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Despite sitting firmly within the playoff places, West Bromwich Albion's on-pitch success this season has been marred by uncertainty in the boardroom with a dragged-out search for a new owner taking a new twist this week.

The ownership problems at West Brom

Since purchasing a stake in the club from Jeremy Peace in 2016, Guochuan Lai has overseen a managed decline of the West Midlands outfit, going from a comfortable Premier League side to the brink of financial failure.

Problems first emerged when it became apparent that Lai could not afford the £190million price agreed with Peace, sounding alarm bells just six months into the ownership. It later transpired that Lai wanted to take out loans to fund his other business interests, secured against the club's assets. These loans left West Brom in a dangerous financial position and Baggies' fans rightfully angry.

Some six years after, West Brom were relegated to the Championship, they sit in fifth place and are looking in good shape to make a return to the top flight. Despite their league position, many West Brom fans are struggling to celebrate whilst their club still sits in ownership limbo.

With takeover rumors circling for the last few years, it is expected that new owners could be in by the end of the season. Whilst Albion fans wait patiently for news, the saga has taken a surprising turn with a new figure entering the fold.

A "crazy" twist as Aston Villa fan enters fray

Speaking on The Liquidator Podcast (via West Brom News) last week, West Brom fan and former BBC broadcaster Adrian Goldberg revealed a surprising turn that could see Aston Villa fan Alex Hearn potentially becoming a part-owner of the club.

Goldberg reveals an unpaid loan of £2 million from Hearn's company, Warmfront, to Lai's West Bromwich Albion Holdings, with an interest rate of five percent a month. With the deadline for the repayment of the loan set for the 8th February, Hearn can convert the loan into shares if Lai cannot make the payment.

"The rate of interest on that loan is five-per-cent a month – an incredible rate. West Brom Holdings own 88 per cent of West Bromwich Albion, and the suggestion was made that if the loan isn’t repaid, Hearn could convert that loan into shares in West Brom Holdings.

“It opens the possibility that West Brom Holdings is part-owned by a Villa fan. It’s just crazy. Keep an eye on that February 8 deadline – things may start moving, because that’s a publicly notified deadline.”

With a full takeover of the club still ongoing, West Brom News reports that US businessman Shilen Patel is leading the race to purchase the club from Lai and take control at The Hawthorns. Whether the involvement of Hearn has ramifications for the Patel deal is yet to be seen, with any prospective owner potentially having to also negotiate with Hearn if he becomes a shareholder at the club.

If a takeover cannot be agreed, it could throw what has been a successful season for The Baggies so far into crisis, continuing the spiral of the decline that started the minute Lai took over at The Hawthorns.

Related West Brom could have signed £50k-p/w Kipre replacement in January

West Bromwich Albion could have upgraded on Cedric Kipre with this late buy.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Feb 6, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Pela 4ª rodada do Campeonato Catarinense, no estádio Augusto Bauer, o Brusque mostrou que não se abalou com a eliminação da Copa do Brasil e venceu o Avaí pelo placar de 2 a 0. Os gols da equipe Quadricolor saíram na etapa complementar: o primeiro de cabeça e o segundo em cobrança de pênalti.

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Com a vitória, o Brusque vai para vice-liderança, com 9 pontos ganhos. O Leão da Ilha permanece com 6 pontos e na quinta colocação. O próximo jogo do Avaí pelo Catarinense e enfrenta o Joinville, na Ressacada, dia 24 de março. Já o Brusque pega o Criciúma, no Heriberto Hülse, no dia 25 de março.

A partida

SÓ DEU AVAÍ ATÉ OS 20 PRIMEIROS MINUTOS
Apesar de um certo equilíbrio no comecinho da partida, o Avaí logo tomou o comando da partida e foi muito superior. Nos primeiros 20 minutos, foram 4 ótimas chances criadas. Wesley Soares e Getúlio, cada um teve duas oportunidades, mas ambos pecaram na hora da finalização.

LEÃO INTENSIFICA PRESSÃO APÓS A PARADA TÉCNICA
Após a parada a técnica, o Avaí continuou pressionando sem parar. Foram boas oportunidades criadas pelo ataque do Leão da Ilha, mas a falta de pontaria de Getúlio e o goleiro Ruan Carneiro, do Brusque, impediram que os visitantes inaugurassem o placar.

VALDÍVIA QUASE MARCA NO INÍCIO DO SEGUNDO TEMPO
O início do segundo tempo foi quase um espelho do primeiro. Equilíbrio nos primeiros minutos, mas com o Avaí criando a melhor chance para marcar. Aos 7 minutos, Valdívia resolveu arriscar de fora da área e quase marcou.

BRUSQUE ABRE O PLACAR
O gol do Avaí estava madurinho quando numa descida ao ataque o Brusque foi lá e abriu o marcador. Após cruzamento, o goleiro Glédson tenta afastar, mas a bola vai para Toty. Ele levantou na área e Junior Pirambu mostrou oportunista para subir e cabecear para abrir o placar: 1 a 0 para o Quadricolor, aos 16 minutos.

