Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Liverpool are now reportedly plotting a big-money move to sign a Bundesliga talent who’s been tipped for a swift exit from his current club.
Liverpool transfer news
Top of the Premier League, top of the Champions League an through to the Carabao Cup final in sensational fashion – and all in a matter of six months for Arne Slot. Liverpool are certainly in dreamland. But that fantasy is yet to extend to the transfer window. The Reds have remained stubborn on that front, insisting on waiting for the right opportunuties to come their way, and failing to welcome a January boost as a result.
After a quiet transfer window, however, Slot was quick to reiterate that his side could yet enjoy a busy summer – telling reporters: “Liverpool should always be competing for a league title, we should always be competing for the Champions League. I’m hoping I will be able to keep the club at that level.
“I know people sometimes question this because they haven’t seen us doing a lot in the transfer market in the summer and now in the winter as well. There’s a reason for that – because we’re happy with the squad. But I do know we’re definitely working on strengthening in the summer.”
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On that front, the Dutchman may yet have been right about his verdict. According to Christian Falk via Caught Offside, Liverpool are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Xavi Simons in what would come just months after he made his loan move to RB Leipzig permament.
Arriving for a reported €50m (£42m) in January, Leipzig could now make instant profit on the Dutchman and believe that they could get up to €80m (£67m) for their star man.
"Fantastic" Simons would thrive under Slot
If ever a player seemed ready-made for the big stage, it is Simons. Overcoming early struggles after grabbing the headlines as he broke through at Barcelona, the attacking midfielder is now a rising star to watch and one who would thrive under Slot.
Falk even tipped the Leipzig man to make a summer switch after signing a two-year contract at the Bundesliga club recently, telling Caught Offside: “So, you see, his stock is rising!
“Leipzig are thinking they have signed a player for €50m (£42m) who has the potential to be an €80m (£67m) player, so they could earn a lot of money on a potential sale. I’m sure there’s a gentleman’s agreement or a release clause, which would see Simons sold in the summer.”
So, when the summer arrives, Liverpool would certainly be wise to make their move for the Dutchman and hand Slot the perfect candidate to play in the advanced midfielder role in his 4-2-3-1 system. Dubbed “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, Simons remains one to watch even after his Leipzig move in January.
وقع اختيار الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، على محمود بسيوني، حكمًا لمباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز، في نهائي بطولة كأس مصر.
ويلتقي الزمالك مع بيراميدز، يوم الخميس المقبل 5 يونيو، في المباراة النهائية لمسابقة كأس مصر، للموسم الحالي 2024-2025.
طالع| بعد طلب الزمالك.. بند في اللائحة يهدد انتقال زيزو إلى الأهلي قبل كأس العالم للأندية (مستند)
وكان اتحاد الكرة، أسند مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز إلى الحكم محمود بسيوني، ويعاونه سامي هلهل ويوسف البساطي مساعدين، والحكم الرابع محمد يوسف.
في حين سيتواجد على تقنية الفيديو، الثلاثي حسام عزب وأحمد توفيق طلب ووائل فرحان. سر اختيار بسيوني حكما للزمالك وبيراميدز.. واستبعاد هؤلاء
وعلم “بطولات”، أن لجنة الحكام باتحاد الكرة، ترى أن “بسيوني” الأنسب لإدارة المباراة، خاصة أنه ليس عليه تحفظات سواء من جانب الزمالك أو بيراميدز.
وفضلت لجنة الحكام تعيين محمود بسيوني، رغم أن أحمد الغندور كان ضمن المرشحين لإدارة لقاء الزمالك وبيراميدز أيضا.
في حين استبعدت اللجنة أمين عمر ومحمود البنا، بسبب تحفظ الزمالك، كما لم يترشح محمود ناجي لإدارة المباراة.
بينما كان حمادة القلاوي حكمًا لمباراة الزمالك الأخيرة بالدوري أمام فاركو، ولذلك خرج من الترشيحات، أما محمد معروف كان حكمًا لمباراة بيراميدز وسيراميكا الأخيرة أيضًا بالدوري، لذا استبعد من إدارة نهائي كأس مصر.
Manchester City exited the Champions League last night after losing 3-1 to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, resulting in a 6-3 defeat on aggregate.
Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick, adding to his effort from the first leg, before Nico Gonzalez scored his first goal for the club in the closing stages.
The loss against the defending champions is the second time in two seasons in which Pep Guardiola’s men have been knocked out by Carlo Ancelotti’s side – proving to be somewhat of a bogey side in recent years.
After the defeat, the only trophy City could potentially win this campaign is the FA Cup, with a miracle needed if they are to turn around Liverpool’s 17-point advantage with 12 games to go.
Guardiola confirmed after the meeting that the best team won, heaping praise on Madrid after their triumph, with numerous players failing to impress against the LaLiga giants.
Man City’s poor performers against Real Madrid
Attacker Savinho was handed another start last night after his superb recent form in the City side but was unable to replicate his highest performance levels – contributing to the Champions League exit.
The Brazilian could only muster 32 touches, losing the ball on eight occasions and only registering one shot, looking toothless in front of goal throughout the encounter.
He wasn’t the only Citizens talent to fail to deliver, with defender Rúben Dias once again looking way below his usual high standards at the heart of the defence.
The 27-year-old partnered John Stones at the back before the Englishman had to be subbed off in the opening stages of the contest, unable to make an impact on proceedings – slipping for Mbappé’s opening goal.
He also lost possession 10 times, managing to win just one aerial duel in the process, undoubtedly looking way off his best, like many others did at the Bernabeu.
It was an evening to forget for everyone associated with the club, including one player who once again failed to deliver on the big stage despite Pep’s continued faith in him.
The Man City star who dropped a 5/10 against Madrid
This season has been a disaster for Pep and City, potentially going trophy-less for the first time since his debut year in charge at the Etihad way back in 2016/17.
However, it’s highlighted the need for further investment from the board, with numerous players no longer at the level required for a side fighting for Premier League titles on a consistent basis.
One of whom rejoined the club over the summer in the form of midfielder İlkay Gündoğan, who moved back to Manchester in the summer after spending a year with Barcelona in Spain.
The 34-year-old was handed another start after his performance in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad on Saturday – but it was a call that cost Guardiola in Madrid.
The German started in the heart of the side, but it was evident that he no longer has the legs to compete at the top level of European football, often being bypassed by Madrid when they had possession.
Gundogan was a passenger throughout, only winning 50% of the duels he entered, completing 55 passes during his 77-minute display, but only two of which were key passes – with the majority either sideways or backwards.
He also gave possession away six times, committing one foul in the process, with his subsequent showing being dubbed as a “hall of shame” performance by journalist Owuraku Ampofo.
İlkay Gündoğan’s stats for Man City against Real Madrid
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
77
Touches
66
Passes completed
55/61 (90%)
Key passes completed
2
Duels won
1/2 (50%)
Possession lost
6x
Fouls committed
1
Stats via SofaScore
To add insult to injury, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski – highlighting his lack of positive impact against Ancelotti’s side.
Given his showing, Pep needs to axe the experienced ace from his starting eleven if his side are to provide the fanbase with something to cheer about in the coming months.
The focus now needs to be on securing a Champions League place come the end of May, whilst also winning the FA Cup, but if they are to do so, the Spaniard has to consider other options at the heart of the side – potentially handing minutes to youngsters over Gundogan.
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Após a saída de Mozart Santos, a diretoria do CSA trabalhou nos bastidores e sacramentou a contratação de Alberto Valentim.
– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B
O treinador foi escolhido para dirigir o time e tentar recuperar o Azulão na tabela da Série B.
Sem perder tempo, Alberto Valentim se encontra com o elenco na sexta-feira e embarca para São Paulo, onde o CSA encara o Guarani, no Brinco de Ouro da Princesa.
