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Many Liverpool fans questioned goalkeeper Alisson Becker during their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. 

Liverpool were looking to extend the six-game winning streak that began after the November international break.

Saturday’s fixture saw Steven Gerrard, third on the Reds’ all-time appearance list, return to Anfield in the opposition dugout.

Jurgen Klopp made one change from the side that won 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starting a game at centre forward for the first time this season.

Diogo Jota was only fit enough for the substitutes’ bench, having been sidelined for much of the week’s training.

Recapping Alisson’s performance

There were two moments of uncertainty from Alisson in the first half. First, he misjudged a long ball, with Ashley Young able to nod it beyond him, only for his pull-back to Ollie Watkins to be cut out.

Later, miscommunication with Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly allowed to nick the ball in the penalty area.

He didn’t regain any confidence after the break, nearly giving VAR a reason to get involved with a late scuffle involving Danny Ings.

Along with Thiago Alcantara, Alisson recorded the joint-lowest SofaScore rating in the Liverpool team (6.5).

These Liverpool fans slam Alisson

“With Alisson in goal it looks like we are going to concede a goal any moment”

Credit: @Limzy09

“What is going on with Alisson? A couple of missteps by him so far”

Credit: @B2Life33

“Alisson had a bevvy?”

Credit: @ianyoungkop

“Alisson brain farted twice now”

Credit: @lfcdaz1983

“Alisson’s been very concerning today”

Credit: @salahfanv1

“Why is Alisson scared to touch the ball today?”

Credit: @quarterluke

In other news, Liverpool have been backed to land this Barcelona star.

Manchester United have suffered a major blow ahead of the derby against Manchester City after star defender Raphael Varane was ruled out of action with a hamstring injury.

What’s the word?

The 28-year-old had only recently returned from a fitness concern when he had to be substituted in United’s Champions League clash against Atalanta last time out.

And now, it’s been revealed that Varane faces up to a month on the sidelines, meaning he’ll be absent for Saturday’s clash against City and potentially the Red Devils’ next four fixtures after the international break – against Watford, Villarreal, Chelsea and Arsenal.

“The club confirms that Raphael sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for around a month,” a United statement read on Wednesday. “We’d like to wish Raphael all the best as he works on his recovery.”

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s struggling charges set to face a formidable City side without their most in-form defender over the weekend, it’s likely to be an extremely tough test at Old Trafford for the home side.

Solskjaer will be absolutely devastated

News that Varane will be absent for a month will leave Solskjaer feeling absolutely devastated, given the importance of the centre-back to the 20-time English champions.

United have been woefully below their best in the opening weeks of the current campaign, losing five matches in all competitions. However, Varane has only started one of those defeats, highlighting the influence he has over proceedings.

And the World Cup winner’s underlying numbers also illustrate the impact that the France international has when he’s on the pitch.

As per WhoScored, Varane has averaged a whopping four clearances per league game this season – the highest tally amongst his teammates – and 1.5 tackles, the third-highest total compared to his colleagues.

Therefore, the experienced campaigners’ enforced absence could hugely affect United’s results and performances as their tricky run of fixtures is set to continue.

And, in other news…Murtough can finally replace Roy Keane in Man Utd swoop for “magnificent” £62k-p/w ace

MatériaMais Notícias

Alexandre Mattos foi à Europa na semana passada e teve um novo encontro com a diretoria do Barcelona. O diretor de futebol do Palmeiras tenta assegurar que o clube catalão não antecipe a preferência de compra pelo zagueiro para o começo de 2018, e assim manter o jogador até a Copa do Mundo da Rússia.

A intenção do Verdão sempre foi vender o colombiano apenas depois do próximo Mundial, mas o Barça pode fazer valer o acordo antes, caso deseje e como tem sido noticiado com frequência pelos jornais espanhóis. Em fevereiro, Mattos e o presidente Maurício Galiotte foram à Espanha para acertar a preferência.

O Barcelona tem uma cláusula para comprar o zagueiro por 9 milhões de euros (R$ 33,5 milhões) – o Verdão adquiriu Mina do Santa Fé (COL), no passado, por cerca de R$ 11 milhões, valor pago pelo então presidente Paulo Nobre. Caso outro clube faça uma oferta maior, o time da Catalunha pode cobri-la.

A diretoria palmeirense considera ter ótima relação com a cúpula do Barcelona, tanto que emprestou Vitinho ao Barça B. Se agradar durante o contrato, válido até o meio de 2018, o meia pode ser comprado pelo time catalão por quase 15 milhões de euros (R$ 55,8 milhões). No Palmeiras, este é mais um motivo para acreditar na permanência do camisa 26, pelo menos, até o Mundial da Rússia.

