A striker has been at the top of Enzo Maresca’s shopping list ever since he arrived as Chelsea manager, with this January undoubtedly no different.

The Blues recruited well over the summer window, landing the likes of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, subsequently improving the threat in wide areas alongside Cole Palmer.

However, no deal was completed for a new focal point, leaving Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu as the two out-and-out strikers at the Italian’s disposal.

The Senegal international has been the number one option in the Premier League during 2024/25, scoring nine times in 19 matches – the second-highest tally behind star man Palmer.

Despite his form in front of goal, it may not be enough to secure his regular starting role, with the hierarchy already looking for attacking reinforcements in January.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker in January

Although we’re only a week into the transfer window, numerous names have been touted with a move to Stamford Bridge, including Ipswich Town star Liam Delap.

The 21-year-old joined the Tractor Boys for £20m from Manchester City in the summer but has wasted no time in impressing, scoring eight times in his first 19 top-flight matches in 2024/25.

Such interest has captured the interest of the Blues board, with the Englishman just one of many attackers currently on their radar.

However, Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović is a name that continues to be linked with a move to West London, but Maresca’s side aren’t alone, with Arsenal also in the hunt for the Serbian international.

The 24-year-old has scored seven times in Serie A to date, but could be allowed to leave the Old Lady should any side fork out €75m (£62m) during the January window.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned players, the hierarchy should reignite interest in another attacker who would undoubtedly improve their front line and potentially be their own version of a Premier League star.

The player who could be Chelsea’s own Haaland

Erling Haaland has been the leading marksman in England’s top division since his move to join Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of the 2022/23 season – finishing as top scorer in both of his two seasons in England.

The Norwegian has been a constant menace to the backline of every side in the Premier League, registering a staggering 111 goals in just 125 appearances – including 16 this time around despite the Citizen’s recent decline in form.

Every club wishes they could have a clinical scorer, with Haaland having such quality in abundance, but the Blues could land their own version of the superstar in the form of Benjamin Sesko in January.

The Slovenia international was widely linked with a move to the Bridge in the summer, but a deal was never completed, which saw the 21-year-old remain at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

He’s continued his impressive form into the current campaign, scoring 11 goals across all competitions – leading to yet more rumours over a move to join Chelsea during the ongoing window.

At the end of December, TEAMtalk confirmed the club were in contact with the German side over a potential move, with Arsenal and Manchester United also waiting in the wings.

The striker would be a superb addition for the club, finally ending their hunt for a new number nine, whilst aiding their ambitions of securing a top-four finish come the end of May.

Sesko had previously been dubbed the “new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the comparison more than just their huge frame, pace and aerial ability when delving into their respective stats from 2024/25.

Whilst the City ace has massively outscored the Leipzig man, the “monster” Slovenian, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has a higher shot-on-target rate, proving that he’s more accurate with the chances he’s presented within the final third.

Games played

15

20

Goals & assists

8

17

Progressive carries

1.7

0.6

Progressive passes

2

0.7

Shot-on-target accuracy

54%

52%

Pass accuracy

67%

66%

Take-on success rate

48%

40%

Aerials won

2.8

1.5

Aerial success rate

58%

52%

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90 and won more aerial duels, making him the perfect all-round focal point that the Blues have desperately been hunting for in the past six months.

Whilst it’s unclear how much any deal for Sesko would set the club back, it would be a superb deal regardless given his talents, not to mention his potential to improve given his tender age.

If he does manage to get anywhere close to the level of Haaland should he make the move to England, he would be worth every penny – handing Maresca a deadly finisher to boost their title credentials in the years to come.

Chelsea want to sign "dominant" PL star who's better than Guehi & Chalobah

Enzo Maresca appears to be targeting defensive reinforcements for his Chelsea side.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 7, 2025

شن خوان لابورتا، رئيس نادي برشلونة، هجومًا قويًا على حكم مباراة فريقه أمام إنتر ميلان، في إياب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وخرج برشلونة أمام إنتر ميلان من دور نصف نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، بعدما انتهت المباراتين بمجموع أهداف 7/6 لصالح النيراتزوري.

