O São Paulo empatou em 0 a 0 com o Internacional, pelo Brasileirão Feminino Sub-18. Com o placar obtido fora de casa, nesta quinta-feira (9), a equipe paulista de classifica para a final do campeonato, onde enfrentará o vencedor do confronto entre a Ferroviária e o Corinthians.
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ESTAMOS NA FINAL DO BRASILEIRO FEMININO SUB-18!#FutebolFemininoTricolor#VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪 pic.twitter.com/iU37MHEfgA
— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) September 9, 2021
CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO DE 2021!
A partida foi disputada no Sesc Protásio Alves, em Porto Alegre, com mando do Internacional. Precisando da vitória após largar atrás no jogo de ida, as mandantes tentaram o ataque.
A primeira partida ficou marcada pela goleada são-paulina por 5 a 1, com direito a hat-trick da craque Giovaninha. Com a larga vitória conquistada em Cotia, o São Paulo teve maior tranquilidade e conseguiu administrar o jogo de volta em Porto Alegre, garantindo o empate por 0 a 0 e a vaga na final.
A vitória na base serviu como, de certa forma, uma vingança. O Internacional eliminou o São Paulo em pleno Morumbi nas quartas de final do Brasileirão Feminino profissional e, na base, o Tricolor devolveu.
Com a classificação para a decisão do campeonato, o Tricolor espera seu adversário. Nesta sexta-feira (10), a Ferroviária recebe o Corinthians na partida de volta da semifinal e, após vencer o primeiro jogo, precisa apenas de um empate para se classificar.
Arsenal will be looking to mount a third successive Premier League title charge during the 2024/25 season, aiming to end a 20-year drought for a league title.
Mikel Arteta’s side came within touching distance of a first league triumph since the Invincible campaign, finishing the campaign two points behind eventual champions Manchester City – following a run of 23 games without a defeat.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
However, the Gunners excelled defensively, conceding just 29 times – an average of 0.74 per game – the best record in the division, conceding five fewer than Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arteta’s side also found the net on 91 occasions, averaging 2.4 goals per match, but it wasn’t enough to prevent City from a fourth Premier League title in just five years.
Kai Havertz operated as the Gunners’ main central striker for large parts of the campaign, an unnatural role for the German, but one he impressed in, scoring 13 league goals in his first season at the Emirates.
Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz.
However, if the club are to reach the next level and finally get one over City, Edu needs to invest in an elite-level striker to provide an added goal threat despite their already impressive tally from the aforementioned season.
Since the final day of the season, Arsenal have been linked with numerous attacking options, but a new name has been thrown into the mix, potentially looking to be an excellent pickup for his rumoured fee.
Arsenal in the race to sign 28-goal talent
According to German outlet BILD, Arsenal are now battling Chelsea for the signature of Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy after his stellar campaign in the Bundesliga during 2023/24.
Stuttgart strikerSerhou Guirassy.
The 28-year-old Guinean forward scored 28 goals in the league last season, as he catapulted Sebastian Hoeness’ side to a second-placed finish, subsequently qualifying for the Champions League.
The report goes on to state that Guirassy has a €17.5m (£15m) release clause in his contract, with Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan also battling the Premier League sides for his signature during the off-season.
Whilst Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of other attacking options, Stuttgart’s talisman would be a great option for Arteta’s side and a talent that would be the perfect alternative for one target who they’ve already missed out on this summer.
Why Guirassy would be the perfect Sesko alternative
In their hunt for a new frontman, the Gunners targeted RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with the 21-year-old dubbed the “Slovenian Erling Haaland”.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko
However, their attempts to land the promising forward were scuppered after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he would be signing a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
As a result, the club have turned their attention elsewhere. Guirassy is the latest attacking option to be considered, with the 28-year-old proving to be the perfect alternative to Sesko.
When comparing the duo on FBref, the Stuttgart man has dominated the youngster in all areas of attacking play, demonstrating his qualities that would certainly improve the Gunners’ already impressive forward line.
The 28-year-old has scored double the number of goals as Sesko, averaging over one goal per 90 – with no player in the current Arsenal squad able to match that feat.
