خاض الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، مرانه الأول في الإمارات، استعدادًا لخوض منافسات بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، التي تقام خلال الفترة من 20 إلى 24 أكتوبر الجاري.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع سيراميكا كليوباترا يوم 20 أكتوبر الجاري على استاد محمد بن زايد في أبو ظبي، ‏في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.‏

أقيم المران على ملعب الكريكت بمدينة أبوظبي، وحرص خلاله مارسيل كولر على تخصيص فقرات خططية متنوعة، وفقًا للبرنامج الذي وضعه الجهاز الفني.

طالع أيضاً.. قائمة سيراميكا كليوباترا لـ كأس السوبر المصري.. موقف أحمد قندوسي

وكانت بعثة الأهلي برئاسة محمد الدماطي عضو مجلس الإدارة، قد وصلت إلى الإمارات مساء أمس الخميس، ويرافقها محمود الخطيب رئيس النادي والمهندس خالد مرتجي أمين الصندوق، والدكتور محمد شوقي وطارق قنديل عضوا مجلس الإدارة.

ويشارك في البطولة، الأهلي بطل الدوري وبيراميدز بطل كأس مصر، وسيراميكا كليوباترا المتوج بكأس الرابطة المصرية والزمالك الحاصل على الكارت الذهبي من اللجنة المنظمة.

GOAL US writers offer their Copa America final predictions, and evaluate an enthralling tournament on US soil

Finally, we have our two Copa America finalists. One of them was entirely expected. Argentina looked like the best team in the field a month ago, and even if they haven't quite played like it, the reigning World Cup champions were likely always going to have enough to get there.

Their opponents, though, are something of a surprise. Colombia may have started their tournament preparations by battering the USMNT, but few would have pipped them as potential title winners. It all seems set up for a juicy final, which will take place at 8 pm Sunday night in Miami.

There's a lot to reflect on in Copa America 2024. The US flopped on home soil, fired their coach, and now face a serious reset ahead of 2026. Brazil endured a miserable time, while some forgotten stars re-emerged to the forefront of world football. It was an enthralling few weeks, and should culminate in style.

There's a lot to analyze, and our GOAL US writers do just that in a Copa America edition of… The Rondo.

Getty ImagesWho wins the Copa America final?

Tom Hindle: Uhhhh, tough one. On talent, pedigree, and pure vibes, it's got to be Argentina. They haven't played particularly well and – Ecuador penalty win notwithstanding – have made this all look reasonably easy so far. Then again, Colombia have been excellent. Let's go Argentina, if only for the football romanticism alone (oh, and that Messi guy.)

Ryan Tolmich: Colombia has the vibes, but this is Argentina we're talking about here. They're the defending champions of this tournament, and of the world. So of course they're favorites. Lionel Messi isn't quite dominating, but he doesn't have to. His supporting cast is the reason that Argentina is thriving, and they're the reason they'll lift the trophy, again.

Jacob Schneider: Colombia’s resilience in the semis against Uruguay was enough to convince us that they have what it takes to go all the way. In the same manner in which they defeated La Celeste, if Los Cafeteros can earn set piece opportunities, it's entirely possible that they can beat Argentina.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWho is the player of the tournament?

TH: It's not entirely cut and dry. Colombia's James Rodriguez has certainly been excellent, and will probably be the favorite. But a word for both Rodrigo De Paul and Emi Martinez, who have made an impact in a big way for Argentina. With Messi not quite at it, the reigning champs have needed help from elsewhere, and that duo have both been vital. Let's be honest, though, James has been the best player on (possibly) the best team. That should be enough.

RT: It has to be James, right? He's turned back the clock in ways no one could have predicted, reverting to the 2014 version of himself that the world fell in love with. With six assists, and room for more, he's been the biggest force in this summer's tournament. Colombia made it here because of him. Can he pull off one more miracle?

JS: James, hands down. Six assists and a goal, it feels like 2014 again. And Colombia have now gone 28 straight games unbeaten. He’s giving us one last glance at the Galactico he was, and it’s been brilliant.

GettyWho (or what?) has been the biggest disappointment?

TH: The fact that Brazil's Dorival Jr never really gave Endrick a run out – until he absolutely had to. Perhaps we were all wrong, and Endrick really isn't all that. Still, it would have been good to see the 18-year-old have a proper opportunity at proving himself. He was, for most of proceedings, a bit-part player, and was then tossed into the highest stakes game of the tournament, and kicked around for 90 minutes. It's not really fair for a youngster who could have really done with getting some minutes before having the privilege of being fouled by the Uruguay backline for 90 minutes.

