Top no Brasil e sendo premiado em Portugal: Abel Ferreira é valorizado após trajetória no Palmeiras

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Abel Ferreira recebeu mais um prêmio em Portugal, concedido pela associação de jornalistas esportivos do país. No entanto, não é segredo que o técnico do Palmeiras tem sido reconhecido por lá após seu trabalho aqui no Brasil. Mas qual, de fato, seria a imagem que o bicampeão da Libertadores tem construído em solo português. Para saber do tema, o LANCE! foi atrás de jornalistas conterrâneos de Abel.

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O atual comandante do Verdão iniciou a vitoriosa carreira de treinador na equipe sub-19 do Sporting, de Portugal, conquistando o título nacional da categoria. Subiu para o time B do clube e, com isso, foi contratado pelo Braga. Em 2017, ano de sua estreia na elite do Campeonato Português, levou o plantel à quarta colocação com uma campanha recorde em pontos, sendo 75 com 24 triunfos.

Depois, transferiu-se ao PAOK, da Grécia, e obteve o vice-campeonato nacional em 2019/2020, garantindo vaga para a fase eliminatória da Liga dos Campeões da Europa, quando eliminou o Benfica do ex-técnico flamenguista Jorge Jesus.

Para Rafael Soares, do Jornal Record, Abel não se tornou conhecido em sua terra natal somente após chegar ao Verdão, apesar do notório maior reconhecimento. Segundo o jornalista, o português já havia sido notado pelos trabalhos anteriores.

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– Bem, eu não diria que o Abel se tornou conhecido ao ir para o Brasil. Teve, sim, um reconhecimento maior. Isso é perfeitamente natural, tendo em conta aquilo que tem conquistado ao serviço do Palmeiras, com especial destaque para as duas Taças Libertadores. Mas, veja, o Abel já tinha feito um trabalho competente no Sporting Braga, que é o quarto maior clube em Portugal – disse Soares, antes de completar:

– Nas duas épocas completas que realizou, ficou sempre no quarto lugar com alguma proximidade ao terceiro lugar. No PAOK, acabou por fazer um trabalho competente. Não foi campeão, porque o Olympiacos apresentou-se muito forte, e ficou em segundo lugar. Acabou por nunca conseguir jogar a fase de grupos da Liga dos Campeões, ainda que tivesse eliminado o Benfica, de Jorge Jesus, numa pré-eliminatória – completou o jornalista português.

Ainda de acordo com Rafael, a sequência de reconhecimentos que Abel Ferreira vem tendo em sua passagem pelo Verdão faz com que o futebol brasileiro volte a ser valorizado em outros países, assim como os outros treinadores conterrâneos que comandam times no Brasil.

– Isso tudo torna-se mais curioso depois de Jorge Jesus ter dito que dificilmente um treinador português voltaria a vencer a Libertadores após a conquista no Flamengo. De resto, o futebol brasileiro também é cada vez mais seguido em Portugal graças ao fluxo de treinadores portugueses que aí estão. Além de Abel, estão Vítor Pereira, Luís Castro e Paulo Sousa e acabamos por dar um maior destaque na mídia. Tem sido um trabalho bem sucedido e não me surpreenderia se viesse a ser associado a um grande português, no futuro, caso a sua vontade passe por voltar ao seu país – ressaltou.

GUIA DA LIBERTADORES

> Análise dos adversários, onde assistir e tudo sobre o Verdão

Para receber o prêmio de melhor treinador português fora de Portugal, Abel teve como feitos destacados o bicampeonato da Libertadores no fim de 2021, além das conquistas da Recopa Sul-Americana e do Paulistão na atual temporada.

– O prêmio que ele venceu foi entregue pelo CNID, a Associação de Jornalistas de Desporto. Isso acaba por ter um relevo interessante, tendo em conta os portugueses que estão a treinar lá fora. O evento distingue os melhores do esporte e também os profissionais da área do jornalismo – concluiu Rafael Soares ao explicar a premiação.

O comentarista esportivo Pedro Henriques, do SPORT TV de Portugal, por sua vez, acredita que o sucesso de Abel Ferreira foi algo meteórico. Para ele, o treinador não é ‘tão querido no país, mas hoje é sim muito respeitado’.

