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Aside from the continuous number of injuries they’ve had to deal with, it’s starting to feel like everything is falling into place for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have pretty much perfected the art of set-pieces, have become near enough impossible to score against, and as a result, are sitting atop the Premier League table.

Moreover, while there is still a level to go for many of the attacking players, many of those who underwhelmed last year are starting to look back to their best.

This includes one of Arteta’s signings, who has even been compared to the iconic Santi Cazorla – and no, it’s not Martin Zubimendi.

Santi Cazorla's Arsenal career

Cazorla joined Arsenal for a fee of just £16m from Spanish outfit Malaga in the summer of 2012, and it did not take him long at all to make an impact at the club.

The mercurial midfielder put in a man-of-the-match performance against Sunderland in what was his debut for the North Londoners, and ended up finishing that first campaign with a tally of 12 goals and 14 assists in 49 games.

By the time he left the Gunners in August 2018, he did so with an impressive haul of 29 goals and 45 assists in just 180 appearances, but it wasn’t the output that made him such a firm fan favourite, but the way in which he played the game.

When fit, the 40-year-old magician was seemingly able to do it all, from playing outrageous balls from one side of the pitch to the other, to driving with the ball and beating opposition defenders with ease.

At times, the two-footed wizard was the embodiment of what Wenger wanted his teams to do on the pitch, someone who was capable of winning games with some incredible skill, but doing so while also entertaining the paying fans.

There are really countless examples of the Spaniard doing something remarkable in the famous red and white, but perhaps the most iconic and impactful was his free-kick in the 2014 FA Cup final, which kick-started the club’s comeback.

Had he managed to keep fit, there is no telling what Cazorla could have accomplished at Arsenal, and while the club have not quite had a player like him since, there is someone in the current squad who has been compared to the Emirates icon.

The Arsenal star compared to Cazorla

Now, the first player many of you might think of here is Zubimendi. After all, he is a Spanish midfielder with a great range of passing and the ability to use both feet when needed.

Chalkboard

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

However, in this instance, the comparison to the former Arsenal star comes from another former Gunners’ great, Kevin Campbell, and concerns Leandro Trossard.

Yes, when speaking back in 2023, Campbell was full of praise for the Belgian, saying that while “they don’t play in the same spot”, he could “see the comparison because he has such quick feet like Santi did.”

He went on to compare the way in which the former Brighton & Hove Albion gem is also able to “see things quickly and Santi saw things quickly.”

Another similarity the 30-year-old shares with the Spaniard, aside from wearing the number 19, is his impressive ability to use both feet without much trouble at all.

You can see this during games, and then on top of that, his former coach at Genk once told Sky Sports that the dynamic left-winger is indeed “right-footed and left-footed.”

Finally, while there are still plenty of other differences between the pair, one more key point of overlap is the Maasmechelen-born gem’s ability to make something happen, generally by finishing a chance most would consider too difficult.

After all, that is why Arteta has referred to him as a “little magician” and Ian Wright made the bold claim that he’s the Gunners’ “best finisher.”

Ultimately, Trossard is not the same player Cazorla was at Arsenal, but from his two-footedness to his technical class and ability to make things happen, he certainly shares a great deal in common with the Spaniard.

Arteta must boldly bench Saka & unleash Arsenal's "phenomenal" talent

Mikel Arteta must be bold ahead of Arsenal’s League Cup clash and drop Saka.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 29, 2025

Freddie Freeman just won World Series MVP while dealing with an injured ankle. But apparently, he had an even worse injury he kept hidden.

On Thursday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers basked in the glow of their World Series victory over the New York Yankees on Wednesday, it was revealed their first baseman had been playing with broken cartilage in his ribcage.

On Oct. 3 during a simulated game before the Dodgers would host the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, Freeman felt pain in his side. He tried to ignore it. Then the following happened, according to a story from ESPN's Jeff Passan:

انتقد سالا مارتن، الإداري السابق بنادي برشلونة، تصرف الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم تجاه لامين يامال واعتراضه على بيان برشلونة والأزمة التي نشبت بسبب إصابة اللاعب.

