Liverpool's first summer transfer window under Arne Slot looks set to finally burst into life, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Reds are now "exploring" a deal to hijack a Manchester United target.

Liverpool transfer news

Liverpool enjoyed their American tour, beating rivals Manchester United and Arsenal along the way, and have now returned from their travels and seemingly got straight to work on the transfer front. Reports have recently emerged linking those at Anfield to the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, in what would be quite the way to replace Alisson Becker in the long-term, as well as more links once again to Anthony Gordon.

The Newcastle United winger has been the subject of Liverpool interest throughout the summer window, though it remains to be seen whether he will get the chance to join his boyhood club before deadline day at the end of the month.

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It should come as little surprise that Liverpool have waited until after their pre-season tour to step things up on the transfer front. The tour allowed Slot to assess his new squad and come to the conclusion that a new defensive midfielder is what he needs, according to David Ornstein. It was quite the mystery just who that midfielder would be, but an update has since revealed just who may be on their way.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are now "exploring" a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer. The midfielder reportedly has a €60m (£52m) release clause in his Real Sociedad contract and talks will now take place between the clubs and regarding personal terms for the Spaniard.

They're not the only Premier League to have shown an interest, however. According to earlier reports, Manchester United tabled an offer worth £50.8m for Zubimendi and saw the 25-year-old as an ideal replacement for the ageing Casemiro. The Red Devils could now see their move hijacked by Liverpool, who have the chance to take revenge on those at Old Trafford after missing out on Leny Yoro courtesy of United earlier in the window.

What's more, Arsenal were also linked with a move for the Euro 2024 winner to create quite the race for his signature this summer – one that Liverpool could now impressively win.

"Incredible" Zubimendi is better than Endo

At 31 years old, Wataru Endo was never going to be the long-term solution at the base of Liverpool's midfield that Zubimendi should become this summer. The Sociedad star would be an instant upgrade on the Japan international and would complete the Reds' midfield rebuild a year on from when it started with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)	Martin Zubimendi	Wataru Endo
Progressive Carries	34	10
Progressive Passes	152	101
Tackles Won	27	28
Ball Recoveries	169	108

Described as an "incredible talent" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Zubimendi's work on and off the ball is equally impressive. Whether it's his ball-winning ability or progressive passing, the Spaniard stands out as the option that Liverpool have so desperately lacked since the decline and subsequent departure of Fabinho.

Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis hit rapid half-centuries to set up the victory

Saurabh Somani28-Apr-20214:00

Daniel Vettori: The backing provided by the team management helped Ruturaj Gaikwad

