Fulham are in pole position to bring an exciting overseas player to the Premier League, with a fresh report revealing that he’s viewed as a replacement for Joao Palhinha.
Bayern Munich's pursuit of Joao Palhinha
Over the summer, Bayern Munich held a strong interest in Palhinha and came close to completing a deal when the player even flew over to Germany to finalise his move on deadline day, but because Fulham couldn’t find a successor, the move fell through at the last minute.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s side are now considering another swoop for the talisman at the start of next year, so with Marco Silva now having a bit more time to assess his options in the market, he’s set his sights on a potential candidate who he wants to bring to England.
Fluminense’s defensive midfielder Andre has worked his way up through his club’s various academy ranks to get promoted to their first team where he’s so far made a total of 163 appearances across all age levels (Transfermarkt – Andre stats).
The Brazil international has made an outstanding start to the new season having firmly established himself as Fernando Diniz’s best-performing defensive player (WhoScored – Fluminense stats), and it’s this impressive form which has brought the 22-year-old onto the radar at Craven Cottage.
Fulham leading race to sign Andre
According to The Sunday Mirror (via The Boot Room), Fulham are at the front of the queue for Andre in January. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been scouting the central talisman this season, but it’s Silva’s side who are currently in pole position to secure his services.
Fluminense’s starlet is viewed as an ideal replacement for Palhinha should he depart, and it’s stated that he could cost approximately £30m to sign.
Fluminense midfielder Andre.
Craven Cottage could welcome "leader" in Andre
Naturally being a defensive midfielder, Andre’s best quality is getting stuck into challenges and trying to win back possession for his team which he’s excelled in this season, winning 36 out of his 50 tackles made, more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Fluminense stats).
The Ibirataia native is also calm and composed on the ball where he’s currently recording a 94.7% pass success rate (WhoScored – Andre stats), which is higher than any of Silva’s squad have managed to achieve since the start of the campaign (WhoScored – Fulham stats), showing he'd be an upgrade on the boss' current options.
Sponsored by Nike, the in-demand star is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the grass since the start of his career, including four roles in the midfield and even at centre-back, highlighting his ability to provide cover in areas outside of his own should any unexpected injuries occur.
Finally, Andre has recently had a taste of what it’s like to be successful having been crowned the 2022/23 Copa Libertadores winner, and with his organisational skills having seen him described as a “leader” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could be the ideal replacement for Palhinha.
Arsenal didn't wait around in the summer window, securing their targets early on and splashing the cash fresh from Premier League title heartbreak but, more importantly, a Champions League return. The Gunners welcomed the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in big-money moves, with the former enjoying a better start at The Emirates than the latter.
Mikel Arteta's squad is still not perfect, however, and that could cost them up against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City yet again by the end of the current campaign. The January transfer window could help ensure that they avoid the same heartbreak as last May, but recent news suggests that Arteta is set to be handed a major stumbling block in his pursuit of winter targets.
Arsenal transfer news
Arsenal's summer spending reportedly reached the €235m (£206m) mark, as they brought in Rice, Jurrien Timber, Havertz and David Raya in a busy window. Building on the side that pushed City all the way last season, Arsenal now sit behind Guardiola's side on goal difference alone, with the Premier League champions set to play their game in hand on the North London club. And whilst Arteta won't want to settle for second place, he may not have the option of turning to the January transfer window for extensive reinforcements.
According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Arsenal do not have the January transfer budget to sign a defensive midfielder, given the likely reported price of Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz. The plan was to reportedly attempt to sell Thomas Partey in the winter window, but his recent injury means that his departure is now unlikely to come before the summer.
With that said, it looks as though the Gunners will have to make do with their current squad, who could make it back-to-back seasons behind the winning machine that is Manchester City.
"Clever" Luiz would boost Arsenal
Given Partey's recent injury issues, there's no doubt that a January move for Luiz would provide Arsenal with a major boost. But Aston Villa are in a far stronger position to negotiate these days as they take steps back into European football under Emery. The fact that the Brazilian's contract doesn't expire until 2026, too, means that any deal is likely to be expensive and one that those in North London reportedly can't afford in January.
Luiz's stats compared to Partey's last season proves that the Villa man is more than capable of taking the former Atletico Madrid midfielder's place at The Emirates.
Player
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Tackles Won
Blocks
Douglas Luiz
6
6
48
42
36
Thomas Partey
3
0
34
40
26
Luiz's performances for the Villans over the years have resulted in praise from the likes of Guardiola, who said via The Boot Room: "He’s a guy who plays all of the minutes. He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong. He’s a lovely, lovely guy."
