Heat couldn’t lift their net run-rate enough to take top spot which means they will stage the Challenger final
AAP24-Nov-2024
Jess Jonassen starred with bat and ball•Getty Images
Brisbane Heat downed Sydney Sixers by five wickets but failed to steal WBBL final hosting rights from Melbourne Renegades.Heat, chasing the Sixers’ 140 all out, reached their target from 17 overs for victory at Allan Border Field. But they to chase down their target in 13.3 overs to eclipse Renegades on net run rate and secure hosting rights for the final.Renegades will host the WBBL decider at the MCG next Sunday night after topping the table from the second-placed Heat.Related
Matthews and Molineux star to send Renegades top
Kathryn Bryce carries Hurricanes to brink of finals, ends Scorchers' season
Heat will host the Challenger on Friday night at Allan Border Field against the winner of Wednesday night’s Knockout final between the third-placed Sydney Thunder and fourth-placed Hobart Hurricanes at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney.Heat on Sunday night made a dash for top spot in the last game of the tournament’s regular season. Jemimah Rodrigues smacked five fours and a six in making 39 from 22 balls but her rapid-fire knock ended when caught from Amelia Kerr’s bowling and Sixers spinner bowled Charli Knott next ball.The quick wickets left the Heat 58 for 3 after seven overs and, met with some miserly Sixers bowling, they changed tack to focus winning the game, rather than chasing the net run rate target.Georgia Redmayne made 25 from 29 balls and the outcome remained tight when Heat required 46 runs from the last 42 balls.Captain Jess Jonassen then called the power surge and capitalised on the field restrictions by cracking three fours and a six as Caoimhe Bray conceded 20 runs from her over. The burst from Jonassen and a late flurry from Laura Harris sealed victory.Earlier, Sixers couldn’t cash in on a bright start from their opening batters Kerr and Ellyse Perry. The pair put on 63 runs before Perry was dismissed in the 10th over.Ash Gardner became Lucy Hamilton’s first victim some two overs later and when Kerr’s 37 ball innings ended in the 14th over, Sixers had slipped from 63 for 0 to 90 for 3.From then, only Sarah Bryce, who smashed a six and four fours in making 28 from 19 balls, reached double figures.Heat’s emerging 18-year-old star Hamilton was again superb – she now has taken 10 wickets in her past three games – while skipper Jonassen claimed 3 for 26.
حقق الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، فوزًا مثيرًا على الزمالك، في القمة 131 ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز موسم 2025-2026 بهدفين مقابل هدف.
والتقى الأهلي مع الزمالك، ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي.
طالع.. لاعب الزمالك يغادر مباراة القمة أمام الأهلي مصابًا
وافتتح الزمالك، أهداف المباراة في الدقيقة 32 من عمر المباراة عن طريق حسام عبد المجيد من علامة الجزاء.
وتعادل الأهلي، عن طريق حسين الشحات بعد حلوله بديلًا في الدقيقة 73 من تسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، سكنت شباك محمد صبحي.
وحصل الأحمر، على ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 75، تصدى لها محمود حسن تريزيجيه ونجح في تنفيذها.
ورفع الأهلي، رصيده إلى 15 نقطة في المركز الثالث من 8 مباريات، بينما الزمالك تجمد رصيده عند 17 نقطة في المركز الأول من 9 مباريات.
Botafogo-SP e Vitória se enfrentam nesta sexta-feira, às 21h30, no Estádio Santa Cruz, em Ribeirão Preto (SP), em jogo válido pela quinta rodada da Série B. O time baiano, que é o atual segundo colocado da competição, com nove pontos, assumirá a liderança em caso de empate ou vitória. Até aqui são três vitórias em três jogos. Já os donos da casa estão na quinta colocação, também com nove pontos, e também pode assumir a ponta.
+ Confira a classificação atualizada da Série B
BOTAFOGO-SP X VITÓRIA Data/horário: sexta-feira, 05/05, 21h30 Local: Estádio Santa Cruz, Ribeirão Preto Árbitro: Sávio Pereira Sampaio (DF/FIFA) Auxiliares: Eduardo Gonçalves da Cruz (MS) e Daniel Henrique da Silva Andrade (DF) Onde assistir: Premiere FC e SporTV.
PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES:
BOTAFOGO-SP: Matheus; Thassio, Carlinhos, Diogo Silva e Jean Victor; Tárik, Guilherme, Luiz Henrique e Gustavo Xuxa; Robinho e Osman. Técnico: Adilson Batista.