– Quem acompanhou o trabalho na formação do Sporting e no Braga percebeu que tinha potencial, mas não tinha e nem tem um lobby para o empurrar para cima, teve de ser a pulso e só no Brasil explodiu. Ele não me parece ser muito querido, mas é muito respeitado pelo que conseguiu no Palmeiras, com muito menos recursos que teve Jorge Jesus, e está a fazer um trabalho sensacional. Algumas pessoas duvidam se, com mais recursos, poderia jogar de outra forma e ser mais dominador, com uma forma de jogar que encante. Eu penso que sim, e que merece essa oportunidade – disse.

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Se Soaresexalta o mais novo ‘troféu’ recebido pelo treinador do Palmeiras, Henriques faz questão de reforçar a ideia de que a importância do trabalho executado em menos de dois anos é maior.

– Como disse antes, o Abel é humilde, não faz network, não tem lobby forte e como tal as suas conquistas são sempre valiosas. A importância do prêmio é, para mim, reduzida. O que importa mesmo é o trabalho que ele está a fazer, que é ótimo, mas claro que o prêmio é merecido – finalizou o comentarista da SPORT TV.

Diante de tantos prêmios, Abel Ferreira renovou seu contrato com o Palmeiras neste ano, e a nova validade do acordo é dezembro de 2024. Ídolo da torcida e já entre os maiores treinadores do clube, o português terá em breve sua família morando no Brasil para que assim, quem sabe, siga mantendo o Alviverde no topo do futebol e seja cada vez mais reconhecido pela história.

Everton in talks to sign "relentless" £13m Ashley Young upgrade

Everton fans spilt out of Goodison Park last weekend with a new sense of optimism.

The Toffees ground has too long been a bowl of murmurous disapproval, resignation as colourless attacking play fails to ignite cheer. David Moyes’ side showcased a new-found attacking element as Tottenham Hotspur were brushed aside.

However, Everton mustn’t get ahead of themselves, mustn’t forget their principles. Moyes is not a free-flowing attack-heavy manager. He’s pragmatic and drilled, though perhaps more tactically in tune than his predecessor.

A new striker is needed, as is a right winger. However, Everton could also address a couple of holes across the back, with a new full-back on The Friedkin Group’s radar.

Everton transfer news

As per Calcio Mercato, Everton are interested in signing AC Milan right-back Emerson Royal, only months after he joined the Serie A side from Tottenham, and are in talks with his agent to discuss a possible deal.

Emerson has been a regular starter for his new side but they are willing to part ways for a £13m fee this month to make room for Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, who is signing on loan with the option to buy at the end of the term.

AC Milan'sEmersonRoyalcelebrates with the trophy after winning the Italian Super Cup

The Brazil international won the Italian Super Cup earlier this month but has been something of a mixed bag this season, and could return to English football on the cheap, although Galatasaray also have a vested interest.

Why Everton want Emerson Royal

Moyes knows his way around managing a defence and could raise Emerson’s defensive game, adding an athletic and powerful dimension to Everton’s backline.

Emerson ebbed and flowed down N17 but was hailed for his “relentless” running by one-time Arsenal star Kevin Campbell, illustrated by his energy and tenacity on the pitch.

With Nathan Patterson suffering interminable injury problems, the 39-year-old Ashley Young has played a regular starting role in Everton’s squad this season, actually starting 17 Premier League fixtures.

The veteran invariably puts in a shift and has averaged 2.5 tackles per game, winning 56% of his duels and racking up three assists. He’s far from a liability, though admittedly he suffers somewhat from an understandable loss of athleticism and power, and this could see Emerson step into his shoes perfectly.

He’d also aid Everton in their bid to establish greater control in matches with a crisp ball-playing ability, ranking among the top 7% of full-backs for pass completion as well as the top 6% for tackles and the top 13% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref.

