Após a derrota para o Remo, o Vasco volta a campo na próxima quarta-feira, contra o Londrina, às 21h30, em São Januário. A partida será válida pela última rodada do primeiro turno da Série B do Brasileirão. O técnico Lisca não poderá contar com o goleiro Vanderlei, que foi expulso por um erro grosseiro, mas terá o retorno de pelo menos três atletas.
+ Confira e simule a a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro
RelacionadasVascoLisca admite atuação ruim do Vasco na derrota para o Remo: ‘Foi uma noite “Não” para todos nós’Vasco13/08/2021Vasco‘Pecamos na bola parada e isso acaba decidindo os jogos’, lamenta Romulo, após derrota do Vasco para o RemoVasco13/08/2021VascoATUAÇÕES: Defesa do Vasco tem noite desastrosa em derrota para o Remo; Vanderlei falha feio e é expulsoVasco13/08/2021
Para a partida contra a equipe paranaense, o lateral-direito Léo Matos e o meio-campista Marquinhos Gabriel estarão à disposição do comandante cruz-maltino. Ambos cumpriram suspensão nesta sexta e tendem a estar entre os onze titulares na sequência da competição.
+ATUAÇÕES: Defesa do Vasco tem noite desastrosa em derrota para o Remo na Série B; Vanderlei falha feio e é expulso
Para o lugar do experiente Vanderlei, Lucão estará de volta depois de conquistar a medalha de ouro com a seleção olímpica nos Jogos de Tóquio. Vale lembrar que o zagueiro Ricardo Graça, também medalhista olímpico, se reapresentou na quinta e ficou no banco como opção contra o Remo. O jovem arqueiro Halls entrou no jogo contra o Remo e fez a sua estreia pelos profissionais do Vasco.
+Meninos da Colina: Vasco tem três jogadores convocados para a Seleção Brasileira Sub-17
Por outro lado, Leandro Castan, outro atleta que estava suspenso, deve ficar de fora, já que se recupera de um edema no músculo semimembranoso da coxa direita.Outro desfalque praticamente certo é o atacante Morato, que testou positivo para Covid-19 e está em isolamento social sendo monitorado pelo Departamento de Saúde e Performance do clube.
Os volantes Bruno Gomes e Michel se recuperam de lesão com a fisioterapia do clube. Como o jogo será apenas na quarta, a presença de ambos ainda é incerta. O camisa 23 teve um espasmo na musculatura paravertebral e o 55 sofre com problemas musculares.
+’Pecamos na bola parada e isso acaba decidindo os jogos’, lamenta Romulo, após derrota do Vasco para o Remo
O mesmo acontece com o atacante Daniel Amorim, que foi diagnosticado com um edema no músculo adutor da coxa direita e segue sua recuperação no CT Moacyr Barbosa. O lateral-esquerdo Riquelme, por sua vez, se recuperou de uma torção e ficou no banco nesta sexta.
+Lisca admite atuação ruim do Vasco na derrota para o Remo: ‘Foi uma noite “Não” para todos nós’
Com o revés, o Gigante da Colina perdeu mas uma vez a oportunidade de entrar no G4. O time soma 28 pontos e pode perder posições na sequência da rodada. O fim do primeiro turno se aproxima, mas o Vasco segue em uma gangorra, tem falhado em momentos cruciais, e deixado pontos importantes para trás.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Chennai Super Kings batsman, is back inside the team’s bio bubble after returning two Covid-19 negative tests following two weeks of isolation at a separate quarantine facility in Dubai. On Monday, the franchise confirmed on Twitter that Gaikwad had resumed training. It is yet unclear if this makes him eligible for selection for Super Kings’ second game against Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah on Tuesday. As per the IPL’s medical protocols, players who have tested positive in the bubble are to isolate at a separate quarantine facility for 14 days before returning two negative tests on consecutive days. After that, the player has to undergo medical tests put in place by the BCCI before he can return to training.Gaikwad was one of the “10-12 members of the Super Kings contingent” who tested positive in the first week of testing upon arrival in UAE.Unlike Deepak Chahar, the fast bowler, Gaikwad wasn’t cleared immediately upon completion of his two-week quarantine, and wasn’t available for selection during their IPL opener on Saturday, which Super Kings won.In the wake of Suresh Raina’s sudden withdrawal from IPL, Super Kings management are confident Gaikwad could fill in for him. Gaikwad has impressive credentials: he has scored more List A runs than anyone for India A over the last two years – 843 runs in 15 innings. Those runs have either come as an opener or at No. 3, the position Raina has mostly batted at for Super Kings.