The midfielder looks like one to keep an eye on in the summer rather than in January, with Arsenal seemingly unable to pursue a deal during the winter window.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has succeeded in turning the tide on Merseyside after a pretty bleak 2022/23 campaign, where he failed to lead his team to Champions League qualification in a stark decline from past success.
Even securing the fifth-placed finish seemed somewhat unattainable after a gruelling and drab winter period through the German's plans into disarray but for a few tactical tweaks and renewed vigour in the closing months to enjoy a tremendous end to the campaign.
22/23
6th
28
33
19
23/24
1st
37
36
15
Now ensconced in first place in the Premier League after 16 matches, the Reds are firmly fixed on fighting for the trophy, also in a good position in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, but Klopp will be aware of the dangers that could arise from lying dormant throughout the forthcoming January transfer window.
While the midfield was patched up during the summer, the defence still needs attention, with the want for reinforcements exacerbated by Joel Matip's recent season-ending ACL injury, dreadful news for the 32-year-old as he approaches the culmination of his contract in June.
Liverpool transfer news – Ronald Araujo
While Klopp has hinted that Liverpool might show their class by offering Matip an extension of his contract as he continues his rehabilitation, it's clear that the central defence needs bolstering, and there would be few better successors than Barcelona's Ronald Araujo.
jarell-quansah-joel-matip-liverpool-opinion
The Uruguayan ace has been integral for Xavi's LaLiga champions but has recently been reported to be unsure of his long-term future in Catalonia, with 90min revealing that a host of top European outfits are monitoring the situation.
While German giants Bayern Munich are understood to be frontrunners, Liverpool have been named among the Premier League clubs interested in a deal, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United also fans.
Understood to hold a staggering €1bn (£870m) release clause in his Campo Nou contract, Araujo's signature would not be an easy one to obtain, but it would be well worth the chase as Klopp seeks to preserve Liverpool's rekindled strength.
Ronald Araujo's style of play
Araujo boasts remarkable athleticism, blistering pace and a commanding presence that bespeaks his natural leadership; signing for just £1m from Boston River back in 2018, he has now amassed 127 displays for the Spanish giants.
Such qualities are showcased through the player's metrics, with FBref ranking Araujo among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for total shots taken per 90.
Barcelona defenderRonald Araujo.
This evidences a willingness to influence play offensively and drive the ball forward himself, something that only deepens the argument that he would be a worthy successor to Matip's position in Liverpool's squad.
The Cameroonian has completed 201 appearances for the Reds since arriving on a free transfer from German side Schalke in 2016, evoking delight from the Anfield crowd with his impressive dribbles through the thirds, ranking among the top 4% of centre-backs for progressive carries and the top 10% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Araujo, it seems, is a natural heir, but then many of Europe's most illustrious clubs feel that his attributes would benefit them too and it's unlikely that Klopp would have a free swing.
Player
Club
Jules Kounde
Barcelona
Levi Colwill
Chelsea
Niklas Sule
Borussia Dortmund
Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund
Josko Gvardiol
Manchester City
But given that he fits the profile of the player Klopp wishes to sign – see the table above to compare him to some of the best ball-playing defenders across Europe – it's certainly an avenue worth delving down.
Dynamic Chelsea star Levi Colwill is listed as the most comparable Premier League player, and given that the Reds were so invested in securing his services in the summer, Klopp may well be more than just attentive to the acquisition of the La Blaugrana colossus.
Liverpool's interest in Levi Colwill
Liverpool were reportedly ready to make all the moves to sign Colwill from Stamford Bridge in the summer, with the player himself stating that he was considering all of his options and that regular match action was the priority after a successful loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Levi Colwill
Praised for his "outrageous" skills by Graeme Bailey, Colwill was expected to cost in excess of £75m and this was simply a figure that did not make sense for the Reds, who needed to strengthen with multiple signings.
With the England international now a mainstay in a struggling Chelsea team – albeit, he is one of the standout performers – Klopp has likely shelved his interest, and with news of Araujo's availability indeed filtering through, the Barcelona man is the new target.
Why Liverpool should sign Ronald Araujo
Described as a "monster" of a centre-back by reporter Kiyan Sobhani, 6 foot 4 Araujo was immense as his side reclaimed the LaLiga title last season, claiming 12 clean sheets from just 22 games, completing 89% of his passes, winning 65% of his dribbles and racking up two assists, as per Sofascore.
