A temporada 2023 tem sido especial para o Volta Redonda. A equipe ficou entre as quatro melhores do Cariocão, disputou a terceira fase da Copa do Brasil e, agora, disputa a Série C do Brasileirão.
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O meio-campista Henrique Silva tem sido um dos destaques do time em todas estas campanhas. O atleta já marcou dois gols na terceira divisão e é está entre os que mais atuaram pela equipe no ano. O jogador destacou a felicidade em atuar pelo clube.
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– É meu segundo ano aqui no Volta Redonda, um time que acreditou muito em mim desde o início. Eu estou muito feliz de poder contribuir com a equipe e espero conseguir fazer ainda mais agora no Brasileirão.
Nem mesmo as três derrotas em sequência no Brasileirão abalam o entusiasmo de Henrique, que confia em uma melhora do time na competição. O jogador enfatizou que a equipe tem que acreditar em uma virada de chave.
– Cada competição é uma história diferente, tem que adaptar o jeito de jogar. Mas fizemos um bom início de ano, estamos entrosados e isso me deu muita confiança pra agora jogar o meu melhor futebol. Consegui marcar dois gols e tenho a confiança de que os resultados positivos vão chegar – afirmou.
O próximo jogo do Volta Redonda na Série C do Brasileirão acontece no domingo (21) contra o América-RN, às 19 horas (de Brasília), no Raulino de Oliveira.
Elland Road will have to be a fortress in the Premier League this season for Leeds United to survive at the first time of asking.
The last eight opening fixtures in the top-flight that had fallen at the hallowed turf, building up to Monday night’s clash with Everton, had seen the Whites pick up five wins and collect zero defeats. Thankfully, that impressive trend continued against David Moyes’ Toffees, as a slender 1-0 win was secured.
It could have been more emphatic on another night, as Leeds boasted 2.13 xG come the full-time whistle, having registered 21 efforts in total at Jordan Pickford’s busy net.
But, it would end up just being a slim victory for Daniel Farke’s side – not that anyone packed into Elland Road cared – courtesy of Lukas Nmecha stroking home a penalty with some confidence, considering it was his debut in West Yorkshire.
Nmecha's standout debut performance
Nmecha will be remembered for some time now as the figure who officially got Leeds’ 2025/26 season up and running as he placed a spot-kick with ease past Pickford.
The former Wolfsburg attacker would only go on to amass ten touches of the ball from his inspired 13-minute cameo, with the German’s fifth touch of the ball being the decisive moment that broke the deadlock.
Amazingly, during his entire debut season in Germany for his past employers, he wouldn’t break his duck.
In his fresh English surroundings, however, he has that monkey off his back, as Nmecha now hopes he can be an effective utility option all campaign long, with the 26-year-old capable of slotting into Farke’s XI up top – like he managed against the Toffees – as well as down either flank.
A dream opening day in the difficult division won’t stop Leeds dead in their tracks when it comes to sealing more late deals before September’s deadline, however, with a Nmecha repeat potentially on the cards if Farke and Co. can strike up a £22m move in time.
Leeds frontrunners to sign £22m star
Nmecha managed to bask in the limelight of being Leeds’ goalscorer on the night, with other brand new recruit Dominic Calvert-Lewin absent from the side altogether.
The former Everton attacker will no doubt get his own opportunities to impress down the line, but Leeds don’t look to be done and dusted just yet when it comes to trying to add more exciting attackers to their ever-growing squad.
Leeds vs Everton ratings supplied by Sofascore
Indeed, Leeds are very close to welcoming in another standout summer addition in the form of Noah Okafor, with a deal now in place for the AC Milan attacker to move to English shores for a fee around the £18m mark, as per Fabrizio Romano on X.
On top of that, another update states that Leeds is well-positioned to land another exciting attacking option, this time from La Liga.
Spanish outlet Carrusel Deportivo has revealed that Leeds could soon welcome Getafe ace Christantus Uche to Elland Road, having been noted as being in a favourable spot to do so, with Brentford also interested in the £22m forward’s services.
Further reports also suggest that even more of Leeds’ Premier League foes in Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland are keen, with the Whites fearful that Regis Le Bris’ men could pip them to yet another coveted signature this summer.
Fresh off scoring on the opening day in La Liga himself, Leeds will pray they can get a deal over the line for Uche – amid all this competition for his services – as they attempt to win another version of Nmecha.