Athletico
O último trabalho de Alberto Valentim foi o Athletico, onde faturou a Copa Sul-Americana e acabou com o vice da Copa do Brasil.
Veja a nota do CSA:
Alberto Valentim é natural de Oliveira, Minas Gerais, é o atual campeão sul-americano com o Athletico Paranaense e soma passagens por clubes como Palmeiras, Red Bull Bragantino, Botafogo, Vasco, Cuiabá e, fora do Brasil, comandou a equipe do Pyramids FC. O novo comandante do Azulão faz parte da nova geração e carrega consigo, além da experiência de jogador, (1995 – 2009), os estudos adquiridos na Academia da Confederação Brasileira de Futebol, CBF, e a experiência vencedora nas passagens por grandes clubes do território nacional.
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They finished top of Group B, and will join their neighbours South Africa in Group 2 of the Super 12s
Firdose Moonda21-Oct-2022
Zimbabwe celebrate their qualification to the Super 12s•ICC/Getty Images
Zimbabwe 133 for 5 (Ervine 57, Raza 40, Davey 2-16) beat Scotland 132 for 6 (Munsey 54, Chatara 2-14, Ngarava 2-28) by five wicketsZimbabwe had not played in a major ICC tournament in six years coming into this T20 World Cup, but they announced themselves as a team on the comeback trail as they marched into the Super 12s. Craig Ervine led with bat and in the field, as he anchored the Zimbabwean chase after managing his bowlers with pinpoint precision to keep Scotland to a gettable score, while Tendai Chatara and Sikandar Raza also made their experience count with telling contributions. This was only the 11th time in 55 attempts that Zimbabwe had won a T20I while chasing.Asked to field first, Zimbabwe never allowed Scotland to get away from them. Chatara set the tone with a wicket in his first over and finished with figures of 2 for 14 in his four overs. He was well supported by Zimbabwe’s spin trio, who conceded only 46 runs in the eight overs they bowled. George Munsey’s half-century held Scotland together but their highest partnership was just 40 runs – for the third-wicket. Scotland also lacked the sort of turbocharged innings that Raza played to break the back of the chase.Zimbabwe were nervy in reply and were 7 for 2 and 42 for 3 before Ervine and Raza put on 64 for the fourth wicket. Ervine dropped anchor and scored his sixth T20I fifty, and his first at a World Cup, and by the time he was dismissed in the 17th over, Zimbabwe were within touching distance of a win.If Scotland sensed an opening when Ervine fell with 14 needed off the last three overs, Milton Shumba and Ryan Burl shut the door, rotating the strike calmly and finishing the job in just nine balls. Burl hit the winning runs in the 19th over when he lofted Safyaan Sharif over mid-on for fourVictory with more than an over remaining ensured Zimbabwe topped their group. They will join Group 2 in the Super12s, which includes their neighbours South Africa, India and Pakistan.Holding on with both hands Zimbabwe’s fielding has not always held up in pressure moments but they were committed to cause in this match. When Michael Jones sliced the last ball of Chatara’s opening over over cover, Raza ran back from the ring and took the catch over his shoulder as he tumbled onto the turf, to give Zimbabwe their first incision. Three overs later, Matthew Cross pulled a Richard Ngarava short ball in the direction of Wessly Madhevere at midwicket. Madhevere