Quite simply, few options on the market could offer anywhere close to the same level of performance that Araujo could bring with constancy, and with Virgil van Dijk 33-year-old, a new first-class defender must be welcomed.
Colwill has been called "insane technically" by journalist Antonio Mango and is among the finest ball-playing defenders in the Premier League, ranking among the top 2% of positional peers for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.
But Chelsea want to hold onto their homegrown star and agreed on a six-year contract extension in August, closing off that particular corridor for Klopp's side.
Araujo would be a spectacular alternative, and if there is even the slightest chance of an acquisition, Liverpool must pull no punches in bypassing the opposition for his signature.
Tottenham Hotspur's start to the season has been nothing short of sensational, with Ange Postecoglou's impact instant and revolutionary.
The Australian was a well-liked figure from his previous roles with the Australian national team, Yokohama F. Marinos and Celtic among many others, but few could have predicted that a man without experience in such a high-pressure job would take to north London with such ease.
In fact, the 58-year-old has proven to be one of the finest tacticians in the Premier League, having cultivated a feel-good atmosphere in N17 once again, the likes of which have not been seen since Mauricio Pochettino's tenure.
As such, he has implored fans to let their imaginations run wild with regard to expectations for the season, noting: "No, no, no, let them go, let them enjoy it. I've said this before, my role is not to burst peoples' bubbles. Let them get excited and ahead of themselves, that's the beauty of being a supporter.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
"They go through enough pain, let them enjoy and if they think we're going to be world-beaters great, it's then up to us to match those expectations. Our supporters deserve to have some happiness and they can enjoy it anyway they want to."
Whilst he alone is being credited as the driving force behind this return to form, James Maddison's work on the pitch cannot be understated. He too has hit the ground running following his move, and promises to be a true spearhead for their revolution.
How good is James Maddison?
Unloading £40m on the recently relegated maestro was a fee that many likely questioned given the decreasing bargaining position of sellers Leicester City. However, with Newcastle United also interested, it made sense to ensure a deal could be completed with ease.
Especially given the way the 26-year-old has enjoyed his start to life in north London, having scored twice and assisted a further five across just eight Premier League fixtures.
His unrelenting creativity and deceptive trickery have seen him instrumental in some key results earned, with Joe Cole even suggesting his acquisition had been the best throughout the window: "The more I think about it he could be the best signing of the summer. I am so excited for him, especially the way Ange plays."
Not only are his tangible figures exemplary, but the underlying ones match those trends to suggest that it is a partnership set to earn long-term success. After all, when compared to other attacking midfielders across Europe, he sits in the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions per 90, the top 6% for progressive passes per 90, and the top 3% for expected assisted goals, via FBref.
It should come as no surprise that he has become one of the division's top creators, with his assist tally making him one of three with the most in the entire Premier League.
The praise showered on him by talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend therefore makes complete sense, as he claimed: "I have really enjoyed watching Maddison. I have enjoyed watching him play because I think he enjoys being kind of almost the pivotal part of the team. I think that suits his personality. I have been impressed."
However, one of that trio on five assists for the season is actually a former Lilywhites star, and one they surely regret offloading. After all, few could have predicted how exceptional Kieran Trippier's twilight years would be.
Why did Spurs sell Kieran Trippier?
Although the former Burnley man had become a true Spurs stalwart, as a key cog in their run to the Champions League final alongside a couple of limp title pushes, the 33-year-old would reveal just how disappointing the manner of his 2019 exit would be whilst speaking to The Athletic.
The Yorkshire-born ace noted: "As a footballer, you're trying to do your best and sometimes things don't go your way. It just wasn't happening, but I was still getting picked by Mauricio Pochettino.
“After the Champions League final, it felt like the right time to move on. The media weren't really on my side at the time and maybe I needed to get out of England for a bit just to clear my mind. I never looked back.
Newcastle United'sKieranTrippier
"What annoyed me … as you know, people in football speak and there are always rumours, but I know 100 per cent for a fact – and this is what I was most angry about – that two months before the end of the season, Daniel (Levy, the chairman) was offering me to other clubs.
“I knew for certain that was happening, so I knew my time there must be up. I was playing for my teammates and the supporters, but I also knew I wasn't wanted.”
So, he would depart for just £12m amongst a betting scandal, having since returned to Newcastle United to spearhead their own incredible revolution.
How is Kieran Trippier performing now?
Whilst Trippier may be level with Maddison in the league, his assist in their 4-1 Champions League rout over Paris Saint-Germain has actually seen the right-back surpass the midfielder in assists across all competitions.
