Tag Futebol

Centre-back. Left-back. Midfield.

Pascal Struijk can do it all at Leeds United.

The towering 6 foot 3 colossus has been nothing short of a sensation for the Yorkshire outfit, and he’s only going to get better.

He cost the Whites absolutely nothing when their director of football Victor Orta poached him from Ajax in 2018 and at just 22, he hasn’t looked out of place in the Premier League whatsoever.

Struijk has always delivered whenever called upon in whatever position manager Marcelo Bielsa needs him to play, though he appears to be a central defender by trade.

And that is where his long-term future is likely to settle.

“He’s going to become a supreme centre-back,” once claimed LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross. “He’s [Bielsa] worked with so many players in world football, and for him to say the things he’s saying about Pascal, it’s very, very exciting. Defenders don’t always get a very exciting press. It’s all about Raphinha, it’s all about Joe Gelhardt. But Pascal is the future. 

“And the longer he stays under the radar, the better, because he’s got the lot, to be honest.”

In terms of this season alone, he’s amongst their most resolute defensive options, averaging the second-highest number of tackles per game (2.3) and third-highest number of interceptions per match (1.4), too, as per WhoScored.

The Dutchman is also very capable with the ball at his feet, having averaged a passing accuracy of 84.3%, which is only bettered by fellow centre-back, Liam Cooper (85.7%) – of those that have started ten or more league games.

It’s no wonder Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Urquhart dubbed him a “beast.”

Those returns suggest he’s more than capable at reading a game and then acting upon it, whilst his ball-playing ability makes him one of Bielsa’s most reliable options to start playing out from the back – and that be why he sometimes slots into the defensive midfield role as he’s clearly able to dictate play.

Meanwhile, ex-Leeds star Dominic Matteo also believes “he’s got it all” and that he “looks comfortable in possession.”

Struijk is going to be an integral part of Leeds’ success for the remainder of the season, especially with the aforementioned skipper still absent through injury.

What makes it all the more impressive is the fact that he cost Leeds absolutely nothing. He’s now worth around €20m (£18m), according to CIES Football Observatory. A fee that is only going to rise alongside his impressive performances.

This has been something of a dream deal for the Yorkshire giants. He could stay for a long time and continue to make a huge impact or he could sold on for mega profit. It’s a win-win.

United hit the jackpot with Struijk, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Huge boost for Bielsa: Journalist drops behind-scenes Leeds update out of Thorp Arch…

Taking to Twitter, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a big update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving another target in Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Lowdown: Spurs close in on Kulusevski…

According to reliable sources, the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are finally close to completing a major first signing of the window with Juve winger Dejan Kulusevski nearing a move.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-2/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Romano and Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio back that the Sweden international is nearing a move to north London in what could be a big boost for manager Antonio Conte.

A whirlwind January has seen Spurs miss out on key past targets like attacker Adama Traore and forward Luis Diaz, but with Kulusevski apparently close, it appears Paratici and co are far from done there.

The Latest: Romano makes late night Bentancur claim…

Sharing news late Saturday night, Romano claims Spurs have now also lodged an ‘official bid’ for another Juve ace in Bentancur as the 11pm Monday deadline fast approaches.

“Tottenham have submitted their official bid for Rodrigo Bentancur around €19m plus €6m add ons,” he explained on Twitter.

“Talks in progress with Juventus to reach the agreement – to be continued on Sunday.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 2018 World Cup gem, who played every game of that tournament for Uruguay and even grabbed an assist (Transfermarkt), could be a brilliant capture for a meagre €25m (£20.7m) fee in total.

Bentancur could really strengthen Conte’s options in the middle of the park, especially considering he has averaged an impressive 2.8 tackles per 90 in the Champions League this season under Massimiliano Allegri (WhoScored).

That’s the joint-most out of any Juve player in Europe over 2021/2022, potentially highlighting how he could add a real injection of steal and dynamism for Spurs.

