Man Utd now join race to sign "dominant" defender likened to Virgil Van Dijk

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, and the Bundesliga club’s stance on cashing-in has now been revealed.

Man United have taken major strides over the past month or so, having taken 11 points from their last five matches, but it would be fair to say their defensive record still needs major improvement.

Ruben Amorim’s side have shipped 18 goals in their opening 11 games, the joint-highest number of any side above 16th in the Premier League table, failing to keep a clean sheet since the 2-0 victory against Sunderland at the beginning of October.

Both Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt have impressed in an attacking sense, with the former scoring the winner at Anfield, while the Dutchman recently received high praise from Rio Ferdinand, who said: “De Ligt’s been our best defender this season”

“I think he’s been outstanding for us. He’s even adding goals like the last-minute equaliser the other day.”

That said, Amorim clearly needs to tighten things up at the back, given the sheer number of goals his side have conceded, and the Red Devils have now set their sights on a new target.

Man Utd join race to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United have now joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck, who is about to enter the last 18 months of his contract with the German club, meaning a bidding war could be on the cards.

Liverpool have also emerged as potential suitors for the centre-back, who has earned comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, in light of his composure under pressure, which has been on display in the Champions League.

Dortmund may need to cash-in due to their financial situation, as they are currently at risk of losing the 25-year-old on a free transfer, and there is no shortage of interest, with Barcelona currently believed to be leading the race for his signature.

The defender’s ball-playing ability, coupled with the fact he is left-footed, is said to make him perfect for Amorim, and the Dortmund star has earned high praise from former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown.

Brown said: “He’s a dominant centre-back, a regular for Germany, and a very defensive option who likes to win tackles, win headers and take charge of the back line.”

Impressively, the German is also very comfortable in possession of the ball, as displayed by his performance across some key passing and dribbling metrics over the past year.

Nico Schlotterbeck’s passing and dribbling statistics

Average per 90

Passes attempted

84.06 (97th percentile)

Progressive passes

7.43 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.29 (89th percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.48 (92nd percentile)

Schlotterbeck is experienced at the top level, having amassed 22 caps for Germany and 35 Champions League appearances, and he could be the ideal option for Amorim at left centre-back.

What Man Utd plan to do to hijack Real Madrid's move for Marc Guehi What Man Utd are ready to do to hijack Real Madrid's move for Marc Guehi

He could be a superb signing for the Red Devils.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 4, 2025

جوارديولا: على القنوات التلفزيونية أن تعطيني "زجاجة نبيذ" بعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام

تحدث بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي في مؤتمر صحفي عن مباراة سندرلاند على ملعب الاتحاد غداً في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها “سيتي إكسترا” عن فوز فريقه ضد فولهام بخمسة أهداف لأربعة: “لقد نسينا الأمر، تعلمنا درسًا جيدًا ونأمل ذلك لكننا نسيناه”.

وأضاف عن مواجهة سندرلاند: “إنهم يستحقون هذا المركز الذي يحتلونه بعد 14 مباراة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضد هؤلاء الخصوم، أن يكونوا في هذا الوضع، إنهم يستحقون ذلك”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. يايا توريه يفتح النار مجددًا على جوارديولا: ليس رجلاً بل ثعبان!

وواصل: “لا أجد كلمات كافية للتعبير عما عشته في مانشستر سيتي، لحظات جيدة في الغالب ولحظات سيئة أيضاً، والأشخاص الرائعون الذين التقيت بهم هنا، لقد كانت رحلة استثنائية، كانت في قمة الروعة”.

وتابع: “بالطبع لا أحب أن أستقبل ستة أهداف في مباراتين ولكن في نفس الوقت نحن الفريق الذي سجل أكبر عدد من الأهداف وعلينا أن نبني على ذلك”.

