Tag Futebol

It might have been a clean sheet, but there was still some humour in Shkodran Mustafi’s performance last night.

From passing the ball right to Salomon Rondon outside the area in the first-half to turning into Lionel Messi, beating half the Newcastle defence, and then lumping the ball into south London, it was another weird day in the office for Mustafi.

Arsenal’s most frustrating player has been great entertainment to watch for neutrals, but if the club is to progress and be considered title contenders next season, they must make sure the German defender is sold this summer.

Although Mustafi could be a good backup option, it is apparent from the close to three years he has spent in the Premier League that he simply isn’t cut for top-flight football in England.

It’s crazy to think that the former Valencia man is the most expensive defensive signing in the history at the club when Rob Holding, who cost Arsenal £2 million and was signed in the same window, has not only performed better than Mustafi since joining the north London side but has developed greatly since moving.

Mustafi, meanwhile, has only regressed during his time in north London. And fans forget that the German started his tenure at the club in flying fashion, leading Arsenal to a 15 game unbeaten run in all competitions before injury took him out for three weeks in which the club lost twice during his absence.

Since then, we have only seen the Mustafi we all know and love. Comical errors, bemusing passes and tackles, and a sign of £35 million down the drain for Arsenal.

If Emery doesn’t offload the former Valencia defender this summer, the transfer window can already be written off as a big fat fail for the club who are better off without Mustafi.

Arsenal fans, what should the club do with Mustafi this summer? Let us know!

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Divock Origi has been written off by the vast majority of fans and pundits as a player who is destined to leave Liverpool, but has Jurgen Klopp suggested that the Belgium international could be set to defy popular opinion?

What’s the word?

Origi was given the nod to start last night due to Roberto Firmino’s absence through injury.

The back-up striker’s reputation of late has largely been defined by his last-gasp winner against Everton in the Merseyside derby earlier this season, but his glowing performance against Watford suggested that he could have a more prominent role to play.

Speaking ahead of the game to Liverpool’s official website, Klopp suggested that Origi had earned the opportunity to impress with his attitude in training, and the fringe man’s perseverance in his endeavour to impress the boss could yet provide him with a genuine chance to transform his career.

“Div deserves it, like all the others we could have chosen would have deserved it because the training attitude is brilliant.

“It’s not good, of course, that Bobby isn’t available, but it’s always nice to give somebody else the next chance. That’s Div now; he has trained really well.”

Future role for Origi

Large sections of the Reds faithful have been calling for the signing of a new centre-forward for a considerable length of time.

Roberto Firmino’s preference to drop deep to influence the game and Daniel Sturridge’s injury problems have deprived Klopp of a more natural number nine, but Origi could yet fill that notable void, even if he was deployed on the left side of the front-three last night.

Klopp’s comments suggest that he has seen something on the training ground which indicates he has turned a corner in his development, and with further exposure to first-team opportunities he could transform his career.

Just a few weeks ago Origi would have been written off as a certain summer sale, but the Liverpool manager’s recent admission combined with a fine performance against the Hornets point towards a different future.

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According to The Liverpool Echo, Everton are reportedly growing increasingly confident that Henry Onyekuru will be lining up for them next season after what will be two years out on loan.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Liverpool Echo report that the Merseyside club have been unable to utilise their 2017 summer signing because of ineligibility issues, which means the 21-year-old has spent time out on loan at Anderlecht, and now Galatasaray this term.

However, The Liverpool Echo report that the Toffees are hopeful the Nigeria international will finally be able to obtain a work permit at the end of the season, and they believe they have a robust case to present to the Football Association.

As per the same report, Marco Silva has also confirmed that the club is keeping tabs on the exciting attacker’s performances in Turkey.

He said: “Yes, we are doing our work and are aware of everything he is doing.

“It is the same with all of our loan players and at the end of the season we will take a decision.”

Could he start for Everton next season?

Should he get his work permit, then there is certainly no reason why he wouldn’t be competing for a spot in Silva’s XI.

Onyekuru showed just how good and dangerous he can be with 30 goals and 11 assists in 60 appearances for Eupen – despite playing out wide – prior to his move to Goodison Park, while he has also netted an impressive nine times in 19 Super Lig matches for Galatasaray this term.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

With the likes of Bernard, Ademola Lookman and Theo Walcott not putting in consistently good performances on the wing for Everton there certainly looks to be a chance for the 21-year-old African to make his mark, and he may well get it if the Merseyside outfit are proved right with their confidence about him soon being eligible.

عاد جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي أستون فيلا، محمود حسن تريزيجيه، من جديد على رادار جالطة سراي ومديره الفني، فاتح تريم، في الميركاتو الصيفي الحالي.