QUADRICOLOR SEGURA A PRESSÃO E MATA O JOGO
O Leão da Ilha foi com tudo para cima em busca do empate, mas o Quadricolor resistiu de forma heroica. No contra-ataque, o Brusque quase marcou, mas Alemão impediu que o gol saísse cometendo uma penalidade máxima. Thiago Alagoano bateu e fez: 2 a 0, aos 33 minutos, e botando números finais a partida

Brusque 2 x 0 AVAÍ – 4ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO CATARINENSE
Estádio: Augusto Bauer, em Brusque (SC)
Data: 21 de março de 2021, às 16h00 (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Ramon Abatti Abel
Assistentes: Helton Nunes e Eder Alexandre
Cartões amarelos: Airton (BRU); Fagner Alemão, Marcos Serrato e Jonathan (AVA)
Cartões vermelhos:
GOLS: Júnior Pirambu 16’/2ºT e Thiago Alagoano 33’/2ºT

Brusque (Técnico: Jerson Testoni)
Ruan Carneiro; Toty, Ianson, Éverton Alemão e Airton (Tinga, aos 43’/2ºT); Zé Mateus, Rodolfo Potiguar (Claudinho, aos 43’/2ºT), Bruno Alves e Andrew (Nonato, aos 28’/2ºT); Júnior Pirambu (Alex Ruan, aos 28’/2ºT) e Thiago Alagoano (Fio, aos 43’/2ºT).

AVAÍ (Técnico: Claudinei Oliveira)
Glédson; Iury (Diego Renan, aos 10’/2ºT), Betão, Fagner Alemão e João Lucas; Wesley Soares, Bruno Silva (Marcos Serrato, aos 25’/2ºT) e Valdívia (Thiaguinho, aos 34’/2ºT); Vinícius Leite (Jonathan, aos 25’/2ºT), Lourenço (João Vitor, aos 34’/2ºT) e Getúlio.

قاد النجم كريستيانو رونالدو منتخب بلاده البرتغال لفوز قاتل على أسكتلندا في بطولة دوري الأمم الأوروبية، مساء الأحد.

والتقى منتخب البرتغال مع أسكتلندا ضمن مباريات الجولة الثانية لبطولة دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

وتقدمت أسكتلندا بهدف عن طريق سكوت ماكتوميناي في الدقيقة السابعة من عمر المباراة، لينتهي الشوط الأول 1-0.

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وتواجد رونالدو على مقاعد البدلاء، وشارك بديلاً مع بداية الشوط الثاني ليحل محل بيدرو نيتو.

وتمكن برونو فرنانديز من إدراك هدف التعادل للبرتغال في الدقيقة 54 بعد تمريرة من رافائيل لياو.

واستمر التعادل الإيجابي بين الفريقين، قبل أن ينجح رونالدو في اقتناص هدف الفوز لمنتخب بلاده في الدقيقة 88.

حسمت المباراة بفوز البرتغال بهدفين لهدف، لتحافظ على صدارة المجموعة بـ 6 نقاط.

في المجموعة ذاتها تمكنت كرواتيا من تحقيق الفوز على بولندا بهدف دون رد، سجله لوكا مودريتش، لتحصد أول 3 نقاط، حيث تعرضت للهزيمة من البرتغال في الجولة الماضية. أهداف مباراة البرتغال واسكتلندا في دوري الأمم الأوروبية

Wolverhampton Wanderers face Chelsea in their final match before Christmas and a win would do their confidence the world of good.

Gary O’Neil has led the Old Gold to just one Premier League win since the return of domestic football following the last international break of the year and a couple of victories before the end of 2023 would boost their top half ambitions.

Once they get those games over with, the January transfer window will be in full swing and the 40-year-old coach can concentrate on trying to bolster his playing squad.

O'Neil can land an upgrade on Kalajdzic with Wolves move for £7m "superstar"

Wolves could be open to moving on Sasa Kalajdzic in the January transfer window

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 20, 2023 Wolves transfer news

The Old Gold have been linked with a few names leading up to the winter window, but perhaps they should reignite a swoop for Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe next month – having been noted as one of the clubs who are in the race for his signature.

The Molineux outfit had a £15m bid rejected by the Canaries for the youngster towards the end of the summer transfer window and with fellow Premier League side Aston Villa also showing interest in Rowe, now could be their time to strike.

With O’Neil looking to transform his attack, a move for the 20-year-old could potentially work wonders, and he would forge a solid partnership with Hwang Hee-Chan during the second half of the season.

Hwang and Rowe would be an exciting partnership

The 5 foot 10 Championship starlet has been in stunning form during the 2023/24 season thus far.

Across just 22 matches, Rowe has found the back of the net 11 times while chipping in with two assists and this attacking threat means he could add another spark to the Wolves side.

David Wagner, Rowe’s boss at Norwich, lavished praise on him recently, hailing the young talent as a “character” and perhaps a step-up to the top flight could be wonderful for his development.

Rowe has created one big chance and averages 1.1 key passes per game in the second tier along with succeeding with 1.1 successful dribbles per game, and he could be the perfect foil for the South Korean forward.