وسئل جوارديولا عن قلة فرص المشاركة التي يحصل عليها ريان آيت نوري: “لقد لعب في كأس العالم للأندية وكان رائعاً، لعب المباراة الأولى ضد وولفرهامبتون، والثانية ضد توتنهام وبعدها أصيب، وبعد ذلك جاء نيكو أوريلي، وقدم أداء رائعًا وهذا هو السبب، لا أكثر من ذلك، نحن سعداء جداً بريان آيت نوري، وأعلم أنه سيساعدنا، لقد انضم إلينا منذ فترة طويلة وهو متمرس في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويجيد اللعب في مركز الجناح والوسط، ويستطيع اللعب في مراكز مختلفة لكن الآن، نيكو يقدم أداء رائع وهذا هو السبب الوحيد”.

وأكد جوارديولا أن رودري لن يكون متاحاً لمواجهة مانشستر سيتي ضد سندرلاند: “حالته تتحسن، لا أعرف كم من الوقت سيغيب، لكنه في مرحلة تجعله جاهزًا للعب”.

وعاد جوارديولا للحديث عن فوز مانشستر سيتي بخمسة أهداف لأربعة ضد فولهام: “لو كنت جالساً في المنزل أشاهد المباراة لما غيرت المباراة، أنا متأكد من أن القنوات التلفزيونية سعيدة، إذا كانوا يراعونني أنا وماركو سيلفا، فإنه يجب أن يعطوني زجاجة نبيذ، أنا لا أمزح، لا بد أن القنوات التلفزيونية سعيدة”.

وقال بيب عن كثرة ركض لاعبي مانشستر سيتي: “هذا ليس جيداً، عندما تلعب بشكل أفضل، تركض أقل، علينا أن نركض كثيراً لكنهم يتمتعون بروح معنوية عالية وهذه نقطة جيدة لأن ما حدث الموسم الماضي اننا لم نركض، لم يكن المستوى جيدًا طوال الوقت”.

وأشاد بيب بمدرب تشيلسي إنزو ماريسكا: “إنزو ماريسكا أحد أفضل المدربين في العالم، العمل الذي قام به مع تشيلسي لا يحصل على تقديره الكافي، كأس العالم للأندية ودوري المؤتمر والتأهل لدوري أبطال أوروبا، كل ذلك في غاية الصعوبة مع فريق شاب وكيف يقوم بتطوير اللاعبين، انه استثنائي، وذهب إلى إيلاند رود لمواجهة ليدز وانظروا ما حدث، الأمر صعب جداً”.

واختتم بيب عن مرشحيه للفوز بكأس العالم: “أتمنى أن تكون إنجلترا هناك، لا أريد أن أتظاهر باللطف لكنني هنا منذ سنوات عديدة وبصفتي جزءا من هذا البلد، أتمنى أن يتخذ توماس توخيل وفريقه الخطوة الأخيرة ويحققون اللقب”.

Pirates Dismiss Pitching Coach After Posting Seventh-Best ERA in Majors

The Pirates enjoyed a successful season on the mound this year—but they are reportedly following that season with a surprising move.

Pittsburgh is dismissing pitching coach Oscar Marin, according to a Tuesday afternoon report from Jon Heyman of the . Marin, 42, had served in that position since 2020.

The reported move comes after the Pirates pitched to an ERA of 3.76—the seventh-best in baseball and the team's lowest in a decade, since it won 98 games in 2015. Pittsburgh also allowed fewer than four runs per game for the first time since '15.

Marin is also the only pitching coach Pirates star Paul Skenes has known since his promotion to the major leagues in 2024. In two years, Skenes is 21-13 with an ERA of 1.96 and 386 strikeouts in 320 2/3 innings.

Pittsburgh, which has weathered a reputation as one of North American professional sports' most poorly run teams for decades, has had four winning seasons in the last 30 years and none since 2018.

