أكد نادي إنيمبا النيجيري منافس الزمالك في المجموعة الرابعة ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية 2024/2025 صعوبة المنافسين بعد القرعة.
وأسفرت القرعة التي أقيمت في “القاهرة” اليوم عن تواجد الفريق النيجيري رفقة الزمالك والمصري بجانب بلاك بولز من موزمبيق.
وتواصل “btolat.com” مع المتحدث الرسمي لنادي إنيمبا النيجيري، ديفيد أورجي، للحديث عن القرعة ومواجهة الزمالك والمصري.
اقرأ أيضًا.. بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي لـ بطولات: لا نخشى أحدًا في مجموعة الزمالك
وقال أورجي: “نحن نواجه الزمالك أحد أفضل الفرق في قارة إفريقيا، بطل النسخة الماضية من الكونفدرالية وكذلك حصد السوبر الإفريقي من الأهلي قبل أيام قليلة فقط”.
وتابع: “يجب أن نكون على استعداد قوي لأن المنافسين أقوياء للغاية، نحن نتحدث عن المصري أيضًا الذي سنواجهه في المباراة الأولى في مصر”.
وأضاف: “سنسعى لتحقيق نتيجة إيجابية في أول مباراة، ثم نستقبل الزمالك على ملعبنا وهي فرصة لنظهر أنفسنا بقوة وقادرين على هزيمته رغم قوة هذا الفريق”.
وعن ملعب إنيمبا في البطولة: “نخوض المباريات على ملعب جودسويل في مدينة يايو وهو ما لعبنا عليه الوداد في بطولة دوري السوبر الإفريقي العام الماضي”.
It is fair to say that Erik ten Hag's penchant for bringing his former players to Manchester United hasn't gone particularly smoothly during his Old Trafford tenure thus far.
The Dutchman's first summer in charge saw him opt to reunite with both Lisandro Martinez and Antony, the South American duo having been part of the Ajax side that claimed title glory in both 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Despite issues with injury in the latter part of 2023, Martinez has arguably one of the club's "best signings" of recent years – according to Patrice Evra – although the same, sadly, cannot be said for Antony, who has scored just eight goals and contributed only three assists in 66 games following his £86m arrival.
After also utilising his Dutch connections to acquire the likes of Tyrell Malacia and Wout Weghorst, the most recent summer window saw Ten Hag again seek out familiar faces in the form of Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat, the pair having played under the 53-year-old at Ajax and Utrecht, respectively.
Those two deals have gone largely the same way as Antony thus far, rather than Martinez, with Amrabat heading off to AFCON without anyone really noticing, after starting just seven Premier League games, while Onana produced a string of errors during the club's Champions League run – namely away to both Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
To think then that United could yet again back the manager in his desire to sign another of his former assets may have alarm bells ringing, although one current target does at least boast a strong record under Ten Hag's watch.
Man Utd eyeing another Ajax star
As per a report from the Mirror last week, the Red Devils are believed to be interested in signing 21-year-old striker, Brian Brobbey from the Eredivisie outfit, with the club said to be 'keeping tabs' on the promising Dutchman.
The suggestion is that Ten Hag – who handed the forward his debut in Amsterdam – wants to sign a new marksman this month in order to provide competition to both Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial, although the club only have the means to pull off a loan deal.
That could then scupper any approach for Brobbey, who won't be allowed to depart on a temporary move, although if United can raise funds for a permanent approach, they would seemingly be able to snap up a player who turned them down back in the summer of 2022 – after returning to Ajax following a brief spell at RB Leipzig.
Brian Brobbey's record under Ten Hag
The last time that Brobbey opted to leave the Johan Cruyff Arena didn't exactly go to plan, as the 5 foot 11 marksman failed to score and provided only three assists in just 14 appearances during his time in Germany, having joined the Bundesliga side in 2021.
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While he ultimately failed to get going during that solitary half-season at Leipzig, home comforts have been kind to the Amsterdam native, as his record for the Dutch giants now stands at an impressive 40 goals in just 101 games in all competitions.
Also previously prolific in the youth ranks – notably scoring 37 goals in 41 games for Ajax's U19 side – Brobbey was handed the chance to impress at first-team level by Ten Hag in the 2020/21 season, going on to net six times in just 19 games.
