Whilst Spain did manage to return to their European throne last summer and are among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, it’ll take some doing to match the dominance that they enjoyed in the 2000s.
As Barcelona and Real Madrid battled it out for the club throne, it was Spain who benefitted on the international stage. Stars such as Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique put their rivalries aside to put the very best to the sword and leave several countries in their wake. It was the era of the El Clasico at its best from September to May, but collective Spanish dominance from then onwards.
Spain win Euro 2012.
With Vincente Del Bosque in charge, the Spaniards defeated the Netherlands in last-gasp fashion to win the World Cup in the 2010 World Cup. They then thrashed Italy two years later to win Euro 2012 in their second-consecutive European Championship win after victory in 2008. And it was in that 2012 game that Xavi particularly starred.
The Barcelona legend was often at the centre of the beauty that was Spain’s side at their peak. He was their controller – the conductor of a side so capable of ending summers with the perfect crescendo – and without him, there may have been no World Cup and there may have been no European Championships. He was that influential.
Yet, even one of the best midfielders of all time had no choice but to admit that another star man is the most talented player in Spain’s history. Simply put, as good as Xavi was, another star stands tall as the best that the country has ever seen.
Xavi: Iniesta is Spain's "most talented" player ever
From Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi to Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, Barcelona enjoyed some incredible combinations during their best years, but perhaps none as perfect as Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The Spanish duo were untouchable when together with Sergio Busquets and all three took that invincibility to the international stage.
As good as all three were, however, Xavi only had one answer when selecting Spain’s “most talented” player in history – claiming that Iniesta is the country’s true standout.
Whether the likes of Lamine Yamal eventually overtake Iniesta’s legacy is a debate for another time. Of course, if he does intend to do so, then he’ll need to find a way to beat the former midfielder’s iconic winning goal against the Netherlands in 2010. Over to you, Lamine.
da mrbet： O Sport superou o Náutico por 2 a 0 no jogo de ida da final do Campeonato Campeonato Pernambucano e se aproximou do bicampeonato estadual. Rafael Thyere e Gustavo Lopes marcaram os gols do Leão da Ilha.
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O duelo decisivo pela taça do Campeonato Pernambucano será no sábado (6), às 17h, com mando do Sport, que pode perder para o Náutico por até um gol de diferença.
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⚽COMO FOI A PARTIDA?
O Sport só conseguiu impor sua superioridade no segundo tempo, aproveitando os espaços cedidos pelo Náutico. Após dois gols de cabeça, o Leão ainda poderia ampliar a vantagem, mas parou duas vezes na trave. Mesmo jogando diante da sua torcida, o Timbu sofreu na defesa e teve poucas chances para diminuir a desvantagem.
After winning their last five Premier League matches, there was optimism within the Chelsea fanbase that they'd progress to bigger heights next season under Mauricio Pochettino.
But after the Argentine parted ways with the club, the Blues faithful now must get behind their new boss, who is all but confirmed to be Enzo Maresca, with it being reported that he's set to sign a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will be in for an extreme version of Pochettino's approach under the Italian, who won the Championship title with his possession-based philosophy that saw his team average 62% of the ball throughout the season.
It's expected that the 44-year-old's tactics will remain exactly the same, which means that Chelsea will line up in a 4-3-3 system, but it doesn't exactly play out like that when in possession.
So, just what could Maresca's ideal Chelsea starting lineup look like for the 2024/25 campaign? We've had a go at predicting it with Todd Boehly potentially set to spend a huge £226m
1
GK – Robert Sanchez
Djordje Petrovic has been the number one for the majority of this season due to injuries to Robert Sanchez, but the Spaniard is set to return under the Italian.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion player is slightly better on the ball than the Serbian, boasting an 80% pass accuracy compared to Petrovic's 76%, which is why he should get the nod given that Maresca demands that his keeper plays a huge role in buildup.
2
RB – Reece James
Chelsea defender Reece James.
Chelsea's Reece James won't be available for matchday one of next season due to his recent red card, but there's no doubt that he'd thrive under the Italian.
The right back in Maresca's 4-3-3 inverts to play a midfield role in order to provide a numerical advantage during the buildup phase, which enhances the team's control.
Given that James is an extremely technical player, as shown by his 1.3 key passes per game and seven big chances last season, he'd be perfect for the role.
3
CB – Ronald Araujo
Barcelona defenderRonald Araujo.
The first potential new signing in the lineup is Ronald Araujo, who's been linked with a move to Chelsea, with the club making an offer of around £85m.
The Barcelona defender is an extremely athletic ace who can operate at both right-back and centre-half, which makes him the ideal profile for the 44-year-old's system.
The Uruguayan is also comfortable on the ball, taking 73.8 touches and having a 90% pass accuracy per game in La Liga this season, hence why he's become a target.
4
CB – Benoit Badiahshile
Chelsea's French defender Benoit Badiashile would act as the middle centre half in the back three when in possession.
Just like Araujo, the left-footed ace is incredible on the ball, boasting 74.4 touches and a 91% pass accuracy per game.
5
LB – Levi Colwill
ronald-araujo-levi-colwill-liverpool-opinion
Despite being a centre-back by trade, Colwill could get the nod over Marc Cucurella to start at left-back.
The England defender has suffered injuries this season, but he has been deployed in this role throughout the campaign.
His role will mirror what Callum Doyle played for the Foxes under Maresca, tucking inside to form a back three.
6
DM – Moises Caicedo
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo
Regardless of what manager came in this summer, Moises Caicedo was guaranteed to make it into the starting lineup.
The 22-year-old has the perfect balance of defensive security and technical class that'd see him thrive, making 2.6 tackles and 54.4 accurate passes per game in the league last season.
7
RCM – Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher will feature in the midfield of Maresca's side, performing in a role that demands intensity both on and off the ball.
This suits the Chelsea captain's profile down to a tee, with his 12 goal contributions, 70.4 touches, and 2.3 tackles per game this season an impressive feat.
8
LCM – Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez must be relishing the opportunity of playing under Maresca, given the influence he could have in the final third next season.
The left-sided midfielder has the freedom to progress up the field in order to support the left-winger, as the left-back rarely overlaps.
This will be perfect for Fernandez due to his 1.1 key passes, 1.7 shots per game, and 6.18 xG, which proves he's a threat going forward.
9
RW – Cole Palmer
In truth, not much needs to be said regarding Cole Palmer, with his output of 22 goals and 11 assists speaking for itself.
The number 20 will without a doubt become the most important player in the side and the first name that the new boss will look to build around.
10
ST – Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen
If you are in the shoes of Nicolas Jackson, you would feel rather disappointed that Chelsea are looking for a new striker given that he netted 14 Premier League goals in his first campaign.
However, with the Blues linked with a move for the £111m Victor Osimhen, it would be impossible to keep his place given the quality of the Nigerian.
Last season, the Napoli star scored 15 Serie A goals in just 22 starts, and in truth, he'd walk into Maresca's dream starting lineup.
The RR opener batted fearlessly on IPL debut to scored34 off 20 balls
Shashank Kishore19-Apr-20252:53
Boucher: Suryavanshi must be ‘special’ to be selected at 14
At 14 years and 23 days, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the IPL’s youngest debutant when he was brought in as an Impact Player in Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) chase of 181 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Jaipur on Saturday. He began his IPL career with a six off his first delivery, bowled by Shardul Thakur.Suryavanshi, who hails from Samastipur, a city about 100 kilometres north east of Patna, made his first-class debut at the age of 13 in January last year, and was picked for INR 1.1 crore at last November’s mega IPL auction. He had attracted the attention of IPL scouts when he made a 58-ball century for India in a youth “Test” against Australia in September last year. Having sat on the RR bench for the first half of IPL 2025, he got his opportunity because of an injury to Sanju Samson.”Playing IPL at 14 is unimaginable,” Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut before the chase once it became clear that Suryavanshi would be getting a go. “He must be a special cricketer,” Mark Boucher said.Related
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“Everybody has been anticipating this day this year right from the auction when he was picked,” Rayudu added. “Everybody was quite curious to know who this kid was. The only other guy that the whole of India saw at 16 was Sachin Tendulkar and from then on we know what he has achieved. So everybody is expecting big things from Suryavanshi as well.”Opening the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryavanshi did not hold back. He launched the first ball he faced – a length delivery from India international Thakur – by making room and lofting on the up over the extra-cover boundary.His fearlessness and intent to keep on attacking became evident when he cleared his front leg and swung at his third ball, hitting another India international, Avesh Khan, down the ground for six. He earned a reprieve off his fifth delivery, when Prince Yadav put down a high catch running back from midwicket.As LSG brought in spinner Digvesh Rathi in the fourth over after RR had raced to 39 for no loss, Suryavanshi focused on defence. There was a clear plan to hit anything pitched short or full, like the time he climbed into Rathi when he dropped short, or when he launched legspinner Ravi Bishnoi straight down the ground.Suryavanshi scored 34 off 20 – 26 in boundaries – on IPL debut before Aiden Markram had him stumped when he got one to rip off the surface to beat him in flight. Suryavanshi had overbalanced and lifted is back foot, giving Rishabh Pant the chance to complete the stumping and break the 85-run opening stand that came off 8.4 overs. At that stage, RR were well placed for victory, but a dramatic turn of events in the last three overs sent them crashing to their fourth consecutive defeat.
A matter of days ago Arsenal confirmed their fan voted Player of the Season award. Who took home the gong? Well, for a second year running it was the skipper, Martin Odegaard.
For a player who was the subject of uncertainty when he arrived on a permanent deal from Real Madrid in 2021, he has defied the doubters and become an elite midfield player, one of the best in the Premier League.
Only two players in the division – Bruno Fernandes and Pasca Gross – completed more key passes than the Norwegian's 102 last season. He is a striker's dream, even if he did only exit the campaign with 11 assists from 48 outings.
Odegaard also scored 11 times during a term where he simply captivated audiences with his gorgeous skill and jaw-dropping vision.
So, if Arsenal repeated that signing it would be pretty special, right?
Arsenal in the hunt to sign Odegaard 2.0
Signed initially on loan during the pandemic season, Odegaard impressed Arteta enough to earn a permanent move to the Emirates Stadium, trading Madrid for London in a deal worth £30m.
That now looks to be a bargain but Arsenal are not stopping there in pursuit of signing players on the fringes in Madrid.
Indeed, according to reports in Spain, Arteta wants to bring Brahim Diaz to the Premier League this summer.
It's stated that 'Arteta is said to be seriously considering signing him for next season' and would 'be willing to offer him a starting role in his project'.
Combine the fact Diaz only started 18 of his 31 outings in LaLiga last season with Kylian Mbappe's arrival and it's likely that the chance for more game time will appeal to the 24-year-old.
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ByCharlie Smith Jun 3, 2024 How Brahim Diaz compares to Martin Odegaard
For starters, Diaz has already enjoyed a far more vibrant time of it in Spain's capital than Odegaard ever did.
A genuine wonderkid, Arsenal's current skipper never got a fair shot at it with Madrid, ultimately leaving after just 11 first-team games.
So, Diaz has him trumped in that regard, enjoying a rather prolific time of it during 2023/24. The Spanish-born maestro scored 12 goals and assisted nine strikes, almost identical numbers to Odegaard.
Having played all across the front line, from the left wing, behind the striker and on the right, it's hardly a surprise that analyst Ben Mattinson once said that he "fits Arteta’s profile of a midfielder/winger he likes to work with".
Second striker
14
1 + 2
Attacking midfield
10
4
Right wing
9
3 + 1
Left wing
6
4 + 5
Centre forward
2
0
So, he's versatile. That's the first box ticked. He can score goals; second box ticked. He can also assist; third box ticked. This is shaping up rather well, isn't it?
Where do the other similarities lie? Well, Diaz possesses that intricate ball-playing ability. He can glide past players with ease, ghost into the opposition penalty area and devastate defences.
Having watched him during a loan spell with Milan, Italian football expert Mina Rzouki once said: "He breaks the lines insanely well and his work in tight spaces." That sounds rather like Odegaard, doesn't it?
Also hailed as an "astonishing" talent by Rzouki, naturally, there's also comparisons to similar players in Phil Foden and David Silva. Diaz was at Manchester City but decided to leave in search of more regular football elsewhere.
Speaking on that, Joleon Lescott previously stated: "What I'm seeing hasn't surprised me because I've seen it in the academy [at Man City] but his technical ability was far superior to some of the players they had at their disposal.
"If it wasn't for a young Phil Foden he's probably doing this in a City shirt. They're of a similar mould, they like to get the ball in half spaces and can turn on a sixpence."
So, he's like Foden, he's like Odegaard, is there anything this young 24-year-old cannot do?
Well, evidently not. The statistics paint him in a very vibrant light too. Here's how he stacks up compared to Arsenal's number 8.
Goals
0.47
0.23
Assists
0.35
0.29
Progressive carries
4.42
2.65
Progressive passes
4.36
10
Pass success
84.3%
84.3%
Key passes
1.74
2.97
Shot-creating actions
4.36
6.41
Successful take-ons
3.20
1.08
So, there are obviously some differences when you consider their play styles. Diaz is far more likely to take on a man and beat them, much like Foden, but Odegaard is more likely to create and progress the play via his passing.
That said, that isn't an area the Madrid star particularly struggles in. The Norwegian's progressive passing levels are just simply on a different planet to many players in Europe, so much so that he ranks within the top 2% of positionally similar players on the continent for that metric.
Well, we've hyped the Morocco international up enough now; it's over to you Arteta.
Top target: Arsenal keen on "complete" £55m star who'd supercharge Odegaard
The 6ft5 titan could help the Gunners bridge the two point gap to City next year.
Arsenal have come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons, and this year, they looked the best they have in decades, securing the most wins they have ever had in a Premier League season and boasting the best defence in the league.
However, one of the areas of the team that looked somewhat weaker in the eyes of many fans and pundits this year was the midfield, specifically in Granit Xhaka's old position.
So, it's unsurprising that the North Londoners have been linked with several midfielders this summer, including Martin Zubimendi.
Martin Zubimendi
However, with the Spaniard apparently unconvinced about leaving La Liga, the Gunners need to find another star to fill that role, and based on recent reports, they may have just the player – someone with striking similarities to their former Swiss enforcer.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from journalist Dean Jones via GIVEMESPORT, Aston Villa's star midfielder, Douglas Luiz, is still an option that the Gunners have done plenty of scouting on ahead of the summer.
Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz
Jones makes no mention of a potential price, but a Spanish report from earlier this week revealed that Villa have set a €70m – £60m – asking price for the Brazilian as, alongside the Gunners, Liverpool, Juventus and Manchester United, are also said to be very keen.
This deal could prove costly and complicated for Edu Gaspar and Co to get over the line, but with Zubimendi potentially off the table, it's one worth pursuing, especially given the aforementioned similarities to Xhaka.
Douglas Luiz scores for Aston Villa
How Luiz compares to Zubimendi and Xhaka
So, before discussing the comparisons between Luiz and Zubimendi, it's worth exploring the origin of this comparison to Xhaka.
Data analyst Ben Mattinson flagged it earlier this season, highlighting that the way the Villa man has transformed from a deep-lying playmaker into a box-crashing number eight was "very similar" to the former Arsenal star's transformation in North London.
Moreover, Mattinson argues that the Brazilian shares his aggression, ball-striking, and ability to play long passes with the Swiss veteran, and while he's defensively active in the same way, he's a "more mobile version" of the Leverkusen ace.
This evolution into an eight instead of a six is already a big plus for the former Manchester City man over the Real Sociedad star, as his inclusion in the team would allow Declan Rice to play at the base of midfield, which the Englishman openly admitted is his "best position" earlier this year.
That's not to say that the San Sebastian-born dynamo couldn't play as an eight, but he's only started 55 games in central midfield compared to 142 as a six, whereas Luiz has started 143 matches in central midfield and 116 as a six.
With that said, who comes out on top when comparing their underlying numbers?
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.28
0.14
Non-Penalty Goals
0.15
0.14
Assists
0.15
0.03
Progressive Carries
1.80
1.15
Progressive Passes
5.05
5.15
Progressive Passes Received
1.50
0.92
Shots
1.32
0.75
Shots on Target
0.39
0.37
Passing Accuracy
85.7%
85.7%
Shot-Creating Actions
3.52
1.87
Goal-Creating Actions
0.30
0.14
Tackles
1.74
1.66
Tackles Won
1.14
0.92
Interceptions
0.69
1.25
Clearances
0.54
1.83
Successful Take-Ons
0.72
0.41
Well, despite coming out second best in metrics like interceptions, clearances, and progressive passes, the "fantastic" Villa man, as described by former professional Clinton Morrison, emerges victorious in almost every area, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive carries, successful take-ons, tackles and tackles won, shot and goal-creating actions and shots as well, all per 90.
Ultimately, regardless of Zubimendi's desire to leave Spain, Arsenal should shift their focus towards Luiz, as he appears to be the perfect Xhaka heir and would allow Rice to thrive in his natural position.
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It's fair to say that it was a mixed bag of a debut season in charge at Chelsea for Mauricio Pochettino, with the former Tottenham Hotspur boss leading the club to European qualification after a dazzling end to the campaign that saw them rack up five straight wins.
However, there also had some low points, as the Blues notably slipped up in the Carabao Cup final to a youthful Liverpool side, were hit for five by rivals Arsenal and were even held to draws by the likes of Sheffield United and Burnley, amid a litany of disappointing results.
But there had been reason for encouragement in 2024 for those at Stamford Bridge – not least due to Cole Palmer's 22-goal haul in the Premier League – with statement wins over the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
Unfortunately, this was not enough for the Chelsea hierarchy, with Pochettino departing by mutual consent following the end of the season.
So who could Todd Boehly turn to as the Argentinian's successor? Here are 11 candidates who have been linked with assuming the ever-changing hot seat, including two men who have previously held the fort in west London…
Manager
Current team
Odds
Enzo Maresca
Leicester City
1/4
Roberto De Zerbi
n/a
9/2
Thomas Frank
Brentford
10/1
Jose Mourinho
n/a
16/1
Ruben Amorim
Sporting CP
25/1
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich
28/1
Thomas Tuchel
Bayern Munich
28/1
Xavi
n/a
28/1
Brendan Rodgers
Celtic
33/1
Julian Nagelsmann
Germany
33/1
Michel Sanchez
Girona
33/1
1 Enzo Maresca Leicester City
Leicester manager Enzo Maresca.
Enzo Maresca led Leicester City to the Championship title this past season, and is the new heavy favourite for the job. Reports emerged at the weekend suggesting that the Italian had held talks with Chelsea, with the Foxes boss left "encouraged" by negotiations.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that these talks are now "advancing", with the east Midlands outfit set to receive a compensation fee of around £10m for his services.
2 Roberto De Zerbi Free agent (Last job: Brighton)
Chelsea's fondness for poaching key figures from the Amex has almost become something of a running joke in recent times, having notably plucked the likes of Graham Potter, Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella from the Seagulls – as well as making notable appointments behind the scenes.
It is then no surprise that Potter's successor on the south coast, Roberto De Zerbi, is also tipped to follow in the Englishman's footsteps following his departure from the Seagulls last weekend, having notably helped to guide Brighton to Europa League qualification in 2022/23.
Lauded as "one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years" by an admiring Pep Guardiola, the Italian tactician looks destined for a big move sooner rather than later, although since parting ways with Brighton, he did state that he may not immediately return to football.
3 Thomas Frank Brentford
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been linked with a departure from west London this summer, as the Dane has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and Bayern Munich respectively.
He may not have to move too far – if at all – should the Blues come calling, but despite his odds shortening recently, it looks as if Chelsea may have found their man in Enzo Maresca. That said, he looks set to be a potential Plan B should anything fall through.
4 Jose Mourinho Free agent (Last job: AS Roma)
AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho.
From the 'next Mourinho' to the main man himself, could the Chelsea/Jose love story be set for a third act?
With three Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup to show for his efforts during his first two spells at the club, the 61-year-old certainly knows a thing or two about securing silverware – even guiding AS Roma to the Europa Conference League in his most recent post.
Turning to the enigmatic genius would certainly be a popular decision among the Stamford Bridge faithful, yet after enduring a mixed time of it since his previous stint in west London, is the Portuguese still a managerial marvel, or merely a busted flush?
5 Ruben Amorim Sporting CP
Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim appears to be keen to be the subject of a high-profile appointment in the near future after securing a second Primeira Liga title triumph this season with Sporting CP.
An exciting, youthful manager arriving after success in Portugal – sound familiar? – could work a treat yet again for those at Stamford Bridge, albeit with competition set to be fierce – the likes of West Ham United and Liverpool are just two of the clubs to have previously kept a close watch on the emerging talent – Amorim may have the luxury of waiting for the perfect next step.
6 Kieran McKenna Ipswich Town
After guiding Ipswich Town back to the promised land that is the Premier League following back-to-back promotions, Kieran McKenna is another bright young manager destined for big things, having thrived since leaving the Manchester United coaching set-up in 2021.
Previously part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's backroom staff, the Irishman is no stranger to working at an elite club, although it would undoubtedly a sizeable gamble if Boehly was to look his way in the near future.
McKenna had looked a favourite for the Blues hot seat, though it was claimed that the club were no longer pursuing him. This came amid rumours that he could prioritise the Manchester United job if he is asked to replace the under-fire Erik ten Hag despite their recent FA Cup win.
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2 ByStephan Georgiou Oct 28, 2024 7 Thomas Tuchel Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel
It is not just Mourinho who could be on his way back to Stamford Bridge, with Thomas Tuchel also likely to be a popular appointment, after guiding the club to Champions League glory in 2021.
Whether Boehly – who removed the German from his post in September 2022 – would be willing to re-hire the Bayern Munich boss is another matter altogether, yet having coached at the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, his record at the elite level speaks for itself.
8 Xavi Free agent (last job: Barcelona)
Xavi was recently let go as Barcelona boss just a year after leading them to the La Liga title. The chaos of that club would suggest that Chelsea is the last place he'd want to continue his managerial career, but crazier things have happened.
He has nevertheless seen his odds shorten following his exit from the European giants, but this, among several others on this list, feels like a huge longshot.
9 Brendan Rodgers Celtic
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans.
Another man with Chelsea connections, Brendan Rodgers previously worked in the academy set-up with the club, before taking on the role of reserve team manager – prior to eventually departing for Watford in 2008.
Previously so close to steering Liverpool to the league title in 2014, the Northern Irishman has since won a host of major honours across two spells at Celtic, while also overseeing Leicester City's first FA Cup triumph in 2021 – beating Tuchel's side in the final.
With a wealth of Premier League experience, Rodgers certainly wouldn't be the worst appointment, although whether he would spark excitement among the fanbase is another matter entirely.
10 Julian Nagelsmann Germany
Bayern's Julian Nagelsmann
The man who will lead host nation, Germany, at this summer's European Championships, Julian Nagelsmann has been among the most sought-after young managers of recent years, amid his work at Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern.
Still remarkably just 36, the German could well be a figure to build around for the long-term at Stamford Bridge, while also boasting the necessary credentials after notably winning the Bundesliga during his time in Munich in 2021/22.
Spurs are just one of many Premier League clubs to have been linked with the in-demand coach in recent times, with a move to England likely to be in the pipeline before too long.
وجه أيمن عبد العزيز لاعب الزمالك السابق، التهنئة إلى الأهلي بعد الفوز على العين في بطولة كأس الكونتيننتال، كما علق على عقوبات اتحاد الكرة التي فرضها على الفارس الأييض.
وقال أيمن عبد العزيز في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “مبروك للأهلي بطولة كأس الكونتيننتال وهاردلك للزمالك قدم مباراة هائلة في السوبر المصري، قدموا أداءً أكثر من رائع، بطولة وانتهت، لكن بداية الدوري مهمة جدًا ولكي تكون الأجواء هادئة داخل النادي”.
طالع أيضاً.. اتحاد الكرة يرد على أنباء ضياع تقرير مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز.. وسبب تأخر العقوبات
وتابع: “يجب على نادي الزمالك أن يحتج على عقوبات اتحاد الكرة ويأخذ موقفًا بشدة، لا يجب أن يمر الموقف بسهولة”.
وأفاد: “لا بد علي نادي الزمالك أن يأخذ موقفًا قويًا وليس كل شيء يمر بسهولة، عقوبات من وحي الخيال تكملة للذي يحدث، مجلس الإدارة لو لم يأخذ موقف في ذلك، كل شيء سيمر بعد ذلك”.
وعن فوز الأهلي بكأس الكونتيننتال.. أتم: “شيء إيجابي وجيد، مع احترامي لفريق العين لم أرى أنه فريق كبير كما أنه ليس بالكلام، المفترض أنك تواجه فريق مصنف وكبير فلابد أن تكون المباراة سجال مثل مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في السوبر، الأهلي قدم أداء هائل والتواجد والحضور وشخصيات اللاعبين كانت جيدة جدًا في المقابل لم أرى شيء من فريق العين”.
An astonishing innings from Daniel Sams helped Sydney Thunder pull off a remarkable win over Brisbane Heat in Canberra.Sams, who had never scored more than 42 in 35 innings in T20 cricket and had only struck 12 sixes in his career, smashed 65 not out from 25 balls with seven sixes to steal the game from the Heat. He had entered with the Thunder in all sorts of trouble at 5 for 80, needing 99 runs from 56 balls. But he found an ally in Ben Cutting and got some help from the Heat bowlers who delivered some perfect balls in the slot for Sams to launch over his favoured leg side.Earlier, Sams had also picked up 2 for 32 with the ball to complete a brilliant all-round display. His efforts trumped Jack Wildermuth, who also produced a career-best for the Heat thrashing 31 from 11 after Chris Lynn had made 69 from 44 to help the Heat post 6 for 178. Wildermuth then zipped through the Thunder’s top-order knocking over the prized trio of Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, and Callum Ferguson to all-but put the game in the Heat’s keeping. Unfortunately for Wildermuth, Sams had the final say.Should Lynn open?Lynn entered with a platform to work from after Max Bryant and Sam Heazlett had taken 37 from the first 3.2 overs. The opening pair had previously made just 19 in the four-over Powerplay against the Melbourne Stars. But given the shortness of the powerplay and the fact that the Power Surge can’t be taken until after the 10th over, there is a thought that Lynn is neutralised in overs 5 to 10 which are dominated by spinners with five men out. Lynn struck a four and a six in his first eight balls but then didn’t score another boundary for the next five overs with the leg-spin duo of Tanveer Sangha and Jono Cook bowling tidily. Cook picked up Bryant, who got bogged down. After scoring his first 20 off 11, he fell for 29 off 23.Lynn-sane match-upLynn waited for Dan Lawrence to get set and then pulled the trigger on the Power Surge at the start of the 12th over. Sams bowled a decent first over with the exception of one length delivery that Lynn clubbed 20 rows back over square leg. But Ferguson gambled with the second Power Surge over. Leg-spin is the right match-up for Lynn but he went for the teenager in Sangha, who had bowled beautifully in his first two overs, rather than Cook who is regularly used in the powerplay. The price was two sixes and a four as Lynn feasted on Sangha’s missed lengths and slower pace. The first six was Lynn’s 150th in the BBL and the boundary brought up his half-century off 31 balls. When the field spread again, Lynn slowed down again against the spinners and eventually fell for 69 from 44. But Wildermuth produced a stunning cameo just a day after scoring an unbeaten century for Australia A against India. His 31 off 11 balls included four towering sixes, although Sams delivered three dot balls on the last three balls of the innings which were significant.Wonderous WildermuthRiding a wave of confidence, Wildermuth tore through the Thunder top order. He clean bowled Hales with a skillful off-cutter second ball of the innings and forced a mis-hit from Ferguson four balls later. Wildermuth then nicked off Khawaja in the third over to leave the Thunder reeling at 3 for 22. Lynn decided to let Wildermuth bowl his four overs straight and he finished with figures of 3 for 23.Sams salvages the game after a Boost bungleAt the end of Wildermuth’s spell, the Thunder needed 30 from 18 balls for the Bash Boost point. Baxter Holt and Alex Ross had simply been rebuilding but Ross injured his groin and it was decided he should have a crack at the competition point on offer. He smashed three boundaries off Ben Laughlin, reducing the equation to just 9 off 6 balls for the point. But they made a mess of 10th over with Mujeeb Ur Rahman picking up Holt, and then Ross and Ben Cutting bunting two singles from the over. When Ross fell in the 11th over the game looked in hand for the Heat with the Thunder needing 97 from 54 with five wickets in hand. But Sams had other ideas. He producing the most outrageous ball-striking of his career to get the Thunder home with eight balls to spare. He struck seven enormous sixes and was particularly savage on Laughlin, who continued to bowl length balls and full tosses into his hitting arc. Sams iced the game with three consecutive bombs, with the last a towering blow over cover, his only one over the off side.
قال خالد يوسف سفير دولة مصر في موريتانيا، إنه هناك حالة من الحزن تسيطر على الجماهير في موريتانيا، قبل مواجهة منتخب مصر غدًا الثلاثاء.
منتخب مصر يحل ضيفًا على موريتانيا، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الرابعة من منافسات تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.
وقال يوسف خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي” لبرنامج “حارس الأهلي”: “استقبلنا بعثة منتخب مصر في المطار، وفتحنا لهم صالة كبار الزوار، ويقيمون في أحسن فندق وحراسة مصاحبة للفريق، الشعب الموريتاني جميل ويكن لمصر وشعبها كل التقدير والاحترام، نتمنى أن تكون المباراة جميلة ويُحقق كل طرف أهدافه”.
طالع | منتخب مصر يوضح موقف محمد عبد المنعم من مباراة موريتانيا
وأضاف: “هناك رطوبة نوعًا ما، لكن في توقيت المباراة سيكون الطقس معقولاً”.
وأكمل: “توجد حالة من الحزن تسيطر على الجماهير الموريتانية بسبب عدم تواجد محمد صلاح، هم كانو يريدون تواجده كقيمة كبيرة، والاستاد سيكون ممتلئًا عن آخره لأنهم ينتظرون تلك المباراة”.
ويغيب محمد صلاح عن مباراة مصر وموريتانيا، بعد الاتفاق بينه وبين الجهاز الفني بقيادة حسام حسن على حصول صلاح على راحة من تلك المواجهة، بسبب اللعب على النجيل الصناعي.
وأتم: “هناك جالية مصرية صغيرة في موريتانيا، وحصلنا على تذاكر وقمنا بتوزيعها، ومتقوع حضور 100 أو 150 من الجماهير المصرية”.
ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الثالثة في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا، برصيد 9 نقاط من الفوز في الثلاث جولات الأولي من التصفيات.