VITÓRIA: Lucas Arcanjo; Zeca, Camutanga, Wagner Leonardo e Marcelo; Léo Gomes, Rodrigo Andrade e Giovanni Augusto; Zé Hugo, Osvaldo e Tréllez. Técnico: Léo Condé.
Aston Villa had a quiet start to the window but it appears to be ramping up in the final few weeks. The club was at risk of breaching the Premier League’s PSR rules, but with the impending sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, they have more freedom to spend.
Unai Emery has already brought in Nice forward Evann Guessand for around £30 million – the boss seems to have been a major contributing factor in the 24 year-old’s decision to come to Birmingham, as in one of his first interviews as a Villa player, he spoke of their relationship.
Villa are looking to quickly follow up this signing with another forward who has already spent some time with the club.
Villa working to bring back Asensio
With the sale of Jacob Ramsey almost complete, Aston Villa have started the process of bringing Marco Asensio back to the club (Sky Sports). Asensio joined Villa on loan from PSG from January until the end of the 24/25 season, but until now, there have been no official moves to make the signing permanent.
Negotiations are already proceeding well, with an agreement in place with the player to sign a three-year contract with all other personal terms having been agreed. On the club front, PSG has already informed Asensio that they are open to selling him in the event that a satisfactory offer is received.
Later this week, Villa are expected to place their first official bid with PSG, with a figure of £17.2 million including bonuses being their asking price.
Asensio to build on his fantastic first impression
From the moment Asensio joined Villa last season, he seemed to buy into Emery’s vision and the club’s project. In February, he held an interview with Sky: “Happy to join the project, be with my teammates and staff, and grateful to be able to give a lot of joy to the fans as well. I want to be able to help us achieve the goals that we have, collectively, as a team and a club.”
His teammates also took a liking to him, with Matty Cash calling him a “Mentality Monster”. His teammates would also have loved his creativity, as he featured in the top 25% of players for chances created per 90 minutes.
As a well-regarded figure, both in the dressing room and global football, who already has a good relationship with the club and the manager, resigning Asensio on a three-year deal for less than £20 million feels like a no-brainer for Villa.
Pakistan will kick off the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Dec-2024
Pakistan and India cricket fans will cheer for their teams at the Champions Trophy, but in a third country•AFP/Getty Images
India will play their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the UAE. The decision, though widely expected, was finalised after Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, met with Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan. Sheikh Nahyan is a senior UAE minister and also the head of the Emirates Cricket Board.”The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy,” PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said.The Pakistan vs India league match will be played on February 23, a Sunday. Apart from Pakistan, the other two teams in India’s group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will face Bangladesh on February 20, and New Zealand on March 2. All these games are likely to be held in Dubai.Champions Trophy 2025 groups
Group A – Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand Group B – Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa
Pakistan, the defending champions, will kick off the tournament on February 19, against New Zealand in Karachi. Pakistan’s last league match, against Bangladesh, will be played in Rawalpindi on February 27.The second group has Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa. The matches for both groups – apart from the India games – will be played across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.The two semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 (without a reserve day) and March 5 (with a reserve day). The final on March 9 also has a reserve day. The first semi-final, if India make it to that stage, will be played in the UAE. If India don’t qualify, the game will be held in Pakistan. The final is slotted for Lahore, with the provision of holding it in the UAE if India make it that far.The hybrid model was finalised after the parties involved agreed that, in return, Pakistan’s matches at ICC events hosted by India till 2027 will also be at a neutral venue. In all instances, knockout games such as the semi-final and the final will also be held at neutral venues.The agreement begins with the Champions Trophy, and will apply to the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It will also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, the first tournament of the next events cycle that has now been awarded to Pakistan.
اعترف فيديريكو فالفيردي، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، بأن فريقه عاش وقتًا صعبًا للغاية، عقب الخسارة في ديربي العاصمة الإسبانية أمام ريال مدريد، في بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
ريال مدريد تعرض لهزيمة قاسية أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين يوم السبت الماضي، ضمن قمة الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني على ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو.
