'Referee did not make it easy for us' – Marquinhos quick to point the finger as PSG's Champions League struggle continues

PSG captain Marquinhos has blamed the referee for their painful 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

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PSG lost 1-0 to Bayern MunichMarquinhos not happy after the matchPointed fingers at the referee for the resultFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has slammed the decision-making by the referees in their 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday. The Ligue 1 heavyweights are now in danger of being eliminated from the brand-new format of the Champions League, should they fail to achieve favourable outcomes in their remaining fixtures.

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Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae opened the scoring for the hosts in the 38th minute from a Joshua Kimmich corner, immediately after Ousmane Dembele was shown a yellow card for dissent. Things were about to go from bad to worse for Les Parisiens as Dembele was sent off after being shown a second yellow in the 56th minute following a late challenge on Alphonso Davies. The result stayed 1-0 until the final whistle.

With that loss, PSG stare at the dreadful possibility of being knocked out of the group stage of the Champions League. They are currently outside the knockout spots in the table with just one win in five games. And their remaining fixtures – against RB Salzburg, Manchester City, and Stuttgart – will not be easy to overcome either.

Marquinhos was quick to blame the referees for his team's third loss in the Champions League this season in the post-match presser.

WHAT MARQUINHOS SAID

"In the case of the goal, I asked the referee what was happening because a player was blocking the goalkeeper. He was not interested in the ball, the goalkeeper can't do anything in these situations. We tried to get the ball away, but we didn't succeed. Last year we were hampered in Dortmund by the referee, this year it happened again. We don't like to talk about the referee, but he did not make it for us. Every questionable situation was in Bayern's favor," Marquinhos told Canal+ after the match (h/t CNA).

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

Although they look out of sorts on the continental front, PSG are the team to beat in Ligue 1 this season. They will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run and a six-point lead in the French top-flight this weekend, when they host Nantes.

21-year-old now very likely to join Man Utd after Arsenal exit decision

After highly-rated young forward Chido Obi-Martin, it appears another player could be about to swap Arsenal for Manchester United this summer.

Obi-Martin seals Man United switch from Arsenal

After scoring a hugely impressive 32 goals in just 18 league appearances for Arsenal's Under-18s, Obi-Martin decided not to remain at the Emirates Stadium past the expiry of his contract, despite the club's attempts to keep him for Mikel Arteta.

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Before ultimately deciding to make the move to United, where he could work under Erik ten Hag in the first team sooner rather than later, going by his academy performances, the 16-year-old also attracted interest from Bayern Munich in Germany.

Arsenal were desperate to keep hold of Obi-Martin, according to reliable journalist Charles Watts, but their best efforts were not enough for the young attacker – who decided a switch to Old Trafford was best for his career.

“Arsenal are working hard to try and keep Chido Obi Martin at the club,” Watts said, before his exit.

“We’ve seen strong links to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund this summer, and it’s no secret that both German clubs are pushing to lure Arsenal’s bright young talent away after his exceptionally prolific form at youth level.

“But Arsenal remain in talks with Obi Martin’s camp and as far as I’m aware nothing has been decided yet when it comes to the striker’s future. Arsenal do not want to lose him and they have made that clear during recent talks. A first professional contract is on the table that could be signed the moment he turns 17.

“But he is not 17 until December and so Arsenal remain vulnerable to the in-demand striker leaving before then. They are hoping, however, that all the groundwork that has been done over the last few months will prove successful and he will stay and continue his development in North London.”

Wolves

August 17

Aston Villa

August 24

Brighton

August 31

Tottenham

September 15

Man City

September 22

While Obi-Martin is a free agent, United still had to pay a compensation fee to Arsenal, resulting in a delay in announcing the teenager's signing despite him already completing his medical.

Hubert Graczyk very likely to join Man Utd from Arsenal

According to Polish news outlet WP SportoweFakty, another player who could follow an identical path to Obi-Martin is 21-year-old goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk.

