جوتي مشيدًا بموهبة ريال مدريد: مختلف عن أي لاعب آخر في الفريق

أشاد خوسيه ماريا جوتي، أسطورة نادي ريال مدريد، بقدرات موهبة الفريق، موضحًا أنه مختلف عن بقية اللاعبين في اللوس بلانكوس.

ويمتلك ريال مدريد في الوقت الحالي، تشكيلة بها العديد من العناصر الشابة ومن بين أبرزها أردا جولر.

ويرى جوتي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “تليجراف”، أن جولر لاعب قادر على صناعة الفارق مع ريال مدريد بشكل دائم.

وقال جوتي: ”أراه يبلي بلاءً حسنًا، إنه لاعب مختلف عن أي لاعب آخر في ريال مدريد، هناك العديد من اللاعبين بنفس مستواه، يتمتعون بجودة عالية ولياقة بدنية رائعة لكن بدون التمريرة الحاسمة التي يمتلكها، إنه الوحيد الذي يتمتع بتلك الميزة الخاصة، تلك القدرة على الوصول إلى مناطق التسجيل وتسجيل الأهداف، تشابي سيضع ثقته فيه وسيكون موسمًا رائعًا له”.

وتحدث جوتي كذلك عن مدرب ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو، حيث أضاف: ”عندما وصل تشابي، قال إنه سيلعب بطرق مختلفة، بثلاثة مدافعين أو بأربعة مدافعين، أو 4-3-3، هذه هي قدرة المدرب العظيم على التكيف مع الفريق الرائع الذي يملكه، في المباريات القليلة الأولى كان يراقب كل لاعب وقد بدأ يتكيف، لا أعرف إن كانت آخر مباراة للفريق هي التشكيلة الأساسية المثالية، أو النظام المثالي، لكنها نجحت بشكل رائع في سان ماميس”.

وعن المقارنة بين تشكيلة ريال مدريد الحالية وجالاكتيكوس الفريق في عصر جوتي أجاب لاعب خط الوسط السابق: ”فريق ريال مدريد هذا أكثر تكاملاً من فريق الجالاكتيكوس، لقد أحدث الجالاكتيكوس ضجة كبيرة، لكنهم لم يفوزوا بكل ما كان ينبغي عليهم تحقيقه، آمل أن يحقق ريال مدريد هذا الإنجازات المهمة”.

وعن المقارنة بين نجم ريال مدريد الحالي، كيليان مبابي، وأسطورة الفريق الملكي، كريستيانو رونالدو، أردف جوتي: ”لن يتفوق أحد على كريستيانو رونالدو، إنه لاعب صنع تاريخًا في ريال مدريد وفي كرة القدم بفضل ثبات مستواه، هذا هو أهم شيء لأي لاعب يريد إزاحة كريستيانو وميسي عن عرشهما، اللذين أعتبرهما في نفس المستوى”.

وتابع: ”لا جدوى من خوض عشر مباريات جيدة ثم عدم الظهور في الوقت المناسب، هذان اللاعبان رونالدو وميسي كانا دائمًا على مستوى التوقعات. هذا هو التحدي الذي يواجه مبابي، أو لامين، أو أي شخص آخر يرغب في الاقتراب منهما”.

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وعن اعتماد ريال مدريد بشكل مبالغ فيه على مبابي، استكمل جوتي: ”لا ينبغي أن يكون الأمر كذلك، ريال مدريد يمتلك لاعبين رائعين، فينيسيوس، بيلينجهام، بإمكانهم، بل ينبغي عليهما تسجيل الكثير من الأهداف، صحيح أنهما يساهمان في أداء الفريق لكن لا ينبغي لريال مدريد الاعتماد فقط على أهداف مبابي”.

وعن إمكانية تحطيم مبابي لأرقام رونالدو القياسية، استطرد: ”سيحدث هذا مهما حدث، نحن نشهد نسخة مذهلة من مبابي، إنه يفوق مستوى بقية لاعبي الفريق، بفضله يفوز ريال مدريد بالمباريات وهذا يجعله قائدًا للفريق، يجب على كيليان أن يواصل هذا النهج ليضم المزيد من اللاعبين ويشهد تتويج ريال مدريد بالدوري”.