Hwang has enjoyed a fruitful spell in front of goal under O’Neil. In 17 Premier League matches, the 27-year-old has netted eight times while grabbing two assists, and it is clear he is enjoying his football under the 40-year-old.

The former RB Leipzig forward has also created three big chances, averaged 0.7 key passes per game and succeeded with 1.5 successful dribbles per game, sharing similar statistics to that of Rowe this season.

The duo could be devastating by leading the line at Wolves and with another attacker clearly wanted at the club, the Old Gold should certainly think about reigniting a move for the Championship talent.

A top-half Premier League finish is certainly achievable with his current team, but O’Neil will know that more consistency must be the priority come 2024.

Wins against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are all fine and well, but if you can't beat Luton Town or Sheffield United, all the good work has been wasted and this may come back to haunt them at the end of the season.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo empatou com o Ceará por 1 a 1, no Morumbi, pela 35ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, e segue sem vencer no ano. O Tricolor até pressionou e chegou bem no ataque, mas parou no goleiro Richard, que fez pelo menos quatro boas defesas.

Do outro lado, Volpi falhou e Léo Chu marcou o gol do Ceará, aos 47 minutos da segunda etapa. No entanto, com 51 minutos, Luciano empatou o jogo na casa são-paulina.

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Com o empate, o São Paulo permanece na quarta colocação, com 59 pontos e vê a liderança ficar mais longe. Já o Ceará está na 12ª posição, com 46 pontos conquistados.

As duas equipes voltam a campo pela 36ª rodada do Brasileirão. O São Paulo enfrenta o Grêmio, às 20h30, no próximo domingo (14), em Porto Alegre, enquanto o Ceará pega o Fluminense, na segunda-feira (15), às 18h, no Castelão.

SIMULE AS PRÓXIMAS RODADAS DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

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SÃO PAULO COMEÇA PRESSIONANDO E RICHARD SALVA O CEARÁ
Precisando vencer para ter mais tranquilidade na temporada, o São Paulo começou em cima da equipe do Ceará. Aos três minutos,Reinaldo cruzou na entrada da área, e Luciano ficou com a sobra. O atacante bateu rasteiro, forte, mas Richard fez boa defesa. Um minuto depois, Daniel Alves bateu e novamente o goleiro jogou para escanteio.

A pressão continuou. Com seis minutos,Luan recebeu na entrada da área e deu um toquinho para Igor Gomes, que dominou e bateu firme de direita. Richard fechou bem o ângulo e fez a defesa. No minuto seguinte, mais uma boa defesa do goleiro do Vozão. Luciano ajeitou para Pablo, que bateu forte para Richard espalmar.

TCHÊ TCHÊ TEM GOL ANULADO PELO VAR
O jogo continuou na mesma toada, com o São Paulo tentando a qualquer custo abrir o placar e não correndo riscos com o ataque do Ceará. Aos 24 minutos, Juanfran cruzou e Pablo cabeceou para fora. O camisa nove tentou novamente aos 26. Ele recebeu após corte errado de Tiago e bateu cruzado, mas Richard espalmou para escanteio.

Dois minutos depois,Igor Gomes cruzou na área, e Luciano cabeceou na pequena área para bela defesa de Richard. No rebote, Tchê Tchê apareceu para abrir o placar. No entanto, o VAR anulou o gol por impedimento.

CEARÁ CHEGA E IGOR GOMES ASSUSTA O VOZÃO
O Ceará conseguiu chegar pela primeira vez com 39 minutos.Cléber recebeu na entrada da área, ajeitou para a direita e finalizou no gol de Volpi, que fez a defesa tranquilamente no centro do gol.

Um minuto depois, foi a vez do São Paulo chegar. Juanfran cruzou e Richard socou para frente. Igor Gomes bateu, mas Fabinho tirou em cima da linha. Antes do final do primeiro tempo, aos 41, Juanfran cruzou para trás, Luciano deixou passar e Igor Gomes bateu de primeira, mas pegou mal e chutou para fora.

SEGUNDO TEMPO COMEÇA E PABLO QUASE MARCA
​Com a volta do intervalo, o São Paulo voltou no mesmo ritmo que terminou o primeiro tempo, atacando o Ceará. Com dois minutos, Reinaldo recebeu na esquerda e cruzou na segunda trave. Daniel Alves cruzou novamente, e Igor Gomes ajeitou para Luan chegar batendo. A bola desviou e foi para fora.

Aos seis minutos, Reinaldo bateu escanteio e Pablo desviou na primeira trave. A bola passou na frente do gol de Richard e foi para fora.

Quatro minutos depois, o São Paulo respondeu. Reinaldo cruzou a meia altura, mas Jonathan salvou e afastou para escanteio antes chegada do atacante Luciano, que aparecia nas costas da defesa.