ونشب خلاف حاد بين الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم ونادي برشلونة، بسبب إجراء لامين يامال لعملية تخص منطقة العانة وهي مصدر إصابة اللاعب بدون إخطار سابق للجهاز الطبي لمنتخب لا روخا، (للمزيد من التفاصيل اضغط هنا).

وكتب الرئيس السابق للجنة الاقتصادية لبرشلونة على حساباته على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي: “تعرب الخدمات الطبية للاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم عن دهشتها واستيائها بعد علمها بخضوع اللاعب لامين يامال لإجراء جراحي بالترددات الراديوية لعلاج ألم عانته هذا الصباح، يجب أن يكون الاتحاد سعيدًا بتحسن حالة لامين !!!!”.

وأكمل: “أم أن هدف الاتحاد هو تعمد إصابة لاعبي برشلونة ثم الغضب عندما لا يسمح لهم برشلونة بذلك؟”.

وأضاف: “يُقرر أطباء النادي ولاعبو الفريق أنفسهم العلاجات اللازمة، لا يحق لأطباء الاتحاد التدخل في القرار ولا ينبغي لهم ذلك، إذا تفاجأوا وانزعجوا فالحظ سيء!”.

واستطرد: “ينتقد النقاد المعارضون لبرشلونة لامين وبرشلونة لأن ما يريدونه حقًا هو أن يلعب لامين مع إسبانيا ويتعرض للإصابة لأنهم يدركون أكثر من أي شخص آخر أن المنتخب الإسباني آلة لسحق لاعبي برشلونة وإصابتهم وأن المدرب لا ينوي منع الإصابات”.

وأتم: “إنه جزء من هذه الآلة، حسنًا لا، قرار برشلونة بالصمود وحماية اللاعب خبر سار ومفرح، أما المحللين ومدربي المنتخب الوطني وجماهير مدريد ليس هناك سوى قول واحد أريد أن أقوله لهم وهو اذهبوا إلى الجحيم!”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras se reapresentou nesta manhã de sábado na Academia de Futebol após a sofrida vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Goiás no Allianz Parque, em jogo válido pelo Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasOpinião: ‘Breno não merece cancelamento, mas não vai ter paz para seguir no Palmeiras’Palmeiras16/09/2023PalmeirasPróximos jogos do Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioPalmeiras10/10/2023PalmeirasApós provocar torcida do Palmeiras, Breno Lopes reposta vídeo publicado pelo pai: ‘Reclama aí’Palmeiras16/09/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Apenas os jogadores que atuaram por menos de 45 minutos diante do Esmeraldino foram pro campo, enquanto os titulares ficaram na parte interna da Academia de Futebol.

Raphael Veiga treinou normalmente e também Breno Lopes, personagem principal do jogo de ontem.

O camisa 19 fez o gol da vitória alviverde mas na comemoração acabou xingando a torcida do Palmeiras, que ficou revoltada com a atitude do atacante.

continua após a publicidade

Breno ainda não se manifestou via sua assessoria de imprensa e também não postou nada em suas redes sociais.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Breno Lopes volta a ser herói do Palmeiras em vitória no Brasileirão

O Palmeiras trabalha nessa próxima semana para encarar o Grêmio, em Porto Alegre, na próxima quinta-feira, pelo Brasileirão.

AC Milan are one of the most historic clubs in Europe. However, they have won just one Serie A title in the last 14 years.

Despite this, the Rossoneri still have a number of stars at the San Siro, and as a result, have an annual payroll of €94.7m, with the average player earning €3.3m a season.

