Liverpool made it six wins from six Champions League games under Arne Slot thanks to a Mohamed Salah penalty. The Reds overcame Spanish side Girona away from home, securing a 1-0 victory in an important clash to keep their good momentum this season going.

It was a game in which the visitors dominated the ball, with an average of 62% possession, according to Sofascore. Not only that, they created 1.89xG, and perhaps feel hard done by not to have scored more than once. Darwin Nunez was one player who missed a couple of big chances.

Overall, it was a professional performance from the men from Merseyside, and there were some standout players along the way.

Liverpool’s best players vs. Girona

Once again, one of the standout players for Liverpool was Ryan Gravenberch. He has been a key player at the heart of Arne Slot’s midfield this term, and that was certainly the case against the Spanish side.

His stats certainly reflected just how good of a performance it was from the Dutchman. He pulled the strings in his new role at the base of the midfield, completing 95% of his passes and creating one big chance. Gravenberch also won three out of three tackles and five duels.

Another player who performed well against Blanquivermells was returning goalkeeper Alisson. This will be no doubt pleasing to Slot, given the Brazilian has missed a couple of months due to an injury sustained against Crystal Palace.

One person who was full of praise for the Reds number one was Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle. He gave the goalkeeper an 8/10 at full-time, praising him for ‘three solid stops’ in the first half and ‘a great flying save’ to deny Yaser Asprilla.

As good as both Gravenberch and Alisson were against Girona, however, Andy Robertson was arguably the standout player.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Robertson’s stats vs. Girona

Rumours that Robertson may leave Anfield at some stage in the near future may have been put to bed following his fantastic performance against Girona. He was relentless up and down that left flank against the Spanish side, as the stats showcase.

The Scotland international had a whopping 115 touches, completing 93% of his passes and creating three chances for his teammates, after laying on three key passes. Out of possession, the former Hull City defender won two tackles and two duels.

Robertson vs Gutierrez – stats vs. Girona
Stat	Robertson	Gutierrez
Touches	115	52
Pass accuracy	93%	78%
Passes completed	91/98	29/37
Chances created	3	0
Ground duels won	2/4	2/3
Tackles won	2	0
Possession lost	15x	14x
Stats from Sofascore

Doyle agreed with what the stats suggested, and have the Reds number 26 an 8/10 for his performance in Spain. He explained that Robertson ‘offered himself regularly going forward’ and out in a ‘solidly impressive showing’ against the hosts.

Interestingly, Slot’s side were linked with the opposition left-back recently, Miguel Gutierrez. TBR Football have previously reported the Reds consider him a target to succeed Robertson, as replacements for their legendary Scottish defender ‘are examined’.

However, the former Real Madrid man struggled against the Reds, completing just 78% of his passes and losing the ball 14 times, whilst not winning a tackle.

If there were any doubts over Robertson’s long-term suitability for this Liverpool side, and any thought to replace him with Gutierrez, then those may have been forgotten after Tuesday’s game.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Slot will no doubt be hoping the Scotland international can continue his impressive run of form, as Liverpool tackle a busy festive and New Year period.

Liverpool and Slot interested in £20m "sensation" who "would be happy" to join

The Reds have set their sights on a new defender.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 10, 2024

It felt like a predestined result. Tottenham Hotspur would have needed a miraculous performance to turn over high-flying Newcastle United, given their injury crisis and rut on the field.

In fairness, Spurs showed grit and togetherness against Eddie Howe’s side, but they were unable to prevent their quarry from escaping with all three points, extending their Premier League winning run to five matches.

Tottenham, conversely, are still languishing in the bottom half of the table as they begin the second half of the campaign. Ange Postecoglou watched Dominic Solanke secure the early lead, but Anthony Gordon and the unstoppable Alexander Isak responded in a frantic first half.

It’s not all doom and gloom, with Brandon Austin impressing between the sticks and 18-year-old Archie Gray continuing to perform valiantly in central defence.

Tottenham Absences vs Newcastle

Player

Reason

Guglielmo Vicario

Ankle injury

Destiny Udogie

Thigh injury

Ben Davies

Thigh injury

Cristian Romero

Quad injury

Micky van de Ven

Thigh injury

Richarlison

Thigh injury

Mikey Moore

Illness

Rodrigo Bentancur

Suspension

Wilson Odobert

Thigh injury

However, it was Lucas Bergvall who shone the brightest here. Let’s pick out the positives, ay? What a future this talent has ahead.

Lucas Bergvall shines in the centre

Postecoglou took Bergvall off just after the hour mark and a fair few groans reverberated across the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 18-year-old midfielder impressed against one of the Premier League’s most dynamic and imposing central engines.

