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Rodrigo De Paul has lifted the lid on the powerful influence Lionel Messi exerts on those around him, praising the Argentina captain’s ability to lead through action rather than words. The Atletico Madrid midfielder offered rare insight into Messi’s understated authority while also hinting that their on-field chemistry might soon be rekindled, this time in the MLS with Inter Miami.

Messi & De Paul share a close bondAtletico midfielder lavished praise on forwardHinted that move to Inter Miami might be on the cardsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

De Paul and Messi share an incredible camaraderie as they have stood shoulder to shoulder in Argentina’s most historic footballing moments, winning the Copa América in 2021 and then conquering the world at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The midfielder is also often seen socialising with Messi off the pitch, and recent speculation suggests that he might soon link up with his close friend in the United States.

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Describing Messi’s leadership style, De Paul explained how the former Barcelona star quietly commands respect without uttering a word. In an interview with , he said: "He doesn’t speak a lot, but his actions set the tone. If lunch is at 1 pm, he’s already there before 1. Without saying a word, he creates discipline."

The pair’s connection transcends verbal instructions. On the pitch, a glance is often enough for them to read each other’s intent and adjust accordingly.

"Sometimes we just look at each other and know what’s needed to reorganise the team. It makes the process more fluid," he said.

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Inter Miami are reportedly actively pursuing a deal for De Paul, whose contract with Atletico Madrid expires in 2026. While no final agreement has been reached, talks are reportedly progressing. Atletico are open to letting De Paul leave this summer if the right offer arrives.

However, one of the major hurdles in facilitating high-profile signings in MLS is adhering to the league's salary cap structure. De Paul would either need to join on a salary of around $850,000, within the league's standard budget parameters, or Inter Miami would have to clear a Designated Player (DP) slot to accommodate him at a higher wage. However, the midfielder has insisted that money will not be the driving force behind his next move, hinting that a transfer across the Atlantic might be on the cards.

"At one point I told Racing, ‘I just want to play the Copa Libertadores. Don’t pay me.’ I wasn’t looking for money. I just wanted to be in a place where I felt wanted," he said.

"Sometimes it’s not about the financial side. It’s how a club makes you feel. When Udinese gave me the No. 10 shirt, the same number Di Natale wore, I felt they trusted me. That matters more than a contract. I’ve worked hard, of course, but I’m not motivated by money. I need to feel valued. That’s what pushes me."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Amid their ongoing efforts to build a dominant team around Messi, bringing in someone like De Paul, who understands the Argentine icon pretty well, could be a game-changer. The Herons will be back in action against Cincinnati in a midweek fixture in the MLS.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo iniciou nesta quinta-feira a segunda parte do processo de unificação da metodologia de trabalho. O clube reuniu profissionais de diferentes categorias para que realizassem uma troca de informações e ideias.

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Ao longo do dia, profissionais do clube concederam entrevista para “Botafogo TV” e relataram mais detalhes da nova ideia metodológica que pretendem implementar.

+Botafogo Way: Luís Castro dá palestra e mostra ideia de jogo aos treinadores do clube

– Estamos realizando uma série de reuniões para o desenvolvimento metodológico do clube. Uma ideia de jogo e formação para que todos os atletas tenham as mesmas informações de acordo com uma mesma linha de trabalho – disse Tiano Gomes, Gerente de Futebol de Base.

– A ideia é criar uma unidade e transferir nossas linhas metodológicas para base. O que pretendemos é criar uma ligação de identidade com o “Botafogo Way”. A nossa referência de processo vai ser através da nossa equipe sub-23. Nós visamos a construção de um jogar – disse João Costa, Coordenador Metodológico.

– O clube encontra-se num momento de reestruturação que vem passando por todos os departamentos. Para termos esse alicerce, é importantíssimo essa troca entre as comissões técnicas. Desta forma, podemos desenvolver uma melhor metodologia e identificar rapidamente a identidade do atleta que queremos formar. Buscamos treinos mais organizados e estruturados para potencializarmos nossos atletas – completou Carlos Garrit, Coordenador Técnico do Futebol de Base.

+Botafogo cogita Adidas como fornecedora para o uniforme; John Textor deseja ‘padronizar’ clubes

O “Botafogo Way” é uma ideia proposta por John Textor, e Luís Castro vem atuando como um dos símbolos do projeto. A expectativa do clube é criar uma identidade para que bons frutos sejam colhidos futuramente.

