All posts by n8rngtd.top

While Newcastle United have already shored up their defence with the shrewd signing of Lloyd Kelly this summer, welcomed on a free transfer after his contract expired with Bournemouth, Eddie Howe is hoping to bolster further at the back.

The Magpies were flying high during the 2022/23 campaign, incredibly recording a fourth-place finish in the Premier League before a deluge of injuries battered the squad last term. Newcastle fought valiantly but failed to make it out of their Champions League group, finishing eighth in the top flight moreover.

Howe will be confident that his team will reach loftier heights once again after a summer of purposeful, impactful spending, with an exciting name being considered after Kelly's arrival.

Newcastle eyeing another defender

Last week, Corriere di Bologna – via Sport Witness – revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle had joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Riccardo Calafiori, currently starring at Euro 2024 with Italy.

Bologna qualified for the Champions League last season but have lost manager Thiago Motta to Juventus, and now Calafiori could follow suit but head toward the Premier League.

Valued at €40m (£34m) by the Serie A outfit, the versatile defender would be the ideal addition to complete Newcastle's backline.

Why Riccardo Calafiori would be perfect for Newcastle

Newcastle might have welcomed Kelly to the fold but their defensive issues run a bit deeper. Veteran Paul Dummett's contract has expired and, most importantly, Sven Botman's rotten luck continues.

The Dutchman, signed from Lille for around £35m in July 2022, enjoyed an imperious debut campaign in England but started only 15 times in the Premier League as he spent much of last autumn recuperating from a knee injury before rupturing his ACL in March, set for nine months on the sidelines that may well see him return after the new year.

Calafiori, like Botman and like Kelly, is left-footed. The Bologna star is comfortable at left-back but plays the lion's share of his football at centre-back, having been described as an "aerial monster" by analyst Ben Mattinson.

In Serie A last season, as per Sofascore, the 22-year-old featured 30 times and kept ten clean sheets, completing 90% of his passes and averaging 1.7 tackles, 2.5 clearances and 0.6 key passes per game.

The complete package? It certainly looks that way. As per FBref, Calafiori ranks among the top 1% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 4% for interceptions per 90.

His first performance at the Euros, against Albania, and then his third versus Croatia where he popped up with a vital assist (video above), also serves to show why the Italian is such a sought-after player right now, producing some all-encompassing, seat-raising performances from the back.

Taking an obscene amount of touches and driving forward whenever he could in that clash with Albania, the 6 foot 1 titan offers so much to the fluency and fizz of his team.

Front-footed and assured in his style and its success, Calafiori would make a real difference to Howe's team, influencing the progressive play from deep and perhaps even providing Bruno Guimaraes with the perfect partner from the rearguard.

Guimaraes needs no introduction, having cemented himself as one of the Premier League's finest midfielders since his advent in 2022. Utterly mesmeric in his all-including style of play, the Brazilian would benefit greatly from such a creative, front-thinking central defender.

Calafiori's willingness to drive the ball forward would play right into Guimaraes' hands. The 26-year-old Toon ace covers immense stretches of ground in the middle of the field, averaged 1.9 dribbles, 7.7 successful duels and 6.4 ball recoveries per Premier League game last term.

He also notched 15 goal contributions across his 37 appearances, so he'd definitely be a grateful recipient of Calafiori's uniquely creative passing, borne from a ball-carrying proclivity.

What Newcastle's starting XI could look like after £128m spending spree

The Magpies will be looking to reclaim a European spot in 2024/25.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 9, 2024

Former Arsenal star Chido Obi-Martin turned creator as Manchester United ran riot against Leeds in the U18 Premier League, beating their rivals 8-0.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd U18 ran riot against Leeds
• Chido Obi-Martin provided two assists
• Currently leading the Premier League U18 title race

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After a sensational 14-minute hat-trick for the Red Devils in their 6-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest last weekend, Obi-Martin once again starred for the club as they thrashed Leeds on Saturday. The ex-Gunners star did not feature in the starting line-up and had come off the bench just after the hour-mark to provide the assists for the team's last two goals.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  James Scanlon and Amir Ibragimov had a memorable outing against the Whites as they both netted hat-tricks and were the prime architects behind the club's memorable win. The other two goals were scored by Bendito Mantato and Victor Aigbomian. With the important three points on Saturday, the Manchester club now enjoy a five-point lead over their rivals City at the top of the table.

