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Tottenham employees have been left very impressed by a forward likened to Argentine World Cup winner Angel Di Maria, and it is believed they could now attempt to secure a deal for him in the coming months.

Spurs slump to 3-2 defeat at Brighton after capitulation

The Lilywhites slumped to a 3-2 defeat at Brighton over the weekend, in what was a real capitulation by Ange Postecoglou’s side after boasting a two-goal advantage from a dominant first half.

Pundit convinced Premier League club could make £60m bid for Tottenham star

It would be dependent on one condition.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 8, 2024

A sixth goal in six games from in-form Wales international forward Brennan Johnson set an impressive tone in the early stages for Postecoglou’s side, with James Maddison giving them a 2-0 lead after his side-footed finish found its way under Bart Verbruggen in the Brighton net.

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However, what followed was a disastrous second period. Goals from Yankuba Miteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck in the space of 20 minutes cemented a 3-2 comeback for the home side, and highlighted how there is still plenty of work to do for Postecoglou.

That work could come in the transfer market, as it is clear there are still gaping holes that need addressing. Reports have claimed that Tottenham could even bring in another striker after Dominic Solanke, and it is believed FC Midtjylland forward Dario Osorio.

Tottenham could "secure the signing" of Dario Osorio

As per GiveMeSport, Tottenham scouts have been impressed with Osorio, who is turning heads with his performances in the Danish Superliga.

The 20-year-old bagged eight goals and two assists in 23 appearances across all competitions last season, and has carried on this term with three goals and an assist in 16 appearances.

In the summer, media sources stated that Midtjylland value the forward at around £10 million, with GMS also sharing that he’s been branded the “Chilean Di Maria”.

“Without a doubt Darío has great potential,” said Patricio Ormazabal, manager of Chile’s U-20 squad, in 2022.

“We met him last year in a micro cycle that we had, he came with a lower category with the U17, we saw him and talked to Hernán Caputto so that he could train with the U20,” Ormazabal told ESPN’s F90 (via Bolavip).

Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has hailed Osorio as a player with “a lot of personality”, and likened him to Chilean big-names Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal.

“Dario has a lot of personality and that is important,” said Sanchez.

“You need that to play for the national team and at the highest level. Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal once had it and he has it, too.”

The praise keeps coming in for Osorio, with Chile boss Ricardo Gareca tipping him for a “bright future”.

“Osorio is a quiet boy but he can have a bright future,” said Gareca.

“We have a lot of expectations for him because I don’t think he has a ceiling. It will depend a lot on him, how far he wants to go.”

Wayne Madsen makes opening-day hundred as all-in youth policy leaves Sussex youngsters floundering

Richard Hobson21-Sep-2021Reconstruction work continues around the main entrance to the Hove County Ground. The Sussex Cricketer pub where players and supporters would mix after play has been demolished and plans for a wider redevelopment of the site emphasise “the village green feel of the club.” There is a joke here that is too obvious but too cruel to complete.Obvious, because Sussex entertained Derbyshire today in the equivalent of 18th place in the Championship, the one and only side below their visitors. Cruel, because the team comprises disproportionately of youngsters taking formative steps at professional level. They must have potential to have reached this far in the game and in fact it was more university than village: a wholehearted but callow bowling attack simply too inconsistent to make regular inroads.Sussex reached a nadir last week with defeat by an innings to Leicestershire, an unfortunate coincidence as Leicester were the side they trounced – by an innings – to complete their first title in 2003. The latest result drew criticism from Matt Prior, the former England wicketkeeper who played in that game 18 years ago. “Heart-breaking for these young players, the fans and the members,” he wrote in a tweet since deleted. “They are all being let down. It’s not about money, it’s club management and decision making at the top. Can’t sit back any longer.”In late-August, Sussex fielded a team against Worcestershire with an average age of 19. Ten had come through their own academy including five from Eastbourne, belying the image of the town as a giant retirement home. Although the squad of 13 for Derbyshire was slightly older it still featured six teenagers and only two players over 22. The demise of the Sussex Cricketer has at least spared the embarrassment of being asked for proof of age on their own ground.Related

Wright: 'We can't be losing our best players all the time'