It should come as no surprise to see the £120k-per-week wizard maintain his immense creativity from defence, especially after the truly outstanding year he enjoyed last campaign. Featuring in every single league game as they finished fourth against all the odds, his eight goal contributions were supported by 2.9 key passes and 1.9 tackles per game, via Sofascore.
His bravery to return to a relegation-threatened club and steer them to safety has been lauded by many, with Alan Shearer leading the praise, Shearer: "Some of the balls he was putting into the box were just unbelievable. What a signing he has been for Newcastle, he’s in great form".
Hugo Lloris
Danny Rose
Kevin Wimmer
Toby Alderweireld
Kieran Trippier
Eric Dier
Tom Carroll
Dele Alli
Erik Lamela
Heung-min Son
Andros Townsend
Pundit Trevor Sinclair would support such a notion: "When you're injured and have a long-term injury which Kieran Trippier has got, you don't need to go [to the matches]. It's not something that he has got to do as a member of the squad.
"You don't have to go to away games, especially as it's 200 to 250 miles away. But that, for me, just shows the personality of Trippier and why signing him wasn't just for him going there for a bit of money and glory. He was going there to try and achieve something and coming back for other reasons as well."
It is fair to say that he has attained such a goal, with his efforts in out-creating Maddison just one of his many accolades.
England stars Lauren James and Rachel Daly started both of the Lionesses' first two games of 2024 on the bench – and Sarina Wiegman has explained why.
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James & Daly both benched for England in FebruaryLionesses had friendlies with Austria & ItalyWiegman explains why they didn't make her XIsWHAT HAPPENED?
England kicked off the year with a warm-weather camp in Spain, taking on Austria and Italy in a pair of friendlies as part of that. Lionesses' boss Wiegman experimented with her starting lineups for the games, but some were surprised to see James and Daly on the bench on both occasions.
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Ahead of England's meeting with Italy on Tuesday, Wiegman was asked by why James and Daly have started both matches as substitutes. "It's competition, it's getting ready for [qualifiers in] April, it's seeing a lot of things and then making up your mind, who's going to start and who you can also bring off the bench," she explained. "When you get all these things on the table, then you make decisions and we start with this team today."
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Wiegman has given opportunities to several different players in February, with Hannah Hampton and Lotte Wubben-Moy among those to get rare starts in the two games while a debut was handed to Grace Clinton, the talented young midfielder who scored against Austria and then kept her place in the team for the clash with Italy.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Daly won the Women's Super League's Golden Boot last season after scoring 22 times in as many games for Aston Villa. James, meanwhile, could succeed her in winning the award this term as she is second only to Manchester City Khadija Shaw in the scoring charts, with 12 goals in 13 appearances for Chelsea in the WSL.
Simon Harmer’s best figures of the season and Murali Vijay’s second half-century of the match have given Essex a chance of toppling Nottinghamshire
ECB Reporters Network12-Sep-2018 ScorecardSimon Harmer’s best figures of the season and M Vijay’s second half-century of the match have given Essex a chance of toppling Nottinghamshire in their Specsavers County Championship meeting at Trent Bridge.Harmer took 6 for 87 as Notts were bowled out for 337 in their second innings, leaving the defending champions requiring 282 for victory.Kraigg Brathwaite made 68 for the hosts and Steven Mullaney scored 53 before becoming Harmer’s fifth victim.Vijay, who hasn’t played since making a pair for India in the second Test of the recent series against England, followed up his first-innings 56 with an undefeated 73 as Essex closed on 147 for 1.The home county began the day in good shape on 116 for 1 but lost three wickets, all to Harmer, during the opening session. Luke Fletcher, the nightwatchman, had an eventful time at the crease. He was struck on the elbow by a wild throw from Nick Browne and also reprieved after being caught off a no-ball from Matt Coles.Nevertheless, the local favourite, a few days away from his 30th birthday, skilfully frustrated the Essex attack for more than two hours in making 39.Brathwaite, the West Indies’ opener, reached his third half-century in as many matches for Notts, getting there from 117 balls with his ninth boundary. The opener stroked three more fours before being pinned on the crease by Harmer’s offspin. Fletcher’s lengthy vigil ended in the same manner and Jake Libby lost his off stump for 15.Simon Harmer gets a hug from Nick Browne•Getty ImagesResuming from their lunchtime score of 208 for 4, Notts lost their fifth wicket to an unexpected source. The visitors opened the session with the part-time spin of Tom Westley and the hunch paid off as Ben Duckett fell lbw for 17.Harmer returned to the attack soon after the second new ball had been taken and bagged three further wickets as Notts lost their momentum. Tom Moores was stumped for 15, after a stand of 68 with Mullaney, who nicked the spinner into the hands of wicketkeeper Adam Wheater.The former South African international then had Lyndon James caught by Ryan ten Doeschate at short leg before Jamie Porter removed Samit Patel and Mark Footitt to polish off the innings.Essex began their pursuit of 282 with the early loss of Browne, playing all around a full-swinging delivery from Footitt. Vijay and Westley, who is undefeated on 45, negotiated the rest of the final session in adding an unbroken 130 together to put Essex firmly on the way towards their first victory at Trent Bridge since 2003.