وارتبط تريزيجيه في وقت سابق بإمكانية الانتقال إلى جالطة سراي، حيث يرغب تريم بالتعاقد معه منذ فترة طويلة، حتى قبل الانضمام إلى أستون فيلا في صيف العام الماضي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رسميًا | أستون فيلا يتعاقد مع صفقة هجومية قوية

وأفادت صحيفة “سوزكو” التركية أن تريزيجيه لم يغب عن أنظار جالطة سراي من أجل تدعيم خط الهجوم، رغم صعوبة رحيله عن أستون فيلا.

ويتواصل جالطة سراي مع وكيل تريزيجيه الحالي، ويليام دافيلا، من أجل معرفة إمكانية استعارة اللاعب من عدمها، ليشكل ثنائيًا قويًا مع مباي دياني، الذي لعب معه من قبل في قاسم باشا.

حتى الآن تريزيجيه باقٍ مع أستون فيلا لأن عقده مستمر حتى يونيو 2023، ولكن ربما يخرج على سبيل الإعارة بعد صفقتي بيرتراند تراوري وأولي ويتكنز.

Folarin Balogun has graced the books at Arsenal and Monaco, just as Thierry Henry did, and has broken out an iconic goal celebration once again.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• American striker left Gunners for return to France
• Has already been among the goals in 2023-24
• Offered a nod towards iconic World Cup winner

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international bid farewell to north London on a permanent basis over the summer when completing a €40 million (£35m/$42m) transfer to French football – where he had previously thrived during a loan spell at Reims in 2022-23.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Balogun has produced a mixed bag for Monaco, with two goals recorded and a couple of penalties missed – which both came in the same game. He was on target in his latest outing against Marseille, allowing him to celebrate for the first time in front of the home support at Stade Louis II, and broke out Henry’s famous corner flag celebration routine after hitting the back of the net.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Balogun opted to sever ties with Arsenal after registering 21 goals during his time at Reims. He was eager to build on that success with regular first-team football, and felt those opportunities would be hard to come by at Emirates Stadium. He is now enjoying life in Monaco, with a “great response” delivered to the disappointment of having failed twice from the spot in a 1-0 defeat to Nice.

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• WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Balogun has a number of goal celebrations in his locker, but does like to offer a nod towards Arsenal icon Henry. He previously emulated the World Cup winners’ corner flag routine when scoring against Paris Saint-Germain for Reims back in January. The 22-year-old is hoping that there will be many more efforts to come from him heading forward – for both Monaco and the USMNT.

Mikel Arteta's side have held talks over a possible move for the England international, but is he the right man for the Gunners midfield?

Arsenal are set for a busy summer as Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu look to build a squad capable of competing in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

The Gunners are expected to spend big once again, with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo on the radar once the window opens.

But Chelsea’s Mason Mount is another player the north London club have held discussions about. The England international is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer as he enters the final year of his contract. 

But would a move for Mount – who will miss Tuesday’s game at the Emirates Stadium due to injury – be a good option for Arsenal this summer. Is he a player who could make a difference next season?

GOAL takes a look at the pros and cons…

• Getty
  

  PRO: He's Premier League-ready

  This has been a tactic that has worked well for Arsenal in recent times. Compared to their rivals, they have signed far more players from other Premier League clubs, and most have proven to be successful additions.

  Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko made a huge difference last summer having come in from Manchester City, as did Leandro Trossard following his January switch from Brighton.

  The fact that players don’t need to get used to the demands of the Premier League can be a big plus, and Mount would clearly not have much trouble adjusting to life at Arsenal.

  He wouldn’t need much time to settle and he already has friends in the changing room, which should make his adjustment even smoother, should he arrive.

  That would mean he could focus purely on football during his early days at the club, something that should be very beneficial both to him and Arteta.

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  CON: He’s coming off a poor season

  Should Mount leave Chelsea this summer, he would be joining a new club on the back of a largely disappointing season.

  It must be noted that it will have been difficult for any player to perform at their best ability for the Blues this season, given the mess that has unfurled at Stamford Bridge.

  But even so, Chelsea fans will have been well within their rights to have expected more from the England international. He’s only made five direct goal contributions so far this season – way down on his usual standards.

  So Mount’s confidence levels could be low after such an underwhelming campaign, and he might need a while to build himself up again ahead of next season. 

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  PRO: He should fit Arteta’s system

  When he is at his best, Mount does feel like a player who would fit in well under Arteta at Arsenal. His energy levels are good and he presses well. He also has the technique and ability to play the type of football that Arteta has introduced in north London.