had to launch himself to his left and took the catch in full flight to leave Scotland 24 for 2 in the fifth over.Later in the innings, Milton Shumba was down on his haunches to take a thigh-high catch off a slog-sweep to dismiss Richie Berrington and got low down on the boundary to take the catch that ended Munsey’s painstaking innings. And Luke Jongwe plucked a chance out of the sky in the final over to send back Calum MacLeod.Sikandar Raza played a key role with ball and bat once again•ICC/Getty Images
Munsey muscles it… Scotland were held together by Munsey, who struck seven fours in the first 22 balls he faced with an array of strokes around the wicket. Munsey brought out the flick and the pull, the cut, and three exquisite drives off the Zimbabwean seamers. He hit overpitched deliveries from Blessing Muzarabani through mid-off with power and then smoked Richard Ngarava past extra-cover.… but Zimbabwe keep him quiet After scoring 33 runs off his first 22 balls, Munsey scored only 21 runs off his next 29 as Zimbabwe’s bowlers squeezed through the middle overs and made it difficult for Scotland to get them away. Zimbabwe bowled nine boundary-less overs as Raza used the variations he has developed in tandem with Sean Williams’ left-arm spin and then Madhevere’s offspin. Chatara and Muzarabani, who were also used in that period, stuck to back-of-a-length balls that did not present any opportunities for big hitting. Between the eighth and 16th overs, Scotland scored only 48 runs.Scotland make the perfect start With a small total to defend, Scotland could not have asked for a better start, though Zimbabwe’s technique was to blame for their early losses. Regis Chakabva shuffled across and played down the wrong line to Brad Wheal’s third delivery and was given out lbw. He reviewed but ball-tracking showed the impact was in line and the ball would have gone on to clip the bails. In the next over, Madhevere was presented with a juicy half-volley but swung hard with no footwork and played onto his own stumps. Zimbabwe were 7 for 2 in the second over.Sikandar’s sixes Scotland did not hit a single six in their innings, and there were none in the first 31.5 overs of the match before Raza, the man who seems to be able to do almost anything at the moment, sent MacLeod over the midwicket boundary and barely broke a sweat. Two overs later, he did it again when he sent Michael Leask over the covers. Before Raza’s first six, Zimbabwe required 63 runs off 49 deliveries; after his second one 43 runs off 41 balls, which is how much his innings allowed pressure to evaporate from Zimbabwe’s effort.
أحرز بيدري، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة الهدف الرابع لصالح منتخب إسبانيا في المباراة التي تجمع بلاده أمام فرنسا في نصف نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية.
كما قلص كيليان مبابي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد الفارق في النتيجة وسجل الهدف الأول لصالح منتخب فرنسا لتصبح النتيجة 4/1.
ويواجه منتخب إسبانيا نظيره فرنسا مساء الخميس، في إطار منافسات نصف نهائي بطولة دوري الأمم الأوروبية 2025، على ملعب “مرسيدس بنز أرينا”.
ومن المقرر أن يواجه الفائز من مباراة اليوم نظيره البرتغالي في إطار منافسات نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية، الأحد المقبل على ملعب “أليانز أرينا”.
وسجل بيدري الهدف الرابع في الدقيقة 55 بعد تسديدة ولا أروع من داخل منطقة الجزاء بعد كرة بينية خلف مدافعي منتخب فرنسا.