In other news: Reliable journalist says Spurs have now been ‘offered’ player once valued at £90m! Find out more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

ScorecardEllyse Perry claimed two wickets to limit West Indies in their run-chase•Getty Images

Australia’s women maintained their 100% record, and booked themselves a slot in the first semi-final in St Lucia on May 13, by seeing off West Indies by nine runs in a tight contest in Basseterre.There was little at stake except for pride, with both sides already assured of their progression to the last four, but it was Australia who finished the group stage the stronger, thanks to a disciplined allround display.After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Australia posted a solid but unspectacular 133 for 7 in their 20 overs, with seven of their eight batsmen reaching double figures. The captain, Alex Blackwell, was the top-scorer with 28 from 26 balls, while Shanel Daley and Anisa Mohammed, with three wickets apiece, were the pick of the West Indies attack.In reply, West Indies suffered an early setback when Juliana Nero and Cordel Jack were both dismissed within three balls of one another (16 for 2), but Stafanie Taylor led the revival with an unbeaten 58 from 54 balls, adding 46 for the third wicket with Britney Cooper, who made 27.However, Australia’s bowlers held their nerve and kept their discipline, with Ellyse Perry claiming 2 for 19 in three overs to peg West Indies back in mid-innings. Her wickets included Deandra Dottin, who fell for her second first-ball duck in consecutive matches, having launched the tournament with a 38-ball century.

يشهد اليوم الإثنين 17- 10-2022، إقامة العديد من المباريات الهامة والمنتظرة في مختلف بطولات الدوري في أوروبا أبرزها فياريال أمام أوساسونا ومواجهتين في الدوري الإيطالي وأخرتين بالدوري التركي.

وتختتم مباريات الجولة التاسعة في الليجا الإسبانية بلقاء وحيد بين فياريال وأوساسونا مساء اليوم.

كما تقام مباراتين في الدوري الإيطالي الآولى بين روما وسامبدوريا والأخرى بين فيورنتينا وليتشي.

وفي ختام الأسبوع العاشر بالدوري التركي تلعب مباراتين الأولى بين سيفاس سبور ومنافسه جيرسونسبور والمباراة الثانية بين أنقرة جوجو وفناربخشة مواعيد مباريات اليوم الاثنين 17-10-2022 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري الإسباني

فياريال أمام أوساسونا وتنطلق المباراة في تمام 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع على beIN Sports HD 1 مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإيطالي

سامبدوريا ضد روما وتنطلق المباراة في تمام 06:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 07:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع على AD SPORTS Premium 1.

ليتشي  أمام فيورنتينا وتنطلق المباراة في تمام 8:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع على AD SPORTS Premium 1. مواعيد مباريات الدوري التركي

سيفاس سبور ضد جيرسونسبور وتنطلق المباراة في تمام 7 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.

أنقرة جوجو أمام  فناربخشة وتنطلق المباراة في تمام 7 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.

يمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنا.

MatériaMais Notícias

A delicada situação financeira atrelada à necessidade de encorpar o elenco faz com que, na visão da diretoria tricolor, todos atletas podem ser negociados em caso de uma boa compensação financeira ou técnica. Assim, nomes fundamentais em 2017 como Henrique Dourado e Gustavo Scarpa, podem ser vendidos e até negociados em trocas com outros clubes.

Abel Braga, que ainda não garantiu sua permanência no comando em 2018, já está ciente da possibilidade de perder um dos destaques da temporada.

– Um ou outro será vendido. É a necessidade. Nós não temos condições de fazer grandes contratações, então temos que ser inteligentes com relação à trocas. Você pode perder um jogador de grande qualidade e trazer dois, três bons. Você consegue cobrir melhor como um todo – comentou o comandante.

Em 2017, o Fluminense precisou buscar soluções em Xerém. Abel Braga, acostumado em lançar jovens, foi o responsável por pinçar os talentos – e conseguiu lançar nomes como Wendel, Calazans e Matheus Alessandro.