  The left-sided No.8 role in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 system looks to be a good fit for the Chelsea man. With Granit Xhaka now into his 30s, Arteta needs to come up with a long-term replacement for the Switzerland international, and Mount could be that man.

  At 24, he does fit the age range and profile for this Arsenal side. He is also versatile, which is another key trait Arteta looks for in his players.

  He would also arrive with Champions League experience ahead of the Gunners' return to Europe’s top competition next season.

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• CON: What would it mean for Smith Rowe?

  If Arsenal were to sign Mount, it would certainly beg the question as to what could happen to Emile Smith Rowe.

  Arsenal’s young playmaker has seen himself drop down the pecking order this season, with his opportunities having been severely limited following his return from injury in January.

  There are already question marks over Smith Rowe’s future as we head towards the summer, and that’s before any new signings arrive in the transfer window.

  But should Arsenal formalise their interest in Mount, a player who can operate in the exact same roles as Smith Rowe, it would feel like another blow to the Hale End academy graduate’s prospects ahead of the 2023-24 season.

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When two worlds collide

Two iconic brands in the form of Liverpool Football Club and legendary basketball player LeBron James join forces to bring fans a collection that merges fashion and style. The collection includes a pair of Nike XX Low shoes – which James previewed at a recent LA Lakers game – after he was also seen in the LFC LeBron jersey, which celebrates one of the King of Basketball's early investments, his ownership stake in the Liverpool FC.

Liverpool FC

The limited edition jersey itself stands on a black base and is adorned with dark grey block stripes accentuated by red piping. Detailing inside the stripes featured two almost-translucent acronyms that represent LFC and LeBron – look closely to see ‘YNWA’ (You'll Never Walk Alone) and ‘SFG’ (Strive For Greatness). Also featured on the shirt are the iconic Liverpool FC crest, Nike’s swoosh logo and LeBron’s crown.

Liverpool FC

The collection, which includes shorts, a long-sleeve top, a hoodie and a football jersey, has been modelled by Liverpool players, including Jordan Henderson, Alisson Becker and Shanice van de Sanden. Speaking on the collaboration, Henderson said, “I’m a big fan of LeBron and all he’s achieved to become one of the greatest basketball players in history. It’s great to see the link-up with LFC and to be a part of this exciting collaboration with the club.”

Liverpool FC

Van de Sanden added, “I’m really proud to be a football player for Liverpool FC and to see this collaboration is very cool. It’s also more than just a collaboration, there’s something behind it: an inspiring message of ‘strive for greatness’.”

Liverpool FC x LeBron James collection price & how to buy

The Liverpool FC x LeBron James collection is available to buy now from the Liverpool club website. Here's a closer look at some of the items available:

• Shop: Liverpool x LeBron collection

  Liverpool x LeBron Basketball Jersey

  Liverpool FC£64.95 at the Liverpool Club Store

  Available in XS.

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• Liverpool x LeBron Football Jersey

  Liverpool FC£74.95 at the Liverpool Club Store.

  Available in S.

  You can also buy the Women's Football Jersey and Youth Football Jersey in XS, S, M, L and XL.

• Liverpool x LeBron Nike XX Trainers

  Nike£199.95 at the Liverpool Club Store

  Available in 6, 6.5, 7, 11.5, 12 and 12.5.

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• Liverpool x LeBron Hoodie

  Liverpool FC£84.95 at the Liverpool Club Store

  Available in XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL.

The Catalan is a two-time Champions League winner, but his relationship with European competition has not always been rosy

In 2009, a fresh-faced Pep Guardiola did the unthinkable, winning the Champions League in his first-ever season as manager. Manchester United were Barcelona's victims in the final, with a toe-poke from Samuel Eto'o and a back-post Lionel Messi header seeing the Blaugrana to victory at Stadio Olimpico.

Two years later, Guardiola would lift the famous trophy for a second time as United were again their unfortunate opponents in the final. This time, Barca put on an exhibition, romping to a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Messi, Pedro and David Villa. At full-time Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that Guardiola's side was the best he had ever faced and it seemed that the European trophies would just keep on flowing for the Catalan.

However, since that fateful night, Guardiola has had 10 attempts to clinch a third Champions League crown and failed every single season. There's been plenty of times throughout the period when it seemed certain that the drought would end, only for his teams to somehow manage to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.