ويسعى ريال مدريد للتعويض عندما يواجه نظيره كيرات الماتي الكازاخستاني يوم غدًا الثلاثاء، ضمن الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
طالع .. مدرب كيرات: سنلجأ إلى بعض الحيل أمام ريال مدريد.. ولن ننظر إلى خماسية أتلتيكو
وقال فالفيردي في المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص باللقاء، والذي نقلته صحيفة آس بادئًأ بالحديث عن مواجهة كيرات: “ندخل هذه المواجهة محاولين تغيير ما حدث ضد أتلتيكو والخروج بروح مختلفة والفوز، كان الاستقبال رائعًا وكان الكثير من جماهير ريال مدريد ينتظروننا، كان الأمر جنونيًا”.
ونفى فالفيردي الشائعات التي أشارت إلى أنه لا يحب اللعب كظهير أيمن، حيث استطرد: “إذا قلت ذلك فقد يظنونني كاذبًا. اسألوا المدرب ولطالما قلت إنني متاح للفريق. لم أرفض أبدًا اللعب في أي مركز ودائمًا ما أقدم أفضل ما لدي أينما كنت، مع أنشيلوتي، مع زيدان، ومع تشابي”.
واستكمل: ”لطالما عبرت عن رأيي، على أي لاعب أساسي أن يغتنم هذه الفرصة كما لو كانت الأخيرة. لم أرفض أبدًا اللعب في هذا المركز، من النادر أن يحدث شيء كهذا. إنه شرف لي أن ألعب لـ ريال مدريد وهذا واضح، يمكنكم سؤال زملائي أو المدرب وأنا دائمًا حاضر من أجل الفريق وسأموت من أجل ريال مدريد”.
وعن الخسارة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد أضاف: ”لقد كانا يومين صعبين للغاية، كنا منزعجين جدًا من الهزيمة وكانت ضربة موجعة، تحدثنا كثيرًا، منذ أن كنت في ريال مدريد نادرًا ما يحدث هذا حيث كان هناك الكثير من النقاشات، علينا أن نعدل الوضع بأسرع وقت ممكن، شددنا على الروح القتالية في الملعب وأيضًا مع المدرب كانت هناك نقاشات كثيرة، غدًا المباراة الأولى لتغيير كل ذلك”.
وأوضح: ”ليس هناك أي شكوك من قبلنا بشأن الفريق وبشأن المدرب، لعبنا مباريات كثيرة لكن لم يكن لدينا وقت كاف مع تشابي، علينا أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا وبنسبة 100% حتى تُحل جميع المشاكل في أسرع وقت ممكن”.
وأردف: ”لقد تعرضنا لهزيمتين مع تشابي وكانتا صعبتين للغاية، هذه أمور تشكل جزءًا من كرة القدم لكن علينا أن نحاول منع حدوثها وأن نغير الصورة، علينا أن نبقى متحدين قدر الإمكان داخل الملعب وخارجه حتى يكون عامًا جيدًا لنا”.
وتابع: ”أشعر ببعض الإحباط، أنا مدرك تمامًا لأسلوب لعبي، فأنا أول من يعلم متى لا تسير الأمور كما أريد، اللاعبون يدركون تمامًا ما إذا كانوا يقدمون أداءً سيئًا في المباريات”.
وواصل: ”صحيح أنني بدأت بداية جيدة في المشروع الجديد في كأس العالم، أعتقد أنني لعبت جيدًا هناك، الآن أصبح الشعور بالراحة في الملعب أصعب بكثير بالنسبة لي وسأواصل العمل، كقائد سأواصل قيادة الفريق والدفاع عن نفسي عندما ألعب وسأواصل بذل قصارى جهدي والمضي قدمًا”.
وعن عدم مشاركته في مركز الجناح قال فالفيردي: “في النهاية دائمًا ما تسمع أو ترى الانتقادات ومن الجيد أن تتلقى الثناء. لم أولد لألعب في مركز الظهير ولم أكبر كلاعب وأنا ألعب هناك ، كانت لحظة حرجة احتاجني الفريق فيها، شعرت بالفخر لأنني تمكنت من تقديم أداء جيد. لكنني لطالما تساءلت إن كانت تلك المباريات ستكون مجرد لحظة عابرة”.
وأضاف: ”شعرت بالراحة في مركز الظهير وفزنا بالكثير عندما لعبت كجناح، فزنا بدوري أبطال أوروبا وأنا هناك ومرة أخرى وأنا في خط الوسط”.
