Com muitos jogos em sequência, São Paulo deverá rodar o elenco; Confira as opções para o revezamento

MatériaMais Notícias

A volta do São Paulo aos gramados, no último sábado (10), ficou marcada por uma exibição de gala no Morumbi. O Tricolor passou por cima do São Caetano, goleando por 5 a 1. O jogo marcou o início de uma bateria de muitas partidas do Paulistão com poucos intervalos entre elas.

RelacionadasSão PauloApós gol em estreia pelo São Paulo, Eder fala sobre seu físico: ’30 minutos pareceram 90′São Paulo11/04/2021São PauloInspirado, São Paulo volta aos gramados com uma goleada sobre o São CaetanoSão Paulo10/04/2021São PauloATUAÇÕES: Reinaldo participa de três gols e é destaque em goleada no MorumbiSão Paulo10/04/2021

SÃO PAULO COM 10 PONTOS! VEJA A TABELA ATUALIZADA DO PAULISTÃO!

O próximo confronto do São Paulo será já na segunda-feira (12), às 20h, contra o Red Bull Bragantino, no Morumbi. Assim, o time terá apenas um dia para descansar do jogo contra o São Caetano, o domingo (11), no qual a equipe treinará no CT da Barra Funda.

Depois, o mesmo esquema se repetirá, pois a equipe jogará de dois em dois dias, enfrentando o Guarani na quarta-feira (14), no Morumbi, e o Palmeiras na sexta-feira (16), no Allianz Parque.

​Dessa forma, o treinador Hernán Crespo terá que pensar em uma maneira de rodar o elenco, garantindo descanso aos atletas quando possível e evitando desgastes de jogadores importantes do time. Para isso, os reforços e os atletas da base serão importantes.

Os atletas inscritos pelo São Paulo são:

Goleiros: Tiago Volpi, Lucas Perri e Thiago Couto

Laterais: Igor Vinicius, Reinaldo e Léo (Lista A);Welington e Gabriel Rodrigues (Lista B);

Zagueiros: Arboleda, Bruno Alves, Diego Costa, Miranda e Rodrigo Freitas (Lista A); Luizão e Lucas Beraldo (Lista B);

Volantes: Luan, Tchê Tchê e Liziero (Lista A); Rodrigo Nestor (Lista B);

Meias: Daniel Alves, Hernanes, Vitor Bueno, Igor Gomes, Benítez e Gabriel Sara (Lista A);Talles Costa (Lista B);

Atacantes: Luciano, Pablo, Toró, Bruno Rodrigues, Rojas, e Eder(Lista A);Galeano e Vitinho(Lista B).

Sobre a lista, é importante ressaltar que Léo, um dos laterais, atua como zagueiro no esquema de Crespo e que Tchê Tchê e Toró não defendem mais a equipe.

Assim, o argentino terá algumas opções para rodar o elenco, mas terá prejuízos em alguns setores do campo, nos quais contará com menos jogadores. Entretanto, com muitas opções no elenco, existem possibilidades para revezar o elenco.

Trio de zaga

Na zaga, a inscrição de Miranda foi muito importante para o Tricolor que, agora, conta com reservas imediatos para cada um dos titulares e, ainda, dois suplentes na lista B.

É possível que Miranda assuma a titularidade ao lado de Arboleda e Léo, deixando o trio reserva com Bruno Alves, Diego Costa e Rodrigo Freitas.

Laterais

A ala direita é, provavelmente, a posição mais carente da equipe, na qual o substituto direto de Igor Vinícius é Gabriel Rodrigues, atleta jovem da base, que ainda não atuou pelo profissional.

Pensando nesse problema, o clube contratou o colombiano Orejuela, mas ele não foi inscrito na fase inicial da competição, o que pode ser problema para a equipe que, eventualmente, precisará jogar com outro jogador, buscando dar algum descanso para Igor Vinícius.

O que é possível, neste caso, á a utilização do ponta paraguaio Galeano. Ele substituiu o camisa 2 em algumas ocasiões e, mesmo não sendo um lateral, consegue atuar bem como ala, pois a posição permite que ele seja mais ofensivo nessa função. Outra possibilidade é a escalação de Liziero, que já atuou como lateral direito.

Na ala esquerda, Welington vem substituindo Reinaldo quando necessário, sendo uma boa opção para os momentos em que o camisa 6 receber uma oportunidade de descansar.

