Leeds United will be worrying that a promotion collapse is now well underway, after going the last three Championship games without a win with the performance and result against Blackburn Rovers last time out a real concern.

The Whites would end up losing 1-0 to John Eustace's Riversiders courtesy of a late Sammie Szmodics strike, the second tier's top scorer showing the wasteful Leeds attackers where the back of the net is in the narrow defeat.

Daniel Farke will be riddled with even more doubt now over who he should start in the attacking positions going forward as the games become more tense to make the goals flow again, with Crysencio Summerville's set-in-stone position in the first-team up for grabs even after his dismal showing against Blackburn.

Crysencio Summerville's performance in numbers

Summerville has failed to score in his stuttering side's last three second-tier contests now, drawing yet another blank frustratingly against Eustace's visitors.

Failing to hit a single on-target effort at Aynsley Pears' goal in the 1-0 defeat, the usually electric Dutch winger also found all ten of his crosses go astray on a poor day at the office for the 22-year-old.

Unable to complete one successful dribble in the narrow loss as well, on top of squandering possession a staggering 28 times, the 5 foot 9 attacker could find his spot filled by somebody else versus Middlesbrough up next after such an off-performance.

This would be a very bold selection call by Farke, with Summerville having started every league game since being left out against Ipswich Town last August, but the German boss showed he can make rash switches by starting Wilfried Gnonto ahead of Daniel James in the 1-0 loss.

Gnonto will feel he's done enough to secure another starting spot for the upcoming trip to Boro, but Joel Piroe will be anxious that he will return to the substitutes bench again after putting in an anonymous display against Blackburn.

Joel Piroe's performance vs Blackburn in numbers

In another tweak from the XI that stumbled to a 0-0 draw against Sunderland, Piroe was preferred as the lone striker ahead of Patrick Bamford for the visit of Eustace's men.

This was a switch that didn't work out whatsoever for Leeds however, with the ex-Swansea City striker unable to really kick into gear against a resilient Blackburn defence and bag a decisive goal.

Piroe would fall victim to the same fate as Summerville by failing to fire a single on-target effort at the Riversiders net from his 90 minutes on the Elland Road turf, alongside seeing 11 of his 34 passes go astray in a below-par display from the struggling Whites number seven.

It wasn't a surprise, therefore, to see LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross hand out a scathing 3/10 rating to Piroe in the direct aftermath of the demoralising defeat – Cross stating that the 24-year-old attacker 'brought nothing' when it came to troubling the Blackburn back four.

Piroe's numbers vs Blackburn

Minutes played

90

Touches

43

Accurate passes

23/34

Shots on target

0

Duels won

3/7

Possession lost

13x

Stats by Sofascore

Scanning the table above, Bamford could well find a way back into his manager's starting lineup again ahead of Piroe after the 6 foot 1 striker's dire performance against Blackburn.

Farke will hope whatever XI he fields for the trip to the Riverside Stadium next can be the lineup that picks up a much-needed win, making the promotion-chasers confident again instead of being uncertain over whether or not they're cut out to be in the Premier League next season.

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Quinton de Kock says that he intends to lead South Africa in his own “street-smart” style when he takes over as ODI captain for next month’s series against England. However, he will also take a leaf out of Faf du Plessis’ captaincy, in particular his ability to balance big egos at the highest level of professional sport.De Kock was named as South Africa’s 50-over captain on Tuesday and appears to have been identified as the long-term successor despite independent selector Linda Zondi saying du Plessis has not officially stepped down. He says he will draw from du Plessis’ diplomacy as he begins his own leadership journey.”What I’ve learnt from Faf is the amount of patience he has created and developed over the years with the players,” de Kock said, in his first media appearance since being named captain. “Being captain and dealing with a lot of high-profile players and guys with a lot of opinions, for him to have the patience to deal with that as a captain, it’s grown him as a person. I’ve seen it from the side, standing next to him as ‘keeper and helping him with one or two things on the field and off the field, I have learnt from him.”But that’s as much copy-catting as de Kock would like to do. The rest of his management style will be more fluid than we have become used to from South African cricket, which tends to be methodical but not always easily adaptable.De Kock, who is known for his intuitive batting style, has promised to bring that to his captaincy.”There will be some sort of planning you have to do, some homework,” he said. “You always have Plan A, Plan B and if those two don’t work, I like to come up with things on the field. You have to make decisions on the go, especially in the heat of everything.”Most of the time, I will keep it pretty street-smart – not just me but also the players. I would enjoy if the players become street-smart out there and don’t always have to go just on a certain plan. That’s when guys end up learning from the game, without them planning things. I think that helps grow people and cricketers in general.”Quinton de Kock celebrates after scoring a half-century•AFP

