كسر لويس دي لا فوينتي، مدرب منتخب إسبانيا، صمته وتحدث عن الشجار الذي حدث بين قائد ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال، ونجم نادي برشلونة، لامين يامال خلال الفترة الأخيرة.
ودخل كارفاخال في شجار مع يامال عقب نهاية لقاء نادي ريال مدريد أمام برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني يوم الأحد قبل الماضي، لحساب قمة الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
ونجح ريال مدريد في تحقيق الانتصار على برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد، على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.
وعقب نهاية المباراة، توجه كارفاخال إلى يامال، مطالبًا إياه بعدم التحدث كثيرًا، لتشتغل الأمور بين لاعبي الفريقين بالفعل ويحدث شجار.
اقرأ أيضًا .. ريال مدريد يعلن إصابة لاعبه قبل مواجهة ليفربول ورفض دي لا فوينتي التضخيم من حادثة يامال وكارفاخال، موضحًا أن الخلاف بين اللاعبين لن يؤثر على وحدة منتخب إسبانيا.
وقال دي لا فوينتي في تصريحات نقلتها ”eldesmarque” : “لم نشهد أي حادثة ولا أي سلوك غريب من أي شخص. إنه ليس شجارًا مدرسيًا والشعور هو شعور عائلي ووحدة وإعطاء الأولوية للمصلحة العامة على المصالح الفردية، هذا يظهر الكثير عن هذه المجموعة من لاعبي كرة القدم”.
وأضاف دي لا فوينتي في حديثه: “أعتقد أن الأمر متروك لأنديتهما للتحدث الآن، المسؤولون في أنديتهما هم من يتخذون القرار. لقد تحدثت كثيرًا مع لامين، كما تحدثت مع داني كارفاخال ومع الجميع”.
واختتم دي لا فوينتي في حديثه عن الخلاف بين يامال وكارفاخال: “سألتزم بالصورة من بطولة أوروبا، تمريرة لامين العرضية ورأسية كارفاخال، العناق الذي تبادلاه وتعابير وجهيهما، هذا ما يحدث في المنتخب الوطني. أنا مقتنع تمامًا أن المصلحة العامة هي الأهم هنا”.
The one-off Test between Australia and England to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket will be played from March 11 to 15 in 2027.The dates were mentioned by IPL in an email to franchises on Thursday informing them about the window for the tournament for the next three seasons (2025-27) along with the availability of overseas players each year.The fixture, which was announced by Cricket Australia (CA) earlier this August, will replicate the Centenary Test of 1977 which Australia won by 45 runs, matching the margin of victory in the first Test played in 1877, which was also won by Australia.Related
Australia-England 150th anniversary Test in 2027 will be a pink-ball day-night match
MCG to host one-off Australia-England Test in 2027 to mark 150 years of Test cricket
IPL 2025 to begin on March 14; dates for next three seasons revealed
The Test will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which also hosted the other two milestone Tests in 1877 and 1977.This 2027 Test will clash with the start of the IPL season with the tournament window earmarked between March 14 to May 30 that year. In the email to franchises, the IPL said that players from Australia and England would join their teams post the one-off Test.Before this, these two teams will also take part in the Ashes which begin next year on November 21 in Perth with the final Test in Sydney on January 4, 2026. England will host the 2027 Ashes.
Manchester United appear to be making huge strides in their move to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after a second offer was made in recent days.
The Cameroonian has been one of the club’s key targets over the course of this window, as boss Ruben Amorim looks to improve his frontline at Old Trafford.
Such interest is hardly a surprise given his form in the Premier League this campaign, netting 20 times in his 38 appearances – the best return of his professional career to date.
It’s been reported that the latest bid is in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, but it remains to be seen if such an offer will be accepted, with the player himself wanting the move this window.
However, even if Mbeumo does complete a switch to join the Red Devils this summer, it appears as though he won’t be the last attacking addition, with numerous other names still on their radar.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer
A striker has been high up on United’s radar, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović the latest name mentioned over a potential switch to join Amorim’s side.