The arrivals of Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri are just what the striker needs to fire Pep Guardiola's side to world domination

Erling Haaland spent the first part of his summer eating lobster while away on holiday. Then he munched Norway's World Cup qualifying opponents, scoring in the huge win over Italy before grabbing the only strike against Estonia to put his country well on track to qualify for their first global tournament since 1998.

Now, the striker will be licking his lips for another feast of goals at the Club World Cup, especially after Manchester City have assembled a deadly new attack around him by signing Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri amid a £110 million ($149m) spending spree.

Haaland's two main passions are eating and scoring, but on the pitch he was made to go hungry towards the end of last season. He missed six weeks of action for City after suffering an ankle injury in late March, and when he returned in May, he seemed to lack his usual sharpness and, most worryingly, his appetite for finding the net.

Haaland failed to score in his first three games back and turned down the chance to take a penalty in the FA Cup final, leaving Wayne Rooney to suggest: "Maybe the thought of taking a penalty at Wembley might have been too much for him."

The striker was back on spot-kick duty in the final game of the season at Fulham as he helped clinch City's place in next season's Champions League. However, finishing third in the Premier League did not salvage what was "a catastrophic season", in Haaland's own words. But now he has got his appetite back at international level, the Club World Cup offers him and City the perfect platform to put things right.

• Getty
  

  'Not good enough'

  Haaland had a massively disappointing season on both a collective and individual level. Having won the treble in his first season at City, retained the Premier League title in his second while collecting a second-successive Golden Boot, he ended his third season without any trophies at all while finishing third in the league's top-scorer rankings behind Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak. His tally of 22 league goals was the joint-lowest of his career, and although 31 strikes in all competitions is a tally most strikers would be pleased with, Haaland could not hide his dissatisfaction with his achievements, as well as those of his team.

  "I haven’t been good enough. I haven't helped the team enough," he told. "In the end, we haven’t been good enough. Every single one of us hasn't been good enough and we haven't been at our best, so when you are not at your best you aren't going to win games in this country because it's so hard. This season has been tough. It is not nice to lose so many games. It is boring and not fun. The club has set the standards so the bar is so high that this season is a catastrophic season."

  It was just not the results that frustrated the striker, as Haaland also pointed at a lack of desire across the squad, saying that held City back more than they should have done while refusing to blame the many injuries they suffered; "You can find excuses. Injuries, many injuries at bad times, but in the end we haven't been performing well enough. We haven't had fully the hunger inside of us. Sometimes you just need to run. We haven’t run enough this season."

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• Getty Images
  

  Supporting cast vanished

  Even with his injury problems and his reduced goal count, Haaland was still one of City's best players last season. The problem was that the other usual suspects did not turn up. Phil Foden experienced a huge drop off from the form which made him the PFA Player of the Season in 2023-24, as he scored just seven Premier League goals and provided two assists compared to his 19 goals and 11 assists the previous year.

  Kevin De Bruyne's final campaign with City was handicapped by injuries as the man who used to be Haaland's biggest provider of goals endured his second-least productive season of his 10 at City. The Belgian set up just one goal for the Norwegian all season, and given that he set up four goals for Haaland in one game at Luton Town the previous campaign, it is no wonder Haaland failed to fire at his usual terrifying rate.

  Bernardo Silva's Premier League goal contributions dropped from 15 in 2023-24 to just eight while Julian Alvarez's 20 goal contributions left with him to Atletico Madrid. His replacement, Omar Marmoush, only arrived in late January, and although his seven goals were welcome, he didn't register a single assist. Rodri, responsible for 17 goals and assists in 2023-24 on his way to winning the Ballon d'Or, missed almost the entire season with a serious knee injury.

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• Manchester City FC
  

  Cherki ready to thrill

  The cavalry has now arrived in the form of new signings, and if Haaland found last season "boring", he has a lot to be excited about in regards to what's coming next. City have been swift and decisive in the transfer market and snapped up three players who know how to create goals for others while also scoring a healthy amount themselves.

  Cherki is the standout new arrival when it comes to supporting Haaland as he is the defacto replacement for De Bruyne. City fans might be understandably disappointed to have missed out on Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz, but Cherki is a thrilling prospect.

