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On Tuesday morning, the Premier League revealed to the world the comprehensive fixture list for the 2024/25 campaign. Liverpool, naturally, will start their campaign with a 12:30pm kick off away against newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

Jurgen Klopp might have retired from his Merseyside duties but the German will be certain to shake his head when he receives this piece of information. For Arne Slot, Anfield's new head coach, the match is simply the beginning of a thrilling journey in England's top flight, and three points will be the only option.

Liverpool: Opening Premier League Fixtures 24/25

Matchweek

Fixture

Venue

23/24 Result

1.

Ipswich Town

Portman Road

N/A

2.

Brentford

Anfield

3-0 win

3.

Manchester United

Old Trafford

2-2 draw

4.

Nottingham Forest

Anfield

4-0 win

5.

Bournemouth

Anfield

2-0 win

The club's new boss will have a plethora of high-quality players to pick from but there's no denying Liverpool need to piece it all together during the summer transfer window, strengthening key areas such as central defence and out wide.

That's not to say, however, that Michael Edwards and Co won't bolster other positions if the right opening emerges. well, such an opportunity may well have materialised…

Liverpool transfer news

According to Spanish reports, Liverpool are the 'main candidates' to sign Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz, who is valued at around €30m (£25m) by the Serie A giants.

Yildiz, aged 19, is a highly sought-after figure in Italy after enjoying a thrilling breakout campaign but has been consistently linked with a move away – notably, Arsenal and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in recent months.

While he's not quite the profile that the Reds have been frequently touted with – a right-sided, in cutting wide forward – Yildiz represents a unique market opportunity and Slot could make fine use of the youngster's ever-improving talents.

Kenan Yildiz's 23/24 season in numbers

Speaking of Yildiz's ability back in January, former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said: "There are very few people who can control the ball like a star player. Moreover, he rarely makes wrong decisions, and that's a natural talent. We didn't need to teach him that. I want him to do even more because he has the potential to make a difference."

Despite still perching in the maiden stage of his promising career, the Turkey international – who featured at Euro 2024 yesterday – has established himself as a regular matchday feature for the Old Lady despite playing his football at youth level during the 2022/23 campaign.

This season, principally playing off the centre-forward for Juventus, Yildiz scored six goals and supplied two assists for his team, only starting nine matches in the Italian first division but making quite the impression.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 11% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for pass completion, the top 8% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for tackles per 90.

Electric and bold, Yildiz is a first-class prospect and he could be offer the perfect addition of depth at Liverpool, with his prodigious start to life leading his former coach, Sokyan Baskar, to claim that he's "more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo".

This might be a tiny bit overenthusiastic from Baskar but it does start to paint a picture of how highly regarded this dynamic forward is. Yet to break free from his teenage years, the world lays at his feet.

Ronaldo, it's important to note, scored six goals and added eight assists across 40 matches during the 2003/04 season, when he was the same age as Yildiz is now. The youthful Turk cannot be expected to reach the same jaw-dropping heights as Ronaldo, one of football's all-time greats, but, again, the praise bespeaks his potential to succeed at a team like Liverpool.

How Kenan Yildiz could fit in at Liverpool

There's a good chance that Yildiz's blistering pace and silky footwork will see him bloom into a permanent wide player in the years to come, which could see him cement a spot as Luis Diaz's successor at Anfield.

The Colombian has been heavily linked with a departure in recent weeks – with Barcelona eager admirers – but Cody Gakpo, another of Slot's left wingers, is set to stay and will hope to fight for a prominent role after only starting 17 matches in the Premier League last term.

Among his seasonal appearances, Gakpo was deployed on the left flank 12 times but only scored three goals. While his versatility saw him moved around with regularity, he has faced criticisms for several of his displays, with The Athletic's Gregg Evans claiming that "he looks a bit short of pace and physicality".

Yildiz is certainly not lacking in such departments. He might be limber but the 6 foot 2 star is endowed with deceptive strength and an impressive athletic core. His young age also suggests that he will only keep developing over the coming years, even touted to be a consistent starter for Thiago Motta's Juventus next year by analyst Ben Mattinson, if he ends up staying in Turin.

