All posts by h716a5.icu

PSG sporting advisor Luis Campos has raved about Lamine Yamal, calling the Barcelona star "an excellent footballer".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Campos hails 'excellent' YamalPSG linked with 17-year-old in the summerYamal starred for Spain at Euro 2024WHAT HAPPENED?

Yamal is the name on everyone's lips right now after starring for Spain en route to their Euro 2024 triumph. But it was even before his brilliant efforts in Germany that rumours emerged of PSG's interest in the winger, with reports that they were willing to pay €250 million (£211m) to sign him. Indeed, there are already fears within Barcelona that the youngster may soon lose control over his future.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Spaniard wouldn't be the first tricky winger to leave Catalonia for Paris, with Neymar famously making the switch for a world-record fee in 2017. The sky is the limit for Yamal and so Barcelona will have to be competitive if they want to keep their rising star, and Campos' comments suggest they will be monitoring his situation very closely in the coming years.

WHAT CAMPOS SAID

PSG's sporting advisor said, per AS: "If all the players who have been linked to PSG in the press were here, we would have five stars per position. And we only need two. Of course I like Lamine Yamal, but also Dembele, Barcola, Kang In-Lee, Marco Asensio, Goncalo Ramos… Fantastic players with enormous quality, let's not forget. PSG is very happy with the players it has in those positions. For my part, saying that Lamine Yamal is not a great player would be a huge mistake. He is an excellent footballer and I am very happy to see him play at the level he does."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?

The transfer rumours will likely persist for some time. For now, Yamal's immediate focus will be on Barcelona and helping the table-topping Blaugrana continue their fine start to the season by beating Girona on Sunday.

Babar Azam’s Team White close first day of the intra-squad game at 231/8 against Azhar Ali’s Team Green

ECB Reporters Network 18-Jul-2020Pakistan’s fast bowlers fired a warning ahead of their exchanges against England on the opening day of an intra-squad warm-up match at Incora County Ground in Derby. Naseem Shah, who at 16 became the youngest to take a Test hat-trick earlier this year, and Mohammad Abbas shared six wickets for Team Green, led by Test captain Azhar Ali, against Babar Azam’s Team White, who closed on 231 for 8.Shan Masood top-scored with 42 and Mohammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 41, but Babar made only 12 on a day when Naseem’s youthful promise shone as brightly as the July sunshine.The 17-year-old has been tipped as a future star and it is not hard to see why on the evidence of this performance. Operating off a short run, he generated considerable pace on a slow pitch and troubled all the batsmen, although he had to wait until after lunch for his rewards.Frustration best summed up his morning as he twice appealed imploringly to umpire Steve O’Shaughnessy for lbws against Masood, who, with Imam-ul-Haq, was forced to concentrate on survival in a first hour which brought only 33 runs.Both became more expansive after that, although Masood was missed off a sharp chance to first slip on 23. But at lunch, Babar’s decision to bat was vindicated with his team 86 without loss.The balance shifted in the afternoon as first Abbas and then Naseem worked through the top order before Yasir Shah’s legspin snared two teammates in the evening session.Only six runs had been added when Abbas, who was to have joined Nottinghamshire this year before his contract was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, had Masood caught at second slip, and although Haider Ali drove Abbas for a huge six onto the media centre, he became the second of Naseem’s victims.Earlier, by pitching the ball up and concentrating on off stump, Naseem allowed little margin for error and when he found enough movement to defeat Imam’s half-forward push, Martin Saggers upheld his appeal. Babar edged his first ball narrowly past leg stump but Naseem was celebrating again when Haider was taken low at second slip.Fawad Alam, adopting a Shivnarine Chanderpaul-like stance, never looked convincing and needed treatment and a new helmet after he was clattered by a skiddy Naseem bouncer.But it was Babar who went just before tea when Iftikhar Ahmed grabbed a smart catch at first slip and Fawad dragged Yasir to wide mid-on.Naseem lured Shadab Khan into pulling a short ball to deep backward square and after Yasir had Sohail Khan lbw, Abbas returned to have Shaheen Shah Afridi caught at third slip. That brought in Kashif Bhatti, only restored to the squad yesterday after a precautionary period of self-isolation, and he announced his return by driving the last ball of the day from Yasir for six.

Aston Villa's trundling finish to the finish line of a fantastic campaign saw fresh life when John Duran salvaged a Premier League point against Liverpool in one late fell swoop.