  The France international first came to wider attention at the age of 16 when he became Lyon's youngest-ever scorer, and at one point was compared to Lionel Messi while being linked to Real Madrid. But after a couple of underwhelming seasons and failing to get on with certain coaches, he exploded into life last term, contributing to 31 goals in all competitions. Cherki scored eight times and set up another 11 in Ligue 1 despite a hugely disappointing season for his club, while he was even more impressive in the Europa League, contributing to 12 goals in his side's run to the quarter-finals before their agonising defeat to Manchester United, against whom he netted in both legs.

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• Manchester City FC
  

  Adding energy and goals

  If Cherki is the rough diamond brought in to fill the boots of De Bruyne as City's primary playmaker, then Reijnders feels like the heir to Ilkay Gundogan. The German might have had an underwhelming second stint at the Etihad Stadium – which should not really have been surprising given the 34-year-old's age – but his feats from the previous years will never be forgotten.

  Reijnders, by contrast, is in the prime of his career. He was named the Best Midfielder in Serie A last term as well as being included in the league's Team of the Season. He scored 15 times in all competitions while adding four assists for a struggling AC Milan side, and has worked hard on improving his productivity. That's good news for City as they look to ease the goal-scoring burden on Haaland, who scored triple the amount of league goals of his nearest challengers, Marmoush and Foden, this past season.

  "I like to help the attackers, create chances and try to score a goal by myself sometimes. As a midfielder, it’s important to score goals as well," Reijnders explained. "Two years ago, I didn’t score that many goals and I worked on it that summer and seeing what I needed to do better in front of the goal. This season, it worked out and I got on the scoresheet more."

  A self-described 'box-to-box' midfielder, Reijnders should help City recover the intensity they lost last year. In the words of City's new director of football, Hugo Viana: "Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield, and working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength."

While most fans dislike the international break, it was probably a welcome distraction for the Ipswich Town faithful.

Kieran McKenna’s side have played some great football at points this season but have lost their last five games in all competitions and sit in 18th place in the Premier League with just 17 points to their name.

Yet, while it’ll be a Herculean task, there is still a faint chance that the Tractor Boys could overturn the nine-point advantage Wolverhampton Wanderers have over them in 17th.

Premier League

Palace

1-0 (Loss)

Premier League

Forest

4-2 (Loss)

FA Cup

Forest

1-1 (5-4 Loss on Pens)

Premier League

Man Utd

3-2 (Loss)

Premier League

Spurs

4-1 (Loss)

However, to do that, McKenna’s men need to start picking up wins, including tonight away at Bournemouth. To give his side the best chance of doing so, he should unleash Ipswich’s answer to Milos Kerkez.

Ipswich's record vs Bournemouth

Since their first encounter in September 1936, Ipswich have played Bournemouth 39 times in all competitions, winning 14, drawing 13, and losing 12.

However, while their overall record against the Cherries makes for sweet reading, the Tractor Boys have not fared so well in recent encounters.

In fact, four of their last five matches have ended in a draw, with their most recent being an away win for the south coast side earlier this season.

It was a particularly painful result for the hosts. A 21st-minute goal from Conor Chaplain gave them the lead, which they held onto until Enes Unal came off the bench to score an equaliser in the 87th minute and snatch away the chance for a first home win of the season.

Then, as if that wasn’t demoralising enough, another substitute, Dango Ouattara, ended up scoring the winner in the 95th minute.

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So, it would probably be fair to say that the Blues will be out for revenge tonight, and to make sure his side have the best chance of getting it, McKenna should unleash his answer to Kerkez.

Ipswich's answer to Kerkez

There are a few dangermen that Ipswich have to be aware of tonight, including the obvious, like Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Evanilson. On top of that, Kerkez is also someone who can’t be allowed to roam freely.

The Hungarian left-back has been one of the most exciting full-backs in the Premier League this season, racking up a tally of two goals and six assists in 29 games, which has been enough to catch the eye of top sides like Liverpool.

However, while the 21-year-old is undoubtedly someone the team will have to monitor at all times, McKenna has his own version of the ace he can unleash in Leif Davis.

The former Leeds United ace might not be getting the same level of attention from other clubs and fans, but over the last few years, he has proven himself to be a sensational attacking full-back.