A prioridade dada ao Barcelona foi uma estratégia de Alexandre Mattos para garantir a contratação de Mina. Ele estava apalavrado com uma equipe do futebol alemão, mas o diretor conversou com o Barça e encontrou uma forma de garantir ao jogador que ele poderia jogar lá se aceitasse o Palmeiras.

Em fevereiro, o defensor recebeu aumento salarial, mas o prazo de seu contrato continua o mesmo: até 2021. Neste momento, o camisa 26 está no departamento médico, após sofrer uma cirurgia para corrigir a fratura no quinto metatarso durante o jogo contra o Barcelona (ECU). Ele deve ficar mais dois meses fora.

Contatos com outros mercados

Durante esta viagem para fora do Brasil, Mattos aproveitou para ir aos Emirados Árabes e aproximar o clube de novos mercados – em 2022, o Catar, país vizinho aos Emirados, receberá a Copa do Mundo. Foi conversada, inclusive, a possibilidade de o Verdão realizar a pré-temporada de 2018 fora do país. Tanto nos Emirados quanto na Europa, o diretor de futebol chegou a tratar de reforços para o ano que vem. Ele voltou nesta semana ao Brasil.

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Newcastle United are now reportedly in the picture to sign Erling Haaland in what is quite a remarkable transfer twist.

The Lowdown: Was ruled out

According to Bundesliga journalist Christian Falk just a few days ago, the 21-year-old is not considering a move to St James’ Park, effectively ruling them out of the race to sign the Borussia Dortmund superstar.

Various reports have also stated that him moving to Tyneside is unrealistic, despite the takeover from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The Latest: Haaland transfer twist

According to a fresh report from AS (via Sport Witness), though, ‘it is not out of question’ that Haaland could move to Newcastle, with the Magpies ‘in the picture’ for his signature.

However, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also named as potential destinations for the Norway international.

The Verdict: Exciting

Even though it is very possible that Newcastle will miss out on the signing of Haaland due to the level of competition and the fact that they are still in a relegation battle in the Premier League, it is exciting for the Toon Army merely to be named in the conversation.

The striker has been nothing short of sensational while playing for Dortmund, averaging more than a goal per match over the past three seasons across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, what a remarkable signing he would be for the Magpies if the new owners could somehow pull it off.

In other news, find out which elite manager NUFC ‘dream’ of hiring

A journalist has revealed what top sources close to Mike Ashley have now said about the future of Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Poor start

After the 2-1 loss at Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, the Magpies sit 19th in the table, having picked up no wins and a mere three points from their first seven games (Premier League).

Of course, Bruce has been in a similar position before and managed to avoid relegation in the end, but it is not a guarantee that he can do so again.

The Latest: Bruce’s future

Writing in his latest piece for The Sun, Alan Nixon has revealed what top sources close to both Bruce and Ashley have said about the manager’s future at St James’ Park.

Ashley will not pull the trigger on Bruce despite the recent poor run of results, as his priority remains finding a buyer and trying to push through the proposed takeover from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The chief executive of Sports Direct also knows that it would take £3m out of his bank account to sack Bruce, plus more to get rid of his backroom staff, while hiring a replacement also takes that bill higher than what he is willing to pay.

The Verdict: Worth the risk

If results carry on like this, then Newcastle will find themselves in a relegation battle once more under Bruce, who is far from a popular figure among the fan base. Therefore, it is time for Ashley to bite the bullet and bring a new coach in order to offer some fresh ideas and hopefully give a new manager bounce.

The chances of the takeover going through are far from certain, so the owner must act now before it is too late in terms of their top-flight future.

In other news, find out what controversial beIN reveal has been dropped on the takeover

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is hopeful the sessions spent by the players with the sports psychologist Maqbool Babri will toughen them up ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in England next month

Cricinfo staff25-May-2009Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is hopeful the sessions spent by the players with the sports psychologist Maqbool Babri will toughen them up ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in England next month.Babri, who was recently hired by the Pakistan Cricket Board, had two-hour one-on-one sessions with each of the players during the three practice games in Lahore last week.”One of our primary tasks is to make the players mentally tough,” Intikhab told the “Mental toughness is one of the key elements needed to win a major title and we believe that the players can improve in that area with help from steps like having a psychologist around for a while.”Pakistan finished runners-up to India in the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years back. The players had a conditioning camp at a hill resort in Bhurban before the practice matches. They will take part in the first three days of the five-day RBS Twenty20 Cup in Lahore, beginning on Monday, before flying to England.”We have decided to give the boys a two-day rest because its also equally important to rest and rejuvenate,” Intikhab said. “We are preparing for a major event and want our boys to be in peak physical and mental condition for the England assignment.”Pakistan’s first match is against England at The Oval on June 7.