RT: There's an easy answer here, and it's the USMNT. Far and away. The other groups largely went relative to plan, aside from one or two slight surprises. No one could have predicted the U.S. crashing out to Panama, of all teams. They were far and away the biggest letdown this summer, which is why it is no surprise that Gregg Berhalter lost his job.
JS: Rodrygo. Just expected more out of him, even though he was being played out of position by Brazil. The stage felt too big at times, and he let his form get into his head.

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Getty ImagesWho was the breakout star of the tournament?

TH: Going to cheat and say James was the breakout star – if only because we all thought he was finished. The Colombian playmaker has faded into relative irrelevance over the past few years, and although fans will certainly remind you that he can still be world class, few had him pipped as one of the players of the tournament. Not sure a massive European move is on the way – he's 32, after all – but the guy can still play a bit.

RT: This tournament hasn't exactly been dominated by young players, so we'll shout out an unsung hero. Argentina's Cristian Romero has been far and away the best defender in this tournament and deserves more love. He's been just about perfect the whole way through and, if you didn't already view him as a top-level centerback, you have to now.

JS: There are a few great options here. Someone such as Kendry Paez of Ecuador deserves a shout, because this was his announcement to the world. Also a word for Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte. He had a difficult first season at PSG, and this Copa America was a reminder of how solid the 24-year-old is in the center of the pitch.

An Aston Villa midfielder who earns £75,000-per-week has been the subject of interest from Serie A in recent days, according to reports.

Aston Villa's attack on fire this season

The difference between Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa and Unai Emery's side is quite staggering. Under Gerrard, the team seemed dilapidated and destined for relegation. However, Emery has managed to turn things around and get the Villans competing for the European spots all while playing with style, boasting more top flight goals than all but the three title chasers.

Indeed, the entirety of the team have seemingly over-performed this season, but their attacking play is the area of the squad which has really shone. Ollie Watkins is the second-highest top flight scorer this season, just two behind than Erling Haaland, but despite his incredible form, his supporting cast have more than lived up to the billing.

Between Leon Bailey, Nicolo Zaniolo and Moussa Diaby, the trio have managed a total of 18 assists across all competitions thus far.

Zaniolo has been picked out for praise by his manager despite rumblings he will leave at the end of his loan spell.

"Zaniolo as a person, it is very easy to talk with him, to work with him," Emery said. “His behaviour and commitment with us from the first day was very good. His adaptation is going very well, and then he is playing well."

Nicolo Zaniolo's season so far

Games

30

Goals

2

Assists

0

Data via Transfermarkt

And, although the Midlands club are currently on course for a top four finish, all good things have to come to an end, so some players will have to leave in the summer in order for them to be competitive in Europe's most prestigious competition while abiding with FFP.

"Very good" Aston Villa star in Serie A contact

Zaniolo looks set to leave Villa Park this summer. That is, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, as summarised by Sport Witness, who say that there have already "been contacts" between the 24-year-old and Lazio.

The attacker is only on loan with the Villans until the end of the season and the report states that the attacker will 'return to Galatasaray' at the end of his loan spell. Then, a move to Lazio remains in the balance as Zaniolo has an 'important past' with Roma, Lazio's arch-rivals.

Despite this, club president, Claudio Lotito, sees the 24-year-old as an 'ideal profile' for his summer reinforcements.

While he has played in 30 games for Emery, only 11 of those appearances have come as starts, hence why a permanent move to England is currently not on the cards.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde deste sábado, o Vasco venceu o Botafogo nos pênaltis por 3 a 0, em São Januário, e se sagrou campeão da Taça Rio de 2021. O Cruzmaltino não foi bem no tempo regulamentar e, assim, foi derrotado por 1 a 0, com gol de Gilvan. Com a vitória do Glorioso nos 90 minutos, o Clássico da Amizade foi decido nas penalidades.

Nas cobranças, o goleiro Vanderlei pegou três pênaltis para garantir o título ao Vasco. Andrey, Zeca e Gabriel Pec fizeram os gols do Cruzmaltino, enquanto que, pelo lado do Glorioso, Matheus Frizzo, Felipe Ferreira e Pedro Castro pararam no goleiro do Gigante da Colina.

