Slot can move on from Salah by sealing "dangerous" Liverpool signing

Liverpool dropped points again in the race for the Premier League title as they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.

The Reds had lost to Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night at Goodison Park and followed that up with a disappointing result in the capital.

Jurgen Klopp will be moving on from Liverpool after almost nine years at the club in the summer and was involved in an argument with one of the stars of his tenure – Mohamed Salah – against the Hammers.

The pair engaged in a verbal tussle on the touchline just before Michail Antonio's equaliser, and teammates Joe Gomez and Darwin Nunez had to push him away from the boss.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Salah, who came on with 11 minutes left to play, told reporters after the match: "If I speak today there will be fire."

Dutch manager Arne Slot, who Fabrizio Romano has reported will be Klopp's replacement, may now have a difficult situation to manage with the star forward in the summer, and could brutally ditch the winger by securing a deal for one of the club's reported targets.

Liverpool's interest in former Manchester City star

It was reported in February that the Premier League giants have their eyes on Bayern Munich wizard and former Manchester City star Leroy Sane.

Bild reporter Christian Falk, as relayed by Football365, claimed in February that the Germany international is one of the players on Liverpool's shortlist of targets ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The journalist added that the left-footed magician is aware of the interest from the English outfit but has not made his feelings clear on a possible move to Anfield, to join the club he once competed against with Pep Guardiola's side.

Leroy Sane

Falk also claimed that Salah could be on his way to Saudi Arabia, after the club rejected an offer from a Pro League team last summer, but a final decision has yet to be made on that front.

TalkSPORT recently reported that teams from Saudi Arabia are expected to go back in for the left-footed ace ahead of next season, with offers in excess of £70m expected to come in for his services.

Meanwhile, Sane's current contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer of 2025 and Liverpool could swoop to take advantage of that situation this summer, unless he puts pen to paper on an extension with the Bavarian outfit before then.

This suggests that Slot could potentially ditch Salah, by selling him to a team from the Saudi Pro League amid the interest in his services, by making an early move to sign the Bayern titan to replace him on the right flank.

Mohamed Salah's form for Liverpool in the Premier League

The 31-year-old forward, who turns 32 in June, has not enjoyed his best form in front of goal for the Reds so far in the Premier League this season.

His finishing has left a bit to be desired with a return of 17 goals from an xG (Expected Goals) of 18.91, with 14 'big chances' missed in total.

Salah's form in the final third has been particularly worrying in recent weeks. He has produced zero goals from open play and zero assists in his last eight appearances in all competitions, with two goals from the penalty spot in that time.

Mohamed Salah vs Atalanta

His last non-penalty goal came against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on the 31st of March, a game in which the attacker took a staggering 12 shots and missed two 'big chances'.

His recent struggles at the top end of the pitch may have contributed to the frustration that led to his exchange with Klopp at the London Stadium.

Ex-Reds defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed that Salah was "frustrated" and "angry" that he was not starting, and added that the attacker's words to the media – about there being fire if he spoke – were "daft".

There could now be a natural parting of the ways in the summer, with Slot's arrival from Feyenoord signalling the start of a new era at Anfield.

Salah was a colossal part of Klopp's reign, with 210 goals in 346 matches for the club in all competitions to date, but the German's exit, his recent form, and the interest from Saudi Arabia means that it could make sense to brutally move on from him.

Why Liverpool should sign Leroy Sane

A departure for the 31-year-old phenom would leave a gaping hole in the Liverpool attack on the right of the front three and it is one that could be filled by Sane.

Not only has the German been in phenomenal form for Bayern Munich in recent seasons, but he is also a proven Premier League performer who would not need time to adapt to England or the division.

The talented whiz, who is also a left-footed attacker who plays on the right wing, spent four years with Manchester City between 2016 and 2020.

In that time, Sane racked up 39 goals and 43 assists in 135 appearances in all competitions – more than one goal contribution every other match on average – and won two Premier League titles.