FABINHO SALVA O CEARÁ DE LEVAR O GOL DO SÃO PAULO
​O tempo passava e o gol do São Paulo teimava em não sair. Se lançando ao ataque, o time dava espaços. Aos 13 minutos, Vina recebeu na entrada da área e bateu de chapa, mas a bola foi por cima do gol. Com 17,Luciano recebeu a bola por trás da zaga na entrada da área, adiantou para finalizar, mas Fabinho chegou por baixo dando um toque na bola, salvando na hora certa.

JUANFRAN DISCUTE COM AUXILIAR DO CEARÁ
Conforme o jogo ia passando, os nervos começavam a se exaltar. Aos 21 minutos, uma confusão tomou conta do campo. Após a bola sair para a lateral, o auxiliar do Ceará, Alexandre Faganello foi expulso ao retardar o começo do jogo. Juanfran empurrou o profissional e uma confusão começou.

O profissional do Vozão acabou sendo expulso, e o lateral do Tricolor recebeu o cartão amarelo, que o suspende do jogo contra o Grêmio.

JOGO ESFRIA NO MORUMBI
Com a partida empatada, os times acabaram freando o ímpeto do começo da segunda etapa, o que fez com que as chances acabassem ficando mais raras. Vizolli tentou mudar o panorama do jogo colocando Toro e Carneiro nas vagas de Igor Gomes e Pablo, respectivamente, mas não deu muito resultado.

O Tricolor voltou a assustar somente aos 37 minutos. Carneiro recebeu na entrada da área e bateu no meio do gol. Richard encaixou.

RICHARD APARECE MAIS UMA VEZ
O São Paulo sabia que apenas uma vitória poderia trazer mais tranquilidade para a equipe. Com isso, foi ao ataque nos minutos finais. Aos 44,Reinaldo ficou com a sobra da bola após cruzamento na área do Ceará e bateu forte de primeira. Richard fez a defesa em dois tempos.

VOLPI FALHA, LÉO CHU MARCA, MAS LUCIANO EMPATA NO FINAL
Parecia que o jogo ia terminar empatado, mas pegou fogo no final. Com 47 minutos, Volpi foi driblar Léo Chu, mas perdeu a bola. O atacante recuperou e bateu para o gol vazio, abrindo o placar.

No entanto, aos 51 minutos, Galeano cruzou rasteiro, a bola foi tirada errada e Luciano apareceu para bater pro fundo do gol e empatar a partida. Fim de jogo alucinante no Morumbi, mas empate ruim para os dois times.

FICHA TÉCNICA
SÃO PAULO 1 X 1 CEARÁ
Local: Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo (SP)
Data e Horário: 10 de fevereiro de 2021, às 21h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Savio Pereira Sampaio (DF)
Assistentes: Daniel Henrique da Silva Andrade e Jose Reinaldo Nascimento Junior (DF)
VAR: Caio Max Augusto Vieira (RN)
Gols: Léo Chu 1-0 (47’2ºT), Luciano 1-1 (51’2ºT)
Cartões Amarelos: Pablo, Igor Gomes, Juanfran (São Paulo), Samuel Xavier, Charles, Tiago, Guto Ferreira, Fernando Sobral (Ceará)
Cartões Vermelhos:

SÃO PAULO: Volpi; Juanfran (Galeano, aos 39’2ºT), Arboleda, Bruno Alves e Reinaldo; Luan, Daniel Alves, Tchê Tchê e Igor Gomes (Toró, aos 32’2ºT); Luciano e Pablo (Gonzalo Carneiro, aos 32’2ºT). Técnico: Marcos Vizolli.

CEARÁ: Richard, Samuel Xavier (Eduardo, aos 10’2ºT), Tiago, Klaus, Bruno Pacheco; Fabinho, Fernando Sobral, Vina; Lima (Léo Chu, aos 39’2ºT), Rick (Charles, aos 10’2ºT) e Cléber (Saulo Mineiro, Intervalo). Técnico: Guto Ferreira.

كشفت شبكة “ليفربول إيكو” أن ملاك النادي قد يتخذون قرارًا استثنائيًا بشأن مستقبل جناح وهداف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، محمد صلاح، مع اقتراب عقده على الانتهاء.

وينتهي عقد محمد صلاح داخل قلعة “أنفيلد” في 30 يونيو 2025، وبالتالي، في يناير المقبل سيكون حر التفاوض مع أي نادٍ للرحيل عن ليفربول.

وبحسب التقرير أن أداء محمد صلاح خلال فترة الإعداد وأولى المباريات أمام إيبسويتش تاون كان جيدًا للغاية من الناحية الفنية والبدنية وهذا نادرًا مع تقدم اللاعبين العمر.

اقرأ أيضًا | صحف العالم: مرحبًا بكم في عرض محمد صلاح.. أمامه الكثير قبل الرحيل للدوري السعودي

حيث يبلغ 32 عامًا الآن ومع نهاية عقده سيكون على مشارف سن 33 عامًا، وبالتالي، فمجموعة “فينواي سبورتس” المالك لنادي ليفربول والمدير التنفيذي، مايكل إدواردز سيكونون أمام قرار هام.

في الوقت الحالي، يحصل محمد صلاح على راتب أسبوعي قدره ما بين 350 إلى 400 ألف جنيه إسترليني وهو راتب جيد وفقًا لكتلة الرواتب في ليفربول، ولكن يبدو أن الفرعون المصري لا يزال لديه الكثير ليقدمه وأثبت ذلك أمام إيبسويتش تاون.

وبالتالي، سيكون إجراء محادثات معه حول مستقبله وتمديد عقده أمر مشروع بالفعل لأن محمد صلاح حالة خاصة في ظل استمراره على نفس مستواه المعهود رغم أن ملاك ليفربول معروفين بأنهم مقتصدين بعض الشيء في زيادة الرواتب للاعبين.

All the pointers suggest that while Ange Postecoglou is delighted with how well his Tottenham Hotspur side have assimilated his managerial philosophy, there is much work to be done before the squad is complete.

Tottenham currently lead the race in the division and boast 26 points from ten matches, which is their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign, with Postecoglou accruing the highest total at this stage by any manager in their maiden year.

While the narrative seems to centre around the club's title-winning credentials, such is the way of football's clamouring discourse, the fans will simply be thrilled by the restoration of confidence and identity, producing compelling performances each week.

It has been a resounding few months, but the onus now lies on Postecoglou's ability to sustain his squad's endeavours, and to do so, 2024 may need to be a year of success in the transfer market.

Tottenham transfer news – Florian Wirtz

While defensive work is expected to take precedence in the winter transfer window, Spurs will be keeping an eye on the progress of prodigious midfielder Florian Wirtz, who has been at the centre of Bayer Leverkusen's sensational start to the campaign.

According to TEAMtalk earlier this week, Tottenham are among the growing host of Premier League clubs interested in signing the German player, though will face fierce competition from frontrunners Chelsea and Manchester City.

Separate reports claim that Leverkusen intend to maximise the 20-year-old's staggering value and cash in next summer, with figures as high as €85m (£74m) mentioned.

Whether Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is able or willing to meet such an expensive valuation remains to be seen, but there's no question that he would be a stunning addition to cement the club's new stronghold at the top of the table.

Florian Wirtz's style of play

Under the guidance of the effortlessly cool Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen has propelled themselves into title contention in the German Bundesliga, indeed topping the table to mirror Spurs' success against the division's monopolising force.

The £42k-per-week talent has endured a dismal run of luck on the injury front and scarcely featured last season after rupturing his ACL, though did return to bag four goals and assists apiece last year, from only 19 starts.

Noted for his "phenomenal" age-belying ability and maturity by teammate Jonathan Tah, Wirtz is silky and swift in his motions, a natural manufacturer of openings and an innate weaver through the lines.

Former Germany national coach Hansi Flick is among those to have been left dazzled by his skills, saying: "Florian is just a huge asset for this team through his carefree nature. He's simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He's got a good total package."

That stats that show why Wirtz would thrive for Tottenham

As per FBref, the 12-cap Germany international has been among the finest playmakers in the business over the past year, ranking among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues and European competitions for assists and shot-creating actions, and the top 3% for progressive passes and successful take-ons per 90.

It's remarkable how well he has performed following such a detrimental setback, and he's comfortably an "elite talent" on the European stage, as has been pronounced by informed scout Jacek Kulig.

#

Player

Club

1

Heung-min Son

Tottenham

2

James Maddison

Tottenham

3

Marco Reus

Borussia Dortmund

4

Lucas Paqueta

West Ham

5

Nabil Fekir

Real Betis

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Compared to some of the most creative and technically skilled players around, Wirtz has the world at his feet, and is continually demonstrating his worth as one of Europe's most exciting talents, with CIES Football Observatory claiming that he is worth £87m.

It's most intriguing that Heung-min Son and James Maddison are listed as the star's most comparable players, while the Spurs teammates are two of Postecoglou's most devastating offensive outlets, they differ greatly in their strengths and roles, with the South Korean's eight goals in the league this term, having been reshaped in the centre-forward position, highlighting his best fit.

Maddison, in comparison, has been utterly extraordinary since joining the club from Leicester City for £40m and is performing at the main creative supplier, with his role aligning with Wirtz's more accurately considering Son's new job at the front.

How Florian Wirtz compares to James Maddison

Maddison has been one of English football's most impressive summer transfers and has thrived since making the move to London, winning August's Premier League Player of the Month.

Similarly superlative in his supplementation, Maddison ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90.

Statistic

Wirtz

Maddison

Games

9

10

Starts

8

10

Goals

2

3

Assists

4

5

Pass completion

84%

85%

Shots (pg)

2.1

2.8

Key passes (pg)

2.7

3.2

Dribbles (pg)

2.4

1.6

Ball recoveries

4.7

2.2

*Statistics sourced via Sofascore, league fixtures only

As the graph above delineates, Maddison edges his younger confrere in most metrics but they are both equally impressive creative outlets for their respective sides, who can also offer a goal threat.

Well, the Spurs man is clearly more of a central fulcrum for his team, but there is no denying that Wirtz, who is only 20 and not long recuperated from a lengthy injury, boasts more than enough talent to surpass the Englishman in the future.

Given Wirtz has plundered 14 direct contributions from as many matches across all competitions during 2022/23, he is an impressive attacking talent who could thrive alongside Maddison as an exciting forward in Postecoglou's set-up.

Indeed, the £170k-per-week Lilywhite, in comparison, has posted three goals and five assists in the Premier League, but that is the extent of his success thus far, having played 11 matches in total this term.

While Tottenham are well-equipped in the creative department of the midfield, Wirtz is versatile and can play across a range of roles, a bit more comfortable than Maddison in the final third, and the Spurs boss must now swoop to secure his services in January.

With Giovani Lo Celso reportedly transfer listed for £15m, there might just be space for Tottenham to pull off an almighty deal for one of football's most coveted prospects, and with both Maddison and Wirtz in the team, Postecoglou's illustrious vision might just be realised.

The string-pullers at Liverpool will be delighted with the squad's rectification following last season's dreadful decline, slumping into the Europa League after many years of illustrious success as Champions League juggernauts under Jurgen Klopp's guidance.

Klopp remains, but there were concerns that the fall from grace was enough to place him in contention for the sack, with the German even admitting that another manager might not have received such true-blue support from the powers that be.

Perhaps it was a natural end for a side that had reaped such gleaming rewards for a number of years, and with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and co now shipped on over the summer, it does feel like Klopp recognised that his engine room was at its end, and must be written off.

Having reshaped the midfield on an industrial scale, Liverpool are flying in the Premier League and perch in second place, also topping their Europa League group after four matches and awaiting the visit of West Ham United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

There is still much work to do, and Klopp's proclivity for energy and enthusiasm calls for certain upgrades across the pitch, with the left side of the defence understood to be targetted for investment.

Liverpool transfer targets – Rayan Ait-Nouri

According to Spanish reports, Liverpool are hot on the trail of Wolverhampton Wanderers defender for defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has bloomed into an exciting prospect over the past several months.

Rated at £17m by CIES Football Observatory, Ait-Nouri has been noted for his pace and dribbling skills, and he could be the perfect option to serve as Andy Robertson's understudy and replace the under-fire Kostas Tsimikas.

The Montreuil-born player is considered a key cog in Gary O'Neil's system, however, and prising him away from Molineux at the season's midpoint will certainly not be straightforward.

Last week, French outlet Le 10 Sport confirmed that the two Premier League sides have been in regular contact, but it will indeed take a sizeable offer to convince Wolves to release their hold on the dynamo.

Rayan Ait-Nouri's style of play

Fast and ferocious, Ait-Nouri has been making waves in Wolverhampton this season with his heavy-metal approach, catching the eye for an Old Gold team that is perhaps surpassing expectations after losing Julen Lopetegui before the start of the campaign.

Rayan Ait-Nouri: Style Of Play

Dribbling

Ball retention

Tackling

Concentration

Short distribution

*Sourced via WhoScored

Signed from French club Angers for around £9.5m in 2021, Wolves have been nurturing the 22-year-old to the fore over the past few seasons and he now looks cemented as the starring left-back, impacting play and proving to be effective from both sides of the pitch.

The £10k-per-week whiz started just nine matches in the Premier League last season (with seven of such appearances coming across the opening 11 games of the term), though his chances of sculpting a promising start to the season were marred by a torrid opening game against Leeds United, where he made an error leading to a goal and scored an own goal.

Lopetegui issued an admission that while the ace was talented with the ball at his feet, there were certain areas of his defensive game that needed work, though it was stressed that he holds all the tools to build a tremendous career.

Rayan Ait-Nouri's season in numbers

Since the summer, it's fair to say that Ait-Nouri has held some pensive internal discussions regarding an up-and-down campaign, and having been entrusted with a starring role under O'Neil's management, he is now flourishing.

As per Sofascore, the 5 foot 10 gem has started 11 of Wolves' 12 Premier League matches so far, completing 84% of his passes, averaging 0.4 key passes, 2.5 tackles and 4.4 ball recoveries per game and succeeding with 58% of his attempted duels.

If we compare this with last year, it becomes crystal clear that he has ramped up the gas, having averaged just 0.3 key passes and 1.6 tackles per game.

This is a testament to his unwavering belief in his ability and work-rate in improving upon his past travails, and given that he is making such increments, it may well be the apt moment for Liverpool to swoop, providing Robertson with competition and providing the prospective acquisition with a pathway to the No. 1 spot at Anfield in the future.

Robertson, aged 29, will hope to retain his prominent position for several years to come, but, is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and is still expected to be out for a further two months.

Tsimikas has been promoted to the first team in the Premier League in the Scotland captain's absence, and while he bagged two assists in the 3-0 victory over Brentford before the ongoing international break, he has not quite grasped his opportunity, instead receiving criticism for his defensive displays.

How Rayan Ait-Nouri compares to Kostas Tsimikas

Tsimikas was cheaply dispossessed for Toulouse's opener in Liverpool's shock Europa League defeat before the November break, which was yet another deflating moment after a terrible display against LASK earlier in the competition, where he was branded "abysmal" by one Liverpool-focused podcaster.