Emerson Royal – Serie A Stats (24/25)

Match Stats*

#

Matches (starts)

17 (16)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Clean sheets

5

Pass completion

90%

Key passes*

0.9

Ball recoveries*

3.5

Dribble (success)*

0.4 (44%)

Tackles + interceptions*

3.4

Clearances*

3.0

Total duels (won)*

6.4 (56%)

Errors

0

Stats via Sofascore

Young is out of contract at the end of the season but there’s every chance that his performances and leadership could warrant another year in the mix.

Signing Emerson would only help the experienced star in that regard, adding a new dimension and ensuring that Moyes has the tools to forge a successful path.

Moyes' next Arteta: Everton plotting move for exciting £15m talent

Everton are looking to strengthen David Moyes’ squad this winter.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 23, 2025

Amorim must drop Ugarte & unleash Man Utd ace who has "energy in abundance"

What a fantastic start Manchester United have had to 2025. The Red Devils are yet to lose, with Ruben Amorim’s side getting a huge 2-2 draw away to Liverpool in their first game of the new calendar year.

Next up for the 2023/24 FA Cup winners was the first defence of their crown away to Arsenal, a tough task in North London. However, the Red Devils won on penalties despite playing with ten men for an hour or so.

Most recently came a 3-1 win at Old Trafford against Southampton. Despite being 1-0 down with 81 minutes on the clock, Amad scored a hat-trick in 12 minutes to secure all three points for the home side.

Amorim has rotated his side well so far, and the next player who could be the victim of that is Manuel Ugarte, despite his brilliant performances in the past few months.

Ugarte’s recent performances

To clarify, a situation where Ugarte gets dropped from the starting 11 would not be a reflection of his recent performances. He has been superb in recent weeks, described as a “big game player” by football statistician Statman Dave.

The defensive midfielder is not one to shy away from any challenges, and his stats on FBref from the Premier League highlight his ball-winning ability. He currently averages six tackles and interceptions per game in the top flight this term, ranking him in the top 2% of Premier League midfielders for that metric.

However, against Southampton, the United number 25 struggled. He looked tired and played just over half of the game before being replaced. He received a 5/10 for his performance from the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst. He explained Ugarte “failed to provide any control” in the middle of the park.

So, despite his brilliant work over the past few weeks, the Uruguayan could fall victim to Amorim’s rotation policy and get some much-needed rest against Brighton and Hove Albion. The man who could replace him is the impressive young midfielder Toby Collyer.

Why Collyer could start against Brighton

At the beginning of the season, Collyer was described as former manager Erik ten Hag’s “next youth project” by football analyst and The Overlap: The Breakdown host H. Well, the Dutchman didn’t survive much of the season, but Collyer has certainly stepped up in recent weeks.

He has played five times this season for the Red Devils, featuring in back-to-back games against Arsenal and Southampton, coming on for Ugarte in the centre of midfield in the most recent game.

He has certainly been a good replacement, with H explaining he has “energy in abundance”, exactly like his Uruguayan teammate. Ugarte showed his appreciation for Collyer’s performance against the Saints on Instagram after the game.

As the stats on Sofascore suggest, Collyer was fantastic against Arsenal and Southampton. He played 39 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, winning four duels, and showing his hard work off the ball. Against the South Coast side, his 37-minute cameo demonstrated his excellent ball-playing ability, as he completed 95% of his passes.

Stat

vs. Arsenal

vs. Southampton

Touches

16

25

Passes completed

4/7

20/21

Pass accuracy

57%

95%

Duels won

4

3

Tackles won

1/1

2/3

Those are encouraging performances where he showed two different sides of the 21-year-old’s game, and what was on show is what Amorim can expect from him. Quality when in possession and hard work to continuously work hard off the ball.

Even though he is far less experienced than Ugarte, there might not be too much of a drop-off in his performance compared to the United number 25. Collyer has already proved he can be an apt replacement for him over the past few weeks.

Starting the former Brighton academy star against his former club not only continues his exposure and increases his opportunities at the highest level, but also allows for some rest for Ugarte.

Having quality squad depth is a crucial thing in football, and with Collyer, United certainly have that. It will be an exciting moment if Amorim chooses to use him on Sunday afternoon.