Guirassy, who’s previously been labelled as “ridiculous” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has also produced a significantly better minute-per-goal ratio – scoring a goal every 78 minutes compared to the Slovenian’s tally of 109.
How Sesko & Guirassy compare in the Bundesliga (23/24)
Statistics
Sesko
Guirassy
Games
31
28
Goals
14
28
Goals per 90
0.8
1.1
Minutes per goal
109
78
Shots per 90
2.8
3.6
Pass accuracy
65%
81%
Aerials won
38
65
Stats via FBref
Arteta’s side like to play free-flowing, possession-based football, averaging 58.4% of the ball last season, with the Guinean “machine” as dubbed by OptaFranz, a more suitable fit for the Gunners with his 81% pass completion rate significantly higher than Sesko’s tally of just
65%.
All things considered, Guirassy would be an excellent pickup for Arteta and his side, with the £15m fee touted a bargain for a player of his all-round quality.
The club would be getting themselves a clinical goalscorer and a player that would fit into Arteta’s system – allowing Guirassy to slot straight into the squad and lead the club towards a first Premier League title in over 20 years.
What Arsenal’s starting XI could look like after £300m spending spree
Arsenal could have a massive summer ahead of them if they are to finally overtake Manchester City.
Leeds United fell at the final promotion hurdle last month as they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
The Whites had the chance to make an instant return to the Premier League at the first time of asking but did not step up to the big occasion in the capital.
They will now have to prepare for another season in the second tier as they attempt to earn promotion at the second time of asking, which is also how many seasons it took for Marcelo Bielsa to navigate his way out of the league.
Daniel Farke could be set for a busy summer as his squad could change a fair bit between now and the end of the upcoming summer transfer window.
It was recently reported that forward Wilfried Gnonto is keen on a move to Italy, whilst winger Crysencio Summerville has been linked with Liverpool, and German giants Bayern Munich have been touted with an interest in teen starlet Archie Gray.
This suggests that the Whites could be in the market to bring in reinforcements for their squad this summer, to either bolster their existing options or replace any stars who move on.
Leeds United's interest in EFL sensation
According to the Blackpool Gazette, Leeds are one of a number of clubs keen on a possible swoop to sign Stade Brestois attacker Karamoko Dembele.
The report claims that it remains to be seen what the French side are going to do with the 5 foot 6 attacker next season after he just spent the year on loan with Blackpool in League One.
It states that Sheffield Wednesday approached the Ligue 1 outfit with a view to taking him on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, but no decision appears to have been made on his future as of yet.
Along with Leeds, there are plenty of other English teams eyeing up the young starlet ahead of the summer window, with Everton, Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Fulham, and Brentford all said to be keen from the Premier League.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Leicester City and Southampton are also in the mix, along with the Whites, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday from the Championship.
This suggests that there will be plenty of competition for his signature this summer and Farke and his team may need to act fast in order to secure his services.
If Leeds do win the race to sign Dembele then they could land an alternative option to Georginio Rutter, who enjoyed a superb season, in the number ten position.
Georginio Rutter's Championship season in numbers
The French wizard was named in the EFL Team of the Season for the Championship back in April after his terrific creative performances for the Yorkshire-based outfit.
Signed from Hoffenheim in January 2023, Rutter was relegated from the Premier League with Leeds last year and used that relegation to thrive in the second tier this term.
His creativity was his best asset throughout the 2023/24 campaign as he showed himself to be one of the best players in his position at creating high-quality chances for his teammates.
The 22-year-old magician ranked within the top 2% of his positional peers in the Championship for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.29), the top 2% for assists per 90 (0.39), and the top 2% for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.41).
This shows that not many players in the division were better at assisting goals, creating high xG opportunities, or being involved in moves that led to shots being taken on goal.
Whilst Rutter thrived as a creative presence in the Leeds side, racking up 15 assists and 22 'big chances' created, he did let himself down when it came to finishing chances.
Georginio Rutter
16.05
7
-9.05
Patrick Bamford
11.11
8
-3.11
Joe Rodon
2.51
0
-2.51
Ethan Ampadu
2.3
0
-2.3
Mateo Joseph
2.43
1
-1.43
As you can see in the table above, no player underperformed their xG by more than the French forward within the Whites squad this season, as he scored just seven goals from an xG of 16.05.