Klopp clearly doesn't trust him, and has even fielded right-footed Joe Gomez in the left-back role on occasion as he looks to settle the defence's equilibrium; were Virgil van Dijk not in such stunning form, there might be more noise surrounding the £75k-per-week player's performances.

He does have his qualities, of course, but he is effectively a simulated version of Robertson, which is indicative of how Klopp wants the role to be utilised in fairness, but by signing Ait-Nouri, a whole new realm of dimension would be opened.

For example, Tsimikas ranks among the top 2% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for passes attempted per 90, as per FBref.

As the statistic highlights, Tsimikas may well be the more 'creative' of the pair at the moment, but Ait-Nouri is far most robust and progressive as a whole, with FBref ranking him among the top 3% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues for successful take-ons and the top 5% for tackles per 90.

It's important to note that while Ait-Nouri has not actually been providing any assists recently, he has been an exceptional presence in O'Neil's side, crucial in driving forward and crowbarring his way through opposition backlines.

The three-cap Algeria international has been hailed for his "phenomenal" skills by The Athletic's Tim Spiers already, and while he is still developing, Klopp will be certain that Ait-Nouri's natural talents can be nurtured and refined under his leadership.

While Tsimikas is a decent backup option on Merseyside, he is definitely not the standard to start in the best team possible, instead called upon for the major moments when all else fails.

Ait-Nouri, however, boasts enough potential to possibly make the position his own in the future, and the Reds must now make their move to secure his signature and seal a big upgrade on their Greek left-back.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is not thinking about hanging up his boots just yet, which is great news for the purists

"Rest is very important nowadays. As we get older, everything is more difficult," Lionel Messi said when addressing his recent fitness struggles on the 'Big Time' podcast. The Inter Miami superstar has always been refreshingly honest, and demonstrated complete control of his emotions again as he was faced with a series of challenging questions in his latest interview, which aired in Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

“I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game, or am not able to help my team-mates, then I will stop,” he added. “I am really self-critical; I know when I am good and when I am bad. So for my retirement, it will not matter what age I am. If I feel good, I will keep playing.”

The 36-year-old has made a strong start to the new MLS campaign, with four goal contributions in his first three appearances, but niggling injuries have disrupted his rhythm. That has been the case throughout Messi's first eight months at DRV PNK Stadium, with fans from all over the world going to great lengths to buy tickets for Miami games, only to be left disappointed.

Messi is the biggest draw in soccer, and Miami are under enormous pressure to make sure he plays as much as possible, but they have so far prioritised his long-term health over financial gain. It is absolutely vital that does not change, not only for the sake of MLS' continued growth, but for the game as a whole.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGettyUnrealistic expectations

Inter Miami sold out tickets for every single one of their home and away games for the 2024 MLS season as early as November, despite the fact prices for seats in certain areas of their stadium were doubled from the previous campaign. According to , the club is now worth over $1 billion, with its value having skyrocketed by $400 million since Messi's arrival last summer, and his ground-breaking revenue share deal with Apple has sparked a massive increase in MLS viewers.

Messi-mania has gripped the United States as superstars from other sports such as LeBron James and Novak Djokovic have turned up to see the diminutive magician in action, along with globally-recognised celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Halle Berry, Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian. It's an unprecedented level of fanfare, and although Messi has largely been able to give supporters their money's worth, many of them still have unrealistic expectations.

In addition to their MLS commitments, Miami will defend their 2023 Leagues Cup title, which was won mainly because of Messi's brilliance, and they also have to compete in the US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup. Tata Martino's side are, of course, bidding to win the lot, but will grab any opportunity to rest Messi so that he is available in the most important games, regardless of any potential backlash.

AdvertisementGettyAvoiding 'serious risks'

Miami embarked on a highly anticipated four-game tour of Asia spanning across January and February, with Messi the star attraction, but the attempt to expand their empire quickly turned into a PR disaster as he was laid low with a muscle injury. Messi featured in their first two games in the Middle East against Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, albeit only coming on for the final seven minutes in the second contest, but didn't even come off the bench in a subsequent friendly clash with a Hong Kong All-Star team, which caused uproar.

David Beckham, who co-owns Miami and played a key role in luring Messi to the U.S., attempted to appease the capacity crowd of 40,000 after his team's 4-1 win by thanking them for their hospitality, only to see his voice drowned out by boos, and the Hong Kong government later called for an explanation from organisers as to why Messi did not play.

Martino gave his own version when facing the media, with Luis Suarez having also sat out the game through injury. “This decision was made together with the medical staff. We ran a lot of risk of aggravating their injuries and that’s why they couldn’t be in the game," he said. "We apologize, but I hope you can understand that, if we had a chance to get them to play for a while, we would have done it. But we were taking serious risks and that is why, together with the medical staff, we made this decision.”

Messi did come on for the final 30 minutes of Miami's final game of the tour against Vissel Kobe, but that only served to stir up more controversy. Chinese state-run newspaper claimed his cameo in Tokyo "magnified doubts and suspicions on the integrity of Inter Miami and Messi himself" as organisers announced a 50 percent refunds to fans who had attended the match.