وأوضح: ”أنا متاح دائمًا وأتعلم المركز الجديد عند الحاجة، لا أشعر بالراحة لأنني لم أكبر وأنا ألعب هناك وأواجه صعوبة في بعض الأمور مثل التغطية في الدفاع، لكنني أحاول إظهار ثباتي ولهذا السبب تسير الأمور على ما يرام بالنسبة لي هناك”.
وأردف: ”نشأت في مركز خط الوسط وتعلمت الكثير هناك من العديد من اللاعبين، لكنني أبليت بلاءً حسنًا في مركز الظهير وأنا هنا لأي شيء يحتاجه المدرب مني”.
وعن كيرات تابع: “لم نتدرب كثيرًا قبل هذه المباراة أما من لعبوا أقل ضد أتلتيكو فقد تدربوا. شاهدنا العديد من مقاطع فيديو لفريق كيرات. لكن كانت هناك أمور أهمما هي النمو كفريق والتركيز على أنفسنا وهذا ما جاء في المقام الأول”.
وعن مشجعي كيرات اختتم فالفيردي: “في مدريد، من الطبيعي جدًا أن يحدث هذا. لم يسبق لي أن جئت للعب هنا وبدا الأمر ضربًا من الجنون. كان الوقت متأخرًا جدًا ومغادرة المطار ورؤية هذا العدد الكبير من الناس ينتظروننا، إنه مصدر فخر ويجب أن نقدر ذلك. هذه أمور تغير كرة القدم وإنه لشرف لي أن ألعب هنا. نحن نسعى للفوز من أجل هؤلاء الناس”.
Dorival Júnior reestreou no São Paulo com o pé direito, após a vitória contra o América-MG por 3 a 0. Mesmo assim, o treinador falou sobre a saída de Rogério Ceni e destacou o legado que o ex-goleiro deixou no Tricolor.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloRafael fala sobre destaque em vitória do São Paulo e agradece carinho da torcida: ‘Hoje foi um dia inesquecível’São Paulo22/04/2023São PauloCalleri exalta ‘simplicidade’ de Dorival, mas dedica vitória do São Paulo a Rogério CeniSão Paulo22/04/2023São PauloEm retorno de Dorival Júnior e noite inspirada de Rafael, São Paulo vence o América-MG pelo Campeonato BrasileiroSão Paulo22/04/2023
Assim como em 2017, Dorival assumiu o comando do clube do Morumbi logo após a saída de Ceni. Durante a coletiva de imprensa pós-jogo, o atual treinador tricolor afirmou ‘ser delicado’ falar assumindo a posição de ‘alguém que representa o que Rogério Ceni foi’, relembrando a coincidência da primeira vez que isso aconteceu.
ATUAÇÕES: Rafael tem noite de “paredão” e salva São Paulo na estreia de Dorival
Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro
– Édelicado você falar assumindo a posição de uma pessoa que representa o que o Rogério representa. É uma pessoa que eu tenho carinho, um respeito especial, toda história. Coincidência éque eu estou entrando justamente quando ele ta saindo, mas me coloco na condição do Rogério e sei o sentimento que ele possa ter – destacou.
continua após a publicidade
Dorival afirmou querer dar sequência ao trabalho de Ceni, ‘fazendo seu melhor e aproveitando o máximo’. Para o técnico, o confronto com o América-MG foi muito complicado, mas afirmou que a semana foi conturbada com tudo o que aconteceu.
– Quero fazer meu melhor, dando sequência, aproveitar o máximo possível, partida muito complicada, se acontecesse um gol a história seria outra, tenho que enaltecer a equipe, foi uma semana conturbada, não é fácil, querendo ou não muda o foco principal. Até porque muitas notícias envolveram, isso criou um problema extra, raros são aqueles que apartam uma situação da outra, temos que trabalhar e nos dedicar ao máximo – completou.
Agora,o São Paulo volta a campo na próxima terça-feira (25), contra o Ituano, pelo jogo de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. Vindo de um empate sem gols, a partida é essencial para a classificação para a próxima etapa.
After missing out on the signature of Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, Tottenham Hotspur have been trying to secure a new attacking midfielder ahead of the new campaign.
The signing of Joao Palhinha in a deep-lying position has solved one of the underlying problems in the side, allowing them to focus on other areas of the pitch as a result.
James Maddison has for so often been the player who’s occupied the number ten role in North London, but new boss Thomas Frank will be unable to rely upon him during the first few months of the campaign.
FFC Spurs – James Maddison
The Englishman sustained an ACL injury in the pre-season clash against Newcastle United, which is expected to rule him out for the majority of the 2025/26 season.