Para alcançar melhores resultados na próxima temporada, o treinador espera contar com um elenco mais encorpado por jogadores experientes, podendo usar os Moleques de Xerém de maneira mais natural e com menos pressão.

– Não podemos ficar na dependência de um menino resolver. Não são todos que vão desenvolver como o Douglas e rapidamente como o Wendel – finalizou.

RelacionadasBrasileirãoVÍDEO: Veja os gols do empate entre Fluminense e Atlético-GOBrasileirão03/12/2017FluminenseFeliz com time, Abel diz que desejo é ficar e inicia conversa por reforçosFluminense03/12/2017FluminenseScarpa diz que ‘problemas internos’ prejudicaram campanha da equipeFluminense03/12/2017

Everton have confirmed that they have sacked their manager Rafa Benitez this afternoon after just six months in charge.

The Spaniard conceded his tenth defeat in the Premier League yesterday when the side lost to bottom of the league, Norwich City, and already names are being thrown into the hat for the next manager to take on the challenge at Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist, Ben Ransom, has named three managers that are speculated to take over at the club live from the Everton training ground this afternoon, with Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Roberto Martinez all being named as potential suitors.

Ransom spoke live on Sky Sports News on Sunday to speculate on the favourite successors;

“Obviously, Wayne Rooney has been linked straight away, given the relative success he’s managing to have at Derby.”

“Frank Lampard, out of work, his name is always mentioned when a Premier League job comes around.”

“I know that, here at Everton, there are still a lot of admirers for Roberto Martinez, he was in the frame when Benitez was given this job in the summer.”

Everton released a statement this afternoon confirming that a permanent replacement will be made in due course.

Fans will be buzzing

It’s safe to say fans will be buzzing that Benitez has been sacked with immediate effect, with protests planned, banners flown and even attempts to get to the manager in the dugout all being displayed by the Toffees fans over the course of this season.

Rooney is a clear fan favourite for the job, with many fans taking to social media to share their thoughts on appointing the Derby manager, one fan commented:

“This was always going to end in tears, I think the next @Everton manager should be the man who’s worked wonders @dcfcofficial in difficult circumstances and is a bonafide Toffees legend, the one and only @WayneRooney.”

Whoever takes over has a challenge on their hands to change the direction Everton have been heading in this season so far, with the club only picking up only five points from a possible 30 in their last 10 games under the Spaniard.

As a result, they are currently six points shy of the relegation zone, with a huge U-turn needed immediately for the club to have their season saved, so there will be big pressure to make an instant impact for the new manager.

Rooney lacks experience but he has already shown at Derby that he’s capable of reviving a club in troubled waters. With the Rams, he is providing them with a hope of Championship survival despite a haul of 21 points being deducted.

They are now off the bottom, however, on a five-match unbeaten streak. He has worked wonders and it would take something similar to wake the Toffees from their slumber. Perhaps he is the man to do so, therefore.

In other news: Doucoure wanted by Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid

James Smith and Michael Klinger helped deliver first-innings points for South Australia but the Redbacks will be hoping to push on for an outright win with two days to play

Cricinfo staff09-Feb-2010
ScorecardJames Smith top scored for South Australia with 78•Getty ImagesJames Smith and Michael Klinger helped deliver first-innings points for South Australia but the Redbacks will be hoping to push on for an outright win with two days to play. Queensland and Victoria are well clear at the top of the Sheffield Shield table, which should encourage both the Redbacks and Western Australia to aim for a result.The first part of the points allocation was settled when Aaron O’Brien and Daniel Christian, the sixth-wicket pair, guided South Australia past the Warriors’ 284 late on the second day. At the close, the Redbacks had 5 for 309 and their advantage had grown to 25 runs with O’Brien unbeaten on 46 and Christian on 27.South Australia began the day at 1 for 19 but any thoughts from the Warriors of running through the visitors vanished thanks to a 151-run stand from Smith and Klinger. Brad Knowles eventually removed both men; Klinger played on for 74 from 189 balls and Smith was caught at mid-on for an equally patient 78.But Western Australia couldn’t get the run of wickets that they needed and handy contributions from Cameron Borgas (39) and Tom Cooper (26) helped them edge closer to the lead. The home team’s two key fast men, Steve Magoffin and Ashley Noffke, went wicketless while Knowles and Michael Hogan grabbed two each.

