Dani Olmo finds his name in the Barcelona squad that will face Athletic Club despite not being registered with La Liga.
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No Estádio Luso Brasileiro, Vasco e Botafogo ficaram no empate por 1 a 1 pela segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro sub-20. O atacante Arthur abriu o placar para os meninos da Colina, enquanto a base do Glorioso deixou tudo igual comGabriel Henrique. Com o resultado, ambas as equipes estão com quatro pontos em dois jogos.
> Confira e simule a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro
RelacionadasVascoCom um a menos desde o início do 1º tempo, Vasco perde para o Goiás pela Série B do BrasileirãoVasco30/06/2021BotafogoEx-meia Andrezinho elogia Lucas Mezenga, relacionado pela primeira vez no Botafogo: ‘Ascensão meteórica’Botafogo29/06/2021BotafogoRepresentado por Jorge Braga, Botafogo se mostra favorável à criação da Liga Brasileira de ClubesBotafogo29/06/2021
O próximo compromisso da equipe comandada pelo técnico Diogo Siston será no próximo sábado, diante do Internacional, às 10h, no Estádio Nivaldo Pereira. O Alvinegro, por sua vez, joga no domingo, contra a Chapecoense, noCT Água Amarela.
>Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!
Durante a partida, Arthur abriu o placar aos nove minutos do segundo tempo. No lance, Vinícius recebeu pela esquerda, invadiu a área e sofreu pênalti. O atacante bateu com categoria e abriu o placar. No fim, aos 43, Gabriel Henrique marcou um bonito gol e empatou a partida.
> Vasco reforça DNA de luta contra o preconceito. Veja momentos em que o clube defendeu as causas sociais
O Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20 é disputado pelos 20 clubes melhores colocados no Ranking Nacional. Na Primeira fase, as equipes se enfrentam em turno único no sistema de pontos corridos e os oito melhores avançam para as quartas de finais.
>Botafogo leiloará camisas usadas contra o Vitória; lucro irá para projeto que acolhe pessoas LGBTQIA+
Vale destacar que na primeira rodada da competição nacional, as duas equipes venceram por 2 a 0. O Vasco derrotou a Chapecoense noEstádio Nivaldo Pereira, e o Botafogo venceu o Grêmio, fora de casa, no Hélio Dourado.
It really is approaching kitchen sink time. Arsenal and Manchester City are both looking rather indomitable at the moment and thus Liverpool will need to emerge victorious from Old Trafford this afternoon.
Manchester United have been abject this season but they did rally to secure a stunning turnaround win over Jurgen Klopp’s side in the FA Cup quarter-finals before the March international break and will be desperate to stifle their rivals’ title charge.
However, with Casemiro, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane all fitness doubts after a bruising defeat against Chelsea on Thursday, squandering a 3-2 lead in the 98th minute, Liverpool will be fuelled with optimism that three points can be secured.
Liverpool trail table-toppers Arsenal by two points following their victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening; indeed, the Anfield side will return to the summit of the Premier League with victory at the Theatre of Dreams.
Liverpool have been hit with a catalogue of injuries over the past several months and while the Carabao Cup was gleaned in remarkable circumstances, academy talents filling holes to sink Chelsea, the loss in the FA Cup several weeks back was perhaps a by-product of an unrelenting schedule.
Still, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker and Stefan Bajetic are all nearing anticipated returns from respective layoffs, albeit not yet in training and so missing out against United.
However, Klopp is hopeful that Wataru Endo will be fit after missing out against Sheffield United on Thursday evening – the Japan international picked up a knock during the Reds’ win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Ben Doak, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are all still out. At present, it is unclear if said stars will feature again this season, with the latter two both out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Klopp probably won’t ring the changes but he might be inclined to drop Conor Bradley.
Alexander-Arnold’s absence has scarcely been felt. Okay, that might be a bit of a stretch; the vice-captain is one of the most influential and ridiculous creative players in world football, but Bradley’s emergence has compensated pretty nicely.
Having won Bolton Wanderers’ Player of the Season award in 2022/23 while on loan, Bradley returned to Merseyside last summer but had to bide his time after besetting injury issues throughout the first half of the campaign.
Still, he won the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award for January after a stunning start to life as a first-team regular, scoring and posting two assists against Chelsea in the Premier League and producing a series of high-level performances across domestic competitions to cement himself swiftly as one of the division’s most exciting up-and-comers.
