ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2021Fifties from Punam Raut and Sabbhineni Meghana helped Railways lift the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy, their 12th title in the 14 editions of the tournament. Right-arm pacer Meghna Singh and offspinner Sneh Rana routed Jharkhand for 167 to set Railways up for a win in the final in Rajkot, clinching their 12th title in the last 14 editions.Jharkhand were off to a decent start before Ekta Bisht applied the brakes with Niral Rashmi’s wicket. Singh then struck in consecutive deliveries in the seventh over to remove Ritu Kumari and Radhey Sonia to leave them reeling at 30 for 3. It was Indrani Roy and Durga Murmu’s fourth-wicket partnership of 60 runs that then resurrected Jharkhand’s innings.Rana pinned Murmu in front to break the partnership and then returned to have Roy stumped for 49. Jharkhand’s innings never saw a lift following that, except for captain Mani Niharika’s 39 off 59 balls, as Rana, Bisht and Poonam Yadav combined to rattle the lower order, bowling them out for 167 from 130 for 5. Rana finished with three wickets, while Singh and Bisht picked two apiece.
That Winning Feeling
Congratulations to the @M_Raj03-led Railways for winning the @Paytm #OneDay Trophy. #Final #JHAvRLW pic.twitter.com/XFZVJAPO6v
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) April 4, 2021
Railways lost opener Nuzhat Parween for a duck but a strong second-wicket partnership between Meghana and Raut kept them on course in the chase. Raut, who is coming off an excellent form for India in the recent ODIs against South Africa, followed up her 69 not out in the semi-final against Bengal with a carefully-crafted 59. Meghana, on the other hand, was the aggressor in the partnership, making a 67-ball 53, which included six fours.Ravinder Devyani removed both the set batters, but the rest of the line up had only 43 runs to chase in with 116 balls remaining after Meghana’s dismissal in the 31st over. Rana made easy work of the target with her 22-ball 34 and Mona Meshram chipped in with a 34-ball 19 as the duo remained unbeaten to help Railways cruise to a seven-wicket win.
Aston Villa will embark on an exciting adventure when they return to the Champions League next season. It will be their first time playing amongst Europe’s elite since the competition rebranded from the European Cup in 1992. In fact, they haven’t played in the Champions League since 1982/83, having won the whole thing the season before, in 1981/82.
Villa’s pathway to qualification for the Champions League last season saw them finish fourth in the Premier League, two points clear of Tottenham Hotspur who occupied fifth and therefore the Europa League spot. In total, the Villans ended the campaign with 68 points.
Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa
However, according to Understat’s expected points tally, they hugely exceeded their expectations. In reality, instead of their 68 points, Unai Emery’s side should have got 55.43xPTS, which would have placed them seventh in the top flight instead. However, their overachievement shows just how impressive the Midlands side performed last season.
Indeed, with their Champions League adventure awaiting them next term, the Villans will need to add players to their squad who can enhance their chances of a good performance in the competition. In fact, they have recently been linked with one player who could bring plenty of European experience to their squad.
Aston Villa target Premier League striker
The player in question here is Chelsea and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku. Since returning to Stamford Bridge for £97.5m in 2021, the all-time record goalscorer for Belgium has become something of an outcast in Blue, and could now permanently leave this summer after several loan spells.
According to a report from Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, the Villans are ‘pressing hard on the Belgian striker’, and could launch a bid and leave other suitors in the dust as they look to beat competition to his signature.
Indeed, the other side showing the strongest interest in Lukaku this summer is Italian giants Napoli. However, for Gli Azzurri to do a deal this summer, Victor Osimhen must depart the club. The Nigerian striker was linked with Chelsea, but a deal to Stamford Bridge may now be off after they are set to sign Samu Omorodion from Atleti.
Should Villa nip in front of Napoli in the queue to sign Lukaku this summer, they will have to fork out a fee of £30m, assuming Chelsea ask for the same price the 2022/23 Scudetto winners were charged for the Belgian.
Why Lukaku would be a good signing
It has certainly been an interesting few years for Lukaku, who put up some impressive numbers for his second club in Italy, AS Roma. The 31-year-old Belgian scored 21 goals and grabbed four assists in 47 games in all competitions last term. He grabbed 13 goals and three assists in 32 top-flight games in Italy, as well as seven goals and an assist in 13 Europa League games.
One thing that Lukaku can bring to Villa next season if he joins the club that could be crucial is experience and goals in the Champions League. He is vastly experienced in the biggest club competition in Europe and boasts an impressive record.