But who earns the most? Every Milan player in the first-team squad has been ranked in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the 2025/26 season, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Christopher Nkunku

€178,077

€9,260,000

Adrien Rabiot

€178,077

€9,260,000

Luka Modric

€124,615

€6,480,000

Rafael Leao

€123,269

€6,410,000

Youssouf Fofana

€106,923

€5,560,000

Christian Pulisic

€98,654

€5,130,000

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

€98,654

€5,130,000

Santiago Gimenez

€89,038

€4,630,000

Ardon Jashari

€89,038

€4,630,000

Pervis Estupinan

€89,038

€4,630,000

Samuele Ricci

€89,038

€4,630,000

Fikayo Tomori

€86,346

€4,490,000

Ismael Bennacer

€81,154

€4,220,000

Mike Maignan

€69,038

€3,590,000

Matteo Gabbia

€64,038

€3,330,000

Strahinja Pavlovic

€60,577

€3,150,000

Koni De Winter

€60,577

€3,150,000

Yunus Munsah

€49,231

€2,560,000

Warren Bondo

€36,923

€1,920,000

Zachary Athekame

€35,577

€1,850,000

Pietro Terracciano

€28,462

€1,480,000

Alexis Saelemaekers

€24,615

€1,280,000

Davide Bartesaghi

€21,346

€1,100,000

David Odogu

€17,885

€930,000

Lorenzo Torriani

€7,115

€370,000

Here's a detailed look at AC Milan's top 10 earners… 10 Santiago Gimenez €89,038 per week

Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez joined AC Milan from Feyenoord at the beginning of 2025, penning a deal until 2029.

In the second half of the 2024/25 season, Gimenez scored five Serie A goals in 670 minutes.

9 Ardon Jashari €89,038 per week

Ardon Jashari swapped Club Brugge for AC Milan in a deal worth a total of €39m.

The Switzerland international, who is primarily a holding midfielder, is on €4.63m a season for the next five years.

8 Pervis Estupinan €89,038 per week

After starring in the Premier League for Brighton, left-back Pervis Estupinan headed to the San Siro in a deal that saw the Seagulls receive £17m.

An Ecuador international, Estupinan is the fourth player on €4.63m a season and like Jashari, is under contract until 2030.

7 Ruben Loftus-Cheek €98,654 per week

English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek joined Milan from Chelsea in 2023.

Loftus-Cheek penned a four-year deal and has already made more than 70 appearances in red and black.

6 Christian Pulisic €98,654 per week

Also picking up €5.13m per season is Christian Pulisic, with the attacker really finding his feet in Italy after a tricky period with Chelsea.

Captain of the United States, Pulisic signed in 2023 and has been a regular ever since. He’s under contract until 2027.

5 Youssouf Fofana €106,923 per week

Midfielder Youssouf Fofana arrived in 2024 from Monaco at a cost of a reported €25m.

The France international was linked with the likes of Manchester United before signing for Milan, penning a four-year deal at the San Siro.

4 Rafael Leao €123,269 per week

Winger Rafael Leao has been attracting plenty of interest after his starring displays in Italy and is the top earner at AC Milan.

The Portugal international was signed for €35m in 2019, and should Milan cash in over the coming years, they could make a healthy profit.

3 Luka Modric €124,615 per week

Luka Modric signed a one-year deal with AC Milan in 2025 after leaving Real Madrid following 13 years at the Bernabeu.

With no transfer fee required, Modric signed a €6.5m deal and turned 40 at the start of the 2025/26 season.

2 Adrien Rabiot €178,077 per week

AC MIlan’s joint-top earner, Adrien Rabiot moved to the club from Marseille in 2025 after a short spell with the French club.

Formerly of Juventus, the midfielder signed a three-year deal and is in line to earn just shy of €28m in wages.

1 Christopher Nkunku €178,077 per week

Christopher Nkunku is also on €9.26m per season and signed a five-year deal with AC Milan after joining from Chelsea.

Costing around €42m, the French forward has played in Ligue 1, Bundesliga and the Premier League before moving to Serie A.

There are plenty of reasons for Tottenham Hotspur supporters to be excited right now.

On Saturday, Spurs swatted aside London rivals West Ham 3-0 away from home.

Cristian Romero controversially had a first-half header ruled out, but it ultimately mattered not, because Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergall and then Micky van de Ven were all on target during a 17-minute scoring spree after the interval, while Tomáš Souček was sent off for the hosts during this time frame.

That makes it three wins out of four in the Premier League for Thomas Frank, ahead of Spurs’ Champions League opener against Villarreal on Tuesday, proudly returning to Europe’s premier club competition as Europa League winners of course.