• X: @ManUtd
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Obi-Martin has been in spectacular form since moving to Manchester from north London this summer. If he continues to shine for the youth side this season, it may only be a matter of time before new boss Ruben Amorim calls the youngster up to the senior side.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Unlike their youth team, the senior side has struggled for form in the 2024-25 campaign and recently saw manager Erik ten Hag leave the club. They have appointed Amorim of Sporting CP, who will take charge of the team on November 11. The club will be next seen in action in the Premier League on Sunday as they face Chelsea in a blockbuster encounter.

Sunderland fans would have hoped that there would be a bit more optimism in the air around the Stadium of Light ahead of the 2024/25 campaign kicking off, but the mood still feels sour.

The Black Cats remain without a manager, as the saga to find Michael Beale's permanent successor continues to irritate those situated in Wearside, whilst there's plenty of talk surrounding a number of Sunderland's top gems packing their bags for pastures new this summer.

Jack Clarke's name is always being floated about as a potential outgoing, after bagging 15 goals last season to be a ray of sunshine to cut through the doom and gloom, whilst Dan Neil's contract situation could soon raise the anxiety levels, with the homegrown product reportedly hesitant to commit to Sunderland owing to the precarious manager situation.

Chris Rigg is another face that the powers that be at Sunderland will be desperate to hold onto past this transfer window, with new reports suggesting he's in the same camp as Neil when it comes to securing his immediate Black Cats future.

The latest on Chris Rigg's future at Sunderland

According to Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley, there's a deal in principle agreed between the Championship side and Rigg for the now 17-year-old to sign a professional deal at the Stadium of Light.

But, with notable interest from elsewhere for the teenage sensation potentially tempting, and no new boss occupying the Black Cats dug-out just yet, Rigg hasn't yet penned the deal put forward to him.

Sunderland will aim to tie down their highly-rated starlet soon, to avoid an uncertain Neil-type scenario, knowing that the wide-eyed midfielder could be a huge part of the Wearside outfit heading into the future.

Arguably, keeping a firm grip on Rigg could be as crucial as Clarke sticking it out in Sunderland quarters for the next campaign, with what the teenager could offer over many years to come, before potentially then being sold on for far more than the reported £3m price-tag that had previously been placed above his head.

Rigg's importance to Sunderland

Given plenty of first-team experience by interim boss Mike Dodds last campaign, with Rigg amassing 21 second-tier games, the youngster never looked too out of his comfort zone, as the nimble number 31 held his own.

Rigg would end up helping himself to two strikes from those Championship clashes, as the Academy wonderkid featured, in some capacity, in the last 13 matches of the otherwise disappointing season for his team.

Already immortalised into the Sunderland hall-of-fame, as can be seen looking at the table above, it would feel like a kick in the teeth for the Black Cats if Rigg was moved on already, with a major move up to the Premier League perhaps a premature switch for a starlet who is still inexperienced at a senior level, having only made 25 professional appearances for his current employers to date.

Whereas, there would be obvious anger if Clarke was moved on in the short-term, but there would be no qualms if the electric winger wanted a higher-up move, having been a loyal servant to Sunderland for many years now, accumulating 122 games in the process.

Whereas, Rigg – who was described as being a "warrior" by ex-Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray – has only just started his journey, and could be a huge sale down the line, after further endearing himself to his loyal set of supporters. Thus, losing him now would not be ideal in the slightest – he could just become one of the best to emerge out of the academy in quite some time.

Dan Neil isn't the only 'outstanding' Sunderland star who could leave

Sunderland will be keen to keep this star around at the club even if Dan Neil moves on.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 16, 2024

The Argentina international passed up a handful of good chances to score in a game which never caught fire while the Red Devils' backline impressed

Ruud van Nistelrooy was left cursing the wasteful finishing of Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the the first Premier League game of the Dutchman's interim spell. The Argentine had four attempts on goal and missed a real sitter with the game goalless.

Marcus Rashford hammered the bar in the first half after Noni Madueke had hit the post, but United found the breakthrough when Rasmus Hojlund was felled by Robert Sanchez. Bruno Fernandes, channelling Van Nistelrooy, buried the resulting penalty in the 70th minute. The hosts' joy lasted just four minutes, though, as Moises Caicedo – a United target before he joined Brighton in 2021 – levelled with a gorgeous volley.

