علق سامي الطرابلسي المدير الفني لمنتخب تونس، على الهزيمة أمام سوريا في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات كأس العرب 2025.

وقال سامي الطرابلسي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة الكأس: “تسجيل الأهداف ليس بالأمر السهل، فالاستحواذ على المباراة لا يساوي شيئًا أمام التسجيل، وفي الرياضة النتيجة هي التي تحكم، لأنها الأهم، ولكن الاستحواذ بلا معنى في ظل عدم تسجيل الأهداف، لقد صنعنا بعض الفرص التي كان يجب أن نتعامل معها بشكل أفضل”.

وتابع: “في المباريات القادمة سنكون أكثر قوة، خصوصًا في اتخاذ القرارات في معظم الأوقات، في الشوط الأول تحديدًا كانت قراراتنا سيئة، وكنا في أوضاع جيدة للتسديد لكن لم نستغلها كما يجب”.

وزاد: “الخصم يعرف المنتخب التونسي جيدًا ويعرف مستواه، ولعب على أخطائنا، وكان متكتلًا في مناطقه ويعتمد على الهجمات المرتدة، هذه هي كرة القدم، لا نلوم اللاعبين، قد ننتقد بعض الحالات الدفاعية أو الهجومية، لكن اللاعبين أدّوا ما عليهم”.

ماذا قال لاعبو منتخب سوريا عقب الفوز على تونس في كأس العرب؟

وأشار: “نحن لا نبحث عن الأعذار، أعلم أن بعض اللاعبين التحقوا بنا ليلة المباراة، وهذا كان متوقعًا واستعددنا لها، ورغم ذلك لم يقصّروا، ولا نعلّق على هذا الأمر، حاولنا التعامل مع الظروف كما هي”.

واختتم: “المباراتان القادمتان مهمّتان أمام المنتخب الفلسطيني والمنتخب القطري؛ فكلاهما يتمتع بروح قتالية كبيرة، ومنتخب قطر اكتسب خبرة واسعة على المستوى الدولي، ويمتلك لاعبين أصحاب خبرة، وبإذن الله نكون على المستوى المطلوب ونتجاوز هاتين المباراتين”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Flamengo e Pyramids disputam a “Copa Challenger” neste sábado (13). O jogo está marcado para às 14h (horário de Brasília), no Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, em Doha (Catar), e terá transmissão ao vivo da TV Globo (televisão aberta), SporTV (televisão fechada), CazéTV, Ge TV e Fifa+ (streaming).
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continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol InternacionalAdversário do Flamengo, Cruz Azul faz parte de reestruturação milionária; vejaFutebol Internacional09/12/2025FlamengoLéo Ortiz atualiza situação no Flamengo e revela bastidores da LibertadoresFlamengo09/12/2025Futebol InternacionalTécnico do Cruz Azul manda recado antes de duelo contra Flamengo: ‘Motivado’Futebol Internacional09/12/2025

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Se vencer os egípicios, o Flamengo enfrentará o PSG na próxima quarta-feira (17). A partida também será disputada no Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, às 14h (de Brasília).

continua após a publicidadeConfira informações sobre a Copa Challenger, no Mundial

📆 Data e horário: sábado, 13 de dezembro de 2025, às 14h (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, em Doha (Catar)
👁️ Onde assistir: TV Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, Ge TV e Fifa;
🟨 Árbitro: Al Jassim Abdulrahman;
🚩 Assistentes: Al Marri Taleb e Al Maqaleh Saoud;
🖥️ VAR: Al Marri Khamis.

Flamengo

A equipe que o técnico Filipe Luís mandará para o campo ainda é um mistério. Afinal, por conta do curto espaço de tempo entre as quartas e semis do Intercontinental (três dias), o treinador pode fazer algumas alterações. Na entrevista desta sexta-feira, o rubro-negro detalhou o cenário.

continua após a publicidade

– Não posso adiantar nada para vocês. Temos o dia de hoje e parte do dia de amanhã para decidir em função da recuperação dos jogadores. Tem jogadores com mais de 30, 33 anos. A recuperação depois de três dias não é completa. Nosso adversário descansou para jogar esse jogo e nós não. Temos que achar uma equipe competitiva, sólida e fresca – explicou Filipe.

