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Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat to West Ham United in the Premier League over the weekend and the result means they occupy 13th spot in the table.

The Irons swept away the Old Gold and, considering they had featured in the Europa League just 72 hours prior, it was a wonderful performance by the home side.

Gary O’Neil will be disappointed by the result, especially as they had taken four points from six across their previous two league matches, and it is back to the drawing board ahead of a clash against Chelsea on Christmas Eve.

There may be a few changes to his starting XI following some disappointing displays at the London Stadium and Nelson Semedo failed to sparkle yet again.

Nelson Semedo’s game vs West Ham in numbers

The 30-year-old was deployed on the right side of the midfield as the manager opted for a 3-4-3 formation, yet the former Barcelona defender wasn’t quite at the races.

He did look eager to get on the ball, evidenced by his 69 touches, yet his failure to do much with it proved to be his downfall.

Two key passes and an 86% pass success rate is perhaps decent on the surface, yet the right-back failed to contribute anything of note in an attacking sense as he delivered just one successful cross and succeeded with just one dribble attempt during the match.

Semedo also lost possession 14 times overall along with winning just five of his 11 total duels, and is it any wonder he received a match rating of just 5/10 from Express & Star's Liam Keen?

The reporter duly noted: "Semedo backed off for the opening goal and was otherwise ineffective throughout the game."

With the January transfer window edging ever closer, O’Neil must surely be looking for another option at right-back.

Nelson Semedo’s season in numbers

The defender has started every single one of Wolves’ Premier League ties this season, but his contribution has been minimal to say the least.

He ranks in a lowly tenth spot across the squad for key passes per game (0.5) along with ranking second for possession lost per game (14.6) and with his contract expiring in just over a year, his spell at Wolves could be drawing to an end.

The right-back has mustered just one goal contribution all season across his 16 League matches and that was an assist against Arsenal in a 2-1 loss at the start of the month.

With O’Neil deploying him in a more advanced role, this should have given him a licence to push forward and create more opportunities for his teammates.

It hasn’t quite transpired like this and the 40-year-old will be demanding more from the Portuguese defender over the festive season, especially with a few tough matches to come.

Semedo has been a stalwart since arriving at Molineux back in 2020, making 120 appearances for the club, but perhaps O’Neil has to go in a different direction if he wants to improve his first-team squad.

The 30-year-old was poor against West Ham and unless he drastically improves, it could be a similar sort of performance that gets delivered against the Blues on Sunday.

Chittagong Vikings held on for a three-wicket win against defending champions Rangpur Riders in a low-scoring start to the BPL

Mohammad Isam05-Jan-2019

File photo: Sikandar Raza was run out for 3•Raton Gomes/BCB

How the game played outChittagong Vikings held on for a three-wicket win against defending champions Rangpur Riders in a low-scoring start to the BPL. Making his tournament debut, Robbie Frylinck took 4 for 14 before his unbeaten 12 took Vikings home.Ravi Bopara top-scored for Riders, making 44 of the team’s 98 runs, after their top four fell for single-digit scores. He added 49 runs for the eighth wicket with Sohag Gazi before Frylinck broke that partnership in the 19th over.Vikings’ batting was also far from convincing, with Mohammad Shehzad and Mushfiqur Rahim getting out in the twenties, and several others struggling.Turning pointsRiders are reduced to 35 for 7 by the 12th over.Bopara’s 44 pushes Riders’ total to a still-below-par 98.Gazi drops Frylinck’s return catch in the 18th over with the Vikings on 89 for 7.Star of the dayFrylinck triggered Riders’ initial collapse with a burst of three wickets – Alex Hales, Mohammad Mithun and Mehedi Maruf – in the first 3.2 overs. Later, he added Sohag Gazi as his fourth victim in the 19th over.The big missAlex Hales, the biggest batting star available for Riders on the opening day, fell in his first ball in the BPL, trapped lbw to another debutant Frylinck. Interestingly, the decision was a close one as replays suggested the ball would have just shaved the leg-stump.Where the teams standVikings’ win will be registered as a surprising result given the make-up and budget of their side compared to the big-spending Riders.

