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After Chelsea’s horrendous defensive record last season, conceding 63 goals in 38 Premier League games (their worst defensive record in the past ten years), Enzo Maresca has been given the task of reducing that number this time around and asserting more control for the Blues.

Whilst it hasn’t been a huge turnaround, Chelsea have conceded 34 goals in 25 games this season, making their goals conceded per 90 metric 1.36. This would mean if the Blues continue on this trajectory, they will finish the season having conceded 52 goals (51.68 rounded up).

Averaging 58.6% possession so far this season, which is the second-highest in this metric and only averaging 11.3 shots conceded per game this season, the sixth fewest in the division, Chelsea have made strides to improve their overall defensive unit, but there are still a few major holes that continue to let them down.

Robert Sanchez's Chelsea form

Chelsea made the signing of Robert Sanchez in the 2023/24 summer transfer window, joining for a fee of around £25m. The 27-year-old has made 43 appearances for the Blues since joining, conceding 59 goals and keeping nine clean sheets, totalling 3,864 minutes played.

Sanchez has been a major culprit at Chelsea in their recent poor run of form, making some huge errors – including in the defeat to Manchester City – leading to Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville to state:

To further rubberstamp that point, the former Brighton man currently leads the way in the division – alongside Ipswich’s Arijanet Muric – with regard to most errors leading to a goal (five) in the top flight in 2024/25.

In recent weeks, Sanchez has been dropped to the Chelsea bench, with summer signing Filip Jorgensen being given the number one spot instead, but the Blues must reflect back to when they had one of the very best in the world in this position once upon a time.

Chelsea once had the "Messi of goalkeepers"

Chelsea sold Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid in 2018, with the Belgian leaving for a fee of around £35m. In his time at Chelsea, the shot-stopper made 154 appearances, conceding 152 goals, keeping 58 clean sheets and totalling 13,834 minutes played.

When comparing Courtois to the current Chelsea goalkeepers, your first thought may be that Jorgensen and Sanchez actually have higher save percentages and face more shots against them, which gives them better shot-stopping metrics.

However, when looking at “Post-Shot xG per Shot on Target”, you can see Courtois actually faces higher xG shots during a game, while also boasting a better clean sheet percentage.

Ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper, Santi Canizares, labelled Courtois “the Maradona, Messi, Cristiano of goalkeepers”. Canizares also stated he is “better than the rest and he performs every day”, which is shown in his Real Madrid numbers, making 268 appearances for the Spanish giants, conceding 254 goals, keeping 107 clean sheets and totalling 24,229 minutes played.

With many Chelsea fans continuing to bang the drum that they need a world-class goalkeeper between the sticks to challenge for major honours, had Courtois never left, the Blues would have been in a much stronger position.

Better than James & Gusto: Chelsea sold "exceptional" star for just £8m

Chelsea must rue sale of “exceptional” ace who’s been better than James & Gusto

By
Connor Holden

Feb 20, 2025

علق محمد شوقي المدرب المساعد السابق للنادي الأهلي، على تشكيل الفريق أمام باتشوكا المكسيكي، في المباراة الودية التي تقام بين الفريقين، اليوم الأحد.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع باتشوكا، وديًا في إطار استعدادات الفريقين لانطلاق مشوارهما في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

وقال شوقي خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “ريبيرو تولى المسؤولية في مدة قصيرة، كان يجمع معلومات، لكن تجميع المعلومات شيء والعمل في الملعب شيء مختلف، هو يريد أن يشاهد اللاعبين الجدد، لأن المباراة الأولى له مهمة جدًا”.

طالع | تشكيل الأهلي أمام باتشوكا وديًا.. تواجد الصفقة الجديدة

وأضاف: “تشكيل الأهلي واقعي، بن رمضان مهم جدًا إن المدرب يراه، لأن هذا المركز بالنسبة لأسلوب ريبيرو مهم جدًا، وسام أبو علي ليس متواجدًا بسبب مشاركته مع منتخب فلسطين، وهو من أحسن اللاعبين في الدوري المصري، أظن إن الشوط الثاني سيدفع بتشكيل جديد، قد يلعب زيزو”.