With a still-improving skill set hinting at the kind of progressive, creative skills to place him in the upper echelon,

If Diaz is sold this summer, Yildiz may well be considered as a shrewd and exciting successor. Gakpo will hope that he has proved himself worthy of a regular starting berth on the left wing but if Yildiz is indeed signed, the Dutchman might just find himself battling a remarkable young player for a place on the wing.

Related Diaz sold, £216m spent: What Arne Slot's dream Liverpool XI could be

Anfield could boast quite the team come the end of the transfer window.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 16, 2024

On a day Australia’s cricketers made a public statement of solidarity with Aboriginal Australia in their opening match of the new season, it was the ferocious counterattack of the Muruwari woman Ashleigh Gardner that gave Australia enough runs to comfortably defend against New Zealand for victory at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.On a windy afternoon and at times tricky pitch, the hosts were far from from the fluency they had displayed in the Twenty20 World Cup decider back in March. But Garder’s powerful striking ensured that they had enough runs to pressure the visitors into error. That all this came in the absence of Ellyse Perry, even as she gets to the finish of her recovery from a serious hamstring injury, made it more special.New Zealand and their captain, Sophie Devine, were on the wrong end of a couple of contentious moments. First, Devine had a raucous caught behind appeal turned down against Nicola Carey when the Australian innings wobbled. Then in the chase, Devine was adjudged stumped off Delissa Kimmince’s bowling in a decision that was marginal at best.Nos. 1 and 5 make just 2 and 6
Australia’s previous match, the small matter of a T20 World Cup final in front of more than 86,000 spectators at the MCG in March, was more or less decided by the opening partnership of Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy. Mooney batted through the innings after Healy had crashed an opening salvo of boundaries that India could not cope with. But in the quieter, windier surrounds of Allan Border Field, neither Mooney nor Healy could get going, on a surface that required a little more careful assessment than the MCG’s had done.Mooney was facing her fourth ball when she tried to get after Rosemary Mair and managed only to spoon a catch to mid-off. Healy and Meg Lanning formed the foundations of a partnership before Healy also tried to force the pace and could only loop a catch to cover. Australia’s Powerplay at the MCG had reaped 0 for 49; this one scraped 2 for 33.Gardner thrives after Devine intervention
That sluggish start provided Devine with an ideal scenario in which to pressure the Australians still further with ring fields. Her own excellent combination of a tight line and subtle variations in pace on a pitch that also offered its own inconsistencies helped too. Her third over fetched the wickets of Rachael Haynes and Sophie Molineux, as both fell trying to clear the inner ring and reach the boundary. Devine should have had a third when Nicola Carey edged behind but was reprieved when the umpire apparently missed the nick due to the wind. Without any technology available, New Zealand couldn’t take the DRS.At the other end, Gardner was slowly building into her innings, doing so with the confidence of a performer who knows how quickly her enormous power can help “catch-up” an innings after a sedate start. Against the leg breaks of Amelia Kerr, Gardner aimed for straight midwicket with devastating effect, crashing two of her three sixes in the space of three balls. A trio of further boundaries took Gardner as far as 61, the third highest score by an Australian at No. 5 or lower – the other top three scores all contributed by Haynes.Healy’s photo finish
If Devine had a right to feel hard done by after Carey was given not out and then stayed on right to the end of Australia’s innings, the feeling was enhanced just as she and Suzie Bates appeared to be building a sound foundation for New Zealand’s chase. Delissa Kimmince appealed for caught behind as ball drifted down the leg side and brushed Devine’s pad on the way through to Healy, but as New Zealand’s captain overbalanced slightly, the gloves were whipped off for a stumping chance.It was extremely close – made to look tighter still by the fact that Australia’s uniforms are black, the same colour as the sponsored bails – and the most likely result was that Healy had lifted the bails in the frame between Devine lifting her foot and returning it to safety. Nevertheless, the third umpire Michael Graham-Smith chose to give Devine out, breaking up the pivotal partnership of the innings and allowing Lanning and her bowlers to tighten things up still further.Lanning, Schutt close the net
With Devine and Bates separated, the Australians had engineered for themselves a position from which they lose remarkably few matches – one of being able to gradually push up the required run rate up the point where the pressure creates a flow of opposition wickets. Lanning was helped on this day by the sluggishness of the pitch and the challenges presented by the breeze, as her bowlers worked through now familiar sequences of discipline, backed by a familiar desperation in the field.With the exception of Georgia Wareham’s two overs and Gardner’s one, none of the Australians conceded more than six runs per over, and the most effective performer was, as is so often the case, the miserly and resourceful Schutt. After her first two overs went wicketless and cost 15, she returned at the death with the run rate in her favour, and capitalised supremely by scooping the wickets of Bates, Katie Martin, Kerr and Hayley Jensen. Give Lanning, Schutt and their fielders any sort of total to defend and they are fiendishly tough to beat.