Jordan, Salt to leave Sussex for Surrey, Lancashire at end of season

Whiteley heads for Hampshire after triumphant Brave stint

Finn departs Middlesex after 17 seasons to sign for Sussex

Fault obviously rests with a recruitment policy leaving such imbalance between youth and experience, and a wage structure that has prioritised Twenty20 over the Championship to an extreme degree, leaving chief executive Rob Andrew under scrutiny. In contrast to the side that reached Finals Day at the weekend, the four-day team has a reckless imbalance between youth and experience. This should change; Fynn Hudson-Prentice has already arrived from Derbyshire and Steve Finn will join from Middlesex for next season. More signings are likely, and with the appointment of a full-time captain delayed until the winter following Ben Brown’s midsummer sacking, the club may be leaving the post open to attract an overseas player such as Travis Head, who has unfinished business after a poor 2021.Realistically, though, how far can anyone take a club like Sussex in the modern age? Because this is more than the tale of one county club. More ominous than poor results are the departures of Phil Salt and Chris Jordan. They are far from the first pair to leave non-Test counties, but the Hundred seems sure to increase the volume of moves to host counties. Derbyshire themselves may be the next to see the pulling power of the competition if speculation that Matt Critchley will move to Glamorgan having played for Welsh Fire this summer proves accurate, while Ross Whiteley left Worcestershire for Hampshire this week after a successful stint with Southern Brave.Perhaps Sussex are ahead of the game. If the Championship, rather than the Royal London Cup, is threaded around The Hundred next season then the type of semi-development side they have fielded recently will become the norm across the competition. The four-day playing field would be levelled in the summer months and the standard of their younger players measured in a clearer context of like against like.But here’s the rub. In the longer run, who will benefit from their strategy? Some of the youngsters will fall by the wayside, others will forge livings from the game. And if one or two emerge as serious cricketers, will they stay at Hove or be lured by offers that Sussex, and the other non-Hundred counties, simply cannot match? It is a very vicious circle of youngsters struggling while they develop, then leaving a gap once they are mature and courted. At least when Alan Hansen famously predicted that Manchester United would win nothing with kids there was no doubting they would be trying to win with United and nobody else.Prior thinks the loss of the two players reflects the culture at the top of the club rather than the lure of the new competition – no matter the coincidence of Salt moving to Old Trafford, home to his Hundred team as well as his new county, Lancashire. To Prior, the loss of Salt, was “absolutely devastating for a club hanging on to the edge right now.” How could this happen, he asked rhetorically. “So sad for a club that not long ago was one of the best in the country and attracted players, not one where players wanted to leave.”Wayne Madsen drives on his way to a hundred•Getty ImagesWalter Gammie, a member, offers a balanced view of the campaign. “There is nothing better than seeing young players coming through and making you go ‘wow’,” he says. “It is genuinely exciting and I have thoroughly enjoyed this season for that reason. But I think the feeling is mixed, some members feel the club is just a little bit rudderless, that they are not quite certain what they want to achieve and make no suggestion of trying to be competitive in the Championship.”The club must have had some knowledge through the schools of pretty good lads in the system. You see [James] Coles, [Danial] Ibrahim, Archie Lenham and Ali Orr, [Joe] Sarro and [Henry] Crocombe and [Jack] Carson, but for all that promise they are not ready to carry the side and so you wonder whether it is an unfair burden on them. I saw Tom Haines make his debut against Kent at 17 having scored no end of runs at Hurstpierpoint [College] as a schoolboy and now you see him comfortable at this level. But it has taken five years for him to have his breakthrough season. They need time.”Haines, standing in as captain at 22 since Brown’s removal from the helm, led today in a way that members would like, maintaining a good over rate, trying as many as eight bowlers and posting a third man – everything except calling for the return of three-day cricket on uncovered pitches. His own passion was evident in the scream when Wayne Madsen reached a hundred a few balls after surviving an lbw appeal.Though not at Hove for this match, Gammie would have approved of the absence of mutiny among the deck chairs and stands. Supporters generally are good at recognising the difference between players trying but struggling, and any swinging the lead. Carson established some control with his offspin before tea, Crocombe struck in successive overs to stop Derbyshire’s attack on the new ball while Jamie Atkins, on his return from a shoulder injury, reminded of a young Steve Harmison: rangy, long-levered, occasionally sharp and sometimes quite nasty… but mostly erratic. To his great credit he was still running in hard at 5.40pm to deny Critchley his hundred. Whatever the group lacks for the time being, they have plenty of heart.