Such a setback has highlighted the further need for additions in the middle of the park, which could see numerous players being pursued before the September 1st deadline.
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Over the last couple of days, it’s been confirmed that Spurs have entered talks with Crystal Palace over a potential deal to sign midfielder Eberechi Eze.
However, if they are to secure the signature of the England international this summer, they will have to battle North London rivals Arsenal – in what could be a two-horse race.
He’s not the only player they’ve been considering as of late, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss also in their sights, according to TheBoyHotspur.
Their report claims that the Lilywhites are set to trigger his £22m relegation release clause in his contract, after the Foxes suffered an immediate return to the second tier last season.
It also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with their Champions League status seen as a huge bonus in their pursuit of the Moroccan international.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Eze
There’s no denying that Eze would be a phenomenal addition for Spurs this summer, but it’s currently unclear as to whether he would want to join Frank’s side.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzereacts
The 27-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most potent forwards in recent times, as seen by his superb tally of 16 goal contributions in his 34 appearances throughout 2024/25.
He’s registered three goals and one assist in his seven outings against the Lilywhites, potentially landing a star who has constantly caused havoc against them in England’s top-flight.
Having a player of his talent would hand the new boss the added quality he needs to build on the Europa League success achieved last season, whilst also denting their rivals’ ambitions in the process.
However, whilst he may remain as many of the supporters’ first choice this window, El Khannouss could be an excellent alternative to Eze, following a similar trend should he move to North London.
The 21-year-old would replicate the Englishman in joining the club from a Championship outfit, before developing into one of the biggest threats in England’s top-flight.
Despite suffering relegation to the Championship last season, it didn’t stop the youngster from outperforming Eze in numerous key areas – arguably being a better addition for the club this summer.
How El Khannouss & Eze compare in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
El Khannouss
Eze
Games played
33
34
Goals & assists
6
16
Progressive passes
5.4
3.3
Progressive carries
2.9
2.4
Goals per shot on target
0.3
0.2
Pass accuracy
75%
74%
Passes into final third
3.8
1.7
Take-on success
57%
48%
Carries into the final third
1.9
1.6
Stats via FBref
El Khannouss, who’s been labelled “elite” by analyst Ben Mattinson, achieved a better goal per shot on target rate last season, arguably being a more clinical option for the Lilywhites within the final third.
He also notched higher tallies for progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90, able to create more chances for his potential new teammates throughout 2025/26.
The Leicester star’s dominance is further highlighted in his higher take-on success and tally of carries into the final third, subsequently able to single-handedly create an opportunity out of nothing for Frank’s men.
£22m would be a sensational piece of business by the club, able to land a talent with bigger potential for a fraction of the cost if they decide to move for the Moroccan instead of Eze.
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White in action with Leicester City'sBilalEl Khannouss
Given the lack of quality in such a department, given Maddison’s injury, it’s vital the club make the right addition, with El Khannouss able to fill the void and continue his development and become a leading Premier League talent in North London.
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Better signing than Rodrygo: £60m star is ready to join Spurs alongside Eze
Tottenham Hotspur have received the green light over a deal to land a top-level talent this summer.
We’ve got to face the facts: there’s a growing chance that Alexander Isak will not sign for Liverpool before the transfer window closes in just one week.
Liverpool’s desire to sign the Newcastle United striker, and indeed Isak’s desperate hopes of joining the Reds this summer, have been dashed by the Magpies’ struggles to sign new forwards.
Even now, with the 2025/26 campaign underway and the market into the final stretch, United have failed to add a striker to their ranks, missing out on a slew of top targets over the past several months. They need two for Isak to leave, for Callum Wilson left St. James’ Park at the end of his contract in June.
Speaking of Tyneside, Liverpool make their way to Newcastle’s stadium on Monday, meeting Eddie Howe’s side in what is being billed as a venomous Premier League clash between renewed rivals.
Arne Slot led Liverpool to the league title last season, but many comings and goings have occurred in the months since, and Liverpool still need another forward, Isak or not.
Liverpool's search for a forward
With the tragic passing of Diogo Jota this summer, and the sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, Liverpool are somewhat light in attack, even though they have signed Florian Wirtz in a British-record deal and have landed a new number nine in Hugo Ekitike, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m in July.
Two goals and an assist from as many matches marks quite the start to his Liverpool journey (more of the same tonight, Hugo), and has even led some to question the need for a number nine of Isak’s calibre when Slot has a superstar-in-the-making brewing.