Asked whether his elevation to the ODI captaincy could be a precursor to him taking over the Test team, de Kock was unwilling to look that far into the future but admitted he would not say no if it was offered to him.ALSO READ: Ngidi, Bavuma return to South Africa ODI squad“I’m not too sure. There’s a lot of guys that are well prepared to be Test captain. Temba is vice-captain and he has come back and scored a lot of runs so his name is always also going to be there,” de Kock said. “It’s not up to me whether they want me to be Test captain or not, it’s entirely up to the coaches and Graeme and all those guys. I don’t think I will push for it, but if they want me to then I will do it to the best of my ability.”Du Plessis has indicated that The Wanderers Test could be his last at home, with South Africa only due to play two more Tests in West Indies in July, before du Plessis reassesses his career after November’s T20 World Cup. Before that, du Plessis has the task of leading South Africa in a must-win match this week, in an attempt to square the series and avoid losing three rubbers in a row.”What I am trying to do is back Faf,” de Kock said. “There is a bit of pressure, not just on him, a couple of other guys as well. I’m trying to be there, help the guys out, lighten the mood at times. It’s quite difficult when you are a player under so much pressure. When I have an opportunity to make someone feel better, or give them advice or just say, ‘life’s not so bad’ then I add my two cents or do what I can to help the guys.”Some would argue the best thing de Kock could do to help is score runs, and he is already making big strides in that regard. He is South Africa’s leading run-scorer in the series, and 23 runs behind overall leader Ben Stokes. Those statistics suggest it’s perhaps not de Kock, but the rest of the line-up that needs to stand up, but the man himself holds high standards which he knows he has yet to meet.”I’ve gotten out in quite soft ways a couple of times. It’s just about me trying to rectify it,” he said.At St George’s Park, de Kock was one of several batsmen whose shot selection was questionable and working on a combination of technique and mindset has been the focus of their preparation. De Kock would advise them not to overthink things and respond in the moment.”In the situation guys forget that we need to play the situation and not the bowler at the time. A lot of people forget about that,” he said.

A reunion with one of Unai Emery's former players is "on the cards" as Aston Villa target a £25 million defender ahead of the summer transfer window.

Emery chasing Champions League football at Villa

Before Emery puts his full focus on 2024/25 preparations after an outstanding season, the Spaniard is first looking to secure a top-four finish and Champions League football for next term.

Aston Villa represent tempting offer for £34m star similar to Hakimi

The Villans are reportedly interested in a summer swoop for the impressive full-back.

ByDan Emery Apr 17, 2024

Emery's side have been one of the Premier League's surprise packages this season, impressing on-lookers with their displays as they attempt to seal a spot in Europe's most prestigious competition for the next full campaign.

Villa are currently ahead of Tottenham by three points in the race for fourth, holding all the cards with Champions League qualification in their hands, but Spurs have a game in hand and there isn't much separating them in terms of goal difference.

Bournemouth (home)

Tomorrow

Chelsea (home)

April 27th

Brighton (away)

May 4th

Liverpool (home)

May 13th

Crystal Palace (away)

May 19th

While Villa have mathematical control as things stand, coming after a fantastic 2-0 win away to title-chasing Arsenal last weekend, they'll need to be near-perfect from here on in as we approach the final few games of the season.

NSWE and club chiefs, meanwhile, plan to bolster Emery's ranks behind the scenes. It is believed Villa are keen to sign a new defender in the summer, and this has led them to identify targets both abroad and closer to home.

According to a report by TEAMtalk this week, Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is a player of real interest.