Right-hander signs with Heat after a great season with Somerset in the Blast, when he scored 295 runs in 6 innings

Alex Malcolm14-Oct-2021Somerset batter Tom Abell has signed with Brisbane Heat for the upcoming BBL. The promising right-hander also has a chance to be part of the England Lions squad set to tour Australia in support of England’s Ashes squad.The 27-year-old replaces Somerset team-mate Tom Banton – who opted out of the competition for a second year running due to bubble fatigue – as the third overseas player at the Heat joining Ben Duckett and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.Related

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Abell comes off an excellent Vitality Blast season where he scored 295 runs in six games at a strike rate of 161.20, including four half-centuries, helping Somerset reach the final. He has a lot of experience in Australia having toured with the England Lions in 2019-20 playing in the unofficial Test against Australia A at the MCG. Abell has also played three seasons of grade cricket in Perth with Fremantle playing alongside the likes of Shaun and Mitch Marsh, Ashton Turner, and Jhye Richardson.Abell joins a growing list of Somerset players to play at the Heat, including Banton and Lewis Gregory. Gregory, who appeared for the Heat last season, was ruled out of this season’s competition by a partial stress fracture in his back.”I cannot wait to get out to Australia and join up with the Heat club,” Abell said. “I have always been a huge fan of the BBL, and there has been a long-standing connection with the Heat and Somerset with the likes of Lewis Gregory, Tom Banton, Craig Kieswetter and Roelof van der Merwe over the years.”I am really excited by the opportunity, and I am looking forward to getting stuck in and doing my bit for the team.”Abell comes with major wraps having carved out a tremendous T20 record in England. Heat assistant coach Darren Lehmann and former Queensland great Stuart Law recommended Abell to new Heat coach Wade Seccombe after both had seen him up close while coaching clubs in England.”The more we looked at Tom, and the more people we caught up with, the more confident we became that he would fit really well into the Heat,” Seccombe said.”Darren came back from his stint as coach of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and he had only good things to report and Stuey Law also recommended him highly as a resilient, talented and hungry player who is also an excellent team man and leader.”Tom has worked hard to improve his T20 game and has certainly blossomed in the past few seasons. He played hockey at a high level as a youngster and is a bit unorthodox at the crease, so he will certainly fill a role for us.”Brisbane Heat squad: Chris Lynn, Xavier Bartlett, Sam Heazlett, Jimmy Peirson (c), Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Matt Willans, Tom Cooper, Michael Neser, Marnus Labuschagne, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan), Ben Duckett (England), Tom Abell (England)

Arsenal have been handed a January 16 deadline to complete the signing of a future star for just £21 million, with the player himself already agreeing personal terms in the summer window.

Arsenal's transfer plans for January explained

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is attempting to guide the north Londoners to their first Premier League title in 21 years, having sealed transfer deals for goalkeeper David Raya, defender Riccardo Calafiori, midfielder Mikel Merino, shot-stopper Neto and winger Raheem Sterling over the summer window.

Club criticised for allowing Arsenal to seal deal for £120k-per-week star

He’s a rising star of his country.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 17, 2024

The aforementioned five have reinforced Arsenal’s options in key areas all over the pitch, which is testament to Edu’s extensive work behind-the-scenes, but it is believed they could add to their ranks in January as well.

Martin Odegaard’s long-term ankle injury highlights just how vulnerable they can become at a moment’s notice, with star forward Kai Havertz withdrawing from international duty for Germany and Bukayo Saka sent home by England in what were real scares for Arteta recently.

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Saka’s hamstring problem isn’t serious, as confirmed by Lee Carlsey, while Havertz is expected to be fit to take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this weekend.

While scares around Havertz and Saka have been alleviated, their absences would’ve been a major cause for concern for Arteta, and reason to contemplate signing alternative options for the pair in January. Arsenal are believed to be targeting a new striker who can alternate with Havertz, as doubts surround Gabriel Jesus’ ability to lead the line right now.

“You have to credit Mikel Arteta because he’s brought this out of him [Havertz],” said former recruitment chief Mick Brown, who remains well-connected within the game.

“I’ve heard, though, that if there was the right option out there, Arsenal still want to buy somebody in that position. The problem is there’s not a long list of players who are good enough to play that role and are also available to come to the Premier League. Arsenal won’t want to waste any money they have on a player they don’t need. They’ll be prudent, but I know they’ll be looking for areas they can improve, and I think that will be one even with Havertz playing as well as he has been.”