This shows that the winger knows what it takes to be successful in this country, both in terms of winning trophies and producing high-quality end product in the final third on a regular basis.

Appearances

26

29

xG

10.94

17

Goals

8

18.91

xA

9.51

6.92

Assists

11

9

Key passes per game

2.8

2.2

Dribbles completed per game

3.6

0.8

As you can see in the table above, Sane has also been in fantastic form for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Salah has the edge on him when it comes to goals, with nine more strikes, but has also had far more quality chances created for him by his teammates.

Whereas, the £331k-per-week star has been better when it comes to splitting open opposition defences to create opportunities for others, with more xA and more assists despite playing three fewer league games, to go along with more key passes and dribbles per game.

Liverpool now want to offer "outstanding" VVD heir long-term deal for Slot

The Reds are planning the succession of their legendary defender.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 28, 2024

The 28-year-old dynamo, who was hailed as "dangerous" by Thomas Muller earlier this season, has the quality to be a constant threat down the right wing, as Salah has been for Liverpool over the years, based on his form for Bayern and City.

Therefore, Slot could brutally move on from the Egypt international – who could be sold to Saudi Arabia – by making an early move to sign Sane as one of his first acts in charge of the club.

This Bengal team is not 'hinged on one or two people' – Wriddhiman Saha

Wriddhiman Saha hasn’t played a competitive game in close to a month. His request to play for Bengal ahead of the New Zealand tour was shot down by the BCCI. Then, he played one fixture for India A and didn’t feature in the two Tests that followed. Upon return, he immediately made himself available for the final.There was, however, the possibility of his wife giving birth to their second child around the same time. Saha reached Kolkata on Wednesday and celebrated the arrival of his son on Thursday. He took the day off on Friday and got to Rajkot from Kolkata via Ahmedabad on Saturday night.”I’m feeling good,” Saha told reporters after training at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. “My wife told me straightaway: ‘go after a day’. But I had to have at least one day’s training before the match. This is a great chance for us, why will I miss out on the opportunity? Wife chance (I didn’t get to hear about it from my wife, but I am sure she will remind me later).”With such a short turnaround, Saha has had to shrug off jetlag, do daddy duty for a night and then travel ten hours, including a four-hour drive, to get to the grandest stage of them all as far as his state team is concerned: the Ranji Trophy final.”I’m lucky to get a chance to play in a Ranji final, it doesn’t come often in a career,” Saha said. “As a kid, you dream of playing here. Manoj Tiwary has played in two, this will be his third. For me, it’s the first, so I’m very excited. I treat every game with the same intensity. Not just Ranji, every game, even a club game, is important to me.”Saha revealed there was good-natured banter between him and Cheteshwar Pujara as they followed the journey of their teams into the Ranji final while on tour with the Indian Test team. “Not just me, but Mohammed Shami also,” Saha laughed. “I was following scores and videos every day. Even Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and others kept asking us about who is doing well, who is scoring runs.”Saha also offered his perspective on what made this Bengal side different from the ones he had been a part of in the past. For starters, he said there was a lot of ” (laughter and fun)”. He also felt having a competent bowling attack helped make matters easy. For the record, no team has managed to score 250 or more against Bengal this season.”Initially I felt the team was hinged on one or two people,” he said. “Ashok Dinda was the only fast bowler picking wickets. At the other end, we didn’t have someone to do that consistently. Now, it’s different. Also, our lower-order batting has improved, bowlers have become better batsmen. Someone is raising their hand up every game.”Saha will be 36 by the time India’s next Test tour to Australia comes around. He was asked about the future, and what he thought of where he stood in the grand scheme of things. Instead, he offered a peek into his mindset. “For me, the future is now. Tomorrow. This Ranji final,” he said. “It’s simple. As a keeper, you follow the ball. It’s the same with batting. Just watch the ball. The basics are what I focus on.”