Having also returned to work under the one-time Utrecht coach on loan for the second half of 2021/22, the in-demand talent then plundered a further seven goals in just 13 appearances, taking his overall tally under Ten Hag to 13 goals in just 32 games.
Games
32
Goals
13
Assists
3
Minutes played
869
Starts
7
Minutes per goal
67
Despite often finding himself behind the more experienced Sebastian Haller, the one-cap Netherlands international boasted an impressive scoring rate under the current United boss, bagging once every 67 minutes – while he has 13 goals in only 25 games this season.
Clearly a talent who fits smoothly into Ten Hag's system, there may be a sense of optimism that the £49k-per-week ace could follow in the footsteps of Martinez, rather than Antony, by flourishing at the Theatre of Dreams, particularly as he possesses the tools to be a menacing Premier League striker.
Brian Brobbey's style of play
Described as a "powerhouse" by U23 scout and journalist, Antonio Mango, Brobbey appears to have the attributes to be able to meet the physical challenge of leading the line in England's top flight, having been dubbed "The Brobbeast" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
His credentials to be a prolific Premier League number nine can also be seen by his likeness to one-time United man, Romelu Lukaku, with former Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann stating back in 2021:
"In regards to his physique and the way he plays, he is similar to Romelu Lukaku. And we would be happy if he can manage to become a player with the same qualities. But to paint a picture for the fans, you can definitely say that he is similar to Lukaku."
That likeness can also be seen by their current displays, with both men regularly looking to get in behind an opposing backline, with the Roma star ranking in the top 6% among his European peers for progressive passes received at an average of 8.76 per 90, while young Brobbey averages 8.63 in that regard.
Of course, Lukaku isn't too fondly remembered at Old Trafford due to his "woeful" finishing during his two-year spell at the club – as per journalist Samuel Luckhurst – although the towering Belgian is a proven goalscorer, even recording 42 goals in just 96 games for the Red Devils.
While the 30-year-old also underwhelmed following a £97.5m return to Chelsea in 2021 – scoring just eight league goals that season – at his best he certainly ran Premier League defences ragged, netting 121 times in 278 games in the competition.
If United could get their hands on that fit and firing version of Lukaku, in the form of his heir apparent, Brobbey, it could prove to be the perfect striking addition for a club that have scored the fourth fewest goals in the top-flight this season.
Kylian Mbappe will wear the No.9 shirt at Real Madrid made famous by Bernabeu legend Alfredo Di Stefano, but only for one year.
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Mbappe to take temporary shirtPreferred jersey already takenWill get long-term number in 2025WHAT HAPPENED?
Once Mbappe officially becomes a Real Madrid player, he is expected to be unveiled as the latest wearer of the club's No.9 shirt, which was been vacant since Karim Benzema left last summer. But has reported that is just a temporary solution for a player who has become synonymous with No.7 at club level and No.10 at international level during his career.
Advertisement(C)GettyImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
With Vinicius Junior locked into No.7 in the Spanish capital, Mbappe's preference is No.10. That is currently occupied by veteran midfielder Luka Modric, but with the Croatian soon to turn 39 years of age, Mbappe might only have to be a little bit patient. The expectation appears to be that Modric will get one more year added to his contract until 2025, after which the long-serving Bernabeu hero will leave the club…and vacate his number. Therefore, come 2025-26, Mbappe should be Madrid's new No.10, following in the footsteps of other former greats like Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Ricardo Gallego and Ferenc Puskas.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cristiano Ronaldo used a similar tactic when he first joined Madrid in 2009, initially taking the No.9 shirt because his preferred No.7 was already occupied by club legend Raul. After one season, Raul left and Ronaldo could take over the jersey. Mbappe has never worn No.9 since his spectacular breakthrough as a 17-year-old at Monaco, but has donned 29 and 12.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
Notwithstanding his arrival at Real Madrid, Mbappe has a busy time ahead as he aims to lead France to European Championship glory for the first time since 2000. Les Bleus are among the pre-tournament favourites alongside England and hosts Germany, although Mbappe's dreams of finishing the summer by also representing his country at the Olympics on home soil are over after being left out of the squad. Madrid had earlier firmly ruled out allowing their players to compete.
أبدى إيان رايت نجم آرسنال السابق، رأيه في تصريحات محمد صلاح بشأن مستقبله مع فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي.