Well, technically, it was two. The Colombian is earning quite the reputation as Unai Emery's conjurer of chaos and this was demonstrated when his off-the-bench brace ensured that Tottenham Hotspur must secure victory in both of their final games to pip Villa to a top-four spot.

Should this eventuality occur, even then Ange Postecoglou's side will be reliant on Villa failing win against Crystal Palace and a sizeable swing in goal difference. In short: Aston Villa are in a commanding position heading into Sunday's fixture at Selhurst Park.

Villa's ability to return from a forlorn position bears testament to the work that Emery has done in the Midlands, but it wouldn't have been possible without the workhorse that is John McGinn.

John McGinn's performance vs Liverpool

McGinn has been one of Emery's most important players this season, with The Athletic's Gregg Evans even remarking that he "cannot be replaced", so distinctive is his quality and presence of character.

Against Liverpool, he was handed an 8/10 match rating by Birmingham Live's John Townley after a tireless display, with the reporter writing: 'McGinn had nothing left in the tank come full-time. He covered every blade of grass on the night.'

As per Sofascore, the 29-year-old completed the full 90 minutes, taking 54 touches, completing 90% of his passes, making two key passes, winning a whopping eight duels and succeeding with four of his five attempted dribbles. He truly is irreplaceable.

The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell even noted that he was "like a man possessed" charged at Liverpool's backline, rallied against the late two-goal deficit and galvanised his team into action.

Duran might have been the goalscoring show-stealer but McGinn was the architect of the success, producing heroics that have been on display so often this season, propelling Aston Villa to a new level entirely – a level that was only a drifting dream before Emery arrived and rewrote the script.

His effort against Liverpool was simply a reflection of the work he has put in throughout the campaign, and if the Lions do secure a spot among Europe's elite next season, he will unquestionably be one of the most integral and influential members to have contributed.

John McGinn's season in numbers

McGinn has been a key figure at Villa Park this season, playing in 52 fixtures in all competitions, scoring nine goals and supplying seven assists for his teammates.

But his goal contributions are not the true measure of his success, and his quality. As per FBref, McGinn ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, emphasising his thoroughbred power and tenacity.

1.

Ezri Konsa

4,282

2.

Douglas Luiz

4,262

3.

OIlie Watkins

4,253

4.

John McGinn

4,226

5.

Emiliano Martinez

4,170

But he's much more, a complete and commanding figure, so important within the system. He is the fourth-most used player at Aston Villa this season but none of his peers can match his indefatigable running, his unwavering drive toward a goal.

He's created ten big chances in the Premier League this season. He's averaged 1.3 key passes, 1.6 dribbles, 1.7 tackles and 4.7 ball recoveries per game. He wins more duels per game (5.5) than Douglas Luiz (4.3), and his seasonal heat map is a thing to behold – every blade indeed.

McGinn is quite the player, and his performances for his high-flying side have cemented his legacy among the modern greats of his incredible football club.

Aston Villa must axe 6/10 star who nearly jeopardised their UCL hopes

Aston Villa scored two late goals to secure a share of the spoils against Liverpool

ByRoss Kilvington May 14, 2024

Thomas Tuchel turned down the chance to manage Manchester United due to conflicts with the club's transfer policy.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Tuchel was in the frame to replace Ten HagOpted not to take the jobHad concerns about transfer policyWHAT HAPPENED?

Tuchel met with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe while the club were reviewing Erik ten Hag's position following a poor 2023-24 league campaign. The German coach was leaving Bayern Munich but eventually ruled himself out of the running to replace the Dutchman as he did not align with the Red Devils' transfer policy, according to The Mirror.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT WAS SAID?

According to German outlet Bild, there was almost an agreement in place for the former Chelsea boss to take over. Pundit Marcel Reif said: "I would have bet a lot that Tuchel would replace Ten Hag. I recently had another conversation with someone who is very close to that. It was pretty far along, almost in agreement. As far as the squad is concerned, the considerations were different. Tuchel said pretty much at the finish line: 'I’m not doing that! I won’t do that to myself again, that I go to a club and then things come from outside.'"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Tuchel has been used to spending big in his career. Having managed Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, he would have required a big budget at Old Trafford, something the new ownership have not been keen on. There is a plan in place to reduce the wage bill at Manchester United, but Tuchel would have likely preferred to do the opposite by bringing in ready-made talent capable of winning straight away.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR TUCHEL?

The 51-year-old remains without a job, but will likely slot back into management when the right opportunity arises. He left Bayern by mutual consent after forfeiting the club's 10-year run of winning the Bundesliga to Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso.