Four contrasting half-centuries told the story of the Chennai Super Kings’ seven-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad, with the victors climbing back to the top of the IPL 2021 points table. The vanquished, meanwhile, remained in last place.David Warner chose to bat in the tournament’s first game in Delhi, saying he did so “because we haven’t done it yet”, in an effort to change the Sunrisers’ fortunes. However, a middling effort with the bat gave the team only a par total of 171 for 3. Warner himself scored a laboured half-century while the returning Manish Pandey made 61 off 46, but both left the strong feeling that some runs had been left out in the middle.That was proven true when Ruturaj Gaikwad continued his resurgence with an incandescent 75 off 44 – not hitting a six but hitting 12 fours – while Faf du Plessis contributed a robust 56 off 38. Both the Super Kings’ openers strike rates were far superior to those of the Sunrisers’ half-centurions, and their stand set the game up for the Super Kings. Despite a Rashid Khan induced late wobble, the three-time IPL champions motored home in 18.3 overs.Chennai Super Kings’ openers put on 129 together•BCCI/IPLWarner struggles, Pandey dawdles
Warner did score a fifty, but it was the slowest of his T20 career – he got there off his 50th ball. He also crossed 10,000 T20 runs, only the fourth man to do so, but both of these landmarks came in an innings he might not look back on too fondly. Warner didn’t lack intent, but his timing was all awry. And when he did get some meaty shots away, they found the fielders as often as the gaps. Warner’s frustration was visible through his innings, with self-recriminatory screams and angry swishes of the bat when he had failed to send the ball where he wanted to. He tried to go deep, tried to go straight, tried to go across the line, but that he ended up with 57 off 55 speaks of how little of what he tried worked.At the other end, the returning Pandey was more fluent but, until the last tenth of his innings, Pandey didn’t exhibit any sense of urgency, even with Warner noticeably struggling. Pandey was happy to nudge and tickle the ball around with the occasional boundary attempt. He was a lot more stable at the crease than Warner, but given Warner’s inability to force the pace, there was a case for Pandey to be more adventurous. The duo added 106 runs for the second wicket, but took 13.5 overs to do so. Only three century partnerships in the IPL have been slower, and only one since 2017.Williamson finishes in style
It fell to Kane Williamson to show there were no demons in the pitch or the bowling. Williamson stroked his way to 26* off 10 balls, somehow managing to score runs all around the park even though he was there for such a brief while. He had walked in at 128 for 2 in 17.1 overs, with ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster tool predicting a final tally of 156 at that point. It was Williamson’s fireworks that pushed the total beyond 170, aided by a good finish from Kedar Jadhav against his old team – the duo put on 37 off the last 13 balls.Gaikwad, du Plessis at it once again
The Sunrisers’ top-order struggles were made more stark by the Super Kings’ openers’ ease. While Williamson had provided a brief sparkle, Gaikwad and du Plessis had an extended feast on a placid surface. They batted 13 overs,five balls fewer than the Pandey-Warner association, but their partnership was worth 129 runs to the latter’s 106.The Sunrisers bowlers weren’t able to get any significant movement in the air or off the deck, and both Gaikwad and du Plessis got their drives flowing freely. The two complemented each other perfectly too: while Gaikwad took on the spin of J Suchith and Rashid Khan, du Plessis punished the pace trio of Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed and Siddarth Kaul.Gaikwad taking the attack to Khan was perhaps the most crucial byplay of the chase. Khan’s four overs were always going to be the most crucial in the Sunrisers’ defence, but Gaikwad neutralised that threat by taking full toll any time Khan erred. Three times in his second and third overs Khan dragged the ball short, and each time Gaikwad found the boundary.Rashid’s revival
Not that Khan bowled badly. On the contrary, he had his usual array of legbreaks, sliders and googlies operating despite some dew. And he showed just how potent he could be by first fizzing a legbreak past Gaikwad’s forward-defensive push to knock back off stump, then getting Moeen Ali out on the slog with a wrong ‘un, and immediately after pinning du Plessis in front with another googly. While he had ended up conceding 36 – Ali too followed the Gaikwad template in taking the attack to Khan – he still took three crucial wickets.The speed and dominance of the opening partnership, however, meant that Khan’s quota of overs were finished by the 15th over. His wickets meant the Super Kings’ canter to victory slowed down, but it couldn’t be stopped.

Glasgow Rangers have endured somewhat of a rocky start to the season, winning just two of their opening five matches so far.

The Ibrox side have only scored five times during these games, signifying the area which Philippe Clement must strengthen before the end of the transfer window.

Unfortunately, the Belgian will have to sell several first team players before he even contemplates splashing money on new recruits.

With less than a week to go before the transfer window slams shut, the 50-year-old will have to act swiftly in order to bolster his squad.

The recent 2-0 win over St Johnstone in the League Cup may have secured progress into the quarter-finals for the Light Blues, but the display was far from convincing.

The Gers took a while to find their feet during the clash, scoring two second-half goals to eventually secure a victory, but they will have to improve on this display as the club take on Ross County this afternoon.

Clement will likely make a few changes to his starting XI for the tie. Could this see Danilo drop out of the team given his underwhelming display last weekend?

Danilo's performance vs St Johnstone

The Brazilian has been plagued with injuries since joining the club last summer from Feyenoord, playing only 21 times last term, scoring six goals in the process.

A knee injury against Hearts in December ruled him out for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign, but it looked like he was undergoing a strong pre-season ahead of the current season.

Despite his presence on the substitutes bench for the first four games of 2024/25, Danilo failed to see a minute of action on the pitch, prompting many supporters to question if he was actually fit enough to play.