Tottenham’s latest big-money signing made his debut at the London Stadium, but it remains to be seen just how good he will be in a lilywhite shirt, given that an ex-Spurs player, who is actually his compatriot, has scored more goals since the start of last season.

Xavi Simons' Tottenham debut in numbers

Having been presented on the pitch prior to the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth before the international break, Spurs supporters were eager to witness Xavi Simons’ debut at West Ham, having joined from RB Leipzig for around £51m.

The Netherlands international was deployed off the left, with the table below documenting his match statistics.

Shots off target

1

2nd

Successful dribbles

1

7th

Accurate passes

27

11th

Key passes

1

6th

Touches

51

9th

Average SofaScore rating

7.2

8th

As the table documents, Simons made a decent if unspectacular start to life at Tottenham, showing glimpses of what he can produce, but will be hoping for more end product come Tuesday in the Champions League.

So, is there actually a former Tottenham attacker, of the same nationality, who has been outscoring Simons in recent times?

Forgotten Tottenham attacker on fire

Steven Bergwijn joined Tottenham Hotspur from PSV Eindhoven in January 2020 for a reported fee of £26.7m.

Well, they say first impressions are the most important, and he certainly made a good one, opening the scoring during a 2-0 home victory over Manchester City just a few days later, named man of the match that afternoon too.

Given the Covid-19 lockdown, this would be Spurs’ last home league win, in front of supporters, for 560 days, which is surely part of the reason why it remains ingrained in the memory.

Overall, however, the Dutch winger actually scored just eight times in 83 appearances for Spurs, but he certainly timed them well, synonymous with the famous comeback at Leicester, scoring in the 95th and then 97th minutes to turn a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 victory at the King Power in January 2022.

Upon his arrival at the club, short-lived manager Nuno Espírito Santo stated that Bergwijn possessed a “unique” skillset among his squad, adding that he is a “very talented player…. he’s fantastic in one v ones, offensive, he’s fast, he gives us speed”.

Nevertheless, deemed surplus to requirements by Antonio Conte in the summer of 2022, he was sold to Ajax for £26.4m.

During two seasons back in Amsterdam, the city of his birth, Bergwijn bagged a respectable 29 goals in 80 appearances, including netting against both Rangers and Napoli in the Champions League.

However, in September 2024, he made a left-field career choice, leaving his homeland to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, who paid around £20m for his signature.

A month earlier, the forward had started two matches at Euro 2024, included in the XI for knockout ties against Romania and Türkiye.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, following his move to the Middle East, Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman publicly declared during a press conference that Bergwijn would no longer be called up so long as he is in charge, citing a “lack of sporting ambition”.

Well, despite this continued snub from his national team, the 27-year-old was excellent last season, scoring 13 Saudi Pro League goals, a key figure as his team won the title.

To start the new campaign, Bergwijn has been on fire, bagging four goals in three games, on target as Laurent Blanc’s side were beaten 2-1 by Al-Nassr in the Super Cup semi-final in Hong Kong, before netting twice during Friday’s 4-2 win over Al-Fateh.

This means, since the start of last season, he has scored 17 club goals, five more than compatriot Simons has managed.

The obvious caveat, that Koeman himself would be sure to point out, is that Bergwijn is playing at a significantly lower level, with the Saudi Pro League ranked as the 32nd strongest in the world, according to Global Football Rankings, thereby placed below the Cypriot First Division, the Ecuadorian top-flight and Italy’s second-tier Serie B.

Nevertheless, Bergwijn still knows where the back of the net is, and could’ve been a useful player at Spurs had he stayed, even if Simons’ ceiling is exponentially higher.

Forget about Simons: 8/10 Spurs star looked like prime Dele vs West Ham

Tottenham have come on leaps and bounds under Thomas Frank’s management this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 14, 2025

Former Juventus forward Fernando Llorente has hailed Kenan Yildiz as Serie A’s most exciting talent, comparing him to club icon Alessandro Del Piero while claiming the Turkish wonderkid’s creativity would have helped him score “even more goals.” With praise coming from former stars, team-mates and Juve coach Igor Tudor, the 20-year-old forward is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

Former Juve striker in awe of Yildiz’s potential

Yildiz has been on a remarkable rise since breaking into Juventus’ senior squad, quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest attacking prospects in European football. The 20-year-old Turkish international already has over 90 senior appearances for the Bianconeri, contributing with 18 goals and 11 assists while earning admiration for his technique, vision and composure. 

His blend of flair and efficiency has drawn comparisons to Juve legends of the past with former striker Llorente also joining the chorus of admirers by reiterating comparisons to former Barcelona and Real Madrid player Michael Laudrup.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLlorente hails Yildiz as Serie A’s brightest talent

In an interview with , Llorente, who was present at the game against Villareal in the Champions League this week, expressed his admiration for the youngster’s style of play, going as far as to say that Yildiz would have made him an even better scorer.

"With the foot he has, he would have helped me a lot. Someone like him would have helped me score even more goals. He's improving year after year, with every match confirming his worth and boosting his self-esteem: that's crucial for a young player. He reminds me of Del Piero, but the comparison is still too far-fetched for me," Llorente said.

"He moves like Laudrup, who was one of my childhood idols. [Johan] Cruijff's Barcelona was my source of footballing inspiration, so I've always been impressed by talent. By those who imagine things before they happen."

Yildiz's teammates and icons back the hype

Llorente isn’t the only one to single out Yildiz’s potential. Juventus coach Igor Tudor has praised the youngster’s maturity, admitting he rarely needs correcting in training, which is a huge sign of his focus and professionalism. Defender Bremer, recently back from injury, called him “our Lamine Yamal” while hailing his dribbling ability.

Former Italy striker Aldo Serena also likened Yildiz’s style to Danish great Laudrup, praising his mentality and unique identity as a forward. Serena dismissed direct comparisons to Barcelona’s Yamal, instead insisting Yildiz should be valued for his own game: “He has everything. He doesn’t have to chase anyone to prove his quality.”

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AFPChelsea and Arsenal interested in Yildiz

Yildiz’s meteoric rise has naturally drawn interest from Europe’s elite. Both Arsenal and Chelsea explored the possibility of signing him during the summer window, with Chelsea even making an approach. Juventus, however, immediately shut down talks, reaffirming the youngster’s importance to their long-term project. With his contract running until 2029, and Juve already planning to offer him improved terms, the Turin club is determined to fend off suitors. For now, the Bianconeri see Yildiz as central to their Serie A title charge and Champions League campaign, but his growing reputation ensures speculation will only intensify.

Left-arm quick joins Renegades on a three-year deal after he was not guaranteed a contract with Perth Scorchers

Alex Malcolm28-Jan-2025Jason Behrendorff has become the first major free agent signing in the BBL’s new player movement window with Melbourne Renegades securing the left-arm seamer on a three-year deal after Perth Scorchers were not able to guarantee him a contract.Behrendorff, who turns 35 in April, has won four BBL titles with Scorchers over a 13-year 106-game career. He had an excellent 2024-25 BBL season, making the team of year for the first time as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets at 17.41 and an economy rate of 7.55. Only Mark Steketee had a better economy rate among the top 10 wicket-takers this season.It is understood that Behrendorff was hopeful of being a one club player in the BBL, having played his entire domestic career in Western Australia since moving from Canberra as a 19-year-old, and is second behind AJ Tye on Scorchers’ all-time leading wicket-takers list with 140.Related

Marsh and David set to re-sign as BBL, WBBL contracting embargo ends

Behrendorff ends 16-year WA career with state retirement

Swepson moves to Melbourne Stars on deadline day

Melbourne Renegades sign Doggett, Jewell set to follow

Beau Webster returns to Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL

But with Scorchers missing the finals for the first time in five seasons and only the third time in franchise history, the BBL’s most successful club had some decisions to make around the future of their list with Behrendorff, Tye and Mitchell Marsh all coming out of contract.Scorchers decided not to contract any of them among the maximum of 10 players they could lock in prior to the player movement window opening on Tuesday. Scorchers did something similar with their list back in 2019 when they last missed finals with Scorchers’ title-winning veterans Shaun Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile departing as the squad was regenerated before winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.Mitchell Marsh could still end up returning to Scorchers but it is understood that he is taking some time before making any contract decisions after losing his place in Australia’s Test side during the summer and opting out of Scorchers last three BBL matches to mentally and physically refresh ahead of the Champions Trophy.Renegades approached Behrendorff with a three-year deal that offered him security given he is now a freelance franchise player having stepped away from his state contract with WA last winter.Behrendorff, who is currently in South Africa playing for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, took to social media to explain his decision in detail, saying that he left Perth with a heavy heart.”The Scorchers will always have a special place in my heart, I had always thought I would finish my BBL career in orange however that is not meant to be,” Behrendorff said. “I leave the club knowing I have given my all, I have seriously enjoyed my time as an individual player and as a teammate. As a team we worked so hard and because of that we have been able to enjoy a lot of success, being a part of 4 BBL trophy’s has been a career highlight.”To all the players, it’s been so much fun boys. We have achieved so much together. I have so many wonderful memories that I’ll never forget.”Thank you to all of the staff, what an amazing group of people you all are. No one knows more than I do how hard you work behind the scenes and to help me be match fit, some seasons more than others.”To the fans, without your support playing the game wouldn’t be the same. The noise inside the Furnace when the team is on a roll is something to behold. I appreciate those of you who came along to fan days and stayed behind after games, getting to meet you and talk to you has been a privilege. Your support is something I certainly haven’t taken for granted and you really are some of the best fans in the league.”Moving to Melbourne has been something Juvelle [Behrendorff’s wife] and I have talked about as a goal whenever the end of my career happened so to be able to continue my career and play cricket in a city we both love is a blessing. I am really excited for what the next chapter holds for myself with the Melbourne Renegades but just as importantly for my family too.”Behrendorff’s deal with Renegades could also open the door to him playing for the Cricket Victoria run Major League Cricket franchise San Francisco Unicorns.

MatériaMais Notícias

No último domingo, o Palmeiras deu um grande passo para confirmar sua presença na briga pelo título do Brasileirão deste ano. A goleada por 5 a 0 sobre o Goiás é mais uma amostra de que se trata do time mais consistente do país, o que automaticamente o coloca entre os grandes favoritos em um campeonato de pontos corridos. Embora o adversário não tem sido daqueles que figuram entre os primeiros colocados, a vitória veio em uma rodada em que os principais rivais pela taça tropeçaram. Alguns, inclusive, ficaram bem para trás na classificação.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasMurilo passa por cirurgia no ombro direito e já deve iniciar recuperação no PalmeirasPalmeiras07/05/2023PalmeirasAbel explica sua ‘participação’ na quebra do jejum de Dudu no Palmeiras: ‘Sorte que não o tirei’Palmeiras07/05/2023PalmeirasVÍDEO: Os melhores momentos da goleada do Palmeiras diante do Goiás pelo BrasileirãoPalmeiras07/05/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Há quem possa dizer que a expulsão de Lucas Halter, do Esmeraldino, ainda no primeiro tempo, facilitou o caminho para a goleada alviverde. No entanto, o time de Abel Ferreira já era muito superior aos donos da casa, mas muito mesmo. O problema, algo que tem sido recorrente, é a enorme quantidade de chances que se perde. São várias e várias tomadas de decisão erradas, que dificultam o roteiro das partidas. Depois do 1 a 0, era para o Verdão ter uma frente maior antes mesmo de ficar com um jogador a mais em campo.

Basta observar que mesmo após a vantagem numérica, o Goiás ainda conseguiu se aproveitar das oscilações palmeirenses durante o jogo e criou espaços para levar perigo, enquanto o ataque paulista seguia desperdiçando jogadas promissoras. Somente na segunda etapa, quando a equipe ficou mais assertiva, é que os gols começaram a sair e facilitar a condução do jogo. Dali em diante Sidimar marcou contra, depois Raphael Veiga ampliou, seguido por Endrick e finalizando com Dudu. O placar foi o resumo da superioridade em vários sentidos.