The shot-stopper, who was released upon the expiry of his Arsenal contract this summer, could join Obi-Martin in Manchester on a similar free deal to become Ten Hag's fourth-choice keeper.

The outlet claims Graczyk is very likely to join Man United after leaving Arsenal, with Carrington looking more and more like a potential landing spot for ex-Gunner academy players.

The Pole spent part of last season on loan at Slough Town in the National League South and made 31 appearances in total for Arsenal's Under-23s in total before leaving.

William Porterfield, Gary Wilson given Ireland coaching consultancy roles

Veteran Porterfield to combine playing career with job as fielding coach

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Mar-2021Cricket Ireland has announced new coaching consultancy roles for William Porterfield, Ireland’s former captain across all formats, and Gary Wilson, the wicketkeeper-batsman who retired last week.Porterfield, 36, will combine his playing career with a job as consultant fielding coach, working with the men’s and women’s teams and the Ireland pathway system. He has also be named as Wilson’s assistant at the North West Warriors in Ireland’s interprovincial set-up.Recognised as one of Ireland’s best fielders, Porterfield’s last international appearance came in an ODI in January 2020, having stepped down from the captaincy a few months earlier.”I’m really excited about these two roles – both working within the national system and within the provincial system in the North West,” Porterfield said. “I had a bit of a taste of coaching with the Birmingham Bears last year, and am looking forward to working with some of Ireland’s most talented players – being able to pass on knowledge and experience from a coach’s perspective. It will be a bit different being a coach while still playing, but it’s going to be a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”The fielding role with Ireland is something I’m passionate about. I’ve prided myself on my fielding throughout my career, and tried to set high standards, so hopefully I’ll be able to help not only players from the senior men’s and women’s squads, but players from the under-age teams as well.”Related

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Gary Wilson retires to take up coaching role

Having called time on his professional career to take over as North West Warriors head coach and pathway manager, Wilson has also been given a consultant wicketkeeping role with Ireland, again working across men’s, women’s and age-group teams.Wilson said: “I’m thrilled to be able to support keepers up and down the Irish pathway in this new role. It’s a great opportunity to get back involved in the international set-up so soon after retirement, and it’s a role I’m looking forward to massively.”When I was initially discussing the scope of the role, what I really felt added to it was the ability to share my knowledge and experience with the keepers within the women’s game. Ed [Joyce] has been doing such a fantastic job as head coach, and I’m delighted to be able to work with him on bringing on the senior and emerging talent that we have here in Ireland.”Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland’s high performance director, added: “I’m delighted that we have not only appointed these two roles we have long sought, but to have appointed two world-class players like William and Gary represents a real win for Irish cricket and the players in our performance system.”For any young player to be able to access and learn from two of the best players Ireland has produced is an immense opportunity. I know both William and Gary have a passion for Irish cricket and are keen to help develop and improve Irish cricketers at all levels. I wish them well, but know they need no additional motivation – they are two of the most self-motivated people I have worked with and I look forward to seeing their work in this new capacity.”

Triple Espresso for the win: Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman & Mallory Swanson to rival Aitana Bonmati for The Best FIFA Women's Player award

Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati and USWNT trio Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson are contenders for The Best FIFA Women's Player award.

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Bonmati going for Ballon d'Or & The Best doubleFive USWNT stars on 16-player shortlist Winner to be announced in January Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 16 contenders to win The Best FIFA Women's Player award for 2024 have been announced, with Barcelona Femeni and Spain star Bonmati headlining the list following another trophy-laden season for club and country.

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Bonmati led Barca to a historic quadruple and scored in the biggest games of the year, including in the Champions League and Women's Nations League finals. The 26-year-old has already been honoured for her success by winning the Ballon d'Or, but she faces competition from team-mates and rivals alike for The Best award.

Full nominees:

Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Keira Walsh (England), Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Lauren Hemp (England), Lindsey Horan (USA), Lucy Bronze (England), Mallory Swanson (USA), Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Naomi Girma (USA), Ona Batlle (Spain), Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Sophia Smith (USA), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Trinity Rodman (USA).