This was put to bed last week, as Clement started the 25-year-old against the Saints, offering him a rare chance to get some minutes into his legs.

His rustiness was evident throughout the opening 45 minutes, which was expected, of course. He failed to really offer much going forward, failing to register a shot on target during the first half.

Glasgow World journalist Ben Banks gave Danilo a match rating of 5/10 for his performance in the first half at Hampden, stating ‘important minutes for him but not a lot of impact in terms of end product, but looked lively enough. Subbed at half-time’

45 minutes in the legs will do him the world of good, but it is clear Clement will likely drop him back to the bench for the clash against Ross County.

This will see Cyriel Dessers come back into the starting XI.

Cyriel Dessers’ statistics this season

The Nigerian centre-forward has polarised the Ibrox support since arriving last summer. His lack of clinical nature in the opposition penalty box has cost the club plenty of goals over the previous 12 months, but there is no doubting his work rate.

Indeed, Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson, praised Dessers amid the criticism last term, saying: “Say what you want about Cyriel Dessers but his attitude is first class. Despite the criticism he’s had he never hides on or off the pitch.”

A tally of 22 goals from 54 appearances was hardly a bad debut season, yet considering he missed 27 big chances in the top flight alone, he may well have broken through the 30 goal barrier had he been more effective in the box.

Goals

1

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Big chances missed

3

Total duels won per game

3.5

Successful dribbles per game

0.5

There were plenty of rumours that the 29-year-old was going to depart Ibrox during the summer transfer window, with Atlanta United seemingly coming close to bringing him across the pond.

It looks as though he is here to stay, at least until next summer anyway. Given how close Dessers was to leaving, the marksman started the 2024/25 campaign off in solid fashion.

Across five games, the former Feyenoord striker has found the back of the net three times, while also grabbing an assist in all competitions. Every goal should bolster his confidence and he enjoyed a decent cameo against the Saints last weekend.

Indeed, Glasgow World even gave the centre-forward a rating of 7/10 for his second-half cameo and this should see him start against the Staggies this afternoon.

Dessers has managed to succeed with 100% of his dribble attempts in the Premiership this season after just two matches, while he has also won an impressive 3.5 total duels per game, showcasing his qualities.

He has missed three big chances in just 180 minutes, however, and if this trend continues, he could be heading towards the number he recorded last season.

Danilo will hopefully be given another brief cameo this afternoon, especially with the need to get much-needed minutes into his legs.

Rangers record against Ross County last season

The Light Blues recorded victories over Ross County in two of their three games against the Highland side last term.

Player

Position

Jack Butland

GK

James Tavernier

RB

Connor Goldson

CB

John Souttar

CB

Borna Barisic

LB

John Lundstram

CM

Kieran Dowell

CM

Abdallah Sima

RW

Todd Cantwell

AM

Fabio Silva

LW

Cyriel Dessers

ST

A 2-0 win last August was followed by a 3-1 win at Ibrox in February, a game which saw the Gers register a staggering 43 shots during the entire match, yet they managed to somehow score just three times.

With the season reaching its crescendo, Clement’s side travelled to Dingwall in April, hoping to secure three points to continue their title ambitions.

It was a case of déjà vu for the side, as County prevailed 3-2, recording their first-ever win over Rangers in the process, as the result arguably cost the club the league crown.

With Hampden Park the venue today, the supporters will be hoping for another Premiership win to keep pace with Celtic, especially as the first Old Firm derby of the season takes place next weekend.

Three points is all that matters. The question is, will the £27k-per-week Dessers start the game? Or will Danilo be given another chance to showcase his worth?

Contact made: Rangers make move to sign £34,000-a-week attacker for Clement

The Gers are still looking to improve their team before next week’s deadline.

2 ByBrett Worthington Aug 22, 2024

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at suggestions he is not starting Kevin De Bruyne due to a rift with his star midfielder.