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>Veja e compare as contratações de Vasco e Botafogo para a temporada 2021

Agora, as duas equipes voltam as atenções para a disputa da Série B. O Vasco recebe o Operário, em São Januário, às 11h. Já o Botafogo viaja até Goiânia, onde enfrenta o Vila Nova, noEstádio Onésio Brasileiro Alvarenga, às 21h30, na próxima sexta-feira.

BOTAFOGO COMEÇA COM TUDO

Logo no começo de jogo, o Botafogo partiu para cima do Vasco e conseguiu construir boas chances. Com apenas um minuto de jogo, Ronald fez boa jogada pela direita, passou pela marcação com facilidade e conseguiu o cruzamento que foi cortado pela defesa Cruzmaltina. Na cobrança de escanteio, Ricardinho colocou a bola na cabeça de Pedro Castro, que conseguiu uma finalização perigosa ao gol de Vanderlei

DOMÍNIO DO GLORIOSO

O Botafogo manteve o domínio da partida durante todo o primeiro tempo. A equipe conseguiu roubadas de bola no meio de campo e puxou contra-ataques em velocidade em direção ao campo de ataque. No entanto, foram poucas as jogadas que levaram perigo ao gol do Vasco.

A melhor chance do Botafogo na primeira etapa surgiu justamente assim. Após roubada de bola, o alvinegro puxou contra-ataque com Pedro Castro, que tocou para Ronald. O camisa 31, por sua vez, enfiou boa bola para Rafael Navarro, que encheu o pé e obrigou Vanderlei a trabalhar.

> Veja a tabela do Brasileirão Série B de 2021

VASCO RESPONDE

As grandes chances do Cruzmaltino surgiram na reta final da primeira etapa. Após cobrança de escanteio, a bola sobrou para Léo Jabá finalizar e estufar as redes de Douglas Borges. No entanto, o camisa 7 do Vasco esteve em posição irregular.Alguns minutos depois, o lateral-esquerdo Zeca fez boa jogada individual pela esquerda, cortou pela direita, encheu o pé e obrigou o goleiro do Botafogo a fazer uma ótima defesa.

SEGUNDO TEMPO COMEÇA EQUILIBRADO

Se no primeiro tempo o Vasco pouco fez, no começo da segunda etapa, o Cruzmaltino foi pra cima e conseguiu boas chances. Na primeira, Pec recuperou a bola no meio de campo, avançou e obrigou Douglas Borges a trabalhar. Na segunda, novamente o camisa 17 foi pra cima da marcação e foi derrubado por Gilvan a um passo da entrada da área.

GILVAN ABRE O PLACAR

Embora o Vasco tenha equilibrado a partida, o Botafogo não deixou de pressionar e conseguiu abrir o placar. Após cruzamento na área, Vanderlei conseguiu afastar, mas a bola ainda sobrou para Pedro Castro, que tocou para Rafael Navarro. O atacante finalizou com força, mas o goleiro do cruzmaltino fez ótima defesa. No entanto, no rebote, Gilvan conseguiu o cabeceio para estufar as redes e colocar o clube de General Severiano em vantagem.

O HERÓI VANDERLEI

Com a vitória do Botafogo no tempo regulamentar, a decisão foi para os pênaltis. Aqui, Vanderlei pegou três cobranças e garantiu a Taça Rio para o Vasco.Andrey, Zeca e Gabriel Pec fizeram os gols nos pênaltis, enquanto Matheus Frizzo, Felipe Ferreira e Pedro Castro pararam no goleiro Vanderlei.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Vasco 0x1 Botafogo (3×0, nos pênaltis)

Data/Hora: 22/5/2021, às 15h05
Local: Estádio de São Januário, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Árbitro: Mauricio Machado Coelho Junior
Assistentes: Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima Filho e Lilian da Silva Fernandes Bruno

Cartões amarelos: Warley (BOT), Marcelo Cabo (VAS)
Cartões vermelhos:
Gols: Gilvan (0-1) (26’/2ºT)

PÊNALTIS: 3×0

VASCO:
– Andrey (CONVERTEU)
– Zeca (CONVERTEU)
– Pec (CONVERTEU)

BOTAFOGO:
– Pedro Castro (PERDEU)
– Felipe Ferreira (PERDEU)
– Matheus Frizzo (PERDEU)

VASCO: Vanderlei, Léo Matos, Ernando, Ricardo Graça e Zeca; Andrey e Galarza (Romulo 29’/2ºT); Gabriel Pec, Morato (Figueiredo 21’/2ºT) e Léo Jabá (Juninho 38’/2ºT); Cano. Técnico: Marcelo Cabo.