Arsenal targeting Tierney with Emery reunion "on the cards"

As per their information, Villa are targeting Tierney ahead of the summer as they chase new full-back options. The £25 million Scotland international, who was actually signed by Emery during his stint as Arsenal boss, is currently out on loan at Real Sociedad.

He's made 15 La Liga appearances during his time in Spain, with 11 of them being full starts, and this has apparently done enough to entice Villa. Indeed, an Emery reunion is said to be "on the cards" for next season.

While no longer a key player at the Emirates, Tierney has been praised in recent years, with Ashley Cole calling him a "leader".

"He has been solid," Cole told Sky Sports (via Metro) in 2021.

"I think he would have liked to see more game time, he’s had a few injuries that hampered his season. When he’s in the team, they are a different team, he’s willing to defend, he’s that kind of leader and warrior they need in this team.

"There were those questions marks over him and his ability to come from Scottish football and adapt to the Premier League. But I think he’s adapted very well.

"He’s got those leadership qualities which are needed along with the younger players in there. When he doesn’t play they miss him on he left. for me, he can defend which is a plus."

Hasan Mahmud is the new man in the line-up, which has changed significantly since the tour of India last year

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jan-2020

Tamim Iqbal last played for Bangladesh in July 2019•BCB

Hasan Mahmud, the 20-year-old medium pacer, is the only new face in Bangladesh’s 15-man squad – which doesn’t include veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who opted out citing security concerns – for the three-match T20I series in Pakistan later this month.Mahmudullah will continue to lead the side, which has a few other changes from the one that lost 2-1 on the tour of India late last year. Abu Hider, Arafat Sunny, Mosaddek Hossain and Taijul Islam have been left out, while Tamim Iqbal makes a comeback after last playing for Bangladesh in an ODI in Sri Lanka in July 2019.Bangladesh T20I squad

Mahmudullah (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das (wk), Mohammad Mithun (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Aminul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Hasan Mahmud

Offspinning allrounder Mahedi Hasan, batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto and Rubel Hossain have also been brought in.Following a mediocre World Cup campaign, in which he scored just 235 runs at an average of 29.37, Tamim had taken some time off to work on his game and his fitness. He subsequently skipped the tour of India to be with his pregnant wife, and, more recently, had a decent time in the Bangladesh Premier League, where he scored 396 runs in 12 innings, but his runs came at a poor strike rate of 109.39.His team-mate at Dhaka Platoon, Mahedi, was one of the side’s better performers, hitting 253 runs at a strike rate of 136.02 after being promoted in the batting order, and also picking up 12 wickets at an economy rate lower than seven. Shanto also did well, the 115 not out against Dhaka one of the innings of the tournament, while senior quick Rubel was one of four bowlers – all pacers – at the top of the wicket-takers’ pile for the tournament with 20 strikes apiece.The three matches will take place in Lahore, on January 24, 25 and 27 – Bangladesh will reach Pakistan a day before the first game and leave the day after the last fixture.Bangladesh’s tour was confirmed only on January 14 after much negotiating between the two boards. While the BCB had initially said it would only tour Pakistan for T20Is but not for the scheduled Tests due to security reasons, the two boards eventually drew up a plan according to which Bangladesh will visit Pakistan over three legs – first, for three T20Is, then for the first Test from February 7 to 11, and finally for one ODI and one more Test between April 3 and 9.Along with Mushfiqur, the touring party will also miss a number of their support staffers. White-ball batting coach Neil McKenzie and fielding coach Ryan Cook both withdrew from the tour, while Daniel Vettori, the spin consultant, was not asked to travel because it’s a short tour. Mario Villavarayan, the strength and conditioning coach, is out of action with a fractured arm, while team analyst Shrinivas Chandrasekaran, being Indian, was allowed to skip touring as well.

Arsenal are one of several clubs showing an interest in one of Europe's most in-form defenders ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans

2023/24 has been another impressive campaign for Mikel Arteta and his Gunners. With just over a month of the season to go, the north Londoners are firmly in the Premier League title race and may end the weekend top of the table once more. A key reason for Arsenal's success this term has been their solid backline, with just 24 goals conceded in 31 league games at the time of writing. This is the best record in the division and an impressive eight less than the current Premier League holders, Manchester City.

Though Arsenal are playing excellent football this season, Gunners fans will no doubt believe their side can still be improved upon this summer as the north Londoners continue their journey back to the top of English football.

In this vein, Arsenal have already seemingly begun preparing for a hectic summer transfer window, with several major names already tipped for a move to the Emirates. Fabrizio Romano shared an update on Arsenal's interest in £120,000-per-week Newcastle United star Alexander Isak earlier this week.

“Alexander Isak is another Newcastle player attracting interest, and Arsenal have always appreciated him, even when he was at Real Sociedad. They’ve been scouting him for a while and he’s considered a really talented striker, and with the style they have I think he’s appreciated as a good fit for that style."

Elsewhere, Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly made Arsenal his "first choice" club if he is to leave Sporting this summer, while reports in Spain claim Arsenal are interested in AC Milan winger, Rafael Leao.

But while it is seemingly their forward line Arsenal are looking to improve the most during the upcoming transfer window, fresh reports this week suggest Arteta is also eager to sure up what is already a very solid defence.

Arsenal eye left-back with 15 assists

According to FootballTransfers, Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo is admired by Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window.

Grimaldo, called "very intelligent" by Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, is under contract with the unbeaten German outfit until 2027 and is currently valued at €45m by Transfermarkt, though FootballTransfers report that the exact price demanded for the 28-year-old has not been revealed.

If his current form is anything to go by, however, Arsenal and any other interested parties may have to pay a pretty penny for the former Benfica star. Grimaldo has spent much of 2023/24 operating on the left of a back-five for his current club. During that time he has scored 11 and assisted 15 in 41 games across all competitions.

Arsenal's current left-back options pale in comparison, with Oleksandr Zinchenko securing just one goal and two assists in 32 games this term and Jakub Kiwior providing one goal and three assists when deployed on the left of Arsenal's back-four, making this one to watch over the coming months.

Qualification for next season's edition of the Champions League is no longer an option for Manchester United with four matches left to play in the Premier League.

The Red Devils are 13 points behind Aston Villa in fourth, who have three games left, and it is now impossible for them to catch up with the Midlands outfit.

Erik Ten Hag's side must now compete to secure either Europa Conference League or Europa League football over their remaining clashes, starting with their meeting with Crystal Palace on Monday.

The attention will then turn to the summer transfer window and how Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS can use the market to bolster the playing squad for the manager.

It remains to be seen whether or not Ten Hag will still be the boss next season, with Bayern Munich's Thomas Tuchel having been linked with the job, but that has not stopped the club from identifying possible targets.

Man United's interest in Serie A sensation

A report from Spain at the end of las month named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as one of the players Manchester United are looking at ahead of the next transfer window.

The Telegraph recently reported that almost every player in the Red Devils squad has the potential to be sold, with Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund being the only exceptions.

This leaves Marcus Rashford's future up in the air, as he is included in the list of players the club are open to offers for, and Kvaratskhelia has been named as one of the stars being eyed up as a possible replacement for the England international.

The aforementioned claim from Spain stated that AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Barcelona's Raphinha, who previously played in the Premier League with Leeds, are two of the other options on their list, as they eye all three wingers to come in if Rashford moves on.

It also stated that Napoli could demand a fee within the region of €80m (£69m) for the Georgia international, who has been a key player for them in Italy this season.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not United are prepared to pay that much for the talented Serie A star, or if they would prefer to go for Leao or Raphinha before they decide to push on with a deal for Kvaratskhelia.

Jadon Sancho, who is on loan with Borussia Dortmund, could have been seen as a possible replacement for Rashford when he returns to Old Trafford in the summer, but Sky Germany's Patrick Berger has confirmed that the forward does not see a future for himself at the club.

The English dynamo does not want to return to the Red Devils, whether Ten Hag is in charge or not, and Dortmund are now set to enter talks to secure a second loan deal, with an obligation to buy in 2025.

United, however, can forget all about Sancho and land a dream replacement, or competition, for Rashford by sealing a swoop for Kvaratskhelia this summer.

Jadon Sancho's form for Borussia Dortmund

The 24-year-old attacker re-joined Dortmund on loan until the end of the season in January and has been slowly working his way back to his best form in Germany.

Sancho made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, after being exiled from first-team training by Ten Hag for a social media post describing himself as a 'scapegoat' after the manager had dropped him for performance-related reasons.

This meant that he arrived in the Bundesliga lacking in match sharpness and that has possibly caused his slow start, in terms of his involvements in front of goal, to his return to the division.

23/24 Bundesliga

Jadon Sancho

Appearances

12

xG

0.68

Goals

2

xA

2.97

Goals

1

Dribbles completed per game

2.8

Dribble success rate

57%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, he has been directly involved in three goals in 12 matches – one every four games on average – but has been let down by his teammates with only one assist from almost three xA.

Sancho, due to his issues at Old Trafford and a mid-season loan move, has not enjoyed a prolific season in the final third and his current form does not suggest that he would return to Manchester to be the dream replacement for Rashford, even if it were on the cards.

Why Man United should sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Ratcliffe and his team can forget all about the English forward by allowing him to complete another move to Dortmund next season, whether that is on loan or permanent, and signing Kvaratskhelia to bolster the team's options on the left flank.

The Napoli sensation, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed puts defenders "on ice" with his quick feet, is a left-sided winger who has the quality to deliver goals and assists on a consistent basis.

Last season, as his team secured the Serie A title, the £69m-rated star racked up an eye-catching 12 goals and ten assists in 30 league starts, one goal involvement every 1.36 starts on average.

The exciting whiz also completed 2.2 dribbles per match, which speaks to his ability to put defenders 'on ice' with direct play and quick feet to drive past opposition players.

He has followed that up with ten goals and six assists in 29 starts during the current campaign, which is a return of a goal or an assist every 1.81 starts on average.

These statistics suggest that Kvaratskhelia would be a significantly better option than Sancho, who has averaged a goal involvement every four games in Germany, in the final third for United, based on their respective form this season.

23/24 season

Kvaratskhelia (Serie A)

Rashford (Premier League)

Appearances

31

31

Sofascore rating

7.50

6.92

Goals

10

7

Assists

6

2

Big chances created

11

6

Dribbles completed per game

2.8

1.5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old sensation has also outperformed Rashford, who has made 31 appearances in the Premier League this term, with his contributions at the top end of the pitch.

The Napoli wizard has offered a greater goal threat and provided more quality as a creator for his teammates, while also being three years younger than Rashford, and these statistics show why United must swoop to sign him.

Ratcliffe could forget all about Sancho by landing the Georgia international as a sensational replacement for Rashford, should the club cash in on him this summer.

Related Man Utd could help Sancho explode by hiring "crazy" Ten Hag replacement

Jadon Sancho was back to his best in the Champions League semi-finals.

Posts ByJoe Nuttall May 2, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Alessandro Zanardi é sinônimo de superação. Acidentado em 2001 dentro de um carro de corridas, o ex-piloto de Fórmula 1 teve as duas pernas amputadas e renasceu no guidom de um triciclo esportivo conquistando quatro medalhas em duas paralimpíadas seguidas. Um ano após o outro incidente que marcou sua vida, ocorrido em Siena, na Itália, a esposa de Zanardi revelou ao portal da ‘BMW’ o real cenário e a luta do esportista

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O acidente aconteceu na rodovia SP 146. Segundo o jornal “Gazzetta dello Sport”, Zanardi perdeu o controle da bicicleta e se chocou contra um caminhão.

O ex-piloto de Indy e F1 foi submetido a uma neurocirurgia e uma cirurgia maxilofacial por complicações do traumatismo craniano.

-Um ano após o acidente, a condição de Alex está estável. Ele está internado em uma clínica especial, onde passa por um programa de reabilitação. Isso inclui estímulos multimodais e farmacológicos sob a orientação de médicos, fisioterapeutas, neuropsicólogos e fonoaudiólogos para tentar facilitar sua recuperação – disse Daniela Zanardi.

Devido ao período em coma e contratempos na recuperação, Zanardi consegue se comunicar, mas não é capaz de falar.

-Foi um processo muito complexo que exigiu mais neurocirurgias e se caracterizou por uma série de contratempos. Alex está em uma condição estável, o que significa que ele pode se submeter a programas de treinamento para seu cérebro e seu corpo. Ele pode se comunicar conosco, mas ainda não consegue falar. Depois de um longo tempo em coma, as cordas vocais ainda precisam recuperar sua elasticidade. Isso só é possível por meio da prática e da terapia. Ele ainda tem muita força nos braços e nas mãos, e está treinando intensamente com o equipamento – conta.

-É certamente outro grande desafio. É uma jornada muito longa e no momento não há previsões de quando ele poderá voltar para casa. Colocamos toda a nossa energia na recuperação de Alex – completa Daniela.

Grave incidente ad Alex #Zanardi, travolto da un camion nel comune di Pienza, mentre partecipava alla staffetta obiettivo tricolore. E' ricoverato alle #Scotte di Siena per i diversi traumi riportati. Sarebbero gravi le sue condizioni. pic.twitter.com/s28QqlEm84

— roberto viggiani ® (@robertovigg69) June 19, 2020

Although the spotlight at Leeds United this season has been often stolen by the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Daniel James starring for the Whites, there are a number of more understated performers that have allowed Daniel Farke's men to tick in the Championship away from the more high-profile names.

Ilia Gruev fits into that latter category, with the former Werder Bremen man's absence felt in Leeds' disappointing 2-2 draw away at Watford recently.

As data analyst Ben Mattinson stated earlier in the campaign, the midfield maestro has been a "revelation" following his arrival in the summer, helping to fill the void that was left behind by Kalvin Phillips after the Englishman's departure in 2022.

Earning just £15k-per-week, the success story of the 23-year-old further brings into view how much of a colossal flop this signing was back in 2017 who ended up draining the Whites dry with forgettable performance after forgettable performance.

Vurnon Anita's time at Leeds

Leeds must have thought they stumbled across a coup when they bagged former Newcastle United man Vurnon Anita on a free transfer seven years ago.

Fresh off a successful spell with the Magpies, which saw the 17-time Curaçao international make 153 appearances at St James' Park before the Whites came calling, Leeds just never got the best out of the experienced midfielder in the end to the dismay of everyone at Elland Road.

Anita would end up making an unmemorable 22 appearances for Leeds in total during his debut season, the ex-Ajax youth product not exactly helped by the Whites underperforming that same campaign under Thomas Christiansen and then Paul Heckingbottom to finish in an unsatisfactory 13th spot in the Championship.

The now 35-year-old would be offloaded back to the Netherlands with Willem II on loan after just one season at the club, before leaving Leeds for good after having his contract terminated in 2020 for CSKA Sofia.

Anita's excessive wage at Leeds would have made the deal flopping hard sting even more, with the 5 foot 7 dud costing the Whites a grand total of £1.3m over one costly campaign when examining his hefty salary.

Vurnon Anita's wage at Leeds

The current Al-Orobah FC man would end up pocketing £25k-per-week donning Leeds white, becoming the club's second-highest earner during the 2017/18 season consequently.

Removing Pierre-Michel Lasogga's extortionate £58k per week salary from the equation – who was a loanee from Hamburger SV – Anita would have amazingly been the most well-paid permanent member of the Whites camp despite failing to ever click into gear in West Yorkshire.

Leeds' highest earners – 2017/18
1. Pierre-Michel Lasogga	£58k per week
2. Vurnon Anita	£25k per week
3. Adam Forshaw	£20k per week
4. Pontus Jansson	£18k per week
5. Samu Saiz	£15k per week
Sourced by Capology

Anita would also find himself pocketing more than both Adam Forshaw and Pontus Jansson, with both of those players going on to be long-standing servants at Elland Road compared to the £ 25k-per-week man by amassing 211 appearances between them.

Contrasted with the camp put together by Farke in the present, Anita raked in £10k more per week than the aforementioned reliable head of Gruev and even £5k more than Wilfried Gnonto.

Farke will hope there will have been lessons learnt from this rash approach handing out handsome wages for the sake of it if Leeds do end up winning promotion back up to the Premier League, whilst Anita looks to finish his waning career out in Saudi Arabia as a forgotten former Whites figure.

Leeds struck gold selling 90s star who'd be worth more than Phillips today

The Whites hit the jackpot when they cashed in on the central midfielder in 1994.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 5, 2024

Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action this afternoon, after their win in the SFA Cup last weekend, as they travel away from Glasgow to take on Dundee.

The Hoops head into this match off the back of a win over Aberdeen on penalties at Hampden Park, after a 3-3 draw resulted in spot-kicks deciding the victor, and they will now face off against Rangers in the final next month.

Despite the fact his side progressed through to the final, manager Brendan Rodgers could look to make some changes to the starting XI from the match for this clash with Dundee in the league.

James Forrest, who came off the bench to score at Hampden, may have earned himself a place in the lineup, but the Northern Irish boss must also finally unleash Portuguese starlet Paulo Bernardo from the start.

Why James Forrest should start

Hyun-jun Yang, who joined the club from Gangwon FC last summer, was selected to start on the left flank and was handed a dismal 2/10 match rating by Football Insider, who described his performance as 'invisible' and noted that some supporters were groaning and booing at his misplaced touches and passes.

The 21-year-old forward has now registered zero goals, zero assists, and one red card in his last five appearances for the club in all competitions.

Forrest, meanwhile, has produced two goals and one assist in his last five outings – all as a substitute – for the Scottish giants, and should be given a chance to impress ahead of Yang for this clash with Dundee.

The Scottish forward, who brilliantly cut inside from the left to find the bottom right corner from the edge of the box against Aberdeen, is an experienced head and could be a reliable player for the manager to call upon during the title run-in.

Why Paulo Bernardo should be unleashed

Reo Hatate, who started against Aberdeen, has been plagued with injury issues this season and Rodgers may want to manage his minutes to avoid further problems before the end of the campaign.

The Japan international has been absent for a staggering 37 matches for club and country this term with calf and hamstring injuries at three different intervals.

Therefore, the boss should now hand him a rest, from the start, this afternoon and finally unleash Bernardo, who was once hailed as "tenacious" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, in the middle of the park next to Callum McGregor and Matt O'Riley.

Appearances

19

Starts

11

Goals

3

Assists

3

Ground duel success rate

51%

As you can see in the table above, the 5 foot 10 ace has provided quality at the top end of the pitch from a midfield position, with more than one direct goal contribution every other start on average in the league.

The "baller" – as dubbed by Mango – has also produced two goals and one assist in his last five appearances for club and country, which shows that he has been in fantastic form in the final third of late.

Hatate, meanwhile, has racked up three goals and two assists in 11 league games for the Hoops this season, which suggests that they both offer a relatively similar level of production in attack and this makes the Portuguese whiz the perfect player to come in for him.

Bernardo's last start for Celtic, however, came on the 16th of March against St. Johnstone, which shows that the Benfica loanee has not had many opportunities to impress from the start in recent weeks.

This is why Rodgers must finally unleash the 22-year-old maestro alongside Forrest for this clash with Dundee, to provide them both with a chance to catch the eye.

Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina's squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Chile.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Messi recuperating from ankle injuryArgentina leave Inter Miami star out of squadAiming to defend World Cup in north AmericaWHAT HAPPENED?

Argentina have announced their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia and Messi has been omitted. The Inter Miami star damaged his ankle during the 2024 Copa America final and has not kicked a ball since; his recovery is being prioritised, as a result, by both club and country.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Argentina do have an abundance of attacking options; Alejandro Garnacho, Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Valentin Castellanos will have to shoulder the burden of finding the back of the net for the world champions. Messi will instead focus on getting back to full fitness.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi has already misssed the MLS All-Star game as well as Inter Miami's Leagues Cup defence. The Herons return to domestic action on August 24, against FC Cincinnati, but Messi has not yet returned to the training pitch.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Argentina play Chile on September 6 before taking on Colombia on September 10 as they aim to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi's side, of course, are aiming to secure back-to-back trophies.