Meio de campo

No meio de campo, o time também conta com vários nomes para as posições. Em bom momento, Rodrigo Nestor deve revezar a função de volante com Luan, enquanto Daniel Alves, Benítez, Igor Gomes, Gabriel Sara e Hernanes devem disputar as vagas de meia.

Liziero, que pode ser utilizado como uma opção para a lateral direita, também é capaz de substituir Luan ou Nestor se necessário. Vitor Bueno, que é meia de origem, vem sendo utilizado como atacante por Hernán Crespo.

Ataque

No ataque, a equipe tem mais opções para escalar. O time de Hernán Crespo joga com apenas uma dupla de ataque e conta com vários jogadores, com diferentes características.

O time jogou com Luciano e Pablo como titulares, mas a tendência é que Eder e Rojas ganhem mais minutos nas próximas partidas, especialmente por causa da necessidade de revezar a equipe. Rojas, por exemplo, já foi escalado como titular no último jogo, contra o São Caetano, pois Luciano não foi convocado por motivos pessoais.

O São Paulo conta, ainda, com outros atacantes, como Vitor Bueno, Galeano, Bruno Rodrigues e Vitinho. Assim, o Tricolor está bem servido, com opções para revezar a equipe no ataque.

O São Paulo começou bem a nova sequência de partidas do Paulistão e aposta nos reforços para conseguir rodar bem o elenco, não desgastando muito os atletas e conseguindo, ao mesmo tempo, manter o nível competitivo da equipe.

O Tricolor entra em campo na próxima segunda-feira (12), às 20h, no Morumbi para enfrentar o Red Bull Bragantino. Com dez pontos na competição e o melhor ataque do torneio, com 15 gols, o São Paulo espera manter a boa fase e somar mais uma vitória no Paulistão.

Revealed: When Man Utd will finally make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future after Thomas Tuchel ruled out of running

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to find out his managerial fate this week – with Thomas Tuchel no longer in the running.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Ten Hag under pressure at Man Utd
  • Tuchel no longer in the running
  • Dutchman to learn fate this week
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Daily Mail reports Ten Hag will know where he stands in the coming days but despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe holding talks with former Bayern Munich boss Tuchel – he is no longer a candidate to replace the Dutchman at Old Trafford. Moreover, no final decision on the future of the ex-Ajax boss has yet been made.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty/GOAL

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Ratcliffe's INEOS group have been carrying out a review of United's season under Ten Hag, which included finishing eighth in the Premier League, crashing out early in the Carabao Cup and Champions League but also winning the FA Cup. The Dutchman repeatedly stressed the club's injury list hurt their results and while that is being taken into consideration, it may not save his United job. A huge decision lies ahead for the club.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The candidates in the running to potentially succeed Ten Hag in the United dugout are Brentford's Thomas Frank, ex-Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi, England manager Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty

    WHAT NEXT?

    While Ten Hag awaits to learn what the future holds for him, United will return to pre-season action next month before taking on Rosenburg, Rangers and Arsenal in July friendlies.

Spurs & Arsenal battling to sign "extraordinary" £34m Auba clone

While Tottenham Hotspur have caught the eye on numerous occasions this season and have made considerable progress under Ange Postecoglou's leadership, they do sit outside the top four after the Premier League term's midway point.

Of course, Spurs are just three points behind third and fourth-placed sides Arsenal and Aston Villa, having recovered from a slump before the festive period, welcomed back injured stars and made a couple of astute January signings to strengthen the cause.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.

Radu Dragusin (defender) and Timo Werner (forward) have indeed both joined the ranks this month but Postecoglou is still on the prowl for a midfielder, and if Tottenham are to complete further business by next week then this will be the focussed position.

That doesn't mean that efforts haven't been taken to map out plans ahead of the summer, however, with Harry Kane still not directly replaced as the team's focal frontman.

Spurs' search for a forward

Postecoglou opted against signing a star centre-forward in the summer and while Werner was welcomed earlier in January, the former Chelsea man is more versatile than he is prolific and the goalscoring onus will not be placed on his shoulders.

One prominent name reportedly on the radar is Brentford's Ivan Toney, but with the England international attached to a price tag of £100m, securing his signature might be somewhat infeasible.

