Leeds United have reportedly opened talks to sign a versatile defender who Daniel Farke knows well.

Leeds eyeing new defenders

The Whites recorded a fifth successive win of 2024 on Wednesday evening, defeating Farke’s former side Norwich City 1-0 in the Championship thanks to a Patrick Bamford header.

The win takes Leeds closer to Ipswich Town and Southampton in the race for automatic promotion, with attention now on the transfer market and an FA Cup fourth-round clash with Plymouth Argyle on the weekend. Talking previously about transfers, Farke has hinted at the need for additions at the back, saying:

“We could do with more numbers in defensive positions. But in the last weeks, there was a chance for other players to step up – like [Junior] Firpo and [Ilia] Gruev.

“I won’t lie. A few additions in defensive positions would be helpful. But it has to make sense for us. If not, we go with what we’ve got and I trust my group. We are in a good position. We didn’t win it in the lottery. We won it with good development.”

A few defenders who have been linked with a move to Yorkshire include Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies, West Ham’s Ben Johnson and Burnley’s Connor Roberts.

Ben Godfrey of Everton has also been mentioned as a target, and there has been a new transfer development regarding the 26-year-old.

Leeds open Ben Godfrey talks

According to Football Insider, Leeds ‘have opened preliminary talks about a loan-to-buy deal’ for Godfrey, who pockets £75,000-a-week on Merseyside. Sean Dyche has given the green light for the centre-back to leave Goodison Park, with the Whites now in talks with the Toffees.

Godfrey, who has played everywhere across the backline and even as a holding midfielder during his career, was part of Farke’s Norwich side that won the Championship title on two separate occasions, making 72 appearances under the German.

He hasn’t featured much for the Toffees this season, though, turning out just twice in the Premier League, so a reunion with Farke in the second tier could appeal to Godfrey, hailed as a “monster” in the media.

He’d provide cover in a number of defensive positions and it could also allow Ethan Ampdau to return to midfield, with Farke previously hailing Godfrey, saying:

“You can speak about the best centre-backs in the world now but at 19 and 20 they will have made mistakes. The best ones learn. Ben is playing without mistakes and that is outstanding.

“He is a pretty emotional player and I like that a lot because it means you are capable of finding another gear. When he played in the holding [midfield] role he was able to drag his team through, but playing at centre-back if we are losing or having a difficult period and he starts to get the red mist we have to calm him down.

“Now he is able to calm himself down, to focus and control his emotions.”

A move could be one to keep an eye on, although Fabrizio Romano has added that Genoa are also keen on the Everton man.

The T20I captain said that for a team to succeed, the players needed to spend a lot more time together in the lead-up to every series

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Aug-2019There is no set of players that dominate the world of franchise T20 cricket like the West Indians. Every league in the world, from the IPL to the more recently sprouted Euro T20 slam, wants a piece of those larger than life superstars. But when they come together as a West Indies team, they haven’t always had a lot of success. Sure they are the reigning T20 World Champions, but since that heady night in Kolkata three and a half years ago, they’ve played 33 games in the shortest format and lost 20 of them.Carlos Brathwaite had an explanation for this odd turn of events. Addressing the press ahead of a three-match series against India that begins on Saturday, he said that for a team to succeed, the players needed to spend a lot more time together in the lead-up to every series.

“Leading into the next three World Cups, the two T20 and the 50-over World Cup, and just spending more time together and having more informal chats and actually learning off each other.”Brathwaite’s formula for WI success