It was farcical, and Martino's apology should have been more than enough. Miami protected their prized asset instead of potentially jeopardising his chances of being ready for the start of the MLS season, and that kind of loyalty could go a long way towards prolonging his illustrious career.

GettyMiami's quarterback

Miami's cautious approach paid off, as Messi initially produced a series of scintillating performances to lift Martino's side to the top of the Eastern Conference. He has, however, missed their last four MLS games due to his persistent muscle problems. The former Barcelona forward also had to pull out of Argentina's March friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica, with Martino insisting before confirmation of that news: "Messi's injury must be dealt with week by week, and we will evaluate it. What is clear is that there is a goal with him, which is to play in the CONCACAF quarterfinals."

Miami will face Monterrey in the first leg of their Champions Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, and all being well, Messi will be back in the starting lineup. As Martino touched on, this is a learning experience for the club and the player himself, who has historically been able to avoid any major injury setbacks.

One of the main reasons Messi was able to win so many trophies and Ballons d'Or at Barcelona was because of how carefully he looked after his body. He's also cleverly been able to adapt his game over the years, going from dynamic winger to false nine in the earlier stages of his career, before becoming more of a wide playmaker in his early 30s and then eventually embracing a quarterback-type role.

Much has been made of how much Messi walks in matches since his transition into that final phase, but its merely a tactic to conserve energy, so that that he can explode into life an the opportune moments and make a decisive impact in the final third. And even now, there is no other player in world football more exciting to watch in full flow.

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Getty ImagesPerfect balance

"This is what I was looking for when we made the decision with my family: to enjoy it once more, as I've done my whole career, after two difficult years, the truth is we had it rough [at Paris Saint-Germain]," Messi said in an interview with in August. "But as luck would have it, we're in a place where we're happy not just because of the results on the pitch, but because of the everyday life with my wife, my kids, our lifestyle and the way we spend our time. Truth is, we're enjoying this moment very much."

Much has been made of Messi's underwhelming two-year spell at PSG, and this was not the first time has been outspoken about his struggles in the French capital, but it certainly can't be classed as a complete failure. Messi got his hands on back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and racked up 32 goals and 27 assists in 75 appearances, despite never properly settling at Parc des Princes, and also led Argentina to their third World Cup.

He settled the eternal GOAT debate at Qatar 2022, effectively sealing his eighth Ballon d'Or in the process, and had nothing left to achieve in European football by the end of his second season at PSG. Messi did the right thing by heading stateside, where he now has the ideal mix between soccer and family life, and the freedom to play at his own pace in a league that is incredibly fortunate to have him.

There is absolutely no doubt Messi could still be playing at the highest level in Europe. A Barcelona homecoming was on the table before his switch to MLS, while Champions League finalists Manchester City and Inter were also mooted as possible destinations, but achieving longevity and peace of mind were his main goals.

Miami tied Messi to a two-and-a-half year contract with the option of the extra year, which could see him remain in Florida until the end of 2026, after the Canada, Mexico and the United States host the World Cup. After Qatar, Messi hinted he was close to retirement from international football, but joining Miami has changed everything, and it's entirely possible he could yet have one final swansong on the global stage.

Arsenal could reportedly deny Thierry Henry the luxury of having William Saliba with the France U-21 side for the 2024 Olympic Games.

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Article continues below

• Arsenal could block Saliba's Olympic participation
• The defender would qualify as a U23 player
• European Championships further complicate matters for Saliba

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Henry, currently at the helm of the France U21 squad, is set to lead Les Bleus in the Olympic tournament this summer. With the task of selecting an 18-man squad along with four reserves, the former Arsenal legend faces constraints as only three players over the age of 23 are allowed.

  As one of the few U23 players in contention, Saliba's inclusion could bolster France's defensive lineup. However, Arsenal holds the authority to veto his participation, citing the tournament's lack of recognition by FIFA, according to the Daily Mirror

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has emphasized the importance of assembling the strongest team, urging Henry to spare no effort in building a competitive squad. Nevertheless, Arsenal's decision could thwart Saliba's Olympic aspirations, mirroring a similar scenario during the 2021 Tokyo Games, where he opted out to focus on Arsenal's pre-season preparation to impress Mikel Arteta.

  The situation is further complicated by the concurrent European Championships in Germany, where Saliba is also anticipated to feature under the guidance of France national team coach Didier Deschamps.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Real Madrid have reportedly informed the French FA that they would not allow any of their players to participate in the Olympic Games which means that Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy will not be in Paris. Significantly, Kylin Mbappe might not also feature in the Summer Games if he completes his move to Real Madrid after the end of the season due to the decree of his potential new employers, as the games could overlap with the start of domestic league seasons.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Olympic Football Tournament is slated to be held from July 24 to August 9. This means that if France manage to reach the summit clash then Saliba would potentially miss the Premier League opener for the 2024-25 season which is likely to be held on August 16 – a scenario Arteta wants to avoid.