A grande novidade para esse confronto pode ser Pedro. O atacante, que chegou a ser relacionado para o primeiro desafio no Mundial, mas que sem chances de jogo não entrou, vem treinando com o elenco e pode ficar à disposição. Segundo Filipe Luís, o último treino será fundamental para a presença ou não do camisa 9.

Pyramids

Treinado pelo croata Krunoslav Jurcic, o Pyramids tem como destaque o congolês Fiston Mayele, artilheiro do time na temporada. A equipe conta com um brasileiro, o atacante Ewerton Silva.

Na véspera do confronto com o Flamengo, Krunoslav Jurcic tratou a partida deste sábado como o “maior jogo da história do Pyramids”. Além disso, prometeu que terá uma atenção especial com a marcação em Arrascaeta.

– O Flamengo é um time com muita experiencia, jogou contra grandes times da Europa e do Brasil. São um time de alta qualidade e muita ambição. Eu sei muito de futebol brasileiro, mas não assisti a muitos jogos do Flamengo. Assisti os últimos quatro, tenho bastante informação. Tem grandes jogadores. Talvez não tenhamos jogadores tão experientes, mas tenho respeito pelo Flamengo – disse o treinador.

– Sobre o Flamengo, muito respeito, grande clube. Para mim, a grande surpresa é o número 10, uruguaio (Arrascaeta). Um cara que pode mudar o jogo com um passe, um jogador que muda partidas. O jogador é muito importante. Essas pessoas que mudam o ritmo do jogo, nós temos que jogar de maneira compacta. Vamos tentar marcar o Arrascaeta da melhor maneira possível – analisou.

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Cole Palmer has downplayed talk of him being back to his best despite scoring in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Everton. The 23-year-old scored his first goal in three months as the Blues climbed to fourth in the Premier League table. And although the England international seems to finally be injury-free, he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

• Chelsea back to winning ways

  Palmer has had an injury-hit season but starred in a goalscoring display against the Toffees at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The former Manchester City man appeared to capture some of the swagger Blues fans have come to know and love over the past two years but he himself is not getting carried away following his side's victory. 

  He told BBC Match of the Day: "I wouldn't say I'm at my best yet. I'm still dealing with an injury. Hopefully, it gets better and better but there's still a bit to go. It is getting better. The stuff I've been doing with the physios at the club. It's just a matter of not doing too much too soon. Literally, it's just a day-by-day thing. Hopefully it gets better."

  Incidentally, England boss Thomas Tuchel was in the stands to see Enzo Maresca's side, with the playmaker very much in the German's plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. But Palmer is taking it one game at a time.

  He added: "I've not been looking too far ahead to be honest. I've been injured for three months, I just need to get back to full fitness. I know what I can offer when I'm fully fit so hopefully I get there soon."

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• AFP
  

  Maresca praises Palmer

  Previously, head coach Maresca said that Palmer is Chelsea's best player, with the Englishman topping the club's goal contributions charts in recent years. And he didn't deviate a huge amount from that stance after the game.

  "The game is never finished. We had many chances, we missed. But overall I'm happy with the clean sheet and the performance," said the Italian. "We said many times with Cole [Palmer] we are a better team. Unfortunately he was out for many games for us, but now he's back and for sure he will help us."

  Maresca was also quick to laud the performances of Reece James and Malo Gusto – who scored and bagged an assist against Everton. 

  He added: "They are good players and when they are good players they can play in every position. They can play full-back and midfielder. [Malo Gusto] took the chance and his assist for Cole, so I am very happy for Malo. If we are not able to win, win, win that still doesn't mean we're not ready to compete for titles. "When you don't concede it's not just about one player, it's about all the team. Joao Pedro's press, Alejandro Garnacho's press."