وأضاف كيليان مبابي، الهدف الأول لصالح منتخب فرنسا من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 59 على يسار الحارس ماينان. أهداف مباراة إسبانيا وفرنسا في نصف نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية
Former batter doesn’t pick KL Rahul in first-choice ODI XI: “Probably he’ll be a back-up wicketkeeper and a back-up batter”
Shashank Kishore30-Dec-20223:49
Gautam Gambhir: Can’t look beyond Ishan Kishan as opener in ODIs
Gautam Gambhir, the former India batter, is clear Ishan Kishan, and no one else, should be India’s first-choice opener alongside Rohit Sharma in ODIs for the foreseeable future.Kishan converted his maiden ODI century into a career-best 210 in his most recent outing in Bangladesh earlier this month. Now, with Shikhar Dhawan out of the ODI squad, Gambhir believes Kishan should be persisted with.”I’m amazed we’re discussing this, because someone’s got a double-hundred in the previous innings,” Gambhir said when asked who he would like to see as Rohit’s opening partner. “The discussion is over. It has to be Ishan Kishan. Someone who can get a double-hundred in those conditions against a reasonable attack – especially at [their] home – should play.Related
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“He got what 200 by the 35th over mark? You can’t look at anyone beyond Ishan Kishan. He has to be given a longer run. He can also keep wickets as well, so he can do two jobs for you. So for me, that discussion shouldn’t be there. If someone else had got a double-hundred, I think we would’ve gone gung-ho over that individual, but it’s not the case with Ishan Kishan. Because we still continue to talk about other players. For me, that debate is over.”Gambhir also believes Suryakumar Yadav can be an asset at No. 4, despite his 50-overs record so far not having been as prolific as his T20 numbers. In 16 ODIs, Suryakumar has made 384 runs with just two half-centuries. In his most recent outing in New Zealand, two of his three knocks ended up being scores of 4 and 6.His Mumbai compatriot Shreyas Iyer has all along been superb in the 50-overs format. In 15 innings this year, Iyer has scored 724 runs at an average of 55.69 and a strike rate of 91.52. His strike rotation and maneuvering spin in the middle overs have been a standout feature of his batting.”It’s very difficult to look beyond Rohit and Ishan Kishan to open the batting, Virat at three, Surya at four, [and] Shreyas at five, because he’s been incredible in the last one-and-a-half years,” Gambhir said of his ideal India XI. “Yes, he’s had issues against the short ball, but he’s been able to manage it. You can’t be the best against everything but if you’re able to manage it and got the numbers going for you, you can’t look beyond Shreyas at No. 5 and Hardik [Pandya] at 6.”Gambhir sees no place for KL Rahul in India’s first XI: “Probably he’ll be a back-up wicketkeeper and a back-up batter”•AFP via Getty Images
Does this mean he won’t pick KL Rahul in his first XI?”Probably he’ll be a back-up wicketkeeper and a back-up batter,” Gambhir said. “See, if you haven’t been able to grab the opportunity and someone else has, you have to wait for your turn. I don’t think you can look beyond Surya at No. 4.”Yes, he hasn’t got the same numbers what he has in T20Is, but we all know how destructive he can be; especially when you have five fielders inside the ring, he can win you games at No. 4. Shreyas [with] the kind of form he’s in and Hardik at six, I think this will be my core. Shubman Gill will have to wait for his opportunity.””Prithvi Shaw needs to be looked after” Gambhir was also unequivocal in his support for Mumbai batter Prithvi Shaw, who finds himself in the cold yet again. Shaw hasn’t played for India since July last year.Over the course of his short career, Shaw has had to cope with more than just a loss of form. Ever since he was suspended for a doping violation in 2019, his fitness and lifestyle issues have been under scrutiny.In March this year, Shaw was reported to have failed a yo-yo test. His score of less than 15 was far from BCCI’s prescribed minimum score of 16.5 for men. So far this season, he has largely remained injury-free, and has been a constant presence in the Mumbai line-up.He was the second-highest run-getter at the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, with 336 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 181.42. His 50-overs numbers were less impactful in comparison. He has begun the ongoing Ranji Trophy slowly, with scores of 13, 6 and 19 in his first two matches.Asked if the perception that Shaw was hard to manage may have gone against him, Gambhir put the onus on the coaches and selectors to give him guidance and keep him in their plans.”Someone like a Prithvi Shaw, we all know the kind of talent he has. Probably the coaches should get him on the right track”•PTI
“What are coaches there for? What are selectors there for?” Gambhir asked. “Not to just select the squad or probably to do those throw downs or make them ready for the game. Ultimately it’s the selectors and coaches and management who should try and help these guys. Someone like a Prithvi Shaw, we all know the kind of talent he has. Probably they should get him on the right track and that is what one of the jobs of the management is.”I feel that if that’s the case [fitness and lifestyle issues], someone – whether it’s Rahul Dravid or the chairman of selectors – should actually have a word with him, give him clarity and keep him around the group. People who should be on the right path should be around the group, so that they are monitored better. Because the moment you leave them apart, they can go all over the place.”Someone like a Prithvi Shaw, the kind of start he had to his international career and the kind of talent he has, you back a player on talent. Yes, you have to look at the upbringing as well – where he comes from and the challenges he’s had as well. It makes even more sense for the management and the selectors to keep him around the mix, and help him get on the right track.”Shouldn’t there be onus on the player too?”One-hundred percent,” Gambhir said. “If you’re dedicated and passionate enough to play for the country, you’ve got to be able to get all the parameters right, whether it’s the fitness or discipline as well. It’s got to be both ways. You’ve got to give a young boy at least one chance or a couple of chances, and if he still doesn’t do that, then he’s not passionate enough to play for the country and probably you can look beyond him.”But if he’s willing to put in the hard yards – and I know how destructive he can be; if he can go on to win games for you, whether it’s trainers, management, head coach or chairman of selectors, all these guys should take the onus to try and get these young boys walk on the right path.”