Jamie Carragher reveals how son James swapped shirts with Barcelona legend after making international debut for Malta

Jamie Carragher has revealed how his son James swapped shirts with a Barcelona star after making his international debut for Malta.

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  • Carragher's son makes Malta debut
  • Swaps shirts with Barcelona star
  • Liverpool icon reveals the story
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Wigan Athletic ace James recently acquired Maltese citizenship through Jamie's grandfather and mother and made his international debut in March against Finland and Poland. The Liverpool legend revealed that the 22-year-old lined up against Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski in their 2-0 loss to Poland and at the end of the game, they swapped shirts.

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    WHAT JAMIE CARRAGHER SAID

    He said on Stick to Football: "[James] Started both games. Wasn't sure he would, it was his first time he's been there. The first game they played Finland, should have got something out of it, played really well second half. Got beat 1-0 and then went to Poland away [lost 2-0]. Oh yeah, we had a proper trip, the Carraghers on tour. I wasn't nervous, but I could see my dad was a bit nervous before. It was a big game, 50,000 there. And what do you do when you're nervous? You have a drink. But no, it was good. I wanted [Robert] Lewandowski to start, but he came on. He did alright."

    When asked if he got Lewandowski's shirt, a smiling Carragher said: "He did actually. He was up against him at the end, in the last 20 minutes."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Carragher's son is unlikely to have the career that the ex-England international enjoyed but it seems he is carving out a respectable footballing CV of his own. And getting the chance to play against some of the world's best is a real privilege.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    James will hope to feature for Malta again when they take on Lithuania in their next World Cup qualifier on June 7.

'Always speaking through football!' – Lionel Messi congratulates Argentina team-mates on 'great match' against Brazil as injured captain appears to aim subtle dig at arch-rivals

Argentina captain Lionel Messi congratulated his team-mates on convincingly beating Brazil, while appearing to aim a subtle dig at their arch-rivals.

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  • Messi sends message to Argentina players
  • Also took swipe at arch-rivals
  • Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Inter Miami star did not join Argentina's latest camp for their March World Cup qualifiers due to injury, however, the national team captain did cheer for his colleagues from his home. After a thumping 4-1 win over arch-rivals Brazil on Tuesday, Messi took to social media to congratulate the world champions.

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  • WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

    On his Instagram story, the 37-year-old uploaded a collage of photographs of the Argentina players celebrating and wrote in the caption: "Inside, outside, wherever it may be with this national team. Always speaking through football. Congratulations on the great match you played last night and also on the win against Uruguay."

    IG:@leomessi

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Messi's congratulatory message also appeared to carry a subtle dig at the Brazilian team. Barcelona star Raphinha had made an X-rated provocative statement to rile up Argentina before the game. The winger almost got involved in a physical altercation with a number of Argentina stars after the full-time whistle and was subjected to frequent taunts from the home fans.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

    Argentina are now qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but Messi has not yet confirmed whether he will play at the tournament in North America. His current focus in on regaining fitness to aid Inter Miami's latest bid for MLS Cup glory, with a clash against the Philadelphia Union up next for Javier Mascherano's side this weekend.

KKR and Shreyas Iyer hold the edge in reunion with Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant’s men, meanwhile, could use some middle-order batting muscle

Alagappan Muthu09-Apr-20222:14

Should KKR stick with Rahane? Where should Pant bat?

Big pictureSo you’re Delhi Daredevils. No, Capitals. Sorry. And you’re facing Kolkata Knight Riders. Oh dear.Aren’t you a team built on your top two batters and a middle-order firebrand? But you’re going to go up against a team which has wicket takers up front, misers through the middle and whatever Pat Cummins is. Reports suggest he could be the emissary of an alien superspecies sent to distract us with his dreaminess. #Truestory.Watch the IPL on ESPN+

If you are in the USA, you can watch the Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders game live on ESPN+.

