Tag Futebol

With Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League an unquestionable success, attentions may already be turning towards how Marcelo Bielsa’s side can improve for the next campaign.

The Whites are still in the hunt for European football, so the Leeds boss will no doubt be fully focused on that, but the club’s hierarchy should already be drawing up plans on how to potentially reinforce this squad.

And, according to Spanish publication Deportes Cuatro, the Yorkshire club are one of a number of sides interested in signing Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez on a free transfer.

The 9-cap Spain international has established himself as a cornerstone of Madrid’s first-team squad this season, playing 25 games in all competitions, including playing the full 90 minutes in five out of the six Champions League group stage games Los Blancos were involved in.

With two goals and five assists, Vazquez is more of a creative wide-man than someone who’s going to bag ten goals a season – from the 2015/2016 campaign to the 2018/2019 one, the Spaniard broke double figures for assists in each year, including an impressive 16 assists during Madrid’s Champions League winning year in 2017.

His boss at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, has waxed lyrical about the kind of team player that he is, and that should surely be further music to Bielsa’s ears.

Speaking after a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo just last month, the French icon said: “What he’s doing right now doesn’t surprise us. Not only do I like him, we all like him because he is always on the job and reliable. He always gives everything on the pitch and we appreciate that. I congratulate him.”

And when you look at his defensive numbers from this season, it’s clear to see why he’d be perfect for Bielsa. He averages a hugely impressive 2.4 tackles per game in La Liga, which would actually rank him fourth in the entire Leeds squad – only Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Luke Ayling have averaged more than him.

He also shows that doggedness and intensity when it comes to the 50/50 challenges, winning 5.6 duels per match – a stat that’s better than any of Leeds’ current wide players.

Vazquez sticks to his defensive task diligently, and given Zidane’s comments on how he “gives everything” for the cause, seems tailor made to be another stand-out Bielsa player at Elland Road.

Many Everton fans have been left reacting to the news that Ali Daei may be joining the Goodison Park faithful.

As per German magazine Kicker (via The Toffee Blues), the Iran football legend has said: “I’m probably going to be a member of the Everton club and it’s a great honour for me.”

It was reported last month that the Merseyside club are interested in working with Daei, although it still remains unclear as to what kind of role he would be playing for the Toffees.

There is also a connection to Farhad Moshiri, who is Iranian himself, which could be a reason as to how and why Daei has been recruited by the Blues.

Nonetheless, the comments that he has made on the possibility of working with EFC should please supporters if he were to join the Everton family.

However, it has also left fans questioning as to why exactly he has been recruited and for what type of role.

Everton fan reaction to Daei news

These Everton fans gave some fairly mixed reaction to the news on Twitter, with one Toffee claiming that it ‘could be massive for the club’ if he joins:

“He’s massive over in Iran, could be massive for the club and grow a fan base over there”

Credit: @jonefc2

“Brands still not offered a new deal, could this be the reason why?”

Credit: @MrBashe

“Moshiri connection I guess”

Credit: @Johnny_Murnane_

“Would be good as a finishing coach. Like Dunc helps out with the physical side of a striker, and he does the actual finishing ability part”

Credit: @lewisbelle3

“I’m confused.”

Credit: @exiledtoffee

“Moshiri’s getting the dough out and bringing in an experienced goal scorer and a legend to teach the young.”

Credit: @EvertonFourIG

In other news, find out what transfer update Blues have been hailing here!

Leicester City will look to face off against AEK Athens in their final group stage match of their Europa League run. They are currently leading Group G on ten points, ahead of SC Braga on goal difference. Whilst they have already secured their progression into the next round, Brendan Rodgers will still want to put in a convincing performance against bottom of the table Athens.

But with safety already banked, he can afford to change up his starting XI and give some lesser seen players a chance. With that being said, Football FanCast has predicted how the Foxes will set up this evening…

With Caglar Soyuncu still not 100% ready to return to the action, Rodgers might opt to start club captain Wes Morgan, who has fallen down the pecking order in the Premier League this season, in defence. Starting him alongside 19-year-old Wesley Fofana will provide a strong balance between seniority and fresh legs, which could be a winning combination against Athens.

Rising talent Luke Thomas could be handed his third start of the season with the nod to slot into the left-back position. The versatile defender has featured three times in total under Rodgers this term and has already bagged himself a Europa League goal. With the manager’s trust in him, he could deliver another solid performance for Leicester.

After returning to the action against Zorya, Rodgers may bring Wilfred Ndidi back into the starting lineup as he adjusts himself following his comeback from injury. He will help support the defence whilst the likes of Dennis Praet and Hamza Choudhury feature just in front in the midfield.