“I guess in the first part of my tenure [as T20 captain], we had a few one-off games, and those don’t really help the standings much,” he said. “And then when we had series with three games, it was always difficult to get the players together. We didn’t get the right frame of time to properly prepare. Obviously, preparing for a World Cup, you have adequate preparation. Looking back to the last [T20] World Cup, we had a two week camp in Dubai. So we had the team together for a period of time. We had spent time together on and off the field, on and off the training pitch, spent more time together as a team, as a family and then when we headed at the World Cup we had warm-up games as well and then the tournament. So right there and then, we probably had two and a half weeks more together than we have normally.”This lack of team bonding time may have impacted West Indies at the 50-over World Cup as well.”We didn’t think we were doing all the things necessary on and off the field as a team to be successful consistently,” Brathwaite said. “And as a result, as we saw in the World Cup, we had good performances, like in the game against Pakistan, but as a team we did not get it together and we lost some vital moments in key games.”But now, West Indies, who are ranked No. 9 in T20Is by the ICC, are looking to make some corrections. “I guess starting from this series and moving forward,” Brathwaite said. “Looking forward to the World T20s in 2020 and 2021 and the World Cup in 2023, I think we have to put certain protocols and certain standards in place off the field that once we are disciplined enough and follow it off the field, it should translate itself on the field and give us the best chance to win those one percenters and those key moments.”We’re welcoming back Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard into the fold who have a wealth of T20 experience as well. So in our conversations so far, it’s been about us having more informal chats as a team, spending more time together speaking about cricket and for the younger guys to learn off the older guys and as a result the older guys to learn off the yonger guys as well. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t teach an older guy.”So that’s one of the main things we’re looking forward to developing and implementing leading into the next three World Cups, the two T20 and the 50-over World Cup, and just spending more time together and having more informal chats and actually learning off each other. I think once we get those things right on the field, when we get on the field, it’ll be easier for us to band together and have more consistent performances.”

Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho shared an inspiring message on social media ahead of making his debut in the Copa America for Argentina.

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Garnacho set to make Copa America debutShared message on social mediaEnjoyed rich vein of form for Man UtdWHAT HAPPENED?

The 19-year-old has been included in Lionel Scaloni's 26-man Argentina squad for the upcoming Copa America 2024 as the youngster is all set to appear in his first major international tournament as a senior professional. Ahead of making his bow in the United States, Garnacho shared an inspiring message on Instagram.

AdvertisementWHAT ALEJANDRO GARNACHO SAID

The teenager shared three photographs of himself in La Albiceleste shirt on Instagram and wrote in the caption: "Thanks God. My first Copa América. All together behind a dream. Come on!"

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The winger heads into the Copa on the back of an impressive outing with the Red Devils in the 2023-24 campaign as he appeared in 50 games across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists. He even found his name on the scoresheet in the FA Cup final last month as his side edged out rivals Manchester City 2-1 to lift their maiden trophy of the season.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ALEJANDRO GARNACHO?

The youngster could be next seen in action on Friday as Lionel Messi and Co begin their title defence campaign in Copa America 2024 against Canada in Atlanta.

Burnley have already made one signing in the January transfer window, bringing in David Datro Fofana from Chelsea on loan, but as we reach the final five days of the transfer window, the Clarets look far from done.

Vincent Kompany, trying to do all he can to keep his side in the Premier League, is keen on Ajax winger Carlos Forbs, again on an initial loan deal. Nottingham Forest are interested too, and it could come down to which club offers more first-team minutes.

Meanwhile, Kompany is also looking to strengthen at the other end of the field with a move for Montpellier defender Maxime Esteve. It emerged this week that the Clarets are working on a deal for one of their "main options", with Montpellier coming under pressure to sell as the player enters the final 18 months of his contract.

Speaking ahead of his side's game against Lille this weekend, manager Michel Der Zakarian was adamant that Esteve would feature and said that any departure wouldn't take place until the early part of next week.

Burnley now close to signing Esteve

According to a fresh update from French newspaper L'Equipe, Burnley are now on the verge of signing Esteve. The fee will be €12m, which works out as just over £10m.

Esteve is attracting interest from a number of teams, but Burnley have forged ahead and they are now close to completing an agreement for the centre-back.

"Dominant" Esteve can be a smart long-term addition

Now that Burnley are seemingly well on the road to landing Esteve, it's worth taking a look at what kind of player Kompany could be getting. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a "dominant" force at the back, and his numbers from this season support that assessment.

The table below shows how Esteve performs in some of the key metrics compared to fellow under-21 defenders in Ligue 1 (who have appeared in at least 10 games). You can see that he's comfortable and precise in possession and also smart in his positioning, which allows him to make a particularly high volume of clearances and interceptions.

Passing accuracy (%)

81

6th

Tackles per game

1.3

11th

Clearances per game

4.5

1st

Interceptions per game

1.6

3rd

Duels won (%)

55

7th

Aerial duels won (%)

59

6th

He's already prevailing in the majority of his duels, and that figure should improve as he becomes more experienced and continues to develop physically. Indeed, it's worth remembering that he's only 21 years old and has played just 60 first-team games at Montpellier so far.