Those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion will be more than a little discontented with the events of recent weeks after such an emphatic start to life under Ange Postecoglou's management, but such is the way of football.

Spurs had had little to cheer about over the past year, with an exciting start to the 2022/23 campaign quickly spiralling into a disastrous year, with second-half-of-the-season form resulting in Antonio Conte's dismissal, an eighth-placed finish, no European football and – perhaps most poignantly – Harry Kane's sale to Bayern Munich in the early days of Postecoglou's reign.

But Postecoglou knows how to cultivate a winning mentality and he implemented his system and style swiftly, with the early results sending Tottenham into first place after ten matches before injuries and suspensions ravaged the purple patch and beset the squad with a three-match skid.

Were Spurs not to succumb to the onslaught of woes against Chelsea, it's entirely possible that a position at the forefront might have been maintained, but while the setbacks have been detrimental to Postecoglou's recent progress, Brennan Johnson has emerged as something of a shining light.

Brennan Johnson's season in numbers

Spurs signed Johnson from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m on transfer deadline day in August after the 22-year-old enjoyed a starring role under Steve Cooper's guidance over the past few years, leading his former side into the Premier League and then avoiding relegation.

Across 44 appearances last year, the Welshman clinched ten goals and three assists and led journalist Josh Bunting to note how he "causes so many problems" for opposition.

The £70k-per-week star arrived in London and enjoyed a lively game during his first start against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, but sustained a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the following two league fixtures.

Having now posted a goal and an assist across his past four outings, Johnson is becoming increasingly important under Postecoglou's stewardship and could now prove to be the centrepiece that leads his club back into form.

Brennan Johnson's style of play

While Johnson still needs to work on sustaining his threat across the entirety of encounters, he is excellent with his ball-carrying ability and offers a directness that could work in perfect tandem with the creative ingenuity of James Maddison, when the influential England international returns from injury after the new year.

Brennan Johnson: Similar PL Players

Player

Club

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Nottingham Forest

Said Benrahma

West Ham

Bobby Reid

Fulham

Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United

Michael Olise

Crystal Palace

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Spurs might have fallen to defeat against Aston Villa last time out but there were plenty of positive moments, with football.london's Alasdair Gold penning his post-match thoughts and saying of Johnson's performance: 'Involved in some bright moments with good movement but just couldn't force the ball home, including controlling and firing an effort that Martinez saved from point blank range.'

Remarking on his performance against Aston Villa, content creator HLTCO took to Twitter to say: 'Brennan Johnson is such an exciting player to watch. He’s got frightening pace and directness; constantly looking to make something happen, it must be an absolute nightmare to defend against him.'

As per FBref, Johnson ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 8% for tackles per 90, emphasising his tenacity and energy.

The 25-cap international has so much potential and could develop into a starring figure under Postecoglou in the coming years, and as he continues to grow over the duration of the campaign, his rise might come at the expense of a desired resurgence for Richarlison, who has yet to bloom into brilliant form down the N17.

Richarlison's Tottenham career so far

Prior to his £60m transfer to Tottenham, Richarlison had been among the most menacing forwards in the Premier League and had posted 53 goals and 14 assists across 152 appearances for Everton, even leading erstwhile Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti to tip him for the Ballon d'Or.

Speaking on the situation, Richarlison said: "Ancelotti himself has already said that I'm among the 10 best strikers he has coached and that's an honour for me. It motivated me a lot, I want to improve even more. He already told me that I'll win the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or), that I'll win several championships. I'll trust the man's word.

"Now I just need to improve, working hard in training, so I can continue to evolve."

Well, the move to London promised to be the perfect stepping stone to establish himself as one of the leading attacking outlets on English shores, but his maiden year was anything but auspicious, with just one Premier League goal scored all season, in a defeat against Liverpool.