Sob olhares de Zubeldía, São Paulo goleia o Atletico-GO e deixa o Z4 do Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

Com Luis Zubeldía nas tribunas do Antônio Accioly, o São Paulo venceu o Atlético-GO por 3 a 0, em duelo válido pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão. Calleri, Luciano, de pênalti, e Ferreirinha anotaram os gols da partida. O Dragão teve dois jogadores expulsos no segundo tempo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloZubeldía faz mistério e se esquiva sobre utilização de James no São PauloSão Paulo21/04/2024São PauloAtlético-GO x São Paulo: onde assistir, horário e escalações pelo BrasileirãoSão Paulo21/04/2024Palpites de HojePalpite: Atlético-GO x São Paulo – Campeonato Brasileiro – 21/4/2024Palpites de Hoje21/04/2024

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Com o resultado, o Tricolor conquista seus primeiros pontos no Brasileirão e deixa a zona do rebaixamento. Já o Dragão segue zerado e ocupa o penúltimo lugar. Veja no vídeo abaixo a análise de Rafael Marson, repórter do Lance!, sobre o duelo entre São Paulo e Atlético-GO.

➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor

O próximo compromisso do São Paulo será na quinta-feira (25), contra o Barcelona-EQU, pela fase de grupos da Libertadores. O jogo será a estreia de Zubeldía no comando do Tricolor. O Atlético-GO volta a campo no domingo (28), contra o Internacional.

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✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Atlético-GO 0 x 3 São Paulo
3ª rodada – Série A Brasileirão

Data e horário: domingo, 21 de abril de 2024, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Antonio Accioly, em Goiânia (GO)
Onde assistir: Premiere
Árbitro: Bráulio da Silva Machado
Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa e Thiaggo Americano Labes.

GOLS: Calleri, Luciano e Ferreirinha

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

⚽ESCALAÇÕES

Atlético-GO: Ronaldo; Bruno Tubarão, Luiz Felipe, Pedro Henrique e Guilherme Romão; Rhaldney, Baralhas e Shaylon; Emiliano Rodríguez, Alejo Cruz e Luiz Fernando. Técnico: Jair Ventura.

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São Paulo: Rafael; Arboleda, Diego Costa e Alan Franco; Igor Vinícius, Pablo Maia, Alisson, Luciano e Welington; André Silva e Calleri. Técnico: Milton Cruz (interino).

Tudo sobre

Atlético GoianienseBrasileirãoSão Paulo

Man Utd to "complete" move and sign "the next Casemiro" in coming days

Manchester United are plotting signings and now look to be on the verge of announcing their latest arrival at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd prepare to take on Crystal Palace

The dust has settled on a disappointing defeat for Manchester United against Everton on Monday night, which will have left Ruben Amorim with plenty to stew over after being denied by a rigid block that refused to budge at Old Trafford.

Arguably, a change of shape or style would’ve heightened the chances of the Red Devils scoring. Still, some excellent saves from Jordan Pickford ended their five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, and they will now need to reset against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

South London has proved to be one of the toughest destinations in the top-flight this campaign for clubs keen on points, albeit Manchester United will have no choice but to try and defy recent norms in their pursuit of continental qualification.

Come the January window, Amorim will hope to call upon the backing of INEOS in the hunt for new additions, and Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Joao Gomes and Andre are wanted at Old Trafford.

Casemiro could be on his way out at Manchester United, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that he may only be kept on under reduced salary conditions, as he said: “So now the desire is from Man Utd obviously to continue with Casemiro, but on different conditions.

“So the salary he has right now is a salary Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future. Not because of unhappiness with the player, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

With that in mind, the Red Devils could now be set to imminently sign a younger midfielder who shares similar traits with the Brazil international.

Man Utd set to sign Cristian Orozco

According to Romano on X, Manchester United are now close to signing Fortaleza midfielder Cristian Orozco for a fee in the region of £756,800 and he will arrive in England over the coming days to seal his move.

Despite never playing senior club football, scouts have compared him to the likes of Moises Caicedo and believe he could be the “next Casemiro” due to his “physically imposing” displays in the engine room.

Capped 13 times at Under-17 level by Colombia, he looks to be the latest in a long line of additions Manchester United have made over recent times with an eye for the future, similar to the likes of Chido Obi-Martin, Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon.

Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love

He could complete Amorim’s back three.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025

With Casemiro soon to be into the final few months of his contract, the Red Devils may have now done the groundwork to land his long-term replacement.

'Felt across the country' – Melbourne teenager dies after cricket training accident

A 17-year-old club cricketer in Melbourne has died after being struck on the neck by a ball at training on Tuesday.Ben Austin was taken to hospital in critical condition after the incident at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east where he had been facing balls in the nets, thrown by a sidearm, or ‘wanger’, ahead of a T20 match. He was wearing a helmet but it did not include a stem guard.He was placed on life support at Monash Children’s Hospital but died on Thursday morningIn a statement Jace Austin, Ben’s father, said: “We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning.”For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends.”This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers – going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.”We would also like to support his team-mate who was bowling in the nets – this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria are providing assistance to the family and those impacted by the tragedy.”The tragic circumstances of Ben and Ferntree Gully are…going to be felt across the country,” CA chair Mike Baird told reporters in Melbourne. “Cricket is a sport that brings people together, communities together. It’s also one that feels very deeply an incident such as we’ve seen.”[It’s] hard to put words on it. What we want to say is that we are doing everything we can to support the family, the club, and all those impacted by this tragic news. Clearly, there are things that we have to learn from this, but right now, we are concerned about the family and trying to support them in every way.”Nick Cummins, the Cricket Victoria chief executive, said: “We’re absolutely devastated on behalf of the family, on behalf of the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, and more broadly, the Victorian cricket community.”We are doing everything we can to support not just the family of young Ben, but also those at the club, and Ben played for a number of clubs, to ensure that they have the counselling and the support, not just today, but well into the future, as this is something that will stay with our community for some time.”

Cummins, who compared the accident to the one involving Phil Hughes nearly 11 years ago, added that it was too early to discuss any changes to regulations or safety measures, such as making stem guards mandatory across all levels of the game.”I think the temptation in moments like this is to move to solution mode,” he said. “At the moment, our focus is around providing support and counselling for those people who experienced the trauma. There will be an appropriate time to review that and answer those questions.”Flowers, cards, lollies, a drink bottle and a cricket bat have been laid in tribute of the teenager at the club in the hours after his death. The bat was inscribed with several messages including “rest easy Benny” and “forever 14 not out”.In a statement, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said: “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”Ben was remembered as a star cricketer, a strong leader and an outstanding young man. In March, he received an award recognising a player who demonstrates dedication and the right attitude to the game. He celebrated his birthday earlier in October.”I know how heavily this news will land across our community and we will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters said.The family thanked those who provided immediate first aid, the emergency services and the support over the last two days.”We would like to thank the cricket community including Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club for their support since Tuesday evening and to the dozens of people who visited Ben in hospital,” Jace Austin said.”Finally, we would also like thank all the first responders at the scene and the staff at Monash Children’s Hospital who worked so hard to help Ben. We will cherish Ben forever.”We would ask that our family’s privacy is respected as we come to terms with our loss.”There are discussions taking place about a tribute to Ben when Australia face India at the MCG on Friday night.

Sunderland eye €30m swoop for AC Milan striker after impressive start to life in Premier League

Sunderland are preparing a stunning €30 million (£26m) move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez, with reports in Italy claiming the “monster offer” has already satisfied the Rossoneri hierarchy. They are ready to accept a loan-with-obligation deal in January, leaving the Premier League side now working to convince the hesitant Mexico international to join their ambitious project.

Sunderland want AC Milan's Gimenez this winter

Sunderland have accelerated their push to sign Gimenez, submitting an offer worth around €30 million that AC Milan reportedly view as acceptable. Italian outlets suggest the Black Cats initially pursued a loan, but the structure has shifted to a loan with a conditional obligation to buy due to Milan’s financial needs. Gimenez has registered one goal and two assists in 11 games this season, and despite his struggles, Sunderland believe he is the right profile to boost their attack in January.

Milan appear ready to offload the striker, as Massimiliano Allegri seeks a different type of forward for his system. Previous reports indicated Sunderland and Brentford were both monitoring the player, but the Black Cats have now moved ahead by formally contacting his agent, Rafaela Pimenta. Although the Rossoneri are happy with the bid, the transfer remains dependent on Gimenez himself, who is still evaluating the project before making a final decision.

Sunderland’s interest comes at a time when the club is determined to reinforce their frontline ahead of a push for Champions League qualification. Their defensive performances have kept them high in the table, but scoring has been inconsistent, with just 14 league goals in 12 matches.

AdvertisementAFPSunderland prepared to make 'monster bid' after initial loan deal

The proposed €30m deal is highly appealing to AC Milan, who are eager to secure funds for their own striker search in January. According to La Repubblica, the offer is “adequate to avoid capital losses” and provides crucial liquidity to unlock their incoming transfer plans. The Rossoneri signed Gimenez from Feyenoord with high expectations, but his limited output and stylistic mismatch under Allegri have prompted a willingness to let him go immediately.

For Sunderland, the move represents a continuation of their ambitious new-era strategy under Regis Le Bris, who is determined to elevate the squad into a stable top-six Premier League contender. The Black Cats have been evaluating attacking reinforcements for weeks, particularly given the vast financial inequality between themselves and the league’s elite. Adding a striker entering his prime years, already capped by Mexico and proven in Europe, offers significant value compared to typical Premier League market inflation.

The player’s hesitation stems largely from his desire to succeed at childhood club AC Milan and his previous rejection of Nottingham Forest. Nevertheless, close sources indicate he is seriously considering the Premier League switch due to the opportunity for guaranteed minutes. With the 2026 World Cup taking place in Mexico, consistent first-team football is now a priority for the 24-year-old forward.

Getty ImagesGimenez still uncertain about Sunderland move

Gimenez’s proposed move follows several weeks of back-and-forth between Sunderland and his representatives, with Pimenta reviewing the club’s six-month loan proposal and its mandatory €30m purchase clause. The structure benefits all parties: AC Milan recover the majority of what they spent on the striker, Sunderland delay the financial hit until summer, and the player gains a pathway back to prominent form. This delay also allows Sunderland to manage their sporting budget depending on where they finish in the league table.

The Mexican international excelled at Feyenoord before his transfer to Italy, but has struggled to replicate that impact under Allegri. Milan’s tactical shift away from his strengths has reduced his minutes and confidence, creating the conditions for a mid-season departure. Sunderland believe his pressing intensity, movement and finishing, well-suited to Premier League football, will flourish in a system built around faster transitions and structured attacking phases.

Gimenez’s camp understands that Premier League exposure ahead of the World Cup could drastically improve his standing with the national team. Sunderland’s sporting project is being sold to him as an opportunity to become the team’s primary No.9 and an instant fan favourite. While the player remains cautious, his entourage acknowledges that this may be the best available January pathway for his long-term development.

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Sunderland hopeful of coup

Sunderland will now focus on convincing Gimenez personally, as AC Milan have already indicated they will accept the €30m package. The Black Cats want the deal completed early in January, but will not wait indefinitely if the striker hesitates too long. 

NZ coach Walter: Kane Williamson 'deserves' time to communicate availability

The New Zealand coach is content to work out flexible agreements with casual contract players

Andrew McGlashan06-Oct-2025Kane Williamson’s availability for New Zealand’s home summer will take a little longer to lock in. However, head coach Rob Walter is content to give a player of his standing the extra time.Williamson, who is one of the group of players to hold a casual contract with NZC, made himself unavailable for the three-match T20I series against Australia, having previously missed the tour of Zimbabwe to play county cricket and the Hundred.The next part of New Zealand’s home season sees them play England in T20Is and ODIs before an all-format visit by West Indies in November.”Kane, we’re still in conversations as to what the summer is going to look like,” Walter told reporters after the Australia series. “He will play, no doubt about that. Just what and where is still in discussion.Related

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“I think the reality is we’re dealing with all the guys on casual contracts, actually in different positions from a playing point of view. Kane is one of those and he deserves the opportunity to sit and talk about what the rest of his year will look like. But I keep coming back to the most important thing, [which] is that he wants to play for his country, and so nutting out exactly what that looks like can take an extra week or two, but surely, he deserves that.”Walter confirmed that New Zealand would continue to be without Finn Allen (foot) and Adam Milne (ankle) for the visit of England while Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) and Glenn Phillips (groin) were unlikely to be fit.However, he was hopeful that white-ball captain Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra, who was a late withdrawal from the Australia series after suffering a facial injury colliding with the boundary boards at training, will have recovered in time for the series which starts on October 18 in Christchurch.Walter was unperturbed about not being able to get his full-strength T20I side together in the build-up to next year’s World Cup.Mitchell Santner is likely to be available again•ICC via Getty Images”I think we don’t live in an ideal world and so that’s part and parcel of it,” he said. “I’ve been part of a World Cup campaign [with South Africa] where the team assembled at its full strength three days before our first game and that team managed to make a final.”For me, it’s just the way it works. I think what’s more important is the environment and the team culture that sort of assimilates together when it needs to. We do know that by the back end of the India series [in January] prior to the World Cup, that’s when our full World Cup squad will be together.”For me, as long as the guys are playing competitive cricket, that’s important, and almost everyone has been part of the environment at some point so I would assume that they can fit seamlessly back into it.”Should all players be fit and available for the World Cup, there will be some selection squeezes, especially around the pace bowling and top-order batting. Tim Robinson took his chance after Ravindra’s injury to make an impressive hundred in the first match against Australia, while Jimmy Neesham claimed a four-wicket haul in the third game.Australia won the T20I series against New Zealand•Getty Images”Ultimately when things are operating the way they should, everyone’s not fighting for their position, but understands that competition for places is there,” Walter said. “Ultimately you want your best crop of players in the park and in the squad.”They’re all quality players. At the end of the day, there’s going to be a quality player that’s left out, whoever that may be. As you’ve heard me say many times before, the stronger the player that’s left out, the better the system.”Reflecting on the Australia series, Walter was encouraged by the way his side fought back from 6 for 3 in the opening match and forced a collapse with the ball in the second but conceded they had areas that needed improving before facing England.”There’s little bits [of positives] here and there but, to be fair, we were a little bit off our best game and when you do that against [Australia], who’s won 25 of their last 30 T20 internationals, you’re going to find yourself on the wrong end of the result,” he said.”Some of the areas that we weren’t competitive in are actually quite easy fixes, [they] just require a little bit of extra time on our part…like any loss there’ll be some positives most of the time and then some stuff that you walk away with and understanding that you have to do better as we move forward.”With England arriving, you’ve got a team that’s going to play very similar to how Australia played in the series. So again, we get to check out if we actually have improved in the areas that we’ve identified and spoken about.”

Estevao Willian celebrates 'best moment of his career' as Brazilian wonderkid reacts to scoring in Chelsea's demolition of Barcelona

Estevao Willian spoke with the excitement of a Brazilian teenager living out his dream, after the 18-year-old Chelsea winger scored the goal of the night as the Blues put Barcelona to the sword in a statement 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Speaking of this being the best moment of his young career thus far, Estevao spoke of how grateful he is for such a night and emphasised his connection with Chelsea fans since his arrival at the club.

  • Estevao elated after stunning goal in huge Barcelona clash

    Estevao spoke to at full-time after the stunning result, which saw Chelsea dominate their esteemed opponents from the first to the last whistle.

    A scrappy own-goal by Jules Kounde opened the scoring in the first half, before Estevao had his moment and doubled his side’s advantage in the second. Skipping past Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde with ease, Estevao rifled the ball into the roof of the net to put a stamp on the score line which reflected the Blues’ dominance.

    Already bagging five goals for his new club, becoming the second youngest-ever player to score in his first three Champions League starts in the process. Behind only Kylian Mbappe, the pair and Erling Haaland are the only three players to achieve the feat before the age of 20.

    His goal on Tuesday night was reminiscent of his strike against Chelsea while playing for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, and his early performances in west London have indicated that he is still only improving.

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    'I don't have any words' – Estevao speaks on unforgettable night

    Estevao told : "I don't really have any words to sum up how I'm feeling right now. It really was the perfect night. I'm just grateful to God for everything that has happened for me. Onwards and upwards from here."

    On his goal, he added: "It all happened very quickly for me, it sort of happened before I knew it. I just found some space, wiggled my way through and then scored that goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to score many more.

    "It was definitely the best moment of my career so far. I want to score many more for many years. I'm so grateful that my family were here watching me.

    "From the moment I arrived here, I felt such a connection with the fans. I'm just so happy that I could score for them and make them happy. I hope to keep making them happy and score more goals for them."

  • Estevao clear winner in Yamal showdown

    The comparisons between teenage sensations Estevao and Lamine Yamal have taken a mind of their own in recent days, as fans began to prepare for the huge Champions League showdown. On the night, Estevao was the clear winner as Yamal was bettered by Marc Cucurella and rarely influenced proceedings.

    Maresca spoke in the build-up to the game about Estevao’s immense quality, while ensuring fans keep their feet on the ground.

    "Estevao is already playing at a high level and is starting games for Brazil," Maresca told reporters. "He is very young and for sure can do many things better, but we are very happy with him. It’s nice for people who love football to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, Pedri. We are happy that Estevao is with us.

    "Estevao is going to be an important player for this club in the future, no doubt. The most important thing for Estevao now is that he has to enjoy his football, he has to be happy, and not think about being better than this player or that player."

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    Estevao's light set to shine even brighter ahead of World Cup

    Estevao’s profile has been rising heavily ever since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, but his decisive contribution against Barcelona has seen him shine on a bigger stage than ever before.

    While he has a way to go in order to match the freakish career progression of Yamal at the same age, Estevao is already well on his way to becoming one of the greatest young players in world football.

    He will undoubtedly have a major role to play for Brazil at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico next summer, having already scored five goals in 11 matches for his nation including two goals in the most recent international break. The former Palmeiras star is only just getting started.

Saiba quando foi a última derrota do Grêmio como mandante para o Estudiantes

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Sonhando com a primeira colocação em seu grupo na Libertadores, o Grêmio encara, na noite deste sábado (8), às 19h, o Estudiantes-ARG, no Couto Pereira, em Curitiba. Se vencer, o Imortal garante a primeira posição, e tem um excelente retrospecto a seu favor. Confira as informações!

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A última derrota em casa

A última vez que o Grêmio perdeu para o Estudiantes jogando em solo brasileiro, aconteceu pela Supercopa Libertadores de 1989, no Olímpico, em outubro de 1989. Na ocasião, Mario Cariaga, aos 37 do segundo tempo, marcou o Gil solitário da partida. De lá pra cá, foram três jogos com mando do Grêmio, com três vitórias do Imortal, em 1990, 1997 e 2018.

Confira abaixo todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto do Brasil com o México (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

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Grêmio x Estudiantes-ARG – Libertadores

🗓️Data e horário:sábado, 8 de junho de 2024, às 19h (hora de Brasília)
📍Local:Estádio Couto Pereira, em Curitiba
📺Onde assistir: Paramount+
🟨 Árbitro e assistentes: não divulgado

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

Provável escalação do Grêmio:Marchesin; João Pedro, Rodrigo Ely, Kannemann e Reinaldo; Dodi, Pepê, Cristaldo, Everton Galdino e Soteldo; Diego Costa.Técnico: Renato Portaluppi.

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Provável escalação do Estudiantes: Matías Mansilla; Eros Mancuso, Luciano Lollo, Zaid Romero e Gaston Benedetti; Enzo Pérez, Santiago Ascacíbar e José Sosa; Mauro Méndez, Edwuin Cetré e Javier Correa.Técnico: Eduardo Domínguez.

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