وقال لابورتا، في تصريحات على الموقع الرسمي للنادي الكتالوني: “قاتلنا من أجل الوصول إلى النهائي، لكن الأمر لم يكن ممكنًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رسالة لابورتا للاعبي برشلونة بعد الخروج المأساوي من دوري أبطال أوروبا

وأكمل:” السبب في ذلك يعود أساسًا إلى قرارات تحكيمية أضرت بنا، هذا يجب أن يجعلنا أقوى، يجب أن يجعلنا أقوى لنمتلك العقلية اللازمة للفوز بالدوري”.

وأضاف: “لدينا فريق للحاضر والمستقبل، وأنا مقتنع بأنه إذا واصلنا العمل، فإن الأحلام ستتحقق، وفي الموسم المقبل سنعود إلى دوري الأبطال وسننافس للفوز به”.

وعن لقاء الكلاسيكو الحاسم أردف: “المباراة القادمة حاسمة للفوز بالدوري، والجميع يعرف ذلك جيدًا، علينا جميعًا أن نملأ ملعب مونتجويك لنعطي الدعم ونشجع هذا الفريق الذي نحن فخورون به”.

وأتم: “برشلونة يحتاج الآن أكثر من أي وقت مضى إلى دعمنا، أنا أناشد كل أنصار برشلونة أن يمنحوا هذا الدعم، وأن يشجعوا الفريق حتى نتمكن هذا الأحد من الفوز بالمباراة ضد ريال مدريد، والتي ستكون مفتاح الفوز بالليجا”.

Tottenham Hotspur’s poor form continued after a 1-0 Boxing Day defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. That is the sixth time they have failed to win in December, with their only victories coming away to Southampton and at home to Manchester United in a hectic Carabao Cup tie.

Indeed, it was a former Red Devils star who sunk the Lilywhites, with Anthony Elanga scoring the only goal of the game. It was a game where Spurs dominated the ball. As per Sofascore, they had 70% possession but failed to break down a tough Forest defence.

One of the most disappointing performers on the day was captain Son Heung-Min.

Son’s stats vs. Forest

It has been a bit of a strange season for Tottenham captain Son. The South Korean is naturally not having the same impact as he did a few years ago, given the fact he is 32 years of age. Yet, he still has five goals and six assists in 14 Premier League games.

Against Southampton in the 5-0 thrashing earlier this month, the Spurs captain scored once and grabbed two assists.

He also scored twice in the 4-0 win over Everton on the second day of the season. So, the numbers are there, but he has struggled for form too.

Perhaps the defeat on Boxing Day is a prime example of this. Whilst the Spurs number seven was involved in the game, having 53 touches and creating three chances, he didn’t really have the impact one might expect.

This was certainly echoed by Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold. The Spurs correspondent gave the Lilywhites number seven a 4/10 for his performance in the East Midlands, describing his display as ‘hesitant and ineffective’.

Ange Postecoglou now has a bold decision to make. With Spurs stuck in this rut of limp form, he might well choose to drop his captain for their next game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. It would be a bold call, but one that is perhaps justified.

That does leave the question of who could replace Son in the side, with one option being Lucas Bergvall.

Why Bergvall could start vs. Wolves

After a Boxing Day performance that was certainly not the highlight of Christmas for Spurs fans, one silver lining was Bergvall’s cameo. The 18-year-old Swedish midfielder has had fleeting opportunities for the Lilywhites this term, with just 221 minutes in the Premier League.

However, his 26-minute appearance at the City Ground last Thursday was certainly encouraging. Gold described it as a ‘neat cameo’, giving him a 6/10 for his efforts as he tried to help Spurs claw back a point. Indeed, he was busy in the short amount of time he was on the pitch, having 32 touches and a pass accuracy of 92%.

There is more evidence to suggest a start for Bergvall is justified. He has had some impressive performances in the Europa League too this season, particularly in the 1-0 win against AZ Alkmaar. As per Sofascore, the youngster had 50 touches, completed 91% of his passes and created one big chance.