For example, since moving to Portman Road, the incredible “animal,” as former manager Scott Parker dubbed him, has racked up a brilliant haul of six goals and 38 assists in 118 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.68 games.

Appearances

46

44

28

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.14

Moreover, despite playing in a newly promoted team, he’s scored one goal and provided three assists in 28 games this term, which is seriously good going.

Finally, in addition to his output, the £25k-per-week ace has some impressive underlying numbers as well, with FBref placing him in the top 4% of full-backs in the Premier League for key passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for crosses, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Ipswich are undoubtedly going into this game as big underdogs, but with talents like Davis in the side, there is every chance they can snatch all three points and kickstart their great escape.

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Bangladesh have called up Soumya Sarkar in their squad for the upcoming ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Led by Saif Hassan, the team boasts eight international cricketers and a host of domestic performers. Soumya, however, has struggled at all levels since his last international assignment, during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.Soumya’s return to the side may be due to the Bangladesh team management’s request to see if he can regain some form. Soumya made his international debut under current coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, when he made a bright start but later faded away. His stock has since dropped so far that even his club side Mohammedan Sporting Club dropped him at one stage during last season’s Dhaka Premier League.Related

• Haris to lead Pakistan A in Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka

Saif will otherwise lead a side that consists of batters like Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Zakir had been called up in an ODI squad earlier this year but missed out due to an injury. Mohammad Naim, who is also included in the senior side for the ODIs against Afghanistan next month, is another opening option, while Mahedi Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury and Saif himself have all played at the highest level.Among the uncapped players are batters Tanzid Hasan, Shahadat Hossain and Akbar Ali, while fast bowlers Ripon Mondol and Musfik Hasan are among bowling coach Allan Donald’s prospects. The spin department, however, is thin, with only Mahedi and Rakibul Hasan as the specialists in that department.Bangladesh will take on the hosts Sri Lanka in their opening game on July 14. Their other group matches against Oman and Afghanistan are on July 16 and 18 respectively. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled on July 21, with the final slated to be on July 23.Squad: Saif Hassan (capt), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Shahadat Hossain, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Rakibul Hasan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Tanzim Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Musfik Hasan, Akbar Ali, Mohammad Naim

MatériaMais Notícias

Foi uma noite positiva para os possíveis jogadores do Botafogo no futuro. Martín Ojeda e Marlon Freitas tiveram participações fundamentais nas classificações de, respectivamente, Godoy Cruz e Atlético-GO nas copas nacionais na noite desta quarta-feira.

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+Liderança e recurso na saída de bola; conheça o volante Marlon Freitas, encaminhado no Botafogo para 2023

O Godoy venceu o Lanús por 3 a 1. Fora de casa, o Tumba poupou titulares visando o Campeonato Argentino e Ojeda entrou em campo apenas aos 33 minutos do segundo tempo e marcou o gol que sacramentou a classificação aos 49, com finalização de pé esquerdo na entrada da área.

O Botafogo ainda tenta se entender com o Godoy Cruz sobre a saída do jogador. O Tomba faz jogo duro e só quer liberá-lo no fim do ano, mas o Glorioso aumentou a proposta para tê-lo de imediato. O clube já tem um acordo salarial com o atacante.

Marlon Freitas foi um dos destaques da classificação do Atlético-GO sobre o Goiás, na Copa do Brasil. O volante marcou, de pênalti, um dos gols na vitória por 3 a 0 e acertou onze lançamentos.

O jogador de 27 anos já está acertado com o Botafogo para o ano que vem. Com o fim de contrato junto ao Dragão, ele deixará o Rubro-Negro e já está acertado com o Glorioso a partir do dia 1º de janeiro de 2023.

Carlo Ancelotti's main men in attack eventually found the net as the deposed champions look to at least finish the season in style

Kylian Mbappe boosted his hopes of finishing as La Liga top scorer and Jude Bellingham sealed victory late on after Real Madrid struggled to break down nine-man Sevilla in Sunday's eventual 2-0 win for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Sevilla set up defensively, and Madrid never really had any answers to the problems they were posed. The home side even went down to 10 men after just 12 minutes when Loic Bade dragged Mbappe down on a counter-attack, and a lengthy VAR check upheld the decision despite Sevilla protestations. Mbappe had the best chance of the first half, meanwhile, but skewed it wide.

