Neymar soma sua sexta lesão em jogos pela Seleção Brasileira; relembre cada uma

MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira saiu de campo derrotada pelo Uruguai, por 2 a 0, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2022, mas esse nem foi a maior das preocupações, já que Neymar deixou o gramado chorando por conta de uma torção no joelho esquerdo, que ainda não foi diagnosticada de forma mais profunda. Certo mesmo é de que se trata da sexta lesão do atacante vestindo a camisa canarinho.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Há mais de 13 anos representando o time principal do Brasil, Ney tem um histórico de recordes, conquistas e muitos gols pela Amarelinha. No entanto, ao mesmo tempo, ele vive um histórico de problemas físicos quando se reúne com os companheiros de selecionado, inclusive em duas Copas do Mundo. Ao todo, como citado acima, o camisa 10 se machucou seis vezes em um intervalo de nove anos.

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4/7/2014 – Brasil 2 x 1 Colômbia – Copa do Mundo de 2014

Nas quartas de final da Copa do Mundo do Brasil, no Castelão, a Seleção Brasileira vencia a Colômbia por 2 a 1 pelas quartas de final da competição. No entanto, em uma entrada por trás totalmente desproporcional, Zuñiga acertou uma joelhada nas costas de Neymar, que imediatamente caiu no gramado, preocupando a todos. Resultado: fratura na terceira vértebra lombar e fora da Copa.

20/11/2018 – Brasil 1 x 0 Camarões – Amistoso

Em amistoso realizado na Inglaterra, o Brasil enfrentou Camarões para encerrar a temporada de 2018. Mas antes mesmo dos dez minutos de jogo, Neymar sentiu dores musculares na coxa direita e acabou sendo substituído por Richarlison, que fez o gol da vitória por 1 a 0.

5/6/2019 – Brasil 2 x 0 Qatar – Amistoso

Durante a preparação para a Copa América, o Brasil recebeu o Qatar no Mané Garrincha e logo aos 20 minutos do primeiro tempo, Neymar precisou ser substituído por conta de uma entorse no tornozelo direito, que após ser examinada, acabou se concretizando em um rompimento de ligamento. A Seleção venceu por 2 a 0, mas perdeu seu principal jogador para o torneio que seria disputado no país.

13/10/2019 – Brasil 1 x 1 Nigéria – Amistoso

No mesmo ano, em amistoso disputado em Cingapura, o Brasil enfrentou a Nigéria e a atuação de Neymar durou pouco mais de dez minutos, já que ele sentiu dores musculares na coxa esquerda e precisou ser substituído por Philippe Coutinho. A Seleção acabou apenas empatando com os africanos.

24/11/2022 – Brasil 2 x 0 Sérvia – Copa do Mundo de 2022

Quando o Brasil vencia por 1 a 0 seu jogo de estreia na Copa do Mundo do Qatar, Neymar acabou derrubado em uma jogada na entrada da área e se machucou. Ele ainda ficou no gramado por pouco mais de dez minutos, viu a Seleção fazer 2 a 0, mas acabou sendo substituído. O problema foi diagnosticado mais tarde como entorse nos ligamentos do tornozelo direito, que o tirou de dois jogos da fase de grupos, retornando apenas nas oitavas de final, contra a Coreia do Sul.

17/10/2023 – Uruguai 2 x 0 Brasil – Eliminatórias

Logo após o Brasil levar o primeiro gol do Uruguai, Neymar tentou partir em uma jogada individual pelo meio-campo, mas acabou trombando com um adversário. Na queda no gramado, quando foi apoiar a perna esquerda, acabou torcendo o joelho e imediatamente sentiu o problema. Após chorar bastante ainda dentro de campo, acabou sendo substituído por Richarlison. Ainda não há diagnóstico sobre a lesão.

Russell Martin's chances of returning to Southampton as boardroom figures line up move

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is “still in contention” for what would be a stunning return to St Mary’s.

