Na entrevista coletiva após a derrota por 2 a 0 do Internacional para o Fluminense, no último domingo (9), o técnico Mano Menezes lamentou a atuação ruim da equipe, especialmente, na etapa inicial. Aproveitando, inclusive, para dar detalhes táticos de qual era a ideia para conter a força criativa de seu adversário no Maracanã. Confira no vídeo acima!
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Even though Avesh Khan has joined the LSG squad, their bowling still lacks the bite
Ekanth26-Mar-20253:24
How can LSG bowlers stop SRH batters?
Big pictureLucknow Super Giants didn’t know what hit them. Tensions and speculation rose, owner-captain relationships in franchise cricket were part of public discourse, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who chased down 167 with ten wickets and 62 balls to spare, were innocent bystanders amid all of it.Sure, it didn’t lead to the creation of a rivalry between the two teams, but LSG do have a point to prove when they face SRH on Thursday in Hyderabad, the venue where it all unfolded last year. There’s been a mega auction, LSG have a new captain in Rishabh Pant, whom they bought for a record INR 27 crores, and a fresh squad.That was doing the trick in their season opener. They had Delhi Capitals on the ropes at 113 for 6 in a 210-run chase – ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster gave them a 98.44% chance of winning – but LSG’s weakest link, their bowling, couldn’t convert it.Related
Avesh Khan cleared to join Lucknow Super Giants
'Seems 230's the new par score' – Marsh wary of SRH, but backs under-strength LSG bowling
In numbers – IPL 2025 gets off to turbo-charged start
Williamson: 'Abhishek has that gift of power but it's not through brute force'
SRH fall one run short of their own record IPL total
Ravi Bishnoi and Shardul Thakur were their only international bowlers with significant experience, but Shardul, despite taking two early wickets, was given only two overs, and Bishnoi went for 53. While Avesh Khan has joined the squad, their bowling still looks weak.Irrespective, SRH are not going to change their approach, especially at home. Against Rajasthan Royals, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma gave them a flying start, which was followed by Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 106 off 47. Each of their top six had a strike rate of 200 or more as they finished one short of their own record of the highest IPL total.It was a high-scoring game and SRH bowlers, too, went for plenty. Harshal Patel apart, all their fast bowlers conceded more than ten runs an over. Even their captain, Pat Cummins, leaked 60 in his four overs without taking a wicket. While SRH will aim to improve with the ball, it’s far from a concern at the moment.2:21
Cricinformed: The Travishek phenomenon
New loyaltiesAiden Markram, who captains Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2022 to 2024. He played 36 innings and scored 849 runs at a strike rate of 131.01 for them. Now, he will open LSG’s batting against his former team.Team news and likely XIIsPrince Yadav is likely to make way for Avesh. The rest of LSG’s line-up is likely to remain the same.Lucknow Super Giants (probable): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Mitchell Marsh, 3 Nicholas Pooran, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Ayush Badoni, 6 David Miller, 7 Shahbaz Ahmed, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Avesh Khan, 11 Digvesh Rathi, 12 Manimaran SiddharthSRH are unlikely to tinker with their line-up.Sunrisers Hyderabad (probable): 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 Aniket Verma, 7 Abhinav Manohar, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Simarjeet Singh, 10 Harshal Patel, 11 Mohammed Shami, 12 Adam ZampaBig questionSRH’s top order will come out all guns blazing, we know that, but what are the ways in which they can be stopped? Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan are all left-hand batters, so is it worth bringing in Ravi Bishnoi – who mostly bowls sliders and googlies – early on?In the spotlight: Pat Cummins and Rishabh PantPat Cummins is coming off an injury layoff. SRH’s season opener was Cummins’ first T20 since last year’s MLC, which finished in July 2024. While all eyes will be on SRH’s batters, Cummins’ ability to bowl dry in the middle overs and dismiss the opposition’s best batters can be match-defining. If he’s able to shake off his rust, the team will be better for it.The gap between expectations and reality continues to exist with regard to Rishabh Pant’s T20 career. There’s a case to be made about him promoting himself to the top of the order, or at least choosing an entry point where he doesn’t have to face spin right away. His six-ball duck in LSG’s opener disrupted Nicholas Pooran’s flow at the other end. Will Pant be able to put that behind him with conditions likely to be in his favour?3:46
Should LSG bring in Shamar Joseph for Aiden Markram?