His own overthinking has played a role too, with Guardiola remaining obsessed with adding another European Cup to his bulging trophy collection. Below, GOAL ranks the legendary coach's worst Champions League eliminations as he looks to avoid history repeating itself against Real Madrid on Wednesday…

Getty Images2013-14: Eliminated in semi-final by Real Madrid

Guardiola's first season at Bayern Munich was pretty darn good. Despite having to deal with some key absences throughout the year, they romped to the Bundesliga title and also won the DFB-Pokal to clinch a domestic double. However, Guardiola could not replicate Jupp Heynckes' exploits from the previous campaign by adding a Champions League triumph into the mix.

Things started promisingly enough, with Bayern breezing through the group as winners and dispatching of Arsenal in the last 16. A 3-2 aggregate triumph over Manchester United in the quarter-finals then sparked real hopes that they could retain the trophy. However, King Carlo Ancelotti had other ideas.

After Real Madrid eked out a 1-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu, the tie was delicately balanced heading into the second leg. In the return fixture, though, the fatal flaws of Guardiola's style were brutally exposed. First, Sergio Ramos headed in twice from set-pieces, before Cristiano Ronaldo tore Bayern apart on the counter and then struck a free-kick under the wall. 4-0 to Madrid. This one really stung.

AdvertisementGetty Images2014-15: Eliminated in semi-final by Barcelona

After enduring European disappointment during his first season in charge at the Allianz Arena, Guardiola was handed a perfect shot at redemption when Die Roten were drawn against his former club in the semi-finals.

On the eve of the game, Guardiola was dealt a double hammerblow when both Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben were ruled out. For 77 minutes Guardiola seemed to have handled these absences perfectly, reshaping to a 3-5-2 and stifling the infamous MSN frontline.

Most of that positivity disappeared when Lionel Messi popped up with a goal 13 minutes from time, and disappointment turned to disaster when Barca scored twice more before the end to earn a 3-0 victory. The last of these goals – scored on the counter – would not happen today, with Guardiola having urged his charges forward to try and grab an away goal.

Bayern didn't recover in the second leg, although they did win 3-2 on the night. For Guardiola, he had tried to stick one over on his former employers, but he had failed – albeit against a very good team.

Getty Images2020-21: Lost in the final to Chelsea

Guardiola has never got closer to ending his wait for a third European Cup than in 2021. City's performances on the way to the final were ridiculous, with a goalless group-stage draw against Porto the only thing preventing them from registering a 100 percent winning record over the 12 games.

They also entered the final in Porto as strong favourites, having finished 19 points above Chelsea in the Premier League that season. Guardiola made a big call – continuing his passion for tinkering when the stakes are at their highest – omitting Rodri from his starting XI and also playing without a recognised centre-forward.

City were flat throughout the contest, with Chelsea slipping through in transition just before the break and settling a dull game courtesy of a goal from Kai Havertz. It was a hugely disappointing night for Guardiola. An opportunity to end the all the noise surrounding his Champions League record had slipped away far too easily.

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Getty Images2017-18: Eliminated in quarter-final by Liverpool

The defining rivalry of Guardiola's third act as a manager has been his duels with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. Domestically, City have had the edge, but the Reds have been the undisputed kings of Europe.

The two leading coaches of their generation squared off in the 2018 Champions League quarter-finals – and it wasn't even close. Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane all netted in the first 31 minutes at Anfield, leaving City reeling for the rest of the tie.

They couldn't even win the home leg despite playing extremely well, with Salah and Roberto Firmino cancelling out Gabriel Jesus' early opener to send City crashing out of Europe. It might have been different had Leroy Sane's scrappy goal not been wrongly disallowed on the stroke of half-time, a decision that led to Guardiola talking himself into a red card.

After the dust had settled, the City's boss decision to shoehorn Aymeric Laporte in at left-back against Salah was highlighted as another example of Guardiola's destructive overanalysis.

Erik ten Hag enjoyed a dream start to his tenure with a 4-0 friendly win over a Liverpool side featuring one very expensive summer signing

Manchester United ensured the Erik ten Hag era got off to a winning start as they thrashed Liverpool 4-0 in their pre-season friendly match in Thailand.

First-half goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred and Anthony Martial did the damage in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium, and Facundo Pellistri rounded off an eye-catching United victory late on, as both sides made wholesale changes.

Liverpool used 32 players in all, changing all 10 outfield players every half hour. The Reds gave debuts to both Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunez, the new £85 million ($100m) signing from Benfica, who played the final 30 minutes.

United, meanwhile, handed Tyrell Malacia his first run out, the new left-back playing 45 minutes following his switch from Feyenoord, with both sides using a host of academy players alongside their established first-team stars.