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De Bruyne struggling for minutes at CityClaims of a rift between player and managerPep hits back and explains situationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

De Bruyne has only made four Premier League starts this season for Manchester City, while his last five appearances have all been off the bench after returning from injury. The Belgian's lack of meaningful minutes has led pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to question the situation. Neville has claimed De Bruyne's lack of game time is "unusual, bizarre, strange" and Carragher has insisted "something is going on" between the pair at City.

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De Bruyne is also facing an uncertain future at Manchester City. The 33-year-old is into the final year of his contract and has confirmed negotiations with the club have now been put on hold. It's therefore no surprise to see Guardiola quizzed on the current situation with De Bruyne, and the City boss has hit back, rather sarcastically, at claims he's fallen out with his midfield superstar.

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

He told reporters: "People say I've got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don't want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I don't want it. I have a personal problem with him after nine years together. He's delivered to me the biggest success to this club. But he's been five months injured and two months injured. He's 33-years-old. He needs time to find his best. Like last season, step by step. He'll try to do it and feel better. I'm desperate to have his best.

"I'd love to have the Kevin in his prime — 26 or 27. He would love it too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. He played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games. I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. But always I said, he himself will not solve our problems. Like Erling [Haaland] won't solve it himself. We attack and defend together. We want the best players back. Hopefully step by step the confidence will come back and we'll get the best of all of us."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester City have failed to score in their last two Premier League matches against Liverpool and Tottenham. They haven't gone three in a row without finding the back of the net since March 2008.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite de ontem (30 de outubro), no estádio Alfredo Jaconi, em partida válida pela 29ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro da Série A, o Juventude empatou com o Bahia pelo placar de 0 a 0, chegou ao sétimo jogo sem vencer e com o resultado caiu para zona de rebaixamento.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Na entrevista coletiva, o treinador da equipe de Caxias do Sul elogiou o desempenho do time durante o confronto com o Bahia, mas lamentou o gol não ter saído: “Lógico que o resultado não era o que nós queríamos tanto esse jogo como o contra o Ceará. Mas, a gente vê que houve uma equipe, novamente, que foi superior em todos os números e a nossa torcida não quer escutar que tivemos uma média de posse de bola maior de 60% e tantas finalizações. Mas, não conseguimos o gol. Então, é trabalhar. Sabemos que quanto mais passa mais difícil ficará a nossa situação. Mas não podemos nos entregar”, afirmou.

Sobre próximos jogos, o treinador não titubeou e foi enfático ao destacar a importância de todos os confrontos daqui para frente até o fim da competição nacional: “Todos os jogos são decisivos. Esse, o primeiro, com o Inter e o com o Corinthians, na última rodada. O problema dos pontos corridos é que se você acha que um jogo é mais importante que o outro, você não está certo. Temos que encarar todos os jogos como uma final, a final se ganha e nós não conseguimos ganhar. Vamos trabalhar para que possamos vencer o próximo jogo”, falou o treinador.

Para finalizar, Jair ainda destacou a importância de ter tranquilidade para que os bons resultados voltem a acontecer: “É passar tranquilidade, nós temos jogadores experiente e também jogadores jovens. Então, é passar confiança para eles, continuar trabalhando finalizações e saber que nós estamos no caminho mais próximo da vitória. Pois, nós estamos criando, praticamente, o dobro do nosso adversário. E agora, é buscar o resultado”.

Leeds United fans would have walked away from the Hawthorns disappointed with their side's attacking display, but potentially happy that at least a point was picked up against a tough West Bromwich Albion side.

The 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns wasn't exactly a thrilling watch – with just two shots on target all afternoon from both Championship sides – as Daniel Farke continues to beg the powers above at Elland Road to add in new players between now and the close of the month.

Georginio Rutter's absence was sorely felt in the West Midlands, as was Crysencio Summerville's, with an electric winger now a potential target to bring back the free-flowing football Leeds supporters are craving.

Leeds searching for a new winger

As per football journalist Mike McGrath, via social media, Leeds are 'well aware' of Sunderland star man Jack Clarke this summer, as one potential new attacking addition.

Previously a youth player for the West Yorkshire titans, Clarke's time with the club in the senior fold was ultimately premature, leaving as a wide-eyed talent to join Premier League Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.