وتابع: “كل لاعب لديه دور هجومي ودفاعي حسب تعليمات المدرب، لذلك لن يكون هناك عائق لمشاركة إمام عاشور مع بن رمضان، وطبيعي تصريح ريبيرو عندما كان يتحدث عن سوء تمركز بعض اللاعبين في بعض الأحيان”.

وأتم: “أعتقد أن ريبيرو سيعطي  بن رمضان نزعة هجومية، لكن بشكل عام هو كمدرب يُحب الزيادة الهجومية، ويُحب تسجيل الأهداف الكثيرة، لكن هناك شيء سلبي آخر، أنه يدخل مرماه أهداف، وهذا لا نريده”.

Former Surrey and Somerset chief executive will join from Bristol City FC in January 2023

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2022

Richard Gould, a prominent critic of the Hundred during his tenure at Surrey, has been appointed chief executive at the ECB, beating Durham’s Tim Bostock to the role. Gould has spent the last 18 months as CEO at Bristol City Football Club but was previously involved in county cricket for 16 years, spending six years as Somerset’s chief executive before another decade in the same role at Surrey.Gould’s ECB-appointment comments focused on discrimination and inclusivity, with the ECB’s own statement noting his influential role in launching Ebony Rainford-Brent’s ACE Programme while at Surrey.”I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead our game forward in England and Wales as part of a talented and committed team that encompasses the ECB, every cricket club in the land, all the counties, our partners, sponsors, fans and the army of players and volunteers that support the game in every corner of our country,” he said.Related

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“Cricket is a national asset that can be played by all, and helps strengthen and enhance communities across the nation. It can inspire the country and provides opportunities for all. But we have also seen the pain suffered by those who have experienced discrimination. We are determined to repair this damage, and show that cricket can become the most inclusive and welcoming sport of all.”I look forward to taking up the role in the new year, but for now will be an armchair fan supporting our men’s team in the T20 World Cup in Australia, whilst the women prepare for their T20 World Cup challenge in February.”The ECB said in a statement that their nominations committee had “unanimously recommended” Gould to their board, which had then ratified the appointment on Friday after a lengthy recruitment process.Gould will take up his post at the end of January, with Clare Connor – who has been interim chief executive since Tom Harrison’s departure earlier this year – continuing in that role over the next three months.Gould is the second recent Surrey employee to move into a senior ECB role, after Richard Thompson was appointed as chair in August. The pair worked closely together during their time at The Oval, where they were outspoken critics of the Hundred.However, Thompson conceded shortly after starting as chair in September that his stance has softened, saying: “If the Hundred can generate significant value to the game then that’s got to be a good thing.”The competition also forms part of the ECB’s TV deal with Sky Sports, which runs until 2028, so there is no realistic prospect of it being scrapped imminently.Gould’s own position had become more conciliatory by the time he left Surrey. Shortly before leaving the club in 2021, he told Sky: “We hope the Hundred is a great success, we hope that every match here plays to a sell-out attendance and we’ll be doing our absolute utmost to make sure that is delivered.”Thompson added: “When I joined the ECB, I said that this was a reset moment for our organisation and our sport. Recruiting a CEO who can lead the organisation forwards and deliver on the vision of becoming the UK’s most inclusive sport was one of the first important steps in that. With his outstanding leadership skills and experience of managing transformation, the Nominations Committee felt that Richard Gould was the outstanding candidate.”I am looking forward to working with Richard to not only bring our game together, but to show how cricket can do so much more in bringing communities together. We will work in a spirit of collaboration and partnership with the whole cricket network to do this.”I’d also like to express my sincere thanks to Clare Connor who has done an outstanding job as Interim CEO at an incredibly challenging time for the organisation. I look forward to her continuing to play a leading role in growing our game as part of the ECB’s leadership team when Richard joins.”