Chelsea have shown interest in Lille defender Leny Yoro as they look to weigh up their options to replace the aging Thiago Silva.
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Chelsea targeting Lille's Leny YoroLooking to replace Thiago Silva in summerPSG and Real Madrid also interested in YoroGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Yoro has been linked with multiple clubs so far this season and now, Chelsea are also showing interest in the 18-year-old as per . With Silva's contract expiring this summer, Chelsea are looking to bring in a younger centre-back. Despite having few defensive options due to injury problems, Mauricio Pochettino has benched Silva for Chelsea in their last two Premier League games. Yoro is thought to be a perfect fit for the Chelsea project with the France Under-21 international having already become part of Lille's senior team.
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The 18-year-old has had a fantastic season in France, and other major European teams like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest in signing him in the summer. PSG remain the front-runners for the youngster but Lille are keen to keep him in Ligue 1 beyond the summer.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Sporting's Ousmane Diomande are two potential centre-back alternatives to Yoro as Chelsea plan yet another busy summer of transfer activity. Chelsea are said to be unconcerned about breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, and believe they will be free to splash the cash and battle for their targets.
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WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
The club will keep fighting to improve their dismal season as they will look to end a disappointing campaign on a high and signal to their potential summer targets that the club is still the place to be despite their fall in form. They will take on Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, March 16.
Aston Villa have had an electrifying start to the 2023/24 campaign, as Unai Emery continues to inject added quality into his squad at Villa Park.
The Spaniard took just a year ago, and Villa haven’t looked back, highlighted by them picking up where they left off last season in their 7th-place finish in the Premier League.
From performing in Europe to sitting a point outside of the top four in the league table, the Villans are building something special with Emery, however, reports suggest that the former Arsenal boss is far from finished in the market.
Latest Aston Villa transfer news
As the January window approaches, Villa have been linked with a host of players, particularly ones that could bolster the Midlands side’s options in the final third.
One name that has been mentioned by media in Portugal, relayed by Sport Witness, is former Wolves forward Pedro Goncalves, who was prolific for Sporting CP last season by recording 35 goal contributions in 51 appearances.
Another potential acquisition in the winter window is Emery’s former talent at Arsenal, Dani Ceballos, who was linked to the Villans in the summer.
Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.
A report by DefensaCentral has claimed that Villa may be willing to offer between €15m (£13m) and €18m (£16m) for his services, as he struggles to secure game time at Real Madrid.
In other news, Ceballos is not the only target for Emery from the Bernabeu, as a report from Sport, relayed by BirminghamLive, explains that Villa are one of the clubs interested in Brahim Diaz.
The 24-year-old playmaker is said to be valued at €20m (£17m) by Los Blancos, who according to Sport, would be “happy” to sell the sporadic talent in the coming window.
Brahim Diaz could be the perfect Nicolo Zaniolo replacement
Once lauded as a “lethal” asset by journalist Maxi Angelo, Diaz could arrive at Villa already installed with the critical trait of having experience in playing in England.
The Spaniard is a product of Manchester City’s academy, where he developed for five years before returning to his homeland to sign for Madrid.
The versatile forward made 15 senior appearances for City under Pep Guardiola, with his insight into the game in England making him a potentially strong target for Villa to chase.
Brahim Diaz
In Zaniolo, Emery equipped his side with an equally versatile spark to fill the void left by Emiliano Buendia’s injury, however, the Italian has had a slow start to life in the Midlands, in an area that Diaz could thrive in.
The Malaga-born gem, who has been on loan at AC Milan for the past three seasons, is an expert creator, as portrayed by his seven assists and 11 big chances created in Serie A in the 2022/23 campaign, as well as averaging 1.2 key passes per game, via Sofascore.
