Walker Zimmerman says the USMNT are setting the ultimate Olympic target at the 2024 Games in Paris, with collective “eyes on a gold medal”.
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Endrick will be sporting a dazzling pair of new Real Madrid-inspired boots on his debut in the USA after his Santiago Bernabeu presentation.
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Endrick set to be presented on July 27 Will fly to the United States for pre-season New Balance unveils new boots for the teenager WHAT HAPPENED?
The 18-year-old will be unveiled to the Real Madrid faithful in a highly anticipated presentation event scheduled for July 27 at the iconic Bernabeu at noon local time. This event marks the culmination of a transfer deal with Brazilian club Palmeiras, which saw Los Blancos secure Endrick’s services for an initial fee of €35 million (£30 million/$38 million), with potential bonuses amounting to an additional €25 million (£21 million/$27 million) based on performance-related clauses.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Following his grand unveiling, Endrick is set to join Real Madrid on their pre-season tour in the United States where he is set to make his debut for his new club in shining new Tekela ‘Rising’ edition boots by New Balance. These boots feature a majestic white and metallic gold colour scheme, symbolizing Endrick's promising future with Los Blancos.
The design of these boots aims to enhance touch and control, boasting a lightweight Hypoknit upper with a low-laced closure to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, the nylon outsole with conical studs and TPU-angled rim studs provide excellent traction for firmer pitches, while a FuelCell insert will help with rapid acceleration.
WHAT ENDRICK SAID
Expressing his excitement, Endrick stated: “It is a huge honour to receive this beautiful boot with iconic colours from New Balance as I begin the next chapter of my career. It will give me immense pride to play in them as I continue to strive for success with a brand new challenge in Madrid.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Earlier this year, Endrick became the youngest player to score for Brazil's national team since 1994, a testament to his prodigious talent and potential. However, he struggled to make an impact in the Copa America as Brazil got knocked out by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement will have enjoyed the fact the international break came precisely at the right time for his squad, especially with the sheer volume of injuries they have suffered recently.
The two-week hiatus will have given the likes of Danilo, Abdallah Sima, and Oscar Cortes time to recover and work on building their match fitness ahead of the final furlong of the season.
Several players were in action for their national sides over the weekend. Cyriel Dessers scored for Nigeria as they defeated Ghana, while John Souttar came on as a sub during Scotland’s 4-0 loss to the Netherlands on Friday evening.
Ridvan Yilmaz also made an appearance for Turkey following his fine form at the Light Blues since the turn of the year, yet he had to come off with an injury, something that could give Clement a major selection headache.
The latest on Ridvan Yilmaz's injury
The left-back was making his first appearance for Turkey since March 2022, and it was nothing short of deserved after becoming the first-choice option for the Belgian coach on the left side of the Rangers defence.
What should have been a night where Yilmaz cemented his position in the team ahead of Euro 2024 soon turned into a nightmare, as he suffered an upper thigh injury in the 27th minute and had to be replaced.
A statement from Turkey explained that he had been sent home from the squad due to the issue and would play no further part in their second match against Austria on Tuesday night.
This is a significant blow for Rangers, as Yilmaz was emerging as a key player under Clement.
Ridvan Yilmaz’s statistics in 2023/24
The defender has enjoyed a consistent run in the starting XI, which in turn has given the player the confidence to showcase his true talents.
In the Premiership this season, the former Besiktas defender has created six big chances, averaged 1.7 key passes per game and taken 0.8 shots per match, indicating that he loves bombing down the left flank regularly.
Goals
1
Assists
1
Key passes per game
1.7
Big chances created
6
Successful dribbles per game
1.3
Additionally, the 22-year-old has been solid defensively, winning 3.5 total duels per game – a success rate of 56% – along with making 1.1 tackles per game and being dribbled past on just 0.5 occasions per match, rubberstamping his presence in the starting XI.
Who shouldn't replace Yilmaz
It is unclear how long he will be missing, but Clement will need to find a replacement. The most obvious choice is Borna Barisic, yet his form has been dismal recently for the Ibrox side.
The Croatian has been with the Gers since the summer of 2018, firmly establishing himself as the number one left-back in the squad.
The signing of Yilmaz in 2022 was supposed to give Barisic some competition, yet he struggled during his maiden season in Glasgow, making only 15 appearances in all competitions.