Why Uche can be a Nmecha repeat
It is, of course, too early in his Leeds career to suggest he will be a rip-roaring success, but Nmecha couldn’t have made a better first impression if he tried.
Uche also raced out of the blocks with blistering speed for Getafe last time out, with a goal and an assist coming his way versus Celta Vigo, continuing his stunning ascent with his Spanish employers.
Before linking up with José Bordalás’ side, the Nigerian attacker was plying his trade in the lower depths of Spanish football with third-tier outfit AD Ceuta FC.
Now, he looks to be on the brink of a move to the Premier League, having turned into a “spectacular” asset in La Liga, as he was dubbed by Bordalás himself.
Uche’s Getafe record by position
Position
Games
Goals + Assists
CF
19
4 + 4
AM
13
0 + 3
SS
3
0
LW
1
0 + 1
LM
1
1 + 0
Sourced by Transfermarkt
From just 39 appearances and counting for Getafe, the adaptable Nigerian has chipped in with a bumper five goals and eight assists, with Uche also lining up in five different positions for his side when needed.
Nmecha also offered this same level of flexibility for Wolfsburg, having been noted previously for his ability to play in “so many different positions” by former boss Nico Kovac.
Much like Uche, the ex-Wolfsburg number ten had a knack for launching himself into any forthcoming XI in a whole host of different roles, with three career goals even coming his way down the right flank for the Bundesliga giants, despite being predominantly known for his strengths as a centre-forward, where 14 strikes were registered.
Both players could be worthwhile bodies to have around the building, therefore, with Nmecha already proving his worth as an impact substitute when sending Elland Road into raptures versus Moyes’ men.
Farke will hope he will be able to wax lyrical about Uche in a similar manner very soon, with the 22-year-old not perturbed by the bright lights of La Liga whatsoever during his Getafe stay.
The Premier League shouldn’t unnerve him either, hopefully, as the German just goes about tweaking here and there to try and give his underdogs the best fighting chance at instant survival.
Raphinha 2.0: Leeds man who outshone Nmecha was the best player on the park
Leeds sealed all three points on their return to Premier League action with Lukas Nmecha the hero.
Gianluigi Donnarumma joked about not taking his mother to the Etihad Stadium for the Champions League opener against Napoli on Thursday. The Manchester City goalkeeper, who arrived at the end of the summer transfer window, revealed that his family members are big supporters of the current Serie A champions. However, he remains determined on helping his new team kick-off their continental campaign with a win.
Man City to lock horns with Napoli in UCL opener
After a rather underwhelming start to their Premier League campaign, Manchester City will turn their attention towards Thursday's Champions League opener against Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side will be eager to prove themselves after their pre-round of 16 playoff exit last season. They have responded by showcasing their financial muscle in the summer, including Champions League winner Donnarumma.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDonnarumma hopes his 'mother will get over' Napoli's defeat
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, Donnarumma said: "I'm leaving Mum at home tomorrow night. I'm very attached to the city, I have many friends on and off the team, but I play for City and I hope to win this match. Mum will get over it."
New goalkeeper has big shoes to fill
The £26 million (€30m/$35m) signing has arrived on the back of a historic campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian was perhaps the best goalkeeper in the Champions League, as his heroics went a long way in helping Les Parisiens capture their maiden European title. However, he has started a new chapter at the Etihad, where he has replaced Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. Given he is among the finest custodians in the world at the moment, he is likely to rise to the challenge. But question marks have already been raised about how he would fit in, considering his profile is completely different to what Guardiola usually prefers.
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Getty Images SportCity confident after derby win
Guardiola and his troops head into Thursday's clash riding high on confidence, as they registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over cross-city rivals Manchester United on Sunday. As per the manager, City are "apparently not one of the favourites" to lift the coveted European trophy this season.
Vinicius Junior was named on the bench for Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, with Rodrygo starting in his place on the left wing. After the game, head coach Xabi Alonso made it clear that the squad must get used to his rotational policy and sit out a game every now and then, but reassured that Vinicius remains just as important to the cause.