Stat

Number

Touches

50

Pass accuracy

91%

Passes completed

32/35

Ground duels won

5/9

Long balls completed

4/5

Tackles won

3/5

Big chances created

1

Starting the Swede might be a smart choice from Postecoglou in order to shake things up, although it would mean the starting lineup could do with a reshuffle. Bergvall is a creative midfielder, operating in central areas. He was once described as a “very complete” player by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

This means that Dejan Kulusevski would have to play out wide to accommodate the 18-year-old. It might see his countryman play on the right and Brennan Johnson switch to the left-hand side.

If he decides to play Bergvall from the start, it would be a brave thing for Postecoglou to do against Wolves. The Old Gold are flying high under new manager Vitor Pereira, with two wins in two games so far.

Spurs are not exactly in good form, so switching things up and giving a youngster like Bergvall a chance from the start could be something that can help them get back to winning ways.

Forget Spence: Ange's 3/10 Spurs star was "absolutely awful again"

Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent season continued away at Nottingham Forest

ByRobbie Walls Dec 27, 2024

Sheffield United are reportedly favourites to land an “intelligent” new striker on loan this month to help boost their chances of an immediate return to the Premier League.

Sheffield United news and updates

Sheffield United are currently enduring a difficult spell, with Chris Wilder’s side having won just one of their last five games in all competitions. Losses to promotion rivals Sunderland and Burnley in the Championship have put a dent in their automatic promotion chances, while most recently, a defeat to struggling Cardiff City in the FA Cup saw them dumped out in the tournament’s third round.

A solitary goal from Bluebirds striker Cian Ashford was enough to beat United, who just two seasons ago made it to the semifinals.

Related Sheffield United and Wilder in advanced talks to sign Arblaster replacement

A loan move is on the cards.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Jan 8, 2025

Speaking to the press after his side’s exit from the FA Cup, Wilder said he was “disappointed with some of the boys because they should have been better”.

“There was an opportunity for those that haven’t played a lot of football to impress, but it is where we are at the moment,” he explained: “I’d have liked it to look a lot better from those who have had the opportunity, we gave the ball away in poor areas, but we were chucking a team together and expecting it to flow, they arguably did the same and did better than us to progress.”

Blades now in pole position to sign Brereton Diaz

To try and get their season back on track, United are reportedly favourites to re-sign Ben Brereton Diaz on-loan from Southampton in January due to the player’s preference. Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan at Bramall Lane, scoring six goals in 16 games before completing a permanent move to St. Mary’s in the summer.

The Chile international, however, has since struggled for minutes with the Saints, starting just four Premier League games.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton are now keen to offload Diaz, and although Sunderland and Blackburn have both made approaches for him, the 25-year-old would only consider a return to United.

Sky report that Diaz’s partner is due to give birth to their baby soon, so he will only consider a move that is suitable for his family. If he can’t return to United, the striker is “happy to stay at St Mary’s and fight for his place”.

Ben Brereton Diaz Sheffield United Stats (2023/24)

Games

16

Goals

6

Assists

1

Bookings

3

Minutes

1,191

Minutes-per-goal

198.5

(Transfermarkt)

The former Blackburn sensation has been capped 35 times by Chile, scoring seven times. In 2022, he was named the Chilean Footballer of the Year. Speaking about the striker about a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in June of that year, former Chile boss Eduardo Berizzo said: “Brereton is very intelligent in his movement and found himself behind rival defenders several times.

“He was not given the goal, but he is a footballer with many qualities, he did a great performance despite the fact that his league in England stopped a long time ago. He is a player of interesting movements. He will be an important reference for us.”

Glasgow Rangers return to Premiership action after a blockbuster week fighting on other fronts.

A 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur was followed by a gut-wrenching penalty shootout loss to Celtic in the League Cup final last weekend, ensuring the Parkhead side claimed the first piece of silverware of the season.

The performance – despite the Gers failing to retain the trophy – was one that should give Philippe Clement hope ahead of the League clash between the two rivals in a couple of weeks, and for the majority of the game, Rangers looked excellent.

Thoughts now turn back to league action as the club face Dundee at Ibrox this afternoon, looking to secure all three points which will see them leapfrog Aberdeen into second place.

With so many games coming in such a short space of time, Clement will be keen on making a change or two to his starting XI ahead of the clash against the team that occupies seventh place in the table.