Key stats Head and Abhishek have the best partnership strike rate – 225.08 – for a pair who has opened in at least 15 T20s. The last time these two teams met, Travishek became the only duo to score 100-plus runs twice in the powerplay in T20s. It was also the earliest, in 9.4 overs, a target above 150 was chased down in the IPL, beating Deccan Chargers’ chase of 155 in 12 overs against Mumbai Indians in 2008. David Miller has a T20 strike rate of less than 100 against the SRH duo from Australia, 82.6 vs Cummins (two dismissals in eight innings) and 93.75 vs Adam Zampa (two dismissals in five innings).Pitch and conditionsIt’s always flat in Hyderabad, at least it seems that way every time SRH are batting. Expect the same once more. The evening will follow a hot day with no chances of rain.Next three fixturesSRH will travel to Vishakhapatnam to face Delhi Capitals on March 30. They will then travel to Kolkata to take on Kolkata Knight Riders on April 3 and return to Hyderabad to face Gujarat Titans on April 6.LSG’s next two games are at home. They will face Punjab Kings on April 1 and Mumbai Indians on April 4. They will then travel to Kolkata to face KKR on April 6.Quotes”I haven’t had the greatest of luck with injuries in the April-May months of the year in the past. I’ve come here off a bit of a break, had a few months to get my back right. I’ve come here really fresh mentally and physically. Hopefully, that holds me in good stead for the tournament.”
انتقد الإعلامي أحمد شوبير قرار نادي الاتحاد السكندري، قبل مواجهة الأهلي يوم الأربعاء المُقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الاثنين: “نادي الاتحاد السكندري رصد مكافأة استثنائية قدرها 50 ألف جنيهًا مكافأة فورية لكل لاعب في حال الفوز على الأهلي في الدوري الأربعاء المقبل”.
وتابع: “جميل أن تقوم بتحفيز اللاعبين، لكنني أريد أن أطرح سؤالًا على مسؤولي نادي الاتحاد، وعلى فكرة، محمد أحمد سلامة، رئيس النادي، رجل محترم جدًا ويعمل بجد، وقد تحدثت معه منذ أيام قليلة، وقال لي: أنا أجتهد بكل ما أُوتيت من قوة”.
وأضاف: “السؤال هنا للإخوة الأفاضل في الاتحاد السكندري: مباراة الاتحاد مع حرس الحدود أو فاركو أو سيراميكا أو مودرن أو أي فريق آخر، أليست أيضًا بثلاث نقاط مثل مباراة الأهلي؟”.
وواصل: “إذا كان المبدأ هو منح مكافأة استثنائية، فلا ينبغي أن تكون فقط أمام الأهلي أو الزمالك، بل يجب تحفيز اللاعبين في كل المباريات، قل لهم مثلًا: إذا فزتم بثلاث مباريات متتالية ستكون هناك مكافأة محددة في كل مباراة، هذا سيكون تحفيزًا منطقيًا، لأن في النهاية كل مباراة تُحتسب بثلاث نقاط”.
طالع أيضًا | حقيقة إغراء الأهلي لـ فيستون مايلي براتب 150 مليون لخطفه من بيراميدز
وأشار: “ما يحدث قد يُدخل الاتحاد في مشكلة، لأن هناك سبع فرق تنافس على البطولة، وأربع فرق ستهبط، وكل فريق يجمع نقاطه وفق نتائجه، أتمنى أن يكون التحفيز موجودًا في كل المباريات، لأن بعض المدربين يُريحون لاعبين بسبب مباراة مهمة قادمة، فيفقدون النقاط في المباراة الحالية”.
وأردف: “يا جماعة، كل مباراة بثلاث نقاط، صحيح أن الوقت أحيانًا يكون ضيقًا أو هناك خوف من إصابة، لكن يجب أن يكون المبدأ ثابتًا: لا توجد مباراة أهم من الأخرى، طبعًا، إذا كانت المباراة تؤهلك إلى نهائي كأس أو تمنحك بطولة فالأمر مختلف ومفهوم، لكن فكرة التركيز على مباراة على حساب أخرى ليست صحيحة، وهذا رأيي الدائم سواء على الأهلي أو الزمالك”.