Alonso surprises with his starting lineup
Real Madrid began their continental campaign off to a winning start on Tuesday, as the hosts won the game 2-1 against Marseille, thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty brace. While winning their first Champions League game of the season was not much of a surprise, it was Alonso's starting XI that raised eyebrows. Rodrygo, who was heavily linked with an exit all summer, started in place of his Brazilian co-star in a three-man attack, with the latter coming off as a second-half substitute.
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Getty Images Sport
Vini Jr. receives clear warning from the boss
Vinicius has been one of the best, if not the best, players in the Champions League in the last four seasons. Last season, he finished as Madrid's top scorer in the tournament as they lost to Arsenal in the quarter-finals. However, when asked how Vini reacted to being named on the bench, Alonso fired a clear warning, meant not just for the Brazilian, but the entire squad.
"We're in a demanding stretch, we need everyone, there will be moments for everyone. The important thing is that everyone feels prepared and feels important, because they are and will be throughout the season," said Alonso. “If there are private conversations [with Vini], they stay at Valdebebas. No one is going to play every game. No one can feel offended for not playing a game. Vini has come on well. The substitutions had a good impact on the game.”
Rotation is the name of the game
It's not the first time Vinicius has been left out of the starting XI this season. He was a surprise exclusion for the game against newly-promoted Real Oviedo last month, with Alonso asserting that the 25-year-old "can have a big impact off the bench". Madrid have played five games and Vini has appeared in each of those five fixtures, but has not managed to play the full 90 minutes even once. He has, however, scored two goals in the league and averages a direct goal contribution every 82 minutes.
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AFP
Can Madrid make it six wins out of six this weekend?
Having maintained a perfect record across all competitions so far, Alonso's troops will meet La Liga's surprise packages from this season this weekend. Espanyol have won thrice and drawn one game to find themselves in third position on the league table. Alonso will have his work cut out amid a crisis in defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold picking a hamstring injury within five minutes after kick-off against Marseille, while Dean Huijsen will be serving suspension after receiving a straight red against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Everton supporters will be excited about the Premier League season ahead as top-flight football finally comes to the Toffees’ new home in the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
They will have to wait that little bit longer for the action to start on their home patch, however, as Elland Road will be the first ground ticked off this season when David Moyes’ men face off against the stern prospect of a newly promoted Leeds United side.
Brand new recruit Adam Aznou could well have the privilege of making his Premier League debut for the Merseyside outfit in West Yorkshire, with more new signings surely in the pipeline to join the up-and-coming defender, before September’s abrupt cut-off.
Everton pushing to sign free agent star
The Toffees are four signings down this summer already, with promising French attacker Thierno Barry the pick of the bunch for a sturdy £27m.
However, Moyes and Co. are likely to push on with more fresh additions, with Douglas Luiz one high-profile name on their radar to boost their options in central midfield.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Everton aren’t just looking at the ex-Aston Villa star in isolation to bolster their numbers centrally, however, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Josh Brownhill is also on their agenda.
Indeed, that exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT has highlighted that both Leeds and Everton are locked into a tussle to win the free agent’s services, after the skilful Englishman allowed his Burnley contract to run down.
However, it could be a tall order to win the former Clarets captain’s services, owing to a further development that Toronto FC have offered a bumper £100k-per-week deal to the 29-year-old.
Still, the report states that Everton are pushing to try and convince Brownhill to remain put on English shores, with the potential here for the Manchester-born midfielder to become Moyes’ next Leon Osman in offering plenty of goals and assists in key moments.
How Brownhill could become Moyes' next Osman
After all, much like Brownhill would arrive on the scene for nothing, Osman cost Everton zilch when he emerged up the Merseyside ranks as a homegrown gem.
Amazingly, by the close of his long-winded Everton journey, Osman would have 58 goals and 36 assists next to his name from 433 appearances, with his output not letting up right until his retirement in 2016.
Games played
433
462
Goals scored
58
58
Assists
36
40
Indeed, just three years before hanging up his boots, Osman – who was donning the Toffees armband on the day – would rifle home a stunning effort against eventual title-winners Manchester City.
Brownhill provided a similar class to proceedings at Turf Moor last season when helping Scott Parker’s men clinch a triumphant promotion back up to the Premier League, as seen in him collecting a mammoth 18 goals and six assists across 42 second-tier outings.
It will just be up to the experienced midfielder to translate this blistering Burnley form to the top-flight, but there are promising signs already that he can perform at the daunting level.
From 111 appearances so far in the difficult division, the “brilliant” midfielder – as he was glowingly labelled by Parker – has six goals and six assists next to his name, with lots more hopefully heading his way when surrounded by better quality teammates at Everton, over consistent relegation dog-fights hitting him in the face.
The hope will just be that Brownhill can be that new Osman-like spark for Moyes to rely upon, having also once been dubbed a “crucial” part of the Turf Moor jigsaw under ex-Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.
Toronto’s excessive offer might well make this deal tricky to pull off, but the 29-year-old could favour a move to Merseyside over an MLS switch, knowing he could be as loved as Osman down the line.
Everton enter race to sign "gifted" £30m+ McAtee alternative for Moyes
He was taken to the hospital for treatment, with his scans being sent to London for analysis
Danyal Rasool03-Jan-2025Pakistan will have to complete the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town without the services of their opening batter Saim Ayub, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the match after suffering a right ankle injury.Ayub had to be stretchered off the pitch in just the seventh over of the match, when Ryan Rickelton edged a delivery through the slips, sending Ayub off on a chase to deep third alongside Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled it back in as Ayub stood poised to be the relay fielder, but lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He went down immediately and appeared in anguish holding the lower part of his leg as the physio rushed on.Despite prolonged treatment outside the boundary line, Ayub was unable to put any weight on his right ankle, and appeared to be in tears as he was placed on to a stretcher and taken off, with the injury casting a pall over proceedings for Pakistan. Things only got worse a few overs later when his replacement, Abdullah Shafique, put down a simple chance Aiden Markram at cover. It would not cost Pakistan much, though, with Markram falling to Khurram Shahzad two overs later.Ayub was sent to hospital soon after the incident, and shortly after the close of play, the PCB confirmed he would play no further part in the contest. “Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon,” the statement read. “The reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket.”Ayub has been a breakout star across formats over the last few months, and was Player of the Series when Pakistan beat South Africa 3-0 in the ODI series last month, scoring two hundreds in three games.He is one of the few all-format regulars for Pakistan, and was expected to be a key figure for the side in the upcoming Champions Trophy that Pakistan will host, beginning in February. That participation may now be in serious doubt.”It’s a big blow, the kind of form he’s in,” Salman Agha, Ayub’s team-mate, said at the close of play. “He would have been a great asset on this wicket. I wish him well and hopefully he’ll be better soon.”
Without Bumrah, India’s hopes faded away as Australia wrapped up the win within three days
Deivarayan Muthu05-Jan-20253:19
Cummins on making WTC final: ‘It’s huge, we talk about it a lot’
Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the silverware that had eluded them for a decade, and confirmed their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final alongside South Africa, after finishing off India inside three days at the SCG.India’s hopes of staying in contention for the WTC final rested on Jasprit Bumrah, but without him those faded away. For someone who had a massive influence on this series, with the most wickets by an India bowler on a tour of Australia, it was a shame he couldn’t play a part in the final act, though he had still done enough to be the Player of the Series.Related
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India find other heroes with Bumrah forced to the back seat
After having left the SCG on the second day for scans on his back, Bumrah returned to bat at No. 11 on the third day but wasn’t fit to bowl. All the early visuals had portended Bumrah’s absence. He didn’t warm up with the other bowlers and only did a bit of shadow-bowling. Then, after becoming the last India batter to be dismissed, for a duck, he didn’t take the field at all for India’s defence of 161. Given his history of back issues, India had to wrap him in cotton wool.The target was a substantial one for Australia, especially on this spicy SCG surface, but it did appear a whole lot smaller when Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna sprayed the new ball around. The pair conceded 12 runs via wides and byes down the leg side in the first two overs. Though Prasidh tightened up and took three wickets, including that of Steven Smith, Bumrah’s absence hung like Coleridge’s albatross around India’s neck.The batters didn’t make it any easier for India’s depleted attack. They lost 4 for 16 in 7.5 overs on the third morning to fold for 157. Scott Boland, who might not have played this series had Josh Hazlewood been fit and might not be a certainty for Australia’s next Test assignment in Sri Lanka, bagged his first ten-wicket haul in professional cricket to hasten India’s collapse. Having taken four wickets on the opening day at the SCG, Boland added six to his tally – his second five-for in Test cricket since his 6 for 7 on debut, which was just as glorious.The Australians got their hands on the trophy after a long gap•Getty Images
Boland had started the day with a maiden and continued to stalk both the edges by hitting a perfect length. He had Siraj caught at first slip and castled Bumrah in the 40th over to wrap up India’s innings. Boland then, fittingly, held the ball aloft and led Australia off the field, with the SCG crowd giving him a rousing reception.His captain Cummins had earlier accounted for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Jadeja had been dropped by Smith in the slips on 6 on day two, but it cost Australia just seven runs, with Cummins going much fuller to kiss Jadeja’s outside edge. He then nipped one through Washington’s gate to expose India’s tail to Boland.Australia capitalised on the wayward new-ball bowling from Siraj and Krishna, running away to 39 for no loss in the fourth over. Prasidh provided India with the breakthrough when he had Sam Konstas miscuing a slog to mid-off for 22 off 17 balls.After the second day’s play, Prasidh spoke of how he shifted from his stock back of a length plan to a much fuller one after a chat with the analyst. However, on Sunday, with the harder, newer ball, he gleaned more bounce and seam movement with his natural length. After smacking Marnus Labuschagne on his elbow, Prasidh had him steering a catch to gully.For the second time in two days, more than 40,000 fans at the SCG were poised to celebrate Smith scaling 10,000 Test runs, but Prasidh had other ideas and snared him one shy of the landmark with a prancing delivery. Smith will now have to wait until the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle later this month for his next opportunity to become the 15th Test batter in the 10,000 club.India had to wait until after lunch to get rid of Usman Khawaja. The opener misjudged Siraj’s length, bottom-edging a pull to Pant for 41 off 45 balls. India felt that they were on to something after that. Siraj roared while Virat Kohli, who stood in as captain, charged towards his bowler from the slips and animatedly pumped his fist.Beau Webster, the debutant, roars after hitting the winning runs•Getty Images
Travis Head and debutant Beau Webster, however, changed the mood and the game quickly. When Nitish Kumar Reddy offered up a wide half-volley in his first over, Head stayed leg side of the ball and unleashed a rasping blow through the covers. At the other end, Webster was less adventurous, but still scored at a fast clip, thanks to his long reach, which messed with the lengths of the bowlers.Webster, who had made his first-class debut back in 2014, might have wondered if his time at the top level would ever come. When it finally did, the 31-year-old made it a memorable one. He top-scored for Australia with 57 in their first innings – only Pant scored more runs than him – and dismissed Shubman Gill to go with some excellent catching in the slips.On Sunday, Webster struck an unbeaten 39 off 34 balls and provided the when he stepped out to Washington and pumped him straight of mid-off for four. Australia chased down 162 in 27 overs.Prasidh and Siraj bowled 24 of the first 25 overs in the chase. Their only respite – besides a lunch break – came when Australia were three hits away from victory. Jadeja didn’t bowl at all in the final innings and Washington bowled just one over, bringing India’s selection into sharp focus once again. While Australia had immense depth in their attack, India lacked it and Bumrah’s injury only compounded their troubled tour of Australia.
It is fair to say that the opening game of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season did not go exactly how reigning champions Celtic wanted it to.
The Hoops had to battle hard to break the deadlock against a stubborn St Mirren side that sat in and defended well in a low block for the majority of the game.
However, substitute Luke McCowan was able to finally break through by firing in a shot from the edge of the box that deflected into the bottom corner in the 87th minute.
They were a fortunate deflection away from dropping two points on the opening day of the season, though, which Brendan Rodgers will not have been pleased with.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
The summer transfer window is still open for a few more weeks and there could be further incoming business for the Hoops, who appear to need attacking reinforcements.
One player whose future in the starting XI remains uncertain, due to potential transfer activity, is Adam Idah, after his dismal showing against St Mirren.
Why Adam Idah's starting spot is in danger
The slow nature of Celtic’s recruitment work this summer has provided the Ireland international with a big opportunity to show the manager that he has what it takes to be the main number nine this season.
Unfortunately, though, he failed to step up against St Mirren on Sunday, as the former Norwich City attacker put in an incredibly wasteful showing, as you can see in the graphic below.
It is fair to say that the Irish number nine has not done enough to prove that he has the clinical finishing to be a reliable goalscorer for the Hoops this season, as further evidenced by his 19 ‘big chances’ missed in 19 Premiership starts last season.
This is why Idah’s starting spot in the team is in danger because he needs to show that he can be ruthless with the chances that come his way in games.
24/25 Premiership
Adam Idah
Percentile rank vs STs
xA
2.60
Top 11%
Chances created
19
Top 25%
Pass accuracy
76%
Top 19%
Assists
0
Bottom 3%
Touches in the opposition’s box
144
Top 9%
Possession won in the final third
14
Top 15%
Stats via FotMob
However, as you can see in the table above, the Ireland international also has a lot of creative qualities that sometimes go under the radar because of his finishing struggles and a few touches that go awry.
Idah is not perfect, that is obvious, but he is also not useless for Rodgers. His creative statistics from the 2024/25 league season suggest that the Hoops need to surround him with clinical finishers who can make the most of the chances that he creates.
The former Canaries star still needs to improve his finishing and show that he can be relied upon by Rodgers in front of goal, but the manager can do his bit to help the forward unlock his true potential by bringing in goalscoring midfielders around him.
This is why the Northern Irish boss should be pushing the board to get a deal done for Go Ahead Eagles star Jakob Breum before the end of the summer transfer window.
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Celtic have had multiple offers turned down for the Danish midfielder, who is valued at £5m by the Eredivisie side, and they should stump up the cash required to bring him to Parkhead to unlock Idah’s creative potential.
Why Celtic should sign Jakob Breum
One of the many reasons why the Hoops should pay up to bring Breum to Glasgow before September’s transfer deadline is that he is a versatile star who could be used in a host of different positions by Rodgers.
The Denmark U21 international has started 11 matches or more as a central midfielder, a right winger, an attacking midfielder, and as a left winger in his club career to date, which means that he can play across the frontline behind Idah or another striker.
At the age of 21, Breum would also come in as a young player with the potential to grow and develop throughout his time in Glasgow. This means that he would be a signing for the here and now as well as for the future, given his scope to improve further.
His performances for Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie during the 2024/25 season also suggest that he has the quality to come in as an ideal signing for Idah.
Breum, who was nominated for the young player of the season award in the Netherlands, is a ruthless finisher who has the potential to make the most of the Irish forward’s creativity.
24/25 Eredivisie
Jakob Breum
Percentile rank vs AMs
xG
6.27
Top 8%
xG on target
8.35
Top 5%
Shots on target
22
Top 7%
Goals
10
Top 5%
xA
5.60
Top 8%
Assists
5
Top 17%
Chances created
44
Top 7%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, the Danish forward ranked incredibly highly in a host of goalscoring metrics in the Dutch top-flight, as he outperformed his xG with both the quality of his shots and his goal tally.
These statistics suggest that the 21-year-old star, who was described as an “exciting” talent by Sport Republic video scout RDF Tactics, would be the perfect attacking midfielder to unlock Idah’s potential as a creator.
As aforementioned, the Irish striker was one of the most creative forwards in the Premiership last season, but was not rewarded with the assists that he deserved. Breum is a player who could finish off the chances that Idah creates, based on his form last term.
Along with being able to provide quality as a finisher, the £5m-rated star also ranked highly for his own creative output, and could create high-quality opportunities for Idah, to help him overcome his finishing woes.
Celtic could repeat Hooper masterclass by signing "extraordinary" £7m star
Celtic could find their next Gary Hooper with a swoop to sign this target from the lower league in England.
1
By
Dan Emery
Aug 6, 2025
Overall, Celtic should be pushing to sign the Go Ahead Eagles star because he has the potential to be an attacking signing that could complement Idah’s style of play, potentially helping the Irishman to keep his place in the XI.
Sonal Dinusha, a 24-year-old left-arm spinning allrounder, has been named in Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the two-match series against Australia, which begins in Galle on January 29.Opening batter Lahiru Udara has also been been included, potentially as cover for Pathum Nissanka, who is racing to be fit for the first Test, after picking up a groin strain while batting during the third ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on January 11.Related
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The questions Australia will need to answer in Sri Lanka
Kuhnemann given all-clear to travel to Sri Lanka
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva is nursing an injury as well, having retired hurt from a first-class game with a side strain less than two weeks ago.Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and offspinner Nishan Peiris make the squad too, with Prabath Jayasuriya to lead the spin attack. On the seam-bowling front, Sri Lanka have four options – Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Milan Rathnayake.The batting options are as expected, despite the underwhelming tour of South Africa in November and December. Dimuth Karunaratne is set to play his 100th Test in the second Test, with Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, and Kusal Mendis likely to make up the remainder of the batting lineup. Sadeera Samarawickrama is in the squad, likely as the spare middle-order batter and keeper.Dinusha’s inclusion comes on the back of both an impressive domestic record and recent form. He’s been outstanding with the bat for Colombo Cricket Club over the past few weeks, hitting two first-class hundreds in the last month. He was also among the runs for the Sri Lanka A side in November, against Pakistan A. After 44 first-class matches, he averages 40.08 with the bat and 24.06 with the ball.Unlike Dinusha, who has never made a Sri Lanka senior squad before, Udara has been a domestic performer for years and has been on the fringes of the team. He is uncapped in Tests, however, though he has played 97 first-class games. He also makes the squad on the back of decent form, having made a 142 and a 65 in his last five innings.Sri Lanka have no serious hope of making the World Test Championship final, having lost six of the 11 matches they have played in this cycle so far. Australia have won 11 of their 17, with two draws. Australia have all but sealed a spot in the WTC final alongside South Africa, and can only lose it if they incur an unlikely number of over-rate penalty points during the Sri Lanka Tests.Both Tests will be played in Galle.
Newcastle United suffered a late defeat to Liverpool on Monday as Rio Ngumoha scored on his debut to make it 3-2. However, the loss of that point is only the second biggest problem to come out of the game for Eddie Howe.
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It looks certain that four of Monday’s starting 11 will be unavailable for their next Premier League fixture against Leeds on Saturday, as Anthony Gordon was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil Van Dijk and is currently facing a three-game suspension.
The other three absences are all injuries, with Fabian Schar having to be taken off due to a concussion. He is the most likely of the four to be available for the Leeds match, but that will depend on his recovery over the coming days.
The bigger injuries were suffered by midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. Tonali had to be removed due to an apparent shoulder injury, and Joelinton followed ten minutes later with a muslce problem.
Post-match, Howe was asked about both injuries and said it “doesn’t look good” and “they both look threatening for us in the sense they could be out for a while”. Due to this, Newcastle are considering drastic action in the transfer market and bringing in a replacement midfielder in the final few days of the window.
Newcastle one of six Premier League teams considering Gallagher
Newcastle are considering signing Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher as a replacement for the injured Tonali and Joelinton. Graeme Bailey of TBR Football spoke about a number of teams showing interest in Gallagher but told fans “don’t rule out Newcastle” and “keep an eye on Newcastle”.
Gallagher appears to have been on Newcastle’s radar prior to this week but their interest has intensified following the injuries. How much Atlético would want for the 25-year-old is currently unknown, but they paid £33 million for him last summer.
On the personal side of things, Gallagher is reportedly on just over £150,000 a week, and Newcastle have a working relationship with his agency, Elite Management Agency, as they also represent centre-back Dan Burn.
Gallagher is receiving interest from multiple clubs hoping to bring him back to the Premier League before the transfer window ends – Newcastle and Everton currently look the most likely to make a move, but West Ham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Manchester United are all also considering the England midfielder.
Gallagher can ease long term depth concerns
While several clubs are interested in signing Gallagher, they’re all looking to replace slightly different midfielders. It speaks to his versatility that the six different clubs see him as a potential solution to their problems.
Manchester United and Tottenham are considering Gallagher as a typical defensive midfielder, with Tottenham considering him if Yves Bissouma moves on. Last season, he was in the top 15% of players for defensive recoveries and tackle success rate, making him more than capable of breaking up play and supporting the defence.
Crystal Palace may be looking at Gallagher as a replacement for Eberechi Eze following his move to Arsenal, in which case, he would be a far more attacking signing. During his season on loan at Crystal Palace, Gallagher registered 13 goal involvements in 39 games, demonstrating his attacking acumen when properly utilised.
Newcastle’s typical midfield of Joelinton, Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are all players who can perform both defensively and offensively. With various suitors wanting Gallagher for both of these attributes, it makes him the perfect replacement if it turns out that both injuries are long-term, also providing depth behind all three when the trio are fit and firing.