• Toothless Everton

  After Everton had leapt up the Premier League table in recent weeks, expectations were high among Toffees fans that they could pull off a result. But after a strong 20-minute opening, they struggled to make an impact, something that wasn't helped by losing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to injury. 

  On the defeat, manager David Moyes told Sky Sports: "I thought there were some really good moments, we played really well today. We've played well away from home [this season] and today we played well. I know you can't say that when you lose 2-0 but today we did well. Maybe in the final third we needed it [a bit of luck], they were clinical in the one or two moments they got, we weren't as clinical when we got in on goal. That was the difference.  

  "They did so many good things. We played well, but ultimately we didn't get three points. You can say well done as much as you like but we've got to pick up the three points."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for Palmer?

  Chelsea's busy run of games continues as they travel to League One side Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, before making the trip to Newcastle United next Saturday in the Premier League.

  So, will Palmer play two games in a week?

  Maresca replied: "In this moment, he can't play."

  He added that Palmer "probably" won't feature against Cardiff. 

Lamine Yamal’s impressive display in a new central role has sparked fresh intrigue at Barcelona after Hansi Flick hailed the teenager’s “incredible” performance in the 5-3 win over Real Betis, raising questions over whether a positional shift could become part of the club’s long-term plans. The wonderkid shone as a No.10 as Barca produced one of their most fluid attacking performances of the season.

Barcelona win as Yamal shines in new role

Barcelona earned a 5-3 victory over Real Betis, recovering from an early setback to dominate the match through a first-half hat-trick from Ferran Torres and further goals from Roony Bardghji and Yamal. Flick deployed Yamal in a central No.10 role, giving the 18-year-old greater responsibility in linking midfield with attack after key absences in the squad. The tactical tweak paid immediate dividends as Yamal contributed on both sides of the ball, adding defensive work-rate to his usual creativity and composure.

The teenager’s ability to occupy central pockets allowed Barcelona to control large stretches of the match, forcing Betis into deep defensive phases while also enabling quick transitions. Flick began to rotate his squad after Yamal’s penalty made it 5-1, leading to two late Betis goals but not enough to derail Barcelona’s overall control. The victory was particularly notable given the experimental nature of the lineup, with Yamal’s new role becoming the standout talking point amid the team’s ongoing search for consistency.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFlick praises 'incredible' Yamal's performace against Real Betis

Flick praised Yamal’s impact in the adjusted role, saying: “I’ve seen Lamine well, also defensively. He has worked with the rest of his teammates. It is one of the options we have. We decided with the coaches.” He emphasised that the decision to play him centrally was collaborative and one the staff believed suited the team’s needs for the night.

He further revealed that Yamal was fully open to the idea, adding: “We asked him if he would like to play as a ’10’ and he said yes. Everything I saw of Lamine tonight was good. The connection with Roony. The most important thing was his defensive contribution. It was incredible.” Flick’s remarks highlighted not only Yamal’s technical influence but also his work ethic and willingness to embrace new tactical responsibilities.

AFPYamal's central shift: A prospect for the future

The experiment comes at a moment when Barcelona have been evaluating alternative structures due to injuries and squad rotation challenges. With Dani Olmo unavailable and Fermin Lopez only just returning, Flick saw an opportunity to test Yamal centrally after weeks of external discussion about whether the winger could thrive in a freer, more creative midfield role.

Fans and analysts have long speculated about how Yamal’s immense talent could translate in different zones of the pitch, particularly given his vision and ability to dictate tempo in attacking phases. While his natural position has been on the right wing, his intelligence and adaptability have made a central role a plausible long-term alternative, especially in systems requiring constant movement between lines. Even so, reassigning him permanently would require reliable cover out wide, where Barcelona currently lack depth given the mixed form and availability of other forwards.