BOTAFOGO: Douglas Borges, Warley, Kanu, Gilvan e Paulo Victor (Rafael Carioca 26’/2ºT); Romildo (Matheus Frizzo 26’/2ºT), Ricardinho (Felipe Ferreira 14’/2ºT) e Pedro Castro; Ronald (Marcinho 33’/2ºT), Rafael Navarro e Marco Antônio (Ênio 33’/2ºT). Técnico: Marcelo Chamusca.

Former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has been giving his thoughts on Archie Gray’s breakthrough campaign at Elland Road, while also making an exciting claim on another prospect at Thorp Arch.

Archie Gray’s breakthrough season at Leeds

After making his senior debut on the opening weekend of the Championship season, Gray hasn’t looked back and has been an important member of Daniel Farke’s squad as the Whites look to get back to the Premier League.

Archie Gray's best Leeds performances in the Championship

WhoScored rating

Swansea City 0-4 Leeds United

7.76/10

Leeds United 1-0 Norwich City

7.34/10

Leeds United 1-0 Queens Park Rangers

7.28/10

Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Leeds United

7.25/10

Leeds United 2-1 Bristol City

7.22/10

Now 18 years of age, the midfielder began the season in midfield with Ethan Ampadu before moving to right-back and making the spot his own.

He has been rewarded with a new long-term contract at Elland Road, while also being name-checked by England manager Gareth Southgate and a call-up to England's U21s.

Simon Grayson praises Archie Gray

Speaking to Football FanCast on behalf of over25tips.com, Grayson was asked what he's made of Gray’s breakthrough season. The former White boss waxed lyrical over the youngster while also sharing a conversation with Leeds legend Eddie Gray, who said Archie’s younger brother, Harry, “is probably even going to be better”.

Harry Gray is a forward coming through the ranks with Leeds and has already been linked with a move to Manchester City.

Archie recently admitted he’d love to play alongside Harry in the first team, following in the footsteps of Eddie and Frank: “Yeah he’s a good player, he’s a good player. I don’t want to say too much about him, he’ll get a bit big-headed. If he keeps training hard them I’m sure he can do what I’m doing… hopefully, I’d love to play with him one day. It’d be like [great uncle] Eddie and [grandfather] Frank playing with each other again.”

There are few international football sides who can boast as illustrious a history as Les Bleus. One of the main powerhouses at any World Cup or European Championship, France have had a plethora of star names turn out in their national colours, with some having the silverware to go with it.

But who has scored the most goals for France? Here is a list of the top French goalscorers of all time, with a detailed look at the very best the country has produced over the years…

All information correct as of 15th May 2025.

Rank

Player

Caps

Goals

1

Olivier Giroud

137

57

2

Thierry Henry

123

51

3

Kylian Mbappe

87

48

4

Antoine Griezmann

137

44

5

Michel Platini

72

41

6

Karim Benzema

97

37

7

David Trezeguet

71

34

8

Zinedine Zidane

106

31

9=

Just Fontaine

21

30

9=

Jean-Pierre Papin

54

30

11

Youri Djorkaeff

82

28

12

Sylvain Wiltord

92

26

13

Jean Vincent

46

22

14

Jean Nicolas

25

21

15=

Paul Nicolas

35

20

15=

Eric Cantona

45

20

17

Jean Baratte

32

19

18=

Roger Piantoni

37

18

18=

Raymond Kopa

45

18

20=

Franck Ribery

81

16

20=

Laurent Blanc

97

16

Here is a detailed look at France’s top 10 goalscorers:

10 Jean-Pierre Papin 30 goals (54 caps)

Perhaps a forgotten man (outside of his home nation, at least) of a less-than-impressive era for France on the international stage, Jean-Pierre Papin was nevertheless a prolific goalscorer for club and country.

A Champions League, UEFA Cup and Ballon d’Or winner during his career, a lack of success on the international stage for Papin was perhaps the only stain on an otherwise exemplary career.

France’s failures to qualify for successive World Cups and a woeful showing at Euro 1992 certainly hampered Papin’s chances of glory, but he managed to deliver a fine goals record nonetheless.