وعن حادثة الكلاسيكو بين فينيسيوس وألونسو، قال جوتي: ”لا يقلقني الأمر، لاعبو كرة القدم دائمًا ما يرغبون في اللعب وعندما يستبدلون ينزعجون، هذا أمر مفهوم والمدرب يعلم ذلك، لكن هذا لمصلحة اللاعب”.

وأضاف: ”كثيرًا ما ننتقد عدد المباريات التي يخوضها اللاعبون خلال العام، المهم ليس أن يكونوا في قمة مستواهم الآن، بل أن يكونوا في قمة مستواهم عند المنافسة على الألقاب، يسعى تشابي جاهدًا لضمان أن يكون كل لاعب في قمة مستواه في اللحظات الحاسمة، عندما يكون الفريق في قمة المنافسة”.

وعن ما إذا كان ألونسو قد تعامل بشكل جيد مع تصرف فينيسيوس في الكلاسيكو، اختتم جوتي حديثه: ”الأمر لا يتعلق بالحزم أو اللين بل بالتصرف الصحيح، في كثير من الأحيان عليك أن ترفع يدك لأن اللاعب يطلب منك ذلك، أو لأن اللحظة مناسبة، وعندما يتعين عليك أن تكون صارمًا عليك أن تكون كذلك”.

وأتم: ”تشابي يعرف كيف يتعامل مع كلا الموقفين، عندما حدث ما حدث مع برشلونة كان لديه ذلك اللين ليواصل ثقته به، فهو يعلم أن فينيسيوس لاعب مهم لريال مدريد”.

Mason can drop Maja to unleash West Brom star who’s a “breath of fresh air”

West Bromwich Albion are back in action in the Championship this evening as they prepare to travel to St. Mary’s to take on an in-form Southampton side.

The Saints, now led by Tonda Eckert, have won five of their last six matches in the division, beating Birmingham City 3-1 in their most recent outing.

Ryan Mason will have to make some tweaks to his side after they were beaten 3-1 by QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday, and Josh Maja is one star who could lose his place in the XI.

Why Ryan Mason should drop Josh Maja for West Brom

The Nigeria international was given a starting berth for the trip to West London after he came off the bench to provide an assist in the 3-2 comeback win over Swansea in the previous game.

Unfortunately, though, the former Sunderland centre-forward was unable to build on that assist with another strong performance, as he struggled against QPR.

Maja joined Aune Heggebo to form a front two for the Baggies in London, but was unable to provide much of a threat at the top end of the pitch in a drab loss.

Minutes

64

Shots

1

Touches

20

Possession lost

8x

Key passes

0

Duels won

2/5

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old attacker offered very little in the final third and was wasteful with his use of the ball, only retaining possession 12 times from his 20 touches.

Chalkboard

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

With this in mind, Mason should ruthlessly ditch the striker from the starting line-up to bring Isaac Price back into the starting line-up as a number ten against Southampton.

Why West Brom should unleash Isaac Price against Southampton

The Northern Ireland international should be brought back into the side for multiple reasons, and not only for the attacking quality that he can provide.

As a natural attacking midfielder, Price replacing Maja could make West Brom more difficult to play through than they were in a 4-4-2 shape against QPR, as the youngster can drop into a midfield three, making it a 4-5-1 out of possession, which Maja would not be comfortable doing.

This is why bringing the former Standard Liege talent into the team could make a lot of sense for tactical reasons, ahead of a clash with an in-form Southampton team that will be expected to be on the front foot.

Of course, Price should also come into the starting XI because he has the potential to offer more quality to the side at the top end of the pitch than Maja does.

The 22-year-old star, who was described as a “breath of fresh air” by Chris Brunt, has been more effective than the Nigerian centre-forward with his play in and out of possession in the Championship so far this season.

Appearances

17

19

xG

1.88

4.65

Goals

1

5

Key passes per game

0.4

1.4

Big chances created

0

3

Assists

1

2

Duel success rate

36%

49%

As you can see in the table above, Price has scored four more goals, outperforming his xG, and created chances for the team on a far more regular basis than Maja.