Viktor Gyokeres has been another player hugely linked with the Red Devils, recently stating his desire to leave current side Sporting CP ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, another name has remerged on their shortlist, with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku again a key target, after previously registering interest last summer, according to L’Equipe.
They claim that United have entered talks with Enzo Maresca’s side over a deal for the Frenchman forward, who cost a staggering £52m back in the summer of 2023.
It also states that current Red Devils star Alejandro Garnacho could be used to lower the fee in any deal with the Argentine expected to depart throughout the off-season.
Why United’s £52m target could be perfect alongside Mbeumo
As previously mentioned, a deal for Mbeumo appears to be heading in the right direction, with his goal tally showcasing the talent he possesses within the final third.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
However, should he move to United this summer, it’s unclear which position he will regularly feature in, having operated in the right-wing position at the GTEC this season.
The 25-year-old has also started in a central role when needed, something which he will likely do on a regular basis at Old Trafford considering Amorim operates with a 3-4-2-1 system which uses two central attacking midfielders.
His versatility could be key to any future success endured by the club in the near future, but he could also strike up a key partnership with fellow potential addition Nkunku.
The 27-year-old has struggled for minutes with the Blues this campaign, starting just nine times in the league but still posting a respectable tally of three goals and two assists.
He’s capable of playing as a central striker, or even as a number 10, but he will likely operate in the former, with the Cameroonian handing him the ammunition from a deeper role.
The Chelsea star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has averaged 1.1 shots on target per 90 this campaign, putting 44% of his efforts on target, subsequently able to provide the needed threat the side have lacked.
Games played
27
Goals & assists
5
Shots on target per 90
1.1
Pass accuracy
90%
Shot-on-target accuracy
44%
Key passes made
1.4
Aerials won
42%
He will certainly be bolstered in the final third by Mbeumo’s creativity, with the Cameroonian registering 3.7 progressive passes per 90, having the tools to hand those in front of him with key opportunities.
Nkunku’s talents don’t end there, also posting a superb tally of 90% of passes completed, with 1.4 of his passes per game being defined as key passes, subsequently able to return the favour to Mbeumo.
He may not be the tallest centre-forward, but he’s managed to win 42% of the aerials he’s entered, having the tools to get on the end of crosses provided by Mbeumo, who ranks in the top 9% of attackers in the division for such a category.
The prospect of the pair linking up together at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, having the chance to lead the club back up the table throughout 2025/26.
Whilst it’s unclear how advanced a deal for Nkunku is, he has proven that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League, subsequently weakening a rival in the process.
A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST
Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Manchester United are now ready to trigger the £44m release clause required to sign another striker, who could be in line to follow Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford in the summer, according to a report.
Cunha set to complete move to Man Utd
Cunha will no doubt have been hoping Man United were victorious in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur last week, but the defeat doesn’t appear to have dissuaded the Brazilian from making the move to Old Trafford this summer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now taken to X to confirm the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is set to sign for the Red Devils, with an agreement being struck between all parties, but he will not come cheap.
At £62.5m, the deal is on the expensive side, and United missing out on Champions League football could hamper their ability to splash the cash in the upcoming transfer window, but a report has revealed they are also now prepared to spend big on a striker.
Indeed, according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Man United are now ‘ready’ to trigger the €52m (£44m) release clause in Moise Kean’s Fiorentina contract, which remains active until July.
Italy'sMoiseKeancelebrates scoring their first goal
The Red Devils are said to have moved onto cheaper targets than Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, perhaps in light of losing the Europa League final against Spurs, and they are now willing to sign Kean, fresh off the back of one of the best seasons of the striker’s career.
Kean fulfilling his potential since move to Italy
The Italian’s previous stint in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan, scoring just four goals in 39 games across all competitions for Everton, but there are signs he could now deserve a second chance to prove himself in England.