Madrid woke up in the second half, though it helped that Sevilla went down to nine men after a horrific challenge from substitute Isaac Romero that left Aurelien Tchouameni reeling. A Madrid goal always felt as it was coming, and Mbappe provided it with a wonderful arrowed effort from outside the box that flew into the bottom corner. Bellingham added a second after 87 minutes as he walked the ball into an empty net after a clever knock-down from Gonzalo Garcia.

Madrid have already ceded the title to Barcelona, and it showed in their lack of intensity. Still, if point totals matter – they don't really – this was an exercise in picking up a few more.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andriy Lunin (7/10):

  Not much to do all said. Might have gotten away with a half-shout for a penalty after failing to deal with a cross appropriately.

  Federico Valverde (7/10):

  A solid shift at right-back and had a shot cleared off the line.

  Jacobo Ramon (6/10):

  Calm at the back in a rather quiet afternoon.

  Jesus Vallejo (6/10):

  A confusing one from Madrid's forgotten man. Looked a bit shaky at times, but did well to last over an hour.

  Fran Garcia (7/10):

  Full of legs on the wing, and put in a few good tackles, too. Looks Madrid's best left-back, at the moment.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

  A disciplined performance at the base of midfield. Won his tackles and kept the ball moving.

  Luka Modric (5/10):

  Looked old and tired. Rumours that he wants a new contract surfaced this week, and there's not much to suggest Madrid should give him one.

  Jude Bellingham (6/10):

  A really mixed game. Spent a lot of time sulking and flying into tackles before scoring the goal to seal it.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Arda Guler (7/10):

  Had a couple of shots well denied, and played some clever passes, too. Might be the best long-term option on the right.

  Endrick (6/10):

  Looked dangerous when the game opened up, and was lively on the break, but he's not the man to break down a disciplined opponent.

  Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

  The most apparent threat of the afternoon. Put a couple wide, but you always got the sense that he could win it, and he did.

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  Subs & Manager

  Victor Munoz (6/10):

  Crucial in the build up to Madrid's second.

  Gonzalo Garcia (6/10):

  Assisted Bellingham to mark a nice cameo.

  Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Dani Ceballos (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

  Not much to praise or moan about, really. Got the result, even if it wasn't pretty. The best thing they can do now is save face and win out.

Everton displayed their powers of recovery when they dug deep to find a late goal in the Merseyside derby, James Tarkowski lashing beyond Alisson Becker in the final frame of injury time.

It’s remarkable how the Toffees rise to the occasion when pitted against noisy neighbours Liverpool, losing just one of their past eight meetings at Goodison Park.

But under David Moyes, Everton have quickly shaped into a team capable of beating many opponents, with their recent draw actually ending a three-match winning run in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace are up next, waiting at Selhurst Park. The 16th-place Toffees will sit level on points with Oliver Glasner’s side should they win, but it won’t be easy, not least because the Everton medical room gets more and more packed.

Everton missing key players

Abdoulaye Doucoure will serve a one-match suspension after his involvement in the post-match ruckus against Liverpool, who also saw Curtis Jones and head coach Arne Slot dismissed.

He joins an existing list of absentees that is anything but short: Nathan Patterson, Orel Mangala, Seamus Coleman, Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja are all out.

The major concern, of course, is that star attacker Iliman Ndiaye is set for a spell on the sidelines after jarring his knee in the first half. Moyes has confirmed that the former Marseille man has suffered a “medial knee ligament injury”.

While Jack Harrison performed well in his stead on the left flank, the loanee has yet to score or assist a single goal this season, the same as Jesper Lindstrom on the right.

Everton might need to look for offensive support from elsewhere, and wouldn’t it be the perfect time to inculcate Charly Alcaraz into the starting line-up?

Everton's answer to Eberechi Eze

Everton brought Alcaraz in from Brazilian club Flamengo last month, tying him down to a loan move with an obligatory buy clause worth about £13m.

Racing Club

83

12

5

Southampton

48

8

5

Flamengo

19

3

2

Juventus

12

0

1

Everton

2

0

0

He’s a combative and animated midfield presence, capable across a range of roles but at his best when playing off the centre-forward. With Doucoure sidelined, it feels like number ten has his name on it in south London.

Such an electric and dangerous skill set will be needed to overcome Palace’s own midfield maestro: Eberechi Eze.

