Brilliant piece of wicketkeeping or pushing the Laws of the game? Ben Foakes’ stumping of Andy Balbirnie in Friday’s ODI between Ireland and England left many praising his smart glovework, but Ireland’s captain, William Porterfield, was less impressed and afterwards suggested the ball was “pretty much dead”.The issue of a wicketkeeper waiting behind the stumps for the merest hint of a batsman lifting his foot is not quite as contentious as running out a batsman backing up – and Porterfield declined to make a comparison with Mankad dismissals – but similar questions were asked in some quarters about the legitimacy of such stumpings by stealth.Porterfield was more concerned about the tactic delaying play, if wicketkeepers regularly sought to wait for a batsman to accidentally leave his ground, and suggested games could end up lasting “15 hours” .”You can say it was great wicketkeeping or you can say it’s a bit of a grey area of ‘when is the ball dead?'” Porterfield said. “The ball was pretty much dead. The batsman wasn’t going anywhere or over-balanced. The keeper has waited for three or four seconds. If we do that all day, it’s going be a pretty long game. How long do you wait? We’ll be playing 15-hour games if you wait that long.”On the subject of whether it was similar to Mankading a batsman at the non-striker’s end – recently (and controversially) employed by R Ashwin when running out Jos Buttler in the IPL – Porterfield suggested this was a different matter.”He [Balbirnie] was probably more unhappy that he did lift his foot a little bit as he wasn’t going anywhere or trying to do anything,” he said. “The ball is pretty much dead like. On another day, that ball is probably [thrown by Foakes] into the covers.”Foakes himself saw the dismissal as simply going about his normal business. “When it’s a sweep you think they might fall over and I just saw he lifted his foot and nicked [the bails] off,” he said.
Com foco na última rodada do Brasileirão-2020, quando enfrenta o Internacional, no Beira-Rio, Fagner passou por exames de imagem na tarde desta terça-feira e segue como dúvida no Corinthians. Gustavo Mosquito, por sua vez, tem sido apenas reavaliado pelo departamento médico do clube. Ambos iniciaram tratamento na última segunda-feira no CT Joaquim Grava.A informação foi divulgada primeiramente pelo UOL e confirmada pelo LANCE!.
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Fagner sentiu dores no músculo adutor da coxa direita no fim do primeiro tempo do duelo com o Vasco, no último domingo, mas só foi substituído no intervalo, quando Michel Macedo entrou. O lateral-direito titular do Timão passou por exames nesta tarde e terá conhecimento dos resultados apenas nesta quarta-feira, mas a tendência é que seja mesmo desfalque contra o Inter.
Enquanto Mosquito deixou o campo ainda no primeiro tempo, aos 35 minutos e deu lugar a Gabriel Pereira, após ter sentido uma pancada no joelho direito. Diferentemente do lateral-direito, o meia-atacante não precisou passar por exames, mas tem sido submetido a avaliações diárias do departamento médico. Mesmo que o caso seja mais leve, ele também segue como dúvida.
Caso sejam realmente desfalques para enfrentar o Internacional, na próxima quinta-feira, às 21h30, no Beira-Rio, Mosquito e Fagner serão baixas sentidas para Vagner Mancini. Para a vaga do atacante a dúvida seria maior, além do próprio Gabriel Pereira, Léo Natel e Otero podem ter chance. Já para a lateral, a tendência é que Michel Macedo seja naturalmente o escolhido para a função.
Liverpool were set to drop points for the first time at Anfield this season, but Trent Alexander-Arnold said no. The England international's last-gasp winner against Fulham on Sunday afternoon is symbolic of the lionhearted mentality under Jurgen Klopp's management.
Was this on show last season? Decidedly not. Liverpool struggled, toiled, languished and flopped. A fifth-placed Premier League finish was probably a fair reflection of a season marred by a malfunctioning engine room, the cuts too deep despite a late-season purple patch.
But Liverpool's heavy tinkering across the summer has resulted in a new-look midfield that has charged the club back into title conversations, with results such as the 4-3 win over Fulham evidence of a mindset fit for champions.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Arsenal mirrored the result at Kenilworth Road soon after, with Declan Rice popping up big time once again in a further token of his worth after a £105m summer arrival.
Manchester City also exists, and the pursuit of silver-laden success will require season-long fortitude, ingenuity and innovation to prevail and return to the pinnacle of the footballing pyramid.
Such ambitions have been made possible by the acquisitions of cultured Alexis Mac Allister, indefatigable Dominik Szoboszlai and exciting Ryan Gravenberch.
Such signings still have not answered the question surrounding Liverpool's long-term answer to the No. 6 position in the team, where Mac Allister has been playing since the summer.
Indeed, the time for a solution is now approaching, and to take a step in that direction, Liverpool must make a move for high-octane wideman Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool transfer news – Jeremie Frimpong
According to a recent report from 90min, Liverpool scouts were present to watch surprise German Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen draw 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund, with Frimpong the man at the centre of Klopp's attention.
Understood to have a £35m release clause in his contract which expires next summer, the Dutchman has been exceptional under Xabi Alonso's management this season, with his exploits down the right channel also attracting Arsenal's attention, with scouts decidedly impressed by what they saw.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
The 22-year-old is among the finest attacking wing-backs in the business and appears to offer a skill set that would complement Liverpool's system, though whether the Reds opt to prioritise such a signing over the midfield remains to be seen.
Jeremie Frimpong's style of play
Praised for his "breathtaking" speed by journalist and U23 scout Antonio Mango, Frimpong is one of the most distinctive and talented defenders in Europe, though it's perhaps incorrect to label him as a member of the backline.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for touches in the attacking box and progressive carries, and the top 2% for successful take-ons and progressive passes received per 90, highlighting his placement up within the thick of the attacking action.
As a result of such marauding forays, Frimpong ranks among the top 2% for goals, the top 5% for assists and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90, leading United Stand presenter Beth Tucker to call him a “monster” in the final third.
Jeremie Frimpong: Similar Players
#
Player
Club
1
Theo Hernandez
AC Milan
2
Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich
3
Kieran Trippier
Newcastle United
4
Joao Cancelo
Barcelona
5
Benjamin Pavard
Inter Milan
*Sourced via Football Transfers
Likened to some of the best offensive full-backs around, Frimpong has certainly been in fine fettle this season, posting six goals and seven assists from 18 appearances across all competitions, particularly eye-catching in the German top-flight.
As per Sofascore, the whiz has clinched nine direct contributions across 13 starts in the Bundesliga this season, notably also completing 80% of his passes, averaging 1.5 key passes and 3.5 ball recoveries per game and providing Alonso's high-flying side with a constant offensive outlet down the right.
Again, it must be stressed that the former Celtic starlet is firmly positioned in the attacking half, only making 0.9 tackles and 0.5 clearances per game and only winning 48% of his duels, so his addition to the fold would hardly eradicate the perpetual question marks over Liverpool's defensive solidity at right-back under Klopp's leadership.
Jeremie-Frimpong celebrates with Bayer Leverkusen.
By sealing a swoop for Frimpong, Liverpool would, of course, likely wave goodbye to Alexander-Arnold's permanent role at right-back, with all the pointers suggesting that the brilliant playmaker is destined for a future in the centre of the park.
New beginnings
Two years ago, Klopp scoffed at claims that Alexander-Arnold should move into midfield, saying, "Why make the best right-back in the world a midfielder?"
Now, with the 25-year-old increasingly venturing into the nucleus of Klopp's system of the pitch, it appears inevitable that he will eventually cement a spot in the middle, which would mean that signing someone of Frimpong's ilk makes a load of sense.
Alexander-Arnold is one of the finest creative players in the world, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers for assists and passes attempted, the top 25% for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90.
His innate ability to influence play and pick out the Mohamed Salah's and Luiz Diaz's of Liverpool's team is nothing short of extraordinary, though there is a growing sense that his defence-splitting passing would be better utilised as the central fulcrum.
On a per-game average in the league this term, the "genius" – as he has been dubbed by reporter Neil Jones – is creating 1.8 key passes, making 6.8 ball recoveries and 1.3 tackles, also completing 81% of his passes.
This hints at an ability to thrive in the centre, marrying his flair and style with an underrated industriousness; it's also worth noting, that were such changes to be enforced then Frimpong could find the ultimate force supplementing his darting runs.
Frimpong lingers in the final third and weaves into space at breakneck speed, with Alexander-Arnold in the centre, pulling the strings, then there is no telling how indomitable Liverpool's offensive verve could become, and Klopp must seriously consider signing the Bayer Leverkusen star and continuing the evolution of 'Liverpool 2.0'.
Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner have reconciled, despite the Manchester City right-back fathering two children with Lauryn Goodman.
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Walker and Kilner reconicleHad split after news of infidelity emergedWalker and Kilner have four childrenWHAT HAPPENED?
Per the Daily Mirror, Walker and Kilner have agreed to reconcile after the birth of their fourth child. In December of last year, while Kilner was pregnant, she discovered that the Manchester City and England right-back had fathered two children with Lauryn Goodman.
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Per the report, Walker is not currently living with Kilner, but the pair are continuing to co-parent and are attempting to put significant work into their marriage. quotes a source claiming that the pair are "over the moon" to have extended their family and have decided that the "past isn't important."
DID YOU KNOW?
Walker and Kilner met when the two were teenagers, before the former's career took off. The pair were married in 2022 and have three sons, named Roman, Riaan and Reign.
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Walker will next be in action when City play Chelsea in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final. They are also currently top of the Premier League table, two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Adelaide Strikers star Rashid Khan is determined to play out the remainder of the Big Bash League despite the recent death of his father. Rashid’s father died on Sunday night, just hours before he took the field in the Strikers’ New Year’s Eve win over Sydney Thunder in Adelaide.The 20-year-old legspinner took 2 for 34 in the 20-run win over the Thunder. He returned to his absolute best against the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong on Thursday, thumping 21 not out from seven balls before taking 1 for 18 from his four overs.ALSO READ: Rashid Khan to play in New Year’s Eve fixture despite father’s deathRashid said his family had encouraged him to stay in Australia and play for the Strikers after his father’s death. “It was tough,” Rashid said. “I lost my dad, the one who is very close to us and to my family. He really supported us. He struggled a lot while giving up (a lot) with how he (raised) us.”He was always watching my games. He didn’t understand cricket a lot but he just was always asking my family how I had done.”It happens. It’s life. In this situation my family has really supported me. Especially my mum, my brothers, my nephews. They were encouraging me a lot from back home.”They were calling me again and again. They were (saying), ‘you have to be there, you have to play for us, you have to play for your dad. We can see you’re sad, you’re alone there, you’re (a long way) from home’.”That’s how their motivation helped me to stay here and play for the Strikers.”Rashid also paid credit to Renegades allrounder and Afghanistan team-mate Mohammad Nabi, as well as the entire Strikers squad, for helping him through the last week.”I spoke with him (Nabi) a lot. He said, ‘it’s life. Someone will go, someone will come. We all will go one day. It’s not like we will be here for all of time’,” Rashid said.”The way the team, my captain, my coaches, my management, the way they (supported) me has been great.”They were in my room until late (after the New Year’s Eve game) encouraging me. I really love that. That kept me alive there. They were coming to me and hugging me.”He also revealed he had turned down the chance to play in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League in order to remain in Australia, citing his preparation for the World T20 in Australia in 2020 as a priority.”I was approached as well to go there but I always preferred to go to Big Bash,” Rashid said. “I love it. I love being here. It’s absolutely different conditions for you as a bowler.”We are always playing in Asia, if you (play) outside of Asia, it’s something else for you, it’s something new each and every day.”The T20 World Cup is here. It’s good preparation for us, for me as well, to be well prepared for the World Cup.”
Newcastle United have been left threadbare after an injury crisis, which could see up to 11 first-team players ruled out heading into Saturday's match against Chelsea.
Read more: Latest Newcastle injury news
As such, Eddie Howe will be keen to strengthen his ranks come January, particularly in midfield, where Sandro Tonali has left a huge void after picking up a 10-month suspension.
Al-Hilal's Rúben Neves had been mooted as a potential replacement for the Italian, but The Atheltic recently confirmed that he is expected to remain in Saudi Arabia, at least until the end of the season.
Although, the recent Premier League vote on a loan ban between associated clubs failed, so technically there is still a possibility.
With that in mind, Football FanCast has taken a look at five midfielders Newcastle could sign in January.
Scott McTominay – Manchester United
West Ham could provide competition for his signature
Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to the North East club in the past and the Mirror ran a report in October claiming that he is among a four-man shortlist for the January transfer window.
The towering midfielder has netted three times in nine league outings this season and has been in prolific goalscoring form for Scotland, scoring seven goals in Euro qualifying.
McTominay was subjected to a bid from West Ham United in the summer and the Hammers could return with a second proposal this winter.
That would only drive the price up for the Magpies which could force them to explore other midfield alternatives…
Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City
The 27-year-old is eager to find regular football
According to ESPN, Newcastle are lining up a proposal for out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is also being monitored by European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Juventus.
The England international has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football this term and is eager to find regular opportunities ahead of the Euros next summer.
It remains to be seen whether any forthcoming deal will be a permanent or loan, though, City will likely want to recoup as much of the £42m they outlaid as possible.
Phillips' game time since moving to Man City
Season
Appearances
Starts
2022/23
21
4
2023/24
8
1
Amadou Onana – Everton
The former Lille midfielder could be sold to ease financial pressures
As reported by The Athletic, Newcastle United have previously had Everton midfielder Amadou Onana on their transfer shortlist and could materialise their interest in January given Everton's financial position.
The Toffees have recently been deducted 10 points and could face further punishment with Leeds United, Leicester City and Burnley all set to sue the Merseyside club.
One of Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite will likely depart in the next year to ease the club's financial concerns which could allow the Magpies to land the Belgian international's signature at a discounted price.
Though, TEAMtalk claim Everton remain well-positioned to keep hold of their prized assets and won't accept any cut-price offers.
João Palhinha – Fulham
The former Sporting midfielder came close to a summer exit
Fulham's João Palhinha was another midfielder namechecked in The Athletic's October report, though, the publication did note that the deal is 'potentially unrealistic'.
Bayern Munich were close to signing the 23-cap Portugal international for a reported £55m in the summer before the deal collapsed.
The Cottagers will clearly want a similar fee should they sanction a January exit, meaning the Tynesiders will have to outlay a sizable fee, which is perhaps non-viable.
The 28-year-old is under contract until June 2028.
Palhinha career path
Date
Left
Joined
Fee
12th August, 2015
Sporting B
Moreirense FC
Loan
30th June, 2016
Moreirense FC
Sporting B
End of loan
1st July, 2016
Sporting B
Sporting CP
–
9th August, 2016
Sporting CP
CF Os Belenenses
Loan
4th January, 2017
CF Os Belenenses
Sporting CP
End of loan
7th August, 2018
Sporting CP
SC Braga
Loan
31st July, 2020
SC Braga
Sporting CP
End of loan
4th July, 2022
Sporting CP
Fulham
£18.2m
André Almeida – Valencia
The Portugal youth international impressed against England's Under-21s
The Athletic further notes that Valencia's André Almeida could be targetted this winter, with the Spanish outfit potentially in need of raising cash.
The 23-year-old has represented Portugal at every age level and impressed against England in the Under-21 European Championships quarter-final in the summer.
He is thought to be worth around £20m, which could be a more feasible option than some of the aforementioned names. Despite Newcastle's significant wealth, they must operate shrewdly in the market with Financial Fair Play looming.
Leeds United have not always had the best of success in the transfer market over the years as they have brought in big-money flops and missed out on targets who have gone to achieve greatness.
The Whites relieved sporting director Victor Orta of his duties in May of this year after his work contributed to the club being relegated from the Premier League last season.
His transfer dealings and managerial appointments were not able to achieve the goal of staying in the top-flight and the Yorkshire-based side will be hoping for greater success in the future if they are able to return to the top table under Daniel Farke.
The likes of Brenden Aaronson, Dan James, and Rodrigo were all signed for significant fees at Premier League level for Leeds and failed to be consistent performers throughout their time on that stage.
Leeds midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
However, the attention should also turn to the players Orta attempted to sign and was unable to get over the line as one talented gem who could have ended up at Elland Road was Josko Gvardiol.
How close Leeds came to signing Josko Gvardiol
Croatian outlet 24Sata claimed in 2020 that Leeds had an offer of €22m (£19m) accepted to sign the central defender from Dinamo Zagreb in September 2020.
The report claimed that then-manager Marcelo Bielsa viewed him as a dominant enforcer who could hit the ground running and impress at Premier League level, despite being 18 at the time.
They had already had an offer of €21m (£18m) accepted by Dinamo but the club decided to up their offer to €22m and included a 20% sell-on clause in order to improve their chances of securing his services ahead of RB Leipzig.
Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol.
It was added that the Whites did not expect Gvardiol to be at Elland Road for much longer than one season as they believed that he would quickly be sold on for a significant profit to the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, or Liverpool.
However, the player seemingly decided to make the move to Leipzig instead, for a reported fee of just €16m (£14m), and was loaned back to Dinamo for the rest of the 2020/21 campaign.
Gvardiol's Leipzig career in numbers
The impressive centre-back eventually joined up with his new team for the start of the 2021/22 campaign and went on to play 87 competitive matches in all competitions across two years in Germany.
He caught the eye with his Bundesliga performances during his first season with Leipzig as the versatile ace, who can also play at left-back, showed his abilities on and off the ball.
Gvardiol ranked within the top 9% of his positional peers for progressive passes (5.87) and progressive carries (1.76) per 90 at Bundesliga level that term.
RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
The Croatia international also made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game and won 58% of his physical duels over the course of the 2021/22 season.
These statistics show that the ex-Dinamo star hit the ground running in Germany as he was able to consistently win the ball back at an efficient rate for his side whilst also being able to impact games in possession with his progressive play out from the back.
Gvardiol, who played 30 Bundesliga matches last season, also impressed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Croatia as he displayed his quality at the very top level.
The 21-year-old titan averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.16 across seven appearances at the tournament and made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game, to go along with a pass success rate of 90%.
How much Manchester City signed Gvardiol for
His impressive form for club and country over the last two years earned him a mega-money move to treble-winners Manchester City during the recent summer transfer window.
Pep Guardiola's side sanctioned a staggering £77m swoop for the Croatian central defender, who became the second-most expensive defender in football history – behind Harry Maguire's £80m switch from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019.
That was significantly more than the £14m Leipzig paid for his services in 2020 and, still, considerably more than the £19m that Leeds were prepared to pay.
Even if you take 20% of profit away – as part of the proposed deal with Dinamo – the Whites would have made a colossal £46.4m profit if they were able to sell Gvardiol on for a similar fee had they been able to get that deal over the line.
Gvardiol has made 11 appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens so far this season and has already showcased his progressive quality in possession at Premier League level.
The young colossus currently ranks in the top 12% of his positional peers within the division for progressive passes (5.62) per 90, which highlights his ability to ignite attacking sequences from a defensive position.
This suggests that he has been able to quickly adapt to life in the Premier League and is already being trusted to play regular minutes under Guardiola, with seven top-flight starts to date.
Gvardiol's Ballon d'Or ranking
The 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony took place on Monday of this week and the great Lionel Messi was crowned with his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy for his exploits with Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain.
Whilst he did not win an award, Gvardiol was recognised for his outstanding performances by placing 25th out of the 30 shortlisted candidates for the trophy.
Kim Min-jae (22nd) was the only defender who featured higher on the list and, interestingly, the Croatia international finished above his teammate and Manchester City star Ruben Dias, who was 30th.
This is a particularly impressive accomplishment when you consider that the Portugal international was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2022/23 Premier League season.
He also made the Champions League Squad of the Season as City beat Inter and kept a clean sheet in the final to secure the trophy, which shows that Dias was an outstanding performer domestically and in Europe for the treble-winners.
Therefore, Gvardiol finishing above him in the Ballon d'Or ranking illustrates just how good the Croatia international was for club and country last season.
Leeds, Orta, and Bielsa must rue not being able to convince the then-teenage titan to make the switch to Elland Road as they missed out on a world-class defender who could have made them a gigantic profit.
Thierry Henry hailed Kylian Mbappe as a "monster" while claiming "everyone envies" France because of the Paris Saint-Germain star's presence.
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Henry hailed Mbappe as a "monster"Says other teams envy France for having MbappeMbappe unlikely to participate at Olympic GamesWHAT HAPPENED?
France U21 coach Henry, who will coach the U23s at the Paris Olympics this summer, spoke highly of Mbappe as he claimed that the Paris Saint-Germain star is a "monster" on the pitch. He went on to suggest that every other team "envies" the French national team for having the superstar forward in their ranks.
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Speaking to , Henry said: "We’re speaking about a monster here. Let’s be happy that Kylian is French. Everyone envies us. Every time I go abroad, people tell me, ‘You’re so lucky in France to have a player like him.’ Here, even if we talk about his qualities, there is always a negative remark because he lifted his little finger because he’s done this and not that. But abroad, they really envy us!"
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Mbappe has expressed his desire to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games, but his proposed move to Real Madrid is likely to scupper his chances. Los Blancos have made it clear that none of their French players will be released for the tournament, with Mbappe set to join the club after his contract at PSG expires on June 1. Henry appears to have made his peace with that, as he added: "The only thing that we know about Kylian is that he’s leaving [PSG]. It doesn’t matter where he goes, but if he goes to Real, we know that they won’t let their players leave."
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The 25-year-old will be next seen in action for Didier Deschamp's France side, who are scheduled to face Germany and Chile in a couple of friendly matches on March 23 and 26 respectively.
The Herons cruised into the next round of the competition with their legendary stars leading the charge.
Now, that's what you call taking care of business. It was a picture-perfect definition of how you kill off a two-legged tie early. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez did it plenty of times together in Spain and, on Wednesday, it was Nashville SC that was put to the sword by the ex-Barcelona stars.
Heading into Wednesday night's CONCACAF Champions Cup second leg, Miami held a slight advantage. A 2-2 draw in Nashville gave them that away goals kicker, but they wouldn't need it. Messi, Suarez and Robert Taylor got all the goals Miami needed, as they smashed Nashville 3-1 in South Florida to book their spot in the next round.
Suarez went first as he was teed up by Messi for a goal in the game's opening moments. Messi then got a goal of his own just 15 minutes later, putting the game all but out of reach. By the time Taylor made it three in the second half, having come on in the 50th as Messi's replacement, Miami were cruising into the next phase.
It was a standout performance from the Herons, who rode their experienced stars to a huge knockout round win. This was how you set the tone, and this was how you move one step closer to competing for another big trophy.
However, news of Messi's removal arrived an hour or so after the game, with Tata Martino sharing that the Argentine picked up a leg injury that now has him doubtful ahead of the weekend. Of course, Miami will celebrate advancing, but news surrounding their superstar surely dampens the mood.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…
USA Today Sports
Goalkeeper & Defence
Drake Callender (6/10):
Had to make just a few stops. Much more comfortable than against CF Montreal although still not at his best.
Jordi Alba (6/10):
Solid, but not spectacular. However, after Sunday's stunning goal, he earned a pass.
Nicolas Freire (8/10):
Rock solid. The best performance of his young Inter Miami career. If this is the Freire they have going forward, this defense may just survive.
Serhiy Kryvtsov (6/10):
A good day for the Ukraine international. Did well to keep Nashville at bay and was subbed off for a deserved rest.
Tomas Aviles (7/10):
His best game so far, too. Avoided the disastrous mistakes that he's tended to make so far.
Julian Gressel (7/10):
Did well at that right-wingback spot. Was active in the attack and was responsible for a few solid sequences defensively, too.
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Getty
Midfield
Diego Gomez (8/10):
A fantastic assist on Messi's goal to headline what was a really solid performance. He's really made that midfield spot his own so far this season.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Was slightly outshone by the two younger stars next to him, but he did his thing, for sure. Passing was good and he had a few impressive moments.
Federico Redondo (7/10):
Definitely his best game so far. Continues to add energy and, more importantly, attitude to the Miami midfield.
Brennan Asplen/Getty Images
Attack
Lionel Messi (9/10):
Got in, got the goals and got out. Only played 50 minutes, but surely made his mark with a fantastic goal and a lovely assist for his long-time strike partner
Luis Suarez (8/10):
Scored the opening goal to set the tone and then assisted Taylor on the third to put the game out of reach. Another big day for the Uruguayan star.
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Subs & Manager
Robert Taylor (7/10):
Replaced Messi and the level didn't drop off. That's about as nice a thing as you can say about a player, as Taylor's goal followed up Messi's to put the game out of reach.
Noah Allen (6/10):
Provided some fresh legs late to get Kryvtsov some rest.
Leonardo Campana (N/A):
Given just a few minutes to get Suarez out of the game.
Tata Martino (7/10):
Got everything right tactically, but questions remain regarding rotation. Could he have gotten Suarez and Busquets out of there?
Aston Villa are readying a bid to sign a new midfielder according to a fresh report, and should he join it's not the first time that he will have been coached by Unai Emery.
Who are Villa's new signings?
Over the summer, NSWE and Monchi recruited five fresh faces in the form of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans on a permanent basis, whilst Nicolo Zaniolo and Clement Lenglet both joined on loan for the remainder of the season.
In the Midlands, Cameron Archer, Ashley Young and Wesley Moraes were just a few of the big name players to leave for good, alongside the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Morgan Sanson, who were sent out on the road to increase their game time.
Looking ahead to January, Emery will now be thinking about who he’d like to sign in the upcoming window and he appears to have highlighted Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos as an ideal transfer target, having managed the central midfielder during his time at Arsenal.
In La Liga, Spain’s international has made zero starts this season and has been limited to just two substitute appearances, via WhoScored, so he has fallen significantly down the pecking order, though if the following update is to be believed, the 27-year-old may have been handed the perfect lifeline.
Are Aston Villa signing Dani Ceballos?
According to XCatalunya (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are "preparing an offer" for Ceballos and are willing to spend up to €18m (£15m) to bring him back to the Premier League.
The Midlands outfit are "interested" in the talisman, and having seen how out of favour he's become at the Bernabeu Stadium, chiefs are "keen" to give him a new opportunity to kickstart his career. NSWE are also looking to bring his salary to €8m (£6m), with the idea being that he would put pen to paper in January.
Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.
How many trophies has Dani Ceballos won?
Since the start of his career, Ceballos has secured an outstanding 14 senior trophies, including titles like La Liga and the Champions League, which shows that he possesses the winning mentality required to compete and be successful at the highest level, meaning he could add a bit more top level pedigree and experience to the current squad at Villa Park.
The Utrera native has also posted 18 contributions (12 assists and six goals) in 122 appearances for Real Madrid which shows how prolific he can be in the final third, alongside ranking in the 98th percentile for successful take-ons past his marker.
Sponsored by Nike, Emery’s ex-star is additionally a versatile operator having been deployed in eight different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the midfield and even three roles in the frontline.
Ceballos has been dubbed a “genius” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and there’s no doubt that he could bring a wealth of experience to the Villans, therefore making this a no-brainer of a deal to complete should the opportunity present itself.