Cucho Hernandez adds to legacy with Leagues Cup masterclass as Columbus Crew down LAFC once again

Hernandez carried the Crew to another trophy, contributing to all three goals to topple LAFC in Leagues Cup final

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  • Hernandez the hero
  • Columbus Crew win 3-1
  • Second final win over LAFC in 9 months
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    TELL ME MORE

    The Columbus Crew largely ran the first half, with LAFC spending most of the 45 pinned back in their own box. The hosts created several chances out of that dominance, forcing some heroic LAFC blocks to keep the score level.

    Eventually, the Crew got their reward.

    The opener came from none other than superstar Cucho Hernandez, who scored just minutes before halftime. Mo Farsi was the creator, with his picture-perfect cross landing right on the head of Hernandez, who smashed a header past a helpless Hugo Lloris.

    LAFC's newest superstar wouldn't be denied, though. Making his first start for LAFC, Olivier Giroud headed home from close range in the 57th minute, making it 1-1 with his first goal for the club.

    That all just set the stage for Hernandez, who embraced his moment in the spotlight. The Colombian scored in stoppage time to give the Crew a late 2-1 lead. Moments later, he teed up Jacen Russell-Rowe for some insurance, leading the Crew to a 3-1 win and another memorable final win over LAFC.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    This season's competition was technically the fourth edition of the Leagues Cup, but only the second in its current format. Last season's tournament was won by Lionel Messi and Inter Miami as the Argentine caught fire in his first matches with the club.

  • USA Today

    THE MVP

    Come on, is there any doubt?

    Two goals, one assist and, most importantly, another trophy to his name – Cucho Hernandez is the superstar, arguably the most dominant force in MLS right now. He proved it on Sunday with another humongous performance as he led the charge for the Crew once again.

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    THE BIG LOSER

    Going big picture here, let's point to LAFC as a whole. In the last nine months, LAFC have lost an MLS Cup to the Crew, were shellacked 5-1 in MLS play last month and then lost another heartbreaking final in Columbus. For all their talent, LAFC just can't find a way to overcome the Crew and, with the MLS Playoffs looming, there's a chance they'll have to dust themselves off and try again in a few months time. Mentally, will they be able to do it?

Contact made: Leeds eye £150,000-a-week international in huge £30m move

Leeds United could pull off a huge signing this summer if they are promoted from the Championship.

Farke's side flying but could still fall short

Currently third in the table, Daniel Farke's Leeds side sit just a point outside the automatic promotion places heading into the final games of the season.

A 2-1 loss to Coventry City dented their hopes of automatic promotion after a fantastic unbeaten run stretching back to the New Year, and they now know that they need to rely on Leicester City and Ipswich Town both dropping points in the final games of the season to be guaranteed a spot in the Premier League in September.

£45,000-a-week Leeds player says he'd happily quit for "amazing" club

Leeds and Daniel Farke could be needing to cash in on him this summer.

By
Ben Browning

Apr 8, 2024

Should they fail to do so, Leeds will have a second shot through the play-offs, and a move into the top flight could allow them to flex their financial muscles once more.

Leeds eyeing big reunion

Now, reports have claimed that Leeds and Farke are eyeing up a shock swoop to bring Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road. The English midfielder left for Manchester City in a £45m deal in 2022, but only managed six starts across 18 months at the Eithad Stadium and was often a late substitute.

He left Manchester in January after losing his spot in the England squad, and joined West Ham United on loan in order to rack up game time ahead of Gareth Southgate's squad for EURO 2024.

However, he has done his chances of featuring more harm than good in his short stint at the London Stadium. Phillips has racked up just seven Premier League appearances since arriving in east London, during which time he has been sent off, conceded a penalty and been criticised for his ineffectiveness on and off the ball by fans, which led to him swearing at some supporters after a 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United.

Kalvin Phillips for West Ham

He still has the faith of David Moyes, with the West Ham boss explaining that "Kalvin's a really good player, an international player, an excellent footballer and I do believe we can still make something out of the time we've got with him here".

But it has already been reported that the Hammers will likely not be making his deal permanent this summer, while Manchester City are also keen to offload him, setting a £30m price tag on his head.