In the Premier League, as per Sofascore, Bradley has completed eight fixtures so far, racking up four goal contributions, completing 81% of his passes and averaging 1.8 key passes, 3.5 tackles, 5.0 ball recoveries, 1.4 dribbles and 7.5 successful duels per game.
Not a bad start, ay? He’s arguably more complete than Alexander-Arnold as a right-back, and he’s definitely good enough to succeed in fixtures such as this afternoon’s forthcoming clash, having lauded for his “11/10” season by talent scout Jacek Kulig…
After all, he already ranks among the top 1% (or in the top 99%) of his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles, assists and blocks, the top 13% for goals, the top 11% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Surely he has to start, right? While – of course – Bradley has the skills and the style to impress against Manchester United, Klopp simply might favour inserting Joe Gomez in his favoured right-back role for this pivotal encounter.
Bradley loves to dribble and against Brighton he attempted six forays forward. This is a glowing representation of his bundling energy, his speed and pace and power, but Liverpool’s oft-targetted right flank against the Red Devils could call for a more experienced head in Gomez.
The 26-year-old will likely need to move away from left-back to allow Andy Robertson to return from the outset, slotting in at Ibrahima Konate’s right to offer dynamism and discipline both.
|
Joe Gomez: 23/24 Stats by Position |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Position |
Apps |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Right-back |
19 |
0 |
1 |
|
Left-back |
17 |
0 |
1 |
|
Centre-back |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Holding midfield |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
|||
Robertson has endured a frustrating campaign that saw him severed from availability after injuring his shoulder on international duty with Scotland back in October, ruled out for almost four months after surgery.
Having returned, the 30-year-old has been culpable for some defensive lapses and positional hiccups that has opened space for the opposition to exploit.
He will need to be attentive to these recent defects at Old Trafford but he remains one of the best left-backs in the world and placed a delightful whipped assist for Cody Gakpo to put the game beyond doubt against Sheffield United.
Of course, Gomez has been playing at left-back with regularity this season and he has been playing the role well, but with Bradley potentially dropping out Gomez will be required in his favoured position, and Robertson is certainly the better opinion over Kostas Tsimikas on the left.
Gomez might be a bit more disciplined and positionally sharp than Bradley, but he’s also a competent creator, averaging 0.8 key passes per game in the league this term, as per Sofascore. Moreover, he has completed 86% of his passes and remarkably succeeded in 76% of his aerial battles.
Marcus Rashford might have flattered to deceive this season but he remains a menacing, fleet-footed phenom and he will look to tear Liverpool open from the left flank, having scored seven goals from 17 matches against the Reds.
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Gomez will be vital in snuffing him out – and who knows, Bradley’s introduction after the break could work wonders for Liverpool, injecting electricity to ensure the job gets done.
It is no secret that Nottingham Forest have been erratic with their dealings in the transfer market since their return to the Premier League for the first time in 20 years.
The club have completed 34 signings since promotion – the most of any side in the top division – but they have been hit-and-miss with those additions, with Forest having a huge turnover of players in recent months.
Brazilian defender Murillo has arguably been the club's best addition after his £15m move from Corinthians last summer, with the 21-year-old already being linked with a big-money move away from the City Ground.
However, despite his brilliant season at the club, Nuno Espírito Santo is yet to find a suitable long-term partner for the centre-back, with the likes of Moussa Niakhate and Andrew Omobamidele often joining him at the heart of the Forest defence.
The club may have missed a trick with one former player, as the ex-Red is currently being linked with a huge move back to the Premier League this summer.
Loic Bade's stats at Nottingham Forest
After a frantic first summer back in the top-flight, the Reds capped off the window by signing French defender Loic Bade on loan from Rennes until the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 24-year-old arrived at the club with a lot of potential but failed to make any lasting impact on the first-team picture during his stint in the East Midlands.
Former boss Steve Cooper was constantly questioned about the Frenchman after he failed to appear up until the middle of October, with the Welshman claiming the youngster would have to "bide his time" before making his first appearance for the club.
However, after not making an appearance, Bade's loan was cut short, and he departed the City Ground in January, joining Spanish side Sevilla on loan with an option to buy.
Loic Bade's stats in 2023/24
After winning the Europa League title with Sevilla last season, the Andalusian side decided to trigger the £10m buy option in his deal, with the Reds certainly rueing his departure 15 months on.