While the Lilywhites lost again, it’s important to remember that they are battling against a shocking injury crisis that is making a mockery of Postecoglou’s tactics, the Australian unable to implement his vision as a consequence.

But with up-and-coming prospects like the Swede able to stand out among their more experienced peers, the club will be sure to rise again.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle – Lucas Bergvall Stats

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

62′

Touches

47

Accurate passes

28/34 (82%)

Dribbles (completed)

1 (1)

Possession won

5x

Tackles

1

Interceptions

2

Clearances

3

Total duels (won)

5 (4)

Stats via Sofascore

Bergvall was crisp in the challenge, completed his only dribble and could have easily stayed on for longer. Football content creator George Achillea even called him the hosts’ “best player by a mile,” going on to rebuke winger Brennan Johnson for his “non-existent” showing on the right.

We’d like to ask the same thing.

Ange should have subbed Brennan Johnson

Johnson played the full 90 against Newcastle and the question has to be raised regarding Postecoglou’s persistence. Why was he not hooked? Dejan Kulusevski could have seamlessly moved into his natural position and Bergvall would have kept his flair and elegance on the field.

Writing in their post-match player ratings, London World questioned the ‘perplexing’ decision to take Bergvall off and criticised the 5/10 Johnson for squandering good opportunities in front of goal.

As per Sofascore, Johnson missed two chances, scratching the woodwork with one, and also failed to provide support for the likes of Solanke in the centre, missing with each of his three attempted crosses.

The Welshman’s saving grace was that he won four of seven duels and made three tackles, willing to get stuck in but not offering enough for an outfit that is desperate for a result to shift the narrative down N17.

The general consensus was that Bergvall should have stayed on the pitch, with the ‘non-existent’ Johnson deserving the hook instead.

Kulusevski could have easily shifted onto the right to allow Yves Bissouma to still enter the fray and pack a punch against the Magpies.

Postecoglou will be frustrated by his threadbare options, but he didn’t get this one right and has slumped to yet another defeat.

Related Spurs target £30m+ Udogie upgrade with "an engine unmatched by anyone else"

The talented youngster could help make Spurs far more effective in defence and attack.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 3, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

A janela de transferências do futebol brasileiro encerra nesta terça-feira e o Sport tentou levar o meia Jean Carlos, do Náutico.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Segundo o ge, a diretoria do Leão procurou o Timbu e colocou na mesa uma oferta entre R$ 3 a R$ 3,5 milhões. O Náutico rejeitou.

Além da questão dos direitos federativos, o Sport ofereceu um salário mensal de R$ 200 mil ao atleta que é ídolo nos Aflitos.

Multa Rescisória

Se não bastasse a rivalidade entre os clubes, outro ponto que tornou inviável a negociação foi o valor proposto. A multa de Jean Carlos está na casa dos R$ 19 milhões, ou seja, bem superior ao que o Sport se dispôs a pagar.

Sem chance de negócio, Jean Carlos permanece no Náutico onde tem contrato até dezembro de 2024.

RelacionadasCearáNa Sul-Americana, Ceará busca manter o 100% de aproveitamento com Dorival JuniorCeará11/04/2022InternacionalInternacional pode ficar sem dupla de zaga para jogo da Sul-AmericanaInternacional11/04/2022Futebol InternacionalCampeão nacional, Digão cita ‘cobrança natural’ e exalta conquista do Buriram UnitedFutebol Internacional11/04/2022

Glasgow Rangers Premiership title hopes went up in flames on Boxing Day as they suffered their fourth league defeat of the season against St Mirren, conceding a late goal to lose 2-1.

If the pressure on Philippe Clement was easing up after several weeks of solid performances, then this defeat puts him right back at square one. Matches against Motherwell and Celtic are coming up over the next six days and more dropped points could see his position become untenable.

While thoughts are on these games, surely one eye is focused on the upcoming January transfer window, which gives the Ibrox side a chance to bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Much will depend on how much of a budget the manager will be handed once the winter window opens next week, and he might have to sell a couple of players in order to raise significant funds.

This could see several players leave Ibrox, with one current first team player already attracting interest ahead of January – Cyriel Dessers.

Why Rangers should finally sell Cyriel Dessers

Unfortunately, Rangers are now in a position where they have to sell players before thinking of making signings, such is the nature of their finances.

Hopefully, Clement is ruthless and moves on those who are either taking up a place in the squad that isn’t warranted, or earning a lavish wage which is not representative of their performances on the field.

This could see a host of players depart the club next month, but it is Dessers who is the one attracting the most attention as of late.