Shreyas Iyer once held the keys to the Delhi kingdom. Then it was taken away. And now he’s back, only he’s captain of the other side. Thanks to the hard grind that he went through in domestic cricket with perhaps the most unforgiving team in all the land, he has become one of those people who can read where a game is going before it gets there. There have always been players like that. MS Dhoni for example. But he never had a bowling attack like Knight Riders’. A bowling attack with which a captain like Shreyas can rewrite cricket destiny.The game has always made room for individual brilliance, and in Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, David Warner and Rovman Powell, the Capitals are not short of this precious resource. The question is can one man hold off a set of champions?In the newsPat Cummins’ DNA has been through extensive analysis and in a barely believable twist, it appears he is actually 100% human. You guys, he’s just like us. Except, he bats like Viv Richards, bowls like Michael Holding, and looks like Tom Cruise.Likely XIsKolkata Knight Riders: 1 Venkatesh Iyer, 2 Ajinkya Rahane, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Sam Billings (wk), 5 Nitish Rana, 6 Andre Russell, 7 Pat Cummins, 8 Sunil Narine, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Rasikh Salam, 11 Varun ChakravarthyDelhi Capitals: 1 David Warner, 2 Prithvi Shaw, 3 Sarfaraz Khan, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Lalit Yadav, 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Mustafizur RahmanStrategy puntGrudge-match narratives only really work in the movies, still Capitals wouldn’t mind seeing the back of Shreyas quickly and there is a fairly straightforward option available. Since IPL 2021, the Knight Riders captain averages 19.5, strikes at 93 and takes roughly 28 balls between boundaries while facing spin bowling. The only problem is he wallops Kuldeep Yadav (32 off 24 balls, no dismissals) and Axar Patel (24 off 15 balls, one dismissal). So, umm, throw the ball to Lalit Yadav and hope for the best?Stats that matter The average first-innings total at Brabourne stadium in this IPL is 189 for 7. Teams chasing have won three of the four matches played here this season. Thanks to the partnership between mystery spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, Knight Riders have the best middle-overs (7-16) economy rate (5.52) in this IPL. Ajinkya Rahane has the lowest average (14.9) and the second-lowest strike rate (107) among all opening batters in this tournament since 2020 (min. five innings played). But the Capitals would know better than to underestimate him given they’ve been on the receiving end of 784 of his runs at an average of 65.3 (third-highest for a batter against an opposition) and strike rate of 133. Umesh Yadav is a powerplay phenom: 51 wickets in the first six overs, two shy of the all-time IPL record. Prithvi Shaw is a powerplay phenom: 429 runs at a strike rate of 170 since 2021, which makes him better than everybody else in the league. Sit back, grab some popcorn and just watch them go at it.

'I don’t love it for NWSL' – USMNT legend and ex-San Diego Wave coach Landon Donovan expresses concerns over Naomi Girma's record transfer to Chelsea

The former San Diego Wave FC coach voiced disappointment over Girma's departure, says NWSL faces challenges

Naomi Girma signed for Chelsea in a record-breaking $1.1 million moveDonovan questions the impact of high-profile departures on NWSL's stabilitySays league faces growing competition from European clubs for top talentGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Landon Donovan, USMNT legend and former coach of San Diego Wave FC, expressed his disappointment over Naomi Girma's recent record-breaking transfer to Chelsea. In January, Girma completed a $1.1 million move from San Diego to Chelsea, marking the first million-dollar transfer in women's soccer history.

Donovan said that, while he understands why Girma left the NWSL for Europe, he is disappointed that the defender didn’t stay.

“I have a lot of thoughts on all of this. Candidly for Naomi, I know she wanted to go but I don’t love it for NWSL as probably the best center-back in the world is leaving and wants to leave," he said on his podcast, Unfiltered with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard. "I understand all the reasons but in my opinion, having watched a lot of the games now and having coached in it, the NWSL, top to bottom, is the best league in the world.

“Some of the top clubs in the world play in Europe but their leagues are not great. Chelsea can walk through four or five of those teams without breaking a sweat. So I get disappointed when a player of Naomi’s quality doesn’t want to stay here, but I get it.”

AdvertisementWHAT DONOVAN SAID

Donovan said his chief concern over the move is that it reveals an apparant instability in the league.

“I think the No. 1 talking point, for me, for NWSL in the offseason is there’s so much change and the league’s still feels a little instable in that way," he said. "And what I mean is that very few players get signed to three, four or five-year deals. So most players, from year to year, have the freedom to move – and historically in the league players have crazy power. If they’re not happy, they can leave.