The England international is one of the silkiest and most dynamic players in the Premier League, ranking among the top 4% of positional peers in the division this term for shots taken, the top 12% for shot-creating actions and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

With Ndiaye sidelined, Everton will need another flashy star to step up and drive forward play. That could be Alcaraz, who himself ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in the Brasileiro Serie A 2024 campaign for shots, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

Some might feel that the loss of Ndiaye puts the writing on the wall for a Blues side that has suffered so much misfortune in recent years, but something feels different with Moyes back in the dugout.

Everton are playing with purpose – and maybe, even, gusto.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp described Ndiaye as a forward capable of “dynamite” moments, and he’s indeed been integral over the past several weeks, netting in all three of Everton’s wins with their new manager in the dugout.

Alcaraz is effectively dovetailing into a squad plying with unbridled joy, readying themselves for an abiding partnership with one of the most revered figures on the blue patch of Merseyside.

It’s worth noting that he’s only featured two times for his new English outfit, but has made an impression in both contests. Against Bournemouth in the FA Cup, Alcaraz was a bright spark off the bench, neat in possession and hungry to win the ball off opponents.

His cameo against Liverpool saw him complete his one attempted dribble, win both ground duels and make a tackle, as per Sofascore, instrumental in piling on the pressure and sparking a late-stage comeback that sent Goodison into a frenzy of euphoric madness.

Alcaraz, moreover, played 19 games in the English top flight with Southampton, scoring four goals and supplying two assists for a team that was tail-spinning out of control and into the second tier back in 2022/23.

This potency could be realised with Everton now that Doucoure and Ndiaye are set to miss out later on today. This may feel like it’s to the detriment of Everton’s overall fluency, but it does present Alcaraz with a glorious opportunity to come up trumps and prove to Moyes that he deserves to play a big part over the coming months.

Everton have clearly got a top talent on their hands; when he moved to Italy on loan with Juventus last year, a buy option was inserted into the deal that totalled £40m. This makes a firm comment on his high-ceilinged future, albeit it was a move that failed to reach that permanent point.

Hailed as “one of the biggest talents” to have come from Argentina in recent years by scout Jacek Kulig, Alcaraz is gearing up to play a big role in Moyes’ Everton squad, with the glut of recent injuries set to fast-track him into a prominent role.

Ndiaye upgrade: Everton wanted £67m Liverpool star but Rafa refused

He’s one of the Premier League’s best forwards.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 14, 2025

Wayne Rooney has seen his managerial career savaged after making surprising picks in his top-five Premier League players of the season.

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Man Utd legend flopped at Birmingham & PlymouthEx-England captain now back on punditry dutyAccused of not watching enough football in 2024-25Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Manchester United legend has failed to convince across coaching stints in England and the United States. His last two roles in the dugout saw him last just 83 days at Birmingham, before taking in only 25 games as boss of Plymouth.

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An enforced break front the dugout is now being taken in, with Rooney returning to punditry duty. While working with Amazon Prime, the ex-Three Lions captain has named his top-performing stars in the Premier League.

WAYNE ROONEY'S PICKS

Rooney put Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes in fifth spot and Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White fourth. Cole Palmer, despite his recent struggles at Chelsea, sat third while Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah filled the top two.

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Getty Images SportWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Rooney’s selections have raised a few eyebrows on social media, with @LFCParker1 saying: "No wonder his teams are always fighting for relegation." On a similar theme, @pulpy said: "Stinks of someone who hasn’t watched much football at all this year."

With the boot being stuck in on Rooney, @guzelawjunior said: "As usual, great footballer, but zero football knowledge." @Kd_Undred went on to say "Cole Palmer? We are in 2025 now buddy not 2024", while @yinks_007 added: "Bruno is 3rd at worst and I'm a Chelsea fan. Can't argue much with the top 2. Cole not top 5 this season."

Chelsea have yet to sign anyone during the current January transfer window, yet Enzo Maresca is desperate to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the campaign.

His maiden season at the Blues has perhaps gone better than anticipated. At the time of writing, the club are sitting fifth in the Premier League table, through to the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League, while they secured their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend.

