

His outstanding long-range volley on his debut quickly became an iconic MLS moment, while Ibrahimovic's larger-than-life personality and on-field heroics revitalized the Galaxy and drew global attention to the league. His achievements included being named to the MLS Best XI in both seasons and winning the 2018 MLS Newcomer of the Year award.

Beyond the statistics, Ibrahimovic's charisma and leadership elevated the team's performance and energized the fan base. His remarkable hat-trick against LAFC in the inaugural "El Trafico" derby encapsulated his ability to deliver on the grandest stages. His stint at LA Galaxy marked another chapter in his illustrious career, where his impact transcended the pitch and showcased his ability to leave an enduring legacy wherever he played.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Return to AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan in January 2020. With his return, Ibrahimovic injected experience, leadership and a scoring touch into the team. In his second stint, he continued to defy expectations, scoring crucial goals and guiding the younger players.

The striker's leadership was palpable as he embraced the role of a mentor to the club's emerging talents. His performances on the field were equally remarkable, contributing 15 goals in 19 Serie A appearances during the 2019/2020 season. His impact extended beyond statistics, invigorating Milan's overall play and pushing them back into the European spotlight.

Additionally, Ibrahimovic's San Siro return marked a personal milestone for the Swede as he scored his 500th career goal in February 2020. His unwavering determination and his knack for delivering in pivotal moments demonstrated his enduring prowess.

Injury kept the striker sidelined for the majority of his fourth season back in Italy and in June 2023, Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from football, leading to emotional scenes at San Siro from the fans and the Swede's teammates.

He ended his career with a total of 511 goals in 866 first-team appearances in all competitions.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at AC Milan (both spells)

Title

Year(s)

Serie A (2)

2010/2011, 2021/2022

Supercoppa Italiana (1)

2011

Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Sweden

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's journey with the Sweden national team is a testament to his enduring impact on the international stage. Debuting in 2001, he represented Sweden for over a decade and became their all-time leading scorer, amassing an incredible number of appearances and goals.

Ibrahimovic's contribution to Sweden's national team is unparalleled. With 62 goals in 118 appearances, he surpassed the previous record held by Sven Rydell, cementing his legacy as Sweden's greatest goalscorer. His proficiency in finding the net showcased his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.

Noteworthy among his international achievements is his performance in the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. Ibrahimovic led the team as captain and played a pivotal role in their journey to the semi-finals. His acrobatic goal against France in the group stage is a testament to his extraordinary skill and creativity.

Throughout his international career, Ibrahimovic consistently demonstrated his commitment to the national team, often carrying them to victory with his goals and leadership. His impact went beyond the pitch; his presence and charisma inspired teammates and captured the hearts of fans across the globe.

In 2016, Ibrahimovic bid farewell to international football after Sweden's exit from the UEFA Euro tournament. His departure marked the end of an era for Swedish football, but his legacy remains deeply ingrained.

However, after Sweden qualified for the 2018 World Cup, the striker expressed his wish to come out of retirement and represent his country at the tournament, but manager Janne Andersson blocked any possibility of a return to international duty for Ibrahimovic.

He would, though, make a return to action with Sweden in 2021. He would then take another year out of international duty before making his final appearance for Sweden against Belgium in March 2023.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 's Personal Accolades & Records

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's illustrious career is punctuated by a plethora of personal records, awards and extraordinary milestones. Throughout his journey, he consistently etched his name in football history. Notably, he has won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, making him one of the few players to achieve this remarkable feat.

He is Sweden's all-time top scorer, amassing an impressive 62 goals for the national team. Ibrahimovic's versatility is evident in his four UEFA Team of the Year selections, showcasing his impact across different leagues. His bicycle-kick against England in 2012, often described as one of the greatest goals ever scored, showcased his exceptional skill and creativity.

With individual honours including multiple top scorer awards and Player of the Year titles in various leagues, Ibrahimovic's impact transcends borders. His charisma and leadership earned him captaincy roles at several clubs, a testament to his influence in the locker room.

Moreover, Ibrahimovic's longevity is exemplified by his ability to thrive into his late thirties and beyond, maintaining a remarkable goalscoring record. His journey encapsulates resilience, adaptability and an unyielding passion for the sport, leaving an indelible mark on football history and inspiring generations of players worldwide.

However, despite his incredible records, milestones and career achievements, having played for several of the world's biggest clubs, Ibrahimovic unbelievably went his entire career without winning the Champions League or appearing at a World Cup finals.

Ibrahimovic's Personal Honours

Award

Year(s)

Golden Foot (1)

2012

FIFA Puskas Award (1)

2013

FIFA FIFPro World XI (1)

2013

UEFA Team of the Year (4)

2007, 2009, 2013, 2014

UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (1)

2012

UEFA European Championship Goal of the Tournament (2)

2004, 2012

UEFA Champions League Top Assist Provider (1)

2012/2013

Juventus Player of the Year (1)

2004/2005

Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year (5)

2004/2005, 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2011/2012

Serie A Footballer of the Year (3)

2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2010/2011

Serie A Team of the Year (2)

2010/2011, 2011/2012

Serie A Goal of the Year (1)

2008

Serie A Top Scorer (2)

2008/2009, 2011/2012

Ligue 1 Best Foreign Player (3)

2012, 2013, 2014

Ligue 1 Player of the Year (3)

2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2015/2016

Ligue 1 Team of the Year (4)

2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016

Ligue 1 Top Scorer (3)

2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2015/2016

Ligue 1 Goal of the Year (1)

2014

Coupe de France Top Scorer (2)

2014/2015, 2015/2016

EFL Cup Top Scorer (1)

2016/2017

MLS All-Star (2)

2018, 2019

MLS Best XI (2)

2018, 2019

MLS Newcomer of the Year (1)

2018

MLS Goal of the Year (1)

2018

MLS Greatest Goal (1)

2020

LA Galaxy Player of the Year (2)

2018, 2019

LA Galaxy Golden Boot (2)

2018, 2019

LA Galaxy Goal of the Year (2)

2018, 2019

Best Swedish Footballer of the Year (12)

2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020

Malmo Walk of Fame (1)

2012

Swedish Newcomer of the Year (1)

2001

Swedish Football Personality of the Year (1)

2002

Swedish Forward of the Year (15)

2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Swedish Male Athlete of the Year (4)

2008, 2010, 2013, 2015

Swedish Goal of the Year (2)

2012, 2013

Ibrahimovic's Individual Club & International Records

Milestone

Record

Most teams scored for in the UEFA Champions League

6

Most Consecutive Ligue 1 Top Scorer Awards

3

Most Ligue 1 Goals in a Single Season

38

Most PSG Goals in a Single Season

50

All-time Le Classique Top Scorer

11

Most MLS Goals in a Single Season

30

All-time Sweden Top Scorer

62

كشفت تقارير صحفية بريطانية، عن موقف ريس جيمس لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي تشيلسي، من الانضمام لقائمة إنجلترا في بطولة يورو 2024.

وعانى ريس جيمس هذا الموسم من الإصابات، وغاب عن العديد من مباريات تشيلسي، قبل أن يعود منذ أسبوع في مواجهة نوتينجهام فورست.

طالع أيضًا.. توخيل يثير قلق إنجلترا بشأن هاري كين قبل منافسات يورو 2024

ديفيد أورنيستين الصحفي البريطاني الموثوق، أكد بأن جاريث ساوثجيت لن يضم ريس جيمس في تشكيلة إنجلترا الأولية لبطولة يورو 2024، بعدما غاب قائد البلوز عن الفريق معظم فترات الموسم.

وسيتم إعلان قائمة المنتخب الإنجليزي الأولية اليوم الثلاثاء، ولكن لن يتواجد بها ريس جيمس، في ظل انضمام ترينت الكسندر أرنولد وكيران تريبييه في مركز الظهير الأيمن، وهما الاختيارات الأكثر احتمالًا، بجانب آرون وان بيساكا.

ريس جيمس لعب مع المنتخب الإنجليزي بطولة كأس العالم 2022 الأخيرة، وكان يقدم مستويات رائعة، قبل أن يعاني كثيرًا بسبب الإصابات ويغيب عن العديد من المباريات خلال الموسمين الماضيين.

Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, has effectively ruled out the scheduling of a day-night Ashes Test when Australia tour England in 2019, despite the concept’s success in drawing bigger crowds to grounds and greater audiences to television screens.Alongside Cricket Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland, Harrison has been a key advocate for changes geared at making Test cricket more accessible to fans, with day-night matches, the looming Test Championship and experiments with four-day matches among the measures being tried around the world.However Harrison was firm in stating it was highly unlikely that a day-night Ashes Test would be part of the 2019 schedule, arguing that England hosting Australia did not need tinkering with. The two countries played a first day-night Test against each other in the second match of the current series at Adelaide Oval, and Sutherland has indicated there will now be at least one floodlit Test in every Australian home summer. Two day/night fixtures – against India and Sri Lanka – are likely in 2018-19.”It’s to be decided, but it’s unlikely, to be honest,” Harrison told ABC Radio when asked about the prospect of a day-night Test in 2019. “I think we’ve got a format that works brilliantly well for us in Ashes cricket in the UK. Right time, right place, right conditions are the rules for day-night Test cricket, I think we’ll wait and see, but it’s unlikely I would say.”The ECB and CA have taken contrasting approaches to growing the game in recent years, with England’s cricket audience reduced by the Board’s 12-year-old reliance on Sky television money while Australian cricket chases the widest possible free-to-air television audience. Harrison said that it was “astonishing” to see a crowd of more than 88,000 spectators at the MCG on Boxing Day, but said much more needed to be done to ensure the health of Test cricket around the world.”It’s an astonishing achievement to get this amount of people watching Test cricket and it’s a great advert for where we are as an Ashes series, but of course the Ashes is not the standard marker for what Test cricket is actually facing around the world,” Harrison said. “So we’ve got to take a look at that, James and I are involved in a similar debate at ICC about how we make sure that Test cricket is relevant, it has context and meaning and the conditions under which it is played can guarantee as much as possible fantastic entertainment for fans around the world.”I think there are significant challenges there, but I think we’re doing the right thing by looking at the FTP in a meaningful way, trying to create a Test Championship around the FTP, which we’re very close to doing. Once you’ve got a Championship format where every series matters we can start looking at the details that sit behind that.”About pitch quality, about the schedule itself, about the way in which we can start innovating beyond things like day/night Test cricket which has worked so well in this country and we’ve just started in the UK as well, and start to look at what are the key things we can tweak within Test cricket to make it even more relevant and meaningful for fans.”The Melbourne crowd thinned out significantly by the end of Boxing Day, and the slow drop-in pitch has already faced criticism – from the England seamer James Anderson among others – for not providing the right sort of entertainment for spectators. Sutherland said that while Test cricket would inherently contain such passages, it was vital that good, fair surfaces were prepared to provide a balance between bat and ball.”It was a dour day’s play, Australia got off to a pretty good start and then England were able to contain the Australian players through that middle session,” Sutherland said. “That was perhaps a little bit due to the conditions but also good bowling on the England players’ part. But Test cricket’s like that sometimes, it’s a real battle and players need to work through those difficult times. I think it’s too early to judge in this Test match what that means and people talking about the pitch and things like that.”I think the broad statement is pitches are incredibly important to the future of Test cricket, we need to provide an entertaining contest, we need to provide a balance between bat and ball and I think broadly we’ve seen that in the three Test matches so far this summer, and who knows, there’s still four days’ cricket left in this game, let’s see how everything unfolds on the park.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Autor de um dos tentos da vitória na última terça-feira por 3 a 2 sobre o Jorge Wilstermann, o meio-campista argentino Lucho González tem outro importante motivo para ser celebrado nessa quarta-feira (16). Isso porque, há exatos quatro anos, o atleta era contratado como reforço do Athletico-PR vindo do River Plate.

Com larga experiência no futebol europeu e dono do segundo maior número de títulos como profissional (perdendo apenas para Lionel Messi), Lucho chegou ao Furacão e, até aqui, acumula 148 partidas com nove gols e quatro conquistas.

Além do acréscimo técnico, a personalidade e espírito de liderança exercido constantemente pelo nome de 39 anos de idade foram fatores de suma relevância, também, para que alguns elencos mais jovens do Athletico pudessem ter a chamada “força mental” em partidas decisivas. Não a toa, aliás, o seu apelido é “El Comandante”.

Foi inclusive baseado nesse argumento que o atleta exaltou a conquista dos três pontos em Cochabamba pela Libertadores:

-Foi um triunfo importantíssimo para nós, por tudo o que vínhamos vivendo, por tudo o que vinha acontecendo com nosso time. Mais uma vez, tivemos uma grande união, uma grande força mental. Não é fácil começar melhor no jogo e tomar um gol no momento em que não esperávamos. E aconteceu o mesmo no segundo tempo. Mas essa força mental, que o professor nos pede, serviu dentro de campo e conseguimos esta vitória importante.

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