Dembele could now come through the door as an alternative option to Rutter in the number ten role, as a player who could offer quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Why Karamoko Dembele could be Georginio Rutter 2.0
Firstly, the EFL star is also a left-footed whiz who is typically deployed in an attacking midfield role, which means that he could operate behind the striker in Farke's 4-2-3-1 set-up.
Dembele's form in League One for Blackpool does, though, suggest that the potential is there for the gem, who boss Neil Critchley hailed as "exciting" and "beautiful to watch", to be more ruthless in front of goal than Rutter.
He plundered eight league goals from 4.00 xG and the xG of his shots on target came to 5.28, which shows that the quality of his shots still outperformed his xG but the youngster also had a helping hand from opposition goalkeepers as they underperformed against his efforts.
Dembele did not miss a single 'big chance' in front of goal all season, whilst Rutter missed 17, and this indicates that the Whites could improve their efficiency in the final third by having him in their side.
Appearances
39
45
Assists
13
15
Big chances created
15
22
Key passes per game
2.0
1.9
Dribbles completed per game
1.3
2.8
Dribble success rate
62%
48%
As you can see in the table above, both players are skillful maestros who like to get on the ball and make things happen to split open the opposition's defence with incisive passes to create chances for their teammates.
Rutter registered more assists and 'big chances' created but Dembele was far more efficient with his attempted dribbles and created more chances per game on average, which shows that they both thrived in different areas.
However, it remains to be seen how the Blackpool loanee's form would translate over to the Championship, which means that this move would be a bit of a gamble by Leeds.
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The Whites have been credited with an interest in the experienced forward this summer.
ByDan Emery Jun 6, 2024
It appears to be one worth taking for the Whites, though, based on his superb performances in the third division during the 2023/24 campaign, as he could be Rutter 2.0 and offer Farke a useful alternative in the number ten role.
Feels it will provide a chance to “showcase the women’s game on an international scale”
Annesha Ghosh21-Aug-20200:50
Alyssa Healy: Maybe label 2020 as ‘International Women’s Year’
Alyssa Healy, the Australia wicketkeeper-batter, believes the prospect of playing four major women’s competitions – the rescheduled ODI World Cup, a T20 World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and a part of the Ashes – in 2022 is “obviously daunting”. However, in her view, a glut of high-profile international events in a single year could also serve as an “exciting” opportunity to “showcase the women’s game” further, should teams have adequate preparation.”Maybe we could label it ‘International Women’s Year’ if that’s going to happen, and have four big major events all throughout that year and no men’s sports being played – that would be fantastic,” Healy said in jest during a chat with ESPNcricinfo about Beyond the Boundary, the ICC’s recently released documentary on the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup.Originally scheduled for February-March next year in New Zealand, the ODI World Cup was recently deferred until 2022, with the event’s CEO Andrea Nelson confirming that the uncertainty around the preparedness of the teams for the qualifying tournament being the prime reason behind the postponement. The rescheduling added a fourth major women’s event to the 2022 calendar, with a T20 World Cup in South Africa, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the women’s Ashes, due to begin late next year in Australia, also jostling for space.”Look, it will be interesting to see how they [the ICC] are able to balance all those events,” Healy said. “Enabling all the international sides to have proper preparation for those big tournaments is key, and if that’s not able to take place, then they’re obviously going to look at rescheduling some of the events.”The opportunity to play four big major worldwide events in one year is obviously daunting, but it’s also exciting for us to showcase the women’s game on an international scale as big as that. I think most of the girls around the world would be chomping at the bits to be part of it.”Healy, who was named in the 18-member national squad on Friday for the upcoming series against New Zealand, is gearing up for a busy home season ahead. The pandemic permitting, Australia’s limited-overs bilateral assignment – three T20I and as many ODIs – against New Zealand begins on September 27, which will be followed by the sixth edition of the WBBL in October-November and a three-match ODI series in January against India.Alyssa Healy was the Player of the Match in the 2020 T20 World Cup final, which was attended by a record 86,174 spectators•Getty ImagesThe T20 World Cup in Australia was the last multi-team tournament this year before the sport came to a shuddering halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And while international cricket has resumed, the cancellation of India and South Africa women’s tours to England in the last two months and the postponement of the 2021 ODI World Cup have taken away the opportunity to build on the success of the T20 World Cup. In such a climate, Healy believed the ICC’s documentary, which premiered last week, rekindled the desire among women cricketers to get back on the field.”The last thing that everyone remembers [about women’s cricket] is the [T20] World Cup, and to relive that through the documentary was timely, in my mind. For us players, it reignites the craving to go out there and play cricket,” Healy said. “Fortunately for us, we are lucky enough to have a series against New Zealand that’s looking like it’s going to go ahead. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of series around the world that aren’t happening. We are really grateful for the opportunity to be able to go out and play cricket for our country.”The ODI World Cup postponement was obviously a disappointing thing for the women’s game, but there are bigger factors are at play here. We need everyone to be safe, we need everyone to be healthy. For us, hopefully, we can be best prepared for the next ODI World Cup. Hopefully, we can see some bilateral series popping up in the near future when they’re safe to do so.”Earlier in the day, Australia captain Meg Lanning said although the 2021 ODI World Cup seemed like “a bit of light at the end of the tunnel” amid the current uncertainties hampering women’s tours, she was hopeful that Australia’s home series against New Zealand would be a good starting point to lead into 2022, which, in her assessment, is set to be a “massive year”.”No doubt we were disappointed the World Cup got pushed back by a year; we were gearing up for that as a bit of light at the end of the tunnel but at the same time we understand the decision,” Lanning said during a video press conference. “There’s so much that goes into those things and probably a lot we don’t know or understand and that’s the decision the ICC has made.”Now we’re just looking towards 2022, which is going to be a massive year for us and could potentially be a couple of world tournaments in there and a Commonwealth Games. So that’s something we’re looking forward to and we’ll get started with this series coming up and then build toward 2022.”
Marcus Rashford has been going the extra mile in private training sessions in a bid to rediscover his best form at Manchester United.
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Rashford training away from Utd during international break
Hasn't scored in his last nine Premier League games
Man Utd next face Southampton
WHAT HAPPENED?
The out-of-form Manchester United star uploaded a video on Instagram showing highlights from his private training sessions during the international break. With Rashford failing to make Lee Carsley's first England squad for the Nations League, he has been working hard to sharpen his skills by training away from United with the RH Elite Coaching team in Manchester.
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WATCH THE CLIP
Rashford posted the clip on Instagram with the caption: "Raw material." The United forward can be seen finding the net with a number of long-range shots and working on his one-touch passing around the box.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 26-year-old, who was once hailed as one of United's brightest stars, has come under fire in recent times for what many perceive as a lack of effort on the pitch. The England international, who was instrumental during the 2022-23 campaign with an impressive 30 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions, has experienced a dramatic dip in form since then.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MARCUS RASHFORD?
The attacker will aim to end his nine-game Premier League goal drought this weekend as Erik ten Hag's side take on Southampton in an away fixture on Saturday. United have slipped to 14th in the table after losing two of their opening three games, and need Rashford to step up if they are to start climbing back towards the top half.
A Manchester United managerial target finds a move to Old Trafford "appealing", according to a new update.
Latest on Erik ten Hag’s future
Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge of the Red Devils hasn’t exactly gone to plan, although United are in the FA Cup final later this month. Monday evening’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace was the latest embarrassing moment in a disappointing Premier League campaign, which has resulted in more speculation regarding the Dutchman’s future.
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New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may soon have a decision to make regarding Ten Hag, who said after the defeat at Selhurst Park when asked if he was the right person for the job: "Absolutely. If the right players are available, we have a good squad. We miss almost the whole backline and then we have problems.
"I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday's game."
Journalist Ben Jacobs has since stated that Ten Hag will remain in charge until the end of the season where there will then be an end of season review by Red Devils officials.
One manager who has been heavily linked to take over from Ten Hag is Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, with Ratcliffe even making contact with the German recently. Now, there has been an update which is promising for those at Old Trafford.