Lucy Cripps and Sophie Day have also signed with the Stars for this season’s tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Sep-2020
Mignon du Preez swings one away on the leg side•Getty Images
South Africa batter Mignon du Preez will return to the Melbourne Stars for the WBBL and is eagerly anticipating the tournament after a “crazy” year.Du Preez has been part of the Stars’ squad since WBBL03 and her first match of this season will be her 50th appearance. She is the club’s highest run-scorer in the WBBL with 1118 runs at 25.40 and a strike-rate of 108.43.Earlier this year du Preez was part of the South Africa team that reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup where they were knocked out by Australia at the SCGThis season the Stars’ line-up will include Australia captain Meg Lanning after she returned from the Perth Scorchers.”It has been a crazy year so far, but I am looking forward to the WBBL, joining the ‘bubble’ and catching up with all my friends at the Stars,” du Preez said. “The club has made some good signings and we should be confident about we can achieve this season.”Head coach Trent Woodhill said: “We were always keen to retain her experience and versatility in being able to play a range of roles through the batting line-up.”The club have also signed Lucy Cripps and Sophie Day.”Our squad is shaping up well for this season. We’ll be finalising some final international signings in the next week and we think we’re well set up to be very competitive this season,” general manager Nick Cummins said.Current squad Meg Lanning, Elyse Villani, Mignon du Preez, Annabel Sutherland, Lucy Cripps, Alana King, Holly Ferling, Erin Osborne, Tess Flintoff, Georgia Gall, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum
Despite Arsenal coming so close to winning the Premier League, the 2023/24 season ended in heartbreak for Mikel Arteta’s side. The title race came down to the final day of the season, with Arsenal needing to win and hope Manchester City dropped points at home to West Ham.
The Gunners did their job, with Kai Havertz securing the three points late on in the game. However, it was not enough to win the title, after Pep Guardiola’s City side beat West Ham 3-1 to win their fourth consecutive title.
It will no doubt frustrate Arsenal that, whilst they were nearly perfect in the Premier League, they could still not overcome City, who drew two more games across the season which gave them the points needed to get over the line.
One of the overarching issues this season for Arsenal has been the lack of a centre-forward who is a real penalty box presence. This may come as a sunrise to many, given Arsenal were the second top scorer in the Premier League this season with 91 goals, only behind City, and had the fourth highest expected goals, with 84.39 xG, as per Understat.
Arsenal's Premier League goal record 2023/24
Stat
Number
PL Rank
Goals
91
2nd
xG
84.39
4th
Home goals
48
=3rd
Home xG
47.42
4th
Away goals
43
2nd
Away xG
36.97
2nd
Data from Understat
Whilst Havertz has done a good job leading the line for the Gunners this season, with 13 goals and seven assists in 37 games, the lack of a striker is frustrating Arsenal fans, with journalist Layth Yousif stating that the side “need a prolific, goal-laden striker”, following their Champions League exit to Bayern Munich in April.
As the transfer window draws near, Arsenal have been constantly linked with centre-forwards to supplement their side, with one player in particular strongly rumoured to be joining the Gunners this summer.
Arsenal’s striker shortlist
The player in question here is Sporting and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres. The 25-year-old has been superb in his debut season in Lisbon, which has resulted in him being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
According to Miguel Delaney of the Independent, Arsenal are hoping to “sign a prime striker before their pre-season tour”, with Gyokeres one of the names on the list. Other options on their list include Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Ajax man Brian Brobbey.
Viktor Gyokeres for Sporting Lisbon
Sporting signed Gyokeres from Championship side Coventry City last summer, for a fee of £20.4m, which was a record sale for the English club, beating the £13m they got for selling Robbie Keane to Inter in 2000.
Indeed, Sporting will be in line to make plenty of profit if Gyokeres departs this summer. According to The Mirror, the Swedish striker will cost Arsenal £68.5m this summer, although that could be further increased.
How Gyokeres would fit in at Arsenal
In short, Gyokeres could finally be the man Arsenal have been crying out for since the days of Robin van Persie, subsequently taking the Londoners from Premier League challengers in 2023/24 to Premier League champions in 2024/25.