He has improved since Postecoglou took to the dugout this year, posting one goal and three assists from ten matches thus far, having also scored in the Carabao Cup against Fulham.

However, given that Johnson has started to find success on the left wing, Richarlison's future at the club could be thrown into jeopardy, with the Brazilian dynamo currently among the absentees after having an operation on a groin issue last month.

Spurs' forthcoming run of fixtures will be crucial in maintaining a spot in Champions League contention for the foreseeable, and if Johnson can contribute with some effective displays then Postecoglou could be convinced to relegate Richarlison to the bench – with Dejan Kulusevski's position on the right flank seemingly untouchable right now.

Johnson's proclivity to drive into promising areas and instigate passages of play that could lead to a goal is something that Postecoglou simply cannot ignore, and while Richarlison has improved, his overall performance is still some way below the desired standard.

Bayer Leverkusen cruised to their first ever Bundesliga title, confirming their crowning as German champions with a win against Werder Bremen.

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• Leverkusen beat Werder Bremen
• Secured first ever Bundesliga crown
• Sit 16 points clear of Bayern

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leverkusen had a 13-point lead over reigning champions and nearest challengers Bayern Munich heading into Sunday's Bundesliga match. A win was enough to see them crowned league winners and Xabi Alonso's team managed to complete the task at the BayArena, taking the lead through a Victor Boniface penalty in the first half before Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz scored two brilliant long-range goals in the second. Wirtz added another two goals to complete his hat-trick late on and seal a comprehensive 5-0 victory for Leverkusen – sparking wild scenes of celebration.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The win put Leverkusen 16 points clear of Bayern Munich with five matches left to play in the 2023-24 campaign, enough to ensure they cannot be overtaken by Thomas Tuchel's faltering team. It is the first time in their history that the Werkself have managed to win the league title, ending an 11-year run of Bundesliga successes for Bayern. Despite the addition of Harry Kane, who has enjoyed a prolific debut season at Allianz Arena, Bayern will finish a distant second to Leverkusen as they prepare for the summer departure of Tuchel, though they do still have the Champions League to play for.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Leverkusen are still unbeaten in all competitions this season. They have won 25 and drawn four of their league games this season and are still in contention to win the Europa League and DFB-Pokal. They have a 2-0 lead from the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie against West Ham and will meet Kaiserslautern in the final of the German Cup later this season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

  After celebrating their Bundesliga title, Leverkusen will hope to secure the treble by winning the Europa League and DFB-Pokal. They will then prepare to defend their crown next season, safe in the knowledge that coach Alonso will still be in charge despite interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Glasgow Rangers return to Europa League action this evening as they take on Sparta Prague away from Ibrox in their third group stage outing.

The Light Blues have one win and one defeat from their opening two matches in the competition and will now be hoping to strengthen their hopes of progressing through to the knockout stages.

New head coach Philippe Clement made his dugout debut against Hibernian last weekend and enjoyed a terrific afternoon as his side ran out 4-0 winners on home soil in the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers XI vs Hibernian (21/10/2023	Position
Jack Butland	GK
James Tavernier (C)	RB
Connor Goldson	CB
John Souttar	CB
Borna Barisic	LB
Nicolas Raskin	DM
John Lundstram	DM
Scott Wright	RW
Sam Lammers	AM
Abdallah Sima	LW
Cyriel Dessers	ST

The Belgian tactician will now manage in Europe for the first time since his move to the Scottish giants and will be hoping for more success than Michael Beale and Steven Davis, who took interim charge against Aris, managed earlier this season.

Rangers were dumped out of the Champions League after a 7-3 aggregate play-off defeat to PSV under Beale, whilst they lost their most recent Europa League clash in a 2-1 defeat to Aris under Davis.

The latest Rangers team news

Clement, however, looks set to be without a senior left-back available for selection after a double injury blow this week ahead of the trip to Prague.

Borna Barisic was forced to leave the field during the opening stages of the win over Hibs and it has been reported that the Croatia international was not in training on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Dujon Sterling, who has filled in at left-back at times this season, was also absent and that suggests that the summer signing from Chelsea will not be in contention to feature.