Van Nistelrooy's first game in temporary charge against Leicester was a feast of goals, but here he showcased his ability to organise a defence, with his compatriot Matthjis de Ligt shackling Cole Palmer and Noussair Mazraoui producing an all-action display.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (5/10):

  Was glad to see Neto's strike fizz wide when he had been beaten. Little he could do to stop Caicedo's superb hit.

  Diogo Dalot (5/10):

  Booked for wiping out Neto in a first half in which he struggled. Got better in the second.

  Matthjis de Ligt (7/10):

  Made two fine blocks to thwart Palmer after giveaways from Casemiro and Ugarte.

  Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

  Made an important tackle on Madueke and was comfortable playing out under pressure. A tad fortunate not to be sent off for his high tackle on Palmer towards the end.

  Noussair Mazraoui (8/10):

  Appeared everywhere, sweeping up in defence and using the ball well in attack. His finest display yet.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

  Arrived late for too many tackles while botching a few passes.

  Casemiro (7/10):

  Had an early pass scooped up by Caicedo but improved from then on, making numerous well-timed challenges and blocks.

  Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

  His passing was superb but let down by the finishing of Rashford and especially Garnacho. Took his penalty well.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

  Very disappointing, especially in front of goal. A bad pass ended a promising first-half break, while he missed three great chances, above all when he scuffed a Fernandes lay-off into the ground and into Sanchez's arms. Unlucky not to grab the winner right at the end.

  Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):

  Had a few nice interchanges with Garnacho, although he created little danger until winning the penalty.

  Marcus Rashford (6/10):

  Twisted Gusto inside out in the first half and right before half-time hit the bar with a ferocious volley. Faded in the second, having a tame shot at Sanchez, and was first player to come off.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Subs & Manager

  Amad Diallo (6/10):

  Bolstered the threat from the right with some mazy runs.

  Joshua Zirkzee (N/A):

  Put himself about in the area but lacked a cutting edge.

  Victor Lindelof (N/A):

  Brought on in the 82nd minute.

  Ruud van Nistelrooy (6/10):

  Had a careful albeit cautious game-plan which was executed well. Will be frustrated not to have seen the win out, especially after celebrating the goal with real gusto, but a draw is a very decent result given the circumstances.

Say what you want for Chelsea's efforts on the pitch over the past few years, but Todd Boehly and Co haven't exactly been guilty of a lack of ambition.

And despite the mutual termination of Mauricio Pochettino's contract at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, a decision that left some perplexed and others discouraged after patent signs of growth under the Argentine's tutelage, Chelsea have responded with the promising appointment of Enzo Maresca, making shrewd market moves too.

Tosin Adarabioyo has bolstered the backline; up-and-coming prospects pour into Cobham like a cascade. The youth-heavy recruitment strategy is all well and good but the Blues need some instant fizz to enrich the tissue of Maresca's squad, with a free-scoring striker at the top of the shopping list.

Chelsea striker news

If you're a Chelsea fan and you're unaware of the interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, you've probably been living under a rock.

Chelsea have been in contact with the Magpies for the Swede's transfer to west London, though, as Sky Sports report, Newcastle are seeking £100m and completing a deal would be complicated. Wisely, a high-class alternative is also on the shortlist.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli are growing concerns over a lack of interest in centre-forward Victor Osimhen, who has been expected to leave the 2022/23 Serie A champions this summer, but does name the Blues as one of the teams eyeing him up – alongside Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Naples club's new manager, Antonio Conte, has confirmed that the Nigerian is free to depart this summer, though they may be forced to consider reducing their £102m asking price.

Why Chelsea are interested in a striker

Chelsea need some firepower up front. It's a no-brainer. Last season, despite showing signs of improvement, the Blues only managed to finish sixth in the Premier League and proved to be profligate in front of goal, often playing promising football only to come unstuck in decisive phases of play.

Nicolas Jackson, talented as he may be, scored 14 goals from 35 Premier League matches last season but he also missed a whopping 24 big chances, consistently missing the mark in promising positions.

Isak, conversely, posted 21 goals from 30 matches and only missed 21 big chances. It's clear that the Swede is one of the Premier League's foremost finishers, proving himself to be a true marksman and an "exceptional talent", as has been said by Eddie Howe.

Signed to St. James' Park from Real Sociedad in 2022 after Newcastle paid a club-record £63m fee, the 24-year-old has myriad talents that would see Chelsea advance their frontline to one of the finest in Europe, ranking among the top 7% of centre-forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Signing him is not going to be easy; including Jackson as a makeweight has even been discussed internally at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have long suffered from inconsistency at No. 9 and it's paramount that the right man is welcomed this summer to fire Stamford Bridge back into the limelight.

Should Boehly and his cohort fail in their efforts for Isak, Osimhen would be the dream alternative, perhaps even the better pick.

Why Victor Osimhen would be a dream for Chelsea

Europe watched Naples fall last season. Having incredibly won Serie A in resounding fashion in 2022/23, breezing through the division with ease, Napoli fell by the wayside quite incredibly last year, finishing tenth.

Osimhen's injury-hit campaign clearly had a detrimental effect on his team's frontal fluency, only starting 22 top-flight matches as he battled against muscular problems, the situation further compounded by his January and February absence for the African Cup of Nations.

Still, he scored 15 goals and only missed 15 big chances in the league, denoting his incredible goalscoring threat. After all, it would be a disservice to so quickly forget the exploits of the previous year. Chelsea certainly haven't.

Let's put Osimhen's 2022/23 campaign into perspective: FBref recorded the £209k-per-week striker to rank among the top 1% of positional peers over Napoli's Scudetto-winning campaign for goals scored, shots taken and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90. Analyst Raj Chohan dubbed him a "monster" and it's clear to see why.

Such numbers place the 6 foot 1 star in a distinct category, alongside the likes of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and the ageing Robert Lewandowski as the superlative strikers of contemporary times.

Isak has demonstrated great gusto and tenacity to push himself toward that bracket but he's not got the same kind of output as the Nigeria international, who even last season, despite his struggles, ranked among the top 10% of forwards for shots taken and the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

The 25-year-old, moreover, is athletic and skilful, selfless (when need be) and combative. Talent scout Jacek Kulig once hailed him as a "hitman" but he is truly so much more, and he would provide Chelsea with a deadly sharpshooter required to rise to a position of prominence at the height of the European game.

The clip above shows Osimhen producing a remarkable piece of skill to deftly bamboozle defenders and fire a threaded sideward ball into the onrushing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, showcasing an impressive string to his bow that Chelsea would make good use of.

Isak or Osimhen? It's rather patent that Chelsea will launch an official bid to sign a striker this summer, let's hope Maresca and his transfer team make the right choice and end the Blues' No. 9 curse once and for all.

Chelsea close in on £17m wonderkid who's a bigger talent than Colwill

The Chelsea target is already thriving at just 19 years old.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 29, 2024

It is now down to Boehly and his team to get a deal over the line for Osimhen as a dream alternative to the Sweden international this summer to ensure that Maresca has a high-quality number nine to lead the line and fire the Blues to glory in the 2024/25 campaign.

Newcastle United are eyeing up two specific signings in the summer transfer window, as new sporting director Paul Mitchell looks to work his magic quickly ahead of pre-season.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have been linked with so many players this summer, as they look to make further inroads in the transfer market, having already brought in the likes of John Ruddy and Lloyd Kelly. Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has emerged as one option, although the supporters may not be too enamoured by the rumour, considering he failed to make a single Premier League appearance during a loan spell at Liverpool in 2023.

Another report has claimed that Newcastle lead the race to sign highly-rated Benfica defender Antonio Silva, with Eddie Howe keen on bolstering his options at centre-back. Still only 20 years of age, the Portugal starlet has already made 94 appearances for his club side.

The Magpies are also believed to be tracking Juventus winger Matias Soule, who has even been compared to Lionel Messi, with the 21-year-old an alternative to West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, who looks to be the top target for that role.

With Callum Wilson's Newcastle future up in the air, another strike partner for Alexander Isak could be needed moving forward, too, and Lille ace Jonathan David has been linked with a summer switch. The 24-year-old is a hugely impressive attacking player, scoring 27 goals in 53 caps for Canada.

Newcastle eyeing double transfer swoop

According to a new report from Give Me Sport, Newcastle want to make at least two signings in the near future, as Mitchell looks to strengthen the squad quickly and show why he is the perfect successor to Dan Ashworth.

The Magpies are believed to have "set their sights on making a minimum of two signings in the coming weeks", with "the hunt for a new defender and right-winger" specifically seen as a "crucial" part of the recruitment plans. They want the deals done early during the pre-season preparations, which will be music to Howe's ears.

These definitely feel like two priority positions for Newcastle before next season gets underway, with other areas of the pitch feeling more well-stocked.

At centre-back, long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles make it imperative that at least one new player arrives there, and someone of Silva's ilk would be ideal, in terms of being both an immediate key starter and also a potential mainstay of the defence for many years to come. He enjoyed a 93.1% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga last season, outlining his ball-playing ability.

Botman needs a top-quality partner, with Lascelles and Fabian Schar arguably not at the level required to be that player long-term, and it will be fascinating to see who comes in. Marc Guehi has enjoyed a highly impressive Euro 2024 campaign with England, and he has been backed to join Newcastle, and could also represent a brilliant option.

Newcastle could sign £105k-p/w ace for next to nothing this summer – report

He’s been put up for sale by his current club.

By
Ben Browning

Jul 12, 2024

Meanwhile, a new winger is needed as an upgrade on Miguel Almiron, thriving on the opposite flank to Anthony Gordon, and bringing in Soule could be perfect. He scored 11 goals in Serie A on loan at Frosinone last season, and has so much promise, with his peak years to come.

England legend Ian Wright slammed Harry Kane for taking aim at his Three Lions colleagues who withdrew from international duty for the Nations League.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Nine England players withdrew from squad
• Kane was not pleased with the decision of his teammates
• Wright differed in his opinion and defended Rice & others

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Without the service of key players, Lee Carsley led England to a decisive 3-0 victory over Greece in Athens, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the team as goals from Ollie Watkins, Curtis Jones and an own goal by Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos paved the way for a comfortable victory. However, controversy brewed before kick-off as Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden chose to stay back on English shores due to injuries and knocks.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane was sharp in his criticism ahead of England’s match against Greece as he suggested that certain players prioritised their clubs over national duty sparking debate on loyalty and commitment, especially among squad mainstays who have consistently shown up for the Three Lions in past tournaments. However, Wright found the comments surprising and was taken aback, particularly since they were directed at players with whom Kane has fought many international battles.

• WHAT WRIGHT SAID

  Ahead of kick-off, Wright said: "What I would say in respect to the players that have pulled out, you would like to have seen them there. But we are talking about a period of time where the players have seen that the FA have chosen not to have the manager for this game.

  "What kind of message are you sending to the players? I’m not going to blame the players or question the integrity of the players in respect of them joining up, but if they have got the knocks and they feel like they’re going to sit out this one, then the opportunity should be for those coming in. The big issue is the scheduling, that’s what it comes down to. The managers are talking about it, the players are talking about it, people are getting injured and they are glossing over that."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AND WHAT'S MORE

  Wright pointed out that the Football Association (FA) itself has added to the confusion, especially by delaying the arrival of Thomas Tuchel to 2025.

  "I was very surprised if I am totally honest as you are talking about somebody who has been in the trenches with those guys," Wright said.

  "Every single England call-up is important, every single one is an opportunity and it just felt like we are talking about the captain of a bunch of players who have said that Gareth [Southgate] has brought them together and everything is so strong – to go from all that unity in the squad to then a few withdrawals and then you’re hearing the lack of commitment.

  "Again, I have to go back to the FA. The FA have chosen not to have their [new] manager here. They’ve kind of set a precedent for it, but for Harry to say that about the players he’s been in the trenches with, two finals, semi-finals of the World Cup. Knowing the calibre of the players, to then say he is disappointed to see them not coming, especially with the fixtures and how the game is going crazy, it was a bit of a shock to me."

The Poland striker became just the third player to score 100 goals in the competition as Hansi Flick's side ran out easy winners in the end

Barcelona came into Tuesday's game against Brest with some fresh wounds from the weekend, having thrown away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Celta Vigo in La Liga. Now up against the Champions League's surprise package they needed to get back to winning ways, and they did, securing a 3-0 victory over their French visitors.

Barca turned in a controlled, professional performance, dominating possession while allowing Robert Lewandowski to bring up his Champions League century, while also seeing the best of what summer signing Dani Olmo has to offer.

It was Lewandowski who opened the scoring for Barcelona, finishing from the penalty spot after being fouled by Marco Bizot in the area. Barca dominated territory throughout the half, but Bizot stood up well to their chances, making one particularly good save from a Fermin Lopez header before the interval.

After the restart, Olmo had an effort cleared off the line, and Bizot continued to impress in goal. In the end, it took some magic from Olmo to finally find a way through and add Barca's second, as he dribbled around his marker after a fine cut-back from Gerard Martin and finished calmly. To finish as he did, in one fluid movement, was exceptional from the former RB Leipzig man.

Barca should have had a third with six minutes to go, as a loose ball out from defence found Pablo Torre on the edge of Brest's box, but his resulting shot was wild and did not trouble the goalkeeper. Instead, it was Lewandowski who added the finishing touch with a fine strike into the bottom corner in injury-time.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Inaki Pena (6/10):

  Barely had anything to do. Did have to pick the ball out of the net, but Brest were offside.

  Jules Kounde (7/10):

  Got forward constantly, linking well with Olmo. Made more than one chance and clearly enjoys the freedom afforded to him by Flick.

  Pau Cubarsi (8/10):

  He's just so rarely in trouble. He never gives the ball away, dominates in the air and it's almost impossible to dribble around him. Another outstanding performance, and one that belies his age.

  Inigo Martinez (7/10):

  Where Cubarsi is the air support, Martinez is the boots on the ground infantry, and he swept up with minimal fuss.

  Gerard Martin (7/10):

  A really strong full-back performance. Was rarely worried and took care of the ball with great effect. Fine assist for Olmo's glorious goal.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Marc Casado (6/10):

  Never out of position and so rarely gives the ball away. Did get dribbled past more than once, but his on-ball ability hid most of his flaws.

  Fermin Lopez (6/10):

  So industrious. Always showing for the ball and trying to unpick the defence. Forced an excellent save from Bizot with a powerful header. Unlucky not to score before his substitution.

  Pedri (7/10):

  Lovely chipped ball into Lewandowski led to Barca's penalty. An orchestrator in midfield and not against mucking in defensively, either.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Raphinha (7/10):

  Fizzing with energy consistently, trying to get at Brest. Couldn't turn it into a goal contribution, but a lively display.

  Robert Lewandowski (9/10):

  Scored his 100th Champions League goal from the penalty spot and rounded off the rout with a calm finish in injury-time. Almost laid on a glorious assist with a no-look back-heel. A swaggering performance from a striker well aware he is still at his peak.

  Dani Olmo (8/10):

  Developing a nice understanding with Lewandowski. Saw a volleyed effort cleared off the line before scoring a gorgeous goal, beating his defender and finishing superbly. A promising, exciting performance.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Gavi (6/10):

  On for Olmo. Building his fitness, but some lovely touches.

  Alejandro Balde (6/10):

  On for Martin. Slotted in and saw the game out at left-back, providing a nice assist for Lewandowski's second.

  Pablo Torre (5/10):

  On for Fermin. Slashed at a huge chance, sending it wide after being gifted the opportunity to score Barca's third.

  Frenkie de Jong (N/A)

  On for Pedri with minutes to go.

  Hansi Flick (8/10):

  Another satisfactory evening for the Barca boss. They remain one of the best teams to watch in Europe, with a spine filled with real quality as well as youth. It could have been more comfortable, but Flick will have been delighted with this display, especially as he continues to build up the fitness of Gavi, and rotate the likes of Olmo and Pedri.

Chelsea kicked off their pre-season campaign in the early hours of the morning, drawing 2-2 with League One side Wrexham at the Levi’s Stadium in California.

Goals from Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu saw the clash end level in new boss Enzo Maresca’s first game in charge of the Blues.

Although it was only a pre-season friendly, there was a flash point in the opening stages, which saw youngster Levi Colwill have an altercation winger James McClean, after the Irish forward made an unnecessary challenge on the defender.

Whilst at a glance, the result may seem disappointing, it was a great opportunity for the Italian boss to analyse his squad and hand valuable first-team minutes to many of the young talents owner Todd Boehly has invested in.

One of the youngsters made a huge impression on the fanbase, potentially staking a claim his claim for a place in Maresca’s squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Angelo’s stats against Wrexham

After joining the Blues for £12.6m back in the summer of 2023, Angelo spent the last 12 months on loan at French outfit Strasbourg, where he made 25 appearances in Ligue 1.

However, he’s been included in Chelsea’s tour of the US, coming on for the second half in the draw with Phil Parkinson’s side.

During his 45-minute performance, the Brazilian forward produced some impressive numbers that could see him be a hit at Stamford Bridge in the upcoming campaign.

The 19-year-old completed 22 passes at a completion rate of 73% – also having 36 touches – showcasing his calmness on the ball despite his tender age.

He also completed 100% of the dribbles that he attempted, demonstrating his ability to run with the ball – potentially handing Maresca another option in the final third during his first season at the helm in West London.

Despite being an attacker, Angelo also produced some excellent defensive stats for the Blues, winning 50% of the duels he entered, winning one tackle – with the Brazilian working tirelessly to make a good impression on the fanbase and Maresca.

Although it’s only pre-season, it was an excellent display from the teenager, which saw him handed a 7/10 match rating by journalist Bobby Vincent, which could allow the Blues to walk away from any potential deal for a player constantly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Why Angelo could allow Chelsea to forget about Williams

In recent weeks, Chelsea have been constantly linked with a move to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish winger Nico Williams this summer.

Their interest in the youngster is hardly a surprise given his impressive form at Euro 2024, which saw him register two goals and one assist at the tournament – including the opening goal in the showpiece victory over England.

Williams currently has a £48m release clause in his current contract, but Barcelona are also interested in the forward – potentially seeing him link up with Lamine Yamal after the duo set the European Championships alight this summer.

However, Angelo has huge potential to be a success in the Premier League, albeit while needing consistent game time to reach his full ability levels.

Williams’ potential arrival in London would only hamper his progress at the club, with Angelo showcasing in pre-season that he has what it takes to be a part of Maresca’s plans.

It may still be early days in his career at Chelsea, but if Boehly’s philosophy of investing in youth is to be a success, the club must start to slowly integrate their new additions into the first-team, with the Brazilian possessing all of the qualities to be a hit under the Italian.

Forget Williams: Chelsea lining up "potent" signing who’s like Rodrygo

Chelsea still hunting for wide fire power

By
Connor Holden

Jul 23, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur have now reportedly accepted an offer to sell an experienced player who didn't want to put pen to paper on a new contract in North London this summer.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have under a month until the Premier League campaign gets underway and they've arguably still got plenty of work to do. After failing to qualify for the Champions League last season, those in North London could certainly do with further additions on top of the young Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. And rumours certainly suggest that they're well aware of that.

Recent reports have linked Spurs to the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Federico Chiesa in the last week in two deals that would undoubtedly hand Ange Postecoglou's side a major boost. A potential deal to sign Ramsey is particularly heating up, with rumours that Spurs are set to submit a bid worth £19m in an attempt to secure the Aston Villa midfielder's signature.

Tottenham in constant talks with 149-goal striker who'll cost Levy £20m

He’s been in fine form for years.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 19, 2024

As the Lilywhites weigh up moves for reinforcements, however, negotiations to free up some room on their wage bill are reportedly already well underway. According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have accepted Marseille's €13.5/14m (£11/12m) offer to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer after the Dane decided that he did not want to extend his current contract in North London.

The midfielder struggled for starts in Ange Postecoglou's debut campaign and the emergence of Gray and reported interest in Ramsey may of increased his game time problem, making this summer an ideal time to move on.

"Excellent" Hojbjerg needs Tottenham exit

After making just eight Premier League starts last season, there are not many in the current Spurs squad who need a move away more than Hojbjerg. At 28 years old too, now is a better chance than ever to seal another big move in the form of Marseille. It's in Ligue 1 that the Dane can consistently show the form that earned him the praise of Postecoglou when he was on punditry duty for ITV at Euro 2024.

The Spurs boss praised his midfielder following Denmark's closely-fought 2-0 defeat against Germany at the last 16 stage, saying via HITC: “Denmark definitely would have got encouragement as much as what they did when they had the ball.

“They were always going to have to defend in periods. At the start, they were finding it really difficult to get out their half. Then they were making a lot more progress in the front third. Pierre Hojbjerg has been excellent in breaking up play and initiating it. “

That praise seemingly wasn't enough to keep hold of Hojbjerg, however, who looks destined to complete a move to Marseille before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of next month.