As well as a new forward, Arteta and Edu are looking to shore up defensively, and it is believed they’re still after goalkeeper Joan Garcia after failing to sign him in the summer.

Garcia agreed personal terms to join Arsenal at the time, as reported by reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, but they couldn’t quite agree on a fee with newly-promoted Espanyol.

Arsenal given till January 16 to sign Joan Garcia for just £21m

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have been given until January 16 to sign Garcia for just £21 million, with his exit clause set to rise to around £26 million thereafter in the winter.

The story is a complicated one, as it is believed his release clause rose to £26 million in the summer after previously being £21 million. Mundo claim his Espanyol contract will implement a similar scenario in January, with Edu handed another opportunity to bring him in for £5 million less.

The Spaniard, who played a key role in helping Espanyol achieve promotion last season, has been tipped to become Spain’s number one goalkeeper as Arsenal eye up another move for the future star.

“I like the personality he has, the style he has,” said ex-Espanyol keeper Kiko Casilla.

“He is the future goalkeeper of Spain. He is the present of Espanyol and I hope he is also the future.”

Matheus Cunha reportedly has a release clause inserted in his Wolves contract as Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea handed a boost ahead of next summer.

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Cunha has been in fine form for WolvesPenned a new four-and-a-half-year dealBut has a £62m release clause in his term sheetFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has established himself as one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, playing a pivotal role in Wolves' attacking setup. His contributions – 11 goals and four assists – have been instrumental in boosting his team’s chances of securing top-flight survival.

Due to his impressive form, Cunha was heavily linked with a move away in January, with Arsenal among the clubs expressing serious interest. However, despite speculation, he chose to commit his future to Wolves by signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.

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While many believed Cunha’s new contract would rule out any immediate departure, fresh reports have unveiled key details of the agreement. According to the a release clause worth £62m will become active in the summer, allowing clubs to trigger his exit without the need for negotiations. This has alerted Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, all of whom have expressed interest in the Wolves star.

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Mikel Arteta’s side failed to bring in a striker during the January transfer window, but their search for a clinical finisher is expected to resume in the summer. Despite possessing attacking talents like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, the Gunners have struggled for consistency in front of goal. With Cunha’s proven Premier League pedigree, he could be seen as the ideal solution to strengthen Arsenal’s frontline.

While Liverpool have remained quiet on their summer transfer plans, there is growing speculation that they could make a move for Cunha. The uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future—with continued interest from Saudi Arabian clubs—means the Reds may have to look for alternatives.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CUNHA?

With multiple top clubs closely monitoring the situation, Cunha’s future looks set to be one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer window. His release clause eliminates negotiations, meaning the decision will likely rest with the player and which project appeals to him most. However, in the short term, Cunha will be back in action against Blackburn Rovers in an FA Cup fourth-round fixture.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu's fitness with the duo set for a spell out of action.

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Jackson and Guiu out for lengthy periodChelsea receive positive returns in other spotsMaresca undecided over who plays as strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Jackson picked up an injury last week and missed Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Guiu, Chelsea's back up to the Senegalese also picked up an injury in the same timeframe and sat out the clash at the Amex Stadium. Maresca has now opened up on the duo's fitness and potential return dates.

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Speaking to the media, Maresca said: "Nico will be out until the international break, probably available after the international break. We knew it was a muscular problem but not how important it was. His reaction was good so we didn't think it was a big injury. Unfortunately he had the scan and it is an important one – he will be out for six to eight weeks."

The Italian added: "Marc Guiu will be out for a while. Romeo Lavia is in the process to come back with us, Benoit Badiashile exactly the same. Wesley Fofana needs two or three weeks to be 100% fit with us."

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When questioned about whether Christopher Nkunku could fill in for Jackson during the busy period, Maresca said that the Frenchman could play as the number nine but added that his wingers Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and starlet Tyrique George could also fill the vacant spot.

The Italian said: "Christo is a solution but not the only solution. I said many times I consider Christo a very important player from the start.

"Now also with the transfer window closed, everyone is here and he can help us until the end. We are working to find a different solution. It can be Christo but also a different kind of player."

"Could a winger play centrally? Could be a solution. Pedro, Noni or even Tyrique, they can try and be a solution for us. Jadon has different kind of skills. When you don't have a proper nine, you need to use a different kind of nine but you need to change the way you play. We will find a solution."