DID YOU KNOW?

USWNT stars Smith and Rodman helped the Stars and Stripes win the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in March and then gold at the Paris Olympics in the summer. Swanson, meanwhile, had a remarkable year, coming back from a devastating long-term knee injury to score the winner in the final over Brazil in France.

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The 77-player shortlist for The Best Women's 11 has also been announced, with a host of stars to be whittled down.

WPL 2024 scenarios – RCB, Warriorz and Giants in three-horse race to third place

RCB, without doubt, have the simplest path to the playoffs. The other two teams will be willing them to lose big on Tuesday night

Sampath Bandarupalli12-Mar-2024Will Royal Challengers qualify if they beat Mumbai?Royal Challengers have their fate in their own hands: a win against Mumbai on Tuesday will confirm their top-three finish. They will move to eight points to finish ahead of Warriorz (who have finished their league games with six points) and Gujarat Giants (who can at most reach only six).Are Royal Challengers out if they lose to Mumbai?Royal Challengers losing to Mumbai does not rule out a top-three finish. Their relatively healthy net run rate (NRR) of 0.027 will ensure they stay ahead of Warriorz (NRR -0.371) unless their losing margin is around 60 runs if chasing, or with seven overs to spare if defending.So, for an example, to stay ahead of Warriorz, Royal Challengers would need to score at least 115 if Mumbai score 175 batting first. The scenario for Royal Challengers if they bat first would be to drag Mumbai’s chase into the 14th over.So Warriorz qualify if Royal Challengers lose by a big enough margin?UP Warriorz will move to third spot if Royal Challengers lose big enough to fall below them on NRR. However, that will not confirm Warriorz’s place in playoffs, as Giants can overtake them on NRR if they win big in their last league match against Capitals. Giants’ NRR currently stands at -0.873, the lowest of all teams on the points table.If Giants are batting first, they would need to win by between 54 and 61 runs, based on the total they put up: a 54 run-win should do if they score 120, and a 61-run win if they post 200. If they are chasing, Giants will need to run their target down in roughly around 45 balls (between 43 and 47 balls based on the target).Can Giants overtake Royal Challengers on NRR?We know what Royal Challengers need to do to avoid slipping below Warriorz on NRR (see above), but they also face a slim threat from Giants on this front. Giants could go ahead of Royal Challengers in addition to Warriorz if they win by around 57 runs (if batting first) or with around 45 balls to spare (if chasing).So, much like Warriorz, Giants will hope to see Royal Challengers lose heavily on Tuesday. The lower the losing margin of Royal Challengers, the tougher the task ahead of Giants. And, for context, the highest winning margin for Giants in four matches across two WPL seasons so far is 19 runs. However, Giants have the advantage of playing last, so they will know exactly what they need to do.

After Solanke: Spurs could sign big upgrade on Emerson Royal with next move

All things considered, it's been a good summer for Tottenham Hotspur so far.

Ange Postecoglou's side have won four out of six preseason friendlies, signed two exciting prospects in Archie Gray and Yang Min-Hyeok, and, most importantly, secured the services of Dominic Solanke in a £65m deal that could bring a mountain of goals to the North Londoners' attacking style this season.

However, Daniel Levy and Co appear to be still hard at work.

Recent reports have touted another talented star for a move to N17 in the coming weeks, and his arrival could be the much-needed upgrade on a player who never made the grade at the club.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from journalist Dean Jones via GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham's interest in Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters should be back in focus in the coming weeks.

kyle-walker-peters-southampton

Jones claims that with Emerson Royal's exit to AC Milan, the North Londoners could refocus their attention on signing the young Englishman, who used to play for the club.

How much the 27-year-old would cost the Lilywhites is still up in the air, though, as Jones cites a report valuing him at around £20m, while reports from late last week price him closer to £30m.

Former Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters

Whatever the final price ends up being, bringing in Walker-Peters to replace and upgrade upon Emerson would be a great idea, as he's impressed at Southampton in the Premier League and Championship.