As they look to ensure a smooth transition into the Arne Slot era, Liverpool are reportedly expected to begin talks to hand the Dutchman a fresh face that he personally wants to sign this summer.

Liverpool transfer news

Starting fresh without Klopp won't be easy, but with Michael Edwards at the helm, Liverpool's transition should certainly be easier than it could have been. The returning club chief, unlike in his first stint, finds a squad already capable of winning silverware with added adjustments now needed to take Liverpool 2.0 back next to Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

£85,000-a-week Liverpool "lifesaver" could repeat Henderson blow for Slot

This would be a frustrating start for Slot.

ByTom Cunningham May 31, 2024

Those added adjustments are likely to arrive in the summer transfer window, with the Reds already linked with the likes of Antonio Silva and Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins. The latter could be a particularly impressive signing, especially since it would also weaken a top-four rival in Villa, whilst arguably unleashing Mohamed Salah again once and for all at Anfield. Only time will tell whether Edwards can pull off such a deal, however.

The same can be said for Crysencio Summerville. According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are "expected to begin" talks to sign Summerville soon with Chelsea also eyeing a similar move for the Dutch winger.

After Leeds United suffered play-off heartbreak at Wembley, losing 1-0 against Southampton, a deal should be easier to negotiate on paper for Liverpool this summer, as Summerville potentially takes the Premier League step he didn't get at Elland Road this season.

The Championship's Player of the Season, Summerville has attracted plenty of fans, which seemingly includes Slot, who personally wants to sign the Leeds star in the coming months, according to reports. He's certainly a player capable of stepping up to the top-flight, but now it's up to Chelsea and Liverpool to make their moves.

"Creative" Summerville can replace Diaz

As Luis Diaz's future remains in doubt, Liverpool would be wise to start thinking about potential replacements, making Summerville an ideal move. The winger, who is still just 22 years old, has proven his goalscoring touch in the Championship and if replicated in the Premier League, would offer the Reds the ruthlessness that Diaz lacks in front of goal.

Goals

19

8

Assists

9

5

Expected Goals

16.4

11.9

Key Passes

112

64

What's most impressive is that Summerville, valued at £30m, outperformed his expected goals by just under three goals, highlighting his clinical nature in front of goal. And where he was clinical, Diaz was wasteful, underperforming by over three goals in a frustrating campaign at times.

It's that form that saw Summerville handed impressive praise throughout the season, with Daniel Farke saying via The Leeds Press: “This is exactly what we need, to think about the side [and] don’t be annoyed when you’re sometimes not in the starting line-up. It’s more like when you’re on the pitch, give everything for this group.

“His reaction, not just in possession, because he’s an outstanding creative player, we know this, but also how hard he worked for the team. This is exactly what we need and many compliments to him.”