In his final campaign before joining Man United, the great Dutchman bagged 37 goals in 48 games, a tally that has not been bettered by anyone in red and white since.
It's a better total than some pretty cracking forwards too, notably Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Arsenal's top scorers by season since 2012
Season
Player
Goals scored
2011/12
Van Persie
30
2012/13
Theo Walcott
14
2013/14
Olivier Giroud
16
2014/15
Alexis Sanchez
16
2015/16
Olivier Giroud
16
2016/17
Alexis Sanchez
24
2017/18
Alexandre Lacazette
14
2018/19
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
22
2019/20
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
22
2020/21
Alexandre Lacazette
13
2021/22
Bukayo Saka
11
2022/23
Odegaard, Martinelli
15
2023/24
Bukayo Saka
16
Stats via Transfermarkt.
Should Arsenal sign Gyokeres this summer, they will no doubt be signing one of the best strikers in the world from the 2023/24 season. He has scored 43 goals and registered 15 assists in 49 games in all competitions this season, an incredible return.
In fact, when compared to Arsenal’s current centre-forward options, he outscores all of them. Compared to Gyokeres’ 58 goal involvements, Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have just 46 in all competitions between them.
Gyokeres and Arsenal strikers compared (all comps)
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Gyokeres
49
43
15
Havertz
51
14
7
Jesus
36
8
8
Nketiah
37
6
3
Stats from Transfermarkt
In signing Gyokeres, Arsenal would be bringing a “simply incredible” and the “definition of a complete forward” into the club. That was how Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig described the Swede, and it is something that is certainly reflected in his stats outside of goal involvements.
Indeed, Gyokeres’ Fbref numbers speak volumes about the sheer quality he will bring to this title-chasing Arsenal team, on top of the goals and assists that he can add to Arteta’s side. As far as centre-forwards go, Gyokeres is an effective ball-carrier.
He uses his upper body strength to muscle defenders off the ball, and averages 3.52 progressive carries per 90 minutes, and 2.63 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes. Both of these place him in the top 1% of strikers in Europe's major leagues.
Not only that, he has the ability to create chances out of seemingly nothing. Gyokeres averages 4.08 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, and 0.65 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, both of which place him in the top 3% of strikers on the continent. This is a key attribute to take to this Arsenal side, who don’t really have a number nine who can create chances out of nowhere.
Sporting CP strikerViktor Gyokeres.
One underrated area of Gyokeres’ game is his playmaking ability. In fact, the Sweden international, who has six goals in 20 games for his country, averages 1.67 key passes per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 6%. His 15 assists in all competitions this season are perhaps unsurprising, therefore, when you take into account how good he is from a creative standpoint.
But, ultimately, what Arsenal will be paying all that money for is goals, and that is exactly what Gyokeres can bring to Arteta’s side. Having an elite playmaker behind him, like Martin Odegaard is, will only elevate the Swede’s game.
According to Squawka, Odegaard created the third most chances in the Premier League this season, with 102. He was bettered only by Bruno Fernandes with 114 and Pascal Gross with 103. Bukayo Saka was fourth on that list, with 91 chances created. The Arsenal captain created 88 of those chances from open play, which no one in the Premier League bettered.
Having the likes of Odegaard and Saka playing in and around Gyokeres will only enhance the 25-year-old’s game. He will receive plenty of chances, and in games that Arsenal lost narrowly, such as the 1-0 defeat away to Aston Villa, or those draws, including the 0-0 result at the Etihad Stadium, could become victories if Gyokeres gets half a chance, and swing momentum in the title race.
The signing of Gyokeres could represent the swinging of the pendulum in the overarching Premier League title race. As their fans have pointed out, Arsenal need a clinical number nine, and the Swede could be just that.
Arsenal eyeing move for "mind-blowing" £43m Trossard upgrade
The incredible talent could help take the Gunners to the next level.
Leeds United are expected to lose one of their star men after once again falling victim to the play-offs, meaning that Daniel Farke's side will remain in the Championship next season.
Leeds 0-1 Southampton
Having never been promoted via the playoffs in their history, Leeds looked well placed to end that curse after thrashing Norwich 4-0 in the semi-final, with the Elland Road outfit having comfortably been one of the best three teams in the Championship throughout the season.