واختتم: “كنت قد قلت، قبل مباراة الزمالك مع الجونة — التي كانت قبل لقاء الأهلي — إن الزمالك وقتها طلب من خوان بيزيرا الحصول على إنذار ليتمكن من المشاركة أمام الأهلي، فغاب اللاعب عن مباراة الجونة، وكانت النتيجة أن الزمالك تعادل وخسر نقطتين مهمتين جدًا في سباق المنافسة على بطولة الدوري العام”.
Palmeiras e Botafogo se enfrentam neste domingo, a partir das 16h (horário de Brasília) no Allianz Parque, no jogo mais importante para o Verdão no campeonato até aqui. Se vencer, o time de Abel Ferreira cola no líder novamente, mas se perder pode ver a distância aumentar para oito pontos.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Se hoje os dois clubes brigam pela ponta da tabela da Série A, 20 anos atrás a história era bem diferente.
Em 2003, Palmeiras e Botafogo disputaram a Série B e subiram para a elite após o Verdão ficar com o título e o Fogão com o vice do quadrangular final da ‘segundona’.
Muita coisa mudou daquele ano para os tempos de hoje e até o estádio Palestra Itália, que foi palco da ‘decisão’ da Série B de 2003, não existe mais.
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Aliás no quesito estádio ambos os times evoluíram muito em comparação com duas décadas atrás. O Verdão reformou o antigo Palestra e hoje joga no belíssimo Allianz Parque, enquanto o Botafogo que mandava jogos no Caio Martins, hoje é dono do Engenhão, estádio olímpico que foi construído para os Jogos Pan-americanos de 2007, no Rio de Janeiro.
O time do Palmeiras de 2003 tinha o ídolo Marcos no gol e uma leva de crias da base que foram importantíssimas pro título como Diego Souza, Alceu, Vágner Love e Edmilson. O elenco ainda contava com nomes importantes como Pedrinho, Muñoz e Magrão.
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Já o Botafogo tinha nomes como Sandro, Dill e Leandrão. O goleiro Jefferson também estava no elenco, mas era muito jovem no período e reserva de Max.
Na questão financeira muita coisa também mudou nesses 20 anos. O pobre Palmeiras de 2003 que precisava vender o almoço para comprar a janta, hoje é um dos times que mais faturam no Brasil e tem uma administração de dar inveja até nos rivais.
O Botafogo após penar muitos anos por problemas financeiros, agora também vive um bom momento muito pela compra do empresário John Textor, que agora é dono da SAF do clube e que já fez grandes investimentos desde que comprou o Botafogo.
Promessa de jogão no Allianz Parque e o Verdão defende uma invencibilidade de 31 jogos dentro do seu estádio e nove jogos diante de equipes cariocas.
Crystal Palace will no doubt be eager to put this hectic summer transfer window behind them.
Unfortunately, not even sealing a double whammy of successes in the FA Cup and Community Shield would be able to keep Eberechi Eze fixed at Selhurst Park, with the former Eagles attacking midfielder poached by fellow Premier League side Arsenal late on.
However, Palace could make the window look a tad more rosy very soon, with a verbal agreement now reportedly in place for Oliver Glasner’s men to sign this £17m attacker.
Palace verbally agree deal for £17m star
The Eagles might well still wave goodbye to Marc Guehi before the 7pm deadline, but there will be rays of positivity all the same regarding one incoming.
As has been reported by Fabrizio Romano, via X, Getafe ace Christantus Uche is now in London to seal a late switch to Palace, with a deal between the La Liga outfit and Glasner and Co. verbally agreed.
Uche has been subject to widespread interest from the Premier League this summer, with Wolverhampton Wanderers even close at one point to bringing in the £17m star.
But, it looks as if the Eagles will be the winners for his coveted signature after all, as Uche now dreams of forming a terrifying duo up top with Palace man of the moment Jean-Philippe Mateta.
How Uche and Mateta could link up
Mateta would get the ball rolling for his beloved side against Aston Villa last time out, as this calmly tucked away penalty then opened the floodgates to hand the visitors a comfortable 3-0 victory.
That bumps up the clinical Frenchman’s early-season total to three goals from six clashes, and with Uche soon to be by his side by all accounts, his overall tally of 49 strikes for the Eagles will surely just rise and rise.