As such, it's exciting to hear that Daniel Levy could be working toward a deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with Tutto Mercato Web reporting that Tottenham are in the mix for the dynamic forward along with divisional rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Joshua Zirkzee at Bayern Munich

Zirkzee is understood to have a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract and has attracted the attention of frontrunners AC Milan, with fresh reports also suggesting that Manchester United have held formal discussions for the Dutch player's possible transfer.

Why Spurs & Arsenal want Joshua Zirkzee

Zirkzee burst onto the scene as a youngster with Bayern Munich and scored four goals from just three starts during the 2019/20 German Bundesliga season, announcing himself as a prodigious talent.

However, he didn't manage to cement a starring spot in Bayern's illustrious outfit and was transferred to Bologna in 2022, completing an inauspicious season in Serie A, scoring just two goals across five starting displays, hampered by injury and ineffectual performances.

Manchester United transfer target Joshua Zirkzee in action in Serie A.

Now clicking together, he has returned with vigour this term and so far yields a healthy return of eight goals and four assists across just 19 starts in all competitions, praised for his "extraordinary qualities" by his manager Thiago Motta.

The striker has complemented his goalscoring exploits with 1.3 key passes per game in the Italian top-flight, as per Sofascore, also creating eight big chances for his teammates.

The £19k-per-week whiz excels through his elegance on the ball and in his link-up play, imposing at 6 foot 4 and intelligent in his movement and spatial awareness in the box.

As per FBref, Zirkzee ranks among the top 14% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for clearances per 90.

Given his dynamism and protean threat as an offensive force, Zirkzee could be the perfect fit for Postecoglou's fluid, multi-faceted system at Tottenham.

He is also considered a similar player to Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, (as per Football Transfers' Player Comparison model) who was once an absolute menace on English shores for Spurs' rivals Arsenal.

How Joshua Zirkzee compares to Aubameyang

Once described as a “phenomenal” talisman by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, Aubameyang might be 34 years old now but he is still scoring for fun on Europe's major stage, netting 13 goals and providing seven assists from 27 matches for Marseille this term.

Enjoying some of the best days of his career at the Emirates Stadium, the Gabonese striker was well-regarded for his pace but an underrated and equally integral aspect of his skill set lay in his off-ball movement and innate understanding of his role in attacking sequences.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once said of his erstwhile Borussia Dortmund student: “He's one of the best players for the counter-attack that you can find on this planet because of the timing of the runs and the really outstanding finishing record in situations like that.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal Stats by Season

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

21/22

21

9

2

20/21

39

15

4

19/20

44

29

3

18/19

51

31

8

17/18

14

10

4

Source: Transfermarkt

Zirkzee is starting to showcase his skills as a high-class centre-forward and can emulate such attributes; he might not have the same kind of searing speed but he is ruthless on the break and drifts into promising openings with remarkable regularity.

He's also shown himself to be one of the more creative strikers the European game has to offer and this is something that Aubameyang has embraced in recent years after witnessing the wane of his pace.

Indeed, Aubameyang ranks among the top 1% of positional peers for assists per 90 to showcase his skill across various facets of the striking game.

Zirkzee was once praised for his "prolific" beginnings at the Allianz Arena by Kulig and is now showing signs of rekindling this cutting edge in Italy, with a complete style of play to ensure that he has a myriad of weapons to inflict damage on opposition.

And if the rangy ace can continue to build on the gains made during his time at Bologna and make the move to Tottenham, there's a good chance that he could take his game to the next level and provide Postecoglou with the kind of all-encompassing talisman to offer shades of Arsenal's former hero in Aubameyang, but actually surpass his ability with a blend of clinical shooting and creative ingenuity.

Arsenal considering bid to sign £100k-p/w star, Arteta thinks he’s perfect

Arsenal are considering an "official" offer to sign one club's £100,000-per-week star, with manager Mikel Arteta thinking he's perfect for them.

Arsenal chasing new midfield signing for January

Despite having to operate under some constraints, with Financial Fair Play being a concern and the budget somewhat limited after a lavish summer of spending (Miguel Delaney), Arsenal are still keen to bolster their ranks in January.

World Cup ace now wants to join Arsenal after Edu opens transfer talks

The Gunners are finally becoming active.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 9, 2024

Fabrizio Romano recently claimed Arsenal signing a new right-back is a possibility this transfer window, while other media sources suggest they haven't given up on their chase for a new midfield signing.