Novo reforço do Fortaleza para a sequência da temporada 2022, o atacante Thiago Galhardo compareceu ao Castelão para apoiar o seu novo time.
– VEJA A TABELA DA LIBERTADORES
Através das redes sociais, Galhardo apareceu na imagem com menção ao “L” em ligação ao termo “Sou Leão” utilizado pela torcida do Fortaleza.
Quando estreia?
Por vir do exterior, já que estava no Celta de Vigo, Galhardo está liberado para atuar no Brasil depois de 18 de julho.
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Didier Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea is the stuff of legend.
The Ivorian striker was the beating heart of the Blues’ golden era, a colossus who combined power, skill and an unparalleled ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most, most notably in the 2012 Champions League final, where his unforgettable performance helped the Blues lift the trophy for the first time.
A decade after his departure, Chelsea are still yearning for a successor capable of replicating his impact on and off the pitch.
The club has seen a revolving door of strikers in the post-Drogba era, and while some such as Diego Costa enjoyed solid careers at Stamford Bridge, no one has been able to fully step into the legendary striker’s shoes.
From young prodigies already making their mark in west London to established European stars, we look at five players we think have the potential to take up Drogba’s mantle at Stamford Bridge.
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ByBarney Lane Feb 4, 2025 1 Nicolas Jackson Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson, who Chelsea signed from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has plenty in common with Drogba. His physical presence and work rate mirror that of Drogba’s, while his ability to link up the play is perhaps even better than the Ivorian’s. He also has great pace and clever movement.
However, where he comes up short when compared to Drogba is his finishing. Though he’s far improved this term under Enzo Maresca, he still wastes too many big chances, often needing two or three clear opportunities to get his name on the scoresheet.
Since moving to Chelsea, Jackson has scored 23 Premier League goals, but also missed a whopping 39 big chances in his short Blues career so far – exactly triple the amount Drogba missed since this was recorded by the Premier League.
That being said, Jackson is still just 23 years old, and minus his hit-and-miss finishing, his impressive performances at his peak suggest he’s capable of leading the line at Stamford Bridge for years to come. However, consistency and improved displays in front of goal will determine if he reaches Drogba’s heights.
2 Shim Mheuka Chelsea
Shim Mheuka has rapidly ascended through Chelsea’s academy ranks since joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022.
During the 2023/24 season, he regularly featured for the Under-18s despite still being a schoolboy, netting an impressive 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, including a memorable outing at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League national final against Manchester United.
Mheuka also played a pivotal role for England in the European Under-17 Championship last summer, scoring in their opening match against Spain. More recently, he marked his first call-up to the Under-19s in style, scoring against France and the Netherlands.
Now 17, Mheuka’s powerful frame, intelligent movement, and superb finishing abilities – all qualities Drogba showcased – have already caught the attention of Maresca, with the Italian handing him his first-team debut in a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League back in December.