Overseas stars conundrum, Christmas Day off, and longer BBL also in focus

Andrew McGlashan16-Jul-2020Longer BBL, more primetime
This will be the longest BBL in terms of days, with it stretching over more than two months from the start on December 3 to the final on February 6. While it could help give the tournament wriggle room if Covid-19 forces changes, it will ensure the debate about how the tournament has evolved during the full home-and-away format continues – and it will be interesting to see how long this current structure remains – but one off-shoot from it is fewer double-header days and more games in the evening. The Adelaide Strikers have done especially well out of this, with all their home matches in primetime. While the organisers hope to have crowds in some capacity, the TV experience this season could be even more important.WBBL’s Sydney hub
Playing a group of matches at one venue is not new for the WBBL, but the upcoming sixth season of the tournament will go to a new level with the competition based in Sydney for three weeks. Given the WBBL is only three months away, which is not a lot of time in the current climate, it has been done partly to try and ensure any disruption to the event would be minimised. Alistair Dobson, the head of the Big Bash League, also acknowledged it aided in increasing the number of games that could be broadcast on TV – up from 23 to 26 overall. The knock-on impact is a small amount of home matches for the majority of teams, including the defending champions Brisbane Heat, who only have two regular-season games on their own turf at the Allan Border Field.ESPNcricinfo LtdChristmas Day remains off
There has been talk over the last few years of filling one of the few cricket-less days with a match, but for now Christmas Day will remain for unwrapping presents, eating and drinking (although not too much of the latter two for those in elite sport). However, the Adelaide Strikers they could find themselves on a plane to Perth ahead of their Boxing Day match against the Scorchers. Other fixtures which have become traditional – Christmas Eve afternoon in Hobart and New Year’s Eve in Adelaide – remain on the schedule. The regular season will come to a conclusion on Australia Day and the five-match finals series is retained, which means a double chance for the top two teams to reach the final. The dates for the playoff matches have yet to be confirmed.Innovations to come
There are more announcements to come about the in-game tweaks that are going to be implemented to try and increase interest in the BBL. They are likely to include a split powerplay, bonus points, the possibility of in-play substitutes, and perhaps even free hits for wides. The latter could be the most controversial, especially among the bowlers. “I’m obviously not that keen on [free hits for wides] because we get that wrong occasionally, so I don’t think we should be punished that harsh,” Kane Richardson said last month. “It’s a good conversation to have to make the BBL the best product we can, so I’ll be keen to see what they can come up with so long as it’s not something that’s just punishing the bowlers.”ESPNcricinfo LtdOverseas stars
This has the potential to be a tricky area for both competitions this season given the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on global travel. While elite sport is likely to be able to get some exemptions, there could still be the challenges of dealing with quarantine periods and if a player is called up at a relatively short notice. However, given that the global cricket calendar may not be back in full swing by the latter stages of the year it potentially opens the door for a wider pool of players to be considered depending on the restrictions in place. There is likely to be a flurry of activity in the WBBL very soon as the contract embargo is lifted with plenty of spots to fill among the teams.Very little window for multi-format players
Another regular debate around the BBL has been how to give some of Australia’s biggest names more of a chance to feature. Steven Smith and Josh Hazlewood slotted in for the Sixers last year, but Pat Cummins didn’t appear for the Sydney Thunder while David Warner and Mitchell Starc have not been sighted in the tournament since 2013 and 2014 respectively. It will be squeeze for them to get any matches in this year: Australia’s Test matches against India finish on January 7 and are due to be followed by one-day series against India (January 12-17) and New Zealand (January 26-31) during the rest of the month.

Kylian Mbappe is “like a bottle of ketchup”, says Joselu, with the former Real Madrid striker explaining the Frenchman’s slow start on the goal front.

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Frenchman joined Blancos as a free agentWent three games without a goal in La LigaUp and running after brace against BetisGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

World Cup winner Mbappe did find the target on his Blancos debut, as he helped them to UEFA Super Cup glory against Atalanta, but then went three games without netting as the 2024-25 La Liga campaign got underway.

AdvertisementWHAT JOSELU SAID

Mbappe bagged a brace last time out, in a match-winning performance against Real Betis, and Joselu has told of why it was always going to take a while for the newest ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu to come good: “I don't pay much attention to it, honestly. I know what Madrid is like and I know the qualities that Mbappe has, and for me there is no doubt. Mbappe is like a bottle of ketchup. At first you press it and it doesn't come out, but then it all comes out at once. He has already scored two goals against Betis and he will continue to score. Mbappe will make history at Madrid, he and all those around him.”

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe is filling the role for Real that Joselu took on last season, as he plundered 18 goals during a loan spell with the Blancos – including two crucial efforts in a Champions League semi-final win over Bayern Munich. He is now in Qatar with Al-Gharafa and has said of bidding farewell to the Bernabeu: “I have already said that Madrid is the best team in the world, but not only in terms of sport. Also in everything else, in the way players and their families are treated, in the details and in the day to day. I will always be grateful to Madrid, which is also the team of my heart. Wearing the white shirt has its greatness and carries its responsibility. The current Madrid not only has the best team, but also the best president.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Joselu formed part of the Spain squad that savoured continental glory at Euro 2024. He is now watching on from afar as Mbappe and Co seek to successfully defend the Liga and Champions League crowns that Real secured last season.