Phillips' struggles since leaving Leeds United

Appearances

40

Starts

9

Minutes

1215

Yellow Cards

4

Red Cards

1

Goal involvements

1

Enter, Leeds United. Phillips' former club have reportedly contacted Phillips' representatives over a potential move for the midfielder, and have set aside £30m to make the deal happen, though they may require some flexibility on Phillips' £150,000 per week wages.

However, it will only go ahead on the condition that Leeds find themselves in the Premier League next season, while it is added that 'two other unidentified English teams' are keeping tabs on his situation ahead of a pivotal summer for the 28-year-old.

A return to Elland Road and the love of the home crowd could be just what he needs to rekindle his stuttering career.

Everton stand firm in new Amadou Onana update amid Barcelona swap offer

Everton are determined to receive a massive fee for Amadou Onana this summer should the midfielder depart, it has emerged, despite efforts to the contrary from interested parties.

Toffees secure safety

Well, not mathematically yet. But Everton's 2-0 win in the Merseyside Derby, their first at Goodison Park since 2010, all but secured their Premier League status for next season.

With four games left to play, Sheffield United can be officially relegated this weekend and of those in the relegation zone, Luton would need to win three of their last four to catch the Toffees, while Burnley would have to win all four, all without Sean Dyche's side picking up another point.

The Premier League relegation race as it stands

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

Goal Difference

Points

Everton

34

11

8

15

-12

33*

Nottingham Forest

34

7

9

18

-18

26*

Luton Town

34

6

7

21

-28

25

Burnley

34

5

8

21

-32

23

Sheffield United

34

3

7

24

-59

16

It all comes against a backdrop of two separate points deductions for breaching financial fair play, making the achievement all the more impressive. Were it not for the eight points docked by the Premier League, they would be up in 14th and just four points outside the top half of the top flight.

Now, attentions will turn to the summer, with both Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana subjects of heavy speculation amid potential summer departures. The Toffees won't simply roll over to let them leave though.

Everton hold firm for huge Onana fee

Perhaps understandably given their ongoing concerns with FFP, Everton are demanding cash for both of their stars this summer. As a result, they have already rebuffed an offer for Amadou Onana from Spanish giants Barcelona.

This comes courtesy of Spanish outlet Sport [via sport witness], who report that Xavi's side "tried to bring down" the reported £51.5m asking price by offering players to Everton in exchange for the Belgian.

There is no mention of who those players were, but previous reports have claimed that they were ready to send one of Fermin Lopez, Ansu Fati, Clement Lenglet or Sergino Dest to Goodison Park as part of any offer.

However, they add that Everton shut this offer down sharpish, and that "negotiations did not go further" between the two sides, with the only way Barcelona can lure Onana to the Camp Nou now being courtesy of "a big pile of money".

Managing director issues positive answer when asked about Everton takeover

Hope for the Toffees…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 24, 2024

Everton of course, have history when it comes to Barcelona outcasts. They still employ Andre Gomes in the heart of midfield, while left-back Lucas Digne (now at Aston Villa) was also signed from the Catalan giants all the way back in 2018.

Clearly, the Toffees have learnt from these mistakes, and are keen not to repeat them this summer. With Barcelona suffering their own financial problems, their insistence on cash for any deal likely rules them out of a move for Onana, leaving the Premier League his most likely destination should he depart.

Sam Curran self-isolating after 'sickness and diarrhoea'