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Twice capped by France's under-21 side, Esteve is a highly rated young defender who would be something of a coup for struggling Burnley. He'd be walking straight into a dogfight, but Montpellier themselves are only two points above the relegation places, so he's used to scrapping it out towards the bottom of the table.

أعلن ليونيل سكالوني، المدير الفني لمنتخب الأرجنتين الأول لكرة القدم، عن قائمة اللاعبين لمواجهتي فنزويلا وبوليفيا، ضمن تصفيات كأس العالم لقارة أمريكا الجنوبية.

المنتخب الأرجنتيني يواجه فنزويلا ضمن الجولة التاسعة من تصفيات أمريكا الجنوبية لكأس العالم يوم الجمعة 11 أكتوبر، قبل ملاقاة بوليفيا 16 من الشهر ذاته.

طالع أيضًا | بيكهام يكشف سبب انضمام ميسي لـ إنتر ميامي.. ويصرح: لا أصدق حتى الآن أنه يلعب لنادينا

قائمة المنتخب الأرجنتيني شهدت عودة النجم ليونيل ميسي بعدما غاب عن معسكر سبتمبر، وذلك بعد إصابته في نهائي كوبا أمريكا ضد كولومبيا.

ويحتل منتخب الأرجنتين المركز الأول في ترتيب تصفيات أمريكا الجنوبية برصيد 18 نقطة، بفارق نقطتين عن كولومبيا صاحب المركز الثاني. قائمة الأرجنتين لمعسكر أكتوبر

حراسة المرمى: جيرونيمو  رولي (مارسيليا)، خوان موسو (أتلتيكو مدريد)، والتر بينيتيز (أيندهوفن).

خط الدفاع: نويل مولينا (أتلتيكو مدريد)، كريستيان روميرو (توتنهام)، ليوناردو باليردي (مارسيليا)، جيرمان بيزيلا (ريفر بليت)، نيكولاس أوتاميندي (بنفيكا)، ليساندرو مارتينيز (مانشستر يونايتد)، ماركوس أكونيا (ريفر بليت)، نيكولاس تاليافيكيو (ليون).

وسط الملعب: لياندرو باريديس (روما)، أليكسيس ماك أليست (ليفربول)، رودريجو دي باول (أتلتيكو مدريد)، إزيكيل بالاسيوس (باير ليفركوزن)، إنزو فيرنانديز (تشيلسي)، جيوفاني لو سيلسو (ريال بيتيس)، تياجو ألمادا (بوتافوجو).

خط الهجوم: أليخاندرو جارناتشو (مانشستر يونايتد)، نيكولاس جونزاليس (يوفنتوس)، نيكو باز (كومو)، باولو ديبالا (روما)، ليونيل ميسي (إنتر ميامي)، لاوتارو مارتينيز (إنتر ميلان)، جوليان ألفاريز (أتلتيكو مدريد)، فالانتين كاربوني (مارسيليا).

Fast bowler has all the attributes for English conditions, but lessons learnt from previous trips may stand him in good stead