Though Southampton endured a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they were still expected to be strong contenders for an immediate promotion from the Championship. Having established himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, Will Still was appointed as Saints manager in the summer.

Despite his obvious potential as a coach, Still was unable to make things click during what was his first job in English football. After winning just two matches out of 13 in the second tier, Still was sacked by the club who, at the time, were 21st in the league following three successive defeats.

Working as interim boss of the Saints, Tonda Eckert won his first game in charge against Queens Park Rangers. Having been called up temporarily from the Under-21s, Eckert has made a good start to his time in charge as Southampton pursue a permanent successor to Still.

Now, reports have indicated that Southampton, who are eight points adrift of the top six, could look to bring a former manager back to the club.

Martin to return to Southampton?

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Martin is “still held in high regard at Southampton and has admirers in the boardroom”.

Taking over the Saints in 2023 after managing MK Dons and Swansea City, Martin guided Southampton to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Wedded to his patient, possession-based brand of football, Martin was sacked by the club in December 2024, in a season that saw the club become the first Premier League side to be condemned to relegation with as many as seven games remaining.

Martin was, in turn, hired by Rangers in the summer of 2025, going onto endure a terrible tenure in charge that lasted for just 123 days. Amongst other reported options, including Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, Martin’s current status as a free agent may mean he is more inclined to take the job.

Football Insider have reported that, whilst Martin being hired by Southampton would be “a surprise, his return has not been ruled out,” as the club do not blame him for the season that they endured in the top flight.

Having been called “unbelievable” by Flynn Downes, who Martin brought to Southampton, the 39-year-old has certainly proven himself at Southampton in the past. Given their current predicament and how badly Martin’s tenure at Rangers went, though, it remains to be seen whether Southampton push further for a reunion.

"Very intelligent" coach interested in Southampton job

Khaleel cuts Essex stint short for personal reasons

Initially signed to play two red-ball and ten List A games, Khaleel flew back after just two County Championship matches citing personal reasons

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jul-2025

If selected, Khaleel Ahmed could feature in the Duleep Trophy starting end of August•Debajyoti Chakraborty

Khaleel Ahmed, the India bowler, has ended his time with Essex after playing two first-class matches for them in the ongoing County Championship.The pacer had initially signed with the club for a two-month stint, which would’ve seen him playing six first-class matches – the remainder of Essex’s first-class season – as well as a maximum of ten possible List A games in the One-Day Cup.The club announced his signing in June, after he had impressed for India A with a spell of 4 for 70 during a red-ball game against the England Lions. He flew out to join the side for a stint that was supposed to last till late September and played in two matches, taking just four wickets at an average of 64.50.However, Essex released a press statement saying that Khaleel had returned home ahead of his remaining fixtures with the club. “While we are disappointed to see him leave,” a statement said, “we fully support Khaleel’s decision and are grateful for the contributions he made during his time with us.”Khaleel, who last played for India in 2019, has taken 15 wickets in 11 ODIs at an average of 31.00. On the other hand, he has been in action for his domestic side, Rajasthan, and was also picked for last year’s Duleep Trophy. Across 22 first-class matches, he has taken 60 wickets at an average of 30.13.He will also be in contention for a spot for the inter-zonal Duleep Trophy competition, which kickstarts India’s red-ball domestic season on August 28.

تريزيجيه: رفضت عروضًا بـ6 أضعاف الأهلي.. وزيزو توقع ما حدث أمام الزمالك

تحدث محمود حسن تريزيجيه، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، عن تسجيل ركلة الجزاء أمام الزمالك في الدوري المصري.

وقال تريزيجيه عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “ركلة الجزاء في مباراة قمة الدوري كانت تحديًا كبيرًا، لكن منذ صغري وأنا أتعلم الضغوطات وتحمل المسؤولية في الأهلي، أخطأت في وقت سابق، وسددت وكان ليس دوري لكن تلك المرة دخلت ولم تفرق معي الضغوطات”.

وتابع: “زملائي في الملعب دعمونني، دخلت للتسديد وفكرة إضاعتها لم تكن في حساباتي”.

وأضاف: “الأهلي أعظم نادي في العالم بالنسبة لي، وكنت أحلم بالعودة يوم من الأيام، وأنا أحب اللعب تحت الضغوط”.

طالع.. طريق الأهلي في كأس مصر 2025-2026

وأشار: “أنزل أي مباراة وأنا أقدر جمهور الأهلي، وأعلم ماذا يعني هذا القميص، لقد جئت من الاحتراف وعدت لبيتي، وألعب كل مباراة أمام أي خصم وكأنه ريال مدريد أو نهائي، أهم شيء شعب الأهلي يكون مبسوط، وعندما نخسر أقسم بالله لا أنام”.

واستكمل: “الفترة الأخيرة كان هناك سوء توفيق كبير، هناك ناس بعد المباراة تكون الأمور عادية بالنسبة لهم، لكن أنا بعد الخسارة لا أريد أن يراني أحدًا وأفكر في المباراة التالية، كل ما يهمني هو إسعاد جماهير الأهلي”.

واسترسل بشأن مباراة السوبر: “بعد مواجهة المصري التي لم يحالفنا فيها التوفيق، تحدثنا مع بعض في الطائرة أنه يجب التتويج بتلك البطولة، وكان الكل في صوت واحد يقول نحن معك وسنعود بالبطولة من أجل إسعاد الجماهير، والحمد لله التوفيق كان حليفنا”.

وأفاد: “مباراة سيراميكا كانت صعبة جدًا بقيادة علي ماهر، الذي اكتشفني وأظهرني على الساحة، والحمد لله تخطينا المباراة وتأهلنا، الزمالك فريق كبير ومواجهته في النهائي شعور مختلف، وأحب تلك المباريات جدًا، هاك ناس خلقت لتلك الظروف وأنا واحد منهم”.

وأشار: “الزمالك يمتلك لاعبين كبار، والتوفيق كان معنا، و زيزو لاعب كبير، وكنت أتكلم معه قبل المباراة ووضعنا سيناريوهات كثيرة، وقال أنا أعلم ماذا سيحدث لكني سأركز في المباراة، بالتأكيد كان متأثرًا من داخله، لكن في الملعب كان عنده ثبات انفعالي وقدم مباراة كبيرة”.

وعن طاهر محمد طاهر: “لاعب الأهلي مخلوق للضغوطات، ويعرفون طموحات جماهيرهم، لكن هناك لاعبين تحت الضغوط لا تأخذ منهم أفضل شيء، لكن طاهر كل مرة يثبت أنه لاعب كبير”.

واسترسل: “لا أسعى لأي أرقام فردية، أسعى للفوز بكل بطولة فقط، وعندما كنا في الناشئين، بعد خسارة أي بطولة نعلم أن هناك 4 لاعبين على الأقل سيرحلون، تربينا على المكسب وتفكيري دائمًا في البطولات”.

وأضاف عن انتقاله للأهلي: “الكابتن محمود الخطيب أول من تحدث معي، في الساعة 5 صباحًا، لنضع حلًا خاصة وأن النادي التركي كانت مطالبه كبيرة جدًا، وكانت هناك عروض كبيرة جدًا من أندية أخرى”.

وأردف: “الخطيب قال لي النادي يحتاجك الآن، وهذا الوقت الذي يجب أن تعود فيه، وقلت له يا كابتن سآسعى للعودة وكان عندي عروض بـ5 أو 6 أضعاف للنادي التركي ولي شخصيًا، لكن رغبتي كانت الأهلي”.

وتابع: “قلت لـ طرابزون إما الأهلي أو عدم اللعب، أنا سأنهي عقدي مع الريان وستكون السنة الأخيرة، وأنا لاعب كرة قدم فقط، وحياتي كلها كرة فقط، وحبي للنادي الأهلي كبير، تركت كل شيء في الخارج وعدت للنادي”.

وأتم ردًا على سؤال كيف لم تفكر في الأموال: “أنا لا أزايد على الأهلي، عندما أقول أنا تحت أمر الأهلي ليس بالكلام ولكن بالأفعال، وعندما قررت العودة كنت في قمة مستواي، وأظهرت للكابتن الخطيب هذه العروض، وقلت له سأعود للنادي الأهلي”.

Coudet explica mudanças do Internacional e rebate críticas

MatériaMais Notícias

Eduardo Coudet explicou as mudanças que realizou no Internacional durante a vitória contra o Cruzeiro por 2 a 1 neste domingo (5). Durante a coletiva de imprensa, o treinador também rebateu as críticas que recebeu por ter sacado Alan Patrick.

RelacionadasBrasileirãoCom lei do ex, Internacional vence o Cruzeiro pelo Brasileirão e quebra tabu; veja o resultadoBrasileirão05/11/2023Tênis37º Seniors Internacional de Tênis de Porto Alegre termina com campeões de seis paísesTênis04/11/2023

O treinador disse que, a partir do momento que a Raposa começou a pressionar mais, sua estratégia foi entrar com atletas ‘mais combativos’ para tentar matar o jogo. Com a vitória, o Internacional chegou aos 42 pontos e está na luta para conquistar sua vaga na Copa Sul-Americana na próxima temporada.

– Tenho cinco substituições e fizemos um grande esforço. Tiramos os jogadores mais de jogo com a bola e entrou gente de característica mais combativa, de fechar o jogo. E acho que deu certo – explicou.

➡️Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Sobre Alan Patrick, Coudet assumiu um tom mais incisivo. Ao ser questionado sobre o motivo de ter sacado o atleta, esclareceu que foi uma opção técnica.

– Tirei outra vez Alan Patrick. Na última vez, brigamos. Brigo muito bem e ele não pôde comigo. Brigamos outra vez. Sempre perguntam por que tiro os jogadores, mas eu o coloquei também – disse.

Agora, o Internacional se prepara para enfrentar o Fluminense na quarta-feira (8), no Beira-Rio.

Lenda do futebol brasileiro, Zagallo também fez história nas capas do Lance!

MatériaMais Notícias

Considerado um ícone do futebol brasileiro, Zagallo fez história principalmente pelas suas conquistas, mas também pelo seu carisma, pelo amor à Seleção Brasileira e até pelas frases curiosas. E como todo personagem marcante do nosso esporte, o Velho Lobo também foi destaque em algumas das saudosas capas do Lance!.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoGalvão Bueno se emociona ao se despedir de Zagallo: ‘Fez um bem para o futebol’Fora de Campo06/01/2024Fora de CampoGoverno brasileiro decreta luto de três dias pela morte de ZagalloFora de Campo06/01/2024Fora de CampoParreira se emociona ao relembrar relação com Zagallo: ‘Meu melhor amigo’Fora de Campo06/01/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

A seguir, contamos a história de duas dessas capas nos primeiros anos do jornal, nos anos de 1997 e 1998, quando o então técnico da Seleção Brasileira fazia os últimos ajustes na equipe em busca pelo pentacampeonato mundial. É mais uma das nossas singelas homenagens a este ícone do futebol brasileiro.

📰 NA COLA DO BAIXINHO – 26 de outubro de 1997

Faltando menos de um ano para a disputa da Copa do Mundo, a torcida brasileira vivia a expectativa por ver nos campos da França uma dupla de ataque formada por Ronaldo e Romário. O Fenômeno vivia seu auge no futebol europeu, vestindo a camisa do Barcelona (Espanha), e o Baixinho já estava consagrado pela conquista do Mundial de 1994. Com esta dupla, o Brasil conquistou a Copa América e a Copa das Confederações de 1997.

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Para aumentar a empolgação, no dia 25 de outubro, o Lance! publicou uma entrevista exclusiva com Romário, na qual o atacante afirmava que estaria na Copa de qualquer maneira. O jogador ainda afirmava que o período de testes do treinador já havia acabado e, por isso, estaria garantido no Mundial. Detalhe: tudo isso na PRIMEIRA EDIÇÃO do jornal!

Zagallo, no entanto, fez questão de conter todo esse ânimo, também em entrevista exclusiva ao Lance!, em outubro de 1997. Na conversa, o então técnico do Brasil afirma que o Baixinho só jogaria a Copa da França se estivesse 100% fisicamente. Por trás da declaração, um dos episódios mais polêmicos da conturbada relação entre treinador e jogador: uma lesão forjada (segundo Zagallo) por Romário antes da semifinal da Copa América daquele ano, diante do Peru.

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Seja a lesão forjada ou não, o episódio serviu de prenúncio para o corte de Romário às vésperas da Copa de 1998. O atacante afirmava que se recuperaria a tempo de disputar o Mundial, mas o treinador não quis arriscar e tirou o Baixinho da competição. A relação entre Romário e Zagallo nunca mais foi a mesma depois deste episódio.

📰 LOURÕES, CUIDADO – 18 de junho de 1998

Na primeira Copa do Mundo do Lance!, mais uma das capas que retrata um pouco do amor que Zagallo sentia pela Seleção Brasileira. Na ocasião, o técnico preparava sua equipe para a partida diante da Noruega, pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos do torneio.

Zagallo estava incomodado com uma derrota pesada por 4 a 2 sofrida em amistoso no ano anterior, diante do mesmo adversário. Além disso, o treinador da Noruega à época, Egil Olsen, afirmava que sua seleção era muito melhor que o Brasil.

Os desavisados podem até achar exagero, mas a irritação do Velho Lobo com o adversário tinha motivo: a Noruega é uma das poucas equipes no mundo que nunca foram derrotadas pela Seleção Brasileira até hoje (em quatro jogos, são duas vitórias para os europeus e dois empates). E a escrita se manteve no Mundial daquele ano: o Brasil foi derrotado por 2 a 1. Ainda assim, se classificou para as oitavas de final da competição, e o resto da história todos nós conhecemos: a Seleção de Zagaloo chegou à final, mas acabou sendo derrotada por 3 a 0 para os franceses, donos da casa.

Tudo sobre

Lance!Zagallo

فيديو | مصطفى محمد يشارك في تعادل قاتل لـ نانت مع لوريان بـ الدوري الفرنسي

خاض فريق نانت مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الفرنسي لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26، مساء يوم الأحد، وذلك ضد نظيره لوريان.

واستضاف نانت خصمه لوريان، في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من بطولة الدوري الفرنسي لذلك الموسم، حيث حقق أصحاب الأرض تعادلًا قاتلًا بهدف لمثله.

وسيطر التعادل السلبي على مجريات المباراة، في شوطها الأول، حتى الدقيقة الأولى من الوقت المحتسب بدلًا من الضائع، حيث استفاد لوريان من النيران الصديقة، بعدما سجل شيدوزي أوزايم هدفًا بالخطأ في مرمى فريقه.

وكادت المباراة أن تنتهي بتلك النتيجة لصالح لوريان، ولكن أوزايم نجح في إصلاح خطئه وسجل هدف التعادل القاتل لفريق نانت، في الدقيقة 90.

وشارك المحترف المصري مصطفى محمد كبديل في تلك المباراة، حيث دخل في الدقيقة 59 من عمر اللقاء.

بتلك النتيجة، تحصل كل فريق على نقطة، حيث أصبح رصيد نانت 11 نقطة في المركز الخامس عشر، بفارق الأهداف عن لوريان صاحب المركز السادس عشر.

Shanaka fifty takes Sri Lanka to 168 against Bangladesh

Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan picked up five wickets between them in eight overs

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2025

Dasun Shanaka made a 30-ball fifty•AFP/Getty Images

Dasun Shanaka clobbered 64 not out off 37 balls to propel Sri Lanka through the middle and death overs, after their openers had provided a rapid 44-run opening stand.In between those batters, however, Bangladesh imposed themselves, mainly through Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan, who took five wickets between them, and were also economical. Mustafizur was especially impressive, taking 3 for 20. His last over – the 19th of the innings – cost Sri Lanka three wickets, but they could only scramble five runs off it. Mustafizur had also had Shanaka dropped off his bowling on 38 off 27, in the 17th over.Related

Tait confident Mustafizur Rahman will do better against Sri Lanka

Bereaved Dunith Wellalage rejoins SL squad in Dubai

Shanaka’s was not the only catch Bangladesh missed. Mustafizur himself had failed to attack a dying chance at fine leg (he likely could have got there), to reprieve Kusal Perera on 11. Charith Asalanka was also put down by Towhid Hridoy at deep point, on 16. Both those batters made five further runs. Asalanka was also dropped a second time by Hridoy, but was run out off that same delivery, attempting a second.Sri Lanka will feel their total competitive, on a Dubai track known to be tough for batters. Bangladesh are unlikely to be fazed by its heft either, however.

Bad for Wirtz: Liverpool plan serious bid to sign future big-money superstar

Currently, it feels like Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract last year and sign for Real Madrid has benefitted nobody.

The Spanish giants have yet to find a starring role for the right-back in Xabi Alonso’s system; Trent is out in the cold vis-à-vis Thomas Tuchel’s England; Liverpool keenly miss their starboy’s creativity and flair.

All of this is premature. Much can change, and it has only been three months since the 2025/26 campaign kicked off. But Arne Slot’s Liverpool are lacking ideas at the moment; and just as importantly, they cannot find the answers to their opponents’ tactics.

Slot sought to reorient Liverpool’s creative focus to a more typical area, working with Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for what stood as a record-breaking £116m fee for a few months.

Now, Liverpool are looking into new attacking midfielders to rival Wirtz for a place in the Reds’ starting line-up.

Why Liverpool are looking to sign Wirtz rival

Liverpool have landed a generational talent in Wirtz. The 22-year-old proved across years of age-defying quality in his homeland that he is destined for greatness.

However, we cannot deny it’s been a rocky road since the start of the season.

Wirtz is yet to register a goal involvement in the Premier League and he has not scored in any competition. However, his struggles stand against the backdrop of Liverpool’s wider issues this season. Slot’s side are worryingly imbalanced and sapped of confidence, having lost five of their past six top-flight fixtures.

But Wirtz has demonstrated his skill for Germany during the current international break, with analyst Raj Chohan saying his “creative passing has been insane”.

Florian Wirtz’s International Break

Match Stats

vs LUX

vs SVK

Minutes played

90′

77′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

2

Shots (on target)

4 (2)

2 (0)

Accurate passes

46/56 (82%)

72/77 (94%)

Chances created

1

6

Crosses

0/5

2/5

Dribbles

5/6

1/3

Recoveries

5

9

Ground duels

8/10

3/5

Data via Sofascore

But, with Harvey Elliott struggling out on loan with Aston Villa and bound to depart for good in the near future, Liverpool have lined up 19-year-old midfielder Kees Smit as a potential rival for Wirtz in Slot’s system.

According to Soccer News, the AZ Alkmaar talent is emerging as a serious candidate for a transfer to Liverpool, and FSG are further drawn to the player after Slot’s personal advocacy, having worked with the young prospect during his stint with AZ back in 2019/20.

The teenager is valued at around £22.5m, and Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the circling sharks.

What Kees Smit would offer Liverpool

Smit is young and inexperienced, but the word on the Dutch streets is that he is one of the nation’s most exciting up-and-comers. Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson has acknowledged Smit for his “superstar potential”, not just naturally gifted but intelligent, industrious and strong in defensive phases.

The Netherlands U21 star has made 50 senior showings already, scoring four goals and supplying six assists. Increasingly important in the Eredivisie, he’s started all 11 matches this term, notching two goals and two assists apiece while completing 88% of his passes, creating two chances on average each game and recovering six balls a match.

He’s so energetic, mobile and athletic while bearing the shrewdness to apply himself in the correct phases, never over-exerting. This is a rare trait for one so young, and emphasises the midfielder’s potential for success in the Premier League.

As per FBref, Smit ranks among the top 14% of midfielders in the Dutch top flight this season for pass completion and successful take-ons, and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Should Wirtz be worried for his starting berth? While all of the above is true, stepping into the harsh English footballing climate is no easy task. Wirtz would testify for that argument.

But Smit is less of an out-and-out attacking midfielder than his older counterpart, and in this, he could be a glove-tight tactical fit under Slot’s management, instilling more creativity while adding to the steel and compactability of the engine room.

His more balanced approach differs from Wirtz’s own. The new Merseyside recruit has faced criticism for a perceived lack of physicality in the Premier League. Some pointed fingers regarding this matter have been unfair, but there’s no question that Wirtz needs to be more active in the duel, more combative when pitted against defenders.

The aforementioned Mattinson has singled Smit out as a “duel monster”, further underlining his potential in Slot’s Liverpool set-up.

The Reds have options in midfield, and they have creative players too. But it doesn’t take someone with Slot’s football-tuned mind to conclude that something isn’t working for the Premier League champions, who need to find a way out of this present rut, else a concerning start will devolve into a disastrous campaign with far-reaching ramifications.

If Liverpool succeed in sealing Smit’s signature this winter, there’s every chance that the perfect dimension would be added to ease the offensive issues at the club.

Who knows, perhaps the competition would help Wirtz grow into his Liverpool skin and begin to show that ability that was promised when Liverpool spent a staggering sum on bringing him over from Germany.

But if not, Smit has the potential to stand proud as one of the world’s best, and this could give Liverpool’s German maverick cause for concern.

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Liverpool could now be brewing their next Luis Diaz in this rising 19-year-old star.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 18, 2025

Aston Villa now lining up January move for £50m striker, Emery's a big fan

Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for a “sensational” £50m striker, with Unai Emery looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Ollie Watkins.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins' slow start

Watkins isn’t having the season he would’ve wanted ahead of the World Cup next summer, having scored just one goal in the Premier League thus far, and Donyell Malen has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Villa going forward as of late.

Indeed, Malen is in a rich vein of form at the moment, having scored a brace to secure a 2-1 victory against Young Boys in the Europa League, following on from an impressive cameo against Leeds United, assisting Morgan Rogers’ equalising goal.

However, given that Malen isn’t an out-and-out striker, Emery wants to bring in a more traditional centre-forward in the January transfer window, with one of the Premier League’s breakout stars recently being identified as a target.

That is according to a report from The Mirror, which states Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago, although it could be a costly operation, with a £50m fee being touted.

Emery is a big fan of the striker, having been keen to bring in a new forward since last summer, while Villa may also need to refresh their forward line due to concerns over Watkins’ form.

Thiago could be "sensational" Watkins heir

It is perhaps a little early to lose faith in the England international, as he is still only 29, but it is important to plan for the future, and the Brentford star has emerged as one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals in 13 outings.

Most recently, the Brazilian bagged a brace to ensure his side overcame Burnley in a 3-1 victory, and he is now behind only Manchester City star Erling Haaland in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews has been left impressed by the 24-year-old’s performances too, saying: “He has been pretty good, hasn’t he? He is growing in stature and confidence and he has been pretty sensational this season,”

Thiago is at the right age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and having proven himself in the Premier League, Aston Villa should undoubtedly launch a January move.

Aston Villa plotting £18m bid for "tremendous" defender, Martinez is a big fan

The Villans are planning a move for a new centre-back, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

Emery has never really managed to replace Jhon Duran since the striker signed for Al-Nassr back in January, and with the Villans looking to compete in both the Premier League and Europe, it would certainly be beneficial to bring in another striker this winter.

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