One player that should retain his place in the starting XI is Hamza Igamane, especially after his exploits on the field over the previous few weeks.

Will he be utilised through the middle again? Or might Clement relocate the Moroccan gem against the Dens Park side?

Hamza Igamane could be unleashed out wide

Since Igamane has forced his way into Clement’s first-team plans, the promising striker has scored six goals, including four in Europe, which makes it hard for the boss to ignore him.

This has seen the player lead the line on numerous occasions during the previous few weeks, much to the delight of the Ibrox faithful, who would prefer him, rather than Cyriel Dessers, to be the main man leading the attack.

While the majority of his goals have arrived when the striker has been unleashed through the middle, during his two matches that Clement has untilised Igamane in a wide left position, the striker has scored twice. These goals were scored against Kilmarnock and Ross County in the club’s two previous Premiership encounters.

Perhaps, then, Clement would be wise to have a slight rejig of the front four and move Ianis Hagi back to the bench in order to drop Igamane out wide against Dundee.

His pace could certainly provide the Gers with an added threat on the flank, whereas Hagi’s strength lies mainly in his creative output. With a low block likely to be applied by the away side, a more cutting-edge attacking threat is required today.

Relocating Igamane leaves the centre-forward slot open and there is only one logical choice – Danilo.

Why Clement must unleash Danilo against Dundee

The Brazilian striker has endured his fair share of injury problems during his 18 months in Glasgow, but is he finally ready to turn the corner and become a key part of this team?

The Light Blues paid a hefty amount for the former Ajax starlet in the summer of 2023, £6m to be precise, which naturally heightened expectations on his arrival.

Michael Beale praised the striker at the time, saying: “He is an exciting player who likes to create and score goals, he is one that I believe is a good fit for our squad, and he will give us another big option in the attacking areas of the pitch.”

A return of just six goals and five assists across 21 games wasn’t exactly productive, but the striker did suffer a broken cheekbone before a knee injury sustained in December 2023 kept him out for the remainder of the campaign.

It may have taken him a few months to finally reach full fitness, but Danilo has impressed in recent weeks. Goals against Kilmarnock and County in the league were followed by his equaliser in the League Cup final, surely giving him plenty of confidence heading into the festive period.

Clement will now be hoping that Danilo can live up to the £6m fee which Rangers paid a year and a half ago, thus relying less on Dessers going into 2025.

By unleashing Danilo against Dundee, the club have a chance to bolster their goal difference, as the striker is on a three-game scoring streak while also terrorising the hosts in the process.

With Igamane moving over to the left wing, the Belgian can form a wonderful partnership which has shone a couple of times this season already.

Danilo and Igamane have shone together this season

At the beginning of December, the Light Blues faced Killie and were seeking revenge after their defeat at Rugby Park a few weeks prior.

Clement unleashed Igamane out wide, with Danilo leading the line, and the pair worked together extremely well in the final third.

The Moroccan made two key passes, succeeded with 66% of his dribble attempts and created a big chance, while Danilo also looked lively, succeeded with all three of his dribbles, registered six total shots, made a key pass and got on the scoresheet.

Danilo and Igamane’s combined stats vs Killie and Ross County
Metric	Kilmarnock	Ross County
Goals	2	2
Assists	0	0
Successful dribbles	5	3
Key passes	3	3
Total shots	13	6
Big chances missed	2	0
Stats via Sofascore

A few days later against County, Clement unleashed the pair again and the result was a 3-0 victory for the Light Blues, with both players finding the back of the net for the second time in the space of four days.

The Brazilian isn’t part of the European squad, which meant he couldn’t take to the field against Spurs, yet this could mean he is in perfect shape for domestic action.

Given how well the pair combined and linked up during the previous two league clashes, it makes perfect sense for Clement to utilise this formation once again.

If so, the supporters will be expecting the duo to perform as well as they have done in previous weeks. If they can, then another three points should be secured before the club takes a break until after Christmas.

Chalkboard

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

It certainly appears as though Danilo and Igamane could form a new partnership at Ibrox similar to that of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, one which could see plenty of goals being scored between now and the end of the campaign.