Daniel Brettig18-Jul-2019

Jackson Bird celebrates a wicket•Getty Images

Watch Jackson Bird bowl in Australia and most swiftly reach a similar conclusion: perfect for England. Tall, accurate and generating bounce and movement both ways, he has long been among the most consistent performers down under, as demonstrated by his recurring presence around the fringes of the Test team in a decidedly strong era for pacemen.Take Bird some 20 hours’ flying time to the other side of the world, however, and his seemingly well-grooved skills have tended to desert him. He struggled for impact in his one Test here, at Durham in 2013, and two county stints in 2015 and 2016 at Hampshire and Nottinghamshire tallied 34 wickets in 11 games at an average near enough to 40, while also giving up more than 3.5 runs per over.Nevertheless, Bird has continued to front up, earning a berth on the Australia A tour and thus a chance at Ashes selection by hoarding 50 wickets at 22.22 for Tasmania in 2018-19, after 37 at 21.81 the previous summer. Ahead of the internal trial match between two Australian sides that will provide the selectors with the final information they need to cut 25 players down to 16, Bird knows he is duelling for, at best, one remaining bowling spot with the likes of Peter Siddle, Chris Tremain and Michael Neser. When he takes the Dukes ball in Southampton, he will do so with the words of no less a Dukes exponent than Stuart Broad in his mind – they are worth recounting for all of Australia’s Ashes aspirants. “I’m probably not trying to swing the ball as much as I used to,” Bird said. “I’ve fallen into the trap over here a couple of times when I’ve come and played county cricket as well, to just focusing on swinging the ball rather than bowling the right length and I think that’s what’s cost me really.”I’ve spoken to a lot of guys that have played cricket over here, in either Ashes or guys I’ve played with, guys like Stuart Broad and stuff like that, and they just say you’ve got to bowl the right length that’s going to hit the top of the stumps or hit the knee roll [on the pad] and if the conditions suit it will swing anyway.”That’s all I’m trying to focus on doing and I think in the spells where I’ve bowled a bit full or been too expensive it is probably for that reason, so the spells that I’ve bowled well in I’ve been hitting the wicket and hitting the top of the stumps – it’s a good blueprint going forward.”The memories Bird has accumulated from numerous England trips should give him a decent chance of squeezing into the Ashes squad, although he was realistic about the fact that while many of the group assembling in Southampton on Thursday were already nailed on, he was very much in the group on the edge of things.”I assume there’s probably only one spot available, if that, for the fast bowlers, so I’m enjoying my time over here,” Bird said. “We’ve got a good bunch of guys that have had a good couple of weeks in this Aussie A stuff and we’re all looking forward to getting down to Hampshire.”I felt pretty good, I think I’ve improved from Arundel last week, so made a couple of good strides over the last week. I probably went for a couple of runs in my first spell but I thought I brought that back nicely and bowled a good spell in the middle of the day and, yeah, was pretty happy with the hit-out.”Anytime you come up against a Lions team, it’s a good hit-out, and this game was no different. There were a couple of guys in their Test squad against Ireland that were playing, so it’s good to bowl to a few of their batters who are on the fringe as well, in case they do get picked in the Test squad and you do play against them, at least you’ve got a bit of experience against them. You can never take that too lightly.”Frustration at Cricket Australia over the quality of county opposition rolled out for warm-up games on previous Ashes tours has manifested itself in the pitting of the two Australian sides against one another in Southampton next week. While the selection of the teams is a mystery, Bird revealed that the groups will be training separately, a likely necessity due to the sheer size of the group otherwise.”We don’t really know what the teams are going to be and how they’re going to pick the teams so that’ll be interesting to see what happens there in the next couple of days,” Bird said. “I think we’ve got a bit of an idea of what’s going to happen, I think were training separately and stuff like that, so we’ll at least try and make this game as competitive as possible.”It’s the only red ball hit-out for a couple of the guys that have been playing in the World Cup. I think those games can drag on a bit if they’re not taken too seriously so hopefully it’s 100% the whole time.”And with all players and staff crammed into the one hotel, that could make for some intriguing dynamics at the breakfast bar, among other places. “It might be a team rule, can’t fraternise with the opposition!” Bird joked. “It’ll be pretty funny I reckon, especially after a couple of weeks on tour, there’s going to be a few blokes who’ll cop it from other blokes I reckon, airing a bit of their grievances over the tour. It’ll be good fun.”

West Ham have considered appointing a three-at-the-back coach to replace David Moyes as Tim Steidten's stance on keeping the 60-year-old becomes clear.

Fans protest Moyes as West Ham pressure mounts

During their 2-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest last weekend, supporters were seen hoisting "Moyes out" banners aloft as West Ham remain winless since the turn of the year.

"Exceptional" manager wants to replace David Moyes at West Ham

It was another defeat on the weekend.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 19, 2024

Moyes' contract expires at the end of this season, and if things keep slumping on this downward trajectory, the tactician could potentially find himself out of a job even before then.

There have also been complaints over his pragmatic style of play from certain sections of the fan base, but after their defeat to Forest, Moyes publicly came out to defend his position and remind supporters of their Conference League triumph in Prague last year.

14th

22/23

6th

21/22

7th

20/21

16th

19/20

“I don’t think we can ever please everybody, but I think it would be hard to say there have been many better times at West Ham," said Moyes.

“I think they’ll (the fans) honestly have to say that it’s as good a time as there’s been at the club regarding winning a trophy (Conference League) and league positions. Maybe they’ll be managers who excite them more, possibly. But the one who’s sitting here wins more.”

In any case, Moyes' brand of football has even drawn criticism from pundits, like ex-Irons defender Rio Ferdinand – who suggested the manager's future could certainly be brought into question.

