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It is cliche, but like for any club, those of an Arsenal persuasion must surely relish in witnessing ‘one of their own’ continually delivering on the biggest stage, with the consistent form of Bukayo Saka truly remarkable to witness.

Arguably the star of England’s summer – having notably rescued the Three Lions from range against Switzerland – the 23-year-old has showcased no signs of fatigue in the early weeks of the new season, having already chalked up ten goal involvements in as many games in all competitions.

Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, beware – the Hale End star is coming for your Premier League assist record. The wing wizard already boasts seven in just seven top-flight outings, having also been harshly denied another against Leicester City after Leandro Trossard’s late strike was instead awarded as a Wilfried Ndidi own goal.

With Martin Odegaard sidelined with injury, Saka has taken on that creative burden – and then some – with Mikel Arteta no doubt relishing in unleashing a talent who steps up to the plate week in, week out.

It is for that reason that the Gunners should also be excited about the prospect of snapping up a talent who bears a striking similarity to the £195k-per-week hero, with talk of a January move having already been touted.

Arsenal's January transfer target

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, the north London side are believed to be rivalling Chelsea for the signing of Como sensation, Nico Paz, with both clubs having watched the 20-year-old already this season.

Bailey revealed that as many as half a dozen Premier League clubs were taking a look at the Argentina international prior to his move to Italy over the summer, with Paz having previously been on the books at Real Madrid.

Madrid could pose a possible obstacle to any move in 2025, having seemingly included multiple clauses in the Spanish-born starlet’s deal, including a reported buyback option.

Why Nico Paz would be a good signing

A player who former Arsenal star and current Como boss Cesc Fabregas “loves”, according to journalist Fabzrio Romano, Paz has made a strong start to life in Serie A, chalking up two assists in just six league games thus far.

Previously described as “exceptional” by ex-Madrid teammate, Toni Kroos, the promising playmaker – who scored against Napoli in the Champions League last season – is now thriving amid his increased game time, hence the admiring glances from those in London.

Like Saka, the in-demand menace has a “left foot made of gold” and can operate on the right flank – as per talent scout Jacek Kulig – albeit while having typically flourished in a number ten berth of late in his new surroundings.

That duel-ability to function in a central role or on the flanks may also be a factor in his apparent likeness to a certain Cole Palmer, with both Saka and Palmer named among Paz’s list of ‘similar players’ across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Stat (*per 90)

Paz

Palmer

Saka

Games

6

7

7

Goals

0

6

2

Assists

2

5

7

Progressive passes*

5.65

7.12

4.76

Progressive carries*

4.35

3.64

4.92

Successful take-ons*

2.61

1.06

2.22

Shot-creating actions*

6.03

5.91

8.11

Pass accuracy*

80.4%

73.9%

78.6%

Tackles*

1.74

1.06

1.90

Interceptions*

0.87

0.30

0.16

That likeness between the trio is notably showcased above with regard to their progressive passing and progressive carrying ability, indicating just what a creative outlet Paz could offer in the Premier League.

What will also prove appealing to Arteta is the Como man’s defensive contribution, with work off the ball just as important for a side that is chasing the title.

For Paz to be likened to two such dazzling English talents is a testament to the great strides he has made under Fabregas’ watch of late, with Palmer having been as much of a talisman as Saka has been at Arsenal, with 51 goals and assists in just 54 games at Stamford Bridge.

There is no doubt a raging debate over which of the two is the bigger superstar, but that’s perhaps for another day.

In the case of Paz, for Arsenal to snap up a possible Palmer-Saka hybrid could well prove a masterstroke, thus helping to provide cover for Odegaard in that central role, as well for Saka himself on the right flank. A dream solution.

Why William Saliba will reject Real Madrid and PSG to stay at Arsenal

“Saliba is very happy at Arsenal and they are very happy with him,” says Fabrizio Romano.

ByBarney Lane Oct 7, 2024

One bad afternoon aside, Liverpool have been brilliant under Arne Slot this season. The Dutchman inherited a top-class squad from Jurgen Klopp, who had run out of energy after crafting an illustrious dynasty, but the Reds certainly weren’t infallible.

Liverpool were pulled from the title race last season by a wretched run of Premier League form throughout April, with eventual champions in the Europa League, Atalanta, and FA Cup, Manchester United, defeating the Anfield side en route to gold.

Klopp did end his tenure with a vicarious campaign in the Carabao Cup, but there is plenty for this Liverpool side still to give under new leadership, with some players excitingly going from strength to strength.

Let’s take a look at two of the best.

Luis Diaz & Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool in 2023/24

Luis Diaz has been a revelation this season. Across five Premier League matches, the Colombian winger has scored five fine goals and claimed one assist.

Matches (starts)

37 (32)

5 (5)

Goals

8

5

Assists

5

1

Touches*

43.8

42.4

Shots (on target)

2.5 (0.9)

2.6 (1.6)

Pass completion

85%

90%

Key passes*

1.8

1.6

Ball recoveries*

3.4

3.6

Dribbles (completed)*

1.8

2.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.0

1.6

Total Duels won*

4.6

4.6

He started fast last term but after bagging in both of Liverpool’s opening fixtures scored just one goal and assist apiece over the subsequent 18 matches.

His underlying numbers from last year are not too dissimilar to those of the opening weeks, but there’s little question that he is proving to be far more effective and deadly with his attacking involvements.

He’s not the only one enjoying an exciting resurgence. Ibrahima Konate has been immense in Liverpool’s backline this season, scoring at the San Siro in the Champions League last week and blending technique with titanic defensive resolve in the English top flight.

As per Sofascore, the France international has won 77% of his duels in the league across his five appearances, also completing 91% of his passes and placing a gorgeous assist for Diaz’s opening goal against Bournemouth last weekend.

​He’s been a beast of a defender since signing for the Merseysiders from RB Leipzig when his £36m release clause was met in 2021. Still only ​25 years old, Konate has completed 96 matches for the outfit but ebbed and flowed from form last term.

Indeed, he fell by the wayside as Liverpool’s carriage also toppled under Klopp in 2024, with The Athletic’s James Pearce commenting on his “dreadful” displays. He was one of the chief culprits as Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool at Anfield in April, which is what Pearce was commenting on.

Pundit Jamie Carragher hurled criticism at the talent toward the backend of last season too, saying: “Konate’s been so poor of late, really poor. Liverpool need to buy a centre-back in the summer.”

Liverpool, as we all know, didn’t buy a new centre-half in the summer but Konate is proving – so far – that he has what it takes to partner Virgil van Dijk with steel and authority throughout the duration of the campaign.

He’s had mixed luck on the injury front at Liverpool but Konate has been Hercules-esque across these opening couple of months and is an indispensable member of the starting line-up right now.

Both players are enjoying fine a resurgence and will be eager to pen lucrative new deals to reflect their importance at the heart of Slot’s project. After all, Kostas Tsimikas, for example, takes home a heftier pay packet.

Why Liverpool should get rid of Kostas Tsimikas

Liverpool signed Tsimikas from Greek side Olympiakos for a shrewd fee of about £12m in 2020, meaning that the left-back was recruited for the recently-crowned Premier League champions in an attempt to bolster the high-flying existing options.

He’s never quite established himself, though has played an important role throughout the later phase of Klopp’s tenure. Indeed, the 28-year-old has played 90 times for Liverpool and has assisted 17 goals, which stands at an average rate of 0.19 per match.

For reference, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s career assist rate for Liverpool is 0.26 per game, so Tsimikas knows a thing or two about playmaking, have no doubt.

As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 2% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for passes attempted and the top 9% for progressive passes per 90.

But it’s not all about assisting the forwards. He’s solid but unspectacular, and given that Andy Robertson is now 30 years old and Liverpool have been linked with a new left-back for some time, it would be much more wise to sell the Greece native and allow Robertson to compete with whoever is – possibly – brought in to strengthen Slot’s unit.

Tsimikas signed a new contract with Liverpool one year ago today that extends his service on Merseyside to 2027. It means that the second-choice left-back is now earning £75k per week, documented as more than the earnings of both Diaz and Konate.

Indeed, Konate, who has entered the penultimate year of his one and only signed deal with Liverpool, earns £70k per week, with the £55k-per-week Diaz also yet to extend the deal that saw him move from Porto in January 2022.

This is not a… concern for the Reds, but Liverpool need to rise to another level if they wish to keep pace with Manchester City and Arsenal at the summit of English football. Tsimikas is not unexpendable, with transfer insider Dean Jones revealing last October that Liverpool were assessing their options despite recently tying him down to new terms.

Described “woeful” by reporter James Dodd last season, perhaps it’s time for something new. With prominent stars like the aforementioned still earning less than Tsimikas, something needs to change.

Better than Trent: Liverpool wanted to sign superstar who's now worth £235m

He may well be Jurgen Klopp’s big regret…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 24, 2024

It's still early in the season, but it would be fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur have not got their Premier League campaign off to the greatest of starts.

Ange Postecoglou's side kicked things off with a 1-1 draw away to Leicester City, then beat Everton 4-0 before losing 2-1 away at Newcastle United.

Now, there is still plenty of time for the North Londoners to have an excellent year, but they will need their stars like James Maddison to be firing on all cylinders and their squad players like Richarlison fit and ready to contribute when called upon.

However, as talented as those two are, they have actually been shown up by a former Spurs player who left the club last year to little fanfare.

Maddison and Richarlison's recent form

So, let's start with Richarlison, who has been in North London for a season longer, and while he's a talented forward, it would be hard to describe his move as a success at this point in time.

In his first campaign with the Lilywhites, the former Everton ace could only muster up a paltry return of three goals and four assists in 35 appearances. He did improve last season, netting 12 goals and providing four assists in 31 games, but when looking at both campaigns together, he maintained an underwhelming average – for a centre-forward – of a goal involvement every 2.86 games.

Unfortunately for the Brazilian, this unremarkable rate of return saw the club splash £65m on Dominic Solanke this summer, thus relegating him to a squad role for the foreseeable future.

Now, while the Nova Venécia-born marksman is set to see his minutes limited this season, Maddison certainly isn't, so long as he can stay fit, that is.

The Englishman joined the North Londoners for £40m last summer, and while he had a slightly mediocre end to the year, which was no doubt in part due to his injury issues, he still scored four goals and provided nine assists in 30 matches for Postecoglou, equating to a goal involvement every 2.30 games.

However, even though the former Foxes star was able to show his true quality at points last season, he and Richarlison have been shown up for different reasons by a former Spurs ace who left the club last summer.

Lucas Moura's recent form

Yes, the mystery man is Lucas Moura, who, after spending five and a half seasons with the Lilywhites, moved back home to his first club, São Paulo, on a free transfer last August.

The 32-year-old's final few seasons in North London saw his role in the team reduced to being an option off the bench, as while he played 3173 minutes of football in his first full season with the club, his final campaign saw that number come down to just 394 minutes across 19 appearances.

However, while the Brazilian ace didn't quite live up to the potential he had at the club, he will always be remembered by the fans for his magical hat-trick against Ajax in May 2019, which booked the club a place in their first-ever Champions League final – the less said about the next game, the better.

Since returning to São Paulo, the 5 foot 8 "superhero", as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, has become an integral part of the club, outperformed Maddison last season, and while his output matches Richarlison's, he has him beat in another area.

For example, in his 33 appearances last season, the right-footed ace scored nine goals and provided seven assists, comfortably beating out the Englishman's haul of 13 goal involvements and matching his compatriot's tally of 16.

Appearances

33

Goals

9

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

However, he has the former Toffees star beat because while the 27-year-old was dropped by the Brazilian national team back in May, he has just been named in the squad once again.

Ultimately, Moura's exit from Spurs last summer has worked out for him, and while he's outperformed Maddison on the pitch and claimed a spot in the Selecao's squad where Richarlison hasn't, the North Londoners probably aren't interested in bringing him back anytime soon.

Spurs flop was sold by Conte in 2022, now he's outscoring Solanke

The attacking talent has just secured a lucrative transfer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta sexta-feira, Sport e Flamengo medirão forças na Arena Pernambuco, às 20h, pela 35ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Rubro-Negro pernambucano já está rebaixado para a Série B, portanto, apenas cumpre tabela. Já os cariocas estão na segunda posição, mas com chances remotas de título.

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> Matheuzinho tem ano consistente pelo Flamengo em 2021; veja os números

Para o confronto desta noite, o Flamengo terá dez desfalques, sendo sete tidos como titulares. Além de Everton Ribeiro, que está suspenso, o técnico Mauricio Souza não poderá contar comDiego Alves, Isla, Léo Pereira, Filipe Luís, Willian Arão, Piris da Motta Andreas Pereira, Arrascaeta e Gabriel Barbosa (clique aqui e saiba a situação de cada um deles).

Atualmente, o Sport é o vice lanterna do Campeonato Brasileiro, com apenas 33 pontos conquistados. Já o Flamengo, como dito acima, é o vice-líder, com 70 pontos na tabela de classificação.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Sport x Flamengo
​
Data/Hora: 03/12, às 20h
Local: Arena Pernambuco, em São Lourenço da Mata (PE)
Árbitro: Leandro Pedro Vuaden (RS)
Assistentes: Jorge Eduardo Bernardi (RS) eJose Eduardo Calza (RS)
Quarto árbitro:Tiago Nascimento dos Santos (PE)
Árbitro de vídeo:Jean Pierre Goncalves Lima (RS)
Onde ver: Premiere e tempo real do LANCE!

> Veja e simule a tabela do Brasileirão

SPORT (Técnico: Gustavo Florentín)
Mailson; Ewerthon, Rafael Thyere, Sabino e Sander; José Welison, Marcão Silva, Gustavo Oliveira e Hernanes; Everton Felipe e Mikael

Suspensos: –
Pendurados:Mailson, Luciano Juba, Ronaldo, Paulinho Moccelin e Tréllez
​Fora: Neilton, João Igor e Thiago Lopes (desfalques), Everaldo e Leandro Barcia (dúvidas)

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Mauricio Souza)
Hugo; Matheuzinho, Rodrigo Caio, David Luiz e Ramon (Renê); Thiago Maia, João Gomes, Diego e Vitinho; Bruno Henrique e Pedro.

Suspenso: Everton Ribeiro
​Pendurados:Léo Pereira, Bruno Viana, Gustavo Henrique,Matheuzinho,Renê, Rodinei e Kenedy.
​Fora:Diego Alves, Isla, Léo Pereira, Filipe Luís, Willian Arão, Piris da Motta Andreas Pereira, Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta e Gabriel Barbosa.

MatériaMais Notícias

Embalado! Um dos bordões da torcida do Botafogo durante a temporada virou música. Parte do projeto “Fogo no Flow”, que visa aproximar o clube do universo street e do público jovem, a canção é do ritmo rap/trap e conta com as participações deMãolee, Evan Maurilio, Sos, Maquiny e Sobs.

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O conteúdo foi publicado no YouTube às 00h desta sexta-feira. O vídeo alcançou mais de 45 mil em menos de 12 horas e foi um dos 15 vídeos em alta na plataforma, também alcançando números altos na BotafogoTV, canal do Alvinegro no site.

A canção foi feita pelos cinco artistas, que são botafoguenses, e fazem referências ao clube a todo momento – como trechos em homenagem a Loco Abreu no título carioca de 2010 e Garrincha, por exemplo.

O clipe foi filmado no Estádio Nilton Santos e as imagens de apoio são da equipe nesta temporada da Série B do Brasileirão. “Embalado” foi um dos bordões que fizeram parte da rotina da torcida durante a campanha do título do Campeonato Brasileiro desta temporada. Veja o vídeo abaixo!

Letra de “Embalado”

“Cheguei com más notícias para quem quis ver meu fim
Topo do topo nego, to com todo meu team
No cap, é simples assim
Pique Garrincha, já sabem o que eu vou fazer mas ninguém tira a bola de mim

Essa é a vida dos altos e baixos, de vencer pra manter a tradição
Uma hora no fundo do poço, outra hora com o mundo na mão
Mama falou “tá sozinho não”
Que pra ela sou uma estrela,
Não esperava a estrela solitária ser capaz de mover uma multidão

Lá lá, olha quem voltou, cês não tavam prontos pra isso Haha!
Tua infelicidade é do tamanho do meu sorriso
Para, Nego eu aposto tudo é all-in (embalado)
Esse é meu team,
Não brinca com fogo neguin!

JOGADOR DE LUXO YEAH
MACIÇO NO PULSO YEAH
BROTEI DE CAMISA 7
CAUSANDO TUMULTO YEAH
EMBA-EMBA-EMBALA
EMBA-EMBA-EMBA-EMBALADO

Única estrela brilhando nos mares, na terra e no céu
Sempre destinado à glória, gloriosa é a história, protagonista o papel
Sempre vão tentar te derrubar, mas não para
Nunca se esqueça que não se compara
Honra a camisa se concentra e embala
Ergue a cabeça, conquista e não para

Eu sou sagrado yeah
Pelo gol de Túlio, batizado yeah
Tô em campo pra deixar legado yeah
Meus rivais com medo de me ver vencer

No baile eu sou Nilton Santos, trajado com o manto sempre preto e branco
De canto me viu rabiscando, melhor que o Didi no campo, baby
Desde menor escolhido, baby
Fogo no baile te deixa crazy, vai sempre me ver portando,
Balançando e minha tropa comemorando a vitória

JOGADOR DE LUXO YEAH
MACIÇO NO PULSO YEAH
BROTEI DE CAMISA 7
CAUSANDO TUMULTO YEAH
EMBA-EMBA-EMBALA
EMBA-EMBA-EMBA-EMBALADO

Na vida se eu caio eu levanto
Nós sempre tem outro plano
Tomando de volta meu trono, eles nem piscaram e nós já tá voltando
Uh, minhas jóias no banco, diamantes sempre brilhando
Meus menino voando
A base é forte!

Sai do chão, que eu to embaladão, jogando demais
Chay da frente, se tentar com a tropa, cês vão passá mal
Vê se aprende, maior da história, o mais tradicional
Se não entende vai ter que assistir calado a nossa vitória
De volta onde sempre foi seu lugar…

Por aqui tá tudo lindo!
Voltei pro lugar que nem era pra ter saído ô!
Terror dos adversários, alegria de domingo,
Seja no Maracanã ou no Niltão to sorrindo ô!

EMBA-EMBALADO

É que meu amor nunca morreu
Pitbull alvinegro assim sou eu UH – UH
Cavadinha no ano de 2010 que deixou todo mundo Loco Abreu
Eu na arquibancada, balanço a bandeira,
Canto o hino e vaio se eles fazem cera
Preto e branco é o sangue, não falo besteira
Nosso time sempre vai ser de primeira

Hoje não dá, hoje não dá, hoje vai ter jogo do Botafogo
O glorioso, yeah, é o meu grande amor
É o meu grande amor , é o meu grande amor
O glorioso, o glorioso é o meu grande amor

JOGADOR DE LUXO YEAH
MACIÇO NO PULSO YEAH
BROTEI DE CAMISA 7
CAUSANDO TUMULTO YEAH
EMBA-EMBA-EMBALA
EMBA-EMBA-EMBA-EMBALADOTRA ]

(wo, wowoo-ô)

Cheguei com más notícias para quem quis ver meu fim
Topo do topo nego, to com todo meu team
No cap, é simples assim
Pique Garrincha, já sabem o que eu vou fazer mas ninguém tira a bola de mim

Essa é a vida dos altos e baixos, de vencer pra manter a tradição
Uma hora no fundo do poço, outra hora com o mundo na mão
Mama falou “tá sozinho não”
Que pra ela sou uma estrela,
Não esperava a estrela solitária ser capaz de mover uma multidão

Lá lá, olha quem voltou, cês não tavam prontos pra isso Haha!
Tua infelicidade é do tamanho do meu sorriso
Para, Nego eu aposto tudo é all-in (embalado)
Esse é meu team,
Não brinca com fogo neguin!

JOGADOR DE LUXO YEAH
MACIÇO NO PULSO YEAH
BROTEI DE CAMISA 7
CAUSANDO TUMULTO YEAH
EMBA-EMBA-EMBALA
EMBA-EMBA-EMBA-EMBALADO

Única estrela brilhando nos mares, na terra e no céu
Sempre destinado à glória, gloriosa é a história, protagonista o papel
Sempre vão tentar te derrubar, mas não para
Nunca se esqueça que não se compara
Honra a camisa se concentra e embala
Ergue a cabeça, conquista e não para

Eu sou sagrado yeah
Pelo gol de Túlio, batizado yeah
Tô em campo pra deixar legado yeah
Meus rivais com medo de me ver vencer

No baile eu sou Nilton Santos, trajado com o manto sempre preto e branco
De canto me viu rabiscando, melhor que o Didi no campo, baby
Desde menor escolhido, baby
Fogo no baile te deixa crazy, vai sempre me ver portando,
Balançando e minha tropa comemorando a vitória

JOGADOR DE LUXO YEAH
MACIÇO NO PULSO YEAH
BROTEI DE CAMISA 7
CAUSANDO TUMULTO YEAH
EMBA-EMBA-EMBALA
EMBA-EMBA-EMBA-EMBALADO

Na vida se eu caio eu levanto
Nós sempre tem outro plano
Tomando de volta meu trono, eles nem piscaram e nós já tá voltando
Uh, minhas jóias no banco, diamantes sempre brilhando
Meus menino voando
A base é forte!

Sai do chão, que eu to embaladão, jogando demais
Chay da frente, se tentar com a tropa, cês vão passá mal
Vê se aprende, maior da história, o mais tradicional
Se não entende vai ter que assistir calado a nossa vitória
De volta onde sempre foi seu lugar…

Por aqui tá tudo lindo!
Voltei pro lugar que nem era pra ter saído ô!
Terror dos adversários, alegria de domingo,
Seja no Maracanã ou no Niltão to sorrindo ô!

EMBA-EMBALADO

É que meu amor nunca morreu
Pitbull alvinegro assim sou eu UH – UH
Cavadinha no ano de 2010 que deixou todo mundo Loco Abreu
Eu na arquibancada, balanço a bandeira,
Canto o hino e vaio se eles fazem cera
Preto e branco é o sangue, não falo besteira
Nosso time sempre vai ser de primeira

Hoje não dá, hoje não dá, hoje vai ter jogo do Botafogo
O glorioso, yeah, é o meu grande amor
É o meu grande amor , é o meu grande amor
O glorioso, o glorioso é o meu grande amor

JOGADOR DE LUXO YEAH
MACIÇO NO PULSO YEAH
BROTEI DE CAMISA 7
CAUSANDO TUMULTO YEAH
EMBA-EMBA-EMBALA
EMBA-EMBA-EMBA-EMBALADO”

MatériaMais Notícias

Aclamado pela torcida doBotafogocom os gritos de “Fica! Fica!”, Rafael Navarro fez mistério em relação à sua possibilidade de permanência no clube na temporada de 2022. Na saída do gramado após a goleada por 4 a 0 sobre o Vasco, neste domingo (7), o atacante afirmou.

>>>>> Veja a classificação da Série B

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-Eu estou muito feliz com o momento. O Botafogo me deu essa oportunidade de mostrar o meu trabalho, então sou eternamente grato. Vou levar o Botafogo sempre na minha vida, é a minha casa. Amo muito o Botafogo e essa torcida maravilhosa – declarou à Rede Globo.

O jovem, que fez o terceiro gol da equipe na tarde na Colina, destacou a força da torcida e afirmou que sua decisão sobre o futuro no futebol ficará para depois.

-É uma emoção muito grande ouvir a torcida gritando meu nome. Estou muito feliz com o momento que estou vivendo. Essa vitória de hoje é para eles, muito importante, até porque viramos líder do campeonato. Eu estou muito feliz. Futuro deixo mais para frente, estou focado agora em ser campeão com o Botafogo – garantiu.

O Botafogo, líder da Série B com 62 pontos, volta a campo na quinta-feira (11), quando pega a Ponte Preta no Moisés Lucarelli.

Jude Bellingham has defended Kylian Mbappe amid a wave of criticism, insisting the Real Madrid striker is "only going to get better".

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Mbappe under pressure in MadridFrance striker has one goal in fiveLos Blancos face Liverpool in UCLFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe has scored nine goals in 17 appearances for Real Madrid this season, but a deeper look into his numbers – he's scored only four goals from open play in La Liga – has contributed to some fierce criticism. Furthermore, Thierry Henry was among those to question the France striker for his struggles playing through the middle.

