أشاد الدولي الأسكتلندي، أندرو روبرتسون، لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول الإنجليزي، بالنجم المصري محمد صلاح، بعد تألقه في مواجهة إيبسويتش تاون أمس السبت.
وفاز ليفربول بثنائية، من صناعة وتسجيل محمد صلاح على ملعب بورتمان في الجولة الأولى من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وقال روبرتسون في تصريحات نقلها موقع “liverpool.com”: “إنه أمر رائع، في كل عام يعود محمد صلاح في حالة أفضل مما كان عليه في المواسم السابقة”.
طالع أيضًا.. سلوت يوجه رسالة غير مباشرة لإدارة ليفربول بشأن مستقبل محمد صلاح
وأضاف: “كان أحد اللاعبين الذين أمضوا فترة بعيدًا عن الملاعب طوال الصيف، لعدم التزامه بمباريات، كان ذلك مفيدًا للغاية بالنسبة له وتمكن من استغلاله جيدًا، لقد نجح في خوض فترة إعداد كاملة ويبدو الآن لائقًا ونشيطًا”.
وأكمل: “أمام إيبسويتش تاون كان ممتازًا وتحديدًا في الشوط الثاني، وقادنا للفوز بالنقاط الثلاث، علينا أن ندرك تمامًا بأن الوقت فقط هو الذي سيخبرنا بذلك، أن مو يقودنا دائمًا لحسم المباريات”.
وواصل: “على الجميع أن يعرف أن محمد صلاح يعتني بجسده بشكل استثنائي ويفعل كل شيء على ما يرام، إنه نموذج للاعب المحترف، ويجب أن ينظر إليه الجميع بالاحترام، فهو لا يدخر جهدًا في سبيل تحقيق هدفه، ولهذا السبب لا يزال في حالة رائعة رغم تقدمه في العمر، أتمنى أن يستمر هكذا لفترة طويلة”.
واختتم: “نأمل أن يقدم نفس مستواه أمام إيبسويتش تاون، لقد بدأ الموسم بشكل جيد كالعادة، وبما أنه لاعبنا الرئيسي، فنحن نتمنى استمراره على نفس الحالة، من أجل أن يساعد الفريق، ونأمل ان يكون هذا الهدف مجرد بداية”.
The "Turkish Messi" provided a crucial moment as Carlo Ancelotti's side picked up three valuable points.
From Vinicius Jr to Eduardo Camavinga Real Madrid have an embarrassment of youth talent at their disposal. And on Friday night, another, newer face entered the fold – and made his mark. Arda Guler, making his first La Liga start for the club, scored the only goal of the game to hand his side a 1-0 win and inch closer to regaining the title.
Los Blancos pieced together a largely unspectacular performance. Reserve goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action on a handful of occasions in the first half, while the Madrid attack toiled. Guler provided the crucial moment, though, sneaking in at the far post to meet Dani Carvajal's cross and give his side a 1-0 lead.
La Real thought they had an equaliser when Take Kubo curled one into the far corner, but his goal was harshly ruled out for a foul in the build up. The home side had further chances in the second half, seeing another goal ruled out – this time for offside – and narrowly missing on two other occasions.
By the end of it all, Los Blancos were left holding onto a scrappy win, one of the litany of young talents at their disposal to thank for a moment of quality.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Anoeta…
Getty
Goalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):
Made a nice save or two, kept a clean sheet. Job done.
Dani Carvajal (8/10):
Worked tirelessly on the right, and assisted the winner. He's been excellent this season.
Eder Militao (6/10):
Not bad in his first start in six months – one nutmeg notwithstanding.
Nacho (5/10):
Filled in for Antonio Rudiger. Wasn't his most composed performance, and he was fortunate to end the game still on the pitch.
Fran Garcia (7/10):
An energetic showing on the left flank. Handled Kubo well, and also looked to get forward. He's improved of late.
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Getty
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
Not his finest game in midfield. Pushed around a bit, and didn't have a big impact defensively. Played a wonderful pass to set up the winner, though.
Luka Modric (8/10):
As elegant as ever on the ball, and made things happen around the box.
Brahim Diaz (5/10):
Not on the ball as much as Ancelotti would have liked, and didn't do loads when he had it. Far from his best game.