Overall, it hasn’t been a bad start. Qualifying for the Champions League will be his priority, however, and this means a few new recruits may be eyed before the transfer window closes in a couple of weeks.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a shock target, while according to Sky in Germany (via Sky Sports), Chelsea have contacted Bayern Munich to ask about the availability of Mathys Tel, but it looks as though he wants to stay and fight for his place in the Bavarian side.

Tel isn’t the only player Maresca is eyeing from Germany, as a current Borussia Dortmund talent has caught the eye of late, which could lead to the Stamford Bridge side making a move this month.

Chelsea lining up swoop for Borussia Dortmund starlet

Garnacho was mentioned by Sky Sports News as one target Chelsea had in mind this month, but the other player named could be a far better option.

Jamie Gittens is also wanted by the Blues, according to the same report, as Maresca looks set to try and bolster his attacking options, despite having a plethora of talent to choose from already.

According to the Athletic, Chelsea have started conversations regarding a move for Gittens before the window closes, but these are only at an early stage, with an enquiry having been made.

There is no word on what kind of transfer fee it might cost to bring the 20-year-old to London, but considering his market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €50m (£42m), plus a contract running until 2028, he could cost a fortune.

If they did manage to secure his signature, the club would be signing one of the finest young talents in Europe, no doubt about that.

Jamie Gitten’s statistics at Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund has proven to be a wonderful place for English youngsters to go and develop away from the pressures of life in the Premier League.

Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham are the two finest examples. Both players shone at Signal Iduna Park during their respective spells there, securing moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Gittens is the next big thing at the club. He made his debut during the 2021/22 campaign aged just 18, and it soon became clear that the club had a natural heir to Sancho in their midst.

Over the previous two and a half years, Gittens has played 80 times for the club, registering 30 goal contributions – 16 goals and 14 assists – to emerge as one of their prized assets.

He knows how to perform on the biggest stages, especially in the Champions League. In the competition this term, the youngster has scored four times, grabbed an assist, created two big chances, and succeeded with 2.3 dribbles per game. It is no wonder Dortmund have a wonderful chance of finishing in the top eight, which secures progress to the last 16.

Last year, one analyst heaped plenty of praise on his abilities, saying: “Kobbie Mainoo, Xavi Simons, and Musiala all receive well-deserved hype as they are top players. However, just wait until Jamie Bynoe-Gittens starts playing week in and week out.

“He is one of a kind. It’s just a matter of time until he also achieves superstar status.”

He might not be at superstar status quite yet, but if a move to Chelsea materialises in the coming weeks, this platform could see the winger take his game to the next level.

Metric

Champions League

Bundesliga

Goals

4

7

Assists

1

3

Big chances created

2

5

Successful dribbles per game

2.3

3.1

Key passes per game

1

0.8

Not only that, but Gittens is also a similar type of player to a former Chelsea transfer target who has just secured a move to Paris Saint-Germain during the current window.

The Blues were looking to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this month before PSG stepped in, but in Gittens, they have someone who is eerily similar in playing style.

Jamie Gittens could be Maresca’s own Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Missing out on the Georgian winger is a blow, but Maresca shouldn’t be too concerned, considering a move for Gittens might cost slightly less.

According to FBref, the former Napoli wideman is currently the third-most comparable player to Gittens in terms of style of play and statistical profiles, which could see Chelsea land an exceptional talent.

Both players are naturally right-footed but tend to operate on the left flank, cutting inside on a regular basis to score the majority of their goals.

The pair have registered similar statistics across a range of metrics this season, including goals and assists (ten vs eight), shots on target per 90 (1.18 vs 1.22), shot-creating actions (42 vs 57), touches in the attacking penalty area (77 vs 74) and carries into the opposition penalty area (43 vs 37) for their respective teams.

These statistics show just how effective the pair are when it comes to creating chances for their teammates, while they both love to get the ball into the penalty area as often as possible, utilising their excellent dribbling abilities.

Gittens still has plenty of development to do over the next few years, yet his spell at Dortmund has allowed him to showcase his talents on a regular basis.

He was bound to attract attention sooner rather than later given his performances for the German side over the previous few years, and it looks as though they won’t be able to keep him for long.

If Chelsea are serious about signing him, they had best try and get a deal over the line as the Englishman will have plenty of other suitors, given his impressive form in Germany this term.

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Therefore, it is now down to the board to ensure that they do everything in their power to win the race for his signature before the end of the January transfer window.