Thomas Tuchel keen on Man Utd move
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Tuchel finds the move to Old Trafford “appealing”, with “loose contact” ongoing with United.
As can be seen, Tuchel also seems to be keen on a return Chelsea, so United may have a battle on their hands this summer, should the Blues part ways with Mauricio Pochettino.
If United land Tuchel, they will be getting a manager who has been called “crazy” by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and “fantastic” by Jurgen Klopp in the past.
Wins
355
Draws
106
Losses
144
Goals scored
1,263
Goals conceded
695
Total points
1,171
Points per game
1.94
The 50-year-old has previous experience in the Premier League and won the Champions League with Chelsea, so Ratcliffe may feel he is the right man to turn things around.
تحدث أحمد الكأس المدير الفني لـ منتخب مصر للناشئين مواليد 2008 عن الفوز الذي حققه الفراعنة الصغار على نظيره التونسي.
وكان منتخب مصر مواليد 2008، قد خطف فوزًا مستحقًا أمام تونس بنتيجة 3-2، بالمباراة التي انتهت منذ قليل ببطولة شمال إفريقيا تحت 17 عاماً.
فيديو | منتخب مصر يُحوّل تأخره أمام تونس لفوز مثير بثلاثية في بطولة شمال إفريقيا تحت 17 عامًا
وأعرب الكأس عن سعادته البالغة بالفوز الذي حققه منتخب مصر على تونس، كما وجه الشكر للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم.
وقال الكاس في تصريحاته عقب المباراة، إن هناك ضغوطات كبيرة مرت بها المباراة، إلا أن التوفيق كان يساند منتخب مصر في النهاية.
وأضاف: “أشكر أعضاء مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة الأستاذ جمال علام، وجميع أفراد الجهاز الفني على الجهد المبذول في البطولة من بدايتها”.
وواصل: ” “كانت المباراة تكتيكية على مستوى عالٍ جدًا. بفضل الله، فكرنا جيدًا ووضعنا سيناريوهات مختلفة للقاء، خاصة وأننا نعلم قوة منتخب تونس، التغييرات التي قمنا بها كان لها تأثير كبير، والله يكون في عون منتخب تونس لأنه لعب مباريات متتالية”.
وأكمل: “عانينا كثيرًا بعد الهزيمة الكبيرة أمام المغرب بخماسية، وكان من الصعب جدًا إخراج اللاعبين من حالة الكبت التي كانوا يعانون منها، لكن الحمد لله، وفقنا الله أمام الجزائر وحققنا الفوز، وأتمنى أن نكون قد أسعدنا الجماهير”.
وأتم: “المباراة القادمة ستكون صعبة، لأن جميع المنتخبات التي تنافس في البطولة قوية. منتخب ليبيا يمتلك عناصر مميزة، ولا يوجد منتخب ضعيف. لكن في بعض الأحيان يكون هناك توفيق، وأحيانًا لا يكون”.
وتقام تصفيات شمال إفريقيا للناشئين تحت 17 سنة، بدولة المغرب في الفترة من 11 إلى 23 نوفمبر الجاري.
ويشارك في البطولة كل من مصر والمغرب والجزائر وتونس وليبيا.
فيديو | مشادة قوية في مباراة مصر وتونس ببطولة شمال إفريقيا للناشئين
الجدير بالذكر، أن فوز مصر اليوم يعتبر الثاني في البطولة بعد الانتصار أمام الجزائر بهدفين مقابل هدف، سبقه خسارة كبيرة أمام أصحاب الأرض المغرب بخماسية مقابل هدف.
ومن المقرر أن يختتم منتخب مصر مواجهاته في البطولة بملاقاة ليبيا يوم الثالث والعشرين من نوفمبر.
Newcastle United are believed to be plotting a bargain summer move for a defensive "menace" who has just scored a brace from left-back during the international break, according to a new report.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies continue to be linked with a host of players ahead of the summer transfer window, as Eddie Howe looks to move on from what has been a very underwhelming season.
Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Omar Marmoush has been name-checked as a target at the end of the current campaign, being seen as a strong partner for Alexander Isak. Callum Wilson could move on, creating a noticeable void in the squad that will need to be filled.