Whilst Ayoze Perez is battling for game time, he could be rewarded for his goal against Sheffield United by starting this evening. He will support fringe striker Kelechi Iheanacho along with Demarai Gray, who could make a surprise appearance in this stress-free fixture – what would be the 24-year-old’s second start of the campaign.

In other news, Ricardo Pereira’s U23 appearance is exactly what Rodgers needed…

Once the January transfer window arrives, Celtic will need some new signings.11 points behind Rangers and out of the Europa League, it’s been a disastrous campaign for Neil Lennon.Fortunately, though, it looks as though they have one confirmed target lined up.

What’s the word?

If Celtic are going to make additions this winter then it’ll presumably be in defence. Kristoffer Ajer is currently being linked with AC Milan while it’s thought that Shane Duffy will head back to Brighton once January rolls around.

With that in mind, a new centre-back could walk through the Lennoxtown doors.

That happens to be Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie. Celtic were tracking the American in the summer but were waved away by Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia’s chief.

“We have had interest. There was a talk with Celtic, but I told them: We were not willing to talk before the [MLS in Back] tournament or during the tournament, but maybe then later on,” he said in August.

However, it’s now materialised that the Hoops then later made a bid for his services.

That’s come to light thanks to US journalist Kristian Dyer on Twitter. He said this week:

In English money, the $4m equates to around £3m.

Bye-bye Ajer

Before anything happens, Celtic will need to raise some additional funds. It was reported recently that Nick Hammond may have to sell one of his team’s star men because of a £13m drop in turnover.

Thus, if you consider the Glaswegian’s sloppy defensive record, Ajer should be one of the first out the door. He has been part of a terrible back four, one that’s conceded ten more goals than Rangers in the SPFL – that’s despite playing two fewer games.

With a move for McKenzie in the pipeline, now seems like an ideal time to move the Norwegian on.

After all, Celtic’s transfer target is one of the best young defenders in MLS right now.

Speaking about the American in 2019, the player’s former coach Tab Ramos revealed: “Mark is a natural leader. First of all, he’s a hard player on the field and he’s a good player. Secondly, he has that charisma off the field that allows for him to have a voice and for people to follow that voice.”

What Celtic need right now is someone who directs the defence, something that clearly isn’t there at the moment judging by the number of goals they concede. No one is taking responsibility and leading the rest of the defence in certain situations.

McKenzie, however, has proven he can do that at Philadelphia. The 21-year-old has registered an eye-catching pass success rate of 83.5% this season, as well as amassing 3.2 clearances per game.

Celtic need to sign him, if not for his physical qualities then definitely for his leadership.

In other news, one Celtic man failed his BIG audition on Thursday night…

According to TEAMtalk, Glasgow Rangers are interested in bringing Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard to Ibrox.

What’s the word?

Lingard finds himself surplus to requirements under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he hasn’t featured for the first team since the 3-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the EFL Cup at the start of the season.

Even though Steven Gerrard’s side are stacked to the brim with striker/attacking midfielder options, the Ibrox boss is always on the lookout to bolster his firepower by adding some more experience and pedigree to his attack.

Although Alfredo Morelos has struggled at times this season so far, Jermain Defoe has been decent this campaign and versatile forward Kemar Roofe has been able to hit the ground running, but having options is never a bad thing.

It’s fair to say that Lingard, despite his obvious struggles, would be an upgrade on most if not all of the options that are currently available, so it’s easy to understand why Rangers have taken an interest in securing his services.

The 27-year-old has scored 33 goals and supplied 20 assists in 209 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, having broken into the first team from the academy ranks.

Wilson must swoop for Lingard

It’s the silly season at the 54-time Scottish champions once again, isn’t it?

If, and that’s a big if, they can somehow afford his colossal wages, which are reportedly worth £100,000-per-week, then, of course, it’s worth taking a punt on the former England international.

There is, of course, the remote chance that Lingard may be prepared to take a pay cut to increase his playing time ahead of the Euros next year, but even that’s a bit of a stretch of the imagination.

However, if by some miracle things do work out in their favour, Wilson must sanction an audacious swoop for the versatile midfielder, who is currently valued at £12.6m via Transfermarkt.

Michael Carrick was effusive in his praise for his former teammate as he identified his best attributes, saying: “I think his movement – he moves off the ball very well. It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.”

He added: “How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that in the game as everyone wants to get on the ball and do something on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

Last season, Lingard played nine games in the Champions League, scoring two goals and supplying one assist, whilst he averaged 1.8 shots per game, via WhoScored.

If the interest is genuine, his experience could prove to be invaluable, as he has played at the highest levels of the game and would be a useful option out wide.

AND in other news, Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield can fulfil the role Gerrard has wanted for so long…

Crystal Palace travel to Craven Cottage to face Roy Hodgson’s former side Fulham in Saturday’s London derby.

Hodgson finds himself short of centre-back options once more as Gary Cahill will miss the match after being on the receiving end of Lewis Dunk’s reckless challenge in the A23 derby last weekend which left him with a swollen shin.

Both Jordan Ayew and Jack Butland have been ruled out after testing positive for coronavirus, whilst James McCarthy and Connor Wickham remain sidelined due to injury. Nathan Ferguson and Wayne Hennessey are also unavailable.

Palace will want to bounce back from a drab draw with Brighton after their promising start to the season seems to have been cut short. The Eagles won their first two games of the season, including a 3-1 win away at Manchester United, but have not picked up three points in any of their last three, as they conceded a late goal against the Seagulls at Selhurst Park.

Here, Football FanCast have had a go at picking the starting line-up we are expecting to see at Craven Cottage, with Hodgson making a couple of changes from their last league game.

Vicente Guiata is expected to start in goal for the Eagles, although Hodgson will be hoping his first-choice goalkeeper comes through unscathed as he faces a shortage of options between the sticks. The 33-year-old should start behind a back four including Tyrick Mitchell, Cheikou Kouyate and Joel Ward, whilst Mamadou Sakho, described this month as a “liability” by the Exiled Eagles podcast, via This is Futbol, replaces the injured Cahill instead.

Andros Townsend looks likely to keep his place on the right, while Jairo Riedewald and James McCarthy will resume their partnership in the middle of the park. Eberechi Eze missed the match against Brighton, which may have been a mistake, as Palace only registered one shot throughout the entire game.

In his absence, Jeffrey Schlupp struggled with the Eagles on the back foot, so Hodsgon could opt for the summer signing instead, which would see Schlupp drop to the bench as a result.

With Jordan Ayew absent, Hodgson will be relieved to have both Michy Batshuayi and Wilfried Zaha available as attacking options, although Christian Benteke may make an appearance as a substitute.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace missed out on key summer signing in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins… 

MatériaMais Notícias

Após anunciar a contratação do atacante Lima na última sexta-feira, o Novorizontino tem mais três reforços para o elenco que irá disputar o Campeonato Paulista em 2016. Chegaram ao clube o lateral-direito Eder, o lateral-esquerdo Paulinho e o goleiro Anderson. Segundo a diretoria, o Novorizontino está num processo final de negociações.

– Estamos dentro do cronograma, faltam algumas peças, mas a gente tem um tempo até o final do mês para concretizar algumas coisas – afirmou o Coordenador de Futebol, Luís Carlos Goiano.
A respeito dos novos contratados, Goiano afirma que todos eles foram observados durante o ano e aprovados pela comissão técnica.

– São três bons jogadores e que foram escolhidos após um monitoramento no campeonato que eles disputaram, e que vieram com o consentimento da comissão técnica. São jogadores que tem rodagem e podem ajudar os mais novos com a experiência obtida durante a carreira – finaliza.

Paulinho, que disputou a Série B do Brasileiro pelo Luverdense, falou da expectativa em jogar seu primeiro Paulistão.

– Espero fazer uma boa competição e ajudar o Grêmio Novorizontino a conquistar seus objetivos no campeonato – diz.

Já o goleiro Anderson tem experiência no Paulistão, já que disputou os últimos três e dá as diretrizes para o Novorizontino.

– Temos que procurar somar o maior número de pontos possíveis no começo do campeonato e já começar bem. É tiro curto e não podemos perder pontos em casa – afirma.

Outro que tem grande experiência no cenário do futebol é o lateral Eder, que chega com passagens por São Paulo e Atlético-PR

– Quero ajudar, tanto dentro de campo com meu futebol, mas também fora com a minha experiência. Temos que pensar em ajudar o clube a chegar aos seus objetivos – diz Eder

O Novorizontino segue em ritmo forte para a disputa do Paulistão e já entra na sua quarta semana de preparação. A equipe estreia no campeonato contra o Linense, no dia 31 de janeiro, em Lins.

MatériaMais Notícias

Diferentemente do que costuma fazer, o presidente Paulo Nobre deu entrevista após a derrota para o Santos e reclamou muito do pênalti não marcado em cima de Barrios. “Assustado” com a decisão do juiz Luiz Flávio de Oliveira, o dirigente prometeu levar o caso à comissão de arbitragem da CBF.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasExpulso na Vila Belmiro, Lucas desfalca o Verdão em final no AllianzPalmeiras26/11/2015PalmeirasPalmeirenses voltam a criticar a arbitragem: ‘O cara avacalha o jogo’Palmeiras26/11/2015Futebol NacionalATUAÇÕES: Gabigol vai de vilão a herói e derruba Prass. Já Nilson…Futebol Nacional26/11/2015

-Em três anos como presidente, acho que vocês já se acostumaram e nunca me viram comentando arbitragem. Se você me pergunta, o Palmeiras foi vergonhosamente prejudicado. Futebol, senhores, não é basquete, onde saem 100 pontos. Um gol pode fazer total diferença. No começo do segundo tempo, o Palmeiras teria um pênalti e o Santos teria um jogador a menos – reclamou.

– O Santos mereceu a vitória, poderia até ter feito mais de um gol, mas futebol é assim. O Palmeiras poderia ter tido um pênalti. Não acredito em desonestidade, não acredito que o árbitro venha para operar um time. Acredito em falta de preparo, de experiência e critério. O que me assusta é que o Luiz Flávio é experiente, o lance foi na cara dele e ele não marcou – acrescentou.

continua após a publicidade

Na última semana, o gerente de futebol Cícero Souza já tinha reclamado publicamente da arbitragem do jogo contra o Atlético-PR, pelo Brasileiro. Apesar das recentes contestações, Nobre disse que o Palmeiras não faz “escândalo” em público por conta da arbitragem. O presidente agora promete agir, como diz ter feito durante todo o ano.

“Futebol não é basquete, onde saem 100 pontos. Um gol pode fazer total diferença”, criticou Paulo Nobre

-O Palmeiras acha mais efetivo fazer um DVD e mandar à Comissão de Arbitragem. O Palmeiras fez isso sempre que se sentiu prejudicado e não será diferente nesta partida – explicou o dirigente.

continua após a publicidade

Apesar da irritação após a derrota por 1 a 0, Paulo Nobre saiu confiante da Vila Belmiro. Mesmo que o Santos possa ser campeão com um empate, quarta-feira, no Allianz Parque, o presidente considera que o Alviverde está “mais vivo do que nunca” na Copa do Brasil.

– (Chances)Gigantescas, tenho certeza que o Palmeiras será campeão. Confio muito no elenco, no brio dos jogadores, e tenho certeza que eles são capazes.

Tudo sobre

PalmeirasPaulo Nobre

Attacks win you games, defences win you titles.

The old adage has rung true for Leeds United as they romped home to the Championship title while boasting the best defensive record in the division, and their strength at the back is certainly something they’ll want to see more of next season.

However, there’s every chance that their backline will line up significantly weaker next term, and it may actually end up being worse than when Marcelo Bielsa arrived.

There’s no doubting that Leeds’ defensive brilliance this season was largely down to Ben White’s talent.

The Brighton loanee won the club’s Young Player of the Year award, and he’s also reportedly been valued at £40m.

The Seagulls seemingly have no interest in selling him this summer, and United may struggle to replace him, considering it’s been claimed that he’s already better than £47.5m man John stones.

The ironic thing is, the Yorkshire club’s position wouldn’t have been as bad if they hadn’t have made one decision 12 months ago.

Of course, we’re talking about selling Pontus Jansson.

The Whites may have had the best defensive record in the division, but they only narrowly edged out Brentford, and their backline was marshalled by a former Leeds man in the shape of Jansson.

The Whites were able to live comfortably without Jansson due to the emergence of White, but now that he’s gone, they’re going to be scrambling for a replacement, when they could have had an experienced Championship Team of the Year level centre-half ready to step in and replace him.

Of course, there’s more to it than meets the eye, Jansson reckons he was sold because of FFP while others claim he fell out with Bielsa, but either way, it has to be said that Leeds would have been better off keeping him or at least holding out for more than the £5.5m they received, especially as we’d seen Championship centre-backs who hadn’t made the Team of the Season moving for eight-figure sums last summer.

Love him or loathe him, it is fair to say Andre Villas-Boas never had it easy when he arrived at Tottenham Hotspur. 

Indeed, he was dealt a short hand right from the start, as Luka Modric left Spurs in his first summer at the club.

Nevertheless the Portuguese, who was a prodigy of Jose Mourinho, didn’t allow this setback to deter him, and the Lilywhites embarked on one of the biggest spending sprees in recent memory during his time in charge.

He should be credited with unearthing the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen.

Furthermore, Villas-Boas arguably got Gareth Bale playing some of the best football we’ve ever seen, before the Welshman also left White Hart Lane for the Santiago Bernabeu.

Things quickly went downhill from then onward, but he should take pride from the fact that Tottenham accrued more points than Harry Redknapp managed in his two highest-placed finishes in the Premier League.

Fancy a challenge? Have a go at the Transfer Tavern’s latest quiz on Villas-Boas’ brief reign. Can you remember who was his most expensive signing? How come he can claim English descent? Test your knowledge down below!