9 Just Fontaine 30 goals (21 caps)

The only player with more goals than games on this list, Just Fontaine’s place in French football folklore is assured. Not only was his goals record astonishing, but his 13-goal haul at the 1958 World Cup remains a record to this day, and accounts for nearly half of all his goals for Les Bleus.

Fontaine netted over double what Pele recorded during the tournament in Sweden, where he scored in every match he played. This included a hat-trick and two braces before grabbing four more goals in the third-place play-off against West Germany.

8 Zinedine Zidane 31 goals (106 caps)

Having been eligible for Algeria through his parents, France will be undeniably glad they got to Zinedine Zidane first.

Coming to the fore during their home World Cup in 1998, Zidane scored twice in the final to establish himself as a national hero. He then dazzled at Euro 2000 as Les Bleus secured an international double, scoring crucial goals in the knockout stages.

France then suffered disappointments at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, prompting Zidane to announce his international retirement.

He was brought out of retirement to skipper France at the following World Cup finals in Germany, where he defied his age by guiding his side to the final with a number of stellar performances – though we all know how that ended…

7 David Trezeguet 34 goals (71 caps)

David Trezeguet’s finest hour in a France shirt came in the final of Euro 2000, when his golden goal strike handed France the Henri Delaunay trophy as they defeated Italy 2-1.

33 other strikes in blue and white accompanied that one, meaning few can boast a record as impressive as the former Juventus ace.

That includes goals at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2004, making Trezeguet one of the more decorated French strikers of his generation.

6 Karim Benzema 37 goals (97 caps)

While Karim Benzema’s record for France is impressive, it could have been so much more had he not been exiled while in the prime of his career after becoming embroiled in scandal.

This caused him to miss Euro 2016 (hosted in France), as well as the 2018 World Cup (won by France). He made a comeback to the national fold for Euro 2020, before missing the 2022 World Cup through injury.

He did, however, manage to earn silverware himself, scoring in the Nations League final as France saw off Spain.

5 Michel Platini 41 goals (72 caps)

Perhaps the greatest French footballer of his – or even any – generation, Michel Platini almost single-handedly took France to new heights on the international stage.

His crowning glory for Les Bleus was undoubtedly his exploits at Euro 1984, where his nine tournament goals (a Euros record) guided the nation to a first major international honour.

Platini’s time as France’s all-time record goalscorer stood from 1984 until 2007, when Thierry Kenry surpassed his total.

4 Antoine Griezmann 44 goals (137 caps)

Still active and hoping to be a key part of France’s Euro 2024 campaign in the summer, Antoine Griezmann’s longevity in the national setup has helped earn him a lofty place among his country’s best goalscorers.

His first came in a warm-up friendly ahead of the 2014 World Cup, when he netted against Paraguay. He didn’t score at the tournament, but was Les Bleus’ star man when France hosted the European Championship in 2016.

He netted six goals and was named as the Player of the Tournament, though was unable to deliver the trophy on home soil. He made amends by lifting the World Cup two years later, notching four more strikes, including one in the final against Croatia.

Griezmann has the opportunity to close in on Thierry Henry’s tally this summer.

3 Kylian Mbappe 48 goals (87 caps)

Kylian Mbappe is poised to break France’s all-time goalscoring record over the next few years.

Scoring his first at the age of 18 in a World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands, he has already had as illustrious an international career as many greats have, with a World Cup (and a Nations League) to his name already. But for Lionel Messi, he could well have had two – though he was able to settle for the Golden Boot.

With Olivier Giroud’s lead now cut to single figures, it is surely just a matter of time before Mbappe becomes the true king of French football.

2 Thierry Henry 51 goals (123 caps)

While his international record may seem underwhelming at first glance given his supreme exploits at club level, Thierry Henry stood above the rest for over a decade after breaking Michel Platini’s total in 2007.

His finest moments in a French shirt came towards the beginning of his career, where he was part of the World Cup and European Championship-winning sides either side of the millennium.

And although the latter part of his international career was shrouded in controversy as France qualified for the 2010 World Cup in contentious circumstances, there is no denying Henry’s status as one of the greatest French footballers of all time.

1 Olivier Giroud 57 goals (137 caps)

One of the more underappreciated players on this list, Olivier Giroud has the ultimate comeback for anyone who doubts the Frenchman’s status as a footballing great.