The 25-year-old finished the 2024-25 campaign as the second-highest scorer in the Serie A behind Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, scoring 19 goals in 32 outings, and if he were able to record similar numbers at Man United, a £44m outlay would be justified.
Romano: £120,000-a-week Man Utd player to leave Old Trafford with Garnacho
The Red Devils are set to make changes…
BySean Markus Clifford May 25, 2025
It is clear that Ruben Amorim will need to bring in a new striker this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring just four Premier League goals across the entire 2024-25 campaign, while Joshua Zirkzee fared even worse, finding the back of the net on just three occasions.
Having been lauded as the “king of kings” by pundit Mina Rzouki, Kean could be an upgrade on both Hojlund and Zirkzee, but his previous struggles in the Premier League mean it would be a real gamble for Man United to sign the striker based on one impressive season.
Fast bowler to miss tours to Pakistan, New Zealand after problem picked up on routine scan
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Sep-2024
Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of 2024•AFP/Getty Images
Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, will miss the forthcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand, after being ruled out for the rest of the year due to a bone-stress injury to his right elbow.Wood was withdrawn from the ongoing Sri Lanka series as a precaution, after suffering a right thigh strain while bowling during the first Test at Old Trafford. However, he subsequently underwent what he had hoped was a routine elbow scan, after feeling discomfort in the joint, and admitted in an Instagram post that he had received some “pretty rubbish news”.”During what I thought was routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I’ve got some bone stress in my right elbow,” Wood wrote.As a result, he will miss England’s final six Tests of the year, three each against Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.He will continue to work closely with the ECB medical team in the meantime, with the aim of returning to full fitness by early 2025, in time for England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025.Wood’s surprise at his diagnosis comes in the wake of some of the fastest bowling of his international career. During the Trent Bridge Test against West Indies in July, he hit a top speed of 97.1mph in an electrifying performance that culminated in a broken forearm for Kevin Sinclair, and had his captain, Ben Stokes, predicting he would break the 100mph before his career is done.Though he went relatively under-rewarded in that performance, he closed out the series with 5 for 40 at Edgbaston, his first five-wicket haul in a home Test. However, he bowled just 18.2 overs across two innings against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, before he was withdrawn from the action.”After the minor groin injury at Emirates Old Trafford, me and the medical team felt it was a good time to get my elbow looked at as it was a bit irritated,” Wood added in his Instagram post. “I’d put that down to the normal niggles every fast bowler gets and which I was playing through.”I’m especially surprised because I’ve been playing Test cricket and kept my speeds up.”I work incredibly hard on my fitness, putting in extra work with coaches and physios making this even more disappointing. However, I guess this is, ‘part of being a fast bowler’, like Stokesy says.”I will miss the rest of the year needing time to rest and build up, fully expecting to be back and firing in early 2025. I have been down this path before and will put in all the hard yards behind the scenes. I am very proud to represent my country and there is no better feeling. See you for some rockets in 2025!”In Wood’s absence, Olly Stone was recalled for last week’s Lord’s Test, his first Test since undergoing back surgery three years ago, with Josh Hull, the 20-year-old left-arm seamer, making his debut in the ongoing third Test at The Oval.
da bet7： O São Paulo venceu o Palmeiras por 1 a 0 na noite desta quinta-feira (5), no Morumbi, pelas quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. Em entrevista coletiva após o Choque-Rei, o técnico Dorival Júnior se mostrou preocupado com a situação do zagueiro Alan Franco. O argentino deixou o campo chorando no segundo tempo após sentir o tornozelo. O treinador afirmando que só nesta quinta será possível saber a gravidade da lesão, mas que foi uma ‘torcida muito forte’.