وكان صلاح أدلى بتصريحات أوضح خلالها أنه يلعب عامه الأخير مع ليفربول، وأن النادي لم يبدأ معه محادثات لتجديد عقده.
وجاءت تلك التصريحات بعد فوز ليفربول أمام مانشستر يونايتد بثلاثية نظيفة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث سجل صلاح هدفًا وصنع هدفين.
وينتهي عقد محمد صلاح مع ليفربول بنهاية الموسم الجاري في شهر يونيو المقبل، ويعد المصري محل اهتمام لأندية الدوري السعودي.
قال رايت في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية: “لدي انطباع بأن محمد صلاح ربما يرغب في البقاء في ليفربول وتحطيم الأرقام القياسية، لديه هذا الإرث للعب من أجله”.
وأضاف: “لنفترض أنه سيبقى لمدة ثلاث سنوات، حتى لو تراجع مستواه في العام الماضي، فهذه 10 سنوات من الأداء الذي لا يصدق”.
اقرأ أيضًا | محمد صلاح: إذا فعلت هذا الشيء مع ليفربول “سيقتلونني”
وأردف: “أعتقد أنه سيبقى على الأرجح إذا قرر ليفربول ذلك، وأنا أعلم أن الناس يشعرون بالتوتر الشديد بشأن منح العقود لأشخاص في الثلاثينيات من العمر، لكنني أعتقد أنه استثناء في الطريقة التي يستعد بها ويلعب”.
محمد صلاح البالغ من العمر 32 عامًا، سجل 214 هدفًا وساهم بـ 92 تمريرة حاسمة في 352 مباراة مع ليفربول منذ انضمامه من روما في عام 2017.
وتوج محمد صلاح مع ليفربول بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ودوري أبطال أوروبا وكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي.
وفي حالة عدم تجديد عقده، سيغادر صلاح ليفربول كوكيل حر ويمكنه التفاوض مع أي نادٍ بداية من شهر يناير القادم.
Manchester United appear to be keen to get deals over the line this window and are now reportedly willing to trigger the release clause of a key target at Old Trafford.
Man Utd look to secure new arrivals…
Differing verdicts have emerged over the potential Manchester United have to bring in players this window despite football director John Murtough hinting that business may be minimal at the Premier League giants over the course of the month as they look to comply with Financial Fair Play concerns.
Erik ten Hag clearly needs bodies in the door to rectify his side's erratic start to the campaign and Sky Sports News journalist Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his associates will have had a say on potential incomings and outgoings.
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He told GIVEMESPORT: "So just going back to INEOS with regard to any kind of decision that gets made, even though the deal hasn't been formally ratified, they would have to be consulted about any deal that happens. I'm told that when they signed that agreement, even though as I said it hasn't been ratified, the transfer strategy was relayed to them. So, they would have had a say in what will be happening in this January transfer window."
This news may come as a relief to Red Devils supporters; however, there is still no clear indication of who could arrive in the North West this window as their side quietly ponder who to pursue according to their specific needs. Now, fresh information has emerged claiming that Manchester United are willing to meet the release clause of a talented midfielder this month, as per reports.
Man Utd ready Javi Guerra move
According to Catalan reports, Manchester United are keen on Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra and have already initiated first contacts regarding a move for the Spain Under-21 international this month.
Javi Guerra key statistics in 2023/24 (Sofascore)
Tackles per game
1.4
Clearances per game
1.2
Balls recovered per game
5.6
Accurate passes per game in own half
9.6 (85%)
Shots per game
1.2
Big chances created
2
The outlet claim that Guerra has a release clause worth in the region of €40 million (£34.4 million) that the Red Devils are willing to pay that sum to bring the playmaker to Old Trafford. Viewed as someone who could be very important to the future of Ten Hag's engine room, the Valencia-born man is seen as a value-for-money option and would be guaranteed a high salary in England should he move to Manchester United.
Labelled a "deep-lying orchestrator" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Guerra has made 19 appearances in all competitions this term for Valencia, registering three goals and one assist (Guerra statistics – Transfermarkt).
Manchester United may need more variation on the field to try and reverse their inconsistent form and Guerra could add a different dimension to their engine room moving forward, both in the short and long term, making this a deal to watch.
علق المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي جورماهيا الكيني، ليوناردو نيفا، على مواجهة الأهلي في دور الـ 32 من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2024/2025.