Before Christmas, news emerged from France that Saint-Étienne were showing a keen interest in the striker ahead of making a potential move for the player once the window finally opens.

This wasn’t the first time that the Nigerian international had drawn interest from elsewhere. During the summer transfer window, Cagliari were hoping to bring the forward to Serie A, but no move ever materialised.

Things might have been different if Clement had more centre-forwards in his squad, but with Danilo still recovering from a knee injury and Hamza Igamane still settling in at Ibrox, it was perhaps too risky to sell Dessers.

January could be the ideal time for the club to recoup what they paid for him 18 months ago, especially as he hasn’t been the first choice over the previous few weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

Across 28 games in all competitions for the Gers, Dessers has found the back of the net on 12 occasions, yet he has scored just three league goals since the start of September.

Recently, Danilo and Igamane have taken turns being deployed as the lone striker in Clement’s 4-2-3-1 system, meaning Dessers has had to settle for a place on the bench.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

16

6

Assists

4

2

Big chances missed

27

6

Big chances created

8

2

Shots per game

2.9

1.7

Additionally, the striker is also earning £27k-per-week, which places him among the highest earners at the club.

All of these factors should be taken into consideration with regard to his future. Is he contributing enough considering his high wage? The answer is no. Therefore, if a decent bid arrives, then the Light Blues should accept it.

This could free up funds for Clement to move for a player they have been linked with lately who is currently shining in South Africa…

Rangers' search for a striker

As reported by South African news outlet SNL24 (via the Scottish Sun), the Light Blues have been keeping a close eye on striker Iqraam Rayners, who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

“There has been an enquiry about Iqraam (Rayners) from Rangers of Scotland,” a source told SNL24.

“I don’t think there has been an offer from them at this stage. What I know is they have shown interest and they continue monitoring him.”

There is no information on how much Rangers would have to pay to bring the South African to Glasgow, but it appears he is doing everything right in order to earn a big move abroad.

If a move for Rayners is concrete, this could see Dessers finally packing in what would be a popular move among the supporters. That’s for sure.

How Iqraam Rayners compares to Cyriel Dessers

Rayners may be the same age as Dessers, but he is currently in the form of his life for his club side.

Across just 17 matches in all competitions, he has scored 13 goals while chipping in with an assist, a wonderful strike rate in front of goal, that’s for sure.

Indeed, throughout the entirety of 2024, he has notched 24 goals for two clubs, which has led writer Joshua Henricks to hail the player as “impressive” due to his goalscoring ability.

Domestically, Rayners averages 1.7 shots per game, has created one big chance while succeeding with 75% of his dribble attempts. Crucially, he has missed only one big chance, indicating that he is more clinical in front of goal than Dessers, who tends to miss a large number of chances.

The 29-year-old has also shone for his country throughout 2024, scoring four goals in ten games for South Africa, with two coming during qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations as the nation avoided defeat in their group.

This proves that he is able to star on the international stage, suggesting he may not be fazed by moving to Ibrox in January.

With Hamza Igamane making the move to Scotland from Africa earlier this year and adapting fairly well, hopes are high that Rayners, who has more experience than the young Rangers striker, could follow suit.

Once again, finances could be the crux of any potential deal. If interest in Dessers is genuine, then securing a decent fee for the 29-year-old could certainly aid in Clement’s future transfer plans.

Will Rayners be included in this? Only time will tell, but the South African has proven his talents in front of goal throughout the calendar year.

Not just Bajrami: Clement must drop Rangers man who lost 11 duels

Rangers suffered defeat to St Mirren on Boxing Day

1 ByRoss Kilvington Dec 27, 2024

هناك الكثير من الجدل حول موعد إقامة مباراة نهائي كأس مصر بين الزمالك وبيراميدز والذي تم تحديده سابقًا في 20 مايو الحالي.

لكن بعد تأهل بيراميدز إلى نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا أمام صن داونز، تقدم السماوي بطلب إلى الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم بتأجيل نهائي كأس مصر ضد الزمالك لما بعد يوم 1 يونيو.

ثم جاء عرض من جانب الاتحاد الإماراتي لكرة القدم باستضافة المباراة أحد يومي 5 أو 6 يونيو، وبالتالي من المتوقع أن تلعب المواجهة خارج مصر.

اقرأ أيضًا.. خاص | زيزو يضع شرطًا للمثول للتحقيق في الزمالك

ولكن التساؤل الأهم هو ما موقف الثلاثي نبيل عماد دونجا، مصطفى شلبي ومدير الكرة، عبد الواحد السيد خاصة مع أزمة حبسهم في الإمارات خلال فترة بطولة كأس السوبر المصري في أكتوبر الماضي؟.