RelacionadasFora de CampoGandula rouba a cena em São Paulo x Palmeiras e leva Cléber Machado a risadasFora de Campo05/07/2023São PauloATUAÇÕES: São Paulo se organiza, e Rafinha garante vantagem contra o Palmeiras na Copa do BrasilSão Paulo05/07/2023Fora de CampoNova audiência de corintiano que matou esposa palmeirense a facadas ocorre nesta quarta-feira, em São PauloFora de Campo05/07/2023
da jogodeouro： + Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui
– Beraldo eu acho cedo, dificilmente o teremos nessas próximas uma ou duas semanas. O pé até hoje tá bem inchado, só pra vocês terem uma noção. O Alan só amanhã nós teremos uma posição mais segura, mas sentiu alguma coisa, deu uma torcida muito forte quando ele desceu, foi mais ou menos a mesma lesão do Beraldo. Naturalmente, nós não sabemos o grau, cada lesão é uma, mas ele saltou e quando ele desceu, ele desceu em cima de alguma coisa e deve ter torcido o pé nesse momento – disse Dorival Júnior.
Dorival ironizou dizendo que a equipe está precisando de um ‘benzimento’ devido às recorrentes lesões. Ainda, o técnico reiterou que ainda não teve a oportunidade de treinar alguns atletas que ainda se recuperam e lamentou a frequência com que o Tricolor perde jogadores por esse ‘terrível’ problema.
– O São Paulo precisa de um ‘benzimento’ forte (risos) porque as coisas não estão legais não. Toda partida um ou dois jogadores de fora, e isso é terrível. O que vem acontecendo e da forma que vem acontecendo, porque são todas as lesão muito sérias. Dificilmente nós temos uma lesão que leve uma rapidez para que atletas retornem. Tem atletas que desde a minha chegada, eu ainda não pude tê-los, como o Erison, Thales, está voltando agora, Moreira, voltando agora. Naturalmente eram lesões um pouco mais sérias, nós temos que reconhecer, mas até agora eu não os tive em campo.
– Então até isso tem acontecido, estamos na torcida para que recuperemos rapidamente todos eles. O Departamento Médico tem feito um ótimo trabalho nesse sentido – concluiu o treinador do São Paulo.
+ ATUAÇÕES: São Paulo se organiza, e Rafinha garante vantagem contra o Palmeiras na Copa do Brasil
Com o resultado, o São Paulo fica com uma vantagem de 1 a 0 no agregado e pode até empatar por qualquer resultado no Allianz Parque, na quinta-feira (13), às 20h, que ainda assim levará a vaga para a semifinal. Antes disso, pelo Brasileirão, o Tricolor vai até Bragança para enfrentar o Bragantino, no domingo (9), às 16h.
In a major boost for those at the City Ground, one Nottingham Forest target is now reportedly keen to complete a move this summer with Evangelos Marinakis also pushing to get a deal done.
Nottingham Forest's UCL run-in
Whilst one win in their last five Premier League games should ignite plenty of concern around the City Ground, Forest’s fate is still in their own hands with three big fixtures left to play. After drawing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit sixth and two points adrift of Chelsea in the final Champions League place, who they face on the final day.
Nuno recently had his say on his side’s performance against Crystal Palace whilst instantly looking ahead to the Leicester City game.
The Forest boss said: “It was very important to react, it was a big blow to go behind because we were in a tough position when we conceded the penalty but the reaction of the boys was amazing and we should be proud of that. We are delighted to be in the fight. Let’s go game by game now starting with Leicester at The City Ground.”
Nottingham Forest now want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25
Nottingham Forest are among the Premier League teams chasing a forward from Spain.
ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025
The impact that Champions League qualification would have both on and off the pitch cannot be overstated, especially as those at the City Ground go in pursuit of one particular target.
Yilmaz now keen on Nottingham Forest move
According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Baris Alper Yilmaz is now keen on a move to Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis is pushing to complete a deal ahead of this summer. The winger was at the centre of Forest’s interest in January but failed to swap Galatasaray for the City Ground. Now, six months on, Forest could match his price-tag reportedly worth over €30m (£26m).
Forest’s interest should come as no surprise either. The Turkey international has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Galatasaray – scoring 12 goals and assisting a further 10 in all competitions. The difference that another outlet would offer Forest must be noted amid Chris Wood’s recent struggles too. Without the New Zealand forward’s clinical form to turn towards, the Reds have struggled in the decisive moments.