Barisic kept his spot during the opening six months of the current term, but his form has been way below par.
Indeed, he has started just 13 league matches this term, creating only one big chance and succeeding with a measly 0.3 dribbles per game. Considering the defender has made a career out of his attacking abilities, these statistics are poor.
Barisic has also lost possession a staggering 15.5 times per match in the top flight this season, being regularly caught out as he is bombing down the left wing, yet it is clear Yilmaz has been the better player in recent months. It won't come as a surprise, therefore, to learn that the Croat could depart in the summer.
Now, Clement simply cannot risk bringing the 31-year-old back into the starting XI, especially with tough games against Hibs and Celtic fast approaching.
Who should replace Yilmaz
The Belgian should turn towards someone else in his squad who has impressed no matter where he has been deployed – Dujon Sterling.
The 24-year-old endured a slightly difficult start at the Gers despite his "exciting" billing – as per Rangers Review – with former manager Michael Beale playing him just seven times before he was sacked in October.
An injury crisis during the festive season threatened to derail the wonderful progress Clement had made in his first few weeks, but Sterling stepped up to the plate and shone in the heart of the midfield.
He was even given a start in the League Cup final against Aberdeen, delivering a mature performance as Rangers secured a 1-0 win to claim their first silverware since the 2022 Scottish Cup.
Sterling even won the Man of the Match award for his display, while Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie hailed the former Chelsea starlet as their “best player so far” during the half-time break in the final.
The versatile 6 foot 1 gem has played at right-back, right-wing and in the centre of the midfield over the previous few months, but he also played at left-back against Celtic during the first Old Firm clash of the season.
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Injuries to Yilmaz and Barisic in September left Beale with no choice but to utilise Sterling there, and he delivered an astute display.
During his 65 minutes on the field, the defender completed 87% of his passes, made three interceptions, two tackles and was only dribbled past once during the match.
He only lost possession seven times too. Considering this was a position outside his comfort zone, there is no doubt he was one of their finer performers in what eventually turned out to be a 1-0 defeat.
With the clash against Celtic being billed as a potential title decider, hopefully Yilmaz is back to full fitness prior to the clash against Celtic. If he isn’t, then Sterling is more than capable of filling the void.
His improvement under Clement has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Englishman able to perform in whatever position he is chosen, always delivering a positive performance.
The Premiership title race could go right down to the wire and Clement will need every single one of his players in the form of their lives to lift a first league crown since 2021.
A win over Celtic could be the catalyst which sees the Ibrox side motor away from their rivals.
Allrounder Marcus Stoinis is committed to opening the batting for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League again this season, despite the fact that the middle order appears his best avenue back into the Australian T20 side.Stoinis was left out of Australia’s T20 squad in the two series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in October and November. The selectors opted not to pick a seam-bowling allrounder in the squad, using Ashton Agar at No.7 as a spin-bowling allrounder.The return of David Warner also changed the dynamic in the top order. Stoinis had opened the batting in Australia’s previous two T20 internationals in India in February after an outstanding BBL last season, when he opened for the Stars and made 533 runs at 53.30 with a strike rate of 130.63, including four half-centuries.The combination of Warner and Aaron Finch looks a lock for Australia at the 2020 T20 World Cup.But Stoinis is set to open again for the Stars alongside Nic Maddinson after the pair faced the new ball in the Stars’ first practice match against the Melbourne Renegades at the Junction Oval in Melbourne on Monday.He said doing what’s best for the Stars is his first priority.”I can’t see myself changing too much from there just because you want to do right by your franchise,” Stoinis said. “We want to win games and I want to do what’s best for the team and then you just go from there I guess.”Stoinis said the reasons why he was omitted from the T20 squad had been communicated to him clearly by chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns. He hasn’t had a discussion with either Hohns or coach Justin Langer about his place in the pecking order for the T20 World Cup next year but is confident he can play any role required.”No, I haven’t spoken to them about it,” Stoinis said. “I’m sure I’ll get a call from JL [Langer] or someone to speak about that side of things maybe. But for me, look, I’ve batted (Nos.) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, I’ve bowled in the powerplay, I’ve bowled at the death, I’ve bowled in the middle, I’ve fielded in the slips, I’ve fielded on the boundary, I’ve fielded at cover. Something I pride myself on is being adaptable. I’ve played a lot of cricket in multiple positions so I should be okay.”It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Stoinis could get a call about the Test side given the injury to Josh Hazlewood in Perth against New Zealand. Australia played an allrounder in the last Ashes Test at The Oval and Langer floated the idea of playing five bowlers on Boxing Day if the surface was flat.Stoinis was called up to the Test squad during his stunning run of form in the BBL last year but was eventually named 12th man for the Canberra Test against Sri Lanka.His Sheffield Shield form has been very consistent this season but is missing some big scores. He’s made four half-centuries in nine innings completed innings (the 10th was abandoned at the MCG due to a dangerous pitch) with a highest score of 79 when he was run out against South Australia. He also has 12 wickets at 27.25 having taken wickets in all five games that he bowled in.”Test cricket is still my goal,” Stoinis said. “That’s where I want to play. I’ve played a lot of Shield cricket this year, the most I’ve played for 3-4 seasons and it’s good to remember how to block the ball and spend some time in the middle.”For now, he’s fully focussed on the Stars. The disappointment of last year’s final is a distant memory with a new coach and some new signings. Stoinis said the transition of former Stars captain David Hussey into the head coaching job has been seamless.”I think the key thing for Huss is he hasn’t brought too much new stuff,” Stoinis said. “He was around the group for so long as a player, he was captain, he knows Glenn [Maxwell] so well, he knows what makes the boys tick. He hasn’t tried to rattle the cage or anything like that, he’s just tried to create a stable environment, super relaxed, take any pressure off the players and let us perform.”ALSO READ: How the Melbourne Stars stack up for BBL 2019-20The Stars lost their opening practice match after an assault from Renegades pair Sam Harper and Shaun Marsh on a flat pitch at the Junction. But Dale Steyn’s arrival on Tuesday night from South Africa, along with the addition of Nathan Coulter-Nile brings a fresh new dynamic to the attack that already features two high-class legspinners in Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane.”It’s a big change for us I reckon,” Stoinis said. “We’ve got some real ball speed, [Daniel] Worrall is fresh as well so he bowls nice and quick. And that will complement our spinners as well. I think with the big square boundaries at the MCG and our good spinners and good quicks, we’re going to be hard to beat.”
A “key player” for Leeds United is likely to require more surgery which could end his season, according to Phil Hay.
Leeds’ Championship form
The Whites have been in outstanding Championship form in 2024 and now top the table in what is proving to be one of the tightest races for automatic promotion alongside Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.
In fact, Daniel Farke’s side have hardly put a foot wrong during the calendar year, failing to concede a goal from open play and winning 12 of their 13 second-tier fixtures.
Leeds United 3-0 Birmingham City
1st January
Cardiff City 0-3 Leeds United
13th January
Leeds United 2-1 Preston North End
21st January
Leeds United 1-0 Norwich City
24th January
Bristol City 0-1 Leeds United
2nd February
Leeds United 3-0 Rotherham United
10th February
Swansea City 0-4 Leeds United
13th February
Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Leeds United
17th February
Leeds United 3-1 Leicester City
23rd February
Huddersfield Town 1-1 Leeds United
2nd March
Leeds United 1-0 Stoke City
5th March
Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Leeds United
8th March
Leeds United 2-0 Millwall
17th March
Following the win against Millwall to send Leeds top prior to the international break, Farke said:
“Firstly, I want to enjoy it a little bit, because if you don't enjoy it, then you will ask yourself one day why you're doing all this hard work and disciplined work. So when there's a good time like right now, you also have to enjoy and value this a little bit, but then also to make sure that we stay on it because it's a tight race.
“It’s not important where you are after 38 game days, the point tally is important and with this point tally we can be pretty, pretty proud. “But, we want to be there also in a good position after 46 game days and for that we have to win many points.”
One player who Leeds have been without during this incredible run due to injury is centre-back Pascal Struijk, and it looks as if they may have to finish the campaign without the 24-year-old.
Pascal Struijk injury update
Phil Hay, writing for The Athletic on Monday, relayed by MOT Leeds News, addressed Struijk’s injury issues. He stated how Farke said last week that a programme of injection therapy had failed to get the defender back fit, adding that it made season-ending surgery likely.
Struiijk hasn’t had the best of luck with injuries this season, already going under the knife back in November due to a hernia. The £50,000-a-week defender was a regular in the side prior to the New Year, making 25 appearances in all competitions and even scoring five goals.
Should Hay’s claim prove accurate, it will be a blow for Farke, who called Struijk a “key player” and expected him to be back involved following the current international break, saying earlier this month:
"It feels a bit crazy that we didn't speak about him last two months and thank God we didn't have to because our defensive behaviour was spot on.
"He's a cornerstone for our future. We play without such a key player for two months, once he's back in team training it's not like you press a button and he's back to his best. I expect him to be back in team training other side of international break at latest. Hopefully as soon as possible back in best possible shape."
As Rangers look to complete their title comeback in the Scottish Premiership, reports suggest that those at Ibrox have been handed a major boost ahead of a potential summer deal.
Rangers transfer news
The Gers have been a side transformed since the arrival of Philippe Clement, who has taken the Scottish giants into position to win the Scottish Premiership when they looked down and out under Michael Beale earlier in the campaign. The former AS Monaco boss has been backed along the way too, with three arrivals in the January transfer window.
Mohamed Diomande, whose loan deal will become permanent this summer, Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes all came through the door at Ibrox and have all had the chance to make an impact ever since. Now, ahead of the summer, rumours have already begun to circle over further potential incomings under Clement.
Reports have already linked Rangers with moves for the likes of Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller and FC Twente full-back Gijs Smal in two deals that would add depth to the current side at Ibrox. But the first name through the door could be one that fans in Glasgow are already familiar with.
Update: None of Rangers' returning injuries back in time to start vs Celtic
A big blow for Philippe Clement ahead of huge game.
ByHenry Jackson Apr 5, 2024
According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Wolverhampton Wanderers will now accept lower offers for Fabio Silva this summer. Clement reportedly wanted to sign Silva on a permanent basis in January, before being forced to settle for a loan deal due to his price tag.
The Rangers boss admitted via the Daily Record: "We will see what the situation is. I would prefer to buy Fabio but he was too expensive for the club so that's why it's a loan."
With earlier reports suggesting that Rangers were set to make contact over a permanent deal for Silva, it should be seen as a major boost that Wolves are now supposedly willing to part ways with the forward this summer for a "huge" loss on their original outlay.
"Generational" Silva will only get better
Having already shown glimpses of what he's capable of, with four goals in 15 appearances to his name, Silva is likely to get even better with a permanent move to settle in Scotland. At just 21-years-old, the forward is far from the finished product, but the potential is certainly there, even if he struggled to show it at Wolves at times.
Having initially cost Wolves as much as £35m in 2020, the Midlands club are likely to suffer a significant loss on their investment to the benefit of Rangers this summer, who will be left to pay a potentially lower fee and Silva's reported £40k per-week salary.
Among those disappointed that things never worked out for Silva will be Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi, who showered the 21-year-old with praise via the official Wolves website.
England’s No.3 has come through a tricky start to his Test career and is beginning to know his game
George Dobell10-Jan-2020
Joe Denly cuts•Getty Images
If there is one man who embodies the character of this new England side, it is, perhaps, Joe Denly.A year or two ago, Denly’s occupation of the crease – his resilience, his determination, his resistance – may have been used against him. It would have been characterised as demonstrating his limitations. Of failing to put the pressure back on the bowler. Of lacking positivity. It’s not so long ago (May 2013) that a crushing victory over New Zealand achieved in four days (the first day of the Leeds Test was lost to rain) resulted in a torrent of criticism after the perception that England had, for a while, batted too slowly.Times have changed. There has been, among other things, a realisation of England’s limitations and a weariness at being bowled out as a team for the sort of scores that Steve Smith, as an individual, would be disappointed to achieve in each of his own visits to the crease.Denly has been part of that change. He has not, as yet, gone on to register the major personal score that would win accolades, but he has worn down bowlers, worn off the shine and helped build a foundation for those that follow. Since his Test debut, only three men in the world have faced more deliveries – they’re quite a trio – although everyone in the top dozen of that list has a higher average. He is, at this stage, more ‘best supporting actor’ than ‘actor in a leading role’.