“If the manager, David Moyes, doesn’t play the brand of football that West Ham are used to seeing over the years then, yeah, that is something to be talked about," said Ferdinand to talkSPORT.

“He’s brought a European trophy to the table. How many managers over the last 30/40 years have brought a trophy like that to the table? But they’ve all played a brand of football that maybe West Ham fans like to see.”

In terms of the rumoured candidates to succeed Moyes, a potentially more exciting coach could be former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca. Indeed, Fonseca has been linked with a move to West Ham recently and is known for his attack-minded philosophy (Eric Devin).

West Ham consider Fonseca as Steidten stance on Moyes clear

As per The Guardian and journalist Jacob Steinberg, West Ham have indeed considered Fonseca to replace Moyes, with technical director Tim Steidten expected to be in favour of parting company.

Other reports suggest Steidten and Moyes don't exactly have the most harmonious relationship, and it is believed that West Ham are under pressure to convince their club chief to remain amid growing concerns that he's becoming unhappy in east London.

Fonseca, who deploys the 3-4-2-1 formation, has been praised for his "perfect" dressing room management. The Portuguese also boasts nine trophies across spells in Ukraine and his homeland.

"He is perfect in the dressing room and perfect in his relationship with the players, which is something really needed at Tottenham at the moment," said Fabrizio Romano on Fonseca in 2021 during his links to Spurs (via talkSPORT).

“He likes to play a 3-4-2-1 formation and likes to play with quality and fast players behind the striker."

Portugal coach Anthony Barry has explained how being able to turn “into a little boy again” has helped to make Cristiano Ronaldo a footballing GOAT.

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• Spent over decades at the very top
• Continues to rewrite the history books
• Showing no sign of slowing down at 39

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has spent over 20 years at the very top of his game, with another 50 goals added to a record-breaking collection during the 2023-24 campaign at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo continues to rewrite the history books and is about to grace an 11th major international tournament.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  CR7 is now 39 years of age, but he is slowing no sign of slowing down or considering a hanging up of illustrious boots. He continues to demand the highest standards of himself and those around him, with it that relentless pursuit of perfection that separates the best from the rest.

• WHAT BARRY SAID

  Barry, who works alongside Roberto Martinez in the Portuguese national team set-up, has told of what it is like to coach evergreen frontman Ronaldo: “He is two years older than me, but he looks about seven years younger! How do you coach that? I think in two ways. Cristiano is always challenging himself, so Cristiano is never satisfied – there is not enough for Cristiano in the game. That is exactly why he has had the career he’s had. Secondly, for me there is always the next challenge in sport. We’re going into the Euros now and the challenge is to win it, the challenge is for Cristiano to be at his best level. It’s my job to give him that platform – give Cristiano the platform for the next five weeks to play his best football. The challenges are always there in sport. Cristiano is, of course, a unique guy, a global icon, a football superstar and it’s a privilege, it’s never lost on you that you’re part of his journey and you get the platform and the privilege to coach him – that’s never lost on me. He has an amazing ability to walk out onto the pitch and he turns into this little boy again, still he can find the joy of a six, seven-year-old playing football – the excitement, the enjoyment. His whole demeanour changes when he walks onto the pitch, and that’s an amazing ability to be able to have. Also put together with the other factors of this incredible level of discipline and patience and sacrifice. This combination of everything is what makes him one of, if not the greatest player of all-time.”

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• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Questions have been asked of how prominently Ronaldo will figure at Euro 2024, amid suggestions that he may have to make peace with bench duty at times, but those inside the Portugal camp are offering no indication that the all-time great will not be asked to lead by example once again as captain of his country.

It's been a brutal stretch for Unai Emery and Aston Villa on the injury front. The first bit of bad news concerned Ezri Konsa, who was ruled out for up to a month after suffering a sprained knee in the 5-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United at the start of the month.

Then, in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, Boubacar Kamara became the third Villa player this season to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury after Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings, likely ending his season.

With Jhon Duran out for a number of weeks too after injuring his hamstring, Emery's squad is becoming increasingly stretched as he looks to steer his side into next season's Champions League and prepares for this year's Europa Conference League knockout stages. Somehow, things have just taken another turn for the worse.