Thomas Partey's injury problems have been a thorn in Arteta's side this season, so much so that Arsenal have been linked with the likes of Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz in the build up to January.

The Brazilian looks unattainable, though, given his star presence as Unai Emery's side look to secure a coveted top four Premier League place.

20

13

6

1

45

25

20

13

3

4

42

16

19

12

4

3

40

24

20

12

4

4

40

17

Alternative options are being mooted by sections of the press, with Belgian journalist Amadou Onana claiming this week that Arsenal have even opened talks to sign Everton star Amadou Onana.

According to the reporter, Onana is keen on joining Arteta in January, and this is a transfer which could develop fairly quickly.

Following Tavolieri's claim, a separate report from Belgium has backed up Arsenal's talks for Onana, while sharing their own bit of detail on the potential transfer.

Arsenal plotting "official" Onana bid

Indeed, According to news outlet Nieuwsblad, Arsenal are considering an official bid for Onana and Arteta is personally "very charmed" by him. The Gunners head coach apparently sees him as the "ideal reinforcement" for Arsenal's midfield, given his pace, power, physicality and good feet.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

They back that talks have been opened over the 22-year-old, with Arsenal pushing for Onana's signature and serious about bringing him in. However, the Toffees are believed to be demanding around £52 million to let him go mid-season.

On around £100,000-per-week (SpotRac), Onana is a star player at Everton, having played 16 league games under Sean Dyche as a mainstay of his midfield.

Former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has also called the 6 foot 3 powerhouse a real one to watch.

“I know that sometimes when we speak about players, it’s very difficult to measure their potential," said Martinez in 2022.

"I think we are talking about a 20-year-old boy, who is probably one of the most talented at that age in European football, and that’s how excited we are in Belgium."

Arsenal could sign their next Van Persie for £60m this winter

Arsenal head into the January transfer window urgently needing new recruits if they are to keep pace with Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.

The Gunners endured a wretched end to 2023, failing to win four of their last five league encounters.

During that run, Mikel Arteta's men have only scored four times. It's a far cry from the devastating attack at the Emirates Stadium throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

It's just as well the market has opened for business, then, with Edu surely working overtime to bolster the club's ranks.

Arsenal's plans for the January transfer window

A number of areas are in need of strengthening over the next month. With injuries and fitness problems prevalent among the backline, signing another defender would go down a treat.

However, you feel if Arsenal are to take themselves to the next level then securing a move for a top-level centre-forward should be a high priority.

Ivan Toney reportedly tops their list with reports in recent days suggesting they "want" to do a deal for the Brentford centre-forward. It's also thought that the likes of Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen are also on their list.

Another option hails from the Netherlands. That's according to The Times who suggest the north Londoners could make a move for Santiago Gimenez at Feyenoord.

Mbappe-like striker 1 of 5 players Arsenal could sign instead of Ivan Toney

Arsenal could turn to one of these alternatives rather than signing Ivan Toney in 2024.

ByMatt Dawson Dec 25, 2023

Journalist Gary Jacob wrote: “Gimenez, the 22-year-old who has scored 43 goals for Feyenoord across all competitions since the start of last season, is another option Arsenal have been considering.”

Previous reports state that the Mexican could cost around £60m, a great deal cheaper than the £100m Brentford allegedly want for Toney.

How Santiago Gimenez compares to Robin van Persie

The mere thought of Robin van Persie in 2024 will still send shudders through the spines of Arsenal supporters.

Despite a goal-laden spell with the Gunners he isn't particularly well-liked at the Emirates having famously traded London for Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson.

robin-van-persie-arsenal-transfer-liverpool-wenger-luis-suarez

It was well worth moving for Van Persie who would go on to win the Premier League at Old Trafford. That came after a remarkable haul of 37 goals in his final campaign under Arsene Wenger's wing.

The Dutch sensation was brought to the club from Feyenoord in April 2004 for an undisclosed fee when he was just 20 years of age. Gimenez is currently two years older and like Arsenal's former flying Dutchman, is plying his trade at Feyenoord.

Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.

He is just as devastating in front of goal too, using his lethal left foot to punish opposition defences seemingly every week. Does that sound familiar?

Van Persie will forever be remembered for having one of the most devastating left feet in Premier League history. Indeed, only Robbie Fowler and Mo Salah have more goals courtesy of their dynamite left feet.