West Ham are among the teams linked with a move for Belgium wonderkid Charles De Ketelaere…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Irons are monitoring the 20-year-old attacker ahead of a potential move, though they are not the only ones, with Premier League rivals Everton also keen.

Serie A giants AC Milan and Napoli are also courted with interest in the Club Brugge sensation.

Earlier in the summer, Football Transfers suggested that the Belgian outfit would only be prepared to part with him for a fee in the region of €25m (£22m).

He has since picked up his second cap and first goal for his national side, whilst his form has continued domestically, so it remains to be seen if there has been an increase on that figure.

Star of the future

The £22.5m-rated dynamo is an intriguing prospect and one that is certainly going to have a big career in the game, going by what those have said around him.

Standing at a towering 6 foot 4 inches, De Ketelaere is capable of playing upfront, out on the flanks, in the no.10 and much deeper in midfield. It’s this sort of versatility and physical presence that should have David Moyes and co drooling.

“His versatility is a huge asset. He is complete, with a mix of physical and technical qualities,” legendary Club Brugge midfielder Gert Verheyen explained to Het Nieuwsblad (via Goal).

Despite being a titan, he has been likened to Roberto Firmino as a potential ‘false nine’ as he continues to search for his best position on the pitch but given the Hammers’ need for a new striker, it’s that role where he could find his feet.

Last season saw him find the net only five times in all competitions but he also provided eight assists, and he’s well on course to surpass such returns this time around, having delivered four goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

He may only be 20 but the Brugge star is already nearing 100 senior appearances in Belgium, where he has been backed to stay by talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell.

“He’s got loads of potential,” Brassell said on Hawksbee and Jacobs. “I’m really interested to see what he can do for the rest of the Champions League. The move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs is too soon. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen, of course.”

Well, if a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs is too soon, then perhaps a move to the London Stadium would make sense, with the Hammers on the way up after qualifying for the Europa League this term.

West Ham’s new head of recruitment Rob Newman could really strike gold with the 20-year-old, so he must consider a swoop for him in January.

AND in other news, Big injury update emerges on West Ham’s £18m-rated “machine”, Moyes is surely buzzing…

James Rodriguez’s bizarre time at Everton has finally come to an end.

When he arrived at Goodison Park 12 months ago, it sparked mass fanfare in the blue half of Merseyside. This was a remarkable signing, a terrific coup, especially on a free transfer.

He was a great presence in his opening campaign in England, contributing to ten Premier League goals.

Sadly, his time at the club has ended rather sadly. Rodriguez missed the end of last campaign after complaining with fatigue.

The Colombian didn’t see eye to eye with Rafa Benitez either and never featured under the Spaniard when he became the club’s manager.

It was a sad eventuality for a player clearly blessed with magical football ability. His time in England waned and it came to a point where James didn’t even know who Everton’s next opponents were.

A late move to Porto in the transfer window fell through but in a deal that suits all parties; he has now departed to Qatari side Al-Rayyan.

This is highly beneficial for the Toffees as it not only gets a high earner off the wage bill but also opens up opportunities for others.

Benitez has been keen to hand chances to young faces with Jarrad Branthwaite featuring under the 61-year-old and Anthony Gordon shining in the Carabao Cup. He topped the creation charts against QPR, for instance, providing four key passes.

However, one player who should benefit from James’ departure from Goodison is Charlie Whitaker.

The attacking midfielder is just 17 years of age and has never been seen in the Everton first-team but he’s a player who has similar traits.

Of course, it’s difficult to compare him completely to the Colombia star because he was once an elite playmaker.

Yet, Whitaker feels like one of the most natural long-term heirs that Everton have internally.

He is a central midfielder by trade but has been moved further forward by David Unsworth in recent times. All of that has culminated in him finding the net on a more regular basis.

The teenager has bagged eight goals in nine outings at the highest academy bracket, three of which have come in five Premier League 2 outings this term.

Whitaker is clearly one of the brightest academy sparks at Finch Farm this term and you only need to assess words from Unsworth to understand why.

He said: “We have tried to get someone up there with him and he has been sensational. He is a great trainer, great to work with and a great lad. He does the hardest thing in the game, which is score goals, and he makes it look really easy.

Unsworth continued: “For the size of him, he is good in the air, he is brave, we just need him to link play and the future is bright for him. I’m not getting over-excited, because you can’t, it is too early. But the signs are very, very good.”

Rodriguez has enjoyed a habit of scoring goals throughout his career while the way he links the play is certainly his strongest trait.

Whitaker still has some improvement to make in that regard but if he continues to improve at the rapid rate he is right now, Benitez will simply have to turn to him at senior level.