Getty
Attack
Arda Guler (8/10):
Impactful throughout, and grabbed the winner. Another talent has arrived.
Joselu (5/10):
Not his best showing. Ran a lot, won a few headers, but could never impact the game.
Dani Ceballos (5/10):
Rather misused coming off the left wing, and he never really settled into the game. Could probably do with going elsewhere for more minutes
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Subs & Manager
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Added midfield thrust to see the game out.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
A late burst of energy. Unlucky not to grab an assist.
Antonio Rudiger (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Rotated heavily with a Champions League semi-final to worry about. Madrid weren't particularly good, and didn't really deserve the three points on performance alone – not that Ancelotti will care…
Liverpool are showing genuine interest in completing the signing of a player dubbed the "most underrated player in the Premier League", according to a fresh transfer update this week.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds have looked like a completely different side to the one that toiled so badly last season, enjoying a promising start to the 2023/24 campaign. The 1-1 draw away to Manchester City was proof that Liverpool are in the mix in the Premier League title race, with new midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch making a noticeable difference.
This still isn't the near-perfect squad that Jurgen Klopp assembled a few years ago, however, with further additions needed to make it truly formidable, whether that be an out-and-out defensive midfielder, another centre-back option or a right-back deputy to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram has again emerged as a Liverpool target, according to a recent report, so it certainly seems as though Klopp may not be done with strengthening his choices in the middle of the park.
Liverpool have the funds to hijack "very dangerous" star from major suitors
The other suitors are worried about Liverpool’s interest…
ByHenry Jackson Nov 27, 2023 Liverpool want Douglas Luiz
According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, but are not alone in showing an admiration for him.
Aston Villa midfielderDouglas Luiz.
"Aston Villa’s intentions to hold on to Douglas Luiz will be tested by interest from all of their top four rivals – Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool, TEAMtalk has learned.
"Luiz has been an outstanding performer for Villa this season as Unai Emery’s side have forced themselves into the traditional Champions League places.TEAMtalk has learned that the three clubs above them – Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool – all hold genuine levels of interest in the central midfielder. Whilst Villa’s stance is that he is not for sale, their resistance is going to be tested by the time we get to the summer window."
Luiz could be an exceptional signing by Liverpool, with the Brazilian proving to be a huge reason for Villa's outstanding season to date, as they sit fourth in the Premier League table currently. In fact, Luiz's statistics this year are way up – he has scored five goals and chipped in with two assists in 13 league appearances in 2023/24, as well as enjoying an 88.8% pass completion rate and averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the competition.
The 25-year-old has earned massive praise from Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson in recent times, too, with the Arsenal legend saying of him:
"Douglas Luiz is the most underrated player in the Premier League. No-one talks about him. He turns up for Aston Villa week in, week out. He's box to box, he scores goals and passes the ball extremely well. He's just a very good player."
Goals
5
Assists
2
Pass completion rate
88.8%
Tackles per game
2.3
Luiz could add even more brilliance to Liverpool's midfield, arguably possessing more pace and dynamism than Mac Allister in the deep-lying role, but also being capable of providing quality further up the pitch, as his numbers so far this season show.
It won't be easy for the Reds to get their man, considering the level of interest in him and the fact that Villa will be desperate to keep him, but he should be looked at as a fantastic option.
A youthful Liverpool side fell to a meek defeat against Union Saint-Gilloie to close the play in their Europa League group phase, but Jurgen Klopp will lose no sleep having previously topped the group and issued much rotation.
Having rested various key personnel ahead of three home clashes within seven days – Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League and West Ham United in the Carabao Cup – this was a prudent move that will likely pay off, with the players unscathed.
That said, Liverpool still lost and looked pretty drab in doing so, failing to muster any offensive cohesion and struggling to stop the home side's waves of assault, with Cody Gakpo unable to produce the talismanic performance he might have hoped for.
Cody Gakpo's performance vs USG
Now, it's somewhat unfair to lament Gakpo harshly; after all, established he may be but the Dutchman received scant support from his midfield and wide-placed teammates.
Nonetheless, the 23-year-old was anonymous and didn't find pockets of space from which he could build, influence play and create some sense of attacking fluency for his springtime peers.
As per Sofascore, the £120k-per-week dynamo unleashed just one blocked shot all evening, failed with his one attempted dribble, was dribbled past himself and lost the ball 12 times despite only taking 38 touches.
Liverpool player Cody Gakpo.
With the Premier League clash against United now looming, he hardly proved that he is the man to occupy the focal front spot ahead of Darwin Nunez, who is erratic but dynamic and determined.
Again, Gakpo was starved of service for most of the affair and while he flattered to deceive, it's hard to heap all of the blame on his feet even if he will be disappointed with his involvement; the youthful Reds just didn't click in this dead-rubber match.
Of the younger crop, few impressed and while the match was a valuable experience as they look to rise to the fore, right-back Conor Bradley certainly failed to leave any semblance of a positive impression on Klopp after a tough test.
Conor Bradley failed his big test vs USG
Bradley, aged 20, is considered a big prospect by those on Merseyside and has seen his seasonal progress stifled by a back injury sustained way back in pre-season, only just returning to match action.
Up against the ferocious Mohamed Amoura, who scored and assisted in a stunning individual effort, Bradley was dribbled past three times but did win six of his 13 duels, which isn't bad by any stretch.
Also losing possession 18 times, the Northern Irish starlet was in the thick of the action and took 74 touches, succeeding with two of his three dribbles, improving somewhat after the break.
GOAL's Peter McVitie was not too pleased with the young full-back's display, branding him with a 4/10 match rating and noting how he failed to contain the electric Amoura, who completed all five of his dribbles.
McVitie said: 'Beaten for pace one too many times as he pushed high up and reacted slowly as Saint-Gilloise attacked.'
Perhaps there was a bit to criticise, but then maybe there was even more to praise for a player returning from injury with much potential, thrown into the mix on a testing evening in a role that prompted him to emulate Trent Alexander-Arnold, moving into the midfield in possession.
Liverpool lost, but that's not the main talking point here; Klopp's side are on the top once again, and a tough test in Belgium made for the perfect ground to provide some exciting talents with a platform to hone their craft.
Ireland have also announced the team to play their first Test match against Afghanistan in Dehradun later this year
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jan-2019Gary Wilson has been left out of the Ireland T20 squad for the Oman Quadrangular T20 tournament and the away bilateral series against Afghanistan, as he continues to recover from a medical condition. Wilson had been diagnosed in December last year with a condition that has affected his vision. And while he is expected to be on the road to recovery, the forthcoming tour is a little too early for the process to be completed. In Wilson’s absence, 28-year old opening batsman Paul Stirling will take over the captaincy.Squads
For Oman Quadrangular T20 Tournament: Paul Stirling (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker For Afghanistan T20s: Paul Stirling (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker For Afghanistan ODIs: William Porterfield (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, James Cameron-Dow, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker For Afghanistan Test: William Porterfield (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, James Cameron-Dow, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker
Speaking from Bangladesh, where he is currently engaged in the 2019 BPL, Stirling said: “It’s a privilege to have been asked to captain the side in Gary’s absence, I will relish the challenge. Having started off in this side as a young player in 2008, the influence of senior players like Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, Andrew White and Ed Joyce were huge in developing the cricketer and the person. Myself, along with the other senior players and management in this squad, will look to create an environment where players coming through who are hungry for success can flourish both on and off the field.”It is a big year ahead for us with the T20 World Cup Qualifiers coming up in October, so the importance is growing with each game we play.”It has been pleasing to see some brilliant individual performances in Sri Lanka with the Ireland Wolves, and look forward to seeing these players grab their opportunities when they arise. This will be a great chance for the team to showcase their skills against high quality opposition, both in Oman and India.”Among the fresh faces in the T20 squads for the quadrangular series and the India tour are Harry Tector, the 19-year old Ireland Wolves captain, and allrounders Shane Getkate and Joshua Little. James McCollum, the 23-year old opening batsman, and James Cameron-Dow, the 28-year old left-arm spinner, have been named in the ODI and Test squads to face Afghanistan, while Lorcan Tucker, the 22-year old wicketkeeper-batsman finds a place in all four squads.”Oman and the Afghan series in India offer up two very distinct challenges for us,” Andrew White, the chairman of selectors, said. “This will be our