Clement can sell Dessers by unleashing Rangers teen who just won a trophy

The Glasgow Rangers teenage sensation scored a goal to win his side a trophy this week.

1

By
Dan Emery

Dec 19, 2024

Manchester United have joined the transfer battle to sign Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, according to newspapers in Paris, who have been closely following PSG’s own interest.

Man Utd transfer news

Over a week into the January transfer window, United’s window has been focused on the future of Marcus Rashford. But while speculation continues over the Englishman, the Red Devils have put plans in place in terms of players they would like to sign if and when money becomes available.

Man Utd make enquiry for £33m Asian star as possible Rashford replacement

Man United and Ruben Amorim have their eyes on a Ligue 1 attacker.

ByBrett Worthington Jan 9, 2025

It was reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano earlier this week that United placed Patrick Dorgu on their transfer wishlist. The left-sided defender joins Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and PSG’s Nuno Mendes on the list of potential targets, but those two are considered more expensive than Dorgu, who is said to be valued at around £30 million.

As well as looking at Dorgu, the Premier League side have made an enquiry to sign Kang-in Lee from Paris Saint-Germain. INEOS are exploring the possibility of getting a deal over the line, as PSG are looking to get £33 million for the attacker, but they also face competition from Newcastle United.

Ruben Amorim also has his eye on strengthening his goalkeeper department, as reports have emerged that United have sent a scout to watch Mads Hermansen of Leicester City, and they could take advantage of a potential Foxes PSR breach to complete a transfer. The Red Devils are aware of his “potential availability” as the goalkeeper is Leicester’s most “likely sale” if they fail to comply with PSR.

Man Utd are trying to hijack PSG's Kvaratskhelia move

INEOS are not stopping there, as according to L’Equipe, relayed by Get Football News France, Man United are now trying to hijack PSG’s move to sign Kvaratskhelia from Napoli this month.

Kvaratskhelia, who is sponsored by Adidas, has been an impressive player for Napoli since joining the club in 2022. The forward has continued to be a shining light for the Italian side, scoring a bundle of goals and creating plenty of chances for his teammates – this season the winger has scored five and recorded three assists in 17 Serie A games. The Georgia international is still under contract until 2027, but a move could materialise this month.

PSG have been long-term admirers of the winger, and last summer they came close to bringing him to the French capital. That interest has not disappeared, as Fabrizio Romano reports that PSG are continuing to try and sign Kvaratskhelia this month, with both clubs in direct contact and PSG willing to offer Milan Skriniar plus cash to get a deal over the line.

Apps

17

Starts

15

Minutes per game

70

Goals

5

xG

4.14

Shots per game

2.9

Goal conversion

10%

Assists

3

xAG

2.97

Big chances created

5

Key passes

1.7

However, they are not the only team chasing the Napoli attacker, as L’Equipe reports that United are looking to hijack PSG’s transfer move by offering Rashford in part exchange for Kvaratskhelia. This offer is likely to include money as well, but it is unclear if it is enough to convince Napoli, as the forward has a release clause worth £100 million.

Tryon’s 88 in vain as South Africa’s batting falls short

Valkerie Baynes11-Jul-2022Emma Lamb stood up to the challenge set down for her ahead of this multi-format series with a stunning century in just her fourth international appearance to lead England to a five-wicket victory over South Africa in their first ODI.Before the drawn Test which kicked off the series in Taunton last month, Lisa Keightley, the England head coach, had urged Lamb to “show us what she’s got” as an international opener.After an assured 38 and sharing a 65-run partnership with Tammy Beaumont in that match, Lamb held her place in a revamped top order for the first of three ODIs which also included Sophia Dunkley batting at No. 3 for the first time in 20 matches in the format.Playing just her third ODI – she scored a duck during the Ashes and wasn’t required to bat against Pakistan at the World Cup – Lamb took charge at Wantage Road following the loss of Beaumont, brilliantly bowled by Marizanne Kapp with the 17th ball of England’s reply as they sought 219 to win.Related

