Category Uncategorized

أكد إيوسوفو دايو، لاعب فريق نهضة بركان المغربي، صعوبة مواجهة الزمالك، غدًا الأحد، في إياب نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية.

الزمالك يستضيف نهضة بركان على ملعب استاد القاهرة، في إياب نهائي البطولة القارية، بعد أن حسم الفريق المغربي نتيجة مباراة الذهاب لصالحه بهدفين مُقابل هدف.

وقال دايو في تصريحاته بالمؤتمر الصحفي قبل المباراة: “لا توجد في كرة القدم مباراة سهلة، علينا أن نركز في لقاء الغد ونلعب على التفاصيل الصغيرة، وأن نكون أكثر حماسًا”.

طالع أيضًا | جوميز: الزمالك أكبر من نهضة بركان.. ويوضح موقف أوباما وشلبي من المباراة

وتابع: “أتمنى أن يفوز الفريق الأفضل في المباراة، أنا وزملائي نستطيع اللعب تحت ضغط جمهور الزمالك، ومستعدون لخوض اللقاء تحت الضغط”.

واختتم: “نتطلع لحصد لقب كأس الكونفدرالية، وسنبذل قصارى جهدنا في لقاء الغد من أجل العودة باللقب إلى المغرب”.

وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن مباراة الذهاب التي أقيمت في ملعب “البلدي” ببركان، شهدت تقدم نهضة بركان بالهدف الأول بأقدام المدافع إيوسوفو دايو عن طريق ركلة جزاء احتسبها الحكم بيتر واويرو بعد الرجوع لتقنية الـvar.

ثم أضاف عادل تاحيف الهدف الثاني لنهضة بركان في الدقيقة 32 من عمر اللقاء برأسية متقنة، فشل الحارس محمد عواد في التصدي لها لتسكن الشباك.

وبعد مضي دقيقة واحدة من انطلاق الشوط الثاني، استطاع سيف الدين الجزيري تقليص الفارق بتسجيل الهدف الأول للزمالك برأسية متقنة.

Madhya Pradesh totter after Andhra pocket lead, Smit Patel ton keeps Tripura in the hunt for three points

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2017

Mumbai were in sight of their first win this season after reducing Odisha to 93 for 4 in pursuit of 413 in Bhubaneswar. Seamer Akash Parkar dismissed Subhransu Senapati and Deepak Behera off successive deliveries, but captain Govinda Poddar (48*) remained firm at stumps.In the morning, Mumbai were in trouble as they slumped to 84 for 6 in their second innings, losing nightwatchman Dhawal Kulkarni, vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav and captain Aditya Tare in the space of five overs. However, Siddhesh Lad played the role of the ‘crisis man’ to perfection with his fifth first-class century to bail them out.During the course of his 153-ball effort, he notched up partnerships of 57 and 76 with Abhishek Nayar and Parkar respectively. Lad was the ninth batsman to be dismissed, and Mumbai declared their innings soon after on 268 for 9. Seamer Suryakant Pradhan finished with three wickets to add to his two in the first innings.Smit Patel’s sixth first-class hundred led Tripura’s strong response as they finished the day on 327 for 4 against Baroda in Vadodara. Smit remained unbeaten on 123 at stumps, but Tripura still trail Baroda’s first-innings total by 194.Resuming on 63 for 1, Tripura lost opener Bishal Ghosh in the sixth over of the day to seamer Sagar Mangalorkar, who also had Udiyan Bose caught and bowled soon after. At 94 for 3, Tripura were in trouble, but Smit found an ally in the experienced Yashpal Singh, who made 90 in a stand worth 181. It wasn’t until tea that the partnership was broken when Vishnu Solanki, Baroda’s centurion in the first innings, removed Yashpal. But, Smit and Rajat Dey (20*) ensured with an unbroken 52-run partnership that Tripura didn’t go off track and remained on course to secure the first-innings lead.Seamer Bandaru Ayyappa’s three-wicket burst reduced Madhya Pradesh to 67 for 5 after Andhra had secured a crucial first-innings lead of 55 runs in Vizianagaram. Ayyappa first struck in the seventh over to trap opener Aditya Shrivastava in front and then cleaned up Shubham Sharma two overs later. Left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt joined in the act, as he had Rajat Patidar caught behind to leave Madhya Pradesh tottering on 16 for 3.Ayyappa then returned to dismiss Harpreet Singh Bhatia, his third wicket in his third successive over. Captain Devendra Bundela and Ankit Sharma riefly restored calm, but Andhra captain Hanuma Vihari had Ankit lbw off what was the last ball of the day.Resuming their first innings on 177 for 5, Andhra surged ahead thanks to a 143-run partnership between Ashwin Hebbar (77) Ravi Teja (58). Legspinner Mihir Hirwani, however, dismissed Sumanth to break the partnership, and despite an unbeaten 36-ball 32 from Ayyappa, ran through the lower order. Hirwani, who picked up 5 for 22 in the previous game, finished with five wickets again.

Newly-promoted Burnley are believed to be eyeing a move for Leeds United starlet, Wilfried Gnonto, with Vincent Kompany stepping up his recruitment with the start of the new Premier League season now just a matter of days away.

What are the latest Burnley transfer rumours?

With the Clarets said to be negotiating deals for Sheffield United's Sander Berge and Aston Villa's Aaron Ramsey, the Telegraph have also reported that the club are also 'looking at forwards', with Gnonto among those being 'eyed'.

As per the report, a deal for the 19-year-old is not yet in the works, however, with the Italy international also on the 'radar' of Everton, with a departure from Elland Road no doubt a possibility following the club's drop into the Championship.

If those at Turf Moor are to firm up their interest in the teenage sensation before the end of the window, there have been prior claims that the forward could command a fee of around £40m, despite having joined the Yorkshire side for just £3.8m last year.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

While that price tag may appear rather sizeable for a player who scored just two goals and provided only four assists in 24 Premier League games last season as Leeds slipped to relegation, the young "firework" – as described by pundit Noel Whelan – could well prove something of a difference maker for Kompany and co next term.

The Lancashire side are seemingly chasing new attacking recruits having seen former loanee Nathan Tella return to parent club, Southampton at the end of last season, with the 24-year-old having been a crucial part of the club's promotion push.

Despite having hardly set the world alight with the Saints prior to making the move – after scoring just one goal in 33 top-flight games for the south coast side – Tella was instrumental for Burnley last term, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists in 45 games in all competitions.

Having thus far failed in their attempts to bring the winger back to Turf Moor, the Clarets could thus look to Gnonto as a potential alternative or successor to the Englishman on the flanks, with the former Zurich man also likely to be able to pose a dynamic threat in the final third.

A particular strength of the diminutive gem is his ability to surge forward with the ball at his feet as he ranks in the top 17% among his peers in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries – at an average of 4.39 per 90 – with that not too far ahead of what Tella has achieved over the last 365 days, having enjoyed an average of 3.17 per 90 for that same metric.

As Burnley saw with Tella in 2022/23, the 5 foot 8 ace was able to use his direct and dynamic quality to pose a real threat to the opposition, with Kompany having stated last year: "Eventually, when you are in front, every team will have a go and that is why you have guys like him who keep threatening in behind and make it really tough for defenders to be comfortable going too high or being too aggressive."

It would appear that Gnonto – who can operate out wide or in a central role – can fill the shoes of the one-time Arsenal man in that regard, with the youngster having been dubbed an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Of course, the priority may be to secure the services of Tella – while Gnonto is also unlikely to come cheap – yet signing the Leeds speedster could prove a real masterstroke for Kompany this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez, as the Old Gold continue their pursuit of midfield reinforcements this summer.

Julen Lopetgui bid farewell to both Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho this transfer window, and will now aim to bolster the middle of the park at Molineux, something he could achieve in signing the Barcelona starlet.

What’s the latest on Nico Gonzalez to Wolves?

As reported by outlets in Spain last week (as relayed by Sport Witness), Wolves are believed to have been offered the chance to sign Gonzalez from the Catalan giants this summer.

A separate report via Sport Witness has also claimed that the Spaniard will more than likely leave his boyhood club after talks with Xavi Hernandez concluded with the belief that an exit is the best solution for the 21-year-old gem.

Valued around the £12m mark by FootballTransfers, Lopetegui could land a bargain this window if a deal can be struck between the club and player, whose agent is, of course, Jorge Mendes.

How good is Nico Gonzalez?

Having once been tipped to become the “heir to Sergio Busquets” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 6 foot 2 enforcer could be the ideal acquisition for Lopetegui to integrate into his transitioning side.

Just like Busquets, the 21-year-old prospect has displayed a versatile approach to his game in the engine room, identified as a “press resistant” player capable of being able to “dictate tempo” by scout Jacek Kulig in his scouting report of the talent.

Life at the Nou Camp looked to be on the right path in the 2021/22 campaign in which he made a breakthrough, making 27 LaLiga appearances after rising through the ranks from the infamous La Masia set-up.

Last term, the young midfielder was sent on loan to Valencia, where he continued to shine despite Los Che’s poor form in the league.

For Wolves, however, the potential availability of Gonzalez could be fundamental to Lopetegui nurturing his midfield with youth, with the Spaniard posing to be a perfect addition alongside Joao Gomes.

The Brazilian was signed from Flamengo in January, and made an impressive introduction to the Premier League, averaging a mammoth 4.00 tackles per 90 in Wolves’ midfield.

Signing the Spaniard could create the ideal balance in a middle-of-the-park pivot alongside Gomes, taking into consideration his passing ability fused with the 22-year-old’s combative excellence.

Also lauded as a “prodigy” by Mango, Gonzalez averaged an impressive 5.89 passes into the final third per 90 in LaLiga last term, as well as making an average of 1.79 successful take-ons per 90, via FBref, highlighting his strengths as ball-carrying menace.

The La Masia academy graduate could bolster the midfield alongside the Brazilian defensively also, winning 1.73 aerial duels per 90 in comparison to Gomes’ 0.96 per 90 for Wolves, defining the perfect combination of duel-winning and ball-playing expertise.

Wolves will naturally miss the comforts of Moutinho and Neves, however, Lopetegui could rejuvenate the once-loved Portuguese duo by combining 22-year-old Gomes with 21-year-old Gonzalez.

The Barcelona gem covered areas all over the pitch for Valencia last season in the Spanish top-flight, as highlighted by Sofascore, showing his desire to dictate play while remaining as a reliable outlet in midfield, in a role similar to that of Neves at Molineux.

Lopetegui could unearth a partnership worthy of taking the throne from the Portuguese pair, in a move that could be fundamental in the progression of both player and club.

Burnley are eager to try and tie up a deal to bring Ian Maatsen back to Turf Moor on a permanent basis and have a fee in mind, according to The Sun.

What's the latest Burnley transfer news?

With the Clarets looking to push on and stay in the Premier League this season, rather than be thrown straight back down to the Championship, they'll need to ensure their recruitment is spot-on so they can compete in the top flight. Having already stormed to the second tier title last season, they'll be confident they can do that, but they must find the right balance of top-level reinforcements and continuity within the squad,

One name that looks as if he may be the subject of a bid from the Clarets is Aster Vrancx. He won't be cheap, with a fee of around £9m placed on his head, but it seems as though there is serious interest in his services from Turf Moor. The good news for the top tier side is that the midfielder is available on a deal – Wolfsburg are prepared to let him leave and whilst there is competition for his signature their hat seems firmly to be in the ring.

A long-standing target for the club is Jack Clarke at Sunderland too. Vincent Kompany's side have already bid twice for the winger to try and get the Black Cats to let him leave this summer, but so far they have been completely rebuffed in their advances for the young talent.

They're in the clear in terms of signing him though, as it looks as though the Clarets are the only team currently putting actual offers on the table for the attacker.

Are Burnley signing Ian Maatsen?

Now, according to a report from The Sun, there is also a fresh push from the Clarets to sign Maatsen again this summer. The newly promoted side want to try and wrap up a permanent deal for the defender and feel that a bid of around £10m with some add-ons could get a deal over the line – and it seems as though they are fully willing to pay that amount.

However, it's previously been reported that there are other clubs sniffing around last season's loan superstar, such as West Ham, and that means they may have to race to get a deal done. No official bid is on the table yet, but it looks as if Burnley then are desperate to try and sort out a fee to push through a switch to Turf Moor this window.

It's clear that boss Kompany does love Maatsen too – the manager stated that he had "great potential" and that he has to be "willing to work hard" but does that "terrifically". He's been full of praise for the youngster, and realising his potential to get even better, he no doubt wants that to happen at Turf Moor. If they can get a deal done, it will be another shrewd bit of business and clearly one the manager would be delighted about.

Leeds United's questionable transfer policy in recent years was undoubtedly a huge contributor to their steady slope back into the Championship. For all the excitement that surrounded the club in 2020, 2023 swiftly wiped that away as they succumbed to relegation from the Premier League.

These rogue deals spanned the tenures of both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, although it could be argued that the latter truly put the nail in the coffin with some choice acquisitions that wasted funds.

The £24.7m expended to bring in Brenden Aaronson immediately springs to mind, and yet despite the American only scoring once all year before being recently shipped out on loan, it was not even the worst piece of business conducted during that campaign.

Staring down the drop, Marsch saw fit to unload another huge fee to tempt an unproven Georginio Rutter to Elland Road. Breaking the club record fee, the Frenchman immediately saw unnecessary pressure heaped onto his shoulders to drag them out of the mud. He would average just 24 minutes per match in the league.

Given they start this coming season at home to Cardiff City, this was clearly a failed venture.

However, that is not to suggest that he does not retain huge promise.

There is clearly a bright player in there, just waiting to be unleashed. Perhaps Daniel Farke could seek to usher that out with a few choice additions of his own.

In terms of supplementing the attackers he already boasts, there are arguably few better options on the market than Manchester United's Amad Diallo, to whom they have been linked with a swoop.

What position does Amad Diallo play in?

Fresh off the back of a scintillating season as a left winger with Sunderland, the £28k-per-week wide man proved to be a key asset for Tony Mowbray's side that pushed for an unexpected playoff spot.

Although they were felled by Luton Town, that did not stop the Ivorian from lighting up one of their clashes, thundering home from way out to equalise in the first leg.

That marked one of the many goal contributions the 21-year-old would record from that left flank, as he scored 13 and assisted a further three in the Championship.

To put this kind of potency onto the wing, likely commanding numerous opposition players to thwart, the space for Rutter to shine would surely see him showcase his true talents.

After all, former Hoffenheim boss Sebastian Hoeness has been full of praise for the youngster in the past: ''Georginio is very athletic, a good striker of a football and can play in a variety of forward roles. His combination of speed, athleticism and shooting ability with both feet means he has huge potential." The pieces are in place for him to pose a huge threat to English football.

Were he to be put in a one-on-one situation, which Diallo's presence could induce, the figures suggest that this forward would leave most in his wake.

After all, when compared to other forward across Europe, this 21-year-old ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90. However, what would make this relationship more even is the defensive work rate of the ex-Hoffenheim finisher, who also sits in the top 8% for tackles, the top 2% for interceptions and the top 8% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

This would in turn allow the man branded an "absolute wizard" by writer James Copley in the form of Diallo to unleash that magic more often, allowing both of these assets to dominate the Championship together.

It just makes sense to put Rutter and Diallo in the same team, given how the presence of both tricksters would help facilitate the success of their counterpart.

Arsenal look set to undergo a summer overhaul ahead of next season as Mikel Arteta aims to add some much-needed quality to his first-team squad.

Not only are the likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice being strongly linked with potential moves but there are also some players who could be saying goodbye to the club in the coming weeks.

Granit Xhaka looks set to leave Arsenal this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen interested in luring him back to the Bundesliga, while fellow midfielder Thomas Partey could also be departing the Emirates, with Fabrizio Romano stating: “Understand there’s concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer. Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit.”

With two key players from last term looking like they won’t play again for the Gunners, it will now be up to Arteta to replace them properly. Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia could be the ideal replacement for the Ghanaian, with Romano claiming that “talks already took place” in regard to a potential move for the youngster.

Could Arsenal sign Romeo Lavia this summer?

Bolstering his midfield has to be the Spaniard’s priority this summer, especially with Xhaka and Partey potentially leaving, and a move for Lavia could certainly numb the blow of losing those two.

Despite the Saints being relegated from the Premier League, ending their ten-year spell in the top flight, Lavia was arguably one of their only bright sparks during a woeful season.

The former Manchester City starlet particularly showcased his defensive abilities, ranking second for tackles per game (2.1) and seventh for interceptions per game (1.1) across the Southampton squad, while also achieving an overall Sofascore rating of 6.8/10, enough to place him eighth in the first team, a solid enough showing considering he only turned 19 in January.

The teen also features alongside some fairly illustrious company in terms of winning possession in the midfield third across Europe’s top five leagues, finishing second behind Moises Caicedo, while ahead of Jude Bellingham having won possession 114 times in that area of the pitch, showcasing his ball-winning qualities.

Having this defensive solidity in the heart of the midfield could be key for Arsenal next term, and would allow the likes of Martin Odegaard to flourish, giving them more freedom going forward, knowing that Lavia will be there sweeping everything up and screening the defence.

The midfielder is valued at £45m by the south coast side, yet having been lauded as someone who is “always calm on the ball” by Jean Kindermans, the head of the Anderlecht academy, and dubbed an “absolute monster” by journalist Benjy Nurick, it’s evident Arteta should be making his move sooner rather than later.

Crystal Palace are interested in a summer deal to bring Norwich City star Andrew Omobamidele to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Andrew Omobamidele?

Omobamidele is a centre-back who currently plays his football at Carrow Road having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from the academy in 2021 and become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up a total of 51 senior appearances to date.

The Republic of Ireland international still has another three years remaining on his contract with David Wagner’s side, but having impressed during his 27 Championship starts last season, he’s bound to attract attention this window.

The Canaries, however, collectively had a disappointing campaign finishing 13th and quite some way outside of the top six, so they could be looking to cash in on some of their most prized assets ahead of a squad rebuild, and should the 20-year-old depart, he’s got an admirer in Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

Are Crystal Palace signing Omobamidele?

According to The Telegraph (via Football League World), Crystal Palace are “interested” in Omobamidele ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Eagles have the defender firmly “on their radar” and the report states that a fee of £20m is likely to be “enough to get a deal done”. Norwich’s former sporting director Stuart Webber publicly admitted that there is a “big possibility” that the young talent will leave.

Where would Omobamidele fit in under Hodgson?

Crystal Palace are likely to be in need of reinforcements in the centre-back position this summer with Marc Guehi being watched by Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United enquiring about Joachim Andersen, so should one or both of the duo depart, Omobamidele could be the ideal replacement for Hodgson.

The Leixlip native averaged 2.7 clearances and 1.9 aerial wins per second-tier game last season, via WhoScored. Not only is he a rock at the heart of the backline but he also loves to try and push his team further up the pitch, ranking in the 88th percentile for most progressive carries by central defenders.

Norwich’s “dominant” colossus, as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also shares the same agent, Elite Project Group Ltd, as Malcolm Ebiowei, so this existing connection that his representative has to the club could potentially give them a small advantage should they try and attempt to get a deal wrapped up in the weeks and months ahead.

Celtic's latest addition to the squad could come in the form of Odin Thiago Holm, with a report from Nettavisen in Norway via The Daily Record reporting that the Hoops are in talks over a move for the player.

Who is Odin Thiago Holm?

The 20-year-old has already become a key player for his current side Valerenga in Norway, having started ten games already this year and managed his best ever total of 22 in the league last time around. He is already heavily relied upon in the centre of the field by his club and helped them to sixth place in 2022.

The Norweigan first burst onto the scene at just 16-years-old, with his talents meaning that he was given a debut despite still being well into his teens. A year later, at just 17, he was entrusted to play 16 times for the club and even managed a goal and an assist along the way, finding himself on The Guardian's list of promising young stars back in 2020.

He's yet to venture outside of his home country yet but that could all change this summer. That's because a report from Nettavisen in Norway, via The Daily Record, suggests a deal could be on the cards to send him to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

It mentions that a bid has been made to sign the youngster and that the two parties are now in talks as the negotiations advance. A deal could seemingly be agreed for a fee of around £2.5m according to the same report – as the Hoops are willing to offer a larger sell-on clause to Valerenga than other suitors.

Should Celtic sign Holm?

Those outside of Norway might not be too familiar with the midfielder but those who have seen the 20-year-old play have been impressed by his ability so far.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig for example has called the player a "huge talent" and highlighted the fact that he already performed with maturity for his club despite being only relatively early on in his career.

His talent has even led to him being capped for his country's Under-20 side on two occasions as well. He's yet to crack the Under-21 or first-team for Norway but having been entrusted so heavily by Valerenga and having already been given a chance in the other youth sides, he could soon make the grade. Celtic, then, could have a talent on their hands if they complete a deal for Holm.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are open to cashing in on Ruben Neves this summer should their £50m price tag be met, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Is Ruben Neves leaving Wolves?

The Premier League veteran has made 253 appearances at Molineux since arriving back in 2017 and has even become club captain, but with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Julen Lopetegui will be provided with his final big opportunity to cash in during the upcoming window.

The Old Gold midfielder has been his side’s second best-performing overall, defensive and offensive player this season with a WhoScored match rating of 6.95 so he won’t be short of potential suitors, and having publicly admitted that he wants to join a more high-profile team to achieve his dream of competing in the Champions League, an exit could be on the cards.

The Portuguese international has primarily been attracting interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona in recent months, and if the following update is to be believed, it would appear that the former have ramped up their pursuit in the hope of reaching an agreement.

Are Liverpool signing Neves?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have “asked to be kept informed” of Neves’ situation at Wolves who are “likely to cash in” if their £50m price tag is met. The Midlands skipper has already “made up his mind to quit” and said “farewell” to supporters during the club’s final home lap of honour. The Anfield outfit “continue to have a strong interest” in the 26-year-old and are expected to “keep tabs” on any developments that occur ahead of the 2023/24 term.

Should Wolves keep or sell Neves?

Whilst Wolves will be tempted to sell Neves should a big-money offer arrive, Lopetegui will know how much of an integral member of the squad he is having been dubbed a “beast” by former USA international Jimmy Conrad, so the boss needs to do everything he can to retain the services of his captain beyond the summer.

The World Cup participant is extremely strong in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game, ranking in the 99th percentile for clearances and recording 79 tackles since the start of the term which is higher than any other of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef.

The Wanderers talisman, who is capable of playing at centre-back and slightly higher up in central midfield outside of his usual role, can also be a threat in the final third with seven top-flight goal contributions this season, so for someone who can positively impact the game at both ends of the pitch, it’s a no-brainer for the club to try and keep hold of their most prized asset.