وأوقعت القرعة الأهلي أمام جورماهيا بعد فوز الأخير على المريخ جوبا بطل جنوب السودان بمجموع مباراتي الذهاب والعودة بنتيجة 5-2.
ومن المفترض أن يواجه الأهلي منافسه الكيني في مباراة الذهاب على أرضه أحد أيام 13 إلى 15 سبتمبر، في حين سيكون لقاء الإياب في القاهرة أحد أيام 20 إلى 22 من نفس الشهر.
اقرأ أيضًا.. خاص | الأهلي يوضح حقيقة حسم صفقة محمد بن رمضان
وتواصل “btolat.com” مع مدرب جورماهيا للحديث عن مباراة الأهلي، وقال: “بالطبع، قدمنا مباراة جيدة على أرضنا ضد المريخ جوبا، لكن نحتاج إلى التحسن في المستقبل”.
وتابع: “نحن متحمسون للغاية لمواجهة الأهلي، لأنه يمتلك لاعبين هم قوام منتخب مصر وكذلك محترفين أجانب مميزين للغاية”.
واستمر: “الأهلي هو ريال مدريد إفريقيا، وهو الأفضل بالقارة وهو أمر ليس بغريب على أحد، هذا وفقًا لتصنيف كاف ولديه 12 لقبًا في دوري أبطال إفريقيا”.
وعن فرص تأهل جورماهيا أمام الأهلي، قال: “الجميع يعرف تاريخ منافسنا والأرقام التي حققها، هو المرشح المفضل للفوز، لكن عليهم ضغط كبير للتأهل وليس لدينا ما نخسره”.
وأضاف: “كل شيء ممكن في كرة القدم وربما تكون هناك مفاجأة”.
وعن تفكير إدارة ناديه في لعب مباراتي الذهاب والعودة في القاهرة بسبب غلق ملعب “نيايو” في العاصمة الكينية “نيروبي”، أجاب: “ليس لدي فكرة عن ذلك حتى الآن”.
وأتم: “لكن يمكننا اختيار دولة مجاورة مثل أوغندا أو تنزانيا لخوض مباراة الذهاب أمام الأهلي، أعتقد هذا سيكون الخيار الأكثر جدوى، لأنني أفضل اللعب بعيدًا عن القاهرة”.
The New Zealand seamer put his incredible six-wicket burst in Christchurch down to “rhythm” and “getting into a groove”
Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Dec-2018Clouds overhead, a green pitch underfoot, conditions were perfect for the kind of searing, prodigious late swing that Trent Boult specialises in, but the thing that really envenomed him – the thing that really set his spectacular burst of six wickets from 15 balls in motion – was rhythm.Bowlers had nipped it off the seam all through the series, but Boult’s spell was the first exhibition of vicious swing bowling – of movement in the air. He swung it exclusively left to right (in to the right-handers). Balls that seemed to be headed way past off stump veered dramatically toward the wickets halfway through their trajectory. Some of those he had trapped lbw were so convinced that the ball was sliding past the stumps, they offered no shot.”It’s all about rhythm – for me anyway,” Boult said. “It’s about getting into a groove. A couple of wickets gives you a bit of confidence and just lets you go about your thing. Sometimes you’re not really thinking about much and it’s kind of happening for you. The plans were simple this morning. It was about building pressure on the guys and it was nice to exploit a bit of their weaknesses with some swing bowling. I was just trying to pitch the ball up really.”Trent Boult picked up six wickets from 15 balls•Getty Images
Boult had been bowling excellent lines and lengths through the course of the series, with little to show for it before this morning. In Wellington, he had collected figures of 2 for 145 from the match, despite comfortably having maintained an economy rate of less than three. On the first day in this match, half of his 10 overs had been maidens, but he had still been unable to claim a wicket.”It’s a funny old game really – it’s probably not how I expected it to happen this morning,” he said. “I suppose it can be easy to get frustrated a little bit, trying to figure out why things aren’t happening. I suppose with a little bit more experience – I’m getting old now – I’m realising it can be a funny game, and it’s probably about turning up with the right attitude, and trying to put the ball in the right areas. I was just lucky enough to get a bit of reward.”It had been Boult’s new-ball partner Tim Southee who had reaped “rewards” for the pressure the pair had built together on the first six days of the tour – Southee claiming a five-wicket haul on the first day in Wellington, and three wickets on day one at Hagley Oval. When Boult was getting wickets on day two, however, Southee did plenty to contribute. He took two catches at third slip, and also ensured that the in-form Angelo Mathews remained at the end he was bowling to, so that Boult could take aim at the Sri Lanka tailenders.”It’s one of the strengths of the side, and of the bowling unit, to bowl for each other,” Boult said. “It’s a strength to stick to that plan and be willing to hang in there and be patient. Timmy got the rewards last week and I’m sure there’s just rewards for the other guys around the corner as well. I think that’s one of the main reasons we are so successful is the way we bowl from both ends, and bowl in those partnerships.”