Most goals in PL history: Left foot only

Player

Goals scored with left foot

David Silva

49

Olivier Giroud

50

Romelu Lukaku

60

Riyad Mahrez

65

Ryan Giggs

83

Robin van Persie

94

Robbie Fowler

105

Mo Salah

115

Stats via ESPN & Transfermarkt.

It would be a stretch to suggest that Gimenez could replicate that but he certainly already has an "insane" goal-scoring record as scout Antonio Mango suggested.

Throughout the 2023/24 season to date, the 24-cap star has found the net 20 times in 22 games, with 18 of those strikes coming in 16 league outings. This season isn't just a one-off either, as the Eredivisie star banged in 28 goals last term.

This may not be the mega-money Toney or Osimhen-like signing that supporters are crying out but he'd surely be an upgrade on their current options. After all, Eddie Nketiah, who started against Fulham has hardly been scoring for fun.

The England international did net a trio of goals against Sheffield United but he has failed to beat the goalkeeper in the league since then. That's nine straight league fixtures without adding to his tally. Abysmally, Nketiah is also without a single league goal away from the Emirates Stadium in over a year of football.

Clearly, the Gunners require someone better and in Gimenez, they would find just that.

NZ wicketkeeper Bezuidenhout ruled out of T20I series, Peterson called up

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Bernadine Bezuidenhout has been ruled out of the T20 series against India, owing to a fractured middle finger of her right hand. Spin-bowling allrounder Anna Peterson, who was the Player of the Match in the third and last ODI on February 1, has been named Bezuidenhout’s replacement, and will join the squad in Auckland on Thursday.Coming off an underwhelming run in the three-match ODI series where she scored 22 runs in two innings took two catches, Bezuidenhout was struck on the hand when batting at the Basin Reserve nets ahead of the T20I series opener on Wednesday. New Zealand head coach Haidee Tiffen confirmed Bezuidenhout will return home to rest.”You never like to see players miss out due to injury and it’s no different in Bernie’s case but unfortunately it’s just part of the game,” Tiffen said. “We wish her a speedy recovery and know she will be doing everything in her power to get back on the park.”Peterson, meanwhile, finished as the hosts’ leading wicket-taker with five wickets in two innings in the ODI series, and the second across teams, behind India’s Poonam Yadav.Anna Peterson is congratulated after one of her three wickets•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

“Anna joins the side and brings with her experience as well as an option with both the bat and ball,” Tiffen said of the 28-year-old Peterson. “She will slot right in having already been with the squad for the ODI campaign.”New Zealand lost the three-match ODI series 1-2 but their captain Amy Satterthwaite was excited to see what the new faces can do during the T20I series that starts on February 6.Meanwhile, New Zealand Test opener Jeet Raval has been named captain of the New Zealand XI side for a one-off 50-over tour match against Bangladesh, in Lincoln on Sunday. Rachin Ravindra, the Under-19 batting allrounder, has also been included in the squad.”We’ve identified Rachin as a player of interest for a significant period of time now,” selector Gavin Larsen said. “He did a very good job for the NZ A team in both the UAE and at home against India A and we believe another day of international cricket would be very advantageous for him.”New Zealand White Ferns: Amy Satterthwaite (capt), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Caitlin Gurrey, Katey Martin (wk), Frances McKay, Leigh Kasperek, Hannah Rowe, Amelia Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Hayley Jensen, Anna PetersonNew Zealand XI to face Bangladesh: Jeet Raval (capt), Andrew Fletcher, Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, Dale Phillips, Katene Clarke, Sean Solia, Max Chu (wk), Theo van Woerkom, Iain McPeake, Andrew Hazeldine, Jamie Brown