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WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The Blues travel to Amex Stadium for the second time in seven days as they face Brighton yet again, this time in the Premier League, as they look to close the gap to Nottingham Forest. The two sides face off on Friday, February 14.

He has stepped down as Australia’s Test captain with immediate effect

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-2021″Today I am announcing my decision to stand down as captain of the Australian men’s cricket team. It’s a difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family and cricket.”As a background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough Cricket Australia Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in. That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct. Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time, and still do today.”I spoke to my wife and family at the time and am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support. We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years. However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public. On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community. I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party.”I’m sorry for the damage that this does to the reputation of our sport. And I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately. I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series. I have loved my role as captain of the Australian cricket team. It’s been the greatest privilege of my sporting life to lead the Australian men’s test team.”I’m grateful for the support of my teammates and proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together. To them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness. To Australian cricket fans – deeply sorry that my past behaviour has impacted our game on the eve of the Ashes.”For the disappointment I have caused to fans and the entire cricket community, I apologise. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive family, and it breaks my heart to know how much I’ve let them down. They have always stood by me, been my most loyal fans, and I’m indebted to them for their support.”I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team, and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour. Thank you.”

Nottingham Forest are set to secure the first piece of business under Edu by offering a key figure a new bumper contract, according to a new report. The Reds’ very impressive start to the Premier League season continued over the weekend as they brushed West Ham aside 3-0 to put them in third place, six points off the top spot.

Edu and Nottingham Forest make contact to sign "machine" versatile attacker

Evangelos Marinakis is set to triple Edu’s salary.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 5, 2024 Nottingham Forest transfer news

Despite making a great start to the season, losing just one of their opening 10 league games, Nuno Espirito Santo has his eyes on improving his squad when January does arrive. The Reds have begun contract talks with Chris Wood, and they are hoping to wrap that up fairly quickly as the striker’s deal does expire at the end of this campaign.

But while Wood looks to commit his future to the City Ground, Forest also have their eye on adding another striker to their ranks. They are interested in signing Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto on loan in January. Forest are not the only side interested in the young forward, as West Ham, Everton, and Newcastle United are also keen.

It has since been confirmed that signing a new striker in January is a priority for Forest. Nuno was keen to add another forward to his side in the summer, but for whatever reason, they couldn’t get a deal over the line. Now they are looking to do that when January arrives.

Nottingham Forest set to hand Nuno bumper new deal

According to TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Nottingham Forest are set to offer Nuno Santo a new bumper contract in recognition of their excellent start to the season. The 50-year-old took over at the City Ground in December 2023 from Steve Cooper, and he steered the Reds away from relegation trouble.

Nuno has now improved Forest significantly, as they have five wins from 10 league games and already have 19 points to their name, a staggering 14 clear of the bottom three. The Midlands side are in the top flight’s top three for the first time in 26 years, and with Edu expected to join Forest’s multi-club group, his first piece of business looks set to be handing Nuno a new deal.

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The club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has been “so impressed” that he wants to extend Nuno’s contract beyond June 2026, which is when it currently expires. The Portuguese has taken charge of 35 games as Forest manager in all competitions, and his 36th sees him come up against Newcastle United. A win against the Magpies and they will cement their place in the top three during the November international break.

Leeds United will be hoping to fight their way into the top two in the Championship when they play host to Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Whites have drawn three of their last five games in the division and will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 0-0 draw at Bristol City last time out.

Largie Ramazani missed out through injury and the other forwards in the team failed to step up to score the goals for Daniel Farke, as Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James were selected on the flanks in his absence.

Scoring goals has not been a major issue for the West Yorkshire outfit this season, though, as they have found the back of the net 19 times in 12 games.

Only Sunderland (23) and Norwich City (22) have scored more goals than Farke’s side, which shows that he has created a potent and exciting attack at Elland Road.

They are now preparing to take on a Plymouth side that are currently one place above the relegation zone and have conceded 22 times in 12 games.

Their head coach, though, certainly knows a thing or two about scoring goals, as they are managed by former Premier League icon Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney's goalscoring records

The former Derby County and Birmingham boss enjoyed a stunning career and established himself as a legend for both Manchester United and England.

He did hold the record for the most goals in England history, with 53 goals in 120 caps, but has since been overtaken by Harry Kane’s haul of 68 goals in 100 caps, which shows that the forward was an elite goalscorer at international level.

During his time with Manchester United, Rooney racked up a staggering 253 goals and 139 assists in 559 matches in all competitions for the Red Devils.