“And it reminds me a little bit of MLS back in the early days – like if someone wasn’t happy with someone or whatever, you just call your agent and get me out of here. And that doesn’t happen in mature leagues around the world. So I do want to see that change.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The NWSL has undergone significant changes recently, with expansion teams, ownership changes, and increasing investment. However, these developments have also brought other changes, including coaching turnover and player movement.

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

The 2025 NWSL season kicks off on March 14. Girma’s former side San Diego will play their first game of the season against Angel City FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on March 15.

Girma's next game for Chelsea is scheduled for March 15 when they face Manchester City, though Girma was recently injured and may not feature.

Forget Kamada: Glasner must unleash Palace teen who’s only played 4 minutes

Crystal Palace currently sit in 18th place in the Premier League on only seven points after 11 games played, winning just one game, drawing four and losing six times.

Oliver Glasner’s side is averaging 45.8% possession, the seventh lowest in the division, but have only scored eight goals, the second-fewest in the division despite taking the sixth most shots per game (14.4).

The Eagles aren’t struggling to get shots off, but evidently, the quality of shot and chances being created isn’t the best. Therefore, Glasner could be inclined to make a risky change in order to add more creative spark across the forward line.

Tthe time for that change could be now, with multiple injuries, and the suspension of Daichi Kamada, who won’t be available for their clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Why Kamada needs replacing

Kamada was sent off against Fulham in their 2-0 loss at Selhurst Park, receiving a straight red card for a tackle on Fulham’s Kenny Tete.

Before his dismissal, the 28-year-old had already lost possession seven times, lost four of his five ground duels, lost both of his aerial duels and was dribbled past twice.

Signed on a free transfer over the summer, Kamada has made 14 appearances for the Eagles, scoring two goals, providing two assists and totalling 853 minutes.

He has impressed on the whole but won’t be available this weekend in a big blow for Glasner and Co.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Crystal Palace's Kamada solution

Glasner may already have the perfect replacement in the pipeline, with 19-year-old Asher Agbinone, who could provide an extra spark in attack.

The 19-year-old forward has made two appearances totalling four minutes from the bench for Palace so far this season, coming on in the last two minutes against both Nottingham Forest and Fulham. Agbinone has also made five appearances for the Palace U21 side, scoring one goal across 435 minutes.

Agbinone can play as a left-winger, a right-winger, and even an attacking midfielder, with his best trait being the blistering speed the youngster possesses, which has even been mentioned by Glasner himself, saying: “he has lots of pace, he can run in behind and dribble”.

Kamada 2024/25 stats

Stats (per 90 mins)

Kamada

Goals

0.21

Assists

0.21

Progressive Carries

1.88

Progressive Passes

5.65

Shots Total

1.58

Key Passes

1.74

Shot-Creating Actions

3.33

Successful Take-Ons

0.29

Tackles + Interceptions

3.71

Stats taken from FBref

The metrics above show what Agbinone would be tasked with replacing, as Kamada has offered high levels of creativity for Palace so far this season, averaging 5.65 progressive passes, 1.88 progressive carries, 1.74 key passes, and 3.33 shot-creating actions per 90.

Agbinone could certainly bring an increased level of carrying, adding far more 1v1 threat – Kamada only averages 0.29 successful take-ons per 90 – but the question would be the level of final product from the youngster when he gets himself into the areas to deliver.

In the absence of Kamada, this could be the perfect time to unleash Agbinone, give the fans a boost by giving a deserving academy graduate significant minutes, and see if it can spark some better chance creation in the attacking third for the Eagles.

Their next Olise: Crystal Palace could have a £100m + star in the making

Crystal Palace could have their next Olise with £100m ace in the making

ByConnor Holden Nov 16, 2024

2 changes: Lovelace starts in predicted Rangers lineup vs St Mirren

Glasgow Rangers managed to put their weekend Premiership defeat behind them as they secured a comfortable 4-0 win over FCSB at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

The victory was much needed, especially with the pressure piling on Philippe Clement to get things right on the pitch and everything came together quite nicely in the Europa League clash.