England challenge Emma Lamb to make her mark as an opener

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Lamb shared an 85-run stand with Dunkley, who fell lbw to Nadine de Klerk for 22, before putting on another 89 runs for the third wicket with Nat Sciver, who clubbed 55 off just 36 balls before also falling to de Klerk with just 44 runs left to get.With Heather Knight at the other end, Lamb brought up her century with a stunning open-faced drive, inviting an enthusiastic embrace from her captain.Lamb’s cut shot was particularly productive as she repeatedly carved away anything wide of off stump, including the first of three fours in one Nonkululeko Mlaba over to bring up her fifty at almost a run-a-ball.By the time Lamb fell for 102 from 97 balls pulling Tumi Sekhukhune to Ayabonga Khaka at square leg, just 17 runs were needed. After Knight was trapped lbw by Khaka, it fell to Danni Wyatt, who has routinely switched between opener and finisher in recent times and came in at No.6 on this occasion, to hit the winning runs, lofting Sekhukhune over mid-on for four to put England ahead on points 4-2.Earlier, Sciver had claimed four wickets after Katherine Brunt, her wife, roared back into international action with a miserly 3 for 18 to bowl South Africa out for 218 inside 48 overs.Had it not been for Chloe Tryon’s powerful hitting to reach 88 off 73 deliveries, the equation could have been much worse for the visitors.Brunt, back after announcing her retirement from Tests ahead of the Taunton game, unleashed an opening spell of 5-1-5-2 which reduced South Africa to 34 for 2 inside the first nine overs.Only Laura Wolvaardt appeared to offer any resistance as South Africa then lost captain Sune Luus and the in-form Kapp cheaply. But when Wolvaardt was apparently pinned lbw on 43 by Charlie Dean and walked straight off despite replays suggesting she had laid a feather of bat on ball, Tryon took her cue to push South Africa somewhere towards a respectable total.Returning to the side after she missed the Test with a hip injury, Tryon smashed 10 fours and three sixes on the way to her score. She twice overturned lbw dismissals to Sophie Ecclestone, on 34 and 69, one going over leg stump and getting an inside edge onto the other.Chloe Tryon raises her bat after her half-century•Getty ImagesTryon brought up her fifty driving Dean crisply through extra cover for two and in the next over she creamed two sixes off Kate Cross onto the roof of the stand beyond deep midwicket and over wide long on. She eventually holed out to Cross at deep midwicket off Sciver, ending a 97-run partnership with Nadine de Klerk, who added 38.Tryon’s wicket sparked a collapse in which South Africa lost their last five wickets for 13 runs in the space of 16 balls. Sciver, who had bounced back from an initial three-over spell costing 21 runs to claim the important wicket of Kapp, had Trisha Chetty caught behind four balls after removing Tryon and then Brunt returned to the attack and bowled Khaka with her second ball back.Brunt had removed Andrie Steyn – opening after Lizelle Lee’s shock retirement from international cricket last week – lbw for just 14 with a full ball that nipped back and thudded into the pad in line with middle stump.Lara Goodall, on 5, overturned her lbw dismissal to Brunt with replays showing the ball to have pitched outside leg by a stitch but, two balls later, Brunt put the question beyond doubt with one that lifted off the seam and found a thick outside edge which went straight to Knight at slip.From there South Africa’s innings moved sedately at best until Tryon arrived to shake things up.There was late drama when Cross slid at deep midwicket to parry a ball struck by de Klerk to Dunkley, who gathered and threw to the bowler’s end where Sciver removed the stumps with Sekhukhune well short of her ground. Cross stayed down for a long while clutching her knee but she didn’t look seriously hurt once she got up. De Klerk fell two balls later, well caught at mid-off by Ecclestone off Sciver to end South Africa’s innings.

The Bundesliga giants and the NFL side have announced a partnership, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two iconic sides

Teams join forces to boost international growth effortsPartnership includes joint activities, content, and fan engagement initiativesCollaboration builds on shared colors, industrial heritage, and winning traditionsAFPWHAT HAPPENED

Borussia Dortmund and the Pittsburgh Steelers have formed a unique partnership aimed at furthering both clubs' international growth efforts. The collaboration will involve joint team activities, content creation, and fan engagement initiatives, leveraging the shared black and yellow colors of both teams.