What’s more, Yilmaz has already earned an impressive fan in the Premier League in the form of Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain praised the winger after the Netherlands squared off against Turkey at the Euros last summer, telling reporters: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive.
“It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”
Now reportedly keen on a move to Forest, Yilmaz could finally be on his way to the Premier League and the City Ground in the coming months.
da betsul： A maneira como o Fluminense atuou no empate em 2 a 2 diante do Goiás no último domingo (11), no Estádio da Serrinha, deixou nítido o quanto a pausa da Data Fifa se tornou urgente para os comandados de Fernando Diniz. Por mais que os tricolores tenham engrenado em campo, o forte cansaço, aliado à sucessão de desfalques voltaram a ficar evidentes nos pés dos jogadores.
da supremo： O confronto válido pela décima rodada do Brasileirão deu a Diniz um panorama do potencial do Tricolor das Laranjeiras e do que precisará ajustar neste período de descanso.
FIM DE SECA E MOMENTOS DE PODERIO OFENSIVO
Depois de um mês de idas e vindas, o setor ofensivo trouxe momentos promissores. Germán Cano voltou a marcar, encerrando um jejum de sete jogos. Lançado como titular, Lelê não se omitiu do jogo, ao tentar jogadas com Arias ou apostar em investidas com Cano.
A dupla entre Arias e Lelê também teve bons momentos em investidas por via aérea, em especial no primeiro tempo. O colombiano também mostrou abnegação em momentos desafiadores dos tricolores no segundo tempo.
IMPROVISOS E SACRIFÍCIOS
Dos seis desfalques que o Fluminense teve no Serrinha, ficou mais nítido o problema da lateral esquerda. Além dos laterais de ofício Marcelo e Jorge, o técnico Fernando Diniz teve a baixa de Alexsander, meia deslocado com frequência para o setor.
Outro jogador deslocado para este lado, Guga teve de retornar à sua posição de origem, pois o lateral-direito Samuel Xavier estava improvisado. O meia Gabriel Pirani atuou improvisado e, por mais que tenha se empenhado para ir à frente, sofreu com as investidas do Goiás na reta final de cada tempo. A trapalhada de Martinelli no fim da etapa inicial deu margem para a finalização de Morelli e, na sobra da defesa de Fábio, Pirani cometeu pênalti sobre Apodi. Matheus Peixoto converteu a cobrança.
No segundo tempo, o meia-atacante Alexandre Jesus também ocupou o setor e teve de se desdobrar. Além do jovem Esquerdinha ser opção, o Fluminense tem Diogo Barbosa na mira para a sequência do ano.
BONS MOMENTOS SE ESVAEM
Os tricolores se mostraram aguerridos ao tentarem propor o jogo e viram a dedicação da equipe culminar no gol de Lima no início do segundo tempo. O camisa 45 assumiu bem o desafio de substituir Paulo Henrique Ganso e ainda deixou o seu no dia do seu aniversário.
No entanto, a série de desfalques do Tricolor das Laranjeiras foi pesando à medida que o jogo transcorreu. Com as substituições, o Fluminense não manteve sua força e viu o Goiás ganhar força principalmente na reta final. Sinal de que o elenco curto começa a causar problemas para a equipe.
NOVA DOR DE CABEÇA?
Outro reflexo da sequência de jogos do Tricolor das Laranjeiras aconteceu aos 21 minutos do segundo tempo. Nino caiu no gramado chorando e se queixando de dores no músculo adutor da coxa direita. O zagueiro deixou o campo, foi substituído e sua situação pode custar a convocação para os amistosos da Seleção Brasileira.
Enquanto isso, na Serrinha, a equipe de Fernando Diniz se ressentia ainda mais de entrosamento. Por mais que David Braz lutasse, seu entrosamento com Manoel não funcionava e a equipe corria riscos.
PERDA DE FÔLEGO DIANTE DO GOIÁS
Nos dois tempos, o Tricolor das Laranjeiras viu o desgaste acarretar em gols sofridos. A situação ficou ainda mais nítida nos últimos minutos do confronto. O Goiás avançou com perigo com frequência em contra-ataques, obrigando os defensores a correrem além da conta para evitarem investidas.
Além disso, não faltaram chances em jogadas aéreas, nas quais Fábio se desdobrou para evitar. Até que Alesson aproveitou um momento de hesitação e definiu o empate na Serrinha. O momento não é só de se recuperar na classificação do Brasileiro e da Libertadores, mas de repor as forças de seus jogadores e comprovar que o grupo tem forças para se impor.
أنهى ليفربول في اليوم الأخير من سوق الانتقالات الصيفية، صفقة التعاقد مع المهاجم السويدي الدولي ألكسندر إيزاك والتي تبلغ قيمتها 125 مليون جنيه إسترليني من نيوكاسل يونايتد، حيث وقع على عقد لمدة ست سنوات.
وعلى الرغم من نجاح ليفربول في إنهاء هذه الصفقة إلا أنه قد فشلت محاولات النادي للتعاقد مع مارك جويهي من صفوف كريستال بالاس في اللحظات الأخيرة من سوق الانتقالات، ويعود ذلك لفشل بالاس في تأمين التعزيزات الدفاعية الكافية.
وكان ليفربول قد اتفق مع كريستال بالاس على ضم جويهي مقابل 35 مليون جنيه إسترليني وقد سافر إلى لندن لإجراء الفحص الطبي وكان يستعد لتوقيع عقده الجديد لخمس سنوات.
وقد رفض رئيس كريستال بالاس ستيف باريش الموافقة على رحيل اللاعب بعد أن اختار إيجور جوليو ومانويل أكانجي الانتقال لأندية أخرى مما جعل جلاسنر يصر على ضرورة التعاقد مع مدافعين جدد قبل رحيل جويهي.
أقرأ أيضاً.. يويفا يستعد لتحقيق جديد في واقعة مباراة ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد المثيرة للجدل
وتحدث توم فيرنر رئيس نادي ليفربول في تصريحات عن ضم إيزاك وصفقة جويهي ونشرها الصحفي البريطاني “ديفيد أوكوب”: “في حالة نيوكاسل كان على ناديهم إيجاد بديل”.
وأضاف: “لقد ظننا أننا نمتلك عرضًا ماليًا رائعًا لكنه كان مرتبط بعقد لثلاث سنوات، كنا نشعر أننا تعاقدنا مع إيكتيكي ليكون مهاجماً وشعرنا أنه إذا نجح الأمر سيكون رائعاً وإذا لم ينجح سيظهر خيار آخر في النهاية، لم أكن أعرف شيئاً أكثر من وسائل الإعلام”.
وحول مارك جويهي كشف فيرنر: “ظننا أننا سنتعاقد معه من بالاس، بدأ ناديهم بشكل جيد جداً في المفاوضات، ولم يكن رئيسهم مستعد لخسارته مهما حدث”.
وحول تحقيق الانتصارات في ليفربول أتم تصريحاته: “الفوز يتطلب جهدا كبيرا وليس بفضل موهبة لاعب واحد، إيزاك سيكون رائعاً لكنه ليس المهاجم الوحيد في العالم”.
وحول الفارق بين آرني سلوت ويورجن كلوب كشف فيرنر: “أحترم في سلوت أنه يتطور أكثر في الشوط الثاني دون تقليل من كلوب”.
وعن ذكرى ديوجو جوتا رد فيرنر: “العائلة تحظى برعاية مالية جيدة، لقد كان جوتا شخص استثنائي محبوب ليس لأنه كان هداف بل لأنه كان طيب القلب، أجده فضولياً للغاية وعندما أتحدث معه كنا نتحدث كثيراً عن الألعاب وكان لديه فريق رياضات إلكترونية، كانت لديه روح فضولية مميزة جذبت الناس له وكان يتمتع بشعبية كبيرة بين زملائه في غرفة الملابس”.