How Walker-Peters compares to Emerson

So, if Walker-Peters is signed to be Emerson's long-term replacement at right back, how does he compare to the Brazilian?

Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters

Well, when we look at their output, as in the modern game, the full-back has to contribute going forward; it's a win for the Saints ace.

In his 47 appearances for the South Coast side last season, he scored four goals and provided four assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 5.87 games.

In contrast, the former Barcelona full-back could only muster a single goal in his 24 appearances for the North Londoners last season, which is far from ideal.

Unfortunately for the Milan-bound man, the comparison is just as one-sided when we look at their underlying numbers, and even though the Englishman was playing in a weaker league, the difference is starker than it should be.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.16

0.05

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.14

0.08

Progressive Passes

7.11

4.42

Progressive Carries

5.83

1.63

Shots

0.86

0.47

Shots on Target

0.21

0.23

Passing Accuracy

89.7%

90.3%

Key Passes

1.03

0.23

Passes into the Final Third

5.69

3.26

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.59

0.54

Shot-Creating Actions

2.80

1.63

Goal-Creating Actions

0.35

0.23

Tackles Won

1.21

1.86

Blocks

0.86

1.78

Interceptions

1.14

1.55

Errors leading to a Shot

0.02

0.08

Successful Take-Ons

1.93

0.78

For example, in practically every single metric, the "beautiful footballer", as dubbed by manager Russell Martin, comes out on top, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots, key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Moreover, while he comes out second best in a couple of the defensive metrics, he makes substantially fewer errors that lead to an opponent's shot, suggesting he wouldn't be a "liability", as Jamie O'Hara branded Emerson.

Ultimately, Walker-Peters looks to be an upgrade on the Brazilian from both output and underlying numbers perspectives, so if the opportunity presents itself to bring the Englishman back to North London this summer, Levy and Co should take it.

Imagine him & Solanke: Spurs could land a bigger talent than Maddison

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ByEthan Lamb Aug 10, 2024

Jayawickrama's six-for sets up Sri Lanka's imposing lead

Bangladesh lose their last seven wickets for 37 to fall behind by a long way

Mohammad Isam01-May-2021Praveen Jayawickrama’s six-wicket haul shaped Sri Lanka’s ascendancy over Bangladesh in the second Test in Pallekele. The 22-year old left-arm spinner took the best figures for Sri Lanka on Test debut; his 6 for 92, including the big wickets of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim.The stunning debut performance, which is better than Upul Chandana’s 6 for 179 against Pakistan in 1999, left the visitors trailing by 242 runs; Bangladesh losing their last seven wickets for 37 runs. Sri Lanka, however, didn’t enforce the follow-on and ended the day on 17 for 2, losing Lahiru Thirimanne and Oshada Fernando to Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam respectively.The story of the day, however was Bangladesh’s collapse on either side of tea. They lost three big wickets in the space of 24 balls. Rahim was out in the last over before the break, lbw to Jayawickrama, after making 40. Shortly after the interval, Ramesh Mendis trapped Mominul Haque lbw on 48 with a full toss that struck him flush on the toe.Liton Das was next to go as he guided a sharp-turning Jayawickrama delivery to Lahiru Thirimanne at slip. Bangladesh’s lower-order caved in after that. Mehidy Hasan Miraz missed an arm-ball to give Jayawickrama his five-for, before he had Taskin Ahmed lbw off a review. The collapse ended in bizarre fashion when Taijul Islam was out hit wicket, when his shoe came off from his back foot.Jayawickrama had taken away Bangladesh’s momentum in the first two sessions as well, with late strikes. He had Saif Hassan caught at gully for 25, to break a 98-run opening stand with Tamim Iqbal. Najmul Hossain Shanto fell next for a second duck in a row following his 163 in the first innings of the first Test.After Iqbal and Haque steadied the situation for just over an hour, Jayawickrama had the big fish when he had Iqbal caught at slip. Only a delivery earlier, he’d decided to change his angle and bowl from around the wicket. It undid Iqbal, who struck a 150-ball 92.Again towards the end of the second session, Jayawickrama struck. He hadn’t bowled all that well against Rahim, who struck him for six boundaries. But that was until the stroke of tea, when he slipped in an arm ball to trap him lbw. Rahim was out for a 62-ball 40. Apart from Jayawickrama’s six wickets, Mendis and Lakmal took two wickets each.

Wolves to battle for dream Kilman replacement who has "kept Haaland quiet"

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ tough start to the season began the way that many expected it would, with a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Midlands club had a mountain to climb in order to get a positive result against the club who have come second on the table for back-to-back seasons.

Indeed, Gary O’Neil’s side succumbed to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka which put them to the sword and meant they left North London without a point to show for their efforts. Interestingly, it was the two goalscorers who assisted each other, with Saka’s cross for the Germany international a particularly good pass.

Next up for the Molineux side, they host Chelsea, who also lost their first game of the season 2-0, to Manchester City. That game will see the return of Pedro Neto to the club he left just a few weeks ago, to seek a new challenge at Stamford Bridge.

Wolves have not made too many major moves in the transfer market so far, but O’Neil may wish to see his side strengthened before the deadline on the 30th of August. They have recently been linked with one man who could add quality to their team.

Wolves target Championship defender

The player in question here is Sheffield United and Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic. The 25-year-old defender impressed for the Blades last term despite their relegation from the Premier League and has now been linked with a move away from Bramall Lane this summer.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Midlands club are thought to be ‘interested’ in doing a deal for the Bosnian this summer, following the departure of former club captain Max Kilman. O’Neil’s side view the Sheffield United man as the perfect replacement for the centre-back, who joined West Ham United for a fee of £40m.

Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic

However, they will not be alone in their quest to sign Ahmedhodzic before the transfer window slams shut next week. Newly promoted side Ipswich Town are ‘set to join Wolves in the battle’ for the star's signature, as they look to bolster their squad further in a bid for survival this season.

In terms of a price, prior reports have indicated that he could command a fee of around £20m this summer.

Why Ahmedhodzic would be a good signing

The Bosnian was crucial for the Blades last season, although he could not help keep them in the Premier League after they finished bottom of the table. He played 31 games last term and has already featured twice this season in the Championship.

Anel Ahmedhodzic in action for sheffield united

In terms of being a like-for-like replacement for Kilman, it would be a good option given the fact they are both excellent box defenders. When comparing their FBref stats, the pair are very similar. The Sheffield United centre-back averaged 3.37 tackles and interceptions compared to 2.26 for Kilman, and 4.66 clearances compared to 4.79 for the West Ham man.

Stat (per 90)

Ahmedhodzic

Kilman

Tackles and interceptions

3.37

2.26

Ball recoveries

3.64

4.66

Clearances

4.66

4.79

Blocks

1.46

1.68

Like the former Wolves skipper, the Blades number 15 is very tall, standing at a giant 6 foot 5 with Kilman slightly shorter at 6 foot 4. With that in mind, it is unsurprising they are so dominant in the air, with Ahmedhodzic averaging a 58% aerial win rate per 90 minutes, and the Englishman Kilman 70.5%.

The Bosnia international has a reputation for handling some of the world’s best strikers with ease, including Erling Haaland. That was noted by football analyst Ben Mattinson, who pointed out that he “kept Haaland quiet for [the] majority of the game” when Sheffield United met Manchester City at Bramall Lane last term.

Max Kilman celebrates

For an affordable fee like £20m, the signing of Ahmedhodzic could be an astute pick up for Wolves. They are looking for a like-for-like Kilman replacement, and given the Bosnian’s proficient box defender ability, he could be the perfect choice to help strengthen things at the back.