The match against Betis is therefore a valuable data point, rather than a definitive turning point, as Barcelona weigh how to best utilise their emerging superstar. Flick has also been experimenting with various attacking combinations, including whether Torres or Lewandowski should start centrally and how midfield rotations can best support the front line.

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Yamal likely to shift back to right wing for Frankfurt clash

Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures will determine whether Flick repeats the experiment or returns Yamal to his natural right-wing role depending on squad availability and tactical demands. With the team continuing to juggle injuries and searching for consistent rhythm, Yamal’s versatility gives Flick a valuable option as he shapes the next phase of the campaign.

Barcelona will be up against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday and it is likely that Yamal will shift back to the right wing as Raphinha and Lewandowski return to the starting line-up.

The 2025 Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta had it all. Dingers over 500 feet, errant hit-by-pitches and even a home run robbery. Yes, a robbed homer—in the Derby.

In the final round between eventual winner Cal Raleigh and runner-up Junior Caminero, one of the youth fielders shagging balls in the outfield committed a robbery. Just before Caminero called timeout before his last chance to catch Raleigh, a shagger leaped and incredibly came down with a ball headed over the left field wall.

Caminero's support crew of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatís Jr. and Elly De La Cruz surrounded him as the clock stopped, calling for a review to ensure the long ball counted. The homer did end up counting, but what a hilarious moment during a critical moment of the Derby.

"I paid him off," Raleigh joked after the Derby.

The Mariners even thanked the shagger for his service:

Caminero wasn't able to catch Raleigh, ending the final round with 15 homers compared to Big Dumper's 18.

After the snag, the broadcast quickly pointed out a similar moment actually happened before. Forty years ago, Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg had a home run robbed in the very first Home Run Derby in 1985 when a nearby high school team played their positions in the field. That event wasn't televised, so kudos to the broadcast crew for instantly recalling that.

Even if the catch didn't count, what a funny moment to end this year's Derby. That kid has a lot to talk about when he's back at school.

The Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres kicked off a weekend series at Petco Park on Friday.

With one out in the bottom of the 5th inning, Trenton Brooks hit a ball off the wall in right field. Right fielder Adolis Garcia fielded the ball off one bounce and made a good throw to second base, but Brooks beat the tag of Corey Seager.

Then he popped up.

The Rangers challenged the play and it was confirmed that Seager had kept the tag on him as he levitated above the bag. It almost doesn't seem fair when you consider middle infielders are allowed the latitude of the "neighborhood play," an unwritten rule widely accepted to the point where MLB.com has a page defining it.

This is the second time this happened this season. In April a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers ended when Wyatt Langford stole second, but was called out because he popped off the bag.

The left-hand batter from Bihar heads a list of teenage debutants, some of whom have had successful careers while others faded away