MS Dhoni returns to India's T20I squad for New Zealand tour

MS Dhoni is back in India’s T20I squad. He hadn’t found a place in India’s two most recent T20I squads, against West Indies at home and in Australia, but he has returned as one of three wicketkeeper-batsmen for the three-match T20I series in New Zealand in early February.In more spinning of the wicketkeeping carousel, Dinesh Karthik is back in the ODI squads for Australia and New Zealand, replacing Rishabh Pant. Pant played three of the five ODIs against West Indies, as a specialist batsman, and scored 17 and 24.Pant is currently playing the Test series in Australia. According to the BCCI’s selection release, he will return home after the Tests to play for India A in a five-match one-day series against England Lions.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Among the middle-order batsmen, Manish Pandey has missed out on both squads. Pandey was on the bench for all five ODIs against West Indies, and didn’t get a chance in the T20I series in Australia. In the T20Is against West Indies, he batted twice, scoring 19 and 4*.Kedar Jadhav, who has been an ODI regular but wasn’t part of the recent T20Is, is back in favour in the shortest format. Hardik Pandya, the seam-bowling allrounder, is back as expected after recovering from the back injury that he sustained during the Asia Cup in September.With Jadhav and Hardik returning to the T20I squad, batsman Shreyas Iyer and the spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar have missed out.Jasprit Bumrah has a chat with MS Dhoni•Associated Press

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav finds himself out of both the ODI and T20I squads. The selectors have gone with Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Shami as the four frontline quicks in the ODI squad, and Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar and Khaleel as a trio for the T20Is.Shami was part of the initial squad for the ODIs against West Indies, but was left out for the last three ODIs when Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah returned after being rested.

Scouts sent: Man City chiefs make first move to sign two-footed “magician”

Manchester City have deployed chiefs to watch a new forward live in action as they consider bringing him to the Premier League, according to a reliable journalist.

Man City's season so far

The Sky Blues have made a fantastic start to the new campaign having won nine, drawn one and lost just two of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves at the top of the table during the international break.

Whilst Pep Guardiola will be happy with his side’s form and confident that they can go on to achieve big things this term like last season, that may not stop him from assessing his options in the market to see if he could bolster his ranks with players who will improve the squad.

Ahead of January, Napoli’s left-winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been identified as a potential target having established himself as Walter Mazzarri’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.50 (WhoScored – Napoli statistics).

The Georgia international still has another four years remaining on his deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium (Napoli contracts), but regardless of his situation, the 22-year-old has been brought onto the radar of the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City send scouts to assess Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Taking to X, reporter Graeme Bailey confirmed that Man City deployed representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia during Georgia's 3-1 defeat to Spain on Sunday, with the forward scoring in a 3-1 defeat.

He wrote: "Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle make Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scouting trip. Kvaratskhelia is one of Europe's most intriguing and in-demand talents. Napoli are hopeful of finalising new deal with the Georgian."

However, expanding in his column for 90min, the reporter revealed that the forward is in talks to extend his contract with his current club by a further 12 months which will include a significant pay rise, so any potential suitors may have to act fast should they want to tempt him into starting a new adventure elsewhere in January.

Napoli forwardKhvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Kvaratskhelia is a real "magician" in the final third

Since putting pen to paper at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has posted 39 contributions, 22 assists and 17 goals, in 58 appearances which shows just how extremely prolific he can be in the opposition’s penalty area (Transfermarkt – Kvaratskhelia stats).

Sponsored by Nike, the two-footed talent has also recorded 41 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Napoli stats), representing his constant desire to hit the back of the net.

Kvaratskhelia's Main Strengths

Kvaratskhelia's Style Of Play

Key passes

Likes to cut inside

Finishing

Likes to dribble

Dribbling

Likes to do layoffs

Through balls

Passing

The Serie A “magician”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even has the versatility to operate in five different positions over the grass, including everywhere across the frontline alongside as an attacking midfielder, so it could be a deal to watch ahead of 2024.

Journo reveals likely return date for “fantastic” injured Sunderland ace

Sunderland have been having to make do without a “fantastic” player because of injury, but a key update has emerged regarding his return, courtesy of reliable journalist James Hunter.

Sunderland's injury problems

The Black Cats were hoping to return from the international break with a win away to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon, but that didn't prove to be the case.

Instead, Tony Mowbray's men slumped to a 2-0 defeat on the south coast, and that result coupled with other scorelines throughout the day means that Sunderland have dropped to ninth place in the Championship table.

3 strikers Sunderland could sign to finally replace Ross Stewart

Sunderland have never replaced the potency Stewart showcased on a regular basis at the Stadium of Light.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 22, 2023

In fairness, injuries aren't necessarily helping Mowbray at the moment, with a number of players unavailable as they tackle respective fitness issues.

Defender Aji Alese is one player who is currently absent, with his return not expected to arrive for another few weeks, while youngster Mason Burstow, who joined on loan from Charlton Athletic in the summer, also missed the loss to Plymouth.