AND in other news, Forget Keane: Everton must swoop for £22.5m-rated beast who is “one of the best ever”…

MatériaMais Notícias

Mesmo com uma estrutura pronta para os profissionais no seu centro de treinamento, o Ninho do Urubu, em Vargem Grande, o Flamengo decidiu ir além. Dirigentes rubro-negros visitaram CTs do Manchester United, da seleção inglesa e do Chelsea, e optaram por fazer novos módulos para os atletas e comissão técnica, numa espécie de segunda etapa das obras, visando atingir o padrão europeu. Os trabalhos de construção terão início ainda neste mês e têm término previsto para dezembro de 2018. O clube ainda está fazendo o detalhamento orçamentário dos custos. A informação foi divulgada inicialmente pelo jornalista André Rizek, no SporTV, e confirmada pelo Fla, que divulgou imagens do projeto.

O vice-presidente de patrimônio do Flamengo, Alexandre Wrobel, disse ao LANCE! que a nova estrutura ficará próxima à entrada do CT, onde hoje estão instalados os garotos das categorias de base. Aliás, os novos talentos do clube também podem comemorar, pois vão herdar os módulos que hoje são usados pelos profissionais.

O dirigente explicou, ao site oficial do clube, os motivos que levaram o Flamengo a optar por fazer novas obras.

-Desde que finalizamos as obras dos módulos do futebol profissional, em dezembro do ano passado, começamos a estudar e detalhar, de forma mais profunda, a 2ª etapa das obras, que a princípio seria voltada para as categorias de base. Estudamos e visitamos os melhores centros de treinamento, conversamos com todos os profissionais envolvidos, aprendemos com os erros e acertos da primeira fase, e chegamos à conclusão de que a estrutura atual atenderia de forma espetacular a base, sem nada parecido no Brasil, e de que poderíamos, no novo projeto, buscando a excelência, oferecer uma estrutura ainda melhor para o futebol profissional, fazendo algumas coisas a mais que não foram possíveis nessa primeira etapa – disse Wrobel.

Os recursos usados nas obras serão advindos da negociação do Morro da Viúva, no Aterro do Flamengo. Recentemente, a empresaRiz Cyrela venceu a licitação para ficar com o imóvel na Zona Sul do Rio. A permuta com torna (troca com compensação financeira) ainda precisa ser avaliada por alguns poderes do clube, mas está encaminhada e é dada como certa.

-Importante destacar que esse upgrade, esse salto de qualidade, só foi possível em função dos valores alcançados na negociação envolvendo o Morro da Viúva, transação essa que ainda deverá ser aprovada pelos conselhos do clube, na forma estatutariamente prevista. Não existe, em termos de categorias de base, nada parecido com a estrutura que será herdada. No final das contas, teremos o melhor dos dois mundos. Base e profissional! – explicou Wrobel ao site oficial do Flamengo.

Wrobel disse ao LANCE! que as novas obras no CT não tem relação com a quantia recebida pelo clube pela venda de Vinicius Júnior, que renderá, ao todo, cerca de R$ 164 milhões.

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Glenn McGrath will take part in the 2009 edition of the IPL but insists his availability will depend on India’s security situation. McGrath was a key factor in Delhi Daredevil’s success – they lost to eventual champions Rajasthan Royals in the semi-finals – during the inaugural season, but the death of his wife Jane in June left his future participation in doubt.”I have agreed to go back for this year [2009],” McGrath told the . McGrath made his decision before the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, and will take a call on visiting India after assessing the situation before the league’s scheduled start on April 10.”That was before everything happened over in India anyway, so I guess we will just play it by ear and see what happens closer to the time.” he said. “But as it stands I am going back for another season.”Michael Clarke, who did not play in the first tournament, said he has a “lot of things to consider” if he is to join next year. “Obviously I have to think about the amount of cricket we are playing, I am trying to plan a wedding as well and I have to think about what has happened there recently,” he said in the Australian.”There is obviously a lot I have to consider, but I am going to play this Test series [against South Africa] and then I can sit down with Lara [his fiance] and my family and make a decision. I certainly would love to be part of the IPL, but it is a matter of timing. If I am right to go I will look forward to that.”McGrath, who was signed by Delhi for US$350,000, finished with 12 wickets from 14 games in the first season, with an impressive economy rate of 6.61. McGrath was part of a squad that included fast bowlers such as Sri Lanka’s Farveez Maharoof, Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif, the Tasmanian Brett Geeves and Pradeep Sangwan, the young Indian left-armer.McGrath could have a few more Australian team-mates at Delhi in the coming season. The coach Greg Shipperd has indicated he may sign a few players he has worked with at Victoria. McGrath has not played competitive cricket since the IPL’s first season.