Lukaku's Champions League record by season
Season
Club
Games
Minutes
Goals
Assists
2017/18
Man United
8
704
5
N/A
2018/19
Man United
9
546
2
1
2019/20
Inter
5
405
2
2
2020/21
Inter
5
446
4
N/A
2021/22
Chelsea
6
320
2
1
2022/23
Inter
8
177
3
1
Stats from Transfermarkt
The 31-year-old’s excellent goalscoring record amongst Europe’s elite is better than some legends of the game. Italian icon Francesco Totti has only scored 17 goals in the Champions League, and legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo boasts just 14 goals in 40 games.
Having played in a Champions League final, albeit ending up on the losing side, the former Inter striker could bring plenty of experience to a Villa side taking an unknown step into arguably club football's biggest competition.
Not only will he bring goals and experience in the Champions League, but the signing of the Chelsea man would mean he is the first Belgian striker to play for the club since Christian Benteke between 2012 and 2015.
The Belgian, who, like Lukaku, is something of a journeyman himself, was superb for the Villans during his time at the club. He played 101 games, getting himself on the scoresheet 49 times as well as grabbing 12 assists, before getting a big £32.5m move to Liverpool.
Benteke was a talisman for Villa, and the signing of Lukaku would certainly have shades of that prior deal, given he has an exceptional goalscoring record and could become a cult hero at Villa Park if he manages to find his best form.
One of the only stumbling blocks for a deal to sign Lukaku for Villa this summer could be his wages. The 31-year-old is currently earning an eye-watering £325k per week at Stamford Bridge according to Capology, which would see him be the highest earner at Villa Park by some distance.
The highest-paid players in Claret and Blue currently are Boubacar Kamara and his Belgium teammate Youri Tielemans, who both earn £150k per week. The Chelsea striker currently earns £175k per week more than those, and even if he accepted a wage reduction, it could be hard to negotiate a weekly wage in line with Villa’s current wage structure.
Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley once described Lukaku as an “absolute phenomenon”, and if he can rediscover his best form, such as what he showed at Everton or during his first spell at Inter, Villa could have one of the best strikers in the Premier League on their hands.
Inter Milan's former loan striker Romelu Lukaku.
There is no doubting Lukaku’s quality, and if he gets on a goalscoring run, Emery’s side could find themselves progressing through the Champions League thanks to one of the most exciting strikers of his generation.
He's ideal for Onana: Aston Villa submit offer for £17m midfielder
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Newcastle United somehow secured all three points in their first Premier League match of the season, despite playing against Southampton with ten men for nearly an hour.
Fabian Schar was sent off after just 26 minutes following a controversial decision, but Eddie Howe’s men took the lead through Joelinton just before the break as the Brazilian sent a neat finish into the Saints' net.
The Magpies were under the cosh throughout the second half, but they held on to start the 2024/25 campaign with a win, which will bolster confidence around St James' Park.
Despite the victory, several players failed to perform well, which could see Howe making a few changes ahead of their next match.
One player who was disappointing against the Saints was Lewis Hall, as he struggled to cope before being subbed with 20 minutes to go.
Lewis Hall’s game in numbers v Southampton
The defender started the game on the left of a back four, but he failed to impress against the south coast side, struggling to cope with Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz during his time on the pitch.
Indeed, Hall was dribbled past on three occasions, won zero of his seven contested duels and lost possession a staggering 16 times throughout the game.
Accurate passes
12/20
Touches
42
Total duels (won)
7 (0)
Possession lost
16
Key passes
1
Dribbled past
3 times
Via Sofascore
The defender also took 42 touches along with completing just 12 of his 20 attempted passes – a success rate of 60% – as he could count himself lucky that Newcastle managed to finish the game with all three points.
He did clear an Armstrong shot off the line, but that was about the only positive during his spell on the field, with Newcastle World giving him a match rating of 6/10.
Howe’s men take on Bournemouth next Sunday in the league. Will Hall start that match, or could he be replaced by another left-back in the squad following his poor performance?
Players who could replace Lewis Hall
Dan Burn is currently having to deputise at centre-back due to injuries, and with Schar likely missing a few games due to suspension, he won't be moving to the left side of the defence anytime soon.
This leaves Matt Targett as the obvious option to come in for Hall next week. Last season, the Englishman made only seven appearances for the club due to a hamstring injury, so he may be eased back in gently.
Kieran Trippier may be a wildcard option for that spot, especially considering he played there during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final in the summer. However, this would perhaps be more of a last resort for Howe.
It might not have been the performance that the supporters or Howe would have expected, but starting the new season off with a win – especially with having to play the majority of the game with ten men – will stand them in good stead as they head into the clash against the Cherries next week.
The next Ben Arfa: Newcastle could land "world-class" £13m sensation
Ricardo Pepi's spree continued Saturday as the USMNT star scored a hat-trick for PSV in a clash with former club Groningen
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Pepi scores hat-trick for PSV
Follows up on strong USMNT camp
Four consecutive games with a goal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Named to PSV's starting XI in place of regular starter Luuk de Jong, Ricardo Pepi continued to make the most of his opportunities with three more goals on Saturday.
With his side already up 1-0, Pepi made it two by breaking through on the left-hand side, holding off his defender and picking out a corner to push PSV's lead to two. In the second half, with PSV up 3-0, Pepi went on to make it four before then adding PSV's fifth in the 78th minute.
The hat-trick brings Pepi's remarkable goal total up to nine this season, putting him atop the leaderboard in the Eredivisie Golden Boot race.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Watch the full highlights of the match, including Pepi's hat-trick, on YouTube.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
With the goals, Pepi has now scored in each of his last four games, having recorded his two for the USMNT after netting for PSV against NAC Breda just before the international break. He now has nine goals in the Eredivisie, despite playing less than 600 minutes for the club so far this season.
Pepi's goalscoring run has him right back in the race to be the USMNT's starting No. 9 as he looks to surpass this past summer's starter Folarin Balogun.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Pepi's incredible goals-per-minute ratio has carried over from last season, in which he scored seven goals in just 459 Eredivisie minutes. Prior to that, Pepi had thrived with Saturday's opponents, FC Groningen, breaking out with 12 goals in 29 appearances for the club while on loan in 2022-23.
With Saturday's hat-trick, Pepi also becomes the first PSV player to have two or more goal involvements in four consecutive starts since September 2002.
Pep Guardiola's claim that the title race is over if Manchester City lose to Liverpool has been dismissed as a "strategic game".
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City facing huge Liverpool clash Eight points separate teamsPep says the title is over with defeatFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Guardiola is aware of the almighty task that faces his side if they lose to Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would open up an 11-point gap between the two clubs, a seismic deficit to recover even this early on in the campaign.
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When asked after the defeat to Tottenham last weekend whether the title race is over if City leave Anfield empty-handed, Guardiola replied: "Yep. In terms of Liverpool winning, winning, yep."
That comment should be taken with a pinch of salt, according to former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel, who believes the 53-year-old is simply trying to shift the pressure away from his side.
WHAT BABEL SAID
"Pep’s just playing a strategic game. He knows he has to put the pressure on Liverpool, and then you will see City giving twice as much gas to try and beat them. Pep is not a person who gives up that easily," Babel told Instant Casino.
"It will just be a strategic chess move for him, and by making those comments, he knows that he will not get all the questions about the title race anymore if he does lose it, so then he can focus in peace to try and come back and compete.
"He wants to put all the pressure on Liverpool. It’s just a game, it won’t decide who wins the Premier League title, but of course, if Liverpool win then it will definitely deliver City a significant knock."
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Guardiola backtracked on last weekend's comment when he met the media on Friday, saying: "It doesn't matter what happens on Sunday. It will be more difficult if we don't take a result on Sunday but there are many more games to play."
علق أحمد حسام ميدو لاعب منتخب مصر الأسبق، على الظهور الأول لـ عمر مرموش مع مانشستر سيتي في مباراة اليوم أمام تشيلسي بالدوري الإنجليزي.
وشارك عمر مرموش أساسيًا في تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام تشيلسي باللقاء الذي جمع بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي.
وقال ميدو في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “دي إم سي”: “عمر مرموش منذ أول أسبوع عملت معه شعرت أن عقليته مختلفة، لاعب مثقف وينفذ التعليمات من أول مرة، وكان محترفًا رغم سنه الصغير وقتها، 17 سنة، وهذا الأمر يفرق للوصول لأعلى مستوى”.
وأكمل: “يجب أن أمنح الفضل لأصحابه، لأن منظومة وادي دجلة محترمة وعملت بشكل جيد مع اللاعبين، وعندهم صناعة كرة القدم بشكلها الحقيقي منذ 20 عامًا، وأنا كان عندي الشجاعة الكافية أن أعطيه فرصة اللعب أساسي في توقيت صعب، وغيرت مركزه من جناح أيسر لرأس حربة”.