وختم فيرنر: “لقد تعرض العام الماضي لبعض الإصابات الخطيرة لكنه لم يستسلم وركز على مساعدة النادي وكان يعلم أنه قادر على ترك بصمة إيجابية حتى لو لم يبدأ أساسياً في المباريات، لقد تواصلنا مع أرملته وإعلام عائلته أننا في ليفربول عائلة واحدة ونريد التأكد من حصولهما على رعاية مالية جيدة”.
Manchester City have dominated the Premier League for the best part of a decade, securing six titles in the last ten seasons, including a phenomenal four consecutive titles, from 2020-2024.
One area the Citizens have struggled in this season, however, is in the defensive department, conceding 40 goals already this term in their 29 games played, which is the same number of goals conceded as rivals Manchester United, who sit 13th in the league.
Rodri being out injured has played a huge factor in this, losing their protection in front of the defensive line, but the decline of Kyle Walker mixed with injuries to the likes of John Stones and Nathan Ake has left City light at the back at points this campaign.
Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up – Arsenal – have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season, after also conceding the fewest in the league last term, showing their defensive quality over the past few years.
Arsenal's centre-back pairing
The Gunners had the best defensive record in the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign, conceding just 29 goals in their 38 games played, averaging 8.5 shots conceded per game (2nd in the division) and finishing as the league runners-up.
Gabriel and Saliba
So far this season, Arsenal have conceded 24 times in 29 games, again making them the most resolute defensive side in the league.
Much of this comes down to their rock-solid base in defence, with William Saliba and Gabriel, the French international making 27 appearances in the league this season, whilst the Brazilian international has also made 27 appearances in the league.
William Saliba vs Gabriel comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)
Saliba
Gabriel
Goals + Assists
0.05
0.16
Progressive Carries
0.42
0.37
Progressive Passes
4.05
4.57
Passes Attempted
70.6
62.8
Pass Completion %
93.4%
90.3%
Tackles
1.89
0.86
Blocks
0.72
1.49
Interceptions
0.79
0.57
Aerial Duels Won
1.74
2.26
Stats taken from FBref
Comparing the two defenders’ underlying metrics this term, you can see how well they balance each other out, Gabriel offering more aerial prowess and box-defending traits to make blocks, whilst Saliba has a better recovery pace to make tackles and be progressive via carrying.
Manchester City spent a good deal of money in the January transfer window, and Pep could now have his very own answer to the Saliba and Gabriel partnership, with his new £63.4m duo.
Manchester City's own Gabriel & Saliba
In the January 2025 transfer window, Manchester City spent £33.8m on Lens starlet, Abdukodir Khusanov, whilst also paying around £29.6m for Palmeiras defender, Vitor Reis.
The former being 21 years old and the latter being 19 years old, gives City a new defensive foundation that could last a decade.
Much like Gabriel and Saliba too, Reis and Khusanov have traits to balance each other out, with Khusanov being more aggressive, having much more recovery speed and therefore being more involved in duels.
Indeed, the ex-Lens man has won 64% of his aerial duels in the Premier League so far, while averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.
Whereas, Reis provides more aerial ability and calmness on the ball, aiding Manchester City in their possession-based approach, with the South American starlet ranking in the top 15% of his peers for pass completion, across the last 365 days, as per FBref.
Khusanov has been given a quicker platform into Guardiola’s side, already making eight appearances for the club and scoring one goal. His blistering speed and tenacity to engage in duels has earned the 21-year-old high praise from Julien Laurens, labelling the young defender as “outstanding”.
Reis has only made two appearances for the first team since his arrival, but due to the teenager coming from the Brazilian League, Guardiola is likely looking to integrate Reis in a slower, more methodical manner, with the view of forming his very own Gabriel and Saliba in the years to come.
Their best signing since Haaland: Man City eyeing up "flawless" £100m star