Thoughts now turn to the match against St Mirren, as the Light Blues need to start securing maximum points from their league games if they are to somehow challenge for the title.

The Buddies have lost their previous three Premiership ties, shipping four goals to Hearts last weekend. Therefore, it is the perfect chance for Clement and his side to be travelling to Paisley, no doubt about that.

The game comes less than 72 hours after the FCSB encounter, which means the Belgian may make a tweak or two. However, will he want to halt any rhythm from a team that scored four goals in Europe?

With that in mind, here’s a look at the starting lineup that could take to the field on Sunday afternoon, with two personnel changes from the midweek triumph.

1

GK – Jack Butland

Jack Butland

Having struggled during the back end of last term, Butland has returned to the form which saw him come close to receiving an England call-up throughout 2023/24.

Indeed, the Englishman has kept nine clean sheets in 15 matches this season, conceding just 12 times in that time.

Another shutout this weekend will hopefully go a long way to seeing the Gers take all three points.

2

RB – James Tavernier

It is no secret that Tavernier has struggled to get going at times this season, scoring just once and grabbing three assists in 15 games, a far cry from the numbers he recorded last term.

Despite a number of Ibrox supporters calling for him to be dropped, it appears as though Clement is sticking by the defender, in the meantime at least.

Can he repay the faith by registering another goal contribution? It could ignite his season.

3

CB – John Souttar

John Souttar

The centre-back was at fault for the goal Kilmarnock scored last weekend, letting Marley Watkins get the better of him during their battle, but he was back to his best in midweek.

Souttar won 100% of the duels that he contested against the Romanian side while losing possession just six times. He also succeeded with 91% of his passes, demonstrating his ability to circulate the ball during the game.

The question is, who will partner him?

4

CB – Leon Balogun

Leon Balogun

The Nigerian was called in from the cold to take the place of Robin Propper and enjoyed a wonderful display.

The veteran was a titan at the back, winning four of his six contested duels, making two tackles and losing possession only four times.

He had to come off in the second half, but Clement confirmed it was just cramp, and he will be available to play St Mirren.

5

LB – Jefte

Jefte

Ridvan Yilmaz isn’t quite at full fitness yet, which means Jefte will continue at left-back for the foreseeable future.

Robbie Fraser is making plenty of progress, however, and he could be an interesting option for Clement to call upon should he require someone else in that position.

6

CM – Connor Barron

The Scot commanded the midfield superbly during the 4-0 victory in midweek, showing maturity well beyond his years and there is no doubt he has a bright future indeed.

He won 50% of his ground duels against FCSB along with grabbing an assist, showcasing both his attacking and defensive talents.

7

CM – Nicolas Raskin

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin

While Mohamed Diomande has been Barron’s regular partner in the heart of the midfield, Raskin stepped up well on Thursday evening.

Indeed, the Belgian took 82 touches during the game, winning ten of his 15 ground duels and making nine tackles in total, impressive numbers to say the least.

This display could see him unleashed from the very start against the Buddies on Sunday. Might another decent performance see Diomande continue to be kept out of the team?

8

RW – Vaclav Cerny

Vaclav Cerny

Exuding somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde persona for the Gers since joining on loan, Cerny was in superb form on Thursday, scoring twice.

His second was an excellent solo effort and surely will have bolstered his confidence heading into a busy run of matches. If Clement can get performances like this out of him more consistently, Cerny could turn into an inspired signing.

9

AM – Nedim Bajrami

So often utilised on the left for the Light Blues, Bajrami could be moved into an attacking midfield slot this weekend due to Tom Lawrence missing out.

According to Clement, the Welshman suffered a bad knock against FCSB and considering his injury history, perhaps it is for the best that he sits out the tie on Sunday afternoon.

10

LW – Zak Lovelace

Rangers forward Zak Lovelace.

With Bajrami moving into the number ten slot, this opens up a space on the left flank for someone. Might Clement take a gamble on Zak Lovelace?

The youngster came off the bench in the Europa League clash in midweek, replacing Bajrami, and he looked lively, seeing a shot blocked while completing 88% of his passes.