Shane Warne’s greatest fear on his return to the Australian Twenty20 scene is embarrassing himself

Cricinfo staff21-Nov-2009

Shane Warne hadn’t bowled for six months until he went to training on Saturday and his greatest fear on his return to the Australian Twenty20 scene is embarrassing himself. Warne will join up with his old team-mates Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden when they appear in an Australian Cricketers’ Association XI captained by Warne at the Gabba on Sunday.”For us it’s about not embarrassing ourselves, not bowling too many double-bouncers and full-bungers,” he said. Warne, 40, spent part of Saturday afternoon “trying to land a few” at the Gabba nets under the eye of Dennis Lillee, the guest coach.The pair stopped briefly to outline their plans for the match against an Australian XI led by Michael Clarke. And it was just long enough for Warne to doubt the West Indies’ credentials for the three-match series against Australia, which starts on Thursday, and Lillee to defend the future of Test cricket.While Greg Chappell, the guest coach of the Australian XI, fears for the five-day game, Lillee is confident it will remain strong. “Something that has lasted for nearly 150 years, I don’t think it’s in danger in the short term,” Lillee said.Warne believes the West Indians face too much of a challenge to upset Australia, despite the hosts’ current ranking as the world’s No. 4 team. “Let’s just hope the West Indies surprise us, at the moment their form is pretty ordinary and they need to hopefully lift,” he said. “Otherwise it’s just going to be a summer of enjoying our blokes bat and bowl.”Australian Cricketers’ Association XI Shane Warne (capt), Travis Birt, Lee Carseldine, Adam Gilchrist, Daniel Harris, Matthew Hayden, Jason Krejza, Rhett Lockyear, Graham Manou (wk), Glenn McGrath, Nathan Reardon, Nathan Rimmington.Australian XI Michael Clarke (capt), Cameron White, George Bailey, Brad Haddin (wk), David Hussey, Andrew McDonald, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, David Warner.

Steven Gerrard is reportedly keen on bringing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres to Aston Villa.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, and the links have naturally had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

According to Fichajes earlier this week, Torres is a player who Gerrard admires, with the new Villa boss keen on upgrading his centre-back options. It will cost around €50m (£42m) for Villarreal to part ways with the 24-year-old, who has also been attracting interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Torres appears to be at the top of his game, with a career-high £45m Transfermarkt valuation, and he reached 100 appearances for his current club earlier this month. Notably, his 89.1% passing accuracy rate in La Liga is better than anyone to have started a league match for Villa this term.

Villa fans react

Total Villa relayed Fichajes’ claim regarding Gerrard’s interest in Torres via Twitter early on Thursday morning.

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply to the rumours, with one labelling a possible transfer as ‘immense’.

“Dream waiting to be shattered, Gerrard pull is going to be massive for us and it’s good to we’re looking at players like this not every Rangers player like other papers. Won’t happen but I can see Gerrard pulling in massive players like this for us.”

Credit: @Jamie_UTV

“Exactly what we need imo. A left footed fast, pacy, 6’3, ballplaying central defender. 42M?? Just get it done! Easy peasy!!”

Credit: @espenstrand

“If we could pull this off it would be immense for our team, looks like it would be the replacement for Mings as he’s a left CB but will depend on Mings’ form up until Jan”

Credit: @JMavfc82

“Would be a massive upgrade on Mings if we can pull this off”

Credit: @UTVlLLA

“Absolutely no chance”

Credit: @matty__jeff

“Surely he wouldn’t come to us”

Credit: @BenSpittle

In other news: ‘No way’ – Lots of Villa fans erupt as exit rumour emerges