Alongside Ramsdale: Wolves ready to bid for £20m Jarrad Branthwaite clone

Gary O’Neil is expected to make another signing this summer…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 21, 2024

Huge scare for Man Utd! Red Devils sweat on Bruno Fernandes' fitness ahead of Arsenal showdown as potential injury problem emerges

Bruno Fernandes may have handed Manchester United an untimely injury headache ahead of their eagerly-anticipated Premier League clash with Arsenal.

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Portuguese playmaker forced off against EvertonSat on the bench with ice strapped to his ankleAmorim's side due at the Emirates on WednesdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils are due at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday for a top-flight showdown with their old adversaries. United head into that game buoyed by back-to-back wins under new boss Ruben Amorim over Bodo/Glimt and Everton.

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Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to piece together another title challenge – they sit second in the table, but nine points back on leaders Liverpool. There will be all to play for when Amorim takes his troops to north London.

DID YOU KNOW?

United will hope to have club captain Fernandes at their disposal, but saw him forced from the field just past the hour mark in a crushing 4-0 victory over Everton. The Portuguese did walk around the Old Trafford pitch and salute the home support at the final whistle, but spent time on the bench with an ice pack strapped to his left ankle.

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WHAT NEXT?

The severity of that ailment remains unclear, with the Red Devils set to give their skipper as long as possible to prove his fitness. Fernandes rarely misses games for United, with only one previously being sat out through injury, and he has made 253 appearances across his five years in England.

He’d make Bruno unplayable: Newcastle preparing bid for £17m star

Newcastle United may have dropped points in the Premier League for the first time this season after a 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth on Sunday, but this will be the least of Eddie Howe’s concerns.

With just five days left of the summer transfer window, the Magpies have failed to significantly strengthen their first-team squad.

Howe will need to act swiftly if this is going to change between now and Friday evening, although he is working on a few deals, including a South American starlet…

Newcastle eyeing move for Argentine sensation

According to news outlet Sportime (via Newcastle World), the club are interested in signing Olympiacos midfielder Santiago Hezze before the end of the summer window.

The report goes on to state that the Magpies are even preparing a bid worth around €20m (£17m) in order to secure his signature ahead of the deadline on Friday evening.

While Hezze might not be the marquee name the Toon Army are crying out for Howe to buy, there is no doubting his ability, and it could prove to be a wise investment indeed by the club.

Santiago Hezze

Santiago Hezze’s 2023/24 season in numbers

The 22-year-old joined the Greek side from Huracan last summer, immediately settling in well on the continent.

He made a total of 50 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring once and grabbing three assists. His most telling contribution, however, was playing a key role in Olympiacos’ triumph in the Europa Conference League, the first European trophy for a Greek side.

Metric (per 90)

Super League

Conference League

Accurate passes

43.4

36.3

Tackles

2.4

1.9

Interceptions

1.4

1.3

Total duels won

4.3

4.8

Possession lost

9.5

13.4

Balls recovered

6.3

6.4

Among his teammates, Hezze ranked fourth for accurate passes per game (43.4) in the top flight last term, while also ranking first for tackles (2.4) and fourth for interceptions (1.4) per game, showcasing his defensive and passing abilities.

These traits as a deep-lying midfielder could work wonders alongside Bruno Guimaraes, who could push into a more advanced role should Hezze join the club.

When compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, the Brazilian ranks in the top 3% for successful take-ons (1.86) per 90, while also ranking in the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.82) and assists (0.22) per 90, underlining how important he was when going forward.

These abilities led the 26-year-old to score seven times while registering ten assists for the Magpies last season. These numbers would likely have increased had Howe been able to utilise him in a more advanced role in the centre.

Should Hezze sign, this could see the Argentinian drop deeper into the slot that Guimaraes usually operates in, allowing him the freedom to cause further devastation to opposition defences.

The 22-year-old could subsequently help Guimaraes turn to a level of form that would inspire a return to European competition next year.

The next few days could potentially make or break Howe’s season in charge of Newcastle. Sign a few high-quality players and last season will be forgotten. Fail to add another new signing, however, and the supporters may just start getting restless.

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