The English ace, who played as a centre-forward or a second striker for the majority of his playing career, consistently provided quality in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Along with plenty of goals and assists, Rooney also collected his fair share of trophies throughout his career. He won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, four League Cups, and one FA Cup with United.

Whilst he may not go on to achieve the amazing success that Rooney did at club and international level, Leeds have an emerging talent brewing who could be their own version of the England legend in Mateo Joseph.

Mateo Joseph's academy form for Leeds

The Spanish striker, who previously played for England at youth level before declaring for Spain, joined the Whites in January 2022 from Espanyol’s academy.

He had a slow start to life in the country, with a return of two goals in 11 academy matches, in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign before hitting his stride in his first full season with Leeds.

In the 2022/22 term, Joseph caught the eye with a superb return of 16 goals and two assists in 21 appearances in the Premier League 2 for the U21 side as a centre-forward.

He showcased his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis at youth level in the academy for Leeds and earned himself three Premier League appearances off the bench for the first-team that term, as Leeds were relegated to the Championship.

U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed him as a “wonderful” player and a “major talent” after his performances for Spain and Leeds at U21 level, with four goals in four caps for Spain’s U21s, after a return of three goals in ten matches for England’s U20s.

His form for club and country at youth level earned him a chance in the senior squad under Farke in the 2023/24 campaign, and he showed promise in his limited minutes on the pitch.

All 20 of his appearances in the Championship last season came as a substitute, scoring one goal in that time, but he did score twice at Stamford Bridge as a starter against Premier League giants Chelsea in the FA Cup.

This term, however, Joseph has emerged as a genuine starting-calibre centre-forward for Leeds and is emerging as a huge prospect for the club, at the age of 21.

Mateo Joseph's form this season

The Whites have their own version of Rooney brewing at Thorp Arch as the 21-year-old sensation has showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Championship.

Chalkboard

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

Like the England legend, Joseph is a powerful and aggressive striker who likes to hold the ball up and get involved in play, by holding off defenders and finding teammates with passes, whilst also scoring goals.

Whilst he does not have the bulky build that Rooney was known for, the clip below illustrates how well the academy graduate uses his body to get the better of experienced defenders.

That was one of the two goals that the Spanish youth international has plundered for the West Yorkshire outfit in the Championship this season, to add to the one he managed last term.

Whilst he has not been a prolific scorer at senior level, yet, his aforementioned form for the academy suggests that the potential is there for him to eventually develop into a lethal goalscorer for Leeds.

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As you can see in the table above, Joseph has also showcased his creative quality in a Whites shirt this season in the Championship, with four ‘big chances’ created in eight starts.

This shows that the attacker is unselfish and looks to constantly get other players involved in the final third, hence why he has already registered three assists in the second tier.

Joseph, therefore, has the potential to develop into a complete centre-forward due to his pace, physicality, goalscoring potential, and creative quality, with plenty of time for him to fulfill his potential at the age of 21.

Leeds could move on from Solomon by unleashing "immense" star in new role

The Leeds United star has thrived in an attacking role for his country this season.

ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2024

This is why Leeds may have their own version of Rooney brewing in Yorkshire, ahead of the legendary forward’s trip to Elland Road on Saturday.

Manchester United loanee Antony has aimed a subtle dig at Red Devils fans as he praised Real Betis supporters after Los Verdiblancos' latest win.

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Antony in fine form at Real BetisScores in 3-0 win over GentAims veiled dig at Man Utd fans over supportFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Antony joined La Liga side Real Betis this winter having fallen out of favour at Manchester United following Ruben Amorim's appointment as successor to Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian only made nine appearances under the Portuguese coach, as a wing-back in most instances, before joining Los Verdiblancos on a six-month loan.

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Antony has started three games for Manuel Pellegrini's side and has scored twice and provided an assist. The 24-year-old scored during Real Betis' 3-0 win against Gent in the first leg of the Conference League play-off round, and then aimed a sly dig at United fans by claiming that Los Verdiblancos' followers 'never stop supporting' the side.

GettyWHAT ANTONY SAID

Speaking to the media, Antony said: "In my heart, I knew that I would be very happy at Betis, I was sure about that. This win goes for the fans, they never stop supporting us."

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WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

Having started and starred in all three of his games under Pellegrini, one would expect Antony to be a starter yet again when Real Betis take on Real Sociedad on Sunday.