Meanwhile, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has also been backed to join Newcastle, but the "outstanding" youngster is also wanted by Real Madrid, highlighting his vast potential as a player. Atalanta midfielder Ederson is also thought to be wanted by Howe ahead of the next transfer window, bolstering an important area of the pitch.
Away from potential incomings on the pitch, there is also the need to bring in a new sporting director in the summer, assuming Dan Ashworth moves to Manchester United, as is expected. Former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana is reportedly an option to come in and fill the void, as he continues to impress in the role at Sporting CP.
Newcastle plotting summer move for "menace"
According to a fresh update from Tutto Juve [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are one of a number of clubs keen on signing Samuel Iling-Junior this summer, who could be available for just £13m.
The Juventus youngster is also wanted by Brighton, Everton and Tottenham, drawing strong Premier League interest, as he recently scored twice for England's Under-21s in a 7-0 victory over Luxembourg, despite being deployed at left-back.
Juventus forwardSamuel Iling-Junior.
Iling-Junior would represent an exciting candidate to come in at St James' Park this summer, capable of shining as both a left-back, in midfield and further up on the wing. At 20, he has so much time to mature further as a footballer, but to already be doing a solid job as a squad player at Juve says a lot about his ability.
Journalist Antonio Mango has described the young Englishman as a "menace", in terms of the threat that he can provide, while Michele Neri has heaped praise on his speed and one-on-one ability.
To be compared to someone as good as AC Milan star Rafael Leao says a lot about Iling-Junior's ceiling, and with more regular football needed for him away from Juve, Newcastle feels like an ideal destination for him.
The Premier League has just about entered the final stretch of the campaign and Liverpool supporters must be delighted with the manner of their squad's resurgence, perched in pole position after 29 matches.
Jurgen Klopp's side defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday afternoon before Arsenal and Manchester City, the other steeds in this three-horse title race, played out a disappointing 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
For most, this was a deflating contest after a voluble build-up, but Liverpool will have rejoiced after both rivals ceded ground. There is much football left to play. Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta may yet meet in the late phase of the Champions League, whereas Liverpool meet Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals, a by-product of their abject 2022/23 campaign.
Last summer, following such woes, proved to be a critical juncture in Liverpool's quest to remain one of Europe's foremost competitors, but the powerful recruitment to turbo-charge this new chapter has been nothing short of masterful.
Still, the Merseysiders have met plenty of adversity this term, not least because of the catalogue of injuries that somehow have not derailed the pursuit of silverware, with the Carabao Cup already bagged.
There have been many setbacks, but possibly none more worrying than that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had been playing gorgeous football before spending most of this calendar year sidelined.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's season in numbers
Last year, Alexander-Arnold suffered at the epicentre of Liverpool's decline, regularly criticised for his lacklustre defending and lack of mobility, even branded a "training dummy" by reporter Casey Evans after one notably dismal display against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. in the Champions League.
Liverpool player Trent Alexander-Arnold
A man reborn since the summer, Alexander-Arnold has flourished in a hybrid role that sees him drift into the centre of the park to maximise his creative touch and enables him to control the passing passages that Liverpool are so reliant on in transition, swift and incisively slicing through opposition.
This is evidenced through his metrics: as per FBref, the 25-year-old ranks among the top 16% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 1% for assists, shot-creating actions and attempted passes, the top 2% for progressive passes and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90.
It's amazing that Liverpool have performed so well in his absence, with Alexander-Arnold missing 11 games in all competitions during 2024, last featuring against Burnley in February.
1.
Mohamed Salah
23
19
2.
Heung-min Son
26
17
3.
Bruno Fernandes
28
14
4.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
21
13
4.
Kieran Trippier
25
13
4.
Martin Odegaard
26
13
4.
Dwight McNeil
26
13
4.
Bukayo Saka
28
13
The emergence of Conor Bradley has been a big factor behind the club's success, though the Reds vice-captain has chipped in with two goals and ten assists and averages 2.5 key passes and 6.6 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore, also succeeding with 60% of his dribbles.