But their inability to win at Wembley struck again as they turned in a poor performance against Southampton, which ultimately allowed a first-half Adam Armstrong strike to prove the difference between the two sides and take the Saints back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking, leaving Leeds to lick their wounds in the Championship next season.
Leeds must now axe £12m star after 3/10 play-off display
This Leeds United dud could find his minutes cut ahead of the next Championship season.
ByKelan Sarson May 27, 2024
"When you come so close after 90 points and a great play-off semi-final, it hurts a lot", Farke told the media after the game.
"It's more important to take it as extra motivation. The supporters deserve a day to celebrate and we feel that pain today. We're disappointed we could not send our fans back with something to cheer about and we're not in the promised land. It'll be difficult to come back stronger because we had 90 points this season."
The chance to come back stronger will be even more difficult as Leeds' grim financial picture is realised, with failure to secure promotion leaving them likely to need to raise cash fast this summer with a worrying financial picture emerging at Elland Road and £73.5m still owed for player transfers before anything can be spent this summer.
Now, news that Leeds fans will be fearing has broken.
Crysencio Summerville expected to leave Leeds
That news concerns the future of star man and Championship player of the season Crysencio Summerville, who had an unusually quiet game at Wembley and was substituted with his side chasing a goal.
Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville
Nonetheless, the Dutchman has been in sparkling form all season in England's second tier, with 19 goals and 9 assists in 43 Championship games, and his form has caught the eye of Premier League sides including Liverpool.
He has drawn plenty of praise from Farke too, with the German hailing his hard-work in training and his creative ability.
"Crysencio is a baller. When you see a guy touching the ball like he does it’s heart-warming. We want him to improve his effectiveness. Need goals and assists and end products. The next step in his career. Delivers like this, he is on a good path”, the Leeds boss explained.
“His reaction, not just in possession, because he’s an outstanding creative player, we know this, but also how hard he worked for the team. This is exactly what we need and many compliments to him.”
Summerville's exceptional season (EFL Championship)
Appearances
43
Goals
19
Non penalty goals
15
Assists
9
Shots on target per 90
1.18
Key passes per 90
2.88
Now, his departure seems certain, and The Athletic's Phil Hay has confirmed as much.
"Sales of certain players will be necessary this summer," he explained in reference to potential financial issues, before adding that "Summerville is among those expected to exit" on a permanent transfer before the new season starts.
With two years left on his current deal, Leeds are in a strong position when it comes to a deal, which could well see them take in just shy of a record fee when he does eventually leave Elland Road. But with another season in England's second tier confirmed, it could be only the first in a long line of difficult departures this summer for Leeds.
كشف المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، مدى حظوظهم في إمكانية التتويج بلقب بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هذا الموسم.
ويعاني مانشستر سيتي من فترة سيئة للغاية، لأول مرة تحت قيادة المدرب بيب جوارديولا، حيث لم يفز إلا في مباراة في آخر 11 لقاءً في مختلف المسابقات.
ويحتل مانشستر سيتي حاليًا المركز الخامس، بفارق 9 نقاط عن ليفربول المتصدر، والأخير يمتلك مباراة مؤجلة ضد إيفرتون.
وقال جوارديولا، في تصريحات لشبكة “يوروسبورت” العالمية: “يجب الآن أن تبدأ، ونضع ما فعلناه هنا على أرض الملعب ونتقدم نحو الأمام، ونقول (هذا لا يهم، لقد انتهى)، عليك أن تبدأ من جديد، عليك أن تستعيد كل شيء في أذهاننا بأن كل شيء أصبح أكثر صعوبة من أي وقت مضى”.
وأضاف: “يمكننا أن نقول كم كنا جيدين، هذه هي الحقيقة، لكن هذا لا يساعدنا على الفوز بالمباريات”.
وعندما سُئل عن سبب هيمنة مانشستر سيتي في مبارياته السابقة، رد جوارديولا: “لا أعرف، إذا كنت أعرف ذلك، كنت لأطبقه الآن، لقد أتينا من نجاح كبير وكان الفريق مستقرًا من حيث عدم وجود إصابات وكان المزاج جيدًا”.