Having made his first start for the club during a trip to Paisley last season, Lovelace will be hoping for another opportunity tomorrow.

Man City player ratings vs Newcastle: Omar Marmoush's stunning first-half hat-trick maintains top-four charge as captain Erling Haaland can only watch & admire

The Egyptian was in devastating form as Pep Guardiola's side recorded a victory in the race for Champions League qualification

Omar Marmoush truly announced his arrival in English football with a ruthless first-half hat-trick as Manchester City demolished Newcastle 4-0 and provided the perfect response after their painful Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.

The Egyptian forward had made a slow start since his £60m ($75m) move from Eintracht Frankfurt in January but it was worth the wait as he bagged a hat-trick in the space of 14 minutes in the first half, leaving Eddie Howe's top-four pretenders with no answer.

The game was a shootout for the top four after Chelsea's heavy defeat at Brighton and Marmoush packed a sub-machine gun for the occasion. Newcastle had made a decent start but City opened the visitors up with route-one football, Ederson bypassing midfield with a launched ball downfield before Marmoush let the ball bounce in his favour and lobbed Martin Dubravka expertly. It was his first goal in his fifth appearance for City but he had his second just five minutes later.

Savinho swept a pass to Ilkay Gundogan who had space and time to thread the ball between two defenders into the path of the Egyptian, who controlled with his left foot before stroking into the bottom corner. The excellent Savinho then made the third goal, burning Lewis Hall for pace down the right flank and squaring for Marmoush to slot home with one touch and complete the first hat-trick of his career.

City coasted for much of the second half without ever looking vulnerable and substitute James McAtee rounded off the confidence-boosting win by grabbing a fourth in the 84th minute.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Ederson (7/10):

    Notched his seventh assist for City and third of the season with a perfectly-weighted pass to Marmoush and his passing was spot-on throughout, making amends for his costly errors against Madrid.

    Rico Lewis (6/10):

    Gave City stability in midfield when he pushed up when they were in possession although still displayed some naivety with the ball, nearly gifting Isak a dangerous chance.

    John Stones (8/10):

    Superb with the ball and without it. Frustrated Isak twice in the first half while he was tidy in possession throughout.

    Abdukodir Khusanov (7/10):

    Had a trouble-free afternoon after his horror debut, keeping Isak and Gordon quiet.

    Josko Gvardiol (6/10):

    Created a good chance for Haaland down the channel although gave away a big opportunity to Isak with a careless pass, forcing Stones to cover for him.

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    Midfield

    Nico Gonzalez (8/10):

    A superb home debut, holding the midfield together with seamless, thoughtful passing.

    Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

    Was expected to have a tough time against Guimaraes and Tonali but held his own and set up the second goal with a delightful pass.

    Phil Foden (6/10):

    Some bright moments but ultimately took a backseat in the win.

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    Attack

    Savinho (8/10):

    At his electric best. Showed he meant business when he hared towards goal early on only to be thwarted by Hall. Had his revenge by embarrassing the left-back to set up the third goal after getting the pre-assist for the second.

    Erling Haaland (7/10):

    An early chance was spoiled by a heavy touch and he had few sightings of goal but his selfless movement drew Newcastle defenders towards him and helped get the best out of Marmoush. His flicked header set up McAtee's crowning goal. There was some concern when he hurt his knee and came off towards the end but, encouragingly, he was able to walk off the pitch.

    Omar Marmoush (10/10):

    This was the day he arrived. Fired an early warning shot over the bar and his finishing was flawless from then on. His first and third goals showcased his delicate first touch while he moulded control and ruthless finishing together for his second.

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    Subs & Manager

    Jeremy Doku (5/10):

    Ran into a couple of blind alleys.

    James McAtee (7/10):

    Collected his sixth goal of the season with an instinctive finish.

    Mateo Kovacic (N/A):

    A late addition from the bench.

    Nico O'Reilly (N/A):

    Got three minutes from the bench.

    Matheus Nunes (N/A):

    Brought on in the 88th minute.

    Pep Guardiola (7/10):

    The perfect performance in response to the late collapse against Madrid and a rallying cry ahead of the second leg.

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