This comes after the Steelers got a license for Germany in 2024 from the NFL as a part of the league’s Global Markets Program which allows the club to participate in a partnership on the ground activities and various other things. Steeler’s Director of Business Development and Strategy, Dan Rooney had a lot to say on the matter and believes that it’s the perfect partnership for both sides.

“The partnership with Borussia Dortmund, the first-of-its-kind for the Steelers organization, builds off the deep connections both of our teams have with the communities we represent, as well as our shared values, rooted in our industrial pasts, of hard work, determination, and a winning spirit,” said Pittsburgh Steelers Director of Business Development and Strategy, Dan Rooney. “We look forward to what’s next as we support each other’s success in reaching fans in new markets and raising the profiles of the cities we call home.”

AdvertisementWHAT BORUSSIA DORTMUND POSTEDTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The collaboration between Dortmund and the Steelers goes beyond their shared team colors. Both clubs have deep roots in industrial cities with a strong steel-making heritage, and both are known for their passionate fan bases and winning traditions. The partnership has already begun in the form of business collaboration between the two sides, as Dortmund has hosted a Steelers' delegation to watch a home game at the Westfalenstadion amongst other things.

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WHAT’S NEXT?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to welcome a delegation from Borussia Dortmund in the spring and are also set to host its first-ever German-based flag football clinic at the BVB Football Academy, featuring an unnamed Steelers player in mid-April.

Likened to Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi at different points, the volcanic French forward is adding consistency to his game and a big move awaits

The 2019-20 season will always be remembered for being turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, but it was also a campaign in which some world class players emerged. It was the season in which Erling Haaland broke through with RB Salzburg and then took Germany by storm with Borussia Dortmund. It was also the season in which Florian Wirtz became the Bundesliga's youngest ever scorer.

Those two players have more than justified the hype around them but not every youngster who caused a stir that season can say the same. Ansu Fati became Barcelona's youngest scorer and the youngest player to find the net in the Champions League, but that sensational start was ruined by injuries and his career is now at a crossroads.

Then there is Rayan Cherki, who was mentioned in the same breath as Kylian Mbappe at the time when he became Lyon's youngest goalscorer in January 2020 at the age of 16. Five years on the forward is still at Lyon and still waiting for his full France debut. The player who was known to all Football Manager fans as the next wonderkid never quite exploded as many hoped. That is, until now. Cherki is having his best ever season, contributing to 27 goals in all competitions. He has hit a remarkable run of form just as his side are preparing to face Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals. And he has already fired a warning out to Ruben Amorim's side by declaring: "We are ready to go to war with them."

Getty Creating the unexpected

Cherki is one of those fascinating players who fans cannot take their eyes off but who managers don't actually like working with. He is Lyon's leading goal provider this season but found himself left out of the starting line-up for the last match against Lille, the seventh time he has been benched in Ligue 1 this season. Fortunately for him he did not spend long on the sidelines as Ernest Nuamah was forced off injured after only seven minutes.

Predictably, it was Cherki who proved to be the match-winner, teeing himself up for a volley inside the area. When the ball struck the net there was an outpouring of emotion from the 21-year-old, who did a knee-slide before rolling over, his expression exuding equal parts happiness, equal parts vindication.

Cherki first made a name for himself in that pandemic-affected season as a substitute, making history as Lyon's youngest scorer with an audacious chip from inside the area to complete a 7-0 rout of lower-league side Bourg Peronnas in the Coupe de France. He soon backed it up in his next cup tie but against a much-bigger opponent in Nantes, scoring twice and setting up two more in a 4-3 win.

His youth coach Jean-Baptiste Gregoire said at the time: "He is a boy who invents things all the time. He creates the unexpected and captivates the attention of everyone: team-mates, coaches, opponents, fans. But what impresses me the most is his passion for football, his determination and his mind to reach the highest level as fast as possible."

AdvertisementGettyDifficult to coach

Gregoire must be the only coach to have worked with Cherki who was impressed with his mentality. Even back then there were questions about his attitude as well as his consistency. Cherki was angry about being left on the bench for a Ligue 1 game against Bordeaux and asked to return to the youth team in protest. His wish was granted but he was chastised for his performance in his next game. Even his father was dismayed, shouting at him on the sideline: "If you don't want to play, get off the pitch."