Uche’s La Liga numbers for Getafe (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*
Uche
Games played
33
Goals scored
4
Assists
6
Touches*
34.4
Accurate passes*
11.6 (67%)
Big chances created
7
Total duels won*
6.8
Stats by Sofascore
The £17m Nigerian already has a goal and assist next to his name this season from just three La Liga encounters, but it’s his consistent excellence last season in the testing Spanish top-flight that will be music to the ears of Palace – and Mateta in particular – with Uche picking up six assists, despite only averaging a low 11.6 accurate passes per clash.
Mateta often only needs a split second to wreak havoc himself, with a mere 22.6 touches averaged per league game across his standout 2024/25 offering for Palace in the Premier League, but a lethal 14 strikes would still arrive at his door, nonetheless.
Moreover, the one-time Wolves target often uses his strength to fire away goals, as seen in his high 6.8 duels won on average during his breakout campaign in Spain, with four strikes also coming his way to be branded a “defender’s nightmare” by scout Antonio Mango.
Of course, Mateta – coming in at a lofty 6-foot-4 frame – has also often used his brute power as an advantage, with Arsenal great Thierry Henry even going as far as to herald the Selhurst Park fan favourite as an “old-fashioned striker” for his physical approach.
Crystal Palace's Jean-PhilippeMatetacelebrates after the match
With Eze heartbreakingly gone, adding in Uche could get the Palace fanbase back on side, particularly if he goes on to get even more out of an already red-hot Mateta.
After Pino: Crystal Palace now in advanced talks to sign "intelligent" star
Newcastle United are in the hunt for a striker this summer and Eddie Howe may be growing in confidence that he can land a proven Premier League marksman, according to a report.
Newcastle United's search for reinforcements
Eddie Howe has become something of a recruitment specialist at St James’ Park, producing an excellent track record that means more additions become hits than not when convinced to move to Tyneside.
Hoping to continue that feat, Keith Wyness reckons Newcastle may sacrifice some stars to expand their potential to spend even with the threat of PSR being a live consideration to ponder.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
He stated: “It used to be that when you sold a big player, you had loads of money to spend. Newcastle are going to have to work hard in this window.
“I think there will be some disposals. Sean Longstaff may have to move on, and there will be others going too. Anything that will allow Newcastle to spend as big as they can, they will do.”
That much may be true, but where do Newcastle plan to strengthen their arsenal? According to reports, Manchester City star Jack Grealish could move to Tyneside, potentially adding a sprinkle of European pedigree as the Geordies prepare for a return to the Champions League.
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Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard is also wanted by Newcastle, demonstrating that they mean business in a summer that could produce a fair amount of incomings and exits in the North East.
Evaluating their forward line, the Geordies now have one of the Premier League’s hottest properties on their radar and confidence is growing over their chances of landing his services.
Newcastle United accelerate move for Joao Pedro
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as his future on the South Coast becomes increasingly uncertain.
The Brazilian forward is open to a move to the North East and is admired by Howe and his coaching staff due to a degree of versatility than can see him feature through the middle or on either flank.
Joao Pedro’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Shots
47
Shots on target
20
Chances created
30
Completed dribbles
29
Aerial duels won
42
Labelled “amazing” by Billy Gilmour, Pedro registered ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term as the Seagulls narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.
Internally, there is now a feeling that Newcastle can complete a deal to sign the former Watford striker, though there is still plenty of work to be done before that dream can become a reality.
Alexander Isak is the main man in attack for the Geordies. Nevertheless, Pedro is a force to be reckoned with at full flight and could be another dangerous asset against opposition domestically and on the continent.
It’s happened. It’s finally happened. Liverpool have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz.
Though the saga feels to have dragged on somewhat over the past several weeks, sporting director Richard Hughes has been engineering a British-record deal, juggling other significant transfers besides.
While the minutiae still need to be sorted out, Liverpool have “verbally agreed a deal in principle”, reports transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with a “move now imminent.”
Rumours pertaining to Luis Diaz’s summer sale are persisting, with Barcelona determined to get the deal over the line, and thus, the agreement has come at the perfect time.
Florian Wirtz – Career Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Attacking midfield
163
51
57
Centre-forward
11
4
4
Right winger
11
4
3
Left winger
9
2
3
Central midfield
5
0
3
Data via Transfermarkt
However, Wirtz isn’t really a wide player, even though his dribbling skills are among the finest in the business. Indeed, if the Colombian does go, FSG may need to dip their toes right back into the transfer market.
Why Liverpool want a winger
Diaz showcased his wonderful skills on international duty for Colombia. He scored a sensational solo goal, all fleet feet and party tricks to outplay the Argentine defenders, and perhaps reminded Liverpool fans that it would take some doing to find an upgrade.
Diaz is 28 and entering the next-to-last year of his Liverpool contract. Barcelona made a recent approach and were rebuffed, but their interest remains and Liverpool, while publicly stressing their desire to keep the winger, would entertain the right offer for sure.
It’s understood the Reds would entertain offers ranging between £60m and £70m this summer. Lowballers would find themselves incurring the wrath of Liverpool’s obstinance, with FSG willing to run down the South American’s contract, making use of the prime years of his career.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
However, if Liverpool do lose Diaz, they will need to find a replacement. Anthony Gordon’s name has floated about, but Slot and Richard Hughes seem to have an even better fit in mind.
Liverpool join race for star winger
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing AC Milan’s Rafael Leao this summer; after the Serie A side’s wretched campaign, missing out on Europe, they may reluctantly sell.
With Liverpool’s scouts having kept a close eye on the 26-year-old, a deal may be forthcoming in the coming months, although a number of Premier League clubs – Arsenal have been namechecked – are also in the running. Milan would be looking to bank around £64m from the player’s sale.
Gordon has also been named as a potential option, but the Portuguese winger perhaps has a higher ceiling, and who better to help him reach it than Slot?
Why Liverpool want Rafael Leao
Ryan Gravenberch was crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year for 2024/25, refashioned as he was into a deep-lying, counter-pressing number six.
Slot made his clock start ticking, a priceless success after FSG failed to convince the now Arsenal-bound Martin Zubimendi to leave his beloved mountains in the Basque Country (no bitterness at all from us Liverpool fans here).
Given the improvements Cody Gakpo underwent last term, Leao would be understood to want to leap at the chance to join Slot’s project.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaoduring the warm up
Praised for his “world-class ability” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Leao has been one of Italian football’s standout players for several years, hitting 12 goals and 13 assists across all competitions last season in spite of his side’s struggles.
In Serie A alone, Sofascore record that he has averaged 1.4 dribbles and key passes per fixture, as well as 4.5 successful duels per game.
Gordon’s no stranger to a combative sequence himself, but is it fair to say that Leao boasts more completeness in his application? Writer Theo Mwangi even went as far as to dub the Iberian native a “superstar” when he’s on his A-game.
Regressing in terms of output, Gordon might not have had the best year on Tyneside, but in 2023/24, he was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Season award after notching 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
However, football is more than just goals and assists, especially for wingers (Diaz would be among the first to attest to that), and Leao has showcased across the past year a more robust and effective underlying skill set than that of his English counterpart.
Rafael Leao vs Anthony Gordon (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)
Leao
Gordon
Goals
0.32
0.22
Assists
0.26
0.18
Shots taken
2.37
2.11
Shot-creating actions
4.13
3.73
Touches (att pen)
6.15
4.73
Progressive passes
3.58
3.62
Progressive carries
4.74
4.47
Successful take-ons
2.83
1.41
All data via FBref
Gordon might declare himself a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, but he needs to be more active and incisive with his natural skills, for Leao has thoroughly outstripped him since the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
Given that Newcastle would be looking for payment in the ballpark of £80m, it’s clear that Leao would be the better pick, cheaper and perhaps more suited to Slot’s intense playing style.
Both players need to hit richer veins of consistency to step up and become part of the true elite, but Diaz has been a bona fide success on Merseyside, and he’s not exactly blessed with the potency of Mohamed Salah.
FBref’s data has even drawn AC Milan’s star up as being a statistically similar player to Liverpool’s Colombian maverick, so replacing him with Leao seems like something of a no-brainer.
Liverpool have some thinking to do over the coming weeks. It’s worth reiterating that all this will only come into play if Diaz is sold – and if he is, there’s no better replacement out there than Leao.
He'd be better than Gyokeres: Liverpool hold talks to sign "the new Mbappe"
Liverpool are looking to sign a new striker in the transfer market this summer.
This summer will be pivotal for Leeds United in their ambitions of maintaining their Premier League status, building on the excellent work conducted this campaign.
Daniel Farke’s side claimed the Championship title in 2024/25, registering a staggering 100 points and finishing above rivals Burnley on goal difference, with both teams returning to the top-flight.
However, the last six teams to achieve such a feat have all suffered immediate returns to the second-tier, with the Whites hoping to buck that trend next season.