In 2019 during a La Liga contest, journalist Hasan Karim praised Diaz as being a presence that was “lighting up” the game, with one of his most notable strengths being his ball-carrying ability, which is reinforced by his 1.2 successful dribbles per game last term.
Diaz vs Zaniolo 2023/24 respective league form
Brahim Diaz
Nicolo Zaniolo
Appearances
8
7
Starts
1
4
Minutes per game
18
48
Goals
1
0
Passing accuracy per game
84%
73%
Big chances created
1
0
Via Sofascore
Zaniolo has averaged only 0.7 key passes per game for Villa in the Premier League so far, as well as maintaining a frail pass completion rate of 73%, suggesting that he is yet to find his feet in England after his summer move.
In acquiring the Real Madrid ace, Emery could bolster his team with a presence to compete with Zaniolo, in a player that is statistically comparable to Premier League wizard, James Maddison, telling of his calibre, via FBref.
Only time will tell if the Villans decide to stick or twist with Zaniolo, however, there would be no harm in exploring the possibility of signing Diaz in January, who could provide more creativity in an attacking midfield position, as shown by his aforementioned statistics.
Pep Guardiola has tipped Manchester City midfield star Rodri to become a top manager in the future.
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Guardiola tipped Rodri to become manager
Rodri integral part of Man City squad
Cityzens face Liverpool on SundayWHAT HAPPENED?
The current Manchester City boss claimed that Rodri has the ability to become a quality manager in the future as he heaped praise on the Ciyzens' star midfielder. He also claimed that the Spain international will be an important of the team set to take on Liverpool in a blockbuster Premier League clash on Sunday at Anfield.
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Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, the Catalan coach said: "He is a really, really important player. But not just Rodri to make a good process, we need the contribution from everyone.
Guardiola added, "Yeah, always we try to figure out how good he will settle with us. He was playing in a big team, he was with Villarreal, and they play well and then after he was at Atletico Madrid, a top team. When you take players from those environments you expect to get someone who is well educated and has personality – but you never know. All teams make mistakes. there are many thousands of reasons why sometimes it doesn’t work. Rodri was a young boy, but now with the experience and the games he has played, he has become a top-class player."
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The legendary manager was also asked if Rodri could follow in the footsteps of his former charges Xavi and Xabi Alonso by becoming a manager in the future, the Cityzens manager said: "He can be yeah – always I had the theory good holding midfielders can become good managers because they have to see the game in the whole perspective. It depends on the desire they have to do it, of course."
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
After facing the Premier League leaders, the reigning English champions will next take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-final on March 16.
USWNT star Cat Macario made her return for Chelsea after 21 months on the sidelines Sunday, notching a goal and penning an emotional message.
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Chelsea defeat Leicester 3-0Cat Macario makes return after 21-month injuryScores on Chelsea debutWHAT HAPPENED?
In their 3-0 victory over Leicester City Sunday, the USWNT star made her debut for the Blues after joining from Lyon in France. Arriving on a torn ACL, Macario had multiple setbacks in her recovery from the injury, leaving her nearly two years on the sideline. However, she used the minutes she was given off the bench to make an impact, netting their third goal of the game.
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She wrote on Instagram: "After 21 months, 641 days, endless hours of rehabilitation, and many many tears later, I’m so overwhelmed with emotions that last night still feels surreal. To say this journey has been the most challenging period of my life is an understatement. I went through so many setbacks, so many heartbreaks and doubts, that I thought at times that I would never be able to play football again. But, last night made every single struggle and hardship worth it. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Chelsea for never giving up on me, for supporting me in more ways than I could have ever imagined, and for giving me the opportunity to play the beautiful game again. A massive thank you to the fans as well for your love and encouragement since the day I joined. I feel so blessed to be part of this special team and club, and I can’t wait to enjoy more moments like yesterday with you all!"
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With Macario in the picture for club and country now, she can be utilized as an attacking midfielder or as a striker in either setup. A true fox in the box, Macario is a tidy finisher who compliments any attacking setup.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, with Emma Hayes at the helm of the USWNT for the forthcoming Paris Olympic Games, Macario could – remarkably – find herself on the roster if she finds a brilliant run of form.
With Mia Fishel out for the remainder of 2024, Macario could find herself in the mix alongside Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith at the No. 9 position.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MACARIO?
The Blues are back in action on Thursday, March 7 in the Women's League Cup against WSL title-contenders Manchester City. Chelsea will look to advance by beating their direct competitors for this year's crown, while Macario will look to make another impact on the pitch.