Ridvan Yilmaz came on to replace Barisic last weekend but the Turkey international is not eligible for selection this evening as he was not registered as part of the club’s Europa League squad.

There are no other fresh injury issues that have been disclosed by the manager and this means that left-back may be the only enforced change for the Belgian chief.

Whilst Clement could look to use a central defender or an experienced midfielder in that position to fill a gap for this game, the Belgian boss must finally unleash academy starlet Adam Devine from the start.

Adam Devine's statistics for Rangers

The 20-year-old dynamo has racked up 11 first-team appearances for the Light Blues since he made his debut for the club under Giovanni van Bronckhorst towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Devine started one of his two Premiership outings under the Dutchman during the top six split matches of that season and struggled to catch the eye.

He lost 62% of his individual duels and was dribbled past one time per game on average, along with 1.5 tackles and interceptions and zero key passes per clash.

These statistics show that the Scotland U21 international was bullied by opposition players as they found it far too easy to get the better of him, which is not a trait you want in a defender as the manager should want his backline to be strong and able to keep the other team at bay.

The talented youngster, who is a right-back by trade, was then provided with an opportunity to play under Beale as Barisic and Yilmaz were both unavailable after the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Devine made six Premiership appearances and started three games for the former Gers head coach throughout the 2022/23 league campaign.

The "powerful" runner – as he was dubbed by former reporter – and now Rangers content executive – Craig Vickers – improved upon the performances he displayed under van Bronckhorst the previous season.

In those six outings, the dynamic ace created two 'big chances' for his teammates and was only dribbled past 0.3 times per game, to go along with a duel success rate of 55%.

These statistics show that Devine learned from his first couple of appearances at first-team level and was able to give a better account of himself under Beale, as he showcased his ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

The academy graduate carved open the opposition to create huge opportunities for others and maintained a strong duel success rate, which shows that the other teams were not able to muscle him out of the way as easily as before.

Borna Barisic's statistics this season

Rangers' 30-year-old left-back has been the first-choice in his position so far this season and has started eight matches across the Premiership and the Europa League.

However, he will not be named in the starting XI this evening as Clement has already confirmed that the Croatian ace is expected to return to action next week, which also rules him out of the game against Hearts on Sunday.

The experienced defender has been solid enough at league level for the Light Blues. Barisic has created one 'big chance' in six Premiership starts and came out on top in 55% of his physical contests.

He has also been dribbled past 0.4 times per game and this suggests that Devine's performances last term were on a par with the Croatia international's this season.

They are both defenders who are rarely dribbled past and win the majority of their duels, whilst the 20-year-old ace actually created 'big chances' for his teammates at a more impressive rate.

Therefore, Rangers may not be significantly weakened by using Devine at left-back in place of the injured Barisic and that is why Clement must finally unleash him from the start this evening, for the first time this term.

Offering an opportunity to a promising academy graduate, who has proven – with his displays last season – that he has the quality to play at senior level, instead of playing a player out of position could be a shrewd move by Clement to excite supporters.

Fans may like to see that the manager is willing to trust and rely on youth when the chance is there to do so, rather than blocking their pathway by moving a senior star out of their usual slot.

Liverpool are already focusing on their next set of transfer targets, but a reliable journalist has revealed that FSG chiefs seriously looked at a mega deal for a player who eventually joined Manchester United instead.

Who are Liverpool linked with for January?

The Reds have most recently been linked with moves for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio and Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha at the start of next year, and whilst incomings are the most important to focus on, there are also two senior stars who could be heading for the exit door.

Overseas, Saudi Pro League director Emenaldo has publicly admitted his love for Mohamed Salah and claimed that he is welcome to follow in the footsteps of his former teammates in Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho to move to that division, whilst Thiago Alcantara is reportedly being eyed by Barcelona.

In previous years, FSG and Jurgen Klopp will have considered deals for plenty of players that never actually ended up joining the club, and if the following update is to be believed, Premier League and Manchester United left-winger Jadon Sancho is one of those who was seriously on the radar at Anfield.

At Old Trafford, England’s former international has made zero starts and just three substitute appearances in the top-flight this season (WhoScored – Sancho statistics), after being placed on an individual training programme away from the group following comments towards Erik ten Hag on his social media channels, which resulted in disciplinary action.

Jadon Sancho transfer update

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones shared a transfer update on Jadon Sancho and revealed that he was someone of real interest to FSG when he was at Borussia Dortmund:

“It is easy to look at Jadon Sancho and wonder what might have been, isn’t it? I know that Liverpool, for example, had a good long look at him when he was ripping it up at Borussia Dortmund, but opted to go down a different route when recalibrating their attack, choosing less heralded (and cheaper) players such as Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, both of whom have turned out to be successes.

“I, like many others I’m sure, expected Sancho to be a huge hit at Manchester United, and so it is a big surprise to see where he has ended up. It is hard to see a way back for him at Old Trafford, unless of course Erik ten Hag leaves.”

How many goals does Jadon Sancho have in his career?

Since first bursting onto the professional scene, Sancho has posted 167 direct goal contributions, 86 goals and 81 assists, in 263 outings (Transfermarkt – Sancho statistics), with this prolific form having seen him hailed as a “sharp” attacker by journalist Josh Bunting.

Sponsored by Nike, the 23-year-old also ranks well in his pass completion and key passes, which highlights his intricate footwork and the excellent link-up play he has with his teammates in and around the opposition’s penalty area.

Furthermore, Sancho, who pockets £250k-per-week (Manchester United salaries), is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and two roles in the midfield, so whilst he’s had his attitude problems, there’s no doubting the outstanding player he is on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is enjoying the Lilywhites’ best spell of form for a long time, with Spurs sealing a third-consecutive Premier League win for the first time this season after their 4-1 victory at Ipswich.

Ange Postecoglou praises Tottenham after 4-1 Ipswich win

The north Londoners were set for a tough task against Kieran McKenna’s relegation-threatened side at Portman Road, but they weathered periods of pressure to eventually round off a superb win away from home.

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A first-half brace from Brennan Johnson, combined with late goals from in-form defender Djed Spence and star winger Dejan Kulusevski, cancelled out Omari Hutchinson’s impressive curled effort to hand Postecoglou’s side another much-needed three points on Saturday afternoon.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Man City (home)	February 26th
Bournemouth (home)	March 9th
Fulham (away)	March 16th
Chelsea (away)	April 2nd
Southampton (home)	April 5th

Tottenham next face off against Man City at home, and the Sky Blues’ topsy-turvy form gives Postecoglou some hope they could make it four straight victories against the English champions.

Spurs’ head coach heaped praise on his squad after their win at Ipswich, especially their clinical and exciting forward play.

“A couple of times in the first half we lost a bit of concentration, in terms of the second ball and duels. Disappointing goal we conceded but aside from that I thought we handled that side of the game really well, which we had to,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s triumph at Ipswich.

“But I always felt we were a threat when we had the ball. Sonny was unplayable in the first half. So good to get Brennan back in those areas where he’s always a threat. All four of our goals were quality goals. We had to do the hard things, but the fruits of that labour was that our front third play was super, exciting and clinical.”

Another real plus-point from the game was new signing Kevin Danso, who put in another solid performance at the heart of Postecoglou’s backline.

There were some doubts surrounding Danso’s ability after Tottenham signed him from RC Lens on loan with an obligation to buy for around £21 million, but the Austria international defender is proving his worth at N17.

Kevin Danso emerging as leader behind-the-scenes at Tottenham

As per reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold, speaking on his YouTube channel, Spurs did their homework on his personality after hijacking Wolves’ winter deal for the 26-year-old.

Gold says that Danso is emerging as a leader behind-the-scenes at Tottenham, with the £25,000-per-week centre-back standing out as a bubbly and strong character among the squad.

“He’s just a really bubbly, strong character Danso and he’s fitted in so well,” said Gold. “Often we talk about the talent of players and how well they play but maybe don’t give enough credit when the scouting setup also identifies the character and personality of a player.

“Danso in that mould has been brilliant, as Postecoglou said, to fit into a team as a senior player despite making such a big step up – he just looks like a man determined to grab this opportunity with both hands.

“I think the young group of players are really benefitting from having him there but I also think people like Vicario are benefitting from having another leader and organiser there. I would not bet against Danso in the next 18 months or so becoming part of that leadership group.”

Against Ipswich, Danso won three aerial duels, completed 91 per cent of his passes, made six clearances and succeeded in 100 per cent of his tackles (WhoScored).

وقع عشرات الآلاف من مشجعي منتخب ألمانيا على عريضة لمطالبة الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم بإعادة مباراتهم ضد منتخب إسبانيا، في بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا.

وتلاقى المنتخبان مساء يوم الجمعة الماضي في خضم منافسات ربع نهائي يورو 2024.

وخسر منتخب ألمانيا في تلك المباراة بهدفين لهدف، ليودع أصحاب الأرض البطولة بعد اللجوء إلى الأشواط الإضافية.

وشهدت المباراة إثارة تحكيمية، في الدقيقة 23 من الشوط الإضافي، قبل وقت قصير من هدف ميرينو الحاسم لمنتخب إسبانيا.

وطالب منتخب ألمانيا بركلة جزاء بعدما لمست كرة جمال موسيالا، يد لاعب إسبانيا مارك كوكوريلا داخل المنطقة، ولكن الحكم أنتوني تايلور تجاهل ذلك، ولم يستدعاه مسؤولو تقنية الفيديو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كوكوريلا يرد ساخرًا على لمسة اليد في مباراة ألمانيا بـ يورو 2024

ورغم مرور يومين على المباراة وخروج ألمانيا وتأهل إسبانيا إلى ملاقاة فرنسا في نصف النهائي، إلا أن المشجعين لم يتقبلوا الأمر.

ووقع عشرات الآلاف من مشجعي منتخب ألمانيا، وصل عددهم إلى ما يقرب من 31 ألف حتى الآن، على عريضة للمطالبة بإعادة المباراة، وذلك عبر موقع change.org.

وقال المشجعون في العريضة المنشورة: “ربع نهائي يورو 2024: ألمانيا ضد إسبانيا، أطلق أنتوني تايلور صافرة المباراة، لكن من الواضح أنه غير عادل!”.

وأضافوا: “بعد لمسة يد واضحة من مارك كوكوريلا (لاعب المنتخب الإسباني) داخل منطقة الجزاء (ويده ممدودة)، لم تحصل ألمانيا على ركلة الجزاء التي تستحقها بوضوح، والتي كان من الممكن أن تقلب المباراة لصالحها عن جدارة”.

واستكملوا: “هذه ليست حتى المرة الأولى! وتعرض تايلور بالفعل لانتقادات من قبل حكم آخر بسبب تحيزه تجاه إسبانيا، لذلك نطالب الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم بإعادة المباراة والتحقيق في انتهاك تايلور للحياد ومعاقبته!”.

 

After a mixed start in the Premier League this season, it looks as though Newcastle United have finally rediscovered their best form, culminating in a historic 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The Magpies have been left in dreamland following their dominant victory over the Ligue 1 champions in midweek, but will be well aware of the need to turn their focus back towards domestic action and maintaining their recent good form. Meanwhile, off the pitch, they could turn their attention towards the January transfer window, with one TalkSport pundit delivering his verdict on a particular target.

Who are Newcastle targeting in January?

These days, money isn't much of an issue for Newcastle – as long as they stay within their Financial Fair Play means, of course. And that could see further improvements come the way of Eddie Howe in the January transfer window.