Varun Shetty19-Apr-20251 Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 14 years, 23 days (vs Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025)On Saturday, the left-hand opener came into the Rajasthan Royals (RR) XI to replace the injured captain Sanju Samson. He first made national headlines at 13 with a 58-ball century against Australia Under-19. That knock made Suryavanshi the youngest player – at 13 years and 187 days – to score a century in youth cricket. Suryavanshi was picked up by RR for INR 1.1 crore after impressing at their high-performance center in Nagpur.For India Under-19, he cracked a 58-ball century in a four-day game against Australia Under-19, while his 176 runs at an average of 44 took India to the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup in 2024. He also has a triple-century to his name – an unbeaten 332 – in the Randhir Verma Tournament, an U-19 competition in Bihar.2 Prayas Ray Barman – 16 years, 157 days (vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2019)He was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 1.5 crore after topping Bengal’s wicket charts in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Just minutes before the toss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, head coach Gary Kirsten told him he was playing. At 16 years and 157 days, he became the youngest IPL debutant at the time. Bowling to Jonny Bairstow and David Warner on a flat pitch in the afternoon sun, he conceded 56 in four overs. It remains the only IPL game of his career, and since 2022 he has played only three domestic games.ESPNcricinfo Ltd3 Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 17 years, 11 days (vs Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2018)The Afghan mystery spinner made history when he debuted for Kings XI Punjab in 2018. He made an instant impact after being introduced in the powerplay, trapping Colin Munro lbw with his first ball . His unorthodox bowling had already earned him global attention before this game, and he repaid the faith, bowling a full four-over spell for figures of 2 for 28. This season, he was a late replacement addition to the Mumbai Indians squad.4 Riyan Parag – 17 years, 152 days (vs Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019)The first IPL appearance for the allrounder from Assam was a thriller remembered for Mitchell Santner’s last-ball six and MS Dhoni’s infamous outburst against the umpires. In his debut season, Parag also became the youngest to hit an IPL fifty. Since then, he has become a regular for RR, retained continuously over the years, and is the squad’s current vice-captain.5 Pradeep Sangwan – 17 years, 179 days (vs Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2008)Pradeep Sangwan was considered a prize catch during the inaugural season, was an U-19 World Cup winner not long before, and held the tag of the youngest debutant for nearly a decade. He went for 40 and took no wickets on his debut against CSK and had only one real season of meaningful cricket (13 games in 2009). He last played in IPL 2022 representing Gujarat Titans and has not played any cricket since the start of 2024.6 Sarfaraz Khan – 17 years, 182 days (vs Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2015)The batter from Mumbai debuted for RCB in 2015 and seemed to be someone they were willing to invest in, long-term. He was, a few years later, one of their retentions, but was let go in 2018. Fast forward to 2025 at the peak of his red-ball form – and ten years since his IPL debut – he found no takers in the auction for a second season in a row.

The 2025/26 campaign has deepened and we now have a clear picture of how things are going. For Liverpool, improvements are needed across the board.

Arne Slot has cut a dismayed figure over the past several months, unable to grasp how his high-flying squad have been grounded so miserably. A run of six defeats from seven in the Premier League before the weekend win over West Ham United has cast doubt over his tenure.

With the January transfer window less than a month away, FSG are attentive to potential opportunities, and it’s no secret that Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is at the top of the Merseysiders’ Christmas list.

Liverpool's winter transfer plans

While the thought of activating Semenyo’s £65m release clause next month is tempting, he is not the only talented (and versatile) winger on the market.

And Liverpool are not the only club looking to seal his signature. Semenyo is also on Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur’s radar, with the latter “intensifying their interest”, according to Sky Sports.

But Liverpool have earmarked a number of potential signings, and Caught Offside have revealed that they have been boosted by Real Madrid’s transfer-listing of rogue winger Rodrygo for around €85m (£75m), whose fortunes at the Santiago Bernabeu have been sour for a while now, and is surely set for an exit in 2026.

Rodrygo has not been in good form for Los Blancos this season or last, but there remains a world-class talent in there, and he could finally reach his potential in a leading role at Liverpool.

Why Liverpool want Rodrygo

Rodrygo is one of the most talented forwards in the world. Rodrygo has also gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal.

It’s clear that he needs to leave Real Madrid and restore his reputation as a “world-class superstar”, as he has been called in the past by former teammate Luka Modric. This is a versatile and multi-faceted forward who has proved himself on the biggest stages time and time again.

Cody Gakpo is a consistent force down the left for Liverpool, but he’s not Sadio Mane, who was one of the best players in the world when in his prime. Now, Slot could land such a player in Rodrygo, who is out of sorts under Xabi Alonso’s wing but still, even at an ebb tide, ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The Brazil international hasn’t actually played that much football on the left flank, but that is his preferred position. Right-footed, he is at his most prolific when cutting inside and striking on goal, all the while retaining a creative flair that sets him apart from so many other talented wingers.

Right winger

148

34

31

Left winger

89

23

18

Centre-forward

85

22

8

Attacking midfield

4

–

1

Mane was also a versatile and dynamic forward, devastating in the final third. Now 33 and playing in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool have sorely missed their one-time talisman’s presence, accentuated by the sale of Luis Diaz this summer, who was never quite on his predecessor’s level.