ECB confirm allrounder has been tested for Covid-19

Matt Roller02-Jul-2020Sam Curran is self-isolating in his room at the Ageas Bowl after feeling sick on Wednesday night.Curran made an unbeaten 15 on the first evening of England’s intra-squad warm-up match, but took no part in the game after suffering from “sickness and diarrhoea overnight”, according to an ECB statement.The statement added that Curran was feeling better on Thursday afternoon, but confirmed that he would play no further part in the ongoing warm-up match. He has been monitored by the team doctor, Mark Wotherspoon, who was wearing full PPE during the assessment, and was tested for Covid-19 during the lunch interval.The news will come as a concern for England so close to the first Test. There is no suggestion, at this stage, that Curran has come into contact with the virus, especially within the bio-secure arrangements at the Ageas Bowl, which make it one of the most low-risk environments in the country.However, his illness will undoubtedly be a source of frustration given that he has been unable to bowl in this warm-up match after going so long without competitive cricket. Indeed, it is now difficult to see how will play next week, not least with so many other seamers in contention.The results of Curran’s Covid-19 test are expected back on Friday, although the protocols in the event of a positive result are not at this stage being divulged by the ECB. However, he would be likely to go into a seven-day self-isolation – it is unclear whether that would take place within the team bubble or at home – and Public Health England would also be notified.The remainder of the England players and management are due to be tested again for Covid on Sunday. At this stage, that testing date is unlikely to be brought forward. An ECB spokesperson confirmed that the West Indies camp and other stakeholders within the team environment had been notified.Amar Virdi, the offspinner, was a late addition to Team Buttler – although he was officially replacing Jofra Archer, who experienced soreness from new bowling boots – having initially missed out on the squad. He came on to bowl shortly before the close on the second day and took the final wicket to fall.The ECB is expected to issue a formal update on Olly Stone’s availability on Friday. Stone has played no part in the warm-up match due to a niggle in his left hamstring.

Rodgers must replace Yang with Celtic "threat" who "causes havoc"

Celtic turn their attention away from the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they prepare to take on Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the SFA Cup.

The Hoops travel across Glasgow to take on the Dons in the semi-finals of the competition, as they look to book a place in the final next month – where they would face either Rangers or Hearts.

Brendan Rodgers' side come into this match off the back of a 3-0 win over St Mirren in the Premiership on Saturday, which extended their lead at the top of the division to four points – cut to three after their rivals picked up a point against Dundee on Wednesday night.

Brendan Rodgers.

Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Adam Idah all got on the scoresheet during the second half against St Mirren, in what turned out to be a comfortable victory for the Bhoys after a goalless first half.

The Northern Irish head coach could now make some changes for this cup clash, to provide other players with an opportunity to impress, and should finally unleash Luis Palma from the start ahead of Hyun-jun Yang, with Daizen Maeda out injured.

When Daizen Maeda is expected to return

Earlier this month, Rodgers revealed that the Japan international has suffered an injury in the tendon of his hamstring, which ruled him out of the clash with St Mirren.

The Hoops boss added that the right-footed winger will be re-assessed over the coming weeks to see whether or not he will be available to play again before the end of the season.

This suggests that there is no guarantee that Maeda will be fit enough to feature during the run-in, and Celtic supporters may have to wait until the 2024/25 campaign to see him in action again, unless he can recover over the next few weeks.

23/24 Premiership

Daizen Maeda

Appearances

25

Goals

5

Big chances missed

12

Assists

2

Key passes per game

0.5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old forward has been wasteful with his opportunities in front of goal in the Premiership this season, and has rarely created chances for his teammates to find the back of the net.

However, Rodgers claimed – in September 2023 – that having Maeda on the pitch is like having "two players" due to the "unbelievable" work rate he puts in out wide, which shows that there is far more to his game than just goals and assists.

Celtic will need to find a solution to his absence on the left flank and Yang put in a solid performance against St Mirren, but Palma should also be presented with an opportunity to shine.

Hyun-yun Yang's season in numbers

The South Korean whiz, who was signed from Gangwon FC last summer, has not had the easiest of first seasons in Glasgow as he has battled to adjust to football in Scotland.

Yang is yet to nail down a regular spot in the starting XI and inconsistent numbers in the final third have followed, with four direct goal contributions in 24 appearances and ten starts in the league.

In fact, the 21-year-old attacker has zero goals, zero assists, and one red card in his last four league outings for the Scottish giants, after two assists in the previous two matches – perfectly illustrating his inconsistent season.

Celtic winger Hyun-jun Yang.

Of course, Celtic should not have expected a player to come to Europe for the first time at the age of 21 and hit the ground running with consistently brilliant performances, which is why Yang needs time and should be viewed as a great prospect for the future.

There were promising signs from his display as a starter against St Mirren, with three key passes and one 'big chance' created, but he also lost nine of his 15 duels and only completed three of his seven attempted dribbles.

He ended the match without a goal or an assist to show for his efforts, and this upcoming clash with Aberdeen provides Rodgers with a chance to replace him with Palma, who has the potential to offer more at the top end of the pitch.

Why Luis Palma should start for Celtic

Signed from Greek side Aris on a permanent deal last summer, the talented star has proven himself to be capable of scoring and assisting goals on a regular basis from a wide position.

Earlier this season, former Celtic man Peter Grant lauded Palma as a "real threat" and claimed that the winger "causes havoc" with his ability to send dangerous balls into the box to create chances for his teammates.

The Honduras international, who created one 'big chance' in just 19 minutes against St Mirren, hit the ground running at the start of the campaign, and his numbers back that up.

23/24 Premiership

Luis Palma

Appearances

24

Starts

17

Goals

6

Big chances created

13

Assists

9

Key passes per game

2.7

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 5 foot 10 magician has been directly involved in 15 goals in 17 league starts for the Scottish giants this season.

Only Matt O'Riley (11) has assisted more goals in the division for Celtic, and no player has created as many 'big chances' as Palma's 13 so far.

Celtic forward Luis Palma.

This speaks to how influential the 24-year-old wizard has been at times for the Hoops, as there are few players as good as him when it comes to creating chances and assisting goals within Rodgers' squad.

His last start came against Kilmarnock in February and the forward has scored one goal and created one 'big chance' in three substitute appearances since then.

He has provided quality off the bench and the manager must now finally unleash him from the start today in the hope that his quality at the top end of the pitch, as a scorer and a creator of goals, can fire the Hoops to the final of the SFA Cup.

It will be an interesting battle to nail down the left wing spot in the absence of Maeda, and the opportunities will be there for Palma and Yang to both state their case for a regular place in the starting XI between now and the end of the season.

Celtic hit gold with "magnificent" star who’d be worth £20m in 2024 money

Celtic attacking midfielder Matt O'Riley collected multiple trophies at the club's end-of-season awards night at the weekend after a sublime season from the star.

He won the Young Player of the Year, Men's Player of the Year, and Men's Players' Player of the Year awards for his contributions on the pitch this term.

It will now be interesting to see whether or not the Hoops can keep hold of the Denmark international, who was recently named as a player of interest to Italian giants Inter.

Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley.

The Bhoys have made a profit on a number of players, who O'Riley could join this summer, over the years and one star they hit the jackpot with was goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

How much Celtic paid for Fraser Forster

The towering stopper initially joined the Hoops on loan from English Premier League side Newcastle United in the summer of 2010 and spent two seasons on loan from the Magpies.

In the summer of 2012, Celtic completed a reported £2m deal to sign the goalkeeper on a permanent deal from the English team, and then-manager Neil Lennon claimed that he would be a "magnificent" signing for the club.

Scottish Premiership form

Fraser Forster

2010/11

2011/12

Appearances

36

33

Minutes played

3,240

2,962

Goals conceded

22

20

Clean sheets

21

21

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, his form over his two seasons on loan with the Scottish giants warranted them making a move to sign him permanently.

He caught the eye with a staggering 42 clean sheets in 69 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, conceding just 42 goals for the club in that time.

How much Celtic sold Fraser Forster for in 2024 money

After two more years with the Hoops, Forster's performances in Scotland were impressive enough to draw in interest from Premier League side Southampton.

When you adjust for the inflation of transfer fees in football over the subsequent years, per Totally Money's index, then the £11.2m the Saints paid to sign him in the summer of 2014 would be worth a staggering £20.2m in today's (2024) money.

This shows that Celtic hit the jackpot with Forster as they made a significant profit on the initial £2m they paid Newcastle to sign him, making £9.2m, and the fee they raked in from Southampton would be worth a huge £20.2m in the current day, which speaks to how expensive the deal was at the time.