Daniel Farke
If they are to succeed in their quest, additions will be key, needing to hand Farke the tools to strengthen his squad and have the best possible chance of surviving the drop.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already started behind the scenes to identify numerous talents who could improve the squad at Elland Road.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer
All areas of the pitch are set for investment at Leeds this summer, with depth and quality needed if the club are to establish themselves in the top-flight next year.
Lennon Miller, Kasper Dolberg and James McAtee have all been touted with a switch to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deal has yet been agreed, but that could all change during the off-season.
Manchester City's JamesMcAteeduring the warm up before the match
However, a new name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes on their radar, according to Alan Nixon.
His report claims that the Whites are considering a move for the 20-year-old talent, who’s valued at £30m after the Saints were relegated back to the Championship.
He also states that the hierarchy sees him as a classy playmaker who could provide added quality to the side, but could face competition from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa for his signature.
Why Fernandes would be a better signing than Doucoure
Over the last few days, Leeds have also been touted as a potential destination for departing Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure, after he confirmed he would be leaving at the end of his contract.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
The Malian, who’s spent the last five seasons at Goodison Park, may stay in the Premier League with the Whites, offering an experienced option in what’s likely to be a relegation battle.
At 32, the midfielder has registered just shy of 300 appearances in England’s top-flight, registering 36 goals along the way, having the tools to add to the attacking department.
However, if Farke is targeting options for the number 10 position at Elland Road, there’s no denying that Fernandes would be a better and younger option for the club.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the current league campaign, the Portuguese youngster has massively bettered Doucoure in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be in Yorkshire.
Fernandes, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have notched the same number of goals and assists, but has produced a higher shot-on-target rate – handing an added goal threat to the Whites as a result.
His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third, subsequently handing Farke an added dimension of creativity.
How Fernandes compares to Doucoure in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Fernandes
Doucoure
Games played
36
32
Goals & assists
5
5
Shot-on-target accuracy
33%
29%
Progressive passes
4.5
2.9
Progressive carries
2.5
1.4
Passes into the final third
3.1
1.5
Take-ons completed
1.6
0.8
Carries into the final third
2.3
0.9
Stats via FBref
The Saints star has also completed more take-ons and made more carries into the penalty area, enabling other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.
£30m may be a huge sum for a player who’s been relegated from the Premier League, but he’s shown that he has the skill set to thrive if given another opportunity in the top flight.
His tender age allows for a huge room for improvement in the years ahead, potentially becoming a vital cog in any future success at Elland Road should he make the big-money switch this summer.
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While signing a new centre forward is top of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s wishlist at Arsenal this summer, the need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch is also strong.
The Gunners have been severely hamstrung – pardon the pun – by injuries this season, notably in their forward line.
Though, there’s also been a huge degree of inconsistency, chiefly at left wing where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have scored just eight goals each in the Premier League.
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So, where will Mikel Arteta and Co turn to in their bid to add an extra dose of spice to their attack?
Arsenal chasing big-money winger
For over a year now, Arsenal have been exploring a move for Spanish winger Nico Williams.
The Bilbao star dazzled at the European Championships last summer, famously scoring a goal in the final against England.
However, after no club signed him last year, interest hasn’t dampened in the young forward. He reportedly dreams of a move to Barcelona but their finances are still extremely tight. As a result, English clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have both been interested.
If the Gunners have room for a pricier addition, perhaps AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could be their man.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Arsenal have been linked with a move in the past but their interest is now ramping up ahead of the summer, with Football Insider reporting that they are now ‘working on signing’ the Portuguese sensation.
One problem could be the player’s release clause which currently stands at an almighty £145m according to claims in Italy.
How Rafael Leao compares to Nico Williams
While Williams is quite clearly one of the most exciting young wingers in the game right now, there is an argument to suggest that his output needs improving.
This feels like a player simply ready to explode in a better side but the fact remains that he has only scored five times in LaLiga this term and 11 in all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
If Arsenal are looking to add more goals to their side then perhaps Leao, despite a heftier price tag, would be a more exciting candidate here.
Described as a “superstar” by scout Jacek Kulig, he may have only scored one more than Williams in 2024/25, but he’s got a history for finding the net with consistent regularity, now reaching double figures in each of the last four campaigns. On that evidence, it’s no surprise to see that data analyst Ben Mattinson noted that he is “clinical off both feet.”
Leao vs Williams since 2023/24
Stat (per 90 mins)
Leao
Williams
Goals
0.32
0.22
Assists
0.32
0.34
Shot on target %
39%
35%
Key passes
2.18
1.85
Progressive passes
3.91
2.89
Shot-creating actions
4.62
4.96
Succesful take-ons
2.53
3.21
Take-on success %
48%
40%
Progressive carries
5.27
5.52
Stats via FBRef (league only).
When diving deeper into the numbers, the play style of each winger becomes clearer. They are both ‘carry-first’ attackers, driving at players and committing their full-back. This is what Arsenal need more of in the final third so that’s one box ticked.
Williams registers more take-ons but it’s actually Leao who appears to be more effective in one-on-one situations, registering a higher success rate.
Crucially, while the Milan sensation is a goalscorer, he’s also creative and in this Arsenal team he could take his assist numbers to the next level considering he actually ranks higher than Williams for key passes over the last two seasons.
AC Milan's RafaelLeao
Ultimately, Berta will have to be wise with how he spends the Kroenke’s cash this summer and thus, Leao may not be possible. However, if they are able to sign a striker and still raise additional funds, the 25-year-old should be the man they go for on the flanks.
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While it could still end in an incredible crescendo of Champions League glory, it wouldn’t be amiss to describe this season as something of a disappointment for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side were terrible in both the FA Cup and League Cup, and are now at risk of losing their grasp on second place in the Premier League.
Moreover, while the team has underwhelmed as a collective, there have been several players who’ve simply not reached the standards set in the last couple of years, such as Martin Odegaard.
So, with this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to read recent reports linking the club to someone who could be an upgrade on the Gunners captain.
Arsenal transfer news
Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield stars linked with Arsenal in recent months, such as Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has been enjoying a stellar campaign with Barcelona and remains on track for a historic treble-winning season with the Catalan club, so while he’d be an exceptional addition to the club, we imagine he’d cost a king’s ransom, even with reports coming out about his contract talks stalling.
In contrast, we now know Kevin de Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City in the summer, so if Arteta can work his magic, he might just be able to convince the mercurial Belgian to join his former title rivals, and with 14 goal involvements in 36 games this season, he’d still be a useful player to have in the squad.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruynecelebrates after the match
However, knowing the North Londoners might want to make sure they keep the team young and hungry, which could explain the recent links to Brahim Diaz.
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have identified the Moroccan international as a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer and that Arteta really wants the club to sign the player he worked with at Manchester City.
The story claims that Real Madrid are willing to let the player leave for a convincing offer, while stories from earlier this year suggest that they’d be after a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m.
It would be a costly deal to get over the line, but one worth pursuing, as he could be a perfect upgrade on Odegaard.
How Diaz compares to Odegaard
So, if Arsenal get their man this summer, and he comes in to play more of a midfield role, he’d be in direct competition with Odegaard for that creative number ten role.
With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them?
From a pure output perspective, it is the “incredible” Real ace, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who emerges victorious, but only when we look at the minutes-to-goal involvement ratios.
For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 2058 minutes, the Moroccan international has scored six goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.76 games, or far more consequently, every 158.30 minutes.
In contrast, the Norwegian maestro has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, but more importantly, every 197.62 minutes.
Real Madrid'sBrahimDiaz, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo celebrate their second goal
What about when we take a look under the hood and at their underlying numbers, then? Is it another minor victory for the Champions League winner?
Well, it’s actually a relatively comfortable one for the 25-year-old, as he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Diaz vs Odegaard
Statistic
Diaz
Odegaard
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.57
0.37
Non-Penalty G+As
0.42
0.34
Progressive Passes
4.62
10.1
Progressive Passes Received
6.99
6.08
Progressive Carries
2.66
3.46
Shots
1.89
1.82
Shots on Target
1.05
0.55
Passing Accuracy
86.7%
82.9%
Key Passes
1.40
2.41
Shot-Creating Actions
3.57
4.86
Goal-Creating Actions
0.84
0.59
Tackles Won
1.26
0.46
Interceptions
0.28
0.17
Blocks
1.12
0.21
Successful Take-Ons
1.54
0.97
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Ultimately, while Odegaard remains a talented player, Diaz has outperformed him in just about every metric this season, and if Arsenal can sign him in the summer, they should.
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