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Nowhere does the spotlight shine brighter than in Madrid and criticism is simply par for the course. Bellingham knows that only too well, but the England midfielder has come to Mbappe's defence by calling the criticism "over the top" and insisting his team-mate is "only going to get better".

WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

"Kylian's been absolutely great coming in. He gets a lot of criticism and it's a bit over the top, for me," Bellingham said ahead of Real Madrid's game against Liverpool in the Champions League. "I think if you look at what he's contributed so far, it's really good. It's scary because I see him every day in training and I know he's only going to get better."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Carlo Ancelotti's side have made a mixed start to their Champions League campaign, losing at home to AC Milan in their most recent outing. They'll hope to get back on track against Arne Slot's flawless Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

Their 48-run win is their 15th consecutive T20 victory in the UAE as captain Afghan equalled Dhoni’s record for the most wins in this format

Firdose Moonda19-Mar-2021

Afghanistan sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe, with a match to play, in another authoritative display with both bat and ball. Their 48-run win is their 15th consecutive T20 victory in the UAE and captain Asghar Afghan has equalled MS Dhoni’s record for the most wins in this format.Usman Ghani and Karim Janat’s 102-run second-wicket stand laid the foundation for Afghanistan to post a total close to 200. They fell seven short, but it was still more than enough against a Zimbabwe side that has not come to grips with how to pace a chase. Zimbabwe’s biggest partnership of 62-run between Ryan Burl and Richmond Mutumbami kept them in the game but collapses at the beginning and end of their innings meant they were always behind the game. Zimbabwe slumped to 56 for 5 inside seven overs and then lost four wickets for seven runs in seven balls at the end. They have not won a T20I since October 2019.Lucky No.13 Mohammad Nabi had gone 12 T20Is without a wicket before he bowled Zimbabwean captain Sean Williams, who missed a slog sweep and lost his offstump. The dismissal was celebrated enthusiastically by Afghanistan’s batting coach HD Ackerman but it wasn’t Nabi’s biggest contribution on the day. That came a little earlier with his 40 off 15 balls, and later, when he ended the 62-run stand between Richmond Mutumbami and Ryan Burl that threatened to keep Zimbabwe in the hunt.With the bat, Nabi took Afghanistan’s total from middle to mammoth and was an exhibition of power-hitting. Nabi struck three sixes off legspinner Brandon Mavuta in the 16th over, all over long-on to bring up 24 runs off 7 balls for himself and elevate Afghanistan’s scoring rate over nine runs an over. He hit one more six, off Muzarabani, when the tall seamer missed a yorker before holing out off a slower ball in the penultimate over of Afghanistan’s innings. By then, the stage was set for Asghar Afghan and Rashid Khan to have some fun and they took 18 runs off the last over to take Afghanistan close to 200.Rashid’s records mount The third-highest wicket-taker in T20Is. All because of three wickets in one over that ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of staying in the series. Rashid Khan went for runs – 23 in his first two overs, 21 of them off Burl – but he had the final say once again. Searching for big runs, Burl was caught at deep mid-wicket when he didn’t get hold of the first delivery of Rashid’s third over. Two balls after that, Brandon Mavuta swept to long-on. And three balls later, Donald Tiripano was bowled as he missed the reverse sweep.Rashid Khan poses with a special cap gifted to him on the occasion of his 50th T20I appearance•Abu Dhabi Cricket

Power in the powerplay Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava’s two overs for three runs in the powerplay kept Afghanistan quiet in the opening period of their innings but with one over of fielding restriction left, Karim Janat decided to up the ante. He took 20 runs off Blessing Muzarabani’s second over including a six down the ground, two cuts that went for four, and upper cut off a short, wide delivery that sailed for six. Janat left Afghanistan one away from fifty runs at the end of the powerplay and had raced to 33 off 18 balls. While Ghani farmed most of the strike in the next six overs, Janat brought up his fifty off 31 balls in the 13th over.The first no-baller no-one wants Tinashe Kamunhukamwe enjoyed Zimbabwe’s best batting return from the first T20I and their worst in this match when he was dismissed off the first ball of the innings. He was hit on the back leg by a Naveen-ul-Haq ball that moved in sharply from outside off stump. Kamunhukamwe cleared his front leg to try and hit it to the leg side but missed and was struck on the knee, as the pad slipped down. Aleem Dar gave it out lbw, although there may be an argument for the ball sliding past leg stump especially as the wicketkeeper was moving that way, but Kamunhukamwe had more to worry about than that. He needed on-field treatment for what will likely be a painful bruise and had to be helped off the field.Decisions in the spotlight Zimbabwe had another batsman who may also have felt aggrieved with the decision made against him. Richmond Mutumbami had reached a run-a-ball 21 when he missed a reverse-sweep and was given out lbw to Nabi, although replays showed he may have been hit outside the line. There is no DRS in this series, but it would have been welcome.

“If what I have heard about the episode is true, it is indeed shocking and disheartening”

12-Jan-2021Former India seamer Irfan Pathan threw his weight behind Deepak Hooda after the player stormed out of Baroda camp alleging misbehaviour by captain Krunal Pandya, saying such incidents can have “adverse effects” on a player.Hooda, who has played 46 first-class matches, was miffed at the behaviour of Pandya, who has also represented India, during the recent camp for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.”During the difficult times of this pandemic wherein mental health of a player is of utmost importance as they have to stay in a bio-bubble as well as keep themselves focused on the game, such incidents may have adverse effects on a player and should be avoided,” Pathan said in a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday.Expressing shock over the incident involving the two players ahead of the tournament, Pathan urged the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) to look into the matter. “Requesting all the members of the BCA to look into this and condemn such actions since they are not good for the game of cricket,” he said.Pathan, who played 29 Tests and 120 ODIs, also slammed the BCA for “overlooking” promising players.”Being an ex-captain of Baroda and having mentored many youngsters, I understand how important it is to have a harmonious environment where players can feel safe, play freely and give their best for the team,” he said. “If what I have heard about the Deepak Hooda episode is true, it is indeed shocking and disheartening. No player should be treated like this.”Pathan, who was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, spoke about young players being overlooked by BCA despite performing in recent years.”In the recent past, there have been episodes wherein the deserving young talents who have performed well and are under the age of 30 have been overlooked for selection,” he said. “Also, the likes of Aditya Waghmode, who was the highest run-scorer for the Baroda team in the last season of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 364 runs and Swapnil Singh, who had all-round performance, scoring 216 runs and took 10 wickets, were overlooked.”

Kieran McKenna has come to debutant Harry Clarke's defence despite the defender being sent off in Ipswich's defeat to Brentford.

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• McKenna defends Clarke
• Had a nightmare debut against Brentford
• The Bees clinched a 4-3 win over the Tractor Boys

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Arsenal youth player Clarke endured a nightmare debut in the Premier League as he was sent off in the 69th minute, having already conceded a penalty and accidentally scored an own goal as Ipswich suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Brentford. Despite the player's multiple mistakes in the game, manager McKenna came to the 23-year-old's defence as he protected him from social media criticism.

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• WHAT KIERAN MCKENNA SAID

  Speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference, McKenna said, "It's his Premier League debut and he has not started a game since April. So, he will get plenty of support from us. He did some good things in the game, and there have been some good things In his performance, but there are a few things, of course, a few defensive moments, that you want to do better on and he'll be disappointed with.

  "He is a young player, making his Premier League debut, coming back from a big injury and because of the injuries we have, we had to throw him straight into the team where ideally he'd have a longer period, maybe coming off the bench like all of our players and our culture. He'll take his mistake on the chin I am sure and look to learn from it and work hard on those things in training and come back again stronger."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Clarke has been an integral part of the Ipswich side under McKenna that secured back-to-back promotions to the top division. Unfortunately, he remained sidelined with an injury since April this year and had to wait until late October to finally make his debut in the English top flight. The Tractor Boys are yet to register a win in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign and are currently just a point above the relegation zone.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR IPSWICH TOWN?

  McKenna's men will aim to register their first win in the league next Saturday as they take on Leicester City in an important encounter at home.