Cherki has played under six coaches in his time at Lyon and it is fair to say that none of them have been truly enamoured with him. Rudi Garcia, the man who gave him his debut, was the first one to warn him about getting too complacent. He said: "We all keep telling him that he will have the career he deserves if he continues to work. The danger is to make him believe that he is already one of the best players on the planet."

Garcia's successor, Peter Bosz, chose his words carefully when explaining why he repeatedly left him out of his line-up. "I know that Cherki is very popular, it's great for him and for the fans. I choose my players to win the match every week. If I see that we can win with Rayan he will start, otherwise it will be another player."

Getty'Not a special player'

Laurent Blanc revealed he had "some heated discussions" with Cherki over his tendency to play for himself rather than the collective while Fabio Grosso was the most critical. "He's a player; he's not a special player," the Italian said during his short-lived and disastrous spell in charge of Lyon. "He's a player like any other, albeit with some additional qualities. But it’s not just technical qualities that matter; there are mental and athletic qualities as well. He possesses enormous technical abilities, but he needs to work on the others."

Grosso was sacked by Lyon after seven games, leaving them bottom of the table and in serious danger of relegation. Successor, Pierre Sage, led them out of trouble but it was telling that he scarcely picked Cherki early on in his tenure and no one complained as he presided over a dramatic revival, taking them from the foot of the table to sixth. A contract stand-off then ensued last summer, leading to Cherki being left out of the squad for the first few games of the season.

When he was eventually reintegrated into the squad after agreeing a one-year extension, he made a typically dramatic return, coming off the bench against Marseille and scoring a last-gasp equaliser a few minutes later only for his side to concede a winner later on.

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Getty Showing maturity, taking responsibility

It was the start of his resurgence though as he scored five goals and contributed seven assists between September and December. Despite their differences, Cherki paid Sage an emotional tribute when he was sacked in January. "He leaves behind an exceptional legacy. When you see where he took the club and where he left it, he has earned everyone’s respect. Very few coaches in the world, and even in the history of football, can claim to have accomplished what he has done."

Cherki has also tried to endear himself to his latest coach, Paulo Fonseca, who made global headlines for furiously confronting a referee in a match against Brest – only his fifth Ligue 1 game – earning a nine-month touchline ban in domestic matches. In their next match, in the Europa League against FCSB, Lyon's players swarmed an emotional Fonseca in a show of unity. Cherki articulated the squad's feelings for the coach when he said: "We really have a very good relationship with the coach. It affected us when we saw his suspension. We were a little in a feeling of injustice before the match, we wanted to give everything for him."

It was perhaps a sign of Cherki's growing maturity. He has taken on new responsibility in the team and is playing the best football of his life under Fonseca, finally adding consistency to the raw talent he has always demonstrated. In his last 11 games he has provided 10 assists while scoring four goals.

BCB is yet to announce the captain for the third T20I, but it is likely that Litton Das would lead the side

Mohammad Isam01-Aug-2022

According to the team physio, Nurul Hasan will take about three weeks to recover from the finger injury•BCB

Nurul Hasan, Bangladesh’s new T20I captain, was ruled out of the remainder of the Zimbabwe tour following a finger injury during his side’s seven-wicket win in the second T20I in Harare on Sunday. Nurul fractured his left index finger while keeping against fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, according to team physio team Muzadded Alpha Sany.The BCB hasn’t announced the captain for the third T20I but it is likely that Litton Das, who led Bangladesh in a solitary T20I last year, will be the stand-in captain.Related

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“We did an X-ray which revealed a fracture to the index finger. Such injuries take about three weeks to recover from. He is therefore out of Tuesday’s last T20 match and the upcoming ODI series,” Sany said in a video message.The incident took place towards the end of the Zimbabwe innings. Nurul continued as a wicketkeeper but looked to be struggling in pain.Nurul was made captain for the T20I series against Zimbabwe following a change in leadership that saw Mahmudullah, the former captain, being rested from this series. Bangladesh bounced back from a 17-run defeat in the first T20I to win the second game convincingly, and level the series 1-1.Bangladesh will play the third and the final T20I on Tuesday, which will be followed by three ODIs from August, in Harare.