Tottenham Hotspur are finally back in action in the Premier League this afternoon as they prepare to host rivals Arsenal in the North London derby.

Spurs have not had a game since their 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James' Park on the 13th of April, and now have a chance to come back with a bang in a huge clash against the Gunners.

Ange Postecoglou's team are seven points adrift of the Champions League places after Aston Villa's 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday night, which makes three points against Arsenal all the more valuable.

The Lilywhites will also want to avenge their disappointing defeat on Tyneside and the head coach could look to make some changes to the starting XI in order to facilitate a strong response from his team.

Richarlison, who has not featured since the 2nd of April against West Ham United, must finally be unleashed from the start after returning to training this week after a knee injury.

The Brazil international is fit enough to feature against the Gunners today and Timo Werner should be dropped for the striker to thrive alongside James Maddison in the final third, as the pair could bully William Saliba and Gabriel.

Timo Werner's performance against Newcastle in numbers

The RB Leipzig loanee lined up on the left flank at St. James' Park and should now be ditched, with captain Heung-min Son moving back to his more natural role on the wing, to make room for Richarlison to lead the line.

Werner, who has scored two goals in 12 Premier League appearances so far this season, endured a difficult afternoon on Tyneside with his wasteful finishing.

Timo Werner

Vs Newcastle (13/04/24)

Minutes played

90

xG

0.49

Goals

0

Big chances missed

1

Shots

4

Dribbles completed

1/3

Duels won

2/7

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Germany international's work in and out of possession left a lot to be desired for Postecoglou throughout the game.

Off the ball, Newcastle's players found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical duels, as shown by his success in just two of his seven battles.

Werner, however, did not make up for being a lightweight out of possession by providing quality play in the final third. He missed the one 'big chance' that fell his way and failed to find the back of the net with any of his four efforts on goal.

Why Richarlison should be unleashed

Richarlison should now be unleashed from the start against the Gunners as he has the quality to make a big impact in front of goal, based on his form so far this season.

After a dreadful return of one goal from an xG (Expected Goals) of 3.32 in 27 league matches during his first season with Spurs during the 2022/23 campaign, the ex-Everton star has enjoyed a superb time with the club this time around.

The 26-year-old marksman has showcased his lethal nature in the box with ten goals from an xG of 8.84, which shows that he has more than made the most of the opportunities that his teammates have provided him with.

His tally of ten goals from 17 league starts for the Lilywhites means that the ex-Watford ace has averaged a goal every 1.7 starts on average this term.

Richarlison, who has missed seven 'big chances' in the Premier League this season, has also created two 'big chances' and registered three assists for his fellow attackers.

The £90k-per-week forward, whose running was once hailed as "relentless" by journalist Joe Strange, has the ability to make a difference in the Premier League as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Spurs.

In fact, he currently ranks within the top 9% of forwards in the top-flight for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.66) and the top 29% for assists per 90 (0.20).

This shows that the right-footed whiz has been one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League, as he has been prolific from open play and above average as a creator for his teammates.

Richarlison will, however, need high-quality service to allow him to punish Arsenal and that is why Maddison playing in the number ten position behind him is paramount to the success of unleashing the Brazilian.

Why Richarlison and Maddison could bully Gabriel and Saliba

There is no getting away from the fact that the Gunners have the best defence in the division. They have only conceded 26 league goals so far this season – six fewer than any other side.

Gabriel and Saliba, Mikel Arteta's two first-choice centre-backs, have played a significant role in that impressive record, but Maddison has already punished them once already this term.

In the reverse fixture in September, the England international put on a creative masterclass to tear the Arsenal defence to shreds, assisting both of his team's goals in the 2-2 draw.

James Maddison

Vs Arsenal (24/09/23)

Sofascore rating

7.7

Touches

43

Key passes

3

Big chances created

2

Assists

2

Dribbles completed

2

Duels won

7/12

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Maddison had no issues creating high-quality opportunities for his teammates against the two exceptional centre-backs, as he teed up Son for two goals.

The former Leicester and Norwich star ranks within the top 9% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for assists per 90 (0.36), and the top 1% for shot-creating actions per 90 (6.89).

This, and his performance against Arsenal in September, suggests that the 27-year-old star has the creative ability to split Gabriel and Saliba apart to create opportunities for Richarlison to find the back of the net.

Then, the Brazil international's form in front of goal this season suggests that he has the quality to make the most of the chances that Maddison can create for him.

Related Ange must unleash Spurs' "titanic" £85k-p/w star with Kulusevski

Tottenham will be desperate to secure a result against title-chasing Arsenal in the Premier League.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2024

His xG overperformance speaks to his fantastic finishing ability in the final third and that is why Postecoglou must unleash the pair this afternoon, as they could combine at the top end of the pitch to bully Gabriel and Saliba to secure a crucial result for Spurs in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin has opted to leave the Gunners and is being linked with a move to Manchester United.

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• Hot prospect Obi-Martin leaves Arsenal
• Gunners wanted him to continue in North London
• Has been linked with move to Manchester United

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Obi-Martin was one of Arsenal's hottest young talents but has confirmed his departure from the club in a post that has left fans disappointed and furious with the teenager. The prolific forward has held transfer talks with Manchester United over a potential move to Old Trafford but is yet to confirm where he plans to continue his promising career.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal had been eager for Obi-Martin to continue with the club but ended up walking away from negotiations. The Gunners had offered the youngster a place in their Under-18 squad with the opportunity to play up for the Under-21s when possible and potentially even train with the first team, according to the Daily Mail. However, Obi-Martin wanted to go straight to the Under-21s, while there were also disagreements over money. The teenager was said to be asking for an amount that was "very far away from what Arsenal were willing to pay."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Obi-Martin scored 29 goals in just 17 league matches for Arsenal's Under-18s last season. He made headlines back in February by netting 10 times in a single game for the Gunners' Under-16 side against Liverpool.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR OBI-MARTIN

  Obi-Martin has bags of potential and may not lack for suitors after walking away from Arsenal. United appear to be in pole position to land the highly-rated 16-year-old in what would be seen as a real coup for the Red Devils.

Brazil have had some of the best attacking players in world football throughout their history, with the country known for their skill and flair in the final third.

The likes of Pele, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Neymar are just some of the iconic names associated with the nation, but who is statistically the best in front of goal? Football FanCast takes a look at the top Brazil goalscorers of all time, with a detailed view of the very best Selecao has produced…

All information correct as of 13th May 2025.

Brazil’s top male international goalscorers

Rank

Player

Caps

Goals

1

Neymar

128

79

2

Pele

92

77

3

Ronaldo

99

62

4

Romario

71

55

5

Zico

71

48

6

Bebeto

77

40

=7

Rivaldo

76

35

=7

Jairzinho

82

35

9

Ronaldinho

97

33

=10

Ademir

39

32

=10

Tostao

55

32

12

Zizinho

54

30

=13

Careca

60

29

=13

Kaka

92

29

=15

Luis Fabiano

45

28

=15

Robinho

100

28

17

Adriano

48

27

18

Roberto Rivelino

92

26

=19

Jair

39

22

=19

Socrates

60

22

Here is a detailed look at Brazil’s top goalscorers:

10 Ademir 32 goals (39 caps)

Ademir, full name Ademir Marques de Menezes, represented Brazil between 1945 and 1953. He initially began his career as a winger but moved into a striker.

The former forward scored 13 of his 32 goals in the Copa America, with 1950 being the best year of his career after he found the back of the net 14 times in nine appearances.

9 Ronaldinho 33 goals (97 caps)

Known for his skills, tricks and dribbling ability, Ronaldinho also averaged a goal every three caps for Brazil during his 15-year international stint. One of his most famous goals came at the 2002 World Cup when he lobbed England goalkeeper David Seaman, with the attacking midfielder’s final goal coming in 2011.

Ronaldinho remains the only player to win a World Cup, a Copa America, a Confederations Cup, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d’Or.

8 Jairzinho 35 goals (82 caps)

A Botafogo icon at club level, Jairzinho is also regarded as a legend for Brazil. The versatile forward could play anywhere in the final third and played a key role in helping Brazil win the 1970 World Cup.

He was the second-highest scorer in the competition and made the team of the tournament, while also being named in the World XI in 1971 and 1972. Jairzinho’s 34th and 35th goals for Selecao came at the 1974 World Cup before he retired.

7 Rivaldo 35 goals (76 caps)

Rivaldo represented some of the biggest clubs in Europe in Barcelona and AC Milan, while at the same time, impressing for his country in what turned out to be an 11-year international career.

The left-footed forward starred for Brazil in 1999, the year he won the Ballon d’Or. He helped his country defend their Copa America title, ending the competition as top scorer and player of the tournament. Rivaldo retired from international football in 2003 at the age of 31.

6 Bebeto 40 goals (77 caps)

At club level, Bebeto made more appearances for Deportivo La Coruna than any other side. Bebeto made his debut for Brazil in 1985 and his last appearance came in 1998, but it was in 1989 that he made his mark on the international stage.

He scored a quarter of his 40 goals during that calendar year as he helped Brazil win the Copa America, and also won the World Cup in 1994.

5 Zico 48 goals (71 caps)

Attacking midfielder Zico followed in the footsteps of Pele to become Brazil’s main creative outlet between 1976 and 1986, however, he never managed to lift a World Cup or Copa America title.

Regarded as one of Brazil’s best, Zico played in a number of attacking roles for his country and ended with an impressive goal record before retiring from international football eight years prior to the end of his club career.

4 Romario 55 goals (71 caps)

A prolific striker who scored more than 700 goals during his career in just over 1,000 games, it is no surprise to see Romario on this list, with the forward scoring 55 goals in 71 appearances.

A World Cup winner, Romario also represented his country at the Olympic Games and was one of Brazil’s biggest stars during the 1990s. His last appearance for his country was a celebratory match in 2005 at the age of 39.

3 Ronaldo 62 goals (99 caps)

Known by many now as R9, Ronaldo is regarded by many as the best centre-forward in football history. With pace, power and a clinical finisher, he terrorised defences in his prime, though he did suffer from injuries towards the end of his career.

During the early stages of his international career, Ronaldo struck up a brilliant partnership with Romario and enjoyed plenty of success for club and country, while also picking up two Ballon d’Or awards. For Brazil, Ronaldo played between 1994 and 2011, winning two World Cups, two Copa Americas and one Confederations Cup.

2 Pele 77 goals (92 caps)

Pele, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, held the record as Brazil’s top scorer for more than 50 years. He made his debut for Selecao at the age of 16, scoring against Argentina at the Maracana, and didn’t look back.

In total, the forward scored an obscene total of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies. On the international stage, he averaged at least a goal a game in six separate calendar years. He won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, with his final appearance for Brazil coming in 1971.

1 Neymar 79 goals (128 caps)

Some may have thought that Pele’s record would never be broken, however, Neymar managed to do that in September 2023, scoring his 78th and 79th goals for Brazil against Bolivia.

He began his international career at the age of 18 in 2010, scoring on his debut after coming through the ranks at Santos. Since then, he has gone on to star at club level for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, continuing to be Brazil’s main man.

Unfortunately, Neymar has yet to win a World Cup or Copa America with Brazil, however, the 32-year-old may have his eyes on reaching 100 goals for his country before he retires.

After a successful first season at the helm, it now appears that Ange Postecoglou is being given the backing in the transfer market necessary to take his Tottenham Hotspur side to the next level.

Spurs braced for big summer spend

As a result of Daniel Levy's shrewd approach to transfers and some big sales in recent years, Spurs find themselves as one of the few Premier League sides not hamstrung by financial restrictions going into the summer.

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Spurs look eager to strengthen in defence with the most recent rumours linking the North London outfit with moves for Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah as well as Barcelona teenager Mikayil Faye.

Levy also appears interested in bringing fresh attackers to N17 with Spurs entering the race to secure the services of Ivan Toney this summer. With the Brentford striker likely to fetch a fee in excess of £80million, Spurs could find themselves as one of the few clubs actually able to spend that kind of cash during the window.

With Levy clearly not shy of opening the chequebook this summer, it appears that Spurs could be getting one of their top targets for a significantly cut price.

Levy plots strike cut-price bid for Gallagher

As reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Spurs will try to negotiate a bargain deal to bring Conor Gallagher to the club. The outlet claims that if Spurs continue to drive a “hard bargain”, Chelsea may be forced to accept Spurs' “low-ball” offer in the region of £30million as Levy plots an "early" move ahead of the summer.

With Spurs boasting a longstanding interest in Gallagher, this new development represents a hefty climb down from the £50million price tag previously attached to the 24-year-old.

The reason why Levy could get the deal done on the cheap is down to the Blues' ongoing issues with profit and sustainability rules. As a Cobham graduate, Gallagher's sale would count as much-needed pure profit in his side's quest to avoid future sanctions.

If Spurs are to get a deal for the midfielder over the line, they would be getting an England international more than capable of playing at the highest level. Gallagher's stats for this season have seen him produce four goals and seven assists in all competitions, seeing him outperform some of the Blues' record signings on a regular basis.

0.21

84th Percentile

2.80

79th Percentile

1.36

84th Percentile

88.5

87th Percentile

1.65

75th Percentile

Gallagher is very much your classic two-way midfielder – more than comfortable contributing on the attack while rarely shying away from doing the dirty work in the middle of the park. This quality of the 24-year-old was picked up by his former boss Frank Lamaprd who said of the midfielder: "He is an amazing character and big talent scoring goals from midfield.

"As a manager you see things that those on the outside of the club don't and when you talk about players wanting to train at a level every day. When I went back to the club he trained every day like he really wanted to show something".

If Levy and co can get the Gallagher deal over the line for the price quoted, there is no doubt that the 24-year-old would be an excellent addition to Postecoglou's squad.

The progress that Aston Villa has made since the arrival of Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable.

Even with their recent mini-injury crisis, the results have shown no signs of taking a turn for the worse, with Villa winning all of their last three.

From now until the end of the season, the squad will face the challenge of balancing European action with their Premier League duties, with a top-four finish arguably being the priority.

However, Villa have a player in the pipeline who’s already played in the Champions League this season and could end up replacing Matty Cash in the near future.

Matty Cash’s 23/24 season

Polish right-back Cash has featured heavily this season for Villa, operating in his usual right-back role as well as a further forward right midfielder at times.

The 26-year-old has played in 24 Premier League matches this campaign, playing 36 times across all competitions. In fairness to Cash, he’s already shown a significant attacking improvement in the last year, picking up six goal contributions already while only registering one all last season.

However, FBref’s 23/24 Premier League scouting report suggests that Cash is actually performing at an extremely average level when compared to his positional peers in the league.

Passes into final third

2.65

Bottom 60%

Key passes

0.56

Bottom 63%

Shot-creating actions

1.74

Bottom 56%

Tackles won

1.23

Bottom 60%

Interceptions

0.87

Bottom 60%

With that in mind, Emery has shown a desire to improve and strengthen the position, even dipping into the transfer market in January to sign a potential long-term replacement.

Aston Villa were rinsed of £17m by Di Matteo's "lazy" player

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ByRoss Kilvington Mar 5, 2024 Kosta Nedeljkovic's 23/24 stats

Kosta Nedeljkovic is an 18-year-old right-back whom Villa purchased this winter for an undisclosed fee from Serbian side FK Crvena Zvezda.

The Serbian full-back only made his debut for his side in August, but by the time he had been signed by Villa, Nedeljkovic had already made four appearances in the Champions League.

The “brilliant” prospect, as described by analyst StatmanDave, returned to Crvena Zvezda on loan until the end of the season, where he will continue to gain valuable experience.

Nonetheless, the table below showing his average statistics in the Serbian top flight highlights what sort of profile Nedeljkovic has.

Starts

10

Assists

1

Key passes (P90)

1

Pass accuracy

86%

Tackles (P90)

1.5

Duels won (P90)

3.7

As you can see, it’s no surprise that Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig described the youngster as a “complete” full-back, adding that some of his strengths include: “Pace, physicality, tackling and, crossing.”

That description, along with his statistics, indicates that he’s an extremely well-rounded prospect who has the potential to thrive in the Premier League given his attributes.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

In truth, it’s a very small sample size, and of course, like any developing player, they’re far from the finished product, but he can certainly become Cash’s replacement in the not-so-distant future if he continues to improve and impress.