Liverpool’s data analysts are among the finest in the game. They will know to overlook Rodrygo’s woes in recent times and look at the wider picture. For example, he scored only five goals in La Liga last season, but Sofascore show that he missed only one big chance, emphasising the kind of clinical, Mane-like returns Slot would receive.

Big boots to fill, but the South American is one of the most accomplished wingers in the game,

Rodrygo is still young – the same age, in fact, as Mane when the Senegalese completed his move to Merseyside.

The fact he has accomplished so much already is a testament to his quality and will to win. Liverpool could do with a bit of that, and if they bring such a complete and dangerous player to Anfield, it might prove to be the catalyst for sustained change.

He's like Arteta: Liverpool line up "best coach in the PL" to replace Slot

Arne Slot is under intense pressure at Liverpool after a shocking run of form.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

Leeds United have now shown they can compete with the big boys in the Premier League, but can they pick up results against the sides nearer to them in the overall division?

Up next for Daniel Farke’s reinvigorated Whites, after facing off against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in quickfire succession, is Brentford away, who are only four points better off than the West Yorkshire outfit, sat in 14th spot.

After that, more tough ties flood the calendar for the relegation-threatened side against Crystal Palace and Sunderland, before Arne Slot’s Reds do battle with Farke’s men back at Anfield to see in the New Year.

It will be more obvious by that point in time whether Leeds can go the distance in their survival aims, as plenty of new signings also begin to be linked with a switch to Elland Road, in preparation for the bumper January transfer window swinging open.

Leeds transfer latest

The Premier League newcomers have splashed the cash in January before, having once splurged a club-record £35.5m on Georginio Rutter back in 2022.

The same over-the-top spending is unlikely to be on the menu this time around, but Farke and Co. have been linked with a move for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, who continues to impress in Scotland.

Barcelona’s Roony Bardhji has also reportedly caught the eye, but the most tantalising rumour of them all now has them linked with Chelsea reserve talent Tyrique George, according to a fresh report from TEAMTalk.

Sources have allegedly revealed to the site that George is adamant about a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge, amid concerns about his lack of first-team opportunities.

That has generated interest in his services from the likes of Fulham, Everton and Leeds, with the Whites said to be monitoring the exciting Englishman, as they seek out depth in the attacking areas this January.

With goals such as this one put away in the Champions League earlier in the season, George should be able to come into Farke’s camp and stamp his authority, as another discarded Chelsea youngster potentially comes into his own at Elland Road, much like Ethan Ampadu.

Why George can be the next Ampadu

Ampadu would only go on to make 12 unmemorable senior appearances for the Blues before moving on from West London.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

George, at the time of writing, sits on a far heftier 36, but he will still be itching for more consistent senior minutes.

The Welshman would, ultimately, never look back after swapping Stamford Bridge for Elland Road in the summer of 2023, with Ampadu now a Championship-winning midfield star under Farke.

He even had the last laugh against his ex-employers at the start of the month, when his six duels and two tackles won, as per Sofascore, gave Leeds some much-needed grit in the 3-1 victory over Enzo Maresca’s challengers.

George will look at Ampadu’s sharp rise from reserve fodder at Chelsea to leading star at Leeds with an eagerness to follow in his footsteps, with clear bursts of quality in the Blues’ first team picture, already, standing the 19-year-old in good stead to make waves in Farke’s main team, if a move is sealed.

Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed the London-born winger “explosive” last summer when he was starting to make strides, while scout Jacek Kulig has also noted George as being “special” when chipping in with goal contributions in the FA Cup, Premier League and Conference League for Maresca’s men.

Games played

36

Minutes played

1601 mins

Goals scored

6

Assists

6

Still, despite having 12 goal contributions next to his name in the senior side in West London, George has been restricted to just four Premier League appearances so far this season, with Leeds perhaps the location that can finally hand him the minutes he longs for.