There could well be a feeling of unfinished business on the end of the Black Cats winger, therefore, who is now reportedly not keen on penning a new deal at the Stadium of Light, according to football journalist Alan Nixon.

This might swing open the door for Farke's Whites to swoop in and win a top performer at Championship level, softening the immense double blow of Summerville and Rutter exiting in the process, subsequently using the money gained from those sales to land an exciting new attacker.

What Clarke can offer Leeds

Wilfried Gnonto could also be pushed back over to the right-hand side to accommodate for this bumper move, as Mateo Joseph also licks his lips at the prospect of linking up with the dynamite Sunderland ace.

As much as Gnonto did dazzle for Farke's men last campaign, with eight goals registered overall, Clarke feels like the more natural successor to Summerville's throne.

The Italian attacker very rarely played in Summerville's fixed spot last season, often competing with Daniel James on the right flank instead, whilst Clarke tore second-tier defences to shreds operating solely down the left channel.

Clarke's Championship numbers vs Gnonto (23/24)

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

Clarke

Gnonto

Games played

40

36

Goals scored

15

8

Assists

4

2

Shots*

2.8

1.3

Big chances missed

5

3

Big chances created

12

5

Total duels won*

8.0

3.4

Stats by Sofascore

Glancing at their comparative numbers from the last regular Championship season, Clarke blows the ex-FC Zurich winger out of the water in many different areas, with a tenacity in his game very apparent that will instantly make him a favourite if he returns to Elland Road again, tallying up eight total duels won on average per clash last campaign when rampaging forward.

Importantly, Clarke's 15 goals will also allow Leeds to regain that much-needed firepower that has gone missing in their last two games where they've fired blanks against Middlesbrough and West Brom, which is a new low for a side that netted 81 strikes from 46 second tier clashes last season.

Joseph could get up and running as Farke's preferred main man up top, if Clarke also enters the building, with the Sunderland hero creating 12 big chances last campaign, on top of his much talked-about clinical nature in front of goal.

The young Spanish centre-forward was desperately unlucky on the opening day not to fire home, with four shots registered at the busy Portsmouth net.

The "devastating" attacker – as he was once labelled by his former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray – would also get Leeds fans back on side that have felt let down by the firesale nature of their departures recently.

Leeds would end up poaching a top talent, who Sunderland value in and around the £25m ballpark, to increase their chances of putting this dire early season form firmly behind them.

It's been nothing short of turbulent in Leeds quarters of late in the transfer window, but there is still time for the Whites to recruit well, starting with Clarke joining.

Related Leeds could land "insane" Rowe alternative with move for £18m star

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Aug 14, 2024

Manchester City midfielder Rodri insists his Ballon d'Or win is a "bottle of oxygen" in his injury recovery as he targets a return this season.

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• Rodri out with ACL injury
• Aiming to make stunning recovery
• Vinicius Jr beaten to award

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rodri is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and has had to watch on as City have embarked on their worst-ever run under Pep Guardiola, failing to win any of their last six games. However, the Spain international is hoping to make a stunning comeback before the end of the season, and insists his Ballon d'Or win has only served to inspire him.

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  Rodri beat Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior to the most prestigious individual award in football, leading to a backlash from fans and team-mates of the Brazilian. Nevertheless, the defensive midfielder insists that his prize is a "bottle of oxygen" as he bids to find his way back onto the pitch.

• WHAT RODRI SAID

  Rodri told : "Everything seems to be going well with my rehab. It’s been good to spend time with my family here. The energy they give me is important, and a long time had passed since I was back at home. Because of my injury, the award has been like a bottle of oxygen for me."

  Regarding his return, he added: "I want to come back this season, that would be important for me. I don’t know if I can, but I’d like to be involved for a month or two and finish the season."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  City are next in action against Liverpool in what could prove to be a decisive game for their title ambitions. A defeat would see the Reds move 11 points clear of the champions at the top.

Hoping to kickstart their Championship campaign following a disappointing start, Leeds United have turned towards the transfer market, enquiring about the chance to sign a Premier League academy graduate alongside Manuel Benson.