Among those improvements could be reported target Joachim Andersen, whom TalkSport pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has recently spoken highly of. According to Football Insider, the Magpies are closely monitoring the Crystal Palace defender ahead of the forthcoming winter transfer window.

Reacting to the Andersen transfer update, Agbonlahor told Football Insider: "I don’t see why Palace would want to sell him, especially in January.

“Him and Guehi have got a great partnership, so it’s going to cost Newcastle a lot of money. If they’re willing to pay a lot of money, then it’s a great signing. I rate him highly. But maybe Crystal Palace will price him out of a move. It’ll be difficult to replace him in the middle of the season.”

With that said, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Newcastle decide to test the waters regarding Andersen's valuation in the January window. They have the spending power to match whatever the price is, that's for sure, but those at St James' Park will be keen to get themselves a good deal.

How has Joachim Andersen performed this season?

So far this season, Andersen has played an important role once again for Palace, featuring in all seven Premier League games, including in the Eagles' defeat of Manchester United at Old Trafford. Statistically speaking, too, he has even outperformed Newcastle's current centre-back partnership of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman in certain areas, as per FBref.

Joachim Andersen

8

7

9

6

Fabian Schar

1

6

8

5

Sven Botman

0

5

4

4

Andersen's performances have rightly resulted in plenty of praise, including from Palace manager Roy Hodgson, who said after the defender's goal against Manchester United, via the Mirror: "The way the players went about the game today is really praiseworthy and has given me enormous pleasure.

"They have to be so disciplined and so organised. It would be asking too much to come here and dominate. Joachim Andersen is a wonderful technician. It was only a half-chance. He had to quickly get his feet right and have the confidence to put his foot through the ball. I'm trying to push him forward for goal of the week!"

انتهت قبل قليل مباراة فريقي سبورتنج ومنتخب السويس، ضمن منافسات دورة الترقي بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدفين لكل فريق.

المباراة أقيمت على ملعب استاد الجيش بالسويس ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من الدورة الرباعية المؤهلة للدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتقام دورة الترقي من 4 فرق، وهي حرس الحدود (صاحب المركز الثالث بمجموعة الصعود في الدرجة الثانية) والترسانة وسبورتنج ومنتخب السويس الصاعدين من الدرجة الثالثة، لحسم ثالث الفرق الصاعدة للدوري الممتاز “النيل” الموسم المقبل.

بعد مطالبات الزمالك بإيقافهما.. اتحاد الكرة يعين البنا والغندور لإدارة مباراتي دورة الترقي

افتتح فريق السويس التسجيل في الدقيقة الخامسة من الوقت بدل الضائع من عمر الشوط الأول عن طريق محمد عماد مستغلًا خطأ أيمن رجب حارس مرمى سبورتنج.

وأضاف عبد الله سلام الهدف الثاني لمنتخب السويس في الدقيقة 46  بعد تدرج رائع بالكرة ينتهي بعرضية أرضية من الجهة اليمنى تنتهي بتسديدة قوية من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

ثم قلص النتيجة فريق سبورتنج بهدف في الدقيقة 64 برأسية قوية عن طريق رزق عبد الحليم.

قبل أن يعود طارق سيد لتسجيل هدف التعادل عن طريق رأسية متقنة في الدقيقة 82 مستغلًا عرضية متقنة قادمة من ركلة ركنية بالجهة اليسرى.

مصدر بـ اتحاد الكرة يكشف لـ “بطولات” موقف استخدام الـvar في ٱخر جولتين بدورة الترقي

بتلك النتيجة يرتفع رصيد منتخب السويس للنقطة الخامسة محتلًا المركز الثالث فيما يرتفع رصيد سبورتنج إلى 8 نقاط محتلًا المركز الثاني في جدول الترتيب.

ويستعد منتخب السويس لمواجهة الترسانة في الجولة السادسة، يوم السادس والعشرين من يونيو، فيما يصطدم فريق سبورتنج بحرس الحدود في مباراة حاسمة باليوم ذاته. أهداف مباراة سبورتنج ومنتخب السويس