Tottenham Hotspur had a tremendous start to the Premier League campaign under Ange Postecoglou but consecutive defeats, spurred on by a sudden injury crisis, have brought the side back down the earth.
James Maddison suffered a devastating blow to the ankle in the first half of last week's clash against Chelsea, with the England international set to be sidelined for the remainder of the year, while Richarlison will be absent for a prolonged period of time, having had an operation on his pubic bone.
ruben-neves-james-maddison-tottenham-opinion
Postecoglou is seeking reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window to add depth and quality to his attacking department and the Australian may have identified the perfect signing for Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur transfer targets – Jota
Having moved from Celtic to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in the summer for £25m, Jota could be available as a free agent soon, with Tottenham said to be interested in signing the Portuguese winger, according to 90min. Nevertheless, the outlet are also claiming that Spurs could even make a move for the forward if he remains under contract at his current club, providing Al-Ittihad's price tag isn't too extortionate.
The 24-year-old has featured just seven times in all competitions for the Saudi Arabian giants since joining back in July but has accumulated merely 296 minutes on the pitch in total. Jota was left out of Al-Ittihad's squad as the league allows the registration of only eight foreign players and it has been widely reported that the two-time Scottish champion could be released from his current deal as a result.
Postecoglou brought Jota to Celtic during his reign in Scotland and now could be set to reunite with the attacker, who BBC pundit and ex-player Marvin Bartley once called a "striker's dream" in Glasgow.
Jota's stats at Celtic
At Celtic Park last season, Jota outperformed all expectations, registering 27 goal contributions in all competitions, including 16 goals and 11 assists. Only the Scottish Premiership's top goalscorer Kyogo Furuhashi found the net more times than Jota. Furthermore, the exciting winger finished second in the assists table, one behind ex-teammate Matt O'Riley last term.
Ange got the very best out of Jota once before and could certainly do it again, although the Australian would need to rethink his forward line a little. With Richarlison out for a number of weeks, club captain Heung-min Son led the forward line during Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, a position he has played in 117 times in his illustrious career.
Given that Richarlison has bagged just two goals this season anyway and Son is Tottenham's top scorer, Postecoglou may look to stick with the latter up top. This would leave the left flank open for Jota's arrival.
While Jota is an excellent goalscorer from wide positions, his creativity is just as appetising and he could link up incredibly well with Maddison when the Englishman returns from his ankle injury.
Per 90 Metrics
Jota – 2022/23
James Maddison – 2023/24
Assists
0.4
0.49
Expected Assists
0.25
0.33
Progressive Carries
5
2.96
Progressive Passes
3.44
9.9
Goals
0.47
0.29
Expected Goals
0.29
0.29
Key Passes
2.81
3.16
Passes to the Penalty Area
4.06
3.27
Stats via FBref
Nonetheless, Jota can play on both the left and right wing, as well as down the middle if needed so it could be relatively simple for Ange to shoehorn the forward into his lineup. This would be a tremendous signing for Spurs given Jota's versatility and tremendous output in European football.