Leeds transfer news

Leeds should, of course, have plenty of funds spare this summer after being decimated by Premier League interest. Daniel Farke has been forced to watch on as Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and, most recently, Georginio Rutter, all completed moves to the top flight in the ultimate consequence of last season's promotion failure.

As a result of the search for attacking reinforcements, the Whites have reportedly turned to Benson, who has struggled to break into Scott Parker's Burnley side. In need of the chance to rediscover his best form, a permanent move to Elland Road may well be the best solution for all parties, with the winger keen on a move to Yorkshire.

Benson, of course, played a pivotal role when the Clarets earned promotion in the 2022/23 campaign, before struggling to adjust to the Premier League. Now, he could turn into the catalyst behind Leeds' climb back into the so-called promised land.

Leeds working to sign left-back with Rutter and Summerville replacements

It is set to be a busy few days at Elland Road.

ByBen Browning Aug 21, 2024

He's seemingly not the only option that those in Yorkshire have turned to, either. According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Leeds have also enquired about signing Carlos Forbs on loan from Ajax this summer, only for the Dutch giants to so far turn their nose up at their attempts.

The Eredivisie side only signed Forbs last summer in a deal worth a reported £12m from Manchester City and may hope to see the 20-year-old take significant steps in Francesco Farioli's starting side. Given that Forbs has also attracted the interest of Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, it looks likely to be a big season for the City academy graduate.

"Exciting" Forbs is one to watch

Whilst a loan deal currently seems unlikely, anything can still happen in the remaining 10 days of the summer transfer window. Leeds could still land the 20-year-old in a deal that could replace Summerville in Farke's frontline.

The former Manchester City man showed glimpses of his potential output levels last season, scoring four goals and assisting a further five in a struggling Ajax side. With that potential, a return to England may just boost those numbers even further.

Forbs has earned plenty of praise since his Manchester City days, including from Ben Mattinson, who described the forward as "one of the most exciting wingers at youth academy level".

Whether it's Jonathan Rowe, Benson or, indeed, Forbs, there's no doubt that Leeds must welcome attacking additions before the transfer window slams shut, having seen their star-studded squad picked apart in recent months.

وقعت مشادة قوية بين أحد لاعبي الزمالك وبعض جماهير القلعة البيضاء بعد مباراة بيراميدز والتي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وحقق بيراميدز انتصارًا كبيرًا على الزمالك بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، اليوم الجمعة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من الدوري المصري الممتاز، على استاد الدفاع الجوي.

طالع | جروس بعد الخسارة أمام بيراميدز: الزمالك سيحارب في القادم.. واستبدال زيزو “صعب”

وأفاد مراسل بطولات من ملعب المباراة، أن نبيل عماد دونجا دخل في مشادة قوية مع بعض جماهير الزمالك عقب ثلاثية بيراميدز.

وبدأت الأزمة أثناء خروج نبيل دونجا من استاد الدفاع الجوى، ليصطدم ببعض الجماهير الغاضبة من الهزيمة ووصل الأمر إلى اشتباك بالأيدي، وفقًا لمراسل بطولات.

ورفع بيراميدز رصيده إلى 24 نقطة متصدرًا جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، بينما تجمد رصيد الزمالك عند 20 نقطة في المركز الثالث.

The legendary shot-stopper helped her side escape with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands that they may not have deserved

It really was Alyssa Naeher's night in every sense of the word. Making her final U.S. women's national team appearance, the legendary U.S. goalkeeper offered one more look at why she'll go down as one of this team's greats. There was no drop-off and no time for nostalgia – this was vintage Naeher, and the USWNT won because of it.

Naeher made multiple colossal saves throughout Tuesday's struggle-fest against Netherlands, helping preserve a 2-1 win that sent her out on a deserving high note. It was exactly the type of performance that the USWNT has expected from Naeher throughout her legendary career, and it was exactly the type of performance the USWNT needed to escape with a victory that they arguably didn't deserve.