وواصل: “ربما كنت أعرف السبب ولكنني نسيته، إنه مجرد شعور، لقد قضينا 8 سنوات لا تُصدق، والآن نمر بأكثر من 40 يومًا سيئين للغاية من حيث النتائج، الواقع هو أنك تفقد أحيانًا المنظور بأن الموسم الماضي كان عامًا جيدًا حقًا بالنسبة لنا”.
وعندما سُئل عما إذا كان مانشستر سيتي يستطيع تعويض العجز من جديد، هز جوارديولا رأسه، ثم سأل: “من يدري؟”.
فيديو | أبو تريكة عن أزمة جوارديولا: لم يحترم ضعفه.. ويفكر عكس المنطق
ولكن ردًا عن سؤال حول فرص مانشستر سيتي في الفوز باللقب هذا الموسم، قال: “لا، لا نمتلك لاعبين، الأمر أكثر صعوبة، لا أمتلك هذا الشعور الآن، ربما سيحدث ذلك، من يدري؟ لكن لدي شعور بأننا الآن يجب أن نفكر في الأمد القريب، لا يمكننا وضع الكثير من الأهداف الكبيرة”.
واختتم: “عندما تريد تحقيق شيء مهم، مثل الفوز بالدوري الإنجليزي والوصول إلى المراحل الأخيرة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، فإن الاتساق هو التصرف الوحيد المطلوب، طوال هذا الوقت كنا متسقين بشكل لا يصدق والآن لم نعد كذلك”.
Kolkata Knight Riders coach calls new recruit Eoin Morgan “probably the best middle-order batsman in the short period”
Sreshth Shah19-Sep-2020Where will Andre Russell bat for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020?Last year, the allrounder had expressed his frustration at the team management after being left with too few deliveries on too many occasions. And last month, the team’s new mentor David Hussey said that Russell might just bat as high as No. 3 if the team needed him to. But according to head coach Brendon McCullum, Russell’s potential as a batsman will be maximised if he bats in the back-end of a T20 innings, especially in a team where new recruit Eoin Morgan slots in as the bridge between the top order and the finishers.”Eoin Morgan, from our point of view, was a fantastic get at the IPL auction because we wanted to provide a little bit of resource around Russell’s six-hitting ability,” McCullum said at a press interaction. “And we also probably wanted to a bit of leadership around the skipper Dinesh Karthik, and Morgan has obviously won the ODI World Cup for England and he’s been a standout leader in world cricket.ALSO READ: Russell, IPL’s most destructive, impactful and valuable player “He was a guy we were desperate to get and him batting in the middle order around Andre Russell and around Dinesh Karthik provides us with a really, really strong middle order. The thing we want to pride ourselves on this year is also being a really smart team and utilise our resources based on the team and the match-ups required.”Russell hit 54 [he hit 52] sixes last season. He came out of the telephone box on so many occasions. His game is definitely suited to probably the last ten overs of a T20 game where he can really control it. But there may be times where match-ups are right and we can enter Andre earlier up the order, but that will be a horses for courses type of approach. The good thing is we’ve got a lot of resources to choose from.”
Now he’s free, he’s an incredibly dangerous player, and is probably the best middle-order batsman in the short period. We’re incredibly lucky to have him, and his relationship with DK will give us a good opportunity in the tournamentBrendon McCullum on Eoin Morgan
On the subject of Morgan, McCullum explained why Knight Riders bid so aggressively for the batsman – bought for INR 5,25 crore ($740,000 approx. at the time) – considering he had been an underachiever in the IPL in seasons past. Morgan represented Knight Riders between 2011 and 2013 where, in 22 innings, he had scored only 444 runs at a strike rate of 124.36.”If we look at the first part of Eoin Morgan’s career, I think that was his apprenticeship period, where he was good at times. If his career had to finish four-five years ago, you might have said he’s not a good player,” McCullum said. “But what you’ve seen in the last four-five years, is a player who has taken his belief in his game, and has led a nation and has completely changed how that whole country plays their cricket. He’s also got the ultimate success of winning the ODI World Cup.”Now when you see him bat, he is completely free. He his content with his game, he understands his game, and he’s playing the game which he probably wanted to, when he was younger but didn’t have the confidence to do so. Now he’s free, he’s an incredibly dangerous player, and is probably the best middle-order batsman in the short period. We’re incredibly lucky to have him, and his relationship with DK will give us a good opportunity in the tournament.”As for the other Englishman in the squad, Tom Banton, McCullum cleared the air on what sort of role he is expected to play for Knight Riders in his rookie IPL season, while also hinting that he wouldn’t be a first-choice overseas pick for the two-time champions. “Banton was a great pick at the auction,” McCullum said. “Look he probably won’t start for us in this campaign because we’re going with a slightly different balance but what he does is gives you so many different options.”He is a young man with all before him, he’s already made a splash in international cricket. He is unique how he goes about his game, he’s an exciting batsman, and can even shock and dominate the very best bowlers. When he gets his opportunity, I’m sure he will entertain the fans all around the world. I’m sure he’ll get a chance at some stage later on in the tournament.”Knight Riders will be the last of the eight teams to get their campaign underway at IPL 2020, in the fifth match of the season, against Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi on September 23.
Philippe Clement has acted swiftly since the end of the season, making two signings already for Glasgow Rangers as he seeks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Jefte and Oscar Cortes are the two arrivals at Ibrox as Clement’s transfer strategy begins to emerge; signing talented youngsters who could develop into sellable assets further down the line.
Oscar Cortes
This philosophy makes sense. Hopefully, the days of signing players in their late 20s/early 30s on bumper three or four-year contracts are long gone. Instead, a new model will be put in place from this summer onwards. One that could see Rangers close the financial gulf to Celtic.
Money might not always be spent on incomings, with several players who are out of contract targeted, including a young centre-back who is on the books at AC Milan…
Rangers transfer news
As revealed by the Gallant View podcast earlier this week, the Ibrox side are showing interest in Clinton Nsiala as they aim to secure his signature on a free transfer from Milan.
With Clement’s budget for the transfer window unknown, he may have to rely on exploring players who are out of contract, which means Nsiala could arrive in Glasgow for nothing.
While interest is there for the youngster, it remains to be seen whether he fancies making the move to Scotland, although it looks as though he may have a better chance at playing at Rangers.
It wouldn’t be the first time that the Gers have signed a talented defender for nothing, as the likes of Calvin Bassey, Leon Balogun and John Souttar cost nothing in transfer fees.
Player
Year joined
Games
Aaron Nemane
2017
6
Sebastien Faure
2012
65
Salim Kerkar
2010
`18
Jerome Rothen
2009
8
Lionel Letizi
2006
8
Jeremy Clement
2006
22
William Stanger
2006
1
Oliver Bernard
2005
14
Julien Rodriguez
2005
46
Gregory Vignal
2004
38
Jean-Alain Boumsong
2004
26
Jerome Bonnissel
2003
4
Fabrice Fernandes
2001
4
Stephanie Guivarc'h
1998
18
Lionel Charbonnier
1998
27
Basile Boli
1994
31
Should Nsiala sign for the Light Blues, he could potentially be an ideal partner for Souttar, especially with Connor Goldson’s future up in the air.
Why Rangers could sell Connor Goldson this summer
According to Saudi Arabian outlet Al-Riyadiya, former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard – who is now in charge of Al-Ettifaq – is keen on making a move for Goldson this summer.
Not only that, but James Tavernier is also being lined up for a reunion with his old boss. The duo are on the wrong side of 30 and, as the Ibrox faithful saw towards the end of last season, their performances dropped significantly as Celtic pipped the club to the Premiership and Scottish Cup.
Connor Goldson
Moving on Goldson could see Souttar return to his favoured slot as a right centre-back, which will allow Nsiala to play as the left-sided centre-back, and it could make for a solid partnership.
John Souttar's 2023/24 season in numbers
The former Hearts defender missed practically the entire 2022/23 season after suffering an ankle injury just 45 minutes into his league debut for the Light Blues.
The 2023/24 campaign was much more productive. Souttar showed resilience way beyond his 27 years in order to fully recover and make 41 appearances for Rangers in all competitions, even chipping in with two goals and two assists.
John Souttar
The Scot ranked third among his teammates for accurate passes per game (58.3) in the top flight, along with ranking second for interceptions (1) and for clearances (3.5) per game, showing how solid he was at the heart of the defence.
These performances came after he was regularly deployed alongside Goldson in the left centre-back slot.
If the Englishman does leave, it could leave a gap in which Souttar could fill, allowing Clement to bring in a left-sided defender who is comfortable on the ball and can build play from the back.
What Clinton Nsiala could offer Rangers
While he has shown plenty of promise, the former French U16 starlet has yet to make his first team debut for Milan, mainly playing at U19 level for the Italian giants.
Last season, the 20-year-old made 40 appearances for the U19 side in both the UEFA Youth League and in the Primavera 1, registering four goals and two assists.
This shows he could add a few goals into the side from the heart of the defence – similar to Souttar – but his abilities go way beyond that.
Throughout the 2023/24 season for Milan U19s, Nsiala finished with an impressive 87% pass success rate while also averaging 5.1 accurate long balls per game, evidence that his passing is among one of his finer attributes.
The youngster also averaged 3.2 interceptions per game along with averaging a staggering 10.8 ball recoveries per game while winning 6.8 total duels each match.
These statistics certainly indicate that the defender has plenty of promise, but they came during an U19 league season rather than a top flight league.
Earlier this year, scout Ruairi Criscuolo profiled Nsiala, saying that Nsiala was “another exciting French prospect” before also saying: “As well as short passing he has the vision and ability to spot runners and find them with his long passes.
“Tall and powerful enough to be a threat in the box.”
It would be a major gamble for Clement to bring him to Ibrox and deploy him in the starting XI straight away, yet he has clearly demonstrated plenty of potential during his spell with Milan and this is the type of profile in which the Belgian must sign this summer.
Experienced players will be required during the transfer window, but having a mix of old and young players could be the perfect recipe for success next season.
Souttar is coming into his peak years as a defender and if he can maintain his form from last season, there is no doubt he will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Clement.
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A change of mentality is needed ahead of next term, especially considering how badly the club stuttered when the pressure was on during the final few weeks of last season.
Perhaps making some bold calls in the transfer market could be a good thing for Clement and his backroom staff, going against the grain by luring talented youngsters who could make an impression if given a chance.
The American, who had been in strong form, misses match vs. Everton due to a hamstring injury
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Richards out with injury, manager revealedTrevoh Chalobah set to start insteadPalace still looking for first Premier League winGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. international Chris Richards will be sidelined with a hamstring injury, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner revealed.
“Trevoh will be in the squad, and he is available," he said, "but we lost Chris Richards this week. He is not available for the next week as he has a hamstring injury.”
It remains to be seen whether or not this could impact Richards' potential first call-up under new U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the October international break. Still, the injury comes at an inopportune time for both Crystal Palace and the U.S.
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Richards showed his quality in helping keep Manchester United at bay in a 0-0 draw for Palace. It is unclear when the 24-year-old suffered the hamstring injury, and it is uncertain how severe the knock is.
The injury could be even more impactful for the U.S. If Richards is forced to miss action, the Americans only have eight international windows to potentially evaluate his fit in Pochettino's plans.
DID YOU KNOW?
Prior to Richards' emergence under Crystal Palace the past two seasons, he worked his way into first-team action in Germany.
Richards, a former FC Dallas academy product, trialed with Bayern Munich before signing a contract with the Bundesliga giants.
Richards mainly saw action with Bayern's second team before two loan spells with Hoffenheim. Following those spells, Richards would join Palace in 2022.
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WHAT NEXT FOR PALACE?
Following Palace's match with Everton, they will have one more match on Oct. 5 against Liverpool prior to the break.
Antoine Griezmann has announced his international retirement, with the World Cup winner bowing out with 137 caps for France to his name.
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Made international debut in 2014
Won World Cup & Nations League
Scored 44 goals for his country
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The 33-year-old forward made his senior debut for Les Bleus back in 2014, when lining up in a friendly date with the Netherlands. He would go on to be selected in France’s squad for the World Cup finals later that year – the first of six major tournaments that he has graced.
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Griezmann – who won the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 – savoured World Cup glory in 2018 as part of a star-studded squad that triumphed in Russia. Another trophy was raised aloft when winning the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
WHAT GRIEZMANN SAID
Griezmann’s final appearance for France came when stepping off the bench in a Nations League clash with Belgium on September 9. He has posted on social media of taking the decision to walk away from the international arena: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Across his 137 appearances, Griezmann scored 44 goals for his country – placing him fourth on France’s all-time top scorers list. Only Lilian Thuram and Hugo Lloris have won more caps, but the experienced frontman is now fully focused on his club career at La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.