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Obviamente é uma questão de gosto e opinião pessoal, mas hoje é difícil não colocar o Palmeiras como o melhor time do Brasil. Pode ser que alguns tenham melhores jogadores e outros joguem mais bonito, mas uma equipe tão completa e equilibrada quanto a de Abel Ferreira não há. Ela vai perder, como já perdeu duas vezes neste ano, ela vai mostrar defeitos, como mostra em todas as partidas, mas ela vai ser constante e consistente. E cá entre nós… Qual é a maior característica que um time precisa ter para levantar a taça do Brasileirão por pontos corridos?

+ ATUAÇÕES: Piquerez participa de três gols, e Dudu espanta seca em goleada do Palmeiras sobre o Goiás

Sim, a consistência. Embora não seja o líder da tabela neste momento, a invencibilidade e os resultados mostram que o Verdão dificilmente não estará entre aqueles que brigam pelo título. Basta olhar como estão os principais favoritos do campeonato. O Flamengo ocupa a 16ª posição, sete pontos atrás do Palmeiras. O Atlético-MG é o 15º, seis pontos atrás do Alviverde. Já o Fluminense, que está mais próximo na tabela, é o sexto, três pontos atrás do Palestra. Os três tropeçaram na rodada, sendo que dois primeiros citados perderam e o terceiro empatou.

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Neste momento, quem desponta como concorrente do Palmeiras ao título é o Botafogo, com 100% de aproveitamento em quatro jogos, e o Fortaleza, que se vencer o Corinthians nesta segunda-feira iguala o Alviverde em pontos na classificação. Duas equipes que, teoricamente, não estão entre os favoritos elencados antes do início do campeonato, mas se mantiverem o que vêm fazendo, certamente estarão na briga. Ainda é cedo para definir qualquer cenário de favoritismo, mas parece ser quase impossível não colocar o Verdão no topo dessa lista.

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Manchester City have now made contact over a deal for a Barcelona star, who is regarded as “the best in the world in his position”, journalist Fabrice Hawkins has revealed.

Man City looking to sign defender amid Akanji uncertainty

Pep Guardiola’s rebuild is well underway, and there could still be a few more departures to make way for new arrivals, with Manuel Akanji now being targeted by Galatasaray, following criticism from supporters for some of his performances last season.

City expert Steven McInerney believes it could be best for all parties if Akanji is moved on this summer, alongside a number of other players, saying: “I’m fine with it. I definitely feel the more (players) that move on right now it’s a good thing. I’m not one for pushing people out the door, but I think Akanji was probably at the scene of the crime far too many times last season.

“He’s obviously a good player, but I think he’s another that has had the post-treble malaise. It’s definitely a thing at City where you can see some players have reached the top of the mountain and the only way is down a little bit.”

Man City ready to submit £51m bid to sign top target to replace Ederson

Man City are now working on a deal to sign their top target this summer.

By
Brett Worthington

Jul 22, 2025

Consequently, Guardiola may need to bring in a new centre-back this summer, while it has been clear for quite some time that the manager is keen on a new right-back, with Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento on the shortlist.

As such, it could be a clever move to sign a versatile defender capable of playing in both of the aforementioned positions, and Man City have now made contact over a deal for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to an update from Hawkins on X.

Kounde is currently in negotiations over a new contract, with the La Liga club viewing the defender as “the best in the world in his position”, but the Blues are now hoping to lure him to the Etihad Stadium.

Kounde could be statement signing for Man City

The Barcelona star is very assured in possession of the ball, which could make him a good fit in a Guardiola system, while he has also received extremely high praise from teammate and major Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal.

Statistic	Average per 90 (past year)
Passes attempted	71.73 (96th percentile)
Pass completion %	86.7% (90th percentile)
Progressive passes	5.14 (84th percentile)

Indeed, Yamal described the Frenchman as the “best right-back in the world”, but the £226k-a-week defender has predominantly featured at centre-back throughout his career to date, showcasing his versatility.

With Kyle Walker moving to Burnley, and Akanji’s future up in the air, the 26-year-old could be the ideal addition to Guardiola’s defence, given his ability to play at both right-back and centre-back.

However, it could be very difficult to lure Kounde away from Barcelona, considering he is currently in negotiations over extending his stay at the Camp Nou.