وبسؤاله لماذا قرر جوارديولا الدفع بـ مرموش اليوم؟، أوضح: “جوارديولا وفريق عمله عندهم ثقة في مرموش وإلا لم يدفعوا هذه المبالغ الكبيرة، عمر بأرقامه من أحسن المهاجمين في أوروبا، والآن يوجد محللون للأداء وتحفيظ للاعبين لطريقة اللعب ليدخلوا في الأجواء في أسرع وقت”.
وتابع: “بالإضافة إلى مستوى السيتي وتذبذب النتائج وابتعاد جريليتش عن مستواه، كل هذا شجع المدرب على الدفع بـ مرموش اليوم، وأدى مباراة جيدة”.
لماذا رشحت صلاح ومرموش في وقت سابق لـ توتنهام؟: “بعيدًا عن أنهما مصريان، لكن صلاح في بازل كان يظهر أنه يستطيع النجاح في الدوري الإنجليزي، وتواصلت مع إدارة توتنهام وقلت إن صلاح أفضل من لاميلا وسعره أرخص منه، وسيتألق في الدوري الإنجليزي، وبعد ذلك رشحت مرموش، لكن الحمد لله الثنائي كان طريقهما أفضل من توتنهام”.
وعن نصيحته لـ مرموش: “أن يستمع لنصائح جوارديولا، وأنا لست قلقًا عليه في التأقلم لأنه يُجيد اللغة وعقليته رائعة، والأهم أن يستمع لنصائح محمد صلاح”.
طالع | “لديه ميزة مذهلة”.. جوارديولا يُعلق على الظهور الأول لـ عمر مرموش مع مانشستر سيتي
من اللاعب الجديد الذي ترشحه لـ توتنهام حاليًا؟: “حاليًا لا يوجد لاعبون في الدوري المصري لديهم إيقاع اللعب في الدوري الإنجليزي، صعب جدًا أن يخرج لاعب مباشرة من الدوري المصري لنظيره الإنجليزي وينجح بسهولة، لا بد أن يأخذوا خطوة قبلها”.
من اللاعب الذي ترشحه للاحتراف الخارجي كخطوة قبل الدوري الإنجليزي؟: “هناك إبراهيم عادل، وحسام عبد المجيد يستطيع النجاح في أوروبا، لاعب محترف ويتطور بشكل كبير، ومحمد السيد عنده عرض من نوتينجهام فورست لخوض فترة معايشة، وأرى أن الزمالك لا بد أن يوافق على العرض”.
وبسؤاله هل رمضان صبحي جناح بيراميدز وإمام عاشور لاعب الأهلي ممكن أن يعودا للاحتراف؟: “لا، رمضان صبحي لاعب جيد جدًا، وأنا في رأيي أنه في آخر سنتين لم يتطور بالشكل المتوقع، وإمام عاشور لاعب جيد جدًا، لكن كان واضحًا عندما سافر إلى الدنمارك أنه لم يستطع التأقلم على الأجواء في أوروبا، فسيكون صعب نجاحه هناك”.
واستطرد: “محمد صلاح أسطورة، ونتمنى في يوم من الأيام أن يصل عمر مرموش لما وصل له صلاح”.
واختتم: “منتخب مصر يمتلك فريقًا جيدًا، في الجبهة الهجومية لاعبين أقوياء، ونستطيع أن نقدم مستوى جيدًا في كأس أمم إفريقيا، وإن شاء الله الجهاز الفني يوفق في اختياراته، وأتمنى عدم الضغط عليه، حسام وإبراهيم بطلان وسينقلان هذه العقلية للاعبين”.
Southampton have another pair of pre-season friendlies to get out of the way before Premier League football beckons again for the Saints, with a tricky away test to Newcastle United opening the bumper 38-game schedule for Russell Martin's men.
The business in through the door shows no signs of slowing down as Martin attempts to have the best possible squad at his disposal for the lengthy trip up to Tyneside and beyond, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Matt O'Riley still being linked to join the newly promoted side as two major coups.
There is another name floating about too that could improve Southampton in attack ahead of the daunting step-up to the top flight, with the player in question simply just moving a little across the South Coast to his potential new home.
Southampton making move for their next Alcaraz
According to Dutch outlet 1908.nl, fringe Brighton and Hove Albion forward Facundo Buonanotte is now wanted by Southampton on a loan deal this summer, having previously caught the eye of Eredivisie giants Feyenoord.
Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte.
It will now be a choice between staying put in the Premier League or relocating out to the Netherlands for the Argentine attacker, therefore, with the outlet speculating that his minutes for the Seagulls will be very infrequent if he doesn't opt to test himself away from Fabian Hürzeler's men, owing to the squad depth available to the new Brighton boss.
What Buonanotte can offer Southampton
Capable of playing down the right wing, or through the centre as an attacking midfield option, Buonanotte would undoubtedly strengthen Southampton ahead of their voyage up to the elite division, with the potential there for the 19-year-old to become the club's new Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz is back amongst the ranks at St. Mary's after a loan stint out at Juventus last campaign, and is keen to enter back into Martin's first-team plans. However, the new 5 foot 9 kid on the block could take priority over his fellow compatriot if he signs on the dotted line.
Buonanotte would very much be a beneficial signing for the newly promoted outfit, away from thundering in strikes like this one against Sheffield United last campaign, owing to the fact Martin and Co are somewhat threadbare down the right flank and in attacking midfield.
Only Samuel Amo-Ameyaw in the current Saints squad is an out-and-out right-wing presence, when looking at Southampton's numbers on Transfermarkt, whilst the experienced Adam Lallana is the only designated attacking midfielder.
Yet, Alcaraz has starred in Lallana's spot in the past for the South Coast outfit, with two of his four Premier League strikes for the club coming from this further forward position.
Position played
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
CAM
14
3
0
RW
12
2
1
RM
11
0
0
Looking at Buonanotte's numbers above for Brighton, however, three of his goals for the Seagulls have also come from this attacking midfield position, with his versatility to play down the right also presumably piquing Martin's interest.
Martin could get the best out of his new South American recruit by starting him down this flank, away from his preferred spot, having got so much more out of David Brooks when he joined on loan from AFC Bournemouth last season to add depth, with two goals and six assists mustered up from just 20 games.
Southampton manager Russell Martin.
Ryan Fraser also excelled when given a new lease of life away from his parent club Newcastle last campaign playing down the left, with Buonanotte – who has been described as a "top talent" by Fabrizio Romano – hopeful he can become a key player for the Saints too, away from settling for a background role back at Brighton.
Southampton supporters will be just itching for the top-flight campaign to get going now, hopeful that their side can stay up this coming season with all these new exciting recruits in through the door.
Imagine him & Brereton: Southampton pushing for "unbelievable" signing
Southampton are looking to strengthen even more in attack.
Sachin Tendulkar, who was hospitalised as a precautionary measure after testing positive for COVID-19, was on Thursday discharged and is now recuperating at home in Mumbai, while staying in isolation.Tendulkar, who will turn 48 this month, confirmed the development through a tweet. “I have just come home from the hospital and will remain isolated while continuing to rest and recuperate,” he wrote. “I would like to thank everyone for all the good wishes and prayers. Really appreciate it.”I remain ever grateful to all the medical staff who took such good care of me and have been working tirelessly for over a year in such difficult circumstances. Tendulkar was hospitalised on April 2 as a precautionary measure after testing positive. At the time, all his other family members had tested negative.In March, Tendulkar was part of the Road Safety World Series Challenge in Raipur, a veterans’ tournament that featured retired players from India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and England.A week after Tendulkar led India Legends to the title, he was among four players – Irfan and Yusuf Pathan and S Badrinath – to test positive. Badrinath recently tweeted about testing negative and resuming work as a commentator for IPL 2021.
Fulham have so far been busy over the summer transfer window, making five signings. They are hoping to improve on last season’s 13th-place finish, in which they were just two points behind Crystal Palace in tenth. The Cottagers have certainly spent their money wisely after losing some crucial players, such as Joao Palhinha, over the summer.
Fulham manager Marco Silva
With the transfer window open for around 24 hours, there is still time to see one more incoming at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s side have recently been linked with one attacker who could add quality in forward areas.
Fulham target Ligue 1 winger
The player in question here is exciting Lyon and Ghanaian international winger Ernest Nuamah. According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, the Cottagers have ‘approached’ Lyon over a move for the 20-year-old this summer.
However, they are not the only Premier League side who want to sign Nuamah before tomorrow’s deadline, with Everton also showing an interest in acquiring his services. Romano confirmed that ‘negotiations took place with both clubs’ within the last 24 hours over a potential move.
Why Nuamah would be a good signing
Despite being just 20 years of age, Nuamah is already quite experienced. He is already into his fourth season as a professional footballer and has 12 caps and three goals for the Black Stars at international level.