قبل أن يتم الإفراج عنهم بعد تواصل المسئولين بين مصر والإمارات عقب نهاية البطولة، لكن هل سيسافر الثلاثي مع الفريق دون مشاكل؟.

تواصل بطولات مع مصدر داخل نادي الزمالك، وأكد: “لا مشكلة في سفر الثلاثي لخوض نهائي كأس مصر أمام بيراميدز”.

وتابع: “فالثلاثي حصلوا على عفو رئاسي من الإمارات ورحلوا بشكل طبيعي، ودليل على ذلك أن دونجا وأحمد فتوح تواجدا في دبي قبل أسبوعين لقضاء إجازة قصيرة دون أي مشكلات”.

وأتم: “لذلك لا مشكلة في سفر دونجا أو شلبي أو عبد الواحد مع بعثة الزمالك إلى الإمارات، وسيشاركون بشكل طبيعي”.

Manchester City star Kyle Walker has reportedly made a decision on his future at AC Milan after his loan deal ends.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Walker joined Milan on a short-term loanRossoneri has a €5 million buy clause in his contractThe clause will likely be activatedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The England international made the switch to Serie A during the January transfer window, and all indications suggest that he is prepared to extend his stay beyond this season. According to journalist Daniele Longo of , Milan have the option to sign Walker for €5 million (£4.17/$5.40m), a clause they are eager to trigger. The defender is enjoying life in Italy and is keen to continue his career at Milan rather than return to the Premier League.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Walker’s move to Milan was widely seen as the best solution for both the player and Manchester City, particularly given his reduced role under Pep Guardiola this season. On the other hand, in Milan, he has become an integral part of Sergio Conceicao’s lineup. The experienced full-back has already made nine appearances across all competitions, making him a crucial asset for the remainder of the season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Meanwhile, Alessandro Florenzi, another right-back in Milan’s squad, is also looking to secure his future at the club. The former Roma defender’s contract is set to expire on June 30, but he remains eager to fight for his place. Reports indicate that Florenzi is willing to accept a significant pay cut in order to extend his stay at Milan, setting up an interesting dynamic in the right-back position.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WALKER?

As things stand, all signs point to Walker staying in Italy, with Milan ready to finalize his transfer and the player himself eager to continue his adventure in Serie A. He will next be in action when Milan travel to face Napoli in Serie A on March 30.

Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham has revealed his desire to stay at Santiago Bernabeu for the "next 10 to 15 years".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bellingham opens up on Real future
• England star hopes to stay for '10-15 years'
• Real Madrid hunting treble this season

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham has turned into the superstar everybody had expected him to become when he moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Dortmund. The England international helped Los Blancos secure a La Liga and Champions League double in his first season as their second top scorer behind Vinicius Junior. Bellingham is on course for more silverware with Real this term, and has spoken out on his future with the Spanish giants.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

  Speaking to , Bellingham opened up about his move in 2023, and said: "Real Madrid was the perfect club for me."

  The 21-year-old added: "I'm happy in Madrid and I think I'll be playing in white for the next 10 or 15 years"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite a slow start to the 2024-25 season, Real Madrid and Bellingham have picked up pace in the second half of the season and are now in the hunt for a historic treble. Carlo Ancelotti's side are sitting just three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, have one foot in the final of the Copa del Rey and have booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

  Real Madrid are set to be in action next when they take on Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie. They will be hoping to make quick work of La Real on Tuesday, having already secured a 1-0 win at Anoeta in the first leg.

Roelof van der Merwe was the match-winner as Somerset recovered from a shock start to win a rain-affected Vitality Blast clash against arch-rivals Gloucestershire by three-wickets (DLS) at Bristol.After the visitors had won the toss, Miles Hammond smote four sixes off the opening over of the game, bowled by Tom Lammonby, on his way to making 29 off just 12 balls. By the time rain interrupted play after five overs, Gloucestershire had raced to 61 for 1. A resumption at 8.45pm saw the game reduced to ten overs per side and the hosts went on to post 101 for 5.Somerset’s revised target was 112. They slumped to 55 for 7 before van der Merwe hammered an unbeaten 48 from 15 balls, with four sixes and four fours, to see them to an unlikely victory with three balls to spare.It was an extraordinary end to a game Gloucestershire had dominated. With a very short boundary on one side of the ground, the last thing Somerset could afford was to bowl too straight from the Ashley Down Road End. Left-arm seamer Lammonby erred in that respect and saw his second, third, fifth and sixth deliveries effortless lofted over the leg side by left-hander Hammond.Hammond and James Bracey took the score to 46 off 3.5 overs before Josh Davey made a breakthrough, having Hammond caught at short third man off an edged drive. Bracey was undeterred, taking a boundary off Siddle’s opening delivery of the fifth over, which also saw new batsman Ian Cockbain strike two fours.When rain sent the players off, Bracey was unbeaten on 21 from 14 balls. He added only a single to his score before being caught at cover off a leading edge in the first over of the resumption, bowled by left-arm spinner van der Merwe.Somerset opted for spin at both ends. Lewis Goldsworthy’s first ball was dispatched for a straight six by Cockbain, who fell to the second, caught at deep cover to leave Gloucestershire 72 for 3.Jack Taylor hoisted Goldsworthy for another straight six. But van der Merwe completed two canny overs for 14 and when Glenn Phillips skied a catch to wicketkeeper Tom Banton off Lewis Gregory, Gloucestershire were 90 for 4. Gregory’s over cost just five runs. The final one was delivered by Ben Green, who sent back Taylor, caught at deep midwicket in conceding only a further six.Now it was Gloucestershire bowling with a wet ball. David Payne used it to good effect, having Banton caught a short third-man off his second delivery in an opening over costing eight. When Rilee Rossouw was caught in the deep attempting to pull Josh Shaw over the longer square boundary and Tom Abell tamely cut Zak Chappell to backward point, Somerset were 15 for 3 in the third over.Will Smeed skied a Shaw full toss to be caught on the leg side and Gregory drove Benny Howell to long-on where Hammond took a fine diving catch.Lammonby had quickly cleared the ropes twice, the second time with an audacious reverse scoop off Shaw. But when he tried to reverse sweep Tom Smith and guided the ball straight to extra cover it was 50 for 6. Smith accounted for Green in the same over. But van der Merwe kept things interesting by hitting the left-arm spinner for 6-6-4, in the eight over.Somerset needed 27 off the final two. That became 12 off the last when van der Merwe hit Payne for a six and a four.Ryan Higgins, bowling for the first time in the innings, saw his first ball swept for four by van der Merwe. The second, a slower delivery was dispatched over deep square for six and the third through the off side for four.

Borthwick, Bushnell help pile on the runs against Worcestershire

ECB Reporters Network12-Jun-2022

Rachin Ravindra had a day to remember•Getty Images

Durham 375 for 3 (Ravindra 178*, Borthwick 96, Bushnell 61*) vs WorcestershireRachin Ravindra produced a debut to remember for Durham, scoring a career-best 178 not out as the home side piled on the runs on day one against Worcestershire in their LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two clash.The New Zealander was only signed by Durham for one match after Keegan Petersen’s premature departure, but certainly made an impression for the North-East outfit with a sublime unbeaten hundred, his fourth in first-class cricket.He became the first overseas player since Tom Latham to score a century on debut for Durham, sharing a mammoth stand of 230 with Scott Borthwick, who notched 96, for the second wicket. Ravindra was there at the close alongside Jonathan Bushnell, unbeaten on his debut on 61, with the hosts positioned on 375 for 3 after the first day at Seat Unique Riverside.”I was seeing a couple of mates in Dublin when I got the call to play for Durham,” Ravindra said. “I thought it would be a perfect opportunity, it has always been a dream of mine to play in the County Championship. It’s been good to play with a great bunch of lads. As soon as the opportunity came up I was raring to go.”Related

Ben Duckett leads rapid Notts response to Leicestershire's best effort

Colin Ingram, Eddie Byrom share unbroken 253-run stand for Glamorgan on run-filled day

Toby Roland-Jones reminds Derbyshire of frailties in five-star display at Chesterfield

Toby Pettman, Mark Watt underline value of opportunity that the county game affords

Counties make short-term signings to cope with demands of schedule

Durham won the toss and opted to bat first, where Michael Jones and Ravindra made a measured start against the new ball. Jones scored four boundaries to kick start his innings of 21, but he was ruffled by Charlie Morris’ fifth over before edging behind to Gareth Roderick.Borthwick joined Ravindra, and the two left-handers settled in for the morning session, offering the Worcestershire bowlers little encouragement. Ravindra brought up the fifty partnership for the second wicket with an elegant glance through the leg-side, and pushed the score past 100 at lunch to end a positive session for the home side.Ravindra maintained his poise after the break and deployed the glance again to score his 10th boundary, bringing up his half-century from 103 deliveries. Borthwick was finding life just as simple as his new team-mate, registering his fifth fifty of the term working the ball down to the third-man boundary to reach the milestone.