But, should Isak stay put, Liverpool must surely still push toward a new forward, potentially someone capable of playing across a range of attacking berths.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been regularly linked with a move to the Premier League and to Liverpool this summer, but Northern correspondent Dominic King has confirmed that the Brazilian is not on the Anfield agenda.
However, if Isak doesn’t sign, Liverpool might want to act on their earmarked interest in an up-and-coming winger with a point to prove.
That man is Lyon’s Malick Fofana. Previous reports this summer detail Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has been poised to lodge an official offer if the opportunity arises, and that time might be on the horizon, should Newcastle bar the door on Isak’s exit.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana
Arsenal have also shown an interest this summer, have been willing to pay €40m (about £35m), but the Gunners have now signed Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, leaving the door open for Liverpool, should they wish to make their move.
What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool
Fofana might only be 20 years old, but he has made considerable progress since joining Lyon from Belgian club Genk in January 2024, scoring 16 goals and supplying eight assists across 64 matches.
Lyon are still in Ligue 1 after their relegation due to financial breaches was overturned, and Fofana has posted a goal and an assist across his two appearances this season.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
Dynamic, versatile and endowed with a physicality and befits a high-profile role in the Premier League, Fofana could be a fantastic addition at Liverpool, potentially even helping Ekitike reach his much-discussed ceiling.
Ekitike, 23, is mobile and powerful and pacy, and he has already shown at Liverpool his capacity. He bears a likeness to Isak, and no mistake, but there’s no question that the Sweden international is the more complete and refined man, more clinical in front of goal.
Maybe, with this in mind, Liverpool don’t actually need to sign Isak. While he’s rightly FSG’s top target, the Magpies man shares interesting attributes with Ekitike, and the same can be said for Gordon and Fofana.
Indeed, data-led platform FBref have revealed that Fofana’s high-speed dribbling and natural clinical edge make him a similar player to the England international, perhaps with an even keener edge in front of goal.
24/25 Stats – Fofana vs Gordon
Stats (* per game)
Fofana
Gordon
Matches (starts)
29 (16)
34 (28)
Goals
5
6
Assists
4
5
Shots (on target)*
1.1 (0.5)
1. 7 (0.6)
Big chances missed
4
10
Pass completion
84%
81%
Big chances created
6
6
Key passes*
0.9
1.5
Dribbles*
0.8
1.1
Tackles*
1.1
0.9
Duels won*
2.9
4.4
Data via Sofascore
All in all, Gordon is more refined than the boyish Fofana (as is also the case with Ekitike and Isak), but perhaps a new partnership could be born on Merseyside, evoking the spirit of that Gordon-Isak partnership at Newcastle but doing so with new parts.
Fofana, praised for his “electric” style by content creator Dev Bajwa, has already demonstrated a fierce sharpness in front of goal, and a frightening athleticism besides. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 12% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.
Truly, he has the potential to become something special, and with Cody Gakpo already holding down the fort on Liverpool’s left flank, Fofana could enter the fray without being bogged down by the weight of expectation.
Allowed to develop organically alongside Ekitike, Liverpool could find themselves cheering on a staggering new partnership, potentially saving millions on Isak and former target Gordon.
Yet still advancing Slot’s project to an even more illustrious level.
The new Nunez: Liverpool given green light to sign "world-class" £35m CF
Liverpool are seeking alternatives to Alexander Isak.
Titular do Coritiba no Campeonato Paranaense Sub-20, o polivalente Nathan Oliveira, que tem atuado tanto como lateral-esquerdo quanto como meia, é uma das principais promessas do clube na base.
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Em bate-papo, o jogador falou sobre as boas atuações e celebrou a classificação antecipada do Coxa para a próxima fase da competição, da qual o clube é um dos favoritos.
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– Estou feliz pelas minhas atuações e por todo o trabalho coletivo do grupo. Nos impusemos nos jogos e fomos merecedores das vitórias conquistadas – afirmou.
No entanto, ainda que o trabalho tenha sido bem realizado até aqui, Nathan prega calma e ressalta que ainda não há nada ganho, uma vez que a competição ainda está longe do seu fim.
– Precisamos seguir trabalhando com os pés no chão e muita humildade. Estamos no caminho certo, mas temos sempre que buscar evoluir para alcançar o título do Estadual – finalizou.