Last term, the enterprising winger played 39 games in all competitions, getting himself on the score sheet seven times and registering three assists. That included four goals and an assist in four outings for his previous club, Danish side Nordsjaelland, and three goals and two assists in 35 games for Lyon after he made the move to France last summer.
One of the Ghanian’s biggest strengths is his dribbling ability. He loves to get into one-vs-one situations with a defender and look to take them on. This is certainly reflected in his FBref stats. Per 90 minutes, the youngster attempts an average of 5.74 take-ons and completes 2.38 of those, on average, which ranks him in the top 16% and 19% of wingers across Europe.
Stat (per 90)
Number
Progressive carries
5.04
Carries into the final third
3.08
Carries into the penalty box
1.87
Take-ons attempted
5.74
Take-ons completed
2.38
The 20-year-old, who stands at around 5’8, has quick feet and natural pace and likes to cut inside on his left foot to find a shot or pass. However, he is not a one-trick pony, and has been known to beat a defender on the outside and get to the byline, finding a cross for a teammate. Per 90 minutes, the youngster plays 3.55 crosses on average.
This is certainly where Nuamah could become a dream winger for Fulham’s first-choice centre-forward, Muniz. The 23-year-old Brazilian is excellent in the air, averaging 4.28 aerial duels won per game as per FBref.
This is something that would certainly blend well with the number of crosses the Lyon winger gets into the box each game, and it could become a big method of finding the back of the net for the Cottagers. Last term, he scored two headers, so adding the crossing of Nuamah into the mix could make it an even more profitable way of scoring.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Lyon attacker as “outrageous”, and adding such a deadly and dynamic footballer to their squad could well elevate the Cottagers this season.
Should they get a deal for the Ghanaian over the line, it could be a catalyst for climbing the table this season.
Smith Rowe repeat: Fulham plot late raid for "dangerous" £20m sensation
Após mais de um ano sem ser convocado para a Seleção Brasileira, o meia Philippe Coutinho, do Barcelona, voltou a ser chamado para o técnico Tite, para os duelos contra Colômbia e Argentina, pelas Eliminatórias para Copa do Mundo, no Catar, em 2022. E ele foi o primeiro atleta a se apresentar, ainda na noite do último domingo (7).
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Empolgado, o atleta promete trabalhar duro para aproveitar esse período de oito dias com o grupo do Brasil.
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-Trabalho é o principal, tecla que sempre bato, eu batalhei bastante para vir aqui e ser convocado pela primeira vez, trabalhei bastante par a em manter aqui e batalhei muito para, depois de três cirurgias, poder voltar. Segredo de tudo é o trabalho, dedicação, é isso que eu proponho a mim, que a cada dia que passe, tanto na seleção quanto no clube. Não tive sequência de cinco, seis jogos seguidos, jogando, para estar no meu melhor nível, mas pelo meu trabalho, tenho certeza que as pessoas vão voltar a olhar com outros olhos – disse Phillipe em entrevista coletiva virtual realizada nesta segunda-feira (8).
O meia também não escondeu a felicidade com a sua nova fase podendo vestir a camisa verde e amarela.
-Sempre encaro como a primeira convocação, venho aqui e dar meu máximo para me manter aqui, fui o primeiro a chegar, cheguei ontem a noite com uma felicidade enorme, falava brincando com o Vini (Rodrigues, assessor de imprensa da Seleção), porque geralmente não gosto de dar coletiva, mas falei para ele me colocar que eu iria, então tô muito feliz mesmo – ressaltou o atleta.
Coutinho está de volta aos gramados desde setembro, após passar nove meses afastado por conta de duas cirurgias no menisco do joelho esquerdo. O procedimento foi realizado pelo Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, médico da Seleção Brasileira.
-Depois de tudo o que eu passei, de tudo o que aconteceu no ano que passou, momento muito difícil, onde gerou muitas incertezas na minha cabeça e, enfim, com muito trabalho muita dedicação, pude voltar a jogar futebol, claro que aproveito para agradecer ao Doutor Rodrigo Lasmar que me operou, cirurgia foi um sucesso, acompanhou todo o passo a passo da cirurgia e hoje, graças a Deus, tô de volta, e essa frase é uma parada que eu sinto, porque depois de tudo o que eu passei me sinto merecer de tudo isso, de tá aqui de volta, de tá mais forte mentalmente e depois de tudo o que eu passei – ressaltou o meia da Seleção.
Coutinho vestiu a camisa da Seleção Brasileira em 63 ocasiões e tem 18 gols marcados com a Amarelinha.