Tag Futebol

Whilst Arsenal are still yet to win a Premier League title under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the Spaniard has done a phenomenal job in turning the club around and pointing them in the right direction.

When he took the reins back in December 2019, the Gunners were sat in 10th place, nowhere near the level of a side pushing for Champions League football on a consistent basis.

He wasn’t afraid to make brutal calls, setting standards to set the club up for success, even excluding fan-favourite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the side due to his attitude issues.

Fast-forward to the present day, Arteta has built a phenomenal squad of players but is still lacking the depth in some areas to make the jump and become champions, with the recent injury issues highlighting the need for reinforcements.

However, nothing should take away the superb additions made up until this point, with the boss getting numerous decisions right in the transfer market.

Arteta’s best signings as Arsenal manager

Eyebrows were raised in the summer of 2023 when Arsenal completed a loan with an obligation to buy for goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford – especially considering the performances of Aaron Ramsdale the season prior.

The Englishman kept the second most clean sheets in 2022/23 but was immediately demoted to second choice as a result of Raya’s arrival – a decision that appears to be a masterstroke.

The Spaniard has been crucial to the club’s success this season, currently sitting third for the highest save percentage in the division – bailing the backline out on various occasions.

He’s not the only one to be worth every penny of his transfer fee, with midfielder Martin Odegaard cementing himself as one of the best in the division after his £30m move in 2021.

The former Real Madrid star has since registered 36 goals and 28 assists at the Emirates, creating countless opportunities in the final third for those featuring in front of him.

However, despite the form of the aforementioned duo, one other player has made huge strides in North London with his market value soaring as a result of his consistent displays.

The Arsenal player who’s value has increased by £55m

Back in the summer of 2019, Arsenal forked out £27m for the signature of French centre-back William Saliba, a player who would’ve been unknown to the vast majority of supporters.

It was a huge fee for just a 19-year-old with only 19 senior appearances, but it’s a move that has proved to be a masterstroke, with the defender becoming a crucial component of Arteta’s backline.

The fanbase would have to wait until the start of the 2022/23 season to see Saliba in action for the first team, but it’s safe to say he hasn’t looked back ever since – offering the defensive stability the side has lacked before his arrival.

He’s since gone on to feature over 100 times in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring seven times in the process, undoubtedly a threat at both ends, especially considering the club’s record from set pieces.

This season alone, he’s only missed two Premier League encounters due to suspension, often one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit and available.

Saliba, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has produced some incredible defensive numbers this campaign, showcasing his importance to Arteta’s squad.

He’s completed 94% of the passes he’s attempted, winning 1.3 tackles per 90, along with 4.4 duels – making him the perfect ball-play defender with his attributes.

William Saliba’s stats in the Premier League (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

22

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

94%

Tackles won

1.3

Duels won

4.4

Dribble success

67%

Recoveries made

4.6

Stats via FotMob

As a result of his consistent showings, Saliba has seen a huge jump in his market value, with CIES Football Observatory now valuing him at £85m, a jump of £58m on the fee forked out for his signature.

The supporters must remember the Frenchman is still only 23, having bags of time to improve further and aid their pursuit of ending their two-decade wait for a league triumph.

It’s no surprise to see such a jump in value given his performances in North London, with the club needing to use his move as an example of the success they can have in buying younger players and moulding them into a superstar to strengthen their title ambitions in the near future.

Related Not just Nwaneri: Arsenal's "dangerous" Hale End gem can ease Havertz blow

The academy ace needs to step up for Arsenal after Kai Havertz’s injury.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 14, 2025

Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City avoided a second half scare against Nottingham Forest to secure a place in the FA Cup final.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Pep admitted City avoided a second-half scareMan City beat Forest 2-0 in semi-finalQualified for FA Cup for third season in a rowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Rico Lewis opened the scoring for the former English champions in the second minute of the match from Mateo Kovacic's assist. Omar Marmoush then fed Josko Gvardiol with a perfect cross as the Croatian defender doubled the team's tally at the start of the second half to seal City's place in the final of the FA Cup for a third consecutive season.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite a two-goal win over Forest in the last-four stage, Guardiola admitted that the opponents were the more dominant side after the break. However, the manager expressed his delight that the club withstood the pressure and finally booked their place in the final of the competition.

WHAT PEP GAURDIOLA SAID

Speaking to after the match, the City boss said: "They pushed a little bit more in the second, we knew it. We lost some balls – the fatigue was there. The experience we have fell down. The ball, the way it bounces, for both sides is difficult to control it. It cannot be quicker. We managed and I am really pleased to again be in the FA Cup final."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

City will face Wolves and Southampton in their next two Premier League outings before they meet Crystal Palace at Wembley on May 17.

Big picture

The last time India toured Zimbabwe, they went with a captain who had won a T20 World Cup, a 50-over World Cup and a Champions Trophy title. That wasn’t a full-strength Indian side. This isn’t one either. But this Indian team is led by one of their seven captains from recent times.KL Rahul is back in action after a long layoff, which included a surgery for sports hernia, and a positive Covid-19 test. What could make Rahul comfortable is that Zimbabwe is where he struck a century on ODI debut, and finished as the leading scorer when India blanked Zimbabwe 3-0 in 2016.Related

• Returning KL Rahul hopes to build on fond Zimbabwe memories

• High stakes for KL Rahul and Deepak Chahar in Zimbabwe

• KL Rahul to captain India in Zimbabwe after being passed fit

• Deepak Chahar returns for Zimbabwe ODIs

India are without some of their top players , and it might be Zimbabwe’s best chance in a while to topple a team ten places above them in the ICC rankings. Though Zimbabwe themselves are also depleted – because of injuries – they are coming in on the back of fantastic series wins in both white-ball formats against Bangladesh. They would be itching to build on that form to grab some World Cup Super League points, where they are currently placed 12th, to gain in confidence before they fly to Australia for ODIs and the T20 World Cup.Against Bangladesh, they chased down totals of 304 and 291 in successive games, Sikandar Raza scored centuries in both games, Innocent Kaia in the first, and captain Regis Chakabva in the second. But Zimbabwe’s top order – which slipped to scores of 62 for 3, 27 for 3 and 18 for 3 in those three games – will have to find better answers against India’s bowling. Against the Indian bowlers, the “fearless brand of cricket” will be tested more than it was when they played Bangladesh.

Form guide

Zimbabwe LWWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India WWWWLKL Rahul was last in action during the 2022 IPL•BCCI

In the spotlight

Along with keeping an eye on Rahul, the team management will follow the progress of Deepak Chahar closely. Once India’s prime new-ball bowler in T20Is, Chahar returns to the field after a long [since February] layoff because of injury. He has dropped back in the pecking order for the T20 World Cup, at least going by the selections for the Asia Cup, in which he is among the reserves. A different format, but these games will be an audition for Chahar ahead of the T20 World Cup.Raza took the Player-of-the-Series award for the ODIs against Bangladesh, but the “unsung hero”, according to him, was Luke Jongwe. He didn’t take too many wickets but came on to bowl in tough situations once the morning moisture had dried up in batting-friendly conditions, and dry up the runs for Bangladesh in the middle and death overs. How he comes up against India’s middle-order batters and finishers could be key for Zimbabwe.

Team news

Rahul batted in the middle order the last time he played ODIs but he is among India’s frontrunners for an opening slot at the T20 World Cup. Will the management open with him to get him some practice at the top or will they continue to bat him in the middle? Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill opened for India in the ODIs in the Caribbean and they could continue there if Rahul is slotted lower down. With no Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer in the squad, Rahul will come in, of course, and Ruturaj Gaikwad could make his ODI debut at some point in the series.India: 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 4 KL Rahul (capt), 5 Sanju Samson/Ishan Kishan (wk), 6 Deepak Hooda, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Shardul Thakur/Deepak Chahar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna/Avesh KhanSikandar Raza played like a man possessed in the ODIs against Bangladesh•Associated Press

Zimbabwe will continue to be without some of their key players, who are injured, like Craig Ervine (hamstring), Wellington Masakadza (shoulder), Blessing Muzarabani (thigh muscle tear) and Tendai Chatara (collarbone fracture). But, in a boost for them, Sean Williams is back after missing the preceding Bangladesh series to “attend to some personal matters”.* The question for Zimbabwe is whether to break up the out of form opening combination of Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Tadiwanashe Marumani or give them another chance.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Takudzwanashe Kaitano, 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3 Innocent Kaia, 4 Wessly Madhevere/Sean Williams, 5 Sikandar Raza, 6 Regis Chakabva (capt, wk), 7 Ryan Burl/Tony Munyonga, 8 Luke Jongwe, 9 Brad Evans, 10 Victor Nyauchi, 11 Tanaka Chivanga

Pitch and conditions

The Harare Sports Club had batting-friendly pitches in all three games against Bangladesh, but with something for the quick bowlers in the morning because of the early starts. Thursday is expected to be sunny and pleasant with a high of 27 degrees Celsius.

Stats and trivia

• He has played only three ODIs there, but Rahul has the best average for an India batter in Zimbabwe, of 196. The next best is Ambati Rayudu’s 123 from seven innings.
• From the current India squad, Rahul made his ODI debut in Zimbabwe. Apart from him, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel also made their T20I debuts in Zimbabwe.
• Of the 16 ODIs Zimbabwe and India have played at the Harare Sports Club from 1992 to 2016, the hosts have won only two.

Quotes

“It is a beautiful format. It is a balanced format where you should know when to attack and when to defence. It is not a rushed format, it is about understanding when to attack and when to defence, for both batters and bowlers. I really enjoy playing this format.”

Nottingham Forest have had a fairytale first half of the 2024/25 campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo. The men in Garibaldi Red are flying, with 40 points on the board and six wins in their last six games. That leaves them third in the Premier League, behind second-place Arsenal only on goal difference at this stage.

One of their standout players in recent weeks has been midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. The 24-year-old has four goals and three assists in 16 Premier League games and was described as a “very exciting” player by Lee Carsley, the former England interim manager.

Forest are eyeing up more midfield depth this January, and could make a move to sign someone to play in a deeper role to their talisman Gibbs-White.

Nottingham Forest’s midfield target

The player in question here is Colombian midfielder Richard Rios. The 24-year-old has been making maves at his current club Palmeiras and has been linked with a move away from the club his winter.

Now, according to a report from CaughtOffside, the East Midlands outfit are believed to be ‘pushing hard to land Rios in the January window’, with the view of targeting their midfield before the window slams shut at the start of February.

However, they will not be alone in their pursuit of the Colombia international. Rios is also a target for Tottenham Hotspur and is ‘high on their list’ this winter. Everton are also considering a move. The midfielder has a reported release clause of £84m, but it is unclear if that fee can be negotiated.

Why Rios would be a good signing

It was a really impressive 2024 for Rios in both a Palmeiras shirt and for the Colombian national team. At club level, the 24-year-old made 49 appearances last year, scoring four goals and grabbing five assists.

He was also a key component of his nation’s run to the final of the 2024 Copa America. He started all six games across the group and knockout stages as they reached the final before losing to Argentina. Rios was on the scoresheet in a 5-0 win over Panama.

Rios could be an even better midfield option than Douglas Luiz. Forest were linked with him as recently as the 8th of January, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the journalist suggesting his ‘situation is open’ and he could make a move during the winter transfer window.

It has been a tough season for the Brazilian, who, unlike Rios, has barely featured for his club, Juventus. He has played just 14 times across all competitions since his move from Aston Villa last summer.

Reuters/Daniele Mascolo

There are certainly a lot of reasons why Luiz would make a good signing, given his high-quality skill on the ball. With that being said, statistics on FBref suggest that Rios might be a better acquisition for Forest this season.

The Colombian, described as a “monster” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, is fantastic defensively and actually ranks higher in several key defensive metrics than the formerVilla star.

Indeed, one of those is ball recoveries per 90 minutes, with the Palmeiras star averaging 6.55 compared to the Old Lady midfielder’s 5.53 each game.

Rios also makes far more tackles and interceptions, averaging 5.54 per 90 minutes compared to Luiz, who averages just 2.43 each game.

Stat (per 90)

Rios

Luiz

Tackles and interceptions

5.54

2.43

Ball recoveries

6.55

5.53

Blocks

1.39

0.96

Clearances

0.77

0.54

Sieral duels won

1.13

0.75

Having a player with such defensive quality can certainly benefit the likes of Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson. They can have more attacking licence without having to worry about defensive responsibility, given how good Rios is off the ball.

Forest needn’t worry about his quality with possession, given he averages 5.31 progressive passes, more than Luiz for what it is worth, and 1.03 successful take-ons per game. The Colombian is a silky dribbler.

Whilst the fee is not guaranteed at this stage, signing Rios could be an excellent investment for Forest at the right price. He is young and experienced on the biggest stage, as his international exploits with Colombia suggest.

This could be the perfect signing for Forest to help take them to the next level, perhaps as far as the Champions League next season.

Nottingham Forest monitoring versatile midfielder up for sale at just £8m

Nuno is looking at the possibility of strengthening his midfield this month.

ByBrett Worthington Jan 13, 2025

Well, Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League has been slashed. It’s all doom and gloom (joking, it’s not). Arsenal might have won at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday but Liverpool remain four points clear and with a game in hand.

Arne Slot’s side have been brilliant this season and are favourites for the title, but it would be remiss to think that the Reds will storm away and out of sight before January’s done and dusted.

It’s remarkable that Liverpool have even found themselves in such a promising position after Jurgen Klopp stepped down, with most assuming that Anfield would tussle for a place in the Champions League.

But Slot’s tactics and managerial expertise have propelled the Merseysiders into the ascendency across a range of fronts, and while Liverpool have only won three of their past seven top-flight fixtures, it’s anticipated the smoother sailing will return after a tough winter.

Liverpool’s Upcoming Fixtures (all comps)

Date

Competition

Opponent

17/01/25

Premier League

Brentford (A)

21/02/25

Champions League

Lille (H)

25/01/25

Premier League

Ipswich (H)

29/01/25

Champions League

PSV (A)

01/02/25

Premier League

Bournemouth (A)

Liverpool have endured. They usually do. And anyway, the Redmen often dip into the January transfer window to make one or two well-placed improvements, and that might take place in the coming weeks.

Liverpool & the January transfer window

Liverpool and the January transfer window, a match made in heaven. Be it Virgil van Dijk or Takumi Minamino, FSG have always enjoyed making a wonderful winter signing to advance Liverpool’s cause.

Van Dijk is the gold standard and his £75m move from Southampton might even be the Premier League’s greatest January transfer, revolutionising Jurgen Klopp’s backline and leading Liverpool to glory.

Years before, let’s not forget, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge both joined from different outfits in January 2013, with Luis Suarez completing a £23m transfer from Ajax two years prior.

More recently, however, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo enjoyed mid-season switches to Merseyside, having now gone strength to strength under Slot’s wing, integral parts of the Anfield make-up.

The Red Devils were left munching dirt clouds as Liverpool welcomed Gakpo to the fold, and now, FSG are looking to repeat the trick with one of the Premier League’s most underrated midfielders.

Liverpool eyeing Prem midfielder

As per Football Insider, scouts from Liverpool and Manchester United have been tracking Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes in recent months and could strike a deal this year.

Wolves are battling relegation but have improved under Vitor Pereira in recent weeks, and it would take a mammoth fee to convince the Old Gold to part with their engine this month.

However, a deal could certainly be struck this summer, with previous reports suggesting that the Anfielders would have to cough up something in the ballpark of £50m.

What Joao Gomes would bring to Liverpool

Gomes is a talented midfielder with an eye for a tackle. Wolves signed Flamengo’s prospect for £15m in January 2023, so he’s already accustomed to a winter rehousing.

71 appearances later, Gomes has scored five goals and assisted three more for his English employers, making good on talent scout Jacek Kulig’s praise that he is a “warrior” who “always gives 100% on the pitch.”

Gomes’ seasonal heatmap from the English top flight says it all: his boundless energy and enthusiasm across the different facets of the midfield game, completing 85% of his passes, 62% of his dribbles and averaging 5.1 ball recoveries per game.

He might be a dynamic and multi-faceted midfielder, but Gomes is a ball-winning monster at heart, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles (4.05) per 90, as per FBref, emphasising that he would bring combative energy to Liverpool’s rich engine room.

Premier League 24/25 – Top Tacklers

Rank

Player

Tackles (per 90)

1.

Daniel Munoz

71 (3.94)

2.

Moises Caicedo

63 (3.06)

3.

Noussair Mazraoui

62 (3.67)

4.

Joao Gomes

61 (3.41)

5.

Idrissa Gueye

58 (3.74)

5=

Alexis Mac Allister

58 (3.70)

Stats via Premier League

17th-placed Wolves might be embroiled in a fight to stay in the Premier League but Gomes has been a machine in the middle, capable of playing deep and more advanced.

His energy and expertise as a “box-crasher,” as analyst Ben Mattinson has called him, could bear dividends for a Liverpool side that has enjoyed so much success with Ryan Gravenberch as the deep-lying playmaker.

Liverpool needs to get this one done, especially when considering the rich history in welcoming winter talent to the first team. Given that the aforementioned Gakpo had been on Man United’s radar, like Gomes, there’s an even more pressing reason to ensure that he’s added to the ranks.

Leaving PSV Eindhoven, Dutch sensation Gakpo was only 23 when he moved to Liverpool, the same age as Gomes is now.

He’s been one of the key attacking pillars in Slot’s system this season, firing 12 goals and placing four assists across 30 appearances in all competitions.

The Netherlands international has been hailed as “Liverpool’s man for the big occasion” by reporter Beth Lindop, not blessed with the audacious prolificness of Mohamed Salah but indispensable as a title challenge is mounted.

How Liverpool would love to strike a blow in Man United hearts once again, strengthening their midfield ranks with a player who would be perfect for Ruben Amorim’s system.

The Old Trafford side have endured much market misery over the past decade but Liverpool’s talent radar is usually unerring, so it would be a travesty to lose this player to their rivals, who are desperately seeking a resurgence.

Whether Gomes is ready to make the jump is open to question, but based on the evidence from within tough conditions at Molineux, the Reds might just score a blinder by adding this one to the fold.

Related Huge Nunez upgrade: Liverpool eyeing "one of the best CFs in the world"

Liverpool are ready to hijack a big rival in order to sign this Darwin Nunez upgrade.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jan 14, 2025

The Dutch star came off the bench at half-time to score twice and put Nick Cushing's side in control of their Champions League quarter-final

Manchester City are on course for the last four of the Champions League after inflicting Chelsea's first defeat of the season on Wednesday night, triumphing 2-0 in the quarter-final first leg courtesy of a Vivianne Miedema brace. City started the game brightly with Mary Fowler at the heart of everything early on for the hosts, who were out for revenge after their weekend League Cup defeat to the Blues.

Lily Murphy was also causing Chelsea a few problems down the left flank as City dominated the first half but lacked the cutting edge in attack to find the breakthrough. Their interim boss Nick Cushing sent on Miedema at half-time in search of goal and it proved an excellent change as the 28-year-old went on to break the deadlock on the hour.

Fowler's cross was headed goalward by Laia Aleixandri and parried onto the bar by Hampton, only for the ball to fall kindly to an unmarked Miedema at the far post to emphatically knock home via a touch off the crossbar.

Chelsea ramped up the pressure late on, as Mayra Ramirez saw a goal disallowed for offside and substitute Johanna Rytting Kaneryd rattled the frame of the goal with a powerful drive. Yet it was the hosts who doubled their lead in the dying minutes. Kerolin hared down the right again before playing the ball in to Miedema to sweep home her second of the night and put City in control of the tie ahead of the return at Stamford Bridge next Thursday.

GOAL rates Manchester City's players from the Joie Stadium

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ayaka Yamashita (8/10):

  Confidently dealt with everything that came her way. Really important save late on to deny Kaptein and preserve her clean sheet.

  Kerstin Casparij (6/10):

  Handed Chelsea a chance in the first half after giving the ball away in a dangerous area but otherwise did OK. Some good moments going forwards, too.

  Gracie Prior (7/10):

  Another solid showing from the 20-year-old, who barely put a foot wrong.

  Laia Aleixandri (8/10):

  Enjoyed another good battle against Mayra Ramírez and did a great job. A fine header forced Hampton into a save before Miedema scored and she made a great block on Bronze late on as well.

  Leila Ouahabi (5/10):

  Some wobbly moments defensively and struggled against Chelsea's pace on the counter.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Yui Hasegawa (8/10)

  Really strong showing and was influential in the win. Always on the move and all of City's best attacks came through her.

  Jill Roord (6/10):

  Kept trying to get City going forwards. Had some sights of goal but her efforts were fairly tame.

  Jess Park (7/10):

  Was a willing runner and covered so much ground. Found more space in the second half which helped City offer more threat.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Kerolin (7/10):

  Had a quiet first half but was much more of a threat after the break with her direct runs down the right.

  Lily Murphy (6/10):

  Looked really dangerous down the left in the first period but wasn't involved enough. Hooked at half-time for Miedema.

  Mary Fowler (7/10):

  Was involved in all of City's best attacks. Played a role in the opener with a great ball into the box and worked tirelessly.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Vivianne Miedema (9/10):

  Came on at half-time and made the difference. Scored the opener and netted another late on with a classy finish that could prove crucial.

  Laura Coombs (6/10):

  Came on and will have enjoyed a victory over her former side.

  Laura Blindkilde Brown (N/A)

  A late sub.

  Nick Cushing (8/10):

  Had his team fired up after their disappointment at the weekend. Bringing on Miedema at half-time was a great call as she took the game by the scruff of the neck and scored twice.

Everton managed to reveal a layer of attacking quality in midweek, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 in the Premier League.

It was the perfect fuel for Sean Dyche’s side to send the Toffees fanbase into rapture, with Liverpool travelling the less-than-a-mile distance from Anfield for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Storm Darragh had other plans. Howling winds and lashing rain precluded the match from taking place, with Saturday morning bringing about the dreaded news that the contest had indeed been called off.

It’s certainly frustrating, for Everton have entered a good moment and were ready to take on a Liverpool side contending with a host of injuries. Dyche was given a glimpse of attacking quality that has scarcely been on show throughout the term.

To be sure, the Blue Merseysiders need more from their frontal members.

Everton's attacking failures

Dyche has got a task on his hands to overturn the misery that has threatened his place in the Everton dugout. The Toffees might have earned a reprieve through their statement victory against Wolves but consistency has been lacking and that needs to change.

14th

Ipswich Town

23

14=

Newcastle United

23

14=

Nottingham Forest

23

14=

Nottingham Forest

23

18th

West Ham United

22

19th

Southampton

20

20th

Everton

19

While it’s true that Dyche has been let down by his forwards, namely Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has failed to register a direct goal contribution across his past nine Premier League outings, creativity has been negligible, with the Blues indeed the division’s bottom-placed side when it comes to creating chances.

Pretty damning – let’s hope the Wolves victory doesn’t prove to be a lonely outlier. Whether the club will have the financial power to strengthen in January remains to be seen, but they could certainly do with the booster.

Hindsight’s a wonderful thing, but it’s also a useless thing. Even so, it’s a real shame, in hindsight, that Everton allowed Ademola Lookman to leave at the start of his career.

His dynamic qualities would be perfect for Dyche’s team.

Why Everton sold Ademola Lookman

Everton were the team that gave Lookman his first opportunity at the highest level, signing him from Charlton Athletic for an £11m fee in January 2017, when he was aged only 19.

Though he is now regarded as a top-class player, the versatile winger failed to establish himself with the Toffees, totalling just four goals across 48 appearances before being sold to RB Leipzig in 2019 in a deal worth £22.5m.

While Everton succeeded in turning a profit for their fringe prospect, it’s rather poignant to watch him do so well now, having finished 14th on the Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings after an incredible year with Serie A side Atalanta.

Aged 27, Lookman is established and ensconced in the prime of his career, and given that Atalanta wanted €70m (£59m) for their dynamic star this summer when high-ranked outfits such as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain were circling, Farhad Moshiri and co must surely feel a little bit rueful, having let a potential blinder slip through their fingers.

Ademola Lookman's performances in 2024/25

Lookman achieved continental acclaim at the final stage of the 2023/24 campaign, blasting in a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen to claim the Europa League crown.

He’s continued to make headway this year, having posted ten goals and five assists across 17 matches in all competitions, very much backing up the praise that he is Piero Gian Gasperini’s “superstar” – so journalist Sean Walsh has said.

As per FBref, Lookman ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 7% for assists and shot-creating actions and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, denoting elite-level potency and an effective ball-carrying quality that shapes him into the complete package.

As you can see, he’s not just a one-trick pony, emerging to spearhead Atalanta’s trophy-lifting triumph. No, Lookman has found a stunning vein of consistency in the final third over the past several years and is now reaping the rewards of his hard labours.

FBref record the Nigeria international to be an exceptionally prolific force, but perhaps more curious is the fact that he has been compared to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Jamal Musiala as a result.

Two heavyweights, Saka and Musiala set the gold standard in the Premier League and Bundesliga respectively, with the pairing considered to be among the most valuable players in the world, as per the CIES Football Observatory.

Goals scored

0.76

0.49

0.45

Assists

0.38

0.36

0.18

Shots taken

3.32

3.39

3.49

Shot-creating actions

5.71

5.68

5.57

Progressive passes

3.98

3.70

5.45

Progressive carries

5.09

4.98

5.15

Successful take-ons

1.97

1.62

3.91

Ball recoveries

4.08

4.37

4.24

Whether Lookman is actually at the same level as a player such as Saka is debatable; the Arsenal sensation is arguably the best right winger in the world right now, barring maybe Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Raphinha.

But it’s still a mark of his prowess and a frustrating reminder to Everton that they let him go before he had time to nurture his natural-born talents and bloom.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

While a player like Lookman would be a welcome addition to Dyche’s cause right now, let’s hope that the Toffees have learnt from their past mistakes and ensure that the up-and-coming stars of the present day are allowed to rise to the fore over the coming years.

Dyche's "new hope" could be Everton's answer to Mo Salah

Everton meet Liverpool in the rivals’ final Premier League contest at Goodison Park.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 7, 2024

West Ham United officials are ready to open preliminary talks with the agents of a manager, as the Hammers edge towards replacing Julen Lopetegui in the dugout.

Lopetegui "fighting to save job" as West Ham hold internal crisis talks

Reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic backed multiple reports in the press that West Ham held internal talks over Lopetegui’s future on Wednesday, with pressure intensely growing on the Spaniard.

Steidten holds talks with new manager and wants Lopetegui out of West Ham

The German is personally in favour of a change.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2024

It has been a woeful start to the Premier League campaign for West Ham, who have won just four times in 14 league games, despite spending north of £120 million on new additions in the summer transfer window.

The Irons have also been thumped 5-2 by Arsenal and 3-1 by Leicester City in the space of five days, piling pressure on Lopetegui who is now “fighting to save his job”, according to Ornstein.

West Ham, led by technical director Tim Steidten, are now assessing alternative candidates for the managerial position – should they indeed decide to hand Lopetegui his P45 amid calls for his removal.

Steidten has held talks with Edin Terzic, according to GiveMeSport, and is personally in favour of sacking West Ham’s current manager after their lacklustre start to the 2024/2025 campaign.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is contending for the West Ham job, while former FC Porto boss Conceicao is keen on replacing Lopetegui after leaving the Primeira Liga giants earlier this year.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#16

03/12/2024

Leicester City (A)

Premier League

3-1

#15

30/11/2024

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

5-2

#14

26/11/2024

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

There are a few high-profile options if David Sullivan and co decide to make the decision and sack Lopetegui, but there is another candidate who is now reportedly entering pole position for the West Ham hot seat.

West Ham ready to open talks with Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui

Indeed, that man is former Chelsea and Brighton head coach Graham Potter.

The Englishman, who also sensationally guided Swedish minnows Ostersunds FK to the Europa League after successive promotions from the fourth tier, has been without a job since his sacking by Chelsea.

The 49-year-old is now entering the mix to succeed Lopetegui, as Football Insider share that West Ham are ready to open preliminary talks with Potter, who is said to be emerging as the lead contender.

Potter is apparently “ahead of Conceicao” in the race, with West Ham now prepared to advance their interest in the tactician in their pursuit of a new boss.

Scott Boland produced a typically miserly bowling performance to bowl 10 maidens out of his 19 overs

Tristan Lavalette18-Feb-2022Quick Scott Boland produced a typically miserly bowling performance as he tuned up for Australia’s tour of Pakistan during a grinding opening day in the Sheffield Shield game between Victoria and Queensland at the Junction Oval.Boland, who became a sensation during the Ashes after a remarkable start to his Test career, finished wicketless but conjured his famed disciplined line and length to frustrate Queensland, who reached stumps at 6 for 221. Debutant Jack Clayton held Bulls’ batting together with a determined 72 not out from 179 balls at No. 4.After starting with three maidens, Boland had just three deliveries scored off during his first 11 overs and finished with 0 for 24 from 19 overs. He was engaged in the second session in an absorbing duel with Matt Renshaw, who was the most fluent of the Bulls batters with 43 off 78 balls before falling on the stroke of tea.Queensland struggled against Victoria’s relentless attack as they crawled at two runs an over for most of the day after winning the toss. Openers Joe Burns (22) and Bryce Street batted cautiously during a rain-curtailed opening session to set the tone for the Bulls.Burns was bowled by young quick Mitch Perry without offering a shot, while Street fell lbw to pumped-up James Pattinson to end his laborious 23 off 98 balls.Queensland nosedived after the tea break marked by a sloppy run out to skipper Jimmy Peirson for a duck to slump to 5 for 157. Left-handed batter Clayton found much-needed support through Gurinder Sandhu (19) before the No. 7 fell to seamer Will Sutherland against the second new ball.Young allrounder Sutherland, who struggled in the BBL, conjured sharp pace and bounce in a lively performance to finish with 1 for 54 from 15 overs.The Bulls line-up boasts of Test squad members Mitch Swepson and quick Mark Steketee, who on Wednesday replaced injured team-mate Michael Neser in Australia’s 18-man travelling party.

Former Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez opened up on his time at Emirates Stadium as he accused the club of unfairly tagging him 'aloof'.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Azeez accused Arsenal coaching staff of unfairly treating himLeft Arsenal in January 2024 Gunners coaching staff misjudged himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Azeez, who graduated from the Gunners' youth system, made his first and only appearance for the club in December 2020 in the Europa League. In the next three seasons, he was sent out on loan to Portsmouth, Ibiza and Wigan Athletic before he left the club permanently in January 2024. Recalling his time at the North London club, the 22-year-old felt that he was 'misjudged' by the coaching staff.

AdvertisementWHAT MIGUEL AZEEZ SAID

Speaking to , the English player said: "I definitely felt, not adversity, but being misjudged. Ask anyone at Arsenal — I was always first into training and last to leave. If I looked like a quintessential footballer they would not have thought anything of it but because of how I looked, the hairstyles, the face, jewellery, whatever it was, they would say, ‘He is trying to be aloof by coming in early to be by himself’.

"I was just trying to improve. “That word ‘aloof’ was used against me at Arsenal. My team-mates were in the changing room on their phones on Snapchat when I was in the gym working, but they would just see me by myself and put two and two together. The players seemed to take to it, which was nice. It was from the coaching side of things. I don’t know if it was an upbringing thing or a hierarchy thing. I took it as people thinking, ‘Who does he think he is? Does he think he is better than me?’. Nah, I’m just being myself."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Azeez added: "I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels. There was always this thing representing the badge. I get that, but I think they wanted a different image to what I was giving. I guess there’s a lot of people who would change their personalities just to get to where they felt they needed to be. I’ve always said I’m a person who plays football. When people start to think they are a footballer before they’re a person, that’s when they start to change who they are."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The Gunners, who are currently seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they host West Ham at Emirates Stadium.