The Netherlands were dominant throughout the first half, even aside from Veerle Buurman's 15th-minute goal. The hosts fired multiple shots at Naeher, but she was game for all of them, keeping her side in it. It ultimately paid off just before the half, when – ironically – it was Buurman's unfortunate own goal that sent the two teams into the half level.

Several subs from Emma Hayes corrected the USWNT's first-half deficiencies, and even though they were out-shot by the Netherlands 23-5, one of those subs ultimately scored the winner. Played in by Yazmeen Ryan, Lynn Williams' goal in the 71st minute sent the USWNT home with yet another win – the 13th in 15 games that Emma Hayes has been in charge, with zero losses. It also meant the  U.S. ended 2024 with a 18-1-4 record overall, and a 20-match unbeaten streak, and an Olympic gold medal.

And more importantly, and poignantly, it rounded off Naeher's career with a yet another celebratory moment.

She wore the captain's armband in her 115th international appearance, a stretch that goes back to her debut on Dec. 18, 2014, against Argentina. Naeher is two-time World Cup winner (2015 and 2019) and an Olympic gold medalist, with shutouts in the finals of both the 2019 World Cup and the Paris Games final this summer.

This was a USWNT win, but it was, and was always going to be, Naeher's night. She made sure of it herself with another huge game, one that served as one final reminder of how hard she'll be to replace as she moves on.

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from The Hague.

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Alysas Naeher (9/10):

  In her final match, Naeher was at her very best. This was vintage Naeher, as she made multiple huge saves to keep the USWNT in it.

  Jenna Nighswonger (3/10):

  About as rough of a half as we've seen from a USWNT player of late. Was absolutely torched multiple times before being taken out at halftime.

  Tierna Davidson (5/10):

  Played her part in the own goal, as her free kick was redirected in. Had some difficult moments defensively, but was able to survive.

  Naomi Girma (6/10):

  May or may not have been fouled on the Netherlands goal. Still, was shakier than usual as the Netherlands gave the USWNT backline headaches.

  Emily Fox (6/10):

  Looked solid as usual, even if those around her struggled a bit more than anyone would have expected.

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  Midfield

  Sam Coffey (6/10):

  Did her job as usual, but there were a few giveaways in there that made things a bit harder. Even so, she was fine.

  Korbin Albert (5/10):

  Never really found the balance with Lavelle and Horan as the more attack-minded midfielders. Right now, she's a lesser version of those two, which isn't helpful when they're both on the field, too.

  Lindsey Horan (5/10):

  Played in a odd spot due to the USWNT's lack of a true No. 9. Struggled to really influence the game despite being played higher up.

  Rose Lavelle (6/10):

  At times, looked like the most dangerous player on the field, but that's not saying much given how quiet the USWNT was for large stretches. Never quite created THE chance before being taken off in the second half.

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  Attack

  Jaedyn Shaw (4/10):

  Really struggled to get into the game. Was fighting for the ball on the Netherlands own goal, so she did have something to do with that, but, outside of that, was nearly invisible.

  Yazmeen Ryan (7/10):

  An absolutely fantastic assist on Williams' goal. Was somewhat quiet before that, but the effort never stopped as she built up to a lovely cross to win the game.

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  Subs & Manager

  Emily Sonnett (6/10):

  Brought in at left-back to provide stability and leadership. Did just that as the U.S. calmed down in the second half.

  Lynn Williams (9/10):

  Got in and scored the game-winner – can't ask for much more than that.

  Alyssa Thompson (7/10):

  Was dangerous throughout her time on the field. On another day, could have had a goal, an assist or more.

  Hal Hershfelt (6/10):

  Did her thing in midfield as she helped the U.S. get more control.

  Lily Yohannes (6/10):

  A huge night for her, but you'd never have known it based on her demeanor. Was so, so calm as she showed flashes of why both of these teams wanted her so badly (even as she withstood some occasional booing from the Netherlands crowd).

  Ally Sentnor (N/A):

  Came on in the final minutes to see out the game.

  Emma Hayes (7/10):

  Got it fairly wrong with the initial tactics, but fixed it at halftime with her subs. Ultimately, those subs helped seal the win, so a good job from the USWNT boss, who has yet to lose with this squad.