These statistics suggest that the Northern Irish talent is far more likely to be a difference-maker in the final third against Southampton this evening, which is why he should be given the nod from the start in the hope that he can make an impact at St. Mary’s.

Their respective success rate in duels also further backs up the belief that Price would be the better option out of the two for West Brom’s plan out of possession, as he is better in his physical battles against opposition players.

Given that Southampton have won five of their last six games, the Baggies will need to roll up their sleeves and put in a lot of fight to come away from Hampshire with some points, and Price seems more likely to be effective in that situation.

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Therefore, Mason must ruthlessly drop Maja from the starting line-up, after one match, to bring Price back into the side in an attempt to secure a positive result against Southampton this evening.

Man Utd have unseen teenager who "looks better than half their first team"

One of Carrington’s most impressive players left media stunned as Manchester United’s U18s thrashed rivals Liverpool 7-0 in the U18 Premier League.

Man Utd's U18s thrash Liverpool

The present-day Man United side may not be firing on all cylinders, but their academy continues to produce some absolute gems. It’s been responsible for Marcus Rashford and, more recently, Kobbie Mainoo in recent years – not to mention Scott McTominay – and could have more young stars on the way.

The Red Devils’ U18s side even got some revenge for their first-team this weekend by thrashing Liverpool U18s 7-0 in ruthless fashion. Goals from Bendito Mantato, Louie Bradbury, Jim Thwaites, Samuel Lusale and a hat-trick from JJ Gabriel saw those at Carrington make a statement on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the success of the academy has always been a priority for those at Old Trafford and Ruben Amorim recently ensured that he extended their record of having a homegrown gem in every matchday squad since 1937.

After handing Jack Fletcher a place on his bench against Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim told reporters: “It’s really important. I think again we are in the moment [where] if we are going to take some corners and succeed right away, it’s the wrong thing.

“There are some things especially in our club that we need to be bulletproof. It’s the way we behave, the way we feel the club and all these small things. We are not going to stop with the Academy players.”

It may not be too long before 15-year-old Gabriel gets the call to the first-team, either. The young forward left media stunned in an incredible display against Liverpool’s U18s.

JJ Gabriel "better than half" the Man Utd first-team, says reporter

Among those blown away by Gabriel was the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, who went as far as claiming that Gabriel “looks better than half their first team” at Man United.

After netting a hat-trick, the teenage sensation has taken his total for the season to seven goals and one assist in nine appearances in the U18 Premier League.

It won’t be long before Gabriel is progressing through the ranks in Man United’s academy and he looks destined to make his mark on the first-team in years to come. If some believe he looks better than some of the current stars now, he may be a world-beater by the time he turns 18.

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The future is still bright at Old Trafford even if Amorim’s first-team are struggling for consistency. Like it has done so often in the past, Man United’s academy could yet provide the spark that the Red Devils need to return to Europe’s top table.

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Willy Adames Agrees to Seven-Year Contract With Giants

The San Francisco Giants have found their long-term answer at shortstop.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Saturday, citing sources, that the Giants agreed to sign shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year contract worth $182 million, pending a physical.

It is the largest contract handed out in franchise history, marking Buster Posey's first big move since taking the president of baseball operations role in October. Adames's deal, which includes a $22 million signing bonus, tops Posey's nine-year contract extension worth $167 million that he signed as a 26-year-old catcher back in 2013.

Adames, 29, hit the open market after spending four years apiece with the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. He was traded to the Brewers in May 2021 and developed into one of the game's best sluggers at the position, mashing at least 25 homers in each of the last four years.

In 161 games with Milwaukee last season, Adames batted .251/.331/.462 while setting career bests in just about every offensive category, including homers (32), doubles (33), RBIs (112) and stolen bases (21).

Adames now holds the keys to shortstop at Oracle Park, a position San Francisco thought it filled in free agency two years ago. In December 2022, the Giants agreed to sign shortstop Carlos Correa to a 13-year contract worth $350 million, only to back out of the deal on the day of his scheduled introductory press conference due to concerns that arose over his physical.

Adames's deal is currently pending a physical, too, of course.

While Correa enters the 2025 campaign on the third season of his six-year contract he signed with the Minnesota Twins, it appears the Giants have finally found their cornerstone shortstop. And Posey has proved he can do what former executive Farhan Zaidi struggled to accomplish—bringing a star to the Bay Area on a long-term deal.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic returns for AC Milan after almost month-long injury layoff in draw against Parma

USMNT star Christian Pulisic made his return for AC Milan, coming off the bench after an hour following three weeks out with a lower leg injury. The 27-year-old wasn’t fit enough to start under manager Max Allegri but contributed valuable minutes in the second half as Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Parma after giving up a two-goal lead.

AFPWorking his way into the team

Pulisic had missed the last three weeks after being forced off with a lower leg injury in the USMNT’s friendly win over Australia. He was on the wrong end of a heavy tackle from behind and picked up a hamstring issue that ruled him out of action. He returned to Milan training this week, and Allegri confirmed Friday that he’d be available for limited minutes.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA mixed cameo

Pulisic's impact was mixed. He entered the game with the score level and Milan hoping to regain the advantage after ceding a 2-0 lead to struggling Parma. He was presented with a glorious opportunity to score soon after when Rafa Leao sent him through on goal, but put his shot a yard wide. Still, he plugged away – and really should've had an assist. A quick pivot and timely pass gave Alexis Saelemaekers space and just the keeper to beat. However, the Belgian got his finish all wrong, and fired over after failing to round the goalie.

(C)Getty ImagesMissing November action

His appearance comes shortly after U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino announced his squad for a duo of friendlies – which Pulisic was not named in. There was scattered talk that he might be able to recover in time to represent his country against Paraguay and Uruguay, yet Milan were eager to ease his recovery. 

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Recovery time

Pulisic will now have ample time to recover. The international break has put club soccer on hold, and leaves Milan without a game until Nov. 23. That will be a big one, though, when they will face city rivals Inter in an important Serie A clash. Milan are currently top of Serie A.

Evison, Bell-Drummond, Gilchrist guide Kent to tense two-wicket win

Visitors keep knock-out hopes alive with thrilling two-wicket win at Hove

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Jul-2025

Daniel Bell-Drummond made an important 47 in Kent’s win•Getty Images

Kent 151 for 8 (Evison 48*, Bell-Drummond 47, Mills 3-21) beat Sussex 148 (Gilchrist 4-42) by two wicketsJoey Evison was Kent’s hero with a thumping 48 off 24 balls as the Spitfires kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast alive with a two-wicket win with three balls to spare over Sussex Sharks in a low-scoring thriller at Hove.Chasing 149, Kent were struggling on 112 for eight after Tymal Mills picked up two wickets in three balls in the 16th over. But Evison, who had already hit James Coles’ left-arm spin for successive sixes, helped Fred Klaassen take 17 off the 17th over from Ollie Robinson including another six before clearing the rope with a straight hit off Tymal Mills in the 18th.That left Kent needing 12 from the last two and five off the final over and it was fitting that Evison hit the winning runs when he drove Danny Lamb to the extra cover boundary.The hosts could have gone second but instead a second successive defeat at the 1st Central County Ground has left them with work to do to finish in the top four with Kent and Hampshire Hawks joining them on 22 points in a congested top half of the table.Kent did well to bowl Sussex out for 148 off the penultimate ball on a sluggish pitch which the Sharks’ batters struggled to master.Nathan Gilchrist led the way with a career-best 4 for 42 including two wickets off successive balls in the 10th over from which Sussex never recovered despite a cameo of 27 from 14 balls at the end by Robinson.Gilchrist had already picked up Daniel Hughes (14) to a catch at deep mid-wicket in his first over, one of two wickets to fall in a powerplay which ended with Sussex 38 for two.James Coles and Tom Clark led a recovery with 49 from 28 balls before Gilchrist struck his double blow. Coles lost his leg stump going too far across and Tom Alsop got a leading edge to cover first ball. Gilchrist nearly had a hat-trick but could only get fingertips to John Simpson’s straight drive.Kent turned the screw with only 17 runs coming in the next five overs, a fine effort by their attack considering opening bowler Tom Rogers could only bowl two overs before going off with a shoulder injury.From 109 for five Sussex lost their last five wickets in 25 balls and were indebted to Robinson’s unorthodox but highly effective hitting at the end, which included three boundaries in Gilchrist’s final over to at least give him and the rest of the Sussex attack something to defend.Kent lost three wickets in the power play and Robinson looked as if he had put Sussex in control, though not for once with the ball. He ran out Joe Denly with a direct hit on the run and Bell-Drummond, who was beaten by his accurate throw from the deep coming back for a risky second, after making 47 off 36 balls.Bell-Drummond’s departure left Kent 88 for six in the 14th over and when Mills plucked out Jack Leaning’s middle stump with a yorker and bowled Tom Rogers his side were in control – but Evison had other ideas.

Real Madrid players went 'over the top' with Lamine Yamal attacks as Frenkie de Jong slams Dani Carvajal and Raphinha defends Barcelona teenager

Tensions boiled over after Real Madrid’s 2–1 win against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu as Barca captain Frenkie de Jong slammed Dani Carvajal for his post-match gesture towards winger Lamine Yamal. What began as a heated Clasico ended in chaos with the culmination of days of tension sparked by Yamal’s pre-game remarks that infuriated the Madrid players and set the stage for a volatile night in the Spanish capital.

Tensions flared after Real Madrid's 2-1 victory against Barcelona

Madrid’s 2–1 victory over Barca was meant to be a statement of resurgence and it was, but not without controversy. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham sealed the win for Los Blancos, ending their four-game winless streak against their league rivals. But the football was quickly overshadowed by chaos once the referee blew for full time.

As soon as the whistle sounded, tensions that had simmered all night erupted. Several Madrid players, including Carvajal, Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga, surrounded Yamal, shouting and gesturing angrily. Yamal, visibly taken aback, tried to walk away before being pulled into a heated confrontation. Carvajal’s mocking gesture, reportedly urging Yamal to “talk now”, ignited a brawl that drew in players and staff from both sides. Security and officials had to intervene as tempers flared on the sidelines. Pedri, already sent off earlier, was seen shouting from the tunnel, while Vinicius exchanged words with Barcelona’s bench.

This eruption didn’t come from nowhere. In the days before the match, Yamal had angered Madrid’s dressing room with his playful yet provocative remarks on a Kings League stream, saying Madrid “complains too much about referees” and joking that “Barca always wins because we don’t cry.” He even reposted clips of last season’s 4–0 win at the Bernabeu, mocking Madrid fans and referring to them as “moaners.” Madrid captain Carvajal took notice, responding before kick-off: “On the pitch, respect matters; words don’t win Clásicos. Let’s see who talks at the final whistle.” The exchange set the tone and when Madrid won, the veteran right-back made sure to follow through.

After the game, midfielder De Jong didn’t hold back, expressing anger over how the Yamal was treated calling for more respect and maturity from Madrid’s players. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDe Jong speaks out – “what they did to Lamine was too much”

The usually composed De Jong was visibly frustrated as he addressed reporters in a post-match interview labelling the treatment to Yamal as too much and claiming Yamal's statements have been overexaggerated.

"When the referee blew for full-time, several Madrid players went straight for Lamine. It was over the top. If Carvajal wanted to talk to him, he could’ve done it privately. Making gestures on the pitch just fuels the fire. Lamine never said Madrid cheats, I never heard that," the Dutchman said.

Barcelona assistant Marcus Sorg also came to Yamal’s defence, admitting the 18-year-old was affected by the atmosphere. “He’s young; he has to learn how to handle pressure. It’s not easy to play when you’re booed every touch.”

Madrid midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni, also dismissed any bad blood claiming: "It gave us a little boost. There’s no bad blood, but those things light you up."

Vinicius loses his nerves as Raphinha asks for calm

Tension between Vinicius and Yamal boiled over after the game, but it began right on the pitch. As tempers flared post-match, Yamal, frustrated by the hostile Bernabeu crowd and pointed remarks from Madrid players about his pre-match taunts, reportedly challenged Vinicius to “talk inside the tunnel.” That suggestion of a private confrontation set off Vinicius, who’d already clashed with teammates and rivals, reportedly shooting back: "You talk too much – talk now!"

After the final whistle, Raphinha, who missed the game due to a hamstring setback, came down from the stands in street clothes and found himself face to face with Vinicius. What followed was a calmer but revealing conversation between two compatriots who saw the situation differently.

“What he did before the match isn’t done; it’s not what a good teammate should do,” Vinicius reportedly told Raphinha, referring to Yamal’s comments that mocked Madrid before the game. Raphinha, however, was more reflective. Speaking to after the match, he acknowledged Yamal’s mistake but also called for empathy.

"He was guilty of being young and lacking maturity to say what he said. His words gave Real Madrid extra motivation," said Raphinha. Even within Barca’s camp, there’s an understanding that Yamal’s pre-match bravado fuelled Madrid’s fire. Yet, many believe the Real players went too far with their reaction.

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AFPMadrid eye Anfield clash against Liverpool

Los Blancos are now at the top of the league table with 27 points, five-points ahead of Barca, restoring their confidence and fuelling more motivation ahead of their clash against Premier League side Liverpool in the Champions League on November 4. Coach Xabi Alonso will hope to win the game and continue their winning run in the European campaign, however, the league leaders will face struggling Valencia on Saturday before flying to England.

Better than Kerkez: Everton once sold "one of the best LBs" for just £2m

When David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at Everton in January, some viewed the appointment as being pragmatic, a controversial decision from new owners The Friedkin Group to placate some segments of the fanbase.

But Moyes has proved all the doubters wrong. Was it ever up for question? Everton launched away from the relegation zone last season and have established a strong base after the summer, three games unbeaten in the Premier League ahead of a daunting trip to Anfield on Saturday.

The likes of Jack Grealish, Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have widened Everton’s creative parameters, and Moyes’ tactics provide a solid defensive base.

Moreover, new technical director Angus Kinnear has helped ship out a number of struggling stars. Everton have made headway in the transfer market, all told, but that certainly hasn’t always been the case in recent memory.

Everton's worst modern sales

Under the dysfunctional rule of Farhad Moshiri, Everton were often labelled as bad buyers. But neither did they sell particularly prudently.

Cashing in on the likes of Amadou Onana and Richarlison provided financial strength, but some might be kicking themselves for parting ways with Ademola Lookman before the Nigerian forward managed to spread his wings and grow into the Ballon d’Or contender he is today.

Likewise, it’s frustrating that Anthony Gordon was so desperate to leave Goodison Park in the early stages of his career. The England international was sold to Newcastle United for £45m, but Liverpool have since come knocking despite the Magpies’ £100m valuation of their player.

It’s at least comforting to note that this new version of Everton appears to be more calculated and efficient in their transfer dealings than the previous hierarchy.

Early days, of course, but Moyes has whipped his troops into shape and added players of genuine quality. Those who have been shipped on for good reason, but there’s one player in particular, who he must rue the club’s past decision to let go.

Left-back has been something of a problem for the Toffees this term, with James Garner serving in a patchwork role, albeit playing it well. It’s a shame one of the best in the business was let go for peanuts before he hit his stride in the Premier League.

When Everton sold "one of the best left-backs"

Vitalii Mykolenko has dealt with some injury issues across the opening weeks of the campaign, and with Jarrad Branthwaite perennially sidelined in the first phases of any given season, this has posed a problem.

A problem that Moyes has found a solution for, utilising the industrious Garner’s versatility in a way which has allowed the team to fight for a place in the top half of the table.

But a natural left-back would be nice, and it’s clearly something that has sat on Moyes’ mind, for the 62-year-old signed Bayern Munich youngster Adam Aznou in the summer, and big things are expected of the 19-year-old.

It would be easy to say he’s the most exciting young left-back on the Blue half of Merseyside since Leighton Baines was signed from Wigan Athletic, but that wouldn’t be true, not when Everton once had Antonee Robinson in their ranks.

Robinson was a part of Everton’s academy, actually winning the U18 Players’ Player of the Year in 2015. The talent was always there, but there was no room for him within Roberto Martinez’s set-up, and he departed before making a single senior appearance.

Now, he’s regarded as one of the finest full-backs in the Premier League, and indeed no defender claimed more assists than his haul of ten for Fulham last season.

Data-driven platform FBref suggest he is comparable to Liverpool’s new recruit Milos Kerkez, but in truth, he may well be the superior player at this stage.

Antonee Robinson vs Milos Kerkez (past 365 days)

Stats (per 90)

Robinson

Kerkez

Assists

0.25

0.14

Touches

73.51

59.73

Passes attempted

61.11

48.98

Pass completion

76.9%

76.5%

Progressive passes

3.97

4.25

Shot-creating actions

0.25

2.14

Progressive carries

3.65

2.80

Successful take-ons

1.01

0.60

Ball recoveries

4.56

4.44

Tackles + interceptions

4.12

2.56

Blocks

1.23

1.01

Clearances

3.68

3.13

Stats via FBref

Robinson effectively trumps Kerkez in every department, which serves as a measure of the USMNT international’s ability. No doubt, some at Craven Cottage felt it was an injustice that the young Hungarian secured a place in the Premier League Team of the Year, ahead of Fulham’s left-sided superstar.

Kerkez is one talented young defender, for sure, but Robinson was actually singled out by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley last season as being “one of the best left-backs in the world”. This is his level.

Under the wing of Marco Silva, Fulham’s play flows through Robinson. Get him on the ball, that’ll do it. He’s athletic and attentive and creative besides, boasting all the skills needed to become a superstar in Moyes’ Everton.

It’s a shame that it will never be so. Robinson left for a pittance, having failed to wedge his way into senior plans and instead being sold to Wigan for just £2m in July 2019, when he was only 21 years old.

Robinson’s capacity to whip a delightful ball into the danger area underlines a further reason why he might have been such a valuable asset at Everton over the years, especially when considering the emphasis Moyes likes to put on that facet of the playmaking game, and indeed the aerial presence the Blues boast in the box.

While the football transfer market is an unforgiving business, with mishaps inevitable, it’s sure to be one that stings the powers that were at Everton, who watched him grow into one of the most sought-after around. Indeed, before Liverpool completed a deal for Kerkez, they were interested in signing Robinson, who was valued at a bumper £50m at the midpoint of last season.

Alas, now the hopes rest on Aznou’s shoulders, with the youngster having the chance to put all this ruefulness to bed.

Ancelotti sold Everton dud for £12m, now he's playing like Dewsbury-Hall

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is shining at Everton, although one former flop is also impressing away from Merseyside.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 18, 2025

It kills me!' – Christian Pulisic left heartbroken after penalty miss against Juventus as AC Milan drop points

Christian Pulisic vowed to 'work 10 times harder' after his penalty miss cost AC Milan the chance to go top of the Serie A table heading into the international break.

  • Pulisic acknowledges blunder vs Juventus

    Pulisic has publicly shared his heartbreak after his crucial penalty miss in the 0-0 Serie A draw against Juventus on Sunday. According toLa Gazzetta dello Sport, the American international took to social media to express his anguish and make a vow to the club's supporters after the Rossoneri dropped points.

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    What Pulisic said after the penalty miss

    The day after the stalemate in Turin, Pulisic posted a message to his followers, apologising for the costly error that denied his team a vital victory. Despite receiving support from his coach and teammates, the forward felt compelled to address the fans directly. "It kills me to disappoint this club," Pulisic wrote. "I'll work 10 times harder to make things right. Forza Milan always." The message was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the Rossoneri fanbase, who were quick to forgive their top scorer.

  • A costly miss in a tight affair

    Pulisic's failed spot-kick was the defining moment in a cagey encounter at the Allianz Stadium. A successful conversion would almost certainly have secured all three points for Milan and sent them to the top of the Serie A table. In a match with few clear-cut chances, where Milan managed just four shots on target from 13 attempts, the penalty was a golden opportunity to break the deadlock and claim a significant away win.

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  • Pulisic's strong start to the season

    Despite the disappointment, the miss is a rare blemish on what has been an excellent start to the season for the USMNT captain. Pulisic has been Milan's standout attacking player in the opening months of the campaign and currently leads the Serie A goalscoring charts with four goals in six games. His strong performances have quickly made him a fan favourite, and his public apology has only further endeared him to the club's supporters.

كارفاخال يتهم رابطة الليجا بسبب برشلونة: غش واضح في الدوري الإسباني

دافع قائد ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال، عن احتجاجات الