Frank Lampard is a name that will forever be etched in Chelsea history, after his contributions on and off the pitch during his 13 years as a player and two separate stints as manager.

The 46-year-old made a total of 648 appearances for the Blues, registering a total of 211 goals – making him the most prolific player in the club’s history, despite being a midfielder.

His tally saw him overtake Bobby Tambling, with his record still intact today and certainly going to take some beating in the years to come.

Upon his retirement from professional football, Lampard took the plunge into management, taking over at Chelsea after 12 months of being Derby County boss.

However, he would face the chop in January 2021, before returning on a temporary basis at the end of the 2022/23 season, before Mauricio Pochettino took over permanently that summer.

Since his retirement, the Blues have found it difficult to replace the Englishman, especially with his goalscoring ability – but many thought the search had come to an end with the signing of one player in January 2023.

Enzo Fernández’s stats for Chelsea

Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández cost Chelsea a whopping £106.8m – a deal that was an English record until Moises Caicedo arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer for £115m.

Whilst he is a midfielder, his tally of four goals and six assists during the first half of the 2022/23 campaign evidently caught the eye of the Blues hierarchy, leading to the mammoth transfer fee.

Fernandez has since made 76 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven times – with all of his efforts coming last season – including a superb free-kick against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

However, with the appointment of Enzo Maresca, the 23-year-old has struggled to make a greater impact, starting just six games in the Premier League to date, falling behind Roméo Lavia in the pecking order in recent weeks.

It’s safe to say his head may have been turned by recent events, which have seen Spanish giants Real Madrid touted with a move for his services, in a transfer that could see French international Aurelien Tchouameni move in the opposite direction.

He still has all the qualities to remain a key player for the Italian, as shown in the recent Europa Conference League clash with FC Noah, registering three assists in the first half before being replaced by Cesare Casadei at the break.

However, he may struggle to regain his place in the squad when one player returns from his current loan spell away from the Premier League outfit.

The player who could be Lampard’s heir for Chelsea

Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is a player who has real potential to be a huge player for Chelsea for many years to come – after joining in a £18m deal back in January 2023.

He was sent on a season-long loan to fellow top-flight side Nottingham Forest last summer, but was subsequently recalled just a handful of months later after making just two appearances under Steve Cooper at the City Ground.

Santos would join Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on loan from January to the end of the campaign, making 11 appearances, scoring just once – but linking back up with the French side for the current season.

The 20-year-old “monster”, as dubbed by Brazilian football journalist Nathan Joyes, has already bagged five goals in his first nine Ligue 1 outings, with only four players in the division outscoring him up to now.

He could fill the boots of fan-favourite Lampard with his goalscoring exploits, but he’s also showcased that he’s able to do the dirty work despite his tender age, winning an average of 2.3 tackles per 90 along with eight duels won per 90.

Games played

9

Goals scored

5

Pass accuracy

87%

Dribbles completed

80%

Tackles won per 90

2.3

Duels won per 90

8

Duel success rate

67%

Santos undoubtedly has a long way to go with his development until he reaches his full potential, but the early signs are nothing but positive, making him a viable box-to-box option for Maresca in the near future.

It could see Fernandez drop further down the pecking order when the Brazilian returns to Stamford Bridge next summer, adding further pain to the Argentine after his recent decline in first-team minutes.

The youngster is evidence that the club’s strategy of investing in youth talent can be successful, with the Blues set to reap the rewards of Santos’ undeniable quality for many years to come.

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The defender haunted his old club after the Argentine winger sparked the Red Devils back into life following a typically drab first half

Harry Maguire used his massive head to steer Manchester United past his old club Leicester City and into the fifth round of the FA Cup after a stirring second half comeback from the holders. United's revival was sparked by the brilliance of Alejandro Garnacho and helped by the absence of VAR in the early rounds of the FA Cup, as Maguire's added-time winner was clearly offside.

As ever, the Red Devils conceded the first goal as a catalogue of defensive errors allowed Bobby De Cordova-Reid to pounce on the rebound at the end of the first half. At that moment the returning Ruud van Nistelrooy was on course to record as many victories at Old Trafford this season as Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese coach acted decisively, removing debutant Patrick Dorgu at half-time for Garnacho, who woke United up with surging and relentless runs down the left wing. He was inches away from levelling when his strike was deflected off the crossbar and scrambled off the line and he was also crucial to United equalising, crossing for Joshua Zirkzee to stab home from close range.

United looked the most likely side to go on and win it and they did right at the death when Maguire met a fizzing Bruno Fernandes free-kick and sent it crashing into the net.

GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (6/10):

Made a good save from Ndidi albeit only sending the ball to De Cordova-Reid. Showed authority in the air.

Leny Yoro (5/10):

Got dazzled by El Khannouss before the goal in the latest sign of his struggles to adapt to the level.

Harry Maguire (7/10):

Didn't pick up Ndidi for the goal but steadied himself in the second half, winning every header to stop his former club in their tracks. And then provided the ultimate header to win the game.

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

Made a crucial tackle on El Khannouss and pleased the crowd with a battling late surge forward.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Patrick Dorgu (6/10):

A bright debut, linking up nicely with Dalot and showcasing his pace as well as his two-footedness, so it was surprising to see him come off at half-time.

Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

Gave the ball away in the build-up to the goal. Stayed combative and risked a red card for an aggressive tackle on Harry Winks.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Had a flat first half but came alive in the second. Set up the winner with a postage-stamp cross for Maguire.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

His boundless energy helped United turn the game around.

AFPAttack

Kobbie Mainoo (4/10):

Lacked confidence and it was another uninspiring display in an attacking role. Hooked in the 64th minute and it says a lot that Zirkzee performed much better.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

Couldn't spark any danger and couldn't get on the end of Garnacho's crosses from the left.

Amad Diallo (5/10):

Worked hard but not as dangerous as he can be and United's best moments came down the opposite flank.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Alejandro Garnacho (8/10):

His thrusting runs and trickery down the wing revitalised United after the break. Almost equalised then teed up Zirkzee and should have scored but he ultimately swung the game back in United's favour.

Joshua Zirkzee (6/10):

In right place and right time to equalise but deserves credit for the way he held the ball up.

Casemiro (N/A):

Brought on in added time.

Ruben Amorim (6/10):

Made amends for a stale first half with positive substitutions.

Ross Taylor is wary of New Zealand’s two-fold challenge: playing India in India, and carrying the weight of coming in as WTC champs

Sruthi Ravindranath21-Nov-2021

Ross Taylor last played in the World Test Championship final against India in June 2021•Getty Images

It’s been a “strange” five months for Ross Taylor. Since hitting the four that made New Zealand Test world champions on June 23, he has not played any cricket. Now, as he returns from his break to begin New Zealand’s next cycle in the World Test Championship, he knows things will likely get harder for them if anything. For one, they will not be flying under the radar but come in as the champions, and they have one of the toughest assignments in world cricket to kick things off: India in India.”We can say we’re world champions now and that’s suddenly different, trying to retain it,” Taylor said. “It’s sort of a harder place to start. We started in Sri Lanka last time and we drew that series. It’s going to be a great two years I’m sure.”New Zealand will be touring India, Pakistan and England in the current WTC cycle and will be playing Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa at home. In the previous cycle, they started with a drawn series in Sri Lanka but went on to lose 3-0 in Australia. They returned home to win against India, West Indies and Pakistan and became the first side to qualify for the final after Australia’s tour of South Africa was postponed over Covid-19 concerns.Taylor believes experience will be key in overcoming the challenges of a series in India. “We’ve gone so many years as underdogs. But now coming in as champions: I guess the element of surprise is gone. But any time you play India at home you’re going to be the underdogs, whether you’re No. 1 in the world or where they sit in international cricket at the time. They are resting a couple of players but they’re still a formidable side and know these conditions really well.”The way we adapt to these conditions is going to be the key going forward. Some of the guys have played many a time here before. We’ll be looking forward to hopefully use that experience to make things slightly easier but we know it’s going to be tough.”Taylor had mixed feelings about his long break, acknowledging how crucial it is to get some game-time ahead of playing in Indian conditions. This time around even more so, as New Zealand have had to train without additional net bowlers due to Covid-19 restrictions.”When you’re coming to India you want to play as much cricket as you want and can,” Taylor said. “Preparation so far has been fantastic. [But] it’s a little bit different having no net bowlers, you know, facing our [own] bowlers as preparation. It’s been key. I have been lining up to face spinners, they bowl a lot of overs. Normally you [also] get 10-15 overs of net bowlers of spin to practice. It is slightly different but it is what it is and it’s an interesting challenge both on the field and off it as well.”Taylor has some experience playing Test cricket in the country, having been on tours in 2010, 2012 and 2016, and he has some ideas on how New Zealand can tackle India’s bowlers in these conditions.”Obviously spin plays a major part. The new ball, it can do a bit but it can also be the easiest time to score sometimes. India have world-class spinners and know how to set batters up in these conditions. For us, it’s about been able to pick up the lengths as quick as possible and trust the defence.”When there are a lot of men around the bat, it can be an intimidating place to start your innings but having said that… Getting through those first 10-20 balls is going to be crucial and it’s a bit of a cliche, but things do get easier. But no, it’s going to a big challenge for us, especially the batting unit.”After the conclusion of the ongoing T20I series, which India has wrapped up with a game to spare, the first Test kicks off on November 25 in Kanpur followed by a second in Mumbai from December 3.

Manchester United look to be closing in on the appointment of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, and the Portuguese is now expected to be joined by a 28-year-old and 29-year-old at Old Trafford, according to a recent report.

Just nine games into the Premier League season, United find themselves looking for a new manager, as a poor start under Erik ten Hag has left them in the bottom half of the table.

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The Red Devils sacked Ten Hag on Monday afternoon, and by that evening they were already working on a deal for Amorim. The Portuguese has agreed in principle to take the Man Utd job, and Sporting confirmed to the Portuguese stock exchange on Tuesday that United are willing to meet Amorim’s release clause.

The 39-year-old was in charge of Sporting’s game against Nacional on Tuesday night, overseeing a 3-1 win in the cup, and after the game, Amorim kept quiet on talk about a move to United. He said to the local media: “Nothing is decided yet. I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not.”

As Amorim looks to be closing in on a move to United, it has already been reported that star player Bruno Fernandes is “delighted” that he has been chosen as Ten Hag’s replacement. Fernandes is said to be a huge admirer of the manager, and the Red Devils will hope his arrival can help the Portuguese star get back in form.

So, as Amorim closes in on his United move, there has been an update on what his coaching setup at Old Trafford could look like.

28 y/o and 29 y/o fully expected to join Amorim at Man Utd

According to iNews, Amorim is expected to be joined by his two trusted assistants when he moves to Old Trafford. Carlos Fernandes, 29, and Adelio Candido, 28, have both worked with the 39-year-old at Sporting and Braga, and they are now expected to move to Manchester as well.

This means that current interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy expects to leave the Red Devils as Amorim eyes his own coaching team. The Dutchman joined United in the summer as Ten Hag’s new assistant manager, a move that was deemed popular by supporters.

Van Nistelrooy is in charge of United’s game against Leicester City on Wednesday evening in the Carabao Cup, and he will be hoping to make a very good impression in front of the fans who adore him.

Ruben Amorim’s Sporting record

Games

228

Won

162

Drawn

33

Lost

33

If van Nistelrooy does depart United, it will be a decision that many fans may not want to see, but as always when there is a change of manager, they like to bring in their own coaching team, and van Nistelrooy may see this as a chance to go and get back into management. The Dutchman has won 76 of his 148 games as a manager, and he will be looking to make that 77 out of 149 when United host the Foxes in the Carabao Cup.

قرر الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، فيفا، استبعاد أحد الأندية المشاركة من بطولة كأس العالم للأندية في نسختها المستحدثة، 2025، والتي ستقام في أمريكا الصيف المقبل.

وتستضيف الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية منافسات كأس العالم للأندية، في الفترة بين 15 يونيو و13 يوليو، بمشاركة 32 فريقًا.

ويشارك الأهلي المصري في تلك النسخة من كأس العالم للأندية، حيث يتواجد في مجموعة تضم كل من إنتر ميامي الأمريكي، بورتو البرتغالي وبالميراس البرازيلي.

وحسبما ذكرت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، فإن فيفا أعلن موقفًا صارمًا تجاه ناديي باتشوكا وليون المشاركين في كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

البداية كانت عندما أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم أن أحد الناديين لن يشارك في البطولة المرتقبة، لكونهما ينتميان إلى ملكية واحدة، مما يعني مخالفة القواعد.

وقال باتشوكا في بيان رسمي: “قبل لحظات، أبلغنا الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا) أن أحد الفريقين المشاركين في كأس العالم للأندية 2025، باتشوكا وليون، سيتم استبعاده من المنافسة، ولم يتم إبلاغنا بأسباب هذا القرار”.

وأضاف: “نحن غير راضين عن هذا القرار، وسنستأنف أمام أعلى محكمة وأعلى هيئة رياضية، حيث سيتم تقديم كافة الأدلة والوثائق التي تثبت استقلاليتنا الإدارية والرياضية في الوقت المناسب وبطريقة شفافة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سبورت: تشافي يرفض عرض تدريب نادٍ في كأس العالم للأندية 2025

وواصل: “سيقرر الأمين العام للمنظمة أي الناديين لن يشارك، وبالنسبة لنا، سندافع عما فزنا به في الملعب بطريقة عادلة ومهنية ووفقًا لقواعد المنافسة”.

وبعد ذلك، أوضحت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن رئيس لجنة الاستئناف في فيفا تيقن من مخالفة ناديي باتشوكا وليون للمعايير المتعلقة بملكية الأندية، حسب القانون المنصوص عليه.

ولهذا السبب، قرر الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم عدم السماح لنادي ليون بالمشاركة في البطولة وأعلن أنه سيكشف عن بديله في الوقت المناسب، حسب المادة 10 الفقرة رقم 4 في اللوائح (دون الكشف عن ماهيتها أو السبب وراء تفضيل ناِد على آخر).

وأوضح ليون في بيان رسمي أنه غير راضِ عن موقف فيفا تجاهه، وينوي التحرك رسميًا لضمان مشاركته في البطولة.

ويشارك باتشوكا المكسيكي في البطولة بصفته بطل كونكاكاف 2024، في حين أن كلوب ليون المكسيكي هو بطل نسخة 2023 من البطولة نفسها.

ويقع باتشوكا في المجموعة الثامنة في كأس العالم للأندية رفقة كل من ريال مدريد الإسباني، الهلال السعودي وسالزبورج النمساوي.

في حين أن كلوب ليون يتواجد في المجموعة الرابعة رفقة كل من الترجي التونسي، تشيلسي الإنجليزي وفلامينجو البرازيلي.

Glasgow Rangers decided to lower the average age of their playing squad over the summer transfer window by making moves in and out of Ibrox.

The Light Blues immediately cut a host of experienced stars at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, as Jon McLaughlin, John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, and Kemar Roofe were allowed to depart at the end of their respective contracts.

Philippe Clement and head of recruitment Nils Koppen also allowed the likes of Connor Goldson, Todd Cantwell, Scott Wright, and Ben Davies to move on from Glasgow, albeit Davies has only left on loan to join Birmingham City for the season.

Those exits allowed the Gers to dip into the market to sign the likes of Nedim Bajrami, Hamza Igamane, Connor Barron, Jefte, and Oscar Cortes, among others.

The average age of the squad in the 2023/24 campaign was 26.2 and the work done over the course of the summer transfer window has lowered it by almost an entire year to 25.3 this term.

Their work may not be done yet, though, as the Scottish giants have been urged to part ways with another player in the January window – Rabbi Matondo.

Rangers told they should have sold Rabbi Matondo

Speaking to IbroxNews, Derek Ferguson has claimed that the Light Blues should have cashed in on the Wales international ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The former Gers man believes that the winger, who is one of the higher earners in the squad, should have been moved on from Ibrox as part of the summer exodus at Ibrox.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

He told IbroxNews: “Ah! Matondo, he’s one of the highest paid players. He gave one of his best performances against a team that’d been beat by one of the lower-league teams, thats Spartans beating Ross County, then he had a good game against them at Hampden.

“That, plus the other moment that he’s given us was the goal against Celtic. No, Matondo should have been out the door.”

Interestingly, Rangers did have an opportunity to part ways with the former Manchester City man during the last transfer window, as Championship side Norwich City came in for him.

It was reported that the Canaries attempted to sign the forward on loan from the Scottish giants towards the end of the window, and that they saw their enquiry knocked back by the Gers.

Whilst it would only have been a temporary deal to send him to Carrow Road, that move would have given him a chance to go and play regular football.

That could, then, have attracted interest from other clubs to facilitate a permanent exit from Ibrox, either in January or next summer, whether that would have been to Norwich or another team.

Rangers must now rectify their mistake in the summer by finally ditching him in the next transfer window, as he currently earns even more than Tom Lawrence – who has enjoyed a strong start to the season.

Tom Lawrence's form this season

Another Wales international, the former Derby County playmaker has emerged as a key performer for Clement in the number ten role so far this term.

=He has showcased his quality in the Europa League and the Scottish Premiership and has made it clear that he is ready to fight for his future at Ibrox, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Lawrence recently scored in the 4-1 defeat to Lyon in the Europa League and created one ‘big chance’ for his teammates before being withdrawn with an injury at half-time.

As you can see in the clip above, his razor-sharp reactions allowed him to find the back of the net to draw his side level in the game at the time.

The 30-year-old dynamo, who turns 31 in January, has also caught the eye with his impressive displays in the top-flight so far this term for Rangers.

Appearances

6

Starts

5

Goals

3

Big chances created

3

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, the former Championship star has produced six goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in five appearances in the division.

His teammates have let him down at times with their wasteful finishing as they have only scored once from the three ‘big chances’ that he has provided.

Lawrence appears to be on his way to earning an extension on his current £22k-per-week contract, which expires next summer, as he is consistently proving his usefulness to Clement and Rangers with his strong performances in the Premiership and the Europa League.

Why Rangers should ditch Rabbi Matondo

Matondo, meanwhile, is reportedly on £23k-per-week and the Gers must take Ferguson’s advice and move him out of the door in the January window.

As the ex-Rangers man stated, the winger enjoyed one good game against a struggling Ross County – providing two goals and two assists – but has struggled aside from that.

The Light Blues forward has not been able to enjoy a consistent run of form throughout his career at Ibrox so far, as he has endured a string of injury issues. He has missed at least 17 games, including the current campaign, in all three of his seasons in Glasgow.

Matondo has already missed 17 matches in all competitions with a hamstring injury this term and is not expected to return to action until December, after he was absent for 19 games for club and country in the 2023/24 campaign.

Last season, the 24-year-old attacker only made 19 appearances in the Premiership for the Light Blues, which shows that he was only available for half of the league season – due to injuries.

Appearances

19

Goals

5

Assists

3

Key passes per game

0.6

Duel success rate

46%

As you can see in the table above, he did contribute with eight direct goal involvements in that time, which is a respectable return from 19 games.

However, Matondo has become a liability at Ibrox because Clement cannot rely on him to perform week-in-week-out, or to be fit for a consistent period of time during a season – as illustrated by his current injury absence.

Therefore, the Belgian boss must now brutally ditch the winger from the club in the January transfer window, if they can take advantage of potential interest from south of the border from the summer.

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ByDan Emery Oct 15, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco perdeu a chance de se isolar na liderança do Campeonato Carioca com duas rodadas. O Cruz-Maltino abriu o placar com Raniel, no início do segundo tempo, porém cedeu o empate o Boavista, que balançou a rede com Wandinho. Com o empate por 1 a 1, os donos da casa agora somam quatro pontos e podem ser ultrapassados por Madureira e Bangu, enquanto o Verdão de Saquarema tem dois pontos.

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Na próxima rodada, o Vasco volta a jogar na Colina Histórica diante de sua torcida, dessa vez contra o Nova Iguaçu, quarta-feira, às 21h35. No mesmo dia, porém mais cedo, o Boavista visita o Flamengo, às 18h, no Raulino de Oliveira, em Volta Redonda.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Carioca

VERDÃO ASSUSTA
A partida começou bem disputada no meio de campo com ambas as equipes buscando os espaços. O goleiro Fernando saiu jogando errado com os pés, mas Nene não conseguiu aproveitar a bateu fraco. Na primeira boa chance dos visitantes, Matheus Alessandro fez uma boa jogada pela esquerda e obrigou Thiago Rodrigues a espalmar e afastar o perigo.

FERNANDO SALVA
As duas melhores chegadas dos donos da casa no primeiro tempo aconteceram em jogadas de Raniel. Na primeira, o atacante fez o pivô e deixou Weverton em condições de finalizar, mas Fernando defendeu. Logo em seguida, o camsia 9 recebeu na entrada da área, dominou, e bateu forte por cima do gol. No fim, Nene teve a chance em cobrança de falta, mas o arqueiro do Verdão de Saquarema salvou.

PRESSÃO CRUZ-MALTINA
Com outra atitude, o Vasco voltou bem do intervalo e enfileirou chances de abrir o placar. Depois de um lindo corta-luz de Raniel, Gabriel Pec carregou a bola e bateu da entrada área para uma grande defesa de Fernando. No escanteio, Bruno Nazário encheu o pé e estremeceu o travessão do Boavista.

Aos 6, Edimar recebeu pela esquerda e arriscou a finalização de longe. A bola chegou até Gabriel Pec, que tentou alcançar com um carrinho, mas mandou para fora.
​
​NÃO PERDOA!
A pressão do Gigante da Colina era forte. Com mais intensidade e aproximação entre as linhas, os donos da casa tentaram transformar o domínio em gol. Algo que aconteceu aos 9, justamente com o camisa 9. Nene teve liberdade para carregar a bola e dar assistência para Raniel levantar a cabeça e estufar a rede em um chute cruzado.

BOAVISTA EMPATA
Depois de abrir o placar, o Vasco viu o Boavista se lançar a ataque e tentar o empate. Em uma bela jogada, Miguel soltou uma bomba no canto e obrigou Thiago Rodrigues a fazer grande defesa. Aos 38, Galarza falhou na marcação e após um cruzamento na área de Matheus Alessandro, Wandinho completou para o fundo da meta cruz-maltina.

QUASE LÁ!
No fim, o Boavista quase conseguiu a virada, mas parou em Thiago Rodrigues, que novamente fez grande defesa. Em dois lances, o Vasco não conseguiu aproveitar e sair com a vitória. Getúlio soltou a bomba e levou muito perigo ao gol de Fernando.

Em outro momento, o Cruz-Maltino conseguiu uma boa jogada depois de uma batida cruzada de Edimar, mas Figueiredo não conseguiu colocar a bola para dentro. Aos 49, Getúlio ainda teve a chance, mas o arqueiro dos visitantes segurou novamente.

FICHA TÉCNICA
VASCO 1X1 BOAVISTA

Data e horário: 29/1/2021, às 21h
Local: Estádio de São Januário, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Árbitro: Rodrigo Carvalhaes de Miranda
Assistentes: Wallace Muller Barros Santos e Guilherme Vogas Tavares
Público pagante: 5.686
Público presente: 5.812
Renda: R$ 139.982,00

Cartões Amarelos: Bruno Nazário, Weverton, Raniel e Nene (VAS) / Matheus Alessandro. Ralph eWellington Silva(BOA)
Cartões Vermelhos:

Gol: Raniel (9’/2T) (1-0) / Wandinho (38’/2T) (1-1)

VASCO (Técnico: Zé Ricardo)
Thiago Rodrigues; Weverton, Ulisses, Anderson Conceição, Edimar; Yuri Lara (Getúlio 25’/2T), Juninho (Matías Galarza 33’/2T), Nene; Gabriel Pec (Isaque 33’/2T), Bruno Nazário (Matheus Barbosa 25’/2T) e Raniel (Figueiredo 40’/2T)

BOAVISTA (Técnico: Leandrão)
Fernando; Wellington Silva (Luiz Felipe 45’/2T), Diogo Rangel, Kadu Fernandes e Bull (Miguel 20’/2T); Marcos Moreira e Ralph (Wandinho 20’/2T), Biel (Berê 33’/2T), Marcos Alessandro; Marquinhos (Ryan Guilherme 20’/2T) e Di Maria.

Bharat Arun is set to bow out as India’s bowling coach when the team’s T20 World Cup campaign ends on Monday, and he reckons India’s success in overseas Tests over the last two years has been the highlight of his work with the team. The end of Arun’s tenure marks the end of one of Indian cricket’s most successful projects – beginning during Ravi Shastri’s second stint as India’s head coach in August 2017 – which helped elevate India’s fast-bowling talent to a consistently world-class level in Tests.Through a diligent workload-management system and through innovative bowling plans, among them the “leg trap” employed against Australia earlier this year, India’s fast bowlers became the bedrock of famous victories overseas apart from having a significant impact even at home.Related

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“There have been ups and downs but I think the team is in a much better position than when we started. Pretty happy about it,” Arun said before India’s last match at the T20 World Cup. “The highest point of the career would be the kind of bowling that we have – we set about winning a lot of Tests overseas. That is what we strived hard to achieve as a team and we went about achieving that.”I think the highest point would be the two back-to-back wins in Australia and also us, more or less, winning the series in England. Of course, there’s one more Test to go, but I think the performance of the team during this English series was outstanding.”Arun’s playing career ended when he was 29, and his foray into coaching came with a determination to understand the science and biomechanics of bowling, and to not propagate the “myths we were handed down through generations”. The increased fitness of India’s fast bowlers during his time, and the presence of a solid second string in the main bowlers’ absence speak to that.”All of us came together and said we have enough fast bowlers, but we need to create a lot more discipline in their attack and also to make sure they remain fresh throughout,” he explained. “That is the only chance of us winning. And also the team management and captain took a very bold step of always playing five bowlers at any given point of time.”Earlier we went in with only four bowlers and somebody who can also bowl. But right now we are going with five regular bowlers in any team that we have. So I think that is a first fearless step. Because we said that the batting group needs to step up, we need to take added responsibility if we need to win matches abroad, and we need to take 20 wickets all the time. So that went into us playing this combination of at least five bowlers in every match. The wicketkeeper being a very good batter also helps the cause.”India have pushed a number of bowlers up to the senior team, particularly over the last ten months or so. The likes of Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have all stepped in with varying degrees of success as backups for the core of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and the two frontline spinners, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Arun mentioned Prasidh Krishna as one that sparks confidence as well, and said India’s next generation was in good shape.With the volume of cricket ever increasing, however, he hinted that it was time for India to use their reserves to make sure everyone continued to stay “fresh”, even if it meant playing different bowlers across formats.”Not only the volume of cricket that our country is playing but also remaining in the bubble and playing – I can guarantee that it’s not easy to be in the bubble and keep playing throughout the year,” he said. “They do need some breaks because I think even the mental health is going to be very important going forward. This is going to be the norm for us, at least for the next one year or two years. So it is important.”In our country we have a very good pool of fast bowlers, there is enough talent in our country. So we can afford to field different teams for different formats. That way it’s not only we understanding the different talent that is available, but it also keeps our bowlers mentally and physically very fresh.”

Rio Ferdinand has expressed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo is “disrespected on a regular basis” while defending the Al-Nassr star’s GOAT claim.

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Ronaldo considers himself to be more 'complete'Still going strong at 40 years of ageAchievements talked up by ex-United colleagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

As someone that has never lacked self confidence, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has billed himself as the greatest player of all-time. He considers himself to be more “complete” than fellow icons such as Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona.

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Ronaldo boasts the numbers to support those claims, with countless major honours and entries in the history books to his name, but has faced criticism from some for giving himself top billing. Former team-mate Ferdinand cannot understand why anyone would question CR7.

WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

Using enigmatic Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic as an example of how bold statements can often be applauded, the ex-United defender has told his podcast: “Everyone champions Zlatan for saying stuff like that and goes, ‘oh what a guy, I love his personality and character’. When Cristiano says it, they’re like, ‘oh he’s so arrogant. How could he say that?’

“If anyone is in a position to talk like that, it’s him. You know what’s crazy, he’s been top scorer of his team for the last 18 years. Since 2007 probably, he’s been top scorer for every team he played in. Just let that sink in. It’s unbelievable. Ronaldo is disrespected on a regular basis.”

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Ronaldo helped United to Premier League and Champions League titles during his first stint at Old Trafford, while also claiming his first Ballon d’Or. He is now Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, a Serie A champion with Juventus and a man maintaining remarkable standards at 40 years of age with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Newcastle United have been pushed forward as if by a steel spring in recent days, defeating Arsenal in the Premier League after dumping Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup.

Alexander Isak is alive, putting a slow start to the season behind him and reminding Europe that he is one of the finest centre-forwards around. Eddie Howe must be delighted.