Chelsea have been struggling for output at the top end of the pitch in recent weeks, despite scoring 45 goals in 23 games in the Premier League this season. Much of this output has come from the duo of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, and a cold patch for either one of them has proven an issue for the Blues.

Enzo Maresca’s wingers have had moments this season. For example, Noni Madueke scored a hat-trick against Wolves early in the campaign, and it is clear the Italian values their overall contribution, not just their goals and assists. However, when goals dry up elsewhere, the lack of output in wide areas begins to stand out more, which has seen a poor run of form occur for Chelsea.

Madueke has shown the most intent to provide numbers from wide areas, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the league, whilst Pedro Neto has only managed one goal and two assists in the league, and Sancho just two goals and four assists.

It is especially apparent that the likes of Neto and Sancho prefer to create for others, which shows in their assist numbers compared to their goal tallies.

However, a left-sided winger who provides more goal threat could be a great route to add goals to this side alongside Jackson and Palmer going forward, and the Blues may have the opportunity to strike this window.

Chelsea's market opportunity this January

According to reports from L’Equipe, Barcola was “surprised, to say the least”, to see PSG bring Napoli winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to the club, considering they already have himself and Desire Doue capable of playing on the left.

This could be seen as a huge opportunity for other clubs, with Barcola having a very good season so far playing off the left, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in 29 appearances so far.

Having been in such good form, Barcola is unlikely to accept becoming a back-up to PSG’s new £59m plus add-ons signing, which could leave top clubs around Europe on high alert to the situation, including Chelsea, who were previously linked to the Frenchman in prior transfer windows.

Why Chelsea must pursue Bradley Barolca

The other winger Chelsea have been linked with heavily this month, is Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United. The 20-year-old has made 33 appearances already this season in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.

Whilst both options would provide a similar direct profile needed in wide areas, Barcola could prove to be better value for money, as both would likely cost upwards of £60m.

While the Frenchman is currently performing to a high standard, in recent months, Garnacho’s form has suffered, and he isn’t quite performing to that level currently, which, of course, presents risk.

When comparing Barcola to Garnacho this season, you can see the Frenchman is clearly in better form, producing output at a higher frequency, and providing more creative and progressive actions for his team. That said, the United winger does slightly edge the progressive carries metric.

Barcola has been praised by data analyst Raj Chohan, labelling him a “high energy attacker” who repeatedly makes runs off the ball and stretches opposition teams with his dribbling and speed. This is seen in the data, receiving 15.5 progressive passes per 90, constantly making runs as an outlet, looking to beat his man when given the chance and provide output for his team.

Both players could have big impacts on the Chelsea attacking line, bringing more willingness to run in behind and therefore also giving the likes of Palmer more space to operate, but for the cost involved, Barcola – who has been described as “one of the best left wingers in Europe” by analyst Ben Mattinson, is likely the option with less risk attached.

Huge Jackson upgrade: Chelsea eye move for "monster" £67m Delap alternative

Chelsea still appear to be hunting for a new number nine this month, with one name high on their list.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 23, 2025

Hansi Flick's below par Blaugrana side needed an own goal to see off struggling Leganes and maintain their title charge.

Barcelona beat Leganes 1-0 away from home on Saturday, thanks to an own goal forced by Brazilian talisman Raphinha. With their lead at the top of La Liga sitting at four points before kick-off, Hansi Flick's side started brightly as Robert Lewandowski sent a warning shot towards the Leganes goal early on, though the forward fired clear of the crossbar.

The hosts threatened despite their limited possession. Wojciech Szczesny had to be alert to deny Adria Altimira, who had been set up by a wonderful run and cut-back from Dani Raba only to strike straight at the Polish veteran.

Leganes couldn't stop the visitors creating chances, however, and Barca so nearly went ahead when Jules Kounde's effort was deflected towards the near post, but Marko Dmitrovic batted it behind for a corner. Lamine Yamal had been kept relatively quiet but soon sprung into action, striking the side-netting after drifting in from the right wing. His fleet-footed approach was matched by the exciting Raba, who led Leganes well going forward, while the hosts also looked dangerous when they tested Barca with a direct approach through the middle.

Yan Diomande had a penalty appeal waved away before the break while Raphinha had to produce a last-ditch challenge to keep the game goalless. Barca were left knowing a more lethal second half would be required to beat a side in danger of relegation, and in the opening minutes of the second half, Flick's team finally found the breakthrough.

Barca nicked the ball and Raphinha was afforded too much space to pick out a cross. Lewandowski was waiting to tuck it home, but Jorge Saenz slid in and ended up poking the ball beyond his own goalkeeper. Any slip-up would have offered inspiration to second-placed Real Madrid, but the goal seemed to ease Barca's tension in possession and punctured Leganes' building confidence.

It should have been 2-0 when Fermin Lopez escaped a few challenges and was bearing down on goal, but the Spaniard contrived to pull his shot wide. There were still some hairy moments at the other end of the pitch, with Inigo Martinez surviving a penalty appeal for handball.

Raba then had the ball in the back of the net for Leganes with a bullet header, but he had wandered clearly offside and the goal was disallowed. Barca were able to keep Leganes at a distance to see out the win, taking their lead at the top of the La Liga table to seven points before Real face Alaves on Sunday.

GOAL rates Barca's players from Estadio Municipal de Butarque…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):

Made himself big to prevent Leganes taking the lead early on.

Jules Kounde (8/10):

Had some dangerous moments going forward and was diligent at the back.

Ronald Araujo (7/10):

Won most of his duels before surprisingly coming off at half-time.

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

Not always comfortable in the first half but settled into the game as it wore on.

Alejandro Balde (5/10):

Offered good width on the left but had to be brought off shortly before half-time with an injury.

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Eric Garcia (7/10):

Snapped into tackles in midfield before dropping into defence, performing well in both positions.

Pedri (7/10):

Had some issues against a physical Leganes midfield but had more success in the second half.

Fermin Lopez (5/10):

Got into some dangerous positions but failed to make the most of them.

Getty Images SportAttack

Lamine Yamal (5/10):

Came alive in moments here and there but wasn't close to his electric best.

Robert Lewandowski (4/10):

Would have opened the scoring had Saenz not poked into his own net. Had a few half-chances but couldn't make the most of them and struggled to get into the game.

Raphinha (8/10):

Bright during the first 45 minutes and his teasing cross helped Barca finally open the scoring. Also produced a vital tackle to stop the hosts going ahead.

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Gerard Martin (6/10):

Made a strong challenge which allowed Raphinha to create the opener.

Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

Helped Barca retain possession and keep Leganes at arm's length.

Gavi (6/10):

Added some industry as Barca looked to see the game out.

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Like Lewandowski, couldn't get too much going in the final third.

Pau Cubarsi (N/A)

Hansi Flick (6/10):

His side spluttered throughout on Saturday night and they might have left with only a point had a few things gone the hosts' way. However, they saw it out and can look ahead to better days.

The second season will be played from September 17 to October 8 across five cities in India

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2022BCCI president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to return to the cricket field nearly seven years after his last competitive game, when he plays in the second season of Legends League Cricket (LLC). Ganguly said in a post on Instagram that he was playing a “one-off charity fund-raising game” to mark 75 years of Indian independence.LLC has confirmed a total of 53 players so far, including Eoin Morgan, Virender Sehwag, Muthiah Muralidaran, Misbah-ul-Haq, Jonty Rhodes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Ross Taylor and Dale Steyn.The tournament will be played from September 17 to October 8 across five cities in India, which are likely to be Kolkata, Lucknow, Delhi, Jodhpur and one of Cuttack and Rajkot. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Pakistan players will be available once they get the required government approvals.

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