With one goal and one assist in the top-flight from just one start, George would surely be a worthy back-up option at the very least for Leeds.

But, in time, everything looks in place for George to become a dependable first-team presence under the German, with Ampadu’s patience in the reserve ranks at Chelsea, ultimately rewarded by breaking out in style at Elland Road.

Shades of Klich & Dallas: Farke's Leeds "monster" must now start every week

This Leeds star has become a key man in midfield

ByJoe Nuttall 5 days ago

It is not often that a manager has an opportunity to win a trophy in one of their first few matches in charge of a club, but that is the prospect facing Wilfried Nancy at Celtic this afternoon.

The French boss can win his first trophy as the new Hoops manager by overseeing a win over St Mirren at Hampden Park in the League Cup final this afternoon.

After defeats to Hearts and Roma in his first two matches in the dugout since his move from Columbus Crew, Nancy needs a response from his players to secure the trophy and get the fans on board with his project.

To do this, the Celtic boss must be ruthless with his team selection after a couple of disappointing performances, which is why Benjamin Nygren should be dropped from the team.

Why Celtic must drop Benjamin Nygren

The Sweden international was one of three players to be substituted at half-time in the defeat to Roma in the Europa League on Thursday night, which suggests that Nancy was far from pleased with what he was doing on the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Nygren has been subbed off after 65 and 45 minutes in the first two games under the French boss, playing in one of the two attacking midfield positions behind the striker, after failing to make much of an impact in either match.

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed attacker offered incredibly little at the top end of the pitch, despite playing in a second striker or attacking midfield role, with no shots on target or chances created against Hearts or Roma.

Nancy can finally drop the Swedish midfielder, after two poor performances in the last two games, by bringing Kelechi Iheanacho, who is starting to look like Aaron Mooy 2.0, into the team.

Why Kelechi Iheanacho must start against St Mirren

The Nigeria international did not arrive at Parkhead to a lot of fanfare because of the circumstances around the signing. Celtic had just missed out on signing any strikers during the summer transfer window, despite allowing Adam Idah to leave, and swooped to sign him on a free transfer instead.

Despite it appearing to be an underwhelming signing on paper, as he had been released by Sevilla, Iheanacho has proven himself to be a classy operator for Celtic when available, with three goals and one assist in nine appearances, per Sofascore.

When Mooy joined on a free transfer in 2022, the Daily Record stated that many expected him to be a squad player, and others questioned the logic in giving him a two-year deal, as the 31-year-old had spent the previous two years in China.

The Australian star, as the Daily Record put it, defied expectations to become a key performer for Ange Postecoglou in the middle of the park, with seven goals and 11 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, before he retired.

Iheanacho, who Brendan Rodgers claimed is in his “peak years”, looks to be on his way to defying expectations in a similar way, and he can take another step on that journey by starting ahead of Nygren against St Mirren today.

The former Leicester star has shown flashes of quality for the Hoops, like the goal in the clip above, and brings great experience to the side, as a player who has played in LaLiga, in the Premier League, and in the Champions League.

With Nygren’s poor performances in recent weeks, bringing Iheanacho in to offer quality and composure in such a high-pressure game could make a lot of sense for Nancy.

Playing the Nigerian striker up front would also allow Daizen Maeda, who won four out of 13 duels in the last two games, to focus more on making runs and scoring goals than competing with defenders that he cannot outmuscle as the lone number nine.

Therefore, Nancy must ditch Nygren to unleash the “outstanding” striker – as hailed by Aiden McGeady – in the centre-forward position, with Maeda dropping back as one of the number tens alongside Arne Engels.

Worse than Engels: Nancy must drop Celtic flop who looks awful in new role

Wilfried Nancy must drop this Celtic flop who was even worse than Arne Engels in the 3-0 defeat to Roma.

By
Dan Emery

3 days ago