Now that the 2023/24 Premier League season is complete, Sir Jim Ratcliffe can finally undertake his first transfer window as Manchester United owner.

It’s clear that wholesale changes will occur at the club after an underwhelming season, with only a select few safe from being put up for sale.

However, as players depart, others must arrive, but this time around, it’s been reported that younger players will be prioritised over ready-made superstars.

With that in mind, there is a potential summer signing who could very well be an even bigger wonderkid than Kobbie Mainoo.

Man Utd eye up promising defender

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Man United are eyeing a move for the highly-rated Jorrel Hato.

Having scouted the defender for some time, he’s become a player that the Red Devils admire and could look to sign this summer.

However, they won’t be alone in their bid to sign Hato, with Arsenal also interested in acquiring his services and in pole position to do so.

In order to sign the Ajax ace, a report – via TEAMTalk – in March stated that the club will demand a huge £86m, which could be a stumbling block for both Premier League sides.

Why Hato could be a bigger talent than Mainoo

Mainoo’s rise to becoming a consistent first-team starter this season has been a joy to watch, arguably one of the best moments to have occurred over the campaign.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been absolutely immense over his 24 Premier League starts, showing the maturity and mentality of a seasoned professional.

Just six months ago, Mainoo was slowly announcing himself to the world, but after scoring three wonderful Premier League goals, there’s a genuine chance that he’s on the plane to Germany with England this summer.

Hato is also a player who’s followed an identical path to first-team glory as Mainoo, stepping up for a struggling side and performing at an extremely high level despite being just 18 years old – one year the United midfielder's junior.

Touches

94.8

43.5

60.7

Passes completed

72.8

31.4

41.5

Pass accuracy

93%

89%

83%

Tackles

2

0.8

1.1

Interceptions

1.4

0.7

1.1

Duels won

5.5

2

4.7

Balls recovered

5.7

3

3.5

As you can see by the table above, Hato is already performing at such a high level, which is completely remarkable considering his age.

The left-footed defender has started 33 matches in the Eredivisie this season – more than Mainoo – operating in three different roles: at centre-back, at left-centre back in a three, and as a left-back.

It’s clear from the statistics that Hato is a fantastic technician, boating incredible passing range and accuracy, which is why he’s been labelled as “magnificent” by football scout Jacek Kulig.

On top of that, he’s a dominant defender who’s not afraid to enter duels, taking on a proactive approach that would suit a team that opts for a high line, as shown by his tackles, interceptions, and balls recovered.

Furthermore, not only has the number four developed into a consistent key player for Ajax, but he’s taken on the responsibility of the captain’s armband this season, which highlights how much he’s valued as a talent. Not even Mainoo can manage that.

To be performing at an even higher standard than two of United’s key centre-halves this season just proves how incredible he truly is, and he could just be an even bigger prospect than Mainoo.

But one thing is crystal clear: Man United must do all they can to sign Hato this summer.

Man Utd could finally ditch Wan-Bissaka by signing "monster" star

INEOS would score a major win by getting this one over the line.

ByAngus Sinclair May 21, 2024

The former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh head coach was previously with the state between 2010 and 2014

Daniel Brettig19-Jul-2020Former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has beaten a lengthy list of rivals to return to New South Wales as senior assistant and batting coach of the state side, having previously served as assistant coach between 2010 and 2014.The likes of former Cricket Australia pathways coach Chris Rogers and former West Indies assistant Toby Radford are also believed to have applied for the role, but they fell short of Hathurusingha’s deep and impressive CV, which will afford the NSW batsmen a broad education in handling different challenges in all conditions.Hathurusingha’s appointment is the first significant move by Greg Mail after he became the Blues’ head of cricket in May, rounding out a coaching staff that also features Phil Jaques as head coach alongside pace bowling coach Andre Adams and spin bowling coach Anthony Clark.ALSO READ: Phil Jaques: Dukes ball helped stretch Sheffield Shield playersIt’s not the first time that Cricket NSW has seen fit to rehire a former coach who departed temporarily for international duties. In 2013 the state brought back Trevor Bayliss as state coach after his successful stint as coach of Sri Lanka, only to see him exit once again in 2015 to take over as England coach ultimately guiding the side to the 2019 ODI World Cup.Hathurusingha was a trusted lieutenant for Bayliss with both Sri Lanka and NSW, while he also played a key role in helping to rejuvenate the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League after its moribund start to the competition.NSW had needed to find a new batting coach after the Englishman Michael Yardy returned home for family reasons halfway through a two-year deal he had signed in 2019, and Hathurusingha was back in Australia after a messy departure from his time as Sri Lanka coach, after the board stopped paying him in October 2019 but did not formally terminate his contract until early this year.It had been a slow deterioration in the role, after Hathurusingha was deprived of selection responsibility on the tour of South Africa in early 2019, and then effectively removed from his coaching role midway through the World Cup in England while continuing to travel with the team. He had subsequently been linked with a possible return as coach of Bangladesh, before Russell Domingo was appointed late last year.

Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement is showing no signs of relaxation, making moves to sign Jefte and Oscar Cortes in a bid to bolster his squad ahead of next season.

It looks like youth is clearly on his mind, as a current Arsenal teenager looks like he could be the next arrival at the Light Blues…

Rangers transfer news

Scotsman journalist Graham Falk has provided an update on the Light Blues transfer activity which concerns Arsenal defender Reuell Walters.

The player is out of contract and has apparently rejected a new deal to remain at the Emirates beyond this summer, indicating that he could be an ideal signing for Clement in the coming weeks.

Rangers have enjoyed some previous success in recruiting young talent from the Premier League, most notably Calvin Bassey back in the summer of 2020.

Rangers' next Calvin Bassey

The Nigerian defender moved north of the border four years ago, joining up with Steven Gerrard’s side ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Arriving with plenty of raw potential, Bassey enjoyed a wonderful two-year spell at Ibrox which saw him win both the Premiership and the Scottish Cup while playing a key role as the Gers reached the 2022 Europa League final.

Player

Fee

Club joined

Calvin Bassey

£22.5m

Ajax

Nathan Patterson

£16m

Everton

Alan Hutton

£9m

Tottenham Hotspur

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

£8.5m

Arsenal

Jean-Alain Boumsong

£8m

Newcastle United

Via The Scottish Sun

His displays on the continent caught the attention of Ajax, who shelled out a fee of just under £23m to sign him in 2022, a deal that represents the biggest fee Rangers have ever received.

Could Clement replicate this move by luring Walters to Scotland in the next few weeks? Quite possibly; the youngster certainly looks to be the complete package.

The 6-foot gem has made a name for himself with various youth sides at the Gunners, making a total of 80 appearances for the U21 and U18 age groups over the previous four seasons.

Mikel Arteta clearly had big plans for the 19-year-old as he was named in the matchday squad now fewer than 11 times throughout the 2023/24 campaign, including in the Champions League, yet he failed to make a first-team appearance.

Walters was hailed by Will Balsam back in April as he went on a mazy run to set up Ethan Nwaneri’s goal during a youth match, saying: “Walters ability to carry through midfield and find runners in behind is what makes him such a special talent. Hopefully Arsenal find a way to extend his contract.”

Further lauded as a "ball-playing monster" by analyst Ben Mattinson, it looks as though Walters is set to become a free agent when his current deal expires at the end of this month and Clement should be doing everything he can to snap him up on a free transfer.

If developed properly and given consistent game time, Walters could raise his profile significantly in Scotland – as Bassey did after moving north of the border – which will increase his market value.

The Nigeria international has proven that in the past, giving young players a chance can certainly pay dividends, which suggests bringing the Arsenal teen to Scotland may be a wise decision by the 50-year-old.

Rangers eye move for set-piece specialist to replace Barisic

Rangers look to be seeking another signing in the coming weeks…

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 3, 2024

Notts remain unbeaten at top of North Group after another impressive display

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2020Nottinghamshire 194 for 4 (Duckett 86*) beat Yorkshire 190 (Root 65) by six wicketsA punishing innings of 86 not out by Ben Duckett steered the Notts Outlaws to a six-wicket victory over Yorkshire Vikings in their Vitality Blast North Group clash at Trent Bridge.Duckett scored his runs from 53 balls and hit 10 fours and two sixes to seal the win with four balls remaining. The left-hander shared stands of 85 with Chris Nash, who scored 51, and 51 from 27 balls with Tom Moores, who was undefeated on 21 when the target was reached.Earlier, Yorkshire were dismissed for 190 from the final ball of their innings, after choosing to bat first, with Joe Root making 65 and Adam Lyth 53. Luke Fletcher took career best bowling figures of five for 43 for the hosts.Root’s second half-century inside 24 hours paved the way for the visitors to set Notts a challenging target. The England Test captain, who had scored 64 on Sunday against Derbyshire Falcons, arrived at the crease in the fourth over after Tom Kohler-Cadmore had been deceived by Matt Carter and was stranded several feel outside his crease.Root and Lyth put on 54 together in only 4.5 overs, with the opener having a slice of luck on 29 when his pulled shot brushed the fingers of Steven Mullaney before being tipped over the ropes for six.Appropriately, Mullaney got his revenge by having Lyth caught in the deep by Dan Christian but Harry Brook made 39 from only 26 deliveries to maintain the impetus.Fletcher had conceded 25 from his opening two overs but returned at the back end of the innings to wreak havoc, picking up five wickets from his final nine deliveries.Root had reached his 50 from 43 balls but fell to a stunning catch on the boundary from Alex Hales, one of four he held, including one to dismiss Mat Pillans from the penultimate ball of the innings. Fletcher then yorked George Hill to end the innings. Jake Ball also impressed, taking three for 36.Notts were soon in disarray, losing the key wickets of Hales and Joe Clarke inside the first two overs of their reply but Duckett anchored their chase after lofting Jordan Thompson away for six.Nash reached his second half century of the tournament from only 30 balls, with five fours and two sixes, but then wandered across his stumps and was given out leg before wicket.Neck and neck with their opponents’ score throughout, Notts began to take control after Duckett clubbed the leg spin of Josh Poysden for 18 in the thirteenth over.Outlaws’ captain Christian made 21 from just 11 balls but his dismissal failed to turn the tide in Yorkshire’s favour as Duckett and Moores brought the scores level at the start of the final over.With the field in tight Duckett clipped Pillans away to the ropes to seal the victory and clinch the Outlaws’ fifth consecutive win over the White Rose in completed matches.Notts remain unbeaten in the group, moving on to five points, whilst Yorkshire’s setback leaves them on three points.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised Marcus Rashford for handing a penalty to struggling Antony in the 7-0 win over Barnsley.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Antony scores first goal since MarchMan Utd comfortably dispatch BarnsleyRed Devils through to fourth roundFollow GOAL's official WhatsApp channel!Join nowWHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag watched on as his side thumped Barnsley 7-0 on Tuesday evening to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round. Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen each scored braces, while Antony netted his first goal since April from the penalty spot.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Brazilian winger has come under fierce criticism for his struggles on the pitch, and Ten Hag appeared to question his attitude this week when he said "players have to earn the right to play". Rashford's decision to hand him an early penalty should serve as a confidence boost for the 24-year-old, and Ten Hag later praised the England star for his generosity.

WHAT TEN HAG SAID

"They are very ambitious, very hungry," Ten Hag said after the win. "But they also give each other the ball, they want to give assists and give each other the opportunity to score a goal like with the penalty. Antony needs some confidence then Rashy gives the pen to Antony which is good for the team when they are together."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

United will discover their fourth-round opponents on Wednesday, September 25. Before then, the Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace in pursuit of a third-straight win in all competitions.

Former Tottenham Hotspur star and pundit Jamie O'Hara has claimed that Chelsea's Cole Palmer is 'levels above' Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

'Palmer and Yamal levels above Saka' – O'HaraFormer midfielder claims Saka 'isn't world class'Says Palmer is the 'best player in the world'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Palmer has arguably been the best player in the Premier League this season alongside Erling Haaland as the England star has scored six goals and provided four assists in six Premier League matches. However, Palmer's form has not been isolated to this season, as he scored 25 goals in all competitions.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

O'Hara has now brought up a comparison between Palmer and Arsenal's Saka which has been a very common debate between Premier League and Three Lions fans. The former Wolves and Spurs midfielder has now claimed that players like Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Palmer play at a much higher level than Saka and also claimed that the Gunners star "isn't world class".

WHAT O'HARA SAID

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, O'Hara said: "Bukayo Saka isn't world class. He’s a great player in a very good team, but I look at guys like Cole Palmer and Lamine Yamal, who in my opinion are world-class players. They're a level above Saka – it's as simple as that.

"Yamal looks set to be the star man at Barcelona for the coming years and you know they’ll win trophies with him; so I’d have him over Saka for starters. Palmer also looks like the best player in the Premier League, which means you can argue that he is the best player in the world.

"I might be getting carried away there, but Palmer looks like he can do anything on a football pitch, nothing fazes him at all. As I said, Saka is a great player, but Palmer is another level."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SAKA AND PALMER?

The England duo will now meet up at Three Lions camp next week as England prepare for Nations League clashes with Greece and Finland. Before that though both Saka and Palmer will have to help their club sides deal with Southampton and Nottingham Forest, respectively.