Still, Liverpool's playmaking prodigy has a style not easily replicated, produces numbers near impossible to match, plied principally from technically a defensive position.
As such, the homegrown talent has shot up to a market value of £68m, according to CIES Football Observatory's player valuation model, one of the most valuable members of Klopp's squad.
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Not the most valuable, however, with summer signing Alexis Mac Allister marked with the joint-highest market value in Liverpool's first-team, proving his worth and then some across recent months.
Alexis Mac Allister's season in numbers
Liverpool signed Mac Allister from Brighton in a £35m package after the 25-year-old played a starring role in the Seagulls' maiden European-qualifying campaign – winning the 2022 World Cup too, just to boot.
He's amassed 35 appearances for the Anfield side so far and has posted five goals and seven assists, earning acclaim for his tactical flexibility and control in the midfield, for his craft, his execution.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
Last time out, against his former outfit, Mac Allister produced a staggering performance, with his flow of support fashioning a winner, the lively but wasteful Salah served a circle of space in the box to fire past Bart Verbruggen.
This display earned the Argentine a 9/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle, continuing a world-class run of form that is charging Liverpool's title challenge.
In the Premier League, he has completed 88% of his passes across 24 fixtures, averaging 1.3 key passes, 2.8 tackles, 5.7 successful duels and 5.9 ball recoveries per game, winning 64% of his penetrating dribbles.
His assist for Salah's winning goal against Brighton was described as "incredible" by both Klopp and Roberto De Zerbi. Mac Allister might not fall into the bracket of Liverpool's top ten record acquisitions but he's proving to be one of the club's finest under Klopp's stewardship.
Alexis Mac Allister's market value in 2024
Mac Allister ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 10% for shot-creating actions but creativity is only one angle of a multi-dimensional skill set that would see him slot into, perhaps, any team's starting 11 in world football. Perhaps.
The £150k-per-week talent has much more left to give on Merseyside but he has already been marked with an £85m value, something that no Reds star eclipses right now, via CIES Football Observatory.
The fact that he has shot ahead of Alexander-Arnold paints a bright picture regarding his quality, his influence, his import within this intricate Klopp-led system.
It also means that he is already worth 143% more than the figure that Liverpool initially paid for his signature, less than one year ago.
Last summer, Klopp knew that he had to act with intent and accuracy to rebuild his flagging team and redress the deterioration that inexplicably came to be.
Signing Mac Allister was Liverpool's first port of call last summer, wrapping up the move one week before the summer market officially swung its shutters open.
Says it all, really.
Market Movers
Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
One of Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United team-mates is reportedly in talks to make his boxing debut on KSI's Misfits platform.
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Misfits Boxing welcomes footballersWayne Rooney was in talks with MisfitsEx-team-mate could now step into the ringWHAT HAPPENED?
According to Danny Simpson, who played alongside Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford, is currently in discussions for a fight with Misfits Boxing. Simpson is a familiar face on MUTV, having spent four years at the club from 2006 to 2010. During this period, under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, he could make only eight appearances as he was shipped out on loan to various outfits including Royal Antwerp, Sunderland, Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. Despite limited opportunities at United, he achieved notable success later in his career, forming part of the Leicester City squad that famously won the Premier League title in 2016.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Simpson’s most recent footballing stint was with Bristol City, where his contract was mutually terminated in March 2022. Since then, he has focused on his boxing training, which began as early as 2020, and now he seems poised for a debut bout on the Misfits platform co-founded by KSI and Mams Taylor. Simpson trains at Punchline Boxing Gym in Macclesfield, where he has honed his skills alongside other former footballers, including Wes Brown.
DID YOU KNOW?
Misfits Boxing has previously featured participants from the realms of social media, MMA, and traditional boxing. The platform has become a melting pot for various talents looking to try their hand at boxing. Rooney was also in talks to participate in Misfits Boxing but ultimately pulled out as he was signed by Plymouth as their new manager.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and music mogul Taylor have been eager to bring footballers into Misfits and this ambition aligns with the platform’s ethos of featuring high-profile crossover fights that draw significant attention from diverse audiences. And Simpson looks set to be the first footballer to try his luck in this format of the sport.