There is no doubting that he has a bright future in west London, and given Drogba was 26 when he signed for Chelsea, there is plenty of time for Mheuka to prove he has what it takes to grow into a Drogba-esque talent.
3 Liam Delap Ipswich Town
Liam Delap has been one of the Premier League’s best strikers this season. Big, strong and with a lethal eye for goal, the forward has scored 10 goals in the top flight for newly promoted Ipswich Town and has proven to be a real handful for some of the top flight’s best defenders.
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Already linked with a move to Chelsea, Maresca, who coached him as a youngster during his time in Manchester City’s youth ranks, is a big admirer.
“Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age,” said Maresca back in December before Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Ipswich, a game in which Delap scored the opening goal. “I think we spent one year together, and he scored 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.
“England have many good players, many good strikers,” he added. “He’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.” For Chelsea too, maybe?
4 Victor Osimhen Galatasaray/Napoli
Victor Osimhen is perhaps the closest current player to Drogba in terms of style and impact.
The Nigerian forward’s scoring record at Napoli is certainly reminiscent of Drogba, not to mention continuing his streak in front of goal in a Galatasaray shirt, which is something the Ivorian did himself in between his Chelsea spells.
Osimhen came close to joining Chelsea in the summer, but the deal fell through prior to his loan switch to Istanbul.
Whilst there, he has again shown why he’s one of the deadliest strikers in world football, scoring 20 goals in 27 games, including two against Tottenham in the Europa League, which would already make him something of a Chelsea hero to some.
5 Benjamin Sesko RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers and has often been compared to Erling Haaland due to his physical attributes and playing style. Rather crucially, he has also been mentioned in the same breath as Chelsea star Drogba.
The Slovenian forward stands at 6 foot 4, making him a real handful for defenders when the ball is crossed into the box. Not only is he big, but he’s also a terrific header of the ball. Since moving to Leipzig in 2023, the 21-year-old has scored seven headed goals.
Drogba, meanwhile, found the net with his noggin 17 times for Chelsea in the Premier League.
Like Drogba, Sesko has the ability to score from long range, best showcased by his stunning strike against Werder Bremen in January, where he unleashed a powerful drive that nearly shattered the net from 25 yards out.
Reportedly already on Chelsea’s radar, a move to Stamford Bridge could give him the chance to develop into Chelsea’s next dominant striker, potentially following in Drogba’s footsteps.
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أثنى لويس دي لافوينتي، مدرب منتخب إسبانيا الأول لكرة القدم، على إشادة كريستيانو رونالدو، بـ لامين يامال، خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بمباراة نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية.
ومن المقرر أن يواجه منتخب إسبانيا نظيره البرتغال مساء غدٍ الأحد، في إطار منافسات نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية، على ملعب “أليانز أرينا”.
وقال دي لا فوينتي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “دائمًا أشعر بالتقدير من خلال كلمات رونالدو، أنا معجب به أيضًا، فهو أسطورة، ومثال يحتذى به”.
اقرأ أيضًا | مبابي: صوتي لمرشح الكرة الذهبية محسوم.. وما حدث مع باريس سان جيرمان قدري
وأضاف: “رونالدو صنع حقبة وإرثًا عظيمًا، إنه قدوة لكثير من اللاعبين، من حسن حظي مواجهة البرتغال غدًا”.
وبسؤاله عن لامين يامال قال: “لقد ساعدناه على التطور فترة طويلة، إنه شاب صغير جدًا، لكنه يتمتع بنضج غير عادي، هو يستقبل الأمور بشكل طبيعي، سيمر ببعض الأوقات الصعبة، وعلينا أن نكون بجانبه أيضًا”.
وعن خوضه النهائي الثاني له بعد يورو 2024 قال: “هدوئه سيكون مفاجأة، إنه من هؤلاء الأشخاص المميزين في التعامل تحت ضغط، لكنه يتعامل مع الأمور بسهولة، هذا ما يميزه، وزملاؤه الرائعون يُساعدونه أيضًا”.