Sri Lanka have asked for a turning pitch – a proper one this time – and they will go in with three spinners and a lone quick again, but for the hosts to level the series, the batsmen still have to pull their weight.So said Suranga Lakmal, who has captained three Tests and won all three, thanks largely to his attack. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka’s bowlers have dismissed oppositions for scores such as 93, 73, 123 and 124. One or two batsmen – Dimuth Karunaratne in particular – have scored heavily on one or two of those occasions. But as a group, Sri Lanka’s top order has fallen short of excellence.”Unfortunately over the recent past we haven’t got what we expected from the batsmen,” Lakmal said. “But we can change that in this match. No one goes to the middle trying to make a low score. I’m trusting that a lot of things will change in this Test.”What I’d say as a captain or vice-captain is that we need to bat positively. That’s one thing we can do. If you get a good ball, any batsman can get out. Think about that and go to the middle with the intention of scoring runs. Have positive body language. That’s what I expect from our players.”One batsman who can generally be relied upon for a positive approach, although not always for runs, is Kusal Mendis. While much has been made of Mendis’ poor ODI form over the past few months, his Test output has been modest as well – he has failed to cross fifty in eight innings now. Lakmal hoped Mendis would be among those leading the batting turnaround.”Any player, bowler or batsman, fails in cricket – in that time it’s the players who are mentally strong who come out of it quickly,” Lakmal said. “In the last match Kusal scored a few runs [19 and 45], and he’s pretty good psychologically. I’m sure he’ll make a difference in this match. He backs his game plan, and I’m trusting that he’ll produce a good innings here.”On the bowling front there may never have been room in this XI for 21-year-old quick Lahiru Kumara, but that doesn’t mean the curfew-breaking antics that saw him dumped from the squad prior to the series has not caused disappointment within the side. Kumara was among those who bowled well under Lakmal in Barbados, where Sri Lanka’s bowlers helped overturn a 50-run first innings deficit. With any luck, Lakmal said, Kumara will make a comeback, and play a role in such team performances again.”There’s something called discipline in the team,” he said. “You could be a senior, or someone who is not very experienced, but if the team suffers even a little because of your indiscipline, then we have to take action. That’s what we’ve done here.”That’s not to say Lahiru Kumara will keep making that mistake, nor are we saying he’s out of the team forever. We’ve sent him a message, and hopefully he will learn from that. This can happen to any player – senior or junior. If they break the rules, we’ll take that action.”
Kalvin Phillips' nightmare loan spell at West Ham continued as his foul sparked a remarkable Newcastle comeback at St. James' Park.
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Phillips comes on at 3-1 up
Concedes penalty after seven minutes
Harvey Barnes equalises moments later
WHAT HAPPENED?
Phillips was substituted on in the 69th minute and then just seven minutes later conceded a penalty for a foul on Anthony Gordon. Gordon was too quick for Phillips and nipped in to poke the ball away from the West Ham player whose missed clearance took the winger out. Alexander Isak, taking his second penalty of the game, converted another the spot-kick to take his side within one goal of the Hammers. To make matters worse for Phillips and the Hammers, Harvey Barnes scored a brace to win the game for the Magpies in the dying embers.
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WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Bemused by Phillips' misfortune, fans flocked to X to share their opinion on the midfielder. @UtdEra_ said: "Kalvin Phillips to West Ham could go down as the worst loan of all time. He’s shocking."
West Ham fan @alanrzepa could not believe it. He said: "Kalvin Phillips can’t play for us ever again."
@HughMurray1894 added: "I actually feel bad for Kalvin Phillips at this point."
@thomasjrennie believes there are higher powers at stake. He said: "Never, ever bring on Kalvin Phillips. He’s cursed."
Jamie Kent drew comparisons to another awful loan signing. He said: "Kalvin Phillips is having genuinely one of the worse loan spells I’ve seen since Denis Suarez at Arsenal."
West Ham's luck with loan signings has been hit and miss in the past. @JackElderton tweeted: "I don't want to see Phillips again. He has cost us so many points since joining. Roberto the only other player to have such a bad run at West Ham in my lifetime."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Things have gone from bad to worse for Phillips, who has been dropped from the England squad since his loan move to West Ham. While he can feel unlucky to have conceded the penalty given he was unaware of Gordon behind him as he went to clear the ball, he could have reacted faster and could have no complaints when the spot-kick was given. Phillips' debut came in the 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal and in his second game he was sent off against Bournemouth for a challenge labelled 'stupid' by former referee Mike Dean. A series of calamitous and costly mistakes for the Hammers will have done little to impress England boss Gareth Southgate.
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WHAT NEXT FOR PHILLIPS?
Time is running out for Phillips for demonstrate he is still good enough to play for England at the European Championship in the summer. Yet, at the moment, every time he does play his chances seem to diminish. Since his nightmare move to Manchester City, the former Leeds captain's career has been derailed and it remains to be seen if he will have any suitors come the summer.