Carlos could join Konsa and Kamara on the sidelines

According to The Athletic, Diego Carlos has now dealt Emery a fresh blow after injuring his hamstring during a training session. It's unclear how much time Carlos will miss with the problem, but Villa have set-up an examination from a specialist to find out.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, Sky Sports presenter and Aston Villa fan Dan Bardell said the club's injury situation was now "beyond a joke" after Carlos became the latest addition to the absentee list.

Emery will have to reinstate Torres after Carlos blow

Carlos has become an increasingly important player for Villa of late, starting 10 of their last 12 Premier League matches and the past three in a row in all competitions. The fact he damaged his hamstring in training rather than in a match makes this one particularly galling too.

Aston Villa make contact over “insane” player who could replace Zaniolo

Villa may lose both Duran and Zaniolo this summer.

ByDavid Comerford Feb 15, 2024

In addition to his defensive contribution, Carlos has been vital to Villa's build-up play, averaging the highest progressive passing per 90 minutes of any player in the squad (520.1 yards). In that sense, then, he will be a dual miss if he's out for any sustained period.

Ezri Konsa

33

33

2,823

Pau Torres

23

20

1,830

Diego Carlos

25

18

1,656

Clement Lenglet

15

15

1,322

Calum Chambers

3

2

178

Tyrone Mings

1

1

31

Kortney Hause

0

0

0

Naturally, the big question is who will replace him in the side. Well, the good news on this front is that Pau Torres has just returned from an injury lay-off of his own, with Emery naming him on the bench for the past two fixtures.

While he may have preferred to ease the Spaniard back in, he now looks the overwhelming favourite to start alongside Lenglet against Fulham this weekend. The only other available option is Calum Chambers, who's made one appearance since September, because Emery elected to leave Kortney Hause out of his Premier League squad altogether.

In January, Crystal Palace were extremely active in the transfer market, but they were still unable to fix the striker dilemma.

The lack of a true centre forward that brings reliability has haunted the Eagles over the years, and it has been one reason why the club has stayed midtable.

Christian Benteke, Odsonne Edouard, and Jean-Phillipe Mateta have all failed to nail down the spot on a full-time basis, with their lack of goals costing the team.

However, a player that Roy Hodgson let go of could have just been the fix if he had been given more time.

Edouard and Mateta's Palace record

The French duo both arrived at the club in the 2021/22 season for a combined fee of around £23m, but neither of them has impressed enough to become the main focal point of the team.

Edouard has played 88 games for Palace, scoring just 20 goals and contributing to five goals, whereas Mateta has played 91, scoring 16 and providing five assists, which is an even worse return.

Usually, a side may put up with a striker’s lack of goals due to the influence they have on other aspects of the performance, but almost all of the positives in the Eagles' attack come from Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

This season, the former Mainz player has scored six goals across 24 matches, and he’s on course to have his best season yet. Edouard is actually Palace’s joint top scorer in the league this season with six goals, but four of those came in the first five games of the season.

Palace could then be left to rue the sale of a player who is outperforming both those two men of late…

Alexander Sorloth’s stats since leaving Palace

Alexander Sorloth’s time in London will not be remembered fondly by the individual himself, as he only started four of his 16 Premier League games and never scored in the top flight.

The 28-year-old joined Hodgson’s side for a fee of around £9m in 2018, and despite only scoring once in his 20 appearances for the club, the club were able to sell him to RB Leipzig in 2020 for double what they paid.

Since then, Sorloth has developed into a fairly reliable goal-scorer for all three of his next clubs: Leipzig, Real Sociedad, and now Villarreal, netting 40 goals since his departure from Selhurst Park.

Sorloth's Career Stats

Club

Games

Goals

Assists

Crystal Palace

20

1

1

RB Leipzig

38

6

3

Real Sociedad

90

24

5

Villarreal

25

10

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

The 6 foot 5 number nine has played 25 games across all competitions this season, scoring ten goals and picking up four assists, which proves he has the ability to bring others into the game as well as score. He’s also proved that he can do it on big occasions, as just two weeks ago he scored and set up two goals in Villarreal’s 5-3 win away to Barcelona.

Furthermore, having a striker who can score from nothing is key in the Premier League, and based on the clip above he can certainly provide that.

In truth, Sorloth was never really given a real chance at Palace, despite thriving on loan at Trabzonspor, where he netted 33 goals and provided 11 assists in 49 games, and he is exactly what the side could do with right now to progress.

A frustrating case of what might have been…