GettyTen Hag's dream start

As introductions go, this was about as good as Erik Ten Hag could have hoped for. Sure, United are a little ahead of Liverpool in terms of preparation, and yes, they named a more experienced starting XI, which proved the difference in the first half hour. One pre-season win won’t solve all, or indeed any, of their problems either.

But after so much negativity and uncertainty at Old Trafford, Ten Hag and his players will have been delighted to start the new era with a win – and a convincing one over their arch-rivals at that.

The question now is how they will handle the tougher tests which await. There were, remember, 34 points between these sides last season, and closing that gap will be high on Ten Hag’s list of priorities going forward.

AdvertisementGettyDarwin's encouraging debut

It looked like Darwin Nunez was about to mark his first Liverpool appearance with a debut goal, when Mohamed Salah’s shot struck a post and rebounded kindly into his path. But as Eric Bailly flew in to make the block, the Uruguayan got his finish all wrong, firing over the bar on his right foot.

Still, this was an encouraging first outing for the 23-year-old, who showed plenty to suggest he will slot in nicely at Anfield. Nunez’s movement was good, always on the shoulder of the last defender and able to peel off and find space, as he did when forcing a decent save from David De Gea from Andy Robertson’s diagonal pass.

More will be expected, of course, as he adjusts to his new team-mates and his new club, but after just a couple of training sessions – one of which was disrupted by painful blisters – the Reds’ new No.27 already looks like he’s getting into the swing of things.

GettySancho's statement of intent

This is a big season for Jadon Sancho, and here he played like a man who understands that fact.

Having shown only flashes of his undoubted class last term, the former Borussia Dortmund will be looking to find consistency in his second campaign in Manchester. And with a World Cup on the horizon, the carrot is there for the 22-year-old to do exactly that.

He was sharp here, taking advantage of the inexperience of Isaac Mabaya to fire United in front. He caused issues for Nat Phillips, Joe Gomez and Rhys Williams, too, with his closing down and movement.

A step in the right direction, without a shadow of a doubt.

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GettyDiaz picks up where he left off

Having lit up Anfield since his arrival from Porto in January, all eyes are on Luis Diaz to see whether he can continue that form in his first full season on Merseyside. On this evidence, nobody needs to worry about that.

The Colombian simply picked up where he had left off, as sharp and as lively as he had been during the second half of last season. He is relentlessly positive, Diaz, forever running at defenders and asking questions.

Starting on the left, he gave Diogo Dalot plenty of problems during the first half an hour, forcing David De Gea into a sprawling save with one shot and clipping the outside of the post with another. That will be an area to improve on this season, his goalscoring record, but if and when it does, then Liverpool will be in business, and then some.

GOAL counts down the top 50 talents born on or after January 1, 2003 from all around the world

Check out our expert's guide to the UK's top online betting sitesGOAL50Bruno Iglesias

Real Madrid’s is an academy packed full of brilliant young diamonds, but none shine brighter right now than midfielder Bruno Iglesias.

The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Kaka within La Fabrica, has already reached double figures for both goals and assists with Madrid’s Under-19s this season.

Iglesias is now being tipped to make his first-team debut at some point in 2022, though Manchester City and Arsenal are monitoring his progress in the hope that his pathway to the senior side is blocked.

AdvertisementGOAL49Endrick

Not since the emergence of Neymar in 2008 has a player as young as Endrick bewitched Brazilian football fans like the Palmeiras forward.

The 15-year-old, who is described as being “a force of nature” by those to have coached him, has already trained with the Verdao first team after leading them to the Copinha title in January.

Endrick scored six goals in seven games during the prestigious Under-20s tournament, and is now a transfer target for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City, among others, amid claims the forward is already worth at least €45m.

GOAL48Marcelo Flores

Despite having only just broken into Arsenal’s Under-23s side, Marcelo Flores is creating plenty of headlines in Mexico.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is already a full international, having made his debut for El Tri in December, and there is hope that he could yet make Gerardo Martino’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Back in north London, Flores has already told GOAL of his dream to become an Arsenal “legend”, and his playmaking ability and acrobatic celebrations are likely to make him a fan favourite once he inevitably breaks through at the Emirates Stadium.

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GOAL47Roony Bardghji

Roony Bardghji became the youngest goalscorer in Danish Superliga history with a 25-yard effort in just his second senior appearance back in November 2021, spectacularly illustrating why he has been dubbed ‘the Swedish Messi’.

The 16-year-old forward, who is also FC Copenhagen’s youngest-ever player, has been on the radars of top European clubs for a number of years, and is expected to go from strength to strength over the next 12 months.

Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea are among those interested in Roony, with an eight-figure sum likely to be required to sign him.