The "elite" talent, as described by scout Jacek Kulig, has taken his game to the next level this campaign, showcasing his quality regularly in La Liga.
In his 23 league appearances during the current campaign, the defender has averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game – tallies that are both higher than Reds defender Murillo.
Bade's also dominated the Brazilian in the air this season, winning 3.1 aerials per 90, over double Murillo, who can only muster 1.2 per game in the Premier League.
Tackles
2.4
1.6
Interceptions
1.5
1.1
Aerials won
3.1
1.2
Pass percentage
82%
77%
Progressive passes
3.2
3
Understandably, Bade has dominated defensively this season, with the 24-year-old possessing a more old-school approach with the Forest defender more of a traditional ball-playing centre-back, thus suggesting why the differing duo could have formed a dream partnership.
However, Bade also has the edge over the former Corinthians defender for pass completion rate and progressive passes per game – with Bade seemingly transitioning into the full package.
The Frenchman's excellent form hasn't gone unnoticed, with Tottenham Hotspur linked with a move for the centre-back this summer, but Ange Postecoglou's side may have to pay his £51m release clause if they are to bring him to north London.
One thing is for sure, Forest missed a huge opportunity to solve their defensive woes by not allowing Bade to flourish at the club, with the Reds subsequently paying the price.
He's proven that he's capable of producing on the biggest stages, as demonstrated in the Europa League, with Cooper making a huge mistake in refusing to play the talented Frenchman.
Nottingham Forest were bled dry by star who earned 2x more than Murillo
He lasted less than six months at the City Ground.
ByEthan Lamb Apr 18, 2024
Everton have signed a fair few players over the last couple of years who have failed to deliver at Goodison Park after their big-money moves to the club.
Yannick Bolasie and Jean-Phillipe Gbamin both arrived on Merseyside for fees over £25m, before departing for nothing at the end of their contracts.
The signing of the duo is partially to blame for the club's recent FFP and PSR breaches that have seen Sean Dyche's side be deducted eight points in total during the 2023/24 campaign.
However, there's another player who joined the Toffees with big expectations but ultimately couldn't justify any of the big fee the club forked out for him back in 2017.
Morgan Schneiderlin's stats for Everton
Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin arrived at Everton when Ronald Koeman was attempting to lead the club towards European football, and he would have expected the then-27-year-old to become an integral part of his side.
The Frenchman demonstrated a sublime passing range and brilliant ball-winning ability, with Schneiderlin having all the qualities to thrive at the club after a disappointing spell at Manchester United – where he scored just once in 47 appearances.
The 6 foot 1 holding midfielder had previously showcased the ability to regain possession for his team, before beautifully playing forward passes into attacking players, allowing them to cause carnage in the final third, with pundit Gary Neville at one stage suggesting that he "could play at any of the top clubs in the league", prior to that move to Old Trafford.
Despite arriving at Goodison with a lot of potential to excel, the Frenchman failed to ever hit the heights many expected him to. He featured 88 times for the Toffees over his four years at the club, averaging 22 appearances a season in all competitions.
2016/17
14
2017/18
40
2018/19
16
2019/20
18
He certainly didn't live up to the £24m price tag the club forked out for his signature, subsequently leaving Merseyside for a measly £2m to join French side Nice, less than four years after his big-money move.
How much Schneiderlin cost Everton
During his time at the club, the midfielder pocketed £120k-per-week, as per Spotrac, throughout his three-and-a-half-year stint at the club, with the former Southampton man one of Everton's highest earners.
This saw him take home £22.8m during his time with the Toffees – a truly staggering amount of money given his lack of impact at the club.
When adding his earnings to the £24m the club paid for the midfielder, it totalled £46.8m spent on Schneiderlin, which was a complete waste of money – with Everton's recent PSR breaches no surprise given the total outlay spent on players such as the Frenchman over the years.
After combining the £46.8m with his 88 appearances for Everton, it meant the club forked out £531k every time the former United man featured for the club.
Although he was seen as a long-term signing that would allow the club to feature regularly in Europe, the move was a disaster for the club and player, with the now 34-year-old featuring for AE Kifisias in the Greek top division.
Such dealings have seen current boss Dyche work on a shoestring budget to improve his squad, with the club in serious danger of losing their ever-present Premier League status.
Everton struck gold offloading flop who lasted just 6 months at new club
He spent five years at Goodison Park.
ByEthan Lamb Apr 17, 2024
Selling equity stakes to investors could lessen the financial hit from coronavirus lockdown
Matt Roller28-Apr-2020The ECB should consider selling equity in Hundred teams to private investors to lessen the financial hit it faces from the coronavirus pandemic and to attract an Indian fanbase, according to a new report from a sports consultancy firm.The Hundred’s current model is similar to that used in the Big Bash, with independent boards running the eight teams under the governing body’s jurisdiction. But the report by Oakwell Sports – who advised private equity firm CVC on its investment into Premiership Rugby and recently brokered a AUS$250 million line of credit for Australia’s NRL – suggests that the competition’s costs could be significantly reduced if stakes in the teams were sold to investors using a franchise model.The Hundred is set to cost the ECB £58.4 million in its first season – including payments of £1.3 million to each county and £11.3 million in playing and support staff salaries – against income of £51 million, and is not expected to break even until its fifth season. The report suggests that a substantial proportion of these could be footed by turning central payments to the counties into equity stakes and looking to attract investment – particularly from India.The report, entitled ‘The Impact of Covid-19 on English Cricket’, states: “The ECB should consider converting its revenue distributions to counties into equity stakes and gifting these to each county. Therefore each Hundred franchise would own its revenue distribution % as an equity stake too.”This has real capital value for a county. This will attract potential private capital into buying stakes in Hundred franchises and help counties fund the overall game.”ALSO READ: Case for Hundred “greater than ever” due to Covid-19 – HarrisonIt is likely that there would be no shortage of interest from Indian investors if the Hundred were to open itself up to a franchise model. Two teams in the Caribbean Premier League are owned by the parent companies of IPL teams – Trinbago Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders) and St Lucia Zouks (Kings XI Punjab). Red Chillies Entertainment (KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan’s company) had also purchased the Cape Town franchise in the aborted Global T20 League in South Africa, while Delhi Capitals’ owners GMR Sports were also due to own a team. In 2008, Hampshire became part of Rajasthan Royals’ ‘Royals 20/20’ venture, albeit little came of it.The report adds: “The Hundred needs to be able to attract Indian players and subsequently an Indian fanbase, too. The Indian subcontinent constitutes 90% of the 1 billion cricket fans aged 16-69 globally.”Indian investment into the Hundred, including from IPL team owners, may facilitate the involvement of Indian players in the longer term. In addition to generating revenue out of India, this would be vital in unlocking the south-Asian UK-based fanbase.”Currently, the BCCI does not allow Indian players to take part in overseas T20 leagues, and while there is little prospect of Virat Kohli or Jasprit Bumrah playing in the Hundred, some older players may be interested. ESPNcricinfo revealed last October that Harbhajan Singh had put his name forward for the Hundred’s inaugural draft, but withdrew after the story broke fearing he would be unable to continue playing for Chennai Super Kings, while Yuvraj Singh said it “could be an exciting format”.The Hundred’s inaugural season is likely to be postponed at an ECB board meeting on Wednesday, with little appetite to launch the competition when it seems unlikely that overseas players will be able to take part or that fans will be able to attend games. Chief executive Tom Harrison denied that the tournament’s future was in doubt on Friday, suggesting that the case for its existence was “greater than ever” on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.The report’s other recommendations include the ECB borrowing against its broadcasting contracts and lending money to help the counties survive expected combined losses of more than £85 million. A spokesperson clarified that the reported was not ECB-commissioned.
West Ham are set to return for a future star this summer, it has emerged, with the attacker having caught the eye with a string of excellent performances.
Hammers need more firepower
It is no secret that David Moyes' side are in need of more in the final third of the pitch, but they appear to have the opposite of the midas touch when it comes to recruiting strikers. The Premier League side have tried to sign big name forwards in recent years, with Sebastien Haller arriving from Ajax for £45m and Gianluca Scamacca moving from Sassuolo to east London in a deal worth £35m.
But neither enjoyed their time at the London Stadium, and the pair were quickly shipped off to other clubs, where they have since excelled.
Meanwhile, winger turned striker Michail Antonio headed home his 67th Premier League goal in West Ham colours during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and the 34-year-old still appears to be the only striker that can truly thrive in West Ham's system, continuing to be a regular starter despite his advancing age.
Signed all the way back in 2015, the Hammers have signed ten strikers in the nine years since, but only Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez can claim to have had a successful spell in east London.
Three of those ten have joined and left the club without finding the back of the net, while the Hammers made a hefty loss on just about all of them in the transfer market.
West Ham's striker signings since Michail Antonio
Player
Year signed
PL Goals for West Ham
PL Minutes per goal
Danny Ings
2023
3
376
Gianluca Scamacca
2022
3
309
Sebastien Haller
2019
10
320
Albian Ajeti
2019
0
N/A
Lucas Perez
2018
3
155
Jordan Hugill
2017
0
N/A
Marko Arnautovic
2017
21
205.8
Chicharito
2017
16
186.5
Simone Zaza
2016
0
N/A
Jonathan Calleri
2016
1
531
Now, Moyes' side are hoping to change the worrying pattern with their latest addition.
Future superstar on West Ham's radar
That comes courtesy of reports in Brazil (via Sport Witness), who have linked West Ham with a second offer for impressive attacker Wesley Gassova, after Tim Steidten was reportedly in Brazil to watch the talented teen.
The Hammers have already seen one bid rejected by Corinthians for their forward, with claims that the Premier League side tabled a 15m euro offer for the 19-year-old. However, ESPN Brazil now claim that the Hammers have returned for the player, upping their offer to 18m euros (£15.3m)
West Ham now make large offer to manager who plays "spectacular" football
A decision on Moyes has seemingly already been made.
ByBen Browning Apr 28, 2024
Though Corinthians are yet to agree to the offer, it is added that "intermediaries involved in the operation are trying to convince them to change their mind" and they expect "more developments in this case in the next few hours or days".
Wesley has been a regular for Corinthians, playing across the frontline for the Brazilian outfit, and has been hailed a future superstar by talent scout Ben Mattinson.
Should he make the move to the London Stadium, he will be given the ultimate opportunity to prove that he is just that.
Philippe Clement will head into his first summer transfer window as Glasgow Rangers manager with the aim of moving out some deadwood while bringing his own targets to the club.
Several players look to be departing upon the expiration of their contracts at the end of the season, which will free up some of the wage bill for Clement to utilise, but he will also need to sell players for transfer fees in order to improve his budget.
There should be no shortage of offers for a few of his first team regulars, although it appears a former Rangers manager has his eyes on not one, but two current players…
Rangers transfer news
According to the Daily Record, Steven Gerrard is eyeing a shock double swoop for James Tavernier and Connor Goldson this summer as he looks to bring the duo to the Middle East.
Both players, of course, worked under the former Liverpool captain during his three and a half year spell as Ibrox boss, helping the club win their first league title in a decade during the 2020/21 season.
Both players are on the wrong side of 30 and have two years left on their current deals, which suggests it could be a tempting proposition for Clement to move them on if he receives a sizeable transfer fee.
Goldson hasn’t quite been in the best of form in recent weeks, whereas Tavernier’s goal contributions have been vital for the Light Blues this season.
James Tavernier’s stats for Rangers this season
Once again, the defender is currently the top scorer in the squad, scoring 24 goals along with registering ten assists in what has been a career-best total for the former Newcastle United gem.
Tavernier notched his 131st goal of his career against Hibs in March, coming via one of his customary penalties which have formed the bulk of his goals. In the process, he became the highest-scoring defender in British football history, a stunning achievement for a right-back.
His goal involvements have been crucial to the club regaining their footing after a poor start under Michael Beale, and it appears as though Clement has placed his full trust in the 32-year-old to lead his team.
Among his teammates this term, Tavernier currently ranks first for overall Sofascore rating (8.08) in the top flight, while also ranking first for goals and assists (25), fifth for shots per game (2.1), first for big chances created (17) and for key passes per game (3.2), showing just how much of a positive influence he has in the current side.
Without his goal contributions, there is no telling where Rangers would be. One day, however, the club will need to find a replacement for him, which could prove to be extremely tough considering how much he offers, especially from an attacking perspective.
James Tavernier's stats at Rangers this season
Metric
Europa League
Premiership
Goals
0
17
Assists
0
8
Big chances created
0
17
Key passes per game
1.1
3.2
Successful dribbles per game
0.3
1.1
Via Sofascore
There will be players Clement has his eyes on in terms of potential long-term Tavernier successor, yet there could be someone who is currently out on loan who could forge his way back into the first-team picture next season – Adam Devine.
Adam Devine’s Rangers career so far
The right-back made his first team debut for Rangers during a clash against Dundee United towards the end of the 2021/22 season as Giovanni van Bronckhorst was looking to rest senior players due to their involvement in the run to the Europa League final.
His first start came a week later in the final match of the season against Hearts, and he impressed during a 3-1 win, succeeding with 100% of his dribbles while taking 79 touches, showing his willingness to get on the ball.
The youngster had to wait until December to feature for the first team again, as injuries meant Beale called him into the starting XI for three successive games, playing particularly well against Ross County a few days before Christmas.
Not only did he make four key passes during the tie, but Devine also succeeded with both of his dribbles, won four of his seven ground duels contested along with making two tackles, and it looked as though he had a bright future ahead of him.
In total, Devine played eight times for the senior side throughout the whole of last season, gaining vital experience, and it looked as though he could push on this term. After playing just nine minutes in the League Cup for the Light Blues, Clement sent the defender on loan to Motherwell in order to give him some much-needed game time.
Adam Devine’s statistics for Motherwell
The 21-year-old was hailed by former Partick Thistle manager Ian McCall after the Jags signed him on loan in 2021, describing him as “a highly rated young player” and his current spell at the Steelmen may have given Clement plenty to think about.
So far, he has played nine games for the club since his arrival in January, scoring once and grabbing an assist. Of the eight league matches, Devine has started in six of them, averaging 0.4 key passes per game, succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts, recovering three balls per game and winning 0.9 ground duels per game – an impressive success rate of 70% – which has proven his ability to perform on a consistent basis in the top flight.
While he may not offer the same sort of attacking qualities as Tavernier, Devine could be a solid option for Clement to call upon next season.
He still has plenty of time to develop as a player, while being homegrown will be advantageous with regard to European games, as the squad has to have a certain number of homegrown players present.
Hopefully, Tavernier still has a year or two left at Ibrox before he moves on to pastures new, but that’s not to say Devine should be intimidated by his presence.
Gaining minutes in certain matches next season could allow him to continue his rapid development while demonstrating his talents to Clement in the process, as the manager could save millions in the transfer market by trusting the youngster.
Rangers sold a "fantastic" gem who'd be worth more than Tavernier in 2024
Rangers sold a player in 2001 who is worth more than Tav in 2024 money
ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2024
Bayer Leverkusen's historic unbeaten run was stopped at 462 days as RB Leipzig defeated Xabi Alonso's men 3-2 in Bundesliga.
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Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga streak brokenBlew away a two-goal lead at home to LeipzigLois Openda scored a brace for the visitorsWHAT HAPPENED?
Leipzig refused to be written off even after falling behind by two goals in the first-half. Just before the half-time break they found hope when former Leverkusen midfielder Kevin Kampl reduced the deficit. The goal shifted the momentum, and Leipzig emerged from the dressing room with renewed determination. Lois Openda, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, came alive with a clinical finish just 12 minutes after the restart. And 10 minutes from full-time, he struck again to secure a stunning comeback victory for Leipzig that ended Leverkusen’s long-standing unbeaten run.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Leverkusen’s defeat is a significant setback for the reigning Bundesliga champions, who had not lost a league match since their 3-0 defeat to Bochum on the final day of the 2022-23 season, a remarkable 462 days ago. Whereas, for Leipzig, this victory extended their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 13 matches, a streak that dates back to the previous season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Leipzig’s head coach Marco Rose was sent off during the first half by referee Matthias Jollenbeck after he vehemently protested a challenge by Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah on Openda. However, he did not go back to the locker room and instead sat in an unoccupied seat in the Leverkusen stand. Soon a child came up to him but the manager remained seated and instead struck up a conversation with the fan for the rest of the half.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?
Leverkusen will seek to bounce back and re-establish their dominance in the league after the international break when they take on Hoffenheim on September 14 away from home.
Glasgow Rangers have had to rely on their fair share of free transfers to bulk up the squad in recent transfer windows.
Failure to build on the Premiership success of 2020/21 has led to the Light Blues slipping behind Celtic domestically, winning just two cup competitions since.
Qualifying for the Champions League group stages during the 2021/22 campaign could have seen Steven Gerrard enjoy major financial rewards which may have altered the course of the Scottish football hierarchy.
Alas, the Gers failed to reach the land of milk and honey. They did reach the Europa League final in 2022, but the likes of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Michael Beale splashed money on several expensive flops, leaving Philippe Clement with a mammoth task on his hands this summer.
The club have endured a difficult time in the transfer window since the summer of 2021, yet there have been a few hidden gems that have cost the club nothing in the way of a transfer fee recently.
Rangers' recent free transfer arrivals
Beale spent vast sums of money last summer in order to bring Danilo, Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers to Glasgow in the hope that they could fill in the void left by the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.
Around £15m was wasted last year, as only Dessers has shown real consistency, scoring 22 goals in all competitions.
Player
Previous club
Year joined
Jack Butland
Crystal Palace
2023
Dujon Sterling
Chelsea
2023
Leon Balogun
QPR
2023
John Souttar
Hearts
2022
Tom Lawrence
Derby County
2022
John Lundstram
Sheffield United
2021
Fashion Sakala
KV Oostende
2021
Steven Davis
Southampton
2019
Jermain Defoe
AFC Bournemouth
2019
Several players will surely have to be moved on by Clement when the summer transfer window opens in order to give him some flexibility in the market to bolster his playing squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
If the buyers aren’t there, however, the Belgian may have to focus the majority of his transfer business on players who won’t command a fee.
Despite enduring a turbulent ten-month period in charge of the Light Blues, Beale did work his savvy in the market as the likes of Dujon Sterling and Leon Balogun joined the club for free last summer.
His most important decision was to lure Jack Butland north of the border, however, and the Englishman was certainly the signing of the season.
Jack Butland's arrival at Rangers
After yet another poor domestic campaign, Beale was tasked with rebuilding the side ahead of the 2023/24 season in the hope that Rangers could challenge Celtic for the league title.
Beale oversaw a mass exodus of players departing Ibrox, while nine new arrivals joined the Light Blues.
Allan McGregor was one of the first team stars to leave. Across two separate spells for the club, the Scot made close to 500 competitive appearances, yet his final two seasons saw a few mistakes creep into his game, and it was clear retirement was calling.
Bringing in a ‘keeper who could be relied upon between the posts was crucial for Beale if he wanted to build a solid core to his new-look Rangers, yet a move for Butland was a gamble.
The former Stoke City number one had played only 15 times following the start of the 2021/22 season, with zero appearances coming last term due to a broken finger which kept him out for 16 games.
Following the expiration of his Crystal Palace contract, Beale quickly snapped him up in what was arguably his finest piece of transfer business during his short spell as the manager of the Ibrox side.
While Rangers may have lost the league title to Celtic following a drop-off in form during the run in, they wouldn’t have been in a race if it were not for Butland and his incredible shot-stopping ability.
Jack Butland’s Rangers statistics
Firstly, Butland has played a total of 56 times for the Gers this season, conceding 49 goals while racking up 25 clean sheets in the process.
Narrowing that down to just Premiership matches, the Englishman has played 37 times in the league, keeping 18 clean sheets while conceding 29 goals.
When compared with other ‘keepers in the top flight, Butland has kept the most clean sheets while making the third most runs out throughout the campaign, demonstrating his importance to the Light Blues.
Rangers losing the league isn’t down to the goalkeeper, it is down to the defenders in front of Butland failing to cut out sloppy errors in the most important matches.
With Euro 2024 just around the corner, Butland must surely be catching the eye of Gareth Southgate as he aims to secure a seat on the plane to Germany. Clement certainly thinks he is ready, saying this back in February:
"If people are talking about being in the England squad, that says enough – because England will be one of the favourites to win [Euro 2024].
"It is the decision of Mr Southgate. He knows all the other goalkeepers, I don't watch all these games, so I cannot make comparison, but I can say one thing, Jack is totally ready – every game he is proving that."
Jack Butland’s market value at Rangers
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson hailed the player as “phenomenal” previously and according to Transfermarkt, his current valuation is €3m (£2.5m), which could continue to rise given his impressive displays of late.
This value is currently more than another free transfer who has shone for the Ibrox side this season – John Souttar.
The Scot is currently worth around €2.5m (£2.1m) and given how consistent he has been this season, missing just 16 matches in all competitions, his importance to the squad has certainly increased under Clement.
Rangers chiefs now believe £25k-a-week star will be at Ibrox next season
Huge news for the Gers.
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Butland’s displays this term could certainly attract attention from the Premier League, as a few clubs could be interested in making a move for the Englishman this summer.
Clement would certainly be able to demand a significant sum of money for the player, but could the Gers replace him ahead of next season?
The 50-year-old coach may face some tough decisions this summer, but if he could add another one or two free transfers into his squad who have some excellent potential to be sold for a profit down the line, they must be secured sooner rather than later.