Mason Burstow injury latest

Providing an injury update on X after Saturday's game, Hunter claimed that Sunderland loanee Burstow is expected to return to the fold in the near future.

Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

Tony Mowbray expects Mason Burstow back in action very soon after he missed safc's defeat at Plymouth."

Meanwhile, in his report for The Chronicle, Hunter gave more depth on the matter, explaining that Burstow could even be back for the visit of lowly Huddersfield Town at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening:

"Mason Burstow is expected to be available for Sunderland's midweek game against Huddersfield Town despite missing the trip to Plymouth Argyle through injury. On-loan Chelsea striker Burstow has not been starting games recently, with boss Tony Mowbray giving Nazariy Rusyn a chance instead, he but has been involved from the subs' bench.

[…]

"Mowbray did not give any details of the nature of Burstow's injury but indicated that it was a minor issue, saying he is set to train tomorrow and be in contention when the Terriers visit the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening."

Burstow has done a solid job for Sunderland since arriving on a temporary basis from Sunderland, and while he isn't necessarily one of the first names on Mowbray's team sheet, he is still a handy squad player who it is important to have available.

The 20-year-old has started seven Championship games for the Black Cats this season, also making two substitute appearances in the competition, but no goals have come his way, and only one assist.

Sunderland

9

0

Chelsea

3

0

Charlton Athletic

23

6

England Under-20s

2

0

For Burstow to become a more key figure upon his return from injury, he needs to improve his end product, especially considering he is a forward, with his contribution something that could be vital to Sunderland's promotion chances.

The youngster is clearly a talent, with former Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson once describing his progress as "fantastic" and calling him a "really humble young man", and it's now a case of finding some consistency and delivering goals and assists at a more regular rate.

Leeds could sign their own McGinn with “ideal” £5m signing

Leeds United are enjoying a successful season after suffering relegation from the Premier League this year, but manager Daniel Farke is keen to consolidate the flourishing fortunes.

Championship table-toppers Leicester City recently fell to Farke's blade at the King Power Stadium in a display that underscored the Whites' credentials for promotion and exhibited the cohesion and resilience that has not been present at the club for the past few years in the Premier League.

Leeds transfer news – Nadiem Amiri

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Nadiem Amiri has expressed regret over snubbing Leeds in the summer, with Farke's side presented with an opportunity to sign him once again in January.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.

The five-cap Germany international was the subject of an accepted €6m (£5m) bid from the Elland Road club earlier this year, with Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso not deeming the midfielder a core part of his vision.

Whether a deal is resurrected lies in Farke's hands, but it would certainly be a good move given the quality he could bring, and the supposed willingness to now forge ahead with a move to Yorkshire.

Nadiem Amiri's style of play

Amiri, aged 27, has completed 142 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 12 goals and supplying 20 assists across all competitions.

As per FBref, the £47k-per-week ace ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 7% for total shots, the top 10% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, emphasising the kind of positive qualities that could be injected into the burgeoning fold at Leeds.

The metrics-led site likens Amiri to Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, referencing the pairs' likeness in progression on the pitch – indeed, Villa's £120k-per-week machine ranks among the top 6% of positional peers for successful take-ons per 90.

John McGinn

Described as an "exceptional" midfielder by former manager Dean Smith, McGinn's energy and ceaseless pursuit of driving the play forward has been crucial to Aston Villa's ascendancy under Unai Emery – with seven goals and assists already this season – and Amiri could emulate this for United.

Amiri was dubbed the "ideal" addition in midfield for Farke's project back in the summer by Leeds presenter Oscar Marrio, which really is starting to click into full gear and could be augmented tremendously through the signing of such a creative and forward-thinking central presence.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri.

Marrio said: "Amiri is absolutely ideal for Farke, press resistant & prioritises keeping the ball rather over trying to play defence splitting passes (although he is capable of this as well). Also takes the ball on the back foot, combines & create angles to get the wingers in dangerous areas."

Doubters might put forth the point that such a talented player might be dissuaded from joining a squad plying its trade in the second tier of English football, but Leeds have put in the groundwork previously to win him over.

Moreover, Amiri might be enticed by joining this new-look Leeds team which seems to grow in confidence and cohesion with each passing fixture; Farke and the 49er Enterprises must now throw the kitchen sink at securing his signature, taking a major stride in their push for an instantaneous return to the top-flight.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus