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Celtic failed to get their first win of the European season on the board when they were beaten 2-0 by Braga at Parkhead in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Hoops were held to successive 0-0 draws, losing on penalties in the second leg, by Kairat in the Champions League qualifiers, before they were held to a 1-1 draw by Red Star Belgrade in their first match of the league phase in the Europa League last week.

Their 2-0 loss to Braga in front of their own supporters, who made their feelings clear at full-time, means that they have failed to win four successive matches in Europe this season.

Celtic may feel hard done by, though, as VAR ruled out Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal with a call that was described by Chris Sutton as “possibly the worst decision of all time”.

Celtic have been dominant domestically, with four successive league title wins, but they have not had much success on the European stage, in any competition, and it is a step up that even some of the club’s best players have struggled with.

Kyogo Furuhashi, for example, struggled in the Champions League last season as he came towards the end of his career with the Scottish giants.

Why Kyogo Furuhashi struggled for Celtic in Europe

Something that can be underestimated about European football is the step up in physicality as well as quality in comparison to some Scottish Premiership matches.

In terms of how players use their strength, how they use their speed, the intensity of their press, it can sometimes feel like a different game in Europe, which is why Kyogo, in particular, had some tough nights in European games.

The Japan international, who scored 85 goals for the Hoops, was never the most physical centre-forward for Celtic, but it appeared to effect his European form more than his domestic form, possibly due to the reasons listed above.

Appearances

6

7

Touches

14

13.1

Goals

2

1

Big chances missed

2

3

Duel success rate

33%

39%

Aerial duel success rate

0%

0%

Duels won per game

1.3

1.0

As you can see in the table above, Kyogo lost the majority of his duels, failing to win a single aerial battle in the Champions League in his last two seasons with the club, scoring three goals in 13 matches.

Because of how dominant opposition centre-backs were with the Japanese striker, the experienced marksman failed to provide regular quality at the top end of the pitch.

Moments like the one in the clip above against Atletico Madrid were far and far between, unfortunately, and the increased intensity and physicality of European football may be the reason behind that.

Now, another member of Ange Postecoglou’s treble-winning side appears to be suffering from similar issues in the current team for Brendan Rodgers.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Callum McGregor captained the Scottish giants once again in the middle of the park, but turned in a worse performance than Benjamin Nygren for Celtic.

Why McGregor is on his way to becoming the next Kyogo

Like Kyogo, the Hoops captain is not the most physical player in terms of his mobility or intensity, which is understandable given that he is a tempo-setting number six in the Premiership.

His composed play on the ball, completing 94% of his passes in the Premiership (Sofascore), helps him to dictate and control matches for the Hoops in domestic action, but the increased physicality and intensity of European football has had an impact on his performances.

Celtic average 73.2% of the ball per game (WhoScored) in the Premiership, which illustrates their total dominance, but they only had 56% of the ball against Braga at Parkhead on Thursday night.

Because Braga had more intensity to their press than a lot of the teams that Celtic face domestically have, McGregor, Nygren, and Paulo Bernardo had more of a fight on their hands than they usually do in a Hoops shirt at Parkhead.

Nygren outperformed the captain with his play in and out of possession, showing greater physicality and intensity, winning three more duels and twice as many tackles in 23 fewer minutes on the pitch.

McGregor lost 80% of his duels on the night. That came after he won four of his nine duels, making one tackle, in 90 minutes against Red Star Belgrade last week, per Sofascore.

The Celtic veteran’s physical struggles in the Europa League should not come as a huge surprise, though, as he has also lost 53% of his ground duels in the Premiership, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been slightly off the pace in his battles on the deck in domestic action.

Kyogo’s exit did not result in an immediate replacement in January, as the Hoops felt that Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda offered enough cover in the centre-forward position, and a similar situation could arise with McGregor.

That is not to say that the left-footed star will be sold by the club he has spent his entire career at, but the Hoops could get to a point where the captain may find himself out of the team to play a more dynamic and physical midfield that is capable of scrapping it out in matches to win duels and fight for points.

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Therefore, McGregor could be in danger of becoming the new Kyogo because of his struggles with the intensity and physicality of European football, based on recent evidence.

Rodgers will be hoping, though, that the 32-year-old star can learn from these last couple of matches and position himself better to avoid duels and take more control of the game in possession in the rest of the league phase.

One figure who has gone down in history at Leeds United is former manager Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine manager is adored by the Elland Road faithful, after spending three and a half successful years at the club between 2018/19 and 2021/22.

Of course, he was the man in charge when the Whites were promoted back to the Premier League for the first time in over a decade, and he helped them survive comfortably.

That initial campaign back in the top flight in 2020/21 saw the Yorkshire side come ninth in the table.

Statistically, they were one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2020/21. They certainly stack up well against their start to this season.

How Leeds’ key stats from 2020/21 compare to 2025/26

We are seven games into the new season, and Leeds, now managed by Daniel Farke, have impressed fans and pundits with how well they’ve played.

Many people, including Bill Connelly of ESPN, had them down to be relegated, predicting they’d finish 18th.

Yet, at the October international break, the Whites have done well to keep themselves above the relegation zone. They have eight points to their name and sit 15th in the table.

The expected points tally, as per Understat, has them on 9.96xPTS, suggesting they’ve played better than their current tally suggests.

Seven games into the 2020/21 campaign under Bielsa saw Leeds doing slightly better than their current points total. At the same stage that season, they had ten points to their name and were 12th in the top flight, again impressing given they’d only just been promoted.

Whilst the squad five seasons ago had outscored Farke’s team seven games into the season, the current Leeds side are more defensively sound. They’ve conceded 11 goals this term, with an expected goals against total of 8.87xGA.

In comparison, Bielsa’s men had let in 13 goals in seven matches, at 12.85xGA according to Understat.

With that in mind, there is one man from the current Leeds side who would have surely made Bielsa’s team stronger.

The current Leeds player who'd strengthen Bielsa’s team

There have been several standout players in a Leeds shirt this season. New signing Sean Longstaff has transitioned to life at Elland Road seamlessly.

He’s already created 13 chances in the top flight, averaging 2.5 per 90 minutes.

However, it is defensively that the famous 2020/21 side could have done with reinforcements. That is why current Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu would have slotted seamlessly into Bielsa’s squad.

The Welshman is an “indispensable” member of Farke’s side, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

His entire Elland Road career has come under the German’s tutelage, racking up 91 appearances and even chipping in with a couple of goals back in his first season at the club.

One of the great things about the Whites number four is his versatility. He’s equally adept at playing as a centre-back and the base of the midfield, operating as a number six who can screen the back four.

In a Leeds shirt, he’s played 48 times in the latter role, and 40 at the back.

The above graphic shows Leeds’ most common starting lineup from the 2020/21 campaign. It is easy to imagine Ampadu slotting into the back four next to then-club captain Liam Cooper, displacing Diego Llorente.

Alternatively, he could have played alongside Kalvin Phillips in midfield to make them even more defensively astute. That is a duo which would have won plenty of duels in the middle of the park.

Some stats show Ampadu’s quality, too. Last season in the Championship, and this term in the Premier League, he’s been extremely consistent.

For example, in 2024/25, he made 5.1 ball recoveries per 90 minutes on average, which has slightly dropped to 5 each game in 2025/26.

Ampadu – last 2 seasons

Stat (per 90)

2024/25

2025/26

Pass accuracy

90.44%

86.01%

Duels won

5.9

4.8

Clearances

3.5

2.5

Interceptions

1

1.3

Ball recoveries

5.1

5

Stats from Squawka

It is certainly not too far-fetched to imagine Ampadu operating in this successful Bielsa side. Knowing the versatility he offers, as well as the quality he can bring to a side on and off the ball, he would have made a fine addition to a heavy-metal, transitional team.

Of course, we’ll never know how well this could have worked out, but Ampadu’s contributions could have made Bielsa’s famous Leeds side even better.

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Danny Rohl has at last been confirmed as the new manager of Scottish Premiership side Rangers. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss, who had previously ruled himself out of the running, has succeeded Russell Martin in the hotseat in Glasgow. Rohl will take charge of Rangers for the first time on Thursday night when they take on SK Brann in the Europa League.

Rangers finally get their man

Rangers' hunt for a new manager has been anything but simple following Martin's departure after a dismal start to the new campaign in Scotland. Rohl initially rejected the chance to join the club, while Steven Gerrard also turned down the opportunity to head back to Glasgow for another stint as boss, having delivered the club's first Permiership title in a full decade back in 2020-21. Former Rangers defender Kevin Muscat was also mentioned as a possible option for the Gers, but talks over a move broke down, and it's now been made official that Rohl is the club's new first-team coach.

A club statement read: "Rangers Football Club today confirms the appointment of Danny Rohl as men’s first-team head coach. Rohl was most recently in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, and now joins Rangers on an initial two-and-a-half-year deal."

In theory, the 36-year-old German has until the end of the 2027-28 season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRohl says 'no time to waste' at Rangers

Even after previously turning the role down, Rohl has spoken already of his pride at taking over at Rangers and is eager to get down to work.

He told the club's website "It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world. I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions, and my staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club. We have no time to waste, we start straight away.

"I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start. The expectations are huge and I love this challenge because I set high standards for myself and the team too. I'm looking forward to meeting the squad and getting down to work ahead of Thursday’s game away to Brann."

Rangers in need of big boost

Rohl takes over a Rangers side that has somehow managed just one win from eight Scottish Premiership games so far this season. The Glasgow giants have taken just nine points from a dreadful start to the new campaign and are just three points above bottom side Livingston. 

Rohl arrives after departing Sheffield Wednesday in the summer by mutual consent. He successfully avoided relegation twice with the struggling club and also finished 12th in the Championship. He will now be charged with turning around the team's fortunes and can also call on previous coaching experience with RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and Germany.

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh is confident he's got the right man for the job. He told the club media: "Danny's experience at elite level, in high-pressure environments, makes him a strong fit for what we expect here. We know the past few months have been challenging, but our focus has always been on getting the right person, who is ready to immediately embrace this football club and the demands that come with it. Danny impressed us with his vision, his character, and his understanding of what Rangers stands for. We believe he can help restore pride, momentum, and ultimately success."

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell added: "Danny has the qualities required to succeed here, allied with being an exceptional coach. He has worked in some of the most demanding football environments in the world, where winning is the only expectation, and we believe that background has prepared him for Rangers."

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Getty Images SportEuropa League awaits Rohl first up

Rohl kicks off his tenure at Rangers in the Europa League against Brann and will be hoping to guide his team to their first points in the competition after starting off with disappointing defeats to Sturm Graz and Genk. Rangers then go on to face Kilmarnock and Hibernian in the league before a crunch clash against bitter rivals Celtic in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup.

Lionel Messi has admitted it will be “strange” not playing alongside Jordi Alba in an emotional tribute to his Inter Miami team-mate following the defender’s decision to retire from professional football. The Argentina star took to social media to hail his close friend and former Barcelona colleague after he announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.

Alba announces decision to retire

Alba announced on Thursday that he will call time on his legendary playing career following the conclusion of the current MLS season. In a video on Instagram, the 36-year-old – who lifted several major honours with Barcelona and Spain – said: "The moment has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life. I've decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season.

"I do so with complete conviction, peace and happiness. Because I feel I've walked this path with every ounce of passion I had and now it's the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.

"Football has given me absolutely everything. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff, club workers and rivals who pushed me to give my very best. I want to specially thank the clubs that have shaped my life."

AdvertisementMessi issues emotional response on Instagram

And in an emotional response on Alba’s social media post, Messi – who played alongside Alba at Barcelona between 2012 and 2021 before the pair reunited at Inter Miami in 2023 – wrote: "Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After many things together, it's going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there.

"It's crazy how many assists you've given me over all these years. Who is going to give me those passes from behind now?”

Ex-Barca duo Neymar & Luis Suarez also pay tribute

Messi was joined by his and Alba’s former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez, who also paid tribute to the left-back’s incredible career.

Also commenting on Alba’s social media post, Brazil superstar Neymar wrote: "You are huge, brother. Big hug folleti."

And Uruguay legend Suarez, who also plays for Inter Miami, added: "Brother, what to say. You're a crack, to enjoy what's left."

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AFPAlba regarded as one of greatest left-backs in history

Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs to ever grace the game, Alba first made an impression at Valencia, where he quickly became one of La Liga’s best players in his position. After three years at the Mestalla Stadium, Alba joined Barcelona in 2012 and – alongside Messi – lifted countless honours in a remarkable period of domestic dominance for the Spanish giants. Alba lifted 17 major trophies with the Blaugrana, including six La Liga titles and five Copa del Rey crowns. He was also part of the famous Barcelona side who won the treble in 2014-15 under Luis Enrique, with the full-back getting his hands on the Champions League title alongside Messi, Suarez and Neymar, who were colloquially called ‘MSN’.

LSG head coach is hopeful the express fast bowler will be fit soon and join the LSG squad as Avesh Khan and Akash Deep have done

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2025Mayank Yadav, the express Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowler, is “up and running” and bowling at “90 to 95%” at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (earlier the NCA) in Bengaluru, the team’s head coach Justin Langer said after the thrilling win over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday night, an outcome scripted by the depleted bowling attack.Langer said he had seen a video of Mayank, who is recovering from back and toe injuries, bowling in Bengaluru, but while hopeful of having the quick in the squad soon, didn’t have a timeline to share.”What I do know is he’s working very hard at the NCA, and I saw some video of him bowling yesterday [Thursday] and he was bowling at about 90 to 95%,” Langer said at the press conference. “So Mayank’s up and running, which is really great for Indian cricket, for IPL. We saw the impact he had last year. I don’t think there’s been a bowler in India who’s bowled faster than Mayank Yadav. That’s why there’s so much talk about him.”He’s up, he’s keen to get going. He bowled really well in Bangalore yesterday at the NCA. I think you have another couple of bowls and hopefully… NCA, to their credit, have obviously done a very good job because they’ve got Avesh Khan back for us, they’ve got our Akash Deep back for us. So we really appreciate the work they’re doing to get the boys back playing and now hopefully Mayank as well.”1:07

What role can Akash Deep play for LSG?

The last time Langer gave an update on Mayank, he had expressed hope the bowler would be available for the “back-end” of the tournament. Mayank had been recovering from a back injury at the time, but his return had been pushed back by “a week or two” when he stubbed his toe against his bed and subsequently picked up an infection in the toe.LSG had a severely depleted bowling attack at the start of IPL 2025, with Mohsin Khan, Mayank, Avesh and Akash Deep all recovering from injuries. They brought in Shardul Thakur once Mohsin was ruled out before their tournament opener, and have since had Avesh and Akash Deep also join the squad one by one.Thakur has already played a crucial rule in both their wins. He has picked up seven wickets in four games, and bowled a game-changing 19th over against MI where he conceded only seven runs when 29 were needed from 12 balls with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma batting.Friday was Akash Deep’s first game on return from his back injury and he finished with 4-0-46-1, while Avesh has played three matches, but has been expensive and picked up only two wickets.

Tottenham Hotspur have now launched a move for a “world-class” Savinho alternative, having received the green light from Thomas Frank, according to a report.

Spurs keen on new winger after Son departure

With Son Heung-min completing a move to LAFC earlier this month, it is now imperative that Tottenham sign a new winger before the transfer deadline, and Manchester City’s Savinho has emerged as one of their major targets.

Interestingly, there is now a feeling that a deal could be possible, despite Man City’s reluctance to sanction a departure, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Brazilian is eager to make the move to north London.

However, amid widespread reports suggesting City could look to hold out for a huge fee, there may be a temptation to move on to alternative targets, and Spurs have now set their sights on a La Liga winger.

Indeed, according to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now launched a move for Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, having received the green light to pursue the Japanese winger from Frank.

Kubo is now on the Lilywhites’ ‘priority list’, with Frank identifying the need to bring in a winger with good pace and vision, and there is a feeling the Sociedad star would be a perfect fit, although a deal could be on the expensive side.

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Given that the 24-year-old is one of the Spanish club’s most important players, they are unwilling to sanction a departure for less than €70m (£60m), but Spurs remain undeterred, and they are seriously considering paying the asking price.

"World-class" Kubo could be ideal Savinho alternative

With City seemingly playing hardball over Savinho, it would make sense for Frank to pursue an alternative option, and the Japan international has proven he could take Tottenham’s attack to the next level.

Perhaps most notably, the Sociedad star has received very high praise from former Barcelona manager Xavi in the past, who said: “(Takefusa) Kubo is a world class footballer. Not just with the ball, but also without it.”

The Kawasaki-born winger has also impressed in La Liga over a sustained time period, with his best return for Sociedad coming in the 2022-23 campaign.

Season	La Liga appearances	Combined G/A
2022-23	35	16
2023-24	30	11
2024-25	36	5

There may be some concerns that Kubo wasn’t exactly prolific last season, but as pointed out by Xavi, the 44-time Japan international also influences the game when out of possession, meaning he could be a solid alternative to Savinho.

AC Milan legend Demetrio Albertini has praised midfielder Luka Modric, saying he brings calmness to the team and is helping his team-mates perform at their best. Albertini also compared Modric to former Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo, noting that both players reinvented themselves with age to meet the needs of their teams.

• Modric’s move to Milan

  Modric joined Milan from Real Madrid on a free transfer after his contract with the Spanish club expired. Milan have won three of their four games so far, with Modric contributing a goal and an assist. His performances have drawn widespread praise, with coach Massimiliano Allegri noting that he is often a step ahead of his opponents.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Albertini's praise and comparison to Pirlo

  In an interview with , Albertini hails Modric for the quality he has transmitted not just on the field but in off the field as well, saying: “Modric has brought calm and serenity to the group. Only a great champion who plays in that position can get his team-mates to perform better than expected. With Luka, everything is easier. Both for the young players and the new ones.

  “Modric shouldn't chase opponents, but rather give direction to the play. He needs midfielders who can find him, and he dictates the passing. You can't ask him to have the physical stamina of a twenty-year-old or run for 90 minutes. But with those feet, he makes the difference.”

  Albertini also compared Modric to another Milan midfielder who re-invented his, adding: “The comparison between the two holds true, and it's no coincidence that they are two attacking midfielders who, over the course of their careers, have moved back to put their skills to work for the team. Previously, the front 10, from [Michel] Platini to Giannini, were protected by midfielders and played high up the pitch. Then, players like Ancelotti and myself were deployed in the middle, who could play both as holding midfielders and as playmakers. Pirlo changed football in that role, and now Milan has another champion in front of the defence.”

• Milan's Scudetto Challenge and their improved defence

  Pirlo became a Serie A legend across his spell at AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles, before he was allowed to leave for Juventus due to his age. He went on to claim a whopping four league crowns with the Bianconeri before ending his career at New York City. Modric is hoping to have a similar late-career impact in the Italian top-flight, and Albertini says the Rossoneri are obligated to challenge for the title.

  "Milan can't, but they must, fight for the Scudetto," he added. "When you wear the Rossoneri shirt, you're forced to aim for the top, also to understand what you're missing the following year. Managing moments during the season is an unknown for everyone, but these first few days have shown that the Rossoneri can stay at the top.

  "[Allegri] knows how to win and how to build something. If you have a solid group, that follows you and works well, transmitting your tactical beliefs is easier. Against Bologna and in Udine I saw a team with clear ideas."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Modric's target this season

  Modric will hope to guide Milan to their 20th Scudetto title while keeping himself in peak condition to join the Croatian national team for the 2026 World Cup.

With Alexander Isak’s future still unresolved, Newcastle United are preparing for life without their Swedish talisman.

The drawn-out saga has left Eddie Howe’s side in urgent need of a solution, and Isak has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating with the squad if a move fails to materialise before the transfer window closes.

That leaves Newcastle facing a race against time, especially with their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa fast approaching and a Champions League campaign on the horizon.

Their summer business so far has bolstered other areas – Anthony Elanga has arrived from Nottingham Forest, Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, and Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton on loan – while a £40m deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is close.

Yet Howe has admitted concern over numbers in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s pre-season injury, and the need for a commanding presence up front is now just as pressing.

Boom Boom Shake the Room: Newcastle identify new leading target

Alternative options such as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Porto’s Samu Aghehowa have been discussed, but Newcastle appear to have settled on one standout name.

A forward whose profile draws inevitable comparisons to one of the club’s most popular modern strikers.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to reports on the continent, Newcastle have identified Jean-Philippe Mateta as their top target should Isak depart.

Owing to this interest and Mateta’s rising stock, Palace have set an asking price of around £40m to let the “goal-scoring machine” go.

Standing at 1.92m, the 28-year-old France international offers a physical profile ideally suited to the Premier League.

He arrives in the box with purpose, relishes aerial duels, and can occupy defenders in a way that opens space for those around him.

His record last season – 14 goals and two assists in 37 Premier League appearances – reflects his consistency across the campaign, with sharp finishing complemented by link-up play.

For Newcastle, his combination of goals, presence, and experience at the top level makes him the kind of striker who can instantly adapt – crucial for a side that cannot afford a bedding-in period so close to the start of the season.

Shades of Salomón Rondón

It’s impossible to discuss Mateta’s potential arrival without drawing parallels to Salomón Rondón, who arrived at St James’ Park on loan from West Brom in 2018 at the same age and in similar circumstances.

Like Mateta, Rondón was a big, strong centre-forward who led the line with a mixture of power, tenacity, and underrated technical ability.

Mateta vs Rondon in the Premier League

Stat

Mateta

Rondon

Appearances

130

167

Goals

38

36

Assists

9

15

Source: FBref

Rondón’s lone season under Rafa Benítez remains one of the most fondly remembered campaigns by Newcastle fans in recent years.

He scored 11 goals in 32 league appearances, won 146 of his 380 aerial duels, and made himself a constant outlet for long balls and crosses.

His hold-up play brought others into the game, and his partnership with Ayoze Pérez was a driving force behind Newcastle’s survival.

A threat from set pieces and a defensive presence when called upon, making 38 clearances from such situations.

His creative contribution was notable too, registering six assists and often providing the final ball after holding off multiple defenders.

That all-round impact saw him named Newcastle’s Player of the Year in 2019, the first forward to win the award since Alan Shearer in 2003.

Mateta offers a similar skill set.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 72nd percentile for progressive carries per 90 (1.53), 77th percentile for non-penalty expected goals per shot (0.18), and 68th percentile for passes into the final third (1.16).

Perhaps most impressively, he sits in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons that lead directly to a goal (0.10 per 90), showing that for all his physical strength, he also has the technical skill to beat his man and create decisive moments.

While Rondón thrived on Benítez’s structured approach, Mateta could benefit from Howe’s quicker, more transition-heavy style.

Using his frame to win duels high up the pitch and his mobility to get on the end of cutbacks from the likes of Gordon and Elanga.

The timing is another echo of 2018. Back then, Newcastle needed a ready-made forward to slot in and deliver instantly.

Now, with Isak seemingly determined to dig his heels in and the season about to begin, the requirement is just as urgent.

Mateta’s experience in the Premier League means he could hit the ground running, avoiding the adaptation period often needed for strikers arriving from abroad.

At £40m, he would be a significant investment, but one that could pay immediate dividends in goals and physical presence.

For a club aiming to compete on multiple fronts, having a striker who can shoulder the attacking burden could make all the difference.

If Howe does get his man, Newcastle supporters might once again find themselves cheering for a number nine whose blend of goals and graft embodies the club’s fighting spirit.

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Posts ByWill Miller Aug 13, 2025

يستعد ليفربول لمواجهة أتلتيكو مدريد خلال اللقاء الذي سيجمع بين الفريقين في تمام العاشرة مساء في الجولة الأولى بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقد تحدث أندي روبرتسون ظهير ليفربول قبل انطلاق مواجهة الفريق ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، حيث سيبدأ نائب قائد الفريق في التشكيل الأساسي في خط دفاع الريدز.

ويعتمد سلوت على تشكيل لفريق ليفربول مكون من: أليسون، فريمبونج، فيرجيل فان دايك، إبراهيما كوناتي، روبرتسون، سوبوسلاي، فيرتز، جرافينبيرخ، إيزاك، محمد صلاح، جاكبو.

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وقال روبرتسون في تصريحات نقلتها “ذا أتلتيك” البريطانية: “ليالي أنفيلد مميزة، أنا محظوظ جداً لوجودي هنا لثماني سنوات”.

وأضاف قبل لقاء الفريقين في دوري أبطال أوروبا: “عشت في أنفيلد ليالي رائعة، دائماً ما يجعل الجمهور ليلة دوري أبطال أوروبا مميزة ونأمل أن يكون الأمر نفسه اليوم”.

وختم الظهير الأسكتلندي تصريحاته: “نريد أن نبدأ بداية جيدة، لقد قدمنا مستويات جيدة في مرحلة الدوري بالموسم الماضي ثم خرجنا من دور الستة عشر، نعلم أننا بحاجة لبداية جيدة لنكون بين الثمانية الأوائل لضمان التأهل للدور التالي”.

An “important” Glasgow Rangers player has been offered to another club this summer, with his Ibrox future looking in serious doubt.

The Gers know the importance of keeping hold of their most important players this summer, as they look to bridge the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.

One player whose future is reportedly up in the air is Nicolas Raskin – the likes of Aston Villa and Wolves have been linked with signing him – but manager Russell Martin has spoken about improving his game moving forward, suggesting that he doesn’t see him leaving.

“We can get more end product out of Nico by doing a bit less. He has big character, he wants to take the ball but I think he’s had to do a lot in the previous season, whereas now we’re going to ask him to do a bit less, and when he does have to stuff, to do it with real quality, intensity and aggression. So, hopefully, we’ll be able to bring out a more impactful Nico.”

While Rangers supporters may be buoyed by Martin’s comments, a worrying new update has now emerged regarding his future at Ibrox.

Raskin's agent offers deal to Real Betis

According to a fresh update from Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Rangers midfielder Raskin’s agency, Libera Sports, “offered” him to Real Betis in the last few days, as well as Saint-Etienne striker Lucas Stassin.

The Gers ace is valued at around £8.6m, however, and the report states that it will be difficult for Betis to acquire his signature for a “modest price” this summer. Meanwhile, Radio Sevilla also claim that sporting director Manu Fajardo sees the Belgian as high up on the list of midfield options to come in.

Retaining Raskin’s services has to be seen as priority business for Rangers in the coming weeks, considering what a key part of their midfield he has been since arriving from Standard Liege back in 2023.

The 24-year-old is an influential figure in so many ways, bagging six assists and also winning an average of two aerial duels per game in the league last season, being hailed as “important” by Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia.

Martin has to do his utmost to show Raskin that he is ready to build something special at Ibrox, making the Belgium international a vital part of his plans and building the team around him.

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Posts ByBen Gray Jul 18, 2025

A new contract for the midfielder would arguably feel as important as new signing that comes in for the Gers this summer, but that feels like far from a guarantee currently.