There have been times, not least in his first Test in Antigua last year, when Denly has looked somewhat out of his depth. But for a dropped catch and marginal umpiring decision, he would have suffered a pair on debut. And but for another dropped catch, his highest Test score – the 94 he made against Australa at The Oval – would have ended on 0. After 11 Test innings, he had passed 30 just once. He owes a great deal to the faith of national selector, Ed Smith, who has fought hard for his retention.But he is improving. His final five innings against Australia – the period in which he put away the flash strokes and started to concentrate far more on occupation of the crease – included three half-centuries. He averaged 28.00 at the end of the series in the Caribbean and 28.56 at the end of the Ashes. That increased to 30.00 at the end of the series in New Zealand, and now to 31.30 at the halfway of the series against South Africa.By comparison to some other Test No.3s it is a modest figure: Marnus Labuschagne, for example, is averaging 63.43 for Australia; Cheteshwar Pujara 49.48 for India and Kane Williamson 51.44 for New Zealand. But it has to be recognised that Denly has played half his Test career in England. While there are exceptions – notably Labuschagne – some fine top-order players have experienced horror runs in England in recent times. David Warner, for example, averaged 9.50 from his five Tests in 2019 and Murali Vijay 6.50 from his two Tests in 2018. Batting against the new Dukes ball on contemporary England Test pitches is desperately tough.Maybe it’s also worth comparing Denly’s record with some well-known players of the past. That career average is, for example, very similar to that of Graeme Hick (who averaged 31.32) and Chris Tavare (32.50, at a strike-rate of 30.60) and not so far behind the likes of John Crawley (34.61), Mike Gatting (35.55) and Allan Lamb (36.09).ALSO READ: The end of the Anderson overseas debate? It should beThere is a pretty clear distinction between the two phases of Denly’s career to date. Ahead of the Leeds Test, starting on August 22, Denly was averaging 23.00 in Test cricket (he had played five Tests) and scored at a strike-rate of 49.67 per 100 balls with one half-century. Since then, he has averaged 37.68, with five half-centuries in seven Tests, and – crucially – he has scored at a strike-rate of 36.43. In short, since slowing down and taking a longer-term approach, his run-scoring has improved markedly.There is a lesson here. And that lesson is that the old-fashioned skills – patience and the ability to leave the ball – still have a place in Test cricket.”Batting big in the first innings is a plan of ours,” Denly says. “We want to be solid up front, build partnerships and then allow the guys in the middle-order to come in and play the way they can.”And as a top-order batter you want to bat time. But it is a case of understanding the game situation: there may have been times in the Cape Town Test when I maybe could have got on with it a bit more. I think it is just having that game sense, trying to understand what the bowlers are doing, trying to get the bowlers back for more and more spells in their legs, which allows our long batting line-up to take advantage when they are tired.”I am becoming more confident with each game I play and each knock I have. It is frustrating that I haven’t kicked on to that really big score, but I really believe it is just a matter of time if I keep doing the things I’ve been doing. Hopefully, it is not too far away.”In the grand scheme of things, this might all be considered bonus time for Denly. Less than a year ago he became, at 32, the oldest specialist batsman to make a Test debut for England in nearly 25-years. Since then he has played in an Ashes series, toured South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. And while there is still the suspicion he is keeping the place warm for a younger man who can average in the 40s, the fact is England have tried many in the No. 3 position and most have been found wanting.Denly isn’t about to win many awards but, in at a time when England are blessed with plenty of middle-order stroke-makers and very few blockers, he is fulfilling a valuable role.
As Aston Villa gear up for what will undoubtedly be an action-packed end to the season, those behind the scenes at the Midlands club have already been urged to seal a summer signing by Sky Sports' Dan Bardell.
Aston Villa transfer news
In pursuit of securing their top-four place in the Premier League and a spot in next season's Champions League, Aston Villa could be better placed than ever when it comes to landing their top targets this summer. The rumour mill has already started on that front, too, with Paulo Dybala and Nico Williams previously linked, whilst Crysencio Summerville has become the latest name to be mentioned alongside the Villans.
The Leeds United winger has enjoyed an excellent campaign, more than earning links to the Premier League. If Villa did secure his signature, he'd add impressive depth to Unai Emery's attack, which will be crucial if Villa qualify for a Champions League place this season.
It's not just their attack where depth has been considered, either, with the Midlands club potentially making a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Exequiel Palacios. The midfielder has played his part in Xabi Alonso's excellent side, who are still unbeaten in all competitions and on course to dethrone Bayern Munich in sensational fashion in the German Bundesliga.
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Bardell is certainly a fan of Palacios' possible arrival, urging Villa to pursue the Leverkusen man ahead of a potential Champions League campaign. The Sky Sports pundit told Aston Villa News: "I think they do need another central midfielder. McGinn is such a loss when he doesn’t play in those attacking wide positions and he had to fill the gap in central midfield before his suspension.
“I do think if they are in the Champions League, they are going to need more options than they’ve got now, especially with the new Champions League format. At the minimum now, I think we can say Villa are going to be in the Europa League next season, which would be a step up. I do think the German market is a good market because you’re talking about players there with European and Bundesliga experience.
“But the German clubs don’t have loads of money, except for Bayern Munich. Buying someone like him is going to be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying someone in the Premier League.
“Villa have had success in the Bundesliga because Leon Bailey is having a fantastic season, and I do still think Diaby’s going to come good. Villa obviously have a relationship with Leverkusen as well, which might help."
"Terrific" Palacios can provide crucial depth
If Villa want to know how not to handle Champions League qualification and the balancing act that requires, all they need to do is look towards Newcastle United. The Magpies didn't add enough depth last summer, and injuries, combined with a congested schedule, have seen them struggle to replicate last season's form ever since.
Villa must avoid that at all costs, and Palacios, who Diaby played with last season in the Bundesliga, would be a good step towards that. The midfielder, who has a "terrific mentality" according to Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, can step in as a backup for the likes of McGinn or even force Emery into making some difficult decisions regarding his midfield lineup for next season.
It hasn't been the best of seasons for Manchester United this year, as for every brilliant win, there has been an equally dismal defeat.
Erik ten Hag hasn't been able to build on his impressive first year in the dugout, although there have been the odd shoots of hope here and there, notably the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.
The young midfielder has looked unreal whenever he's played for the first team and seems destined for a genuinely remarkable career. However, a former United youngster who's also been having a great season is now worth just as much.
Kobbie Mainoo's valuation this season
Mainoo's footballing journey started at Cheadle and Gatley Junior Football Club, just south of Manchester. He then joined United's academy at nine and finally signed his first professional contract in 2022 at just 17.
The Stockport gem made his full debut for the first team in an FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Charlton Athletic last season, but this season has been his real breakthrough.
GK – Tom Heaton
RB – Diogo Dalot
CB – Harry Maguire
CB – Lisandro Martínez
LB – Tyrell Malacia
CM – Fred
CM – Scott McTominay
RM – Antony
CAM – Kobbie Mainoo
LM – Alejandro Garnacho
ST – Anthony Elanga
So far, the 18-year-old prodigy has made 20 appearances for the first team this season, 17 of which have been starts, and scored two goals, primarily from a defensive midfield position.
The most remarkable thing about the 5 foot 9 gem isn't his technical ability – as impressive as it is – it's his composure, as nothing seems to phase him, so much so that he has often looked like the senior central midfielder this season, showing up the likes of Casemiro and Scott McTominay.
United's 4-3 win over Liverpool on Sunday is a perfect example of this. Despite it being possibly the biggest game in English football, the right-footed magician looked utterly at peace and even managed to make the Reds' defence look silly a few times with his incredible close control.
Unsurprisingly, his age, temperament, skill, and potential have seen his valuation skyrocket in recent months. Rewarded with an England callup on Monday, the teen is now worth around €30m, or about £26m, according to the CIES Football Observatory. That's brilliant for the Red Devils, although a youngster they lost for nothing just a few years ago is now worth just as much.
Angel Gomes' transfer valuation after leaving Man Utd
The man in question is 23-year-old Angel Gomes, who left United for free after rejecting a new contract and joined French giants LOSC Lille in August 2020.
The promising midfielder spent his first year away from Old Trafford on loan with Portuguese club Boavista, where he enjoyed a reasonably successful season. He scored six goals and provided six assists in just 32 games, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 2.6 games in his first full season of senior football.
It was a return that earned him a place in Lille's first team for the following season, where he made 30 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists. However, he only made 16 starts and spent most of the season playing as a left-sided midfielder.
Last year saw the English "wonderkid", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, move back into a central role and start 33 games for Les Dogues – playing 39 overall – in which he once again scored three goals but returned a more impressive six assists.
This season has been the Edmonton-born midfielder's best yet and has perfectly encapsulated one of his most impressive traits: his versatility.
Appearances
31
24
15
12
Goals
3
1
0
2
Assists
4
5
2
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.22
0.25
0.13
0.33
So far, the 5 foot 6 gem has started 11 games as an attacking midfielder, 11 games as a central midfielder and nine games as a defensive midfielder and filling in wherever he's needed in the other six games he's come on as a substitute, scoring two goals and providing eight assists in the process.
This ability to play so many roles, and play them well at that, combined with his age and potential to get even better as the seasons keep coming, has seen the CIES Football Observatory value the former Red Devil at €30m – £26m – or the same as Mainoo.
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ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 19, 2024
Ultimately, United did try to keep a hold of Gomes in 2020, but perhaps they should have made a more compelling pitch than they did as, based on his performances over the last few years, his valuation looks set to keep rising, and a team with both him and Mainoo in it would have been tremendously exciting.
Sydney Thunder exacted revenge against crosstown rivals Sydney Sixers with a dominant bowling performance in a rain-affected match at Sydney Showground Stadium on Saturday.After electing to bowl, Thunder’s seamers relished ideal bowling conditions and took advantage of two short rain delays to rout the Sixers, who only had two batsmen reach double figures, in their lowly total of 76. Chasing an amended 75 from 16 overs, the Thunder struggled against probing bowling from Jackson Bird but a potentially thrilling chase was ruined by inclement weather.Thunder gained revenge on second-placed Sixers after losing a Super Over nerve-jangler in the Sydney Smash at the SCG earlier in the tournament.Thunder dominate in seaming conditionsThunder made the most of a green-tinged pitch under overcast skies and were helped by a horrible mix-up from openers Daniel Hughes and Josh Philippe. Chris Morris pounced in his follow-through with a clever football-style tap to run out Hughes in the first over.The Sixers slumped to 2 for 1 when Philippe was trapped lbw to Gurinder Sandhu’s first delivery, as the ball menacingly hooped around in the favourable bowling conditions. The Sixers were momentarily reprieved when rain interrupted play after 11 deliveries but slid further on resumption after Moises Henriques got a pearler from Morris as the game resembled something closer to red-ball cricket.Daniel Sams celebrates a wicket•Getty Images
Normal service resumed after another short rain delay when James Vince fell in typical tame fashion. The Sixers needed Tom Curran to conjure the type of heroics he produced in the last Sydney Smash but he was dismissed after another ham-fisted run out to leave the Sixers lurching at 6 for 26 after 8 overs.Avendano counterattacks but lower-order crumble Sixers’ meek tally received a timely boost when Justin Avendano broke the shackles with a blow into the stands off Nathan McAndrew in a rare counterattack. He found a willing partner in Ben Dwarshuis, who struggled to consistently land blows against the accurate Sixers seamers but the pair added a vital 45-run partnership in the backend.Avendano launched in the 14th over with a baseball-like bash over bowler McAndrew’s head and over the sightscreen. Dwarshuis finally managed to find the middle with some lusty hits before holing out in the penultimate over, as the Sixers regained total control by then dismissing danger man Avendano.There was little resistance from there and fittingly, the Sixers mediocre innings finished with a run out of Steve O’Keefe.Bird menaces before rain ensures early finishThe Sixers needed early wickets and Bird provided the tonic with a short delivery to bedevil Alex Hales first ball. The conditions were tailor-made for Bird, who bowled a nagging shortish length that he has mastered during a formidable red-ball career.Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson cautiously saw him off and attacked Curran at the other end until the former drove loosely to be caught at slip.Ferguson and Daniel Sams tapped the ball around to ensure the Thunder were ahead of the DLS par score as rain drizzled before the required five-over mark needed for a guaranteed result.The Thunder breathed a sigh of relief as play continued until midway through the sixth over when the rain became stronger. It failed to abate and washed away the Sixers’ hopes.