However, the contractual concerns regarding the Swede are inescapable and must be resolved.

Alexander Isak's contract situation

Isak is 25 years old, approaching the prime years of his career. He’s into his third campaign on Tyneside, having overcome injuries throughout his first year to post 25 goals from 40 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24.

There’s no immediate concern: Isak is contracted at St. James’ Park until 2028. Even so, interest in his signature is incipient but fierce, and if he does not follow Anthony Gordon in penning new terms, he and his suitors will have increased leverage as time goes on.

Callum Wilson is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and thus, club legend Alan Shearer feels that the Magpies should move to bolster their frontline with a first-class signing, one who might even be more talented than Isak.

Newcastle could sign new striker

Newcastle could do with some added firepower up top, and who better to sign than Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is one of the hottest commodities in Europe right now?

With Ruben Amorim leaving Sporting Lisbon imminently to turn the ship around at Manchester United, Premier League supporters will inevitably look at the Sweden international as the natural star to follow to Old Trafford.

However, Newcastle’s financial power and growing need for another striker could see them rival their divisional competition, and Shearer believes that indeed they must.

Discussing Newcastle’s probably transfer plan in a Q&A with The Athletic, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer suggested that Gyokeres should be the first-choice target:

Amorim has already allayed the Portuguese champions’ fears that they will suffer a winter exodus by stating that he will not be bringing any players with him in January.

Given that, as Guillem Balague claims, Sporting wish to cash in on Gyokeres, Newcastle – who were linked with the centre-forward back in January – must surely be contemplating lodging a bid, with his team rumoured to be ready to field official bids worth £60m.

Gyokeres would be an Alexander Isak upgrade

Gyokeres once sat in the Brighton & Hove Albion reserves, and after failing to earn a single appearance in the Premier League, routinely out on loan, joined Coventry City in the Championship.

Prolific endeavours under Mark Robins culminated in waves of interest from some rather high-profile suitors, but it was Sporting who he chose to sign for in 2023, an avenue that has proved to be most auspicious for a player now regarded as “one of the most feared strikers in Europe” – as said by reporter Harry de Cosemo.

Last term, as Sporting conquered the Portuguese top flight, Gyokeres was utterly mesmerising in his efforts, posting 43 goals and 15 assists across 50 matches in all competitions. This year, it’s not even December, and he already has 23 goals to his mountainous pile.

Many Magpies supporters will indeed feel that their outfit is blessed with a singular attacking talent, but everything suggests that Gyokeres is riding a level that surpasses even that of his compatriot at the moment, which truly is quite a thing.

Oh for sure, he’d do well to dislodge his countryman Isak from the number-one spot in Newcastle, but Gyokeres’ efforts over the past few years suggest that he could hold the quality to do just that.

Matches (starts)

8 (8)

10 (10)

Goals

3

16

Assists

1

1

Touches*

30.1

41.2

Shots (on target)*

2.9 (1.3)

4.9 (2.6)

Big chances missed

4

7

Pass completion

72%

80%

Key passes*

0.9

2.0

Dribbles*

0.6

2.5

Total duels won*

2.5

6.3

Those statistics speak for themselves, for Gyokeres is outstripping Newcastle’s talisman across almost every metric. Of course, the Premier League carries a higher level than that of Liga Portugal, but crane yourself back to midweek, when Amorim’s side defeated Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, Gyokeres bagging a hat-trick.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks among the top 1% of forwards across divisions similar to Liga Portugal for goals scored, shot-creating actions, progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, highlighting just how frightening his threat really is.

Isak is a top player in his own right, riding a colourful purple patch right now, but it’s hard to argue against his Sweden teammate being the man of the moment right now, with free-scoring performances that set him apart from all but a smattering of strikers across Europe.

Described as a “powerhouse” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Gyokeres has the athleticism, muscular physique, sharp movement and natural finishing to rival the likes of Isak and Erling Haaland for power as the star striker in the Premier League.

Even if Isak remains with the Toon over the coming years, this would surely be the optimum move to make, allowing Howe’s project to reach new heights and solidify a place in the Champions League, pushing for the shiniest silverware too.

The next Lewis Miley: Howe has a "huge prospect" brewing at Newcastle

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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 8, 2024