first major tour since becoming a Full Member, and we’re certainly looking forward to some good, competitive cricket in challenging conditions. This is what top-tier international cricket is all about.”With regards to some of the new faces, there is no denying the performances of James McCollum, James Cameron-Dow, Shane Getkate and Harry Tector on the current Ireland Wolves tour have impressed selectors. For McCollum, it hasn’t just been his runs but the manner in which he has scored them in subcontinent conditions that has impressed us most. His assuredness at the top of the order has been an asset for the Wolves team.”James Cameron-Dow may, for many fans, come as a bit of an unexpected surprise on this Wolves tour – but we have had our eye on him for a while now. His progress and development throughout the tour has been promising. He certainly offers us a good spin option for the Indian wickets we will play on against Afghanistan.”Shane Getkate has had an outstanding white-ball series for the Wolves in Sri Lanka and Harry Tector has been a consistent performer at under-age levels, and now led two national teams – the Under-19s squad to the World Cup last year and now the Ireland Wolves.”Ireland will play five matches against Oman, Scotland, Netherlands, and an Oman Development XI in the Quadrangular series. They will then head to India, the adopted home of the Afghanistan team, for three T20Is and five ODIs. The limited-overs leg will be followed by the first-ever Test match between the two sides since both became Full Members of the ICC.”A big part of that tour will be the Test match – we have seen some great Test cricket over the winter and I expect this to be a great contest away from home,” William Porterfield, the captain of the Test and ODI teams, said.”We have a great balance throughout the squad and it’s great to see some new faces that have been putting in performances for the Wolves get the opportunity.”I’m gutted for Gary that he is going to miss the tour and wish him a speedy recovery. I would also like to wish Paul Stirling the very best of luck in leading the lads into the next few weeks of T20s.”
Revelado no Ninho do Urubu, Bill está de casa nova. Nesta quarta-feira, o meia-atacante foi anunciado peloDnipro-1, da Ucrânia, onde terá um vínculo de empréstimo por uma temporada. Ou seja, ele ainda tem contrato com o Flamengo.No site oficial, o clube ucraniano informou que há uma cláusulade opção de compra definida.
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De acordo com informações iniciais do jornal “O Dia”, a opção de compra estabelecida por ambas as partes equivale a 1 milhão de euros (cerca de R$6,6 milhões). Bill já está treinando coma equipe juvenil em um local apropriado, “devido àsregras de quarentena para os cidadãos do Brasil”, segundo externou oDnipro-1.
Bill, inclusive, fez um jogo-treino contra oSkoruk Tomakovka e marcou um belo gol. O Dnipro-1 postou o lance no canal oficial do clube no YouTube e o legendou como “um gol mágico para um iniciante!”. Assista:
Bill tem contrato com o Flamengo até dezembro de 2021, mas está em processo de extensão do vínculo por mais um ano – o que é uma prática comum do Rubro-Negro em situações de empréstimo nesse cenário.
+ Veja mais notícias do Flamengo + Ainda dá para o Fla? Confira e simule a tabela do Brasileirão
Uma das principais promessas recente da base, Bill chegou ao Fla após se destacar pelo Nova Iguaçu e tem, ao todo, 62 gols em 187 partidas pelo clube – sendo um gol e três jogos pelo profissional. Campeão da Copa São Paulo em 2018, o atacante disputou a Série B do Brasileiro de 2019 pela Ponte Preta e, em 2020, esteve cedido ao CRB, onde teve uma passagem apagada e uma saída conturbada. O jovem de 21 anos terá a sua primeira experiência internacional.
To Jurgen Klopp's consternation, Liverpool fell flat last season and finished fifth in the Premier League, failing to add any silverware to the growing collection and consequently missing out on Champions League qualification.
The spluttering engine room was the clear area for concern and had been neglected for years, but Klopp decided to set things straight in the summer and allowed the struggling stars to exit, welcoming exciting signings such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
Such acquisitions have worked in transforming the side, with Liverpool currently perched in first place in the English top-flight after 16 matches, also winning their Europa League group and awaiting the visit of West Ham United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
This is not to say that Liverpool now boast the full package, with work still needed to fortify the defence and complete the midfield rebuild with a specialist No. 6.
With the January transfer window approaching, the Reds will be attentive to the market, with a new defensive option possibly identified.
Liverpool transfer news – Jonathan Tah
According to 90min, Liverpool are interested in signing a centre-half this winter following Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury sustained against Fulham earlier this month.
While several options are discussed within the report, it's understood that there is optimism that Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah could be feasibly signed at the campaign's midpoint.
jonathan-tah-tottenham-transfer-premier-league
Recent reports have also listed Tottenham Hotspur as suitors and given Ange Postecoglou's side's desperate need for defensive reinforcements, Klopp would be wise to get this one over the line quickly if he is indeed interested in a deal.
Tah is out of contract in 2025 and German outlet Kicker have recently revealed that Xabi Alonso's side would entertain bids of €18m (£15m) to facilitate his departure.
Jonathan Tah's season in numbers
Tah has been a key component of a remarkable Bayer Leverkusen effort in the German Bundesliga this season, with the club currently topping the division after 14 matches – four points ahead of Harry Kane's Bayern Munich (who albeit have a game in hand).
Having started 13 times in the German top-flight, Tah has bagged an impressive three goals, as per Sofascore, completing 95% of his passes, averaging 5.7 ball recoveries and 4.1 clearances per game and winning 62% of his duels.
Such efforts have been imperative for Die Werkself as they fight for the Bundesliga title – their first Bundesliga title – and it's not surprising that top European outfits such as Liverpool and Tottenham have taken note.
Jonathan Tah's style of play
Once called a "defensive battleship" by former teammate Christoph Kramer, the 6 foot 5 Tah is tough as stone, aerially dominant and adept in stifling opponents with his crunching challenges.
The 21-cap Germany international has been a mainstay in Leverkusen for many years now, having chalked up 325 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and supplying 11 assists.
Jonathan Tah: Similar Players
Player
Club
Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal
Eder Militao
Real Madrid
Pau Torres
Aston Villa
Manuel Akanji
Manchester City
Mathjis de Ligt
Bayern Munich
*Sourced via Football Transfers
The £47k-per-week defender ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 18% for passes attempted and the top 16% for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.
His ball-playing skill and aforementioned defensive strength make for qualities that Klopp would only be too happy to inject into his Reds team.
Not only could it strengthen the mettle of his backline – that will now be without Matip's services – but his adept vision and distribution could aid Trent Alexander-Arnold as the creative phenomenon starts to venture into the centre of the park more regularly.
How Tah could help Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold has been among the most important members of Klopp's Liverpool team since making his Premier League debut against Middlesbrough in December 2016, aged 18.
The £180k-per-week machine has been instrumental in winning the whole gamut of silverware under Klopp's wing, making 292 appearances, scoring 18 goals and supplying 77 assists.
German centre-back Jonathan Tah.
Over the past 12 months, he ranks among the top 1% of full-backs for assists and passes attempted, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, and the top 12% for interceptions per 90.
A star of scintillating technical quality, Alexander-Arnold has long been considered one of the most exciting and attack-happy right-backs in the game but has raised questions over the past few years regarding a future as a centre-midfielder, something which is starting to be realised.
Moving into the middle allows him to influence the play and split defences apart with his superlative ball-playing skills; this season, has has posted two goals and five assists so far, and while he has frequently drifted into midfield, he has yet to start in the engine room from the outset, with Klopp still preferring to utilise him as the right-back.
PL 23/24: Most Chances Created
#
Player
Chances Created
1
Mohamed Salah
13
2
Kieran Trippier
10
3
Trent Alexander-Arnold
9
3
Bruno Fernandes
9
3
Bernardo Silva
9
3
Heung-min Son
9
*Sourced via premierleague.com
Such a tenacious defender in Tah would be the perfect player to both enhance Liverpool's backline and offer Alexander-Arnold the assurances he needs to cement a permanent spot in the centre of the park, with his remarkable passing accuracy only serving to aid the 25-year-old further.
Alexander-Arnold would find a steady stream of supplementation from deep, with Tah described as "quick, technically gifted but still robust" by one-time Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller.
This is not to say that the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate would not be able to assist the Liverpool-born dynamo in this manner, but rather, that Tah would offer crispness and a fresh dimension to deepen Liverpool's fluency and continue the evolution of Klopp's side.
With Matip out of contract in June and not looking likely to return to action beforehand, Tah could be an excellent winter addition; exactly what Klop needs as he looks to consolidate his side's position at the forefront of the Premier League.
Após passagem pelo CSA, clube que foi revelado, o atacante Victor Paraíba está de volta ao Atlético-GO, agremiação que defendeu em 2019 por empréstimo e conquistou o acesso para a Série A do Brasileirão. Feliz com o retorno, o jogador, comemorou a oportunidade de vestir a camisa do Dragão novamente.
É Mundial? Veja títulos mundiais que os clubes brasileiros poderiam reivindicar
– Estou muito feliz por esse retorno ao Atlético, clube que tive a oportunidade de conquistar o acesso para a primeira divisão. Vou trabalhar muito para construir a minha história no clube com títulos e boas atuações. Espero que os próximos anos sejam muito bons para todos aqui – disse o jogador.
VEJA TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE O RESTANTE DO BRASILEIRÃO
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Segundo Paraíba, que só poderá atuar pelo clube em março, a meta é se preparar bem durante esse período.
– Vou trabalhar muito nas próximas semanas para estar voando baixo a partir do estadual. Estou muito focado nisso – revelou o atleta.
Vinicius Junior struck first in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich to equal a rare competition record.
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Vinicius Jr. scores against Bayern Munich
Real Madrid take early lead in tie
Brazilian ties Champions League goal record
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Real Madrid forward netted the semi-final tie's opening goal in the 24th minute of the first leg at the Allianz Arena in Munich. It was a remarkable, measured through ball from Toni Kroos against his former club and a composed first-time finish from Vini on his right foot beyond the on-rushing Manuel Neuer.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Vinicius Junior had previously scored in the Champions League semi-finals against Manchester City in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, making this the third successive season in which he has found the net in the competition's last four. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15), Kevin De Bruyne (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23) and Jari Litmanen (1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97) have previously achieved that feat in the competition.
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WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JR?
With La Liga all but sewn up, Vinicius Junior is targeting his second career Champions League title this season. If he helps Real Madrid achieve that, the Brazilian could even be a genuine contender for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, although he would face stiff competition from current team-mate Jude Bellingham and expected future team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
Liverpool are monitoring the progress of a new goalkeeper as they consider bringing him to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report that has emerged.
Jurgen Klopp's current options
The Reds have Alisson Becker, Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian as their three senior goalkeepers in the building as it stands, but recent events have shown that arguably more cover needs to be found during the upcoming window.
The Brazilian number one is facing two weeks on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during the 1-1 top-flight draw against Manchester City, while Kelleher was linked with an exit over the summer due to his lack of game time and minutes on the bench.
Ahead of January, FSG and Jurgen Klopp are therefore assessing their options in the market and have identified Ajax’s Charlie Setford as a potential target, with the 19-year-old being a regular feature of the Eredivisie outfit’s U21s side at the Johan Cruyff Arena (Transfermarkt – Setford statistics).
England’s youth international still has another four years remaining on his deal having only put pen to paper on fresh terms back in June, as per the same above outlet, but that hasn’t stopped chiefs from wanting to take a closer look at his performances overseas.
FSG keeping tabs on Charlie Setford
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are intensely monitoring Setford, with several other high-profile clubs also in the race to sign him, whilst some are even tracking his brother, Tommy Setford, who is also a shot-stopper.
"TEAMtalk can now reveal that a number of English clubs are keeping close tabs on the Setford’s with Chelsea looking at both. TEAMtalk also understand that Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham have been looking closely at Charlie, whilst Tottenham and Newcastle have been doing their work on Tommy."
Liverpool's home stadium, Anfield.
Setford would be a promising signing
Since the start of his career, Setford has kept ten clean sheets from 43 games which is a respectable track record considering that he’s still a teenager, so should he put pen to paper, he could be an excellent recruit for the long-term future of Liverpool.
Standing at 6 foot 3, the young colossus has made 56 saves from 83 shots on target against so far this season, giving him a success rate of 67.5% (FBRef – Setford statistics), so the physical presence he provides with his height is useful to keep the ball out of the net.
The Haarlem native has even previously received individual recognition having been the recipient of a Best Young Player award, so the fact that he’s being rewarded for his solo performances shows just how much of a positive impact he makes at the back.
While Klopp will be aware that he is set to face stiff competition to secure the services of his target, Setford will no doubt find the opportunity to join extremely attractive, so this could be a deal to keep a close eye on in the weeks and months leading up to January.