Fraser Forster for Tottenham

The England international, who now plays for Tottenham Hotspur, later enjoyed another season on loan with the Hoops, from the Saints, during the 2019/20 campaign and has racked up 118 clean sheets in 234 appearances for the club in all competitions to date.

Forster was, as shown by the aforementioned statistics, a clean sheet machine for the Scottish giants with more than one shutout every other match on average.

Celtic's "pressing machine" was as good as O'Riley in the Old Firm

The Hoops star was unplayable for Brendan Rodgers against Rangers on Sunday.

ByDan Emery May 11, 2024

He was a colossal performer on the pitch, winning eight domestic trophies in total, and then made the Hoops a huge sum of money just two years after being signed for only £2m, which illustrates how much of a blinder they played with the titan.

Vinicius Junior trained at Ronaldo Nazario's house to 'get closer to the Ballon d’Or' as Real Madrid winger aims to beat Jude Bellingham to 'incredible' award

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has revealed that he trained at the house of Ronaldo Nazario as he bids to get "closer" to the Ballon d'Or.

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  • Vini Jr trained at Ronaldo's house
  • Aiming to win 2024 Ballon d'Or
  • Jude Bellingham also considered a frontrunner
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Vinicius has revealed that he spent time training at the home of Ronaldo Nazario, as he bids to win the Ballon d'Or. The Brazil international was in superlative form last season, scoring 24 goals and registering 11 assists in 39 games, as Real won La Liga and the Champions League, but he faces a fight with team-mate Jude Bellingham to take home the biggest individual prize in football.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Along with Bellingham, Vinicius will also have to beat off competition from Rodri, who won Euro 2024 with Spain. Rodri also won another Premier League title with Manchester City, racking up 17 goal involvements for Pep Guardiola's side.

  • WHAT VINICIUS JR SAID

    Vinicius told CNN: “I was with Ronaldo just now when I was in Ibiza and trained at his house and he told me: ‘Train here a few more days, so you are closer to the Ballon d’Or.’ They are players who did incredible things and to be able to compete for the Ballon d’Or and to win an award that they won, that would be something really incredible.”

    The Brazilian attacker added: "I have Kaká as an example, I have Ronaldo who won the award twice, I have Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, a lot of Brazilian players who have won the Ballon d’Or. But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I’m closest with, who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or.”

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Vinicius will next be in action when Real play Las Palmas on Thursday. They have opened their campaign with a win and a draw, and Vinicius is still looking to open his La Liga goal account for 2024-25.

ميسي يعترف: كنت محظوظًا بقضاء حياتي في برشلونة

اعترف جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميامي، ليونيل ميسي، بأنه كان محظوظًا بقضاء حياته كلها في برشلونة قبل الرحيل في عام 2021.

وبدأ ميسي مسيرته مع برشلونة في أكاديمية لا ماسيا قبل التصعيد إلى الفريق الأول عام 2003، ثم استمر في التألق وتحقيق العديد من البطولات والأرقام القياسية حتى غادر بالمجان.

وانتقل الأرجنتيني الدولي إلى باريس سان جيرمان في أغسطس 2021 باكيًا في مؤتمر رحيله عقب فشل برشلونة في تسجيله بقائمته الرسمية.

اقرا أيضًا | سأتحدث مع وكيلي.. بيدري يحسم موقفه من الاستمرار مع برشلونة

وتحدث ميسي في حوار سيتم إذاعته كاملًا مساء اليوم في الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” عبر قناة “TV3” الكتالونية: “برشلونة نادٍ منذ 125 عامًا، فخورًا بكوني جزءً من هذا النادي”.

وأضاف في النهاية: “أشكر الله الذي قادني إلى برشلونة، حيث قضيت حياتي كلها في هذا النادي الرائع، إنه لفخر كبير أن أكون مشجعًا له، فهو نادٍ خاص ومختلف عن الآخرين”.

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