Becoming France’s record goalscorer during the 2022 World Cup (in fewer caps than predecessor Henry), Giroud’s place in his nation’s history is set in stone. His status as France’s main forward in the era of Griezmann and Mbappe came into question when he started every game during Les Bleus’ victorious World Cup campaign without scoring a goal, though this arguably serves to make his international goal haul even more impressive. Chapeau, Olivier.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has given updates on injuries to Mary Earps and Niamh Charles as England prepare for two crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Calf issue ruled Charles out of last England camp
• While Earps limped off in defeat to France
• Wiegman updates on both before crucial qualifiers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea star Charles was unable to feature in either of the Lionesses' games against France in the last international break due to a calf problem while Earps picked up a hip injury just minutes into the first of those two matches, cruelly and prematurely ending her 50th appearance for her country.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Though Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Kayla Rendell have been unable to join up with the England squad this week before games against Ireland and Sweden, continuing their respective rehab programmes with club, Charles and Earps have been able to join this camp and Wiegman has elaborated on the parts they will be able to play.

• WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

  Speaking in her press conference on Thursday, the England coach said "everyone’s in a good place" when discussing the fitness of the squad. When asked if there are no concerns over Earps and Charles then, Wiegman replied: "No, no concerns but coming from where especially Niamh comes, we know she can’t play two games of 90 minutes."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  England go into this international break knowing that two wins will secure automatic qualification for next summer's Euros, at which they will be the defending champions. If they fall short, playoffs will beckon in the final few months of 2024.

After a historic unbeaten run, Southampton's form has taken a disappointing turn in recent weeks with their most recent 3-0 defeat against a weakened Liverpool side in the FA Cup summing things up. Nonetheless, perhaps still with Championship promotion in mind, the Saints have reportedly turned their attention towards summer reinforcements.

Southampton transfer news

As things stand, Southampton sit five points adrift of Leeds United and Ipswich Town in the race to secure automatic promotion. This comes after back-to-back defeats against Hull City and Millwall in the Championship, before crashing out of the FA Cup at Anfield. Having enjoyed such an impressive run earlier in the season, Russell Martin will be incredibly disappointed if his side's current blip ends with promotion failure this season.

That said, whether they fail in their pursuit of promotion or, indeed, make it to the Premier League this season, it looks as though the Saints are in the race to sign Festy Ebosele. According to Udinese Blog, Southampton are eyeing a move to sign Ebosele alongside Everton, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford and Leeds United in a busy race for his signature.

Given the Premier League clubs interested in the Udinese winger, Southampton would certainly benefit from earning promotion this season, particularly over fellow interested party and promotion-hopefuls Leeds. As the summer transfer window approaches, it looks as though Ebosele will have a crucial decision to make.

Revealed: The games Ryan Fraser will miss after Southampton injury update

Another frustrating blow for the Saints.

By
Tom Cunningham

Feb 29, 2024

Having previously played for Derby County before leaving for the Serie A back in the summer of 2022, Ebosele has the chance to make his return to English football this summer.

"Quick" Ebosele can replace David Brooks

As impressive as David Brooks has been on loan from Bournemouth – recording three goal involvements in six Championship games – Southampton will be without the Welshman come the start of the summer, as he returns to the Cherries. And that creates the need for a replacement in the form of Ebosele.

The 21-year-old Irishman, a wing-back who can play further forward, already has Championship experience to his name, having featured 38 times in the competition for Derby during his time at Pride Park.

It was during that spell that Ebosele earned the praise of former manager Wayne Rooney, who said via The Irish Sun: "He has got so much. He has still, obviously, got a lot more to learn and a lot of improvement to make but you can see his development since the start of the season. Not just technically – he is raw and quick and can beat a player – but his fitness levels have improved massively as well. It is a credit to how he has been training."

Still a young talent with plenty of time to improve, Southampton will hope to beat the likes of Everton and Leeds United to Ebosele's signature this summer, with or without promotion.

Aston Villa's recent signings have all been fantastic, but none of them can top the arrival of Unai Emery.

The Villans have been completely transformed by the Spaniard, to the point where Villa Park could be playing the Champions League anthem next season.

However, what is always a great sign to suggest a transfer strategy is successful is whether those who are let go of don't reach new heights after leaving.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the player that Villa truly hit the jackpot on by letting them go in the summer.

Aaron Ramsey's time at Aston Villa

Just like his older brother Jacob, Aaron Ramsey began his career in the Villa academy as a youngster before progressing through the ranks to become one of the most promising players in the youth setup.

In 53 games for the U23s and U21s, the attacking midfielder scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists, but the English youngster only made one appearance for Villa's first team, which was in the 6-0 win over Barrow in the EFL Cup in 2021.

However, most of his Villa career as a professional was spent on loan at numerous EFL clubs, with his performances for Norwich City and Middlesbrough impressing enough for scout Jacek Kulig to describe Ramsey's campaign as "fantastic."

The first half of the campaign saw the 21-year-old play 18 Championship games for the Canaries, where he scored three goals and provided three assists.

Ramsey then joined Michael Carrick's side for the second half of the season, with the aim of achieving promotion. Boro ultimately missed out on that goal, but the Villa loanee scored five times and registered one assist in 11 league games.

Aaron Ramsey's 2023/24 season in numbers

In the summer, Ramsey's time at his boyhood club came to an end, with Emery deciding that the academy graduate was surplus to requirements. Vincent Kompany identified the attacker as a target, and in August, he secured the services of the Villans ace for £14m.

Ramsey only made one appearance in pre-season, but that was for Villa in the 1-1 draw against Walsall. The lack of games saw him take longer to return to fitness, and he made his Burnley debut in the matchday three 3-1 defeat to his former club Villa as a second-half substitute.

Three days later, the versatile star made his first start for the club, but just after the break, he suffered an injury that saw him miss just under a month of action. It wasn't exactly the dream start to life at Turf Moor that he would have imagined.

From that point on, Ramsey has been in and out of the team and failed to register a single goal contribution, making just 14 appearances and five starts, with an average of 37 minutes per game. Unfortunately, his season statistics will stay at that after he picked up a terrible knee injury against Arsenal recently, which will keep him out for the rest of the campaign.

Appearances

14

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots per game

0.4

Touches per game

17.8

Key passes per game

0.07

Successful dribbles per game

0.2

Unfortunately, Ramsey has had a few injury problems over the years, with one at the start of 2023 also causing him issues, but as you can see by the table, he was largely ineffective and poor during the matches he did play in, and to receive £14m pure profit for the attacker was certainly a smart decision by Villa.

Let it happen when it has to, the India coach says of the wicketkeeper-batsman’s retirement

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-2019India coach Ravi Shastri feels that speculating about MS Dhoni’s future is “downright disrespectful” and wants to see the debate end “once and for all”.Questions about his future have been thrown at everyone connected with the Indian team in the past couple of months. Chief selector MSK Prasad was asked the question earlier in the week and he said “we are moving on”, adding fuel to the speculation fire.”Half the guys commenting on MS Dhoni can’t even tie their shoelaces,” Shastri told the . “Look at what he’s achieved for the country. Why are people in a hurry to see him off? Maybe, they don’t find enough talking points. He and everybody who knows him know he’ll be going away soon. So, let it happen when it has to.”Making statements at his expense is downright disrespectful. After 15 years of playing for India, wouldn’t he know what’s the right thing to do? When he retired from Test cricket, what did he say? That Wriddhiman Saha was good enough to be handed over the wicket-keeping gloves. He was correct. He’s been a shadow when it comes to the team, always sharing his mind, lending his views.”

MS Dhoni has earned the right to retire when he wants to. And let this debate end once and for allRavi Shastri

While Dhoni has been silent on the subject, he dropped in to the Indian dressing room in Ranchi, his hometown, following their 3-0 sweep of South Africa in the recent Test series.”The other day, he came over to the dressing room in Ranchi to meet Shahbaz Nadeem [a Jharkhand statemate, who had made his debut in the Test] and had a chat – how motivating is that for a guy making his debut at home,” Shastri said. “Let me say this: MS Dhoni has earned the right to retire when he wants to. And let this debate end once and for all.”Earlier in the week, Sourav Ganguly, the new BCCI president, also threw his weight behind Dhoni when asked if he was rooting for a “Gangulyesque comeback”.”It depends on him,” the former India captain said. “I’ve always said – even when I was left out and when the entire world said that, ‘he’ll never make it’ – I believed in myself and came back and played for four years. You know champions don’t finish very quickly. I don’t know what’s in his mind, what he thinks about his career, so we’ll deal with that.”He’s one of the greats of the game. India is very proud to have MS Dhoni. His achievements, when you sit down and take note of what he’s done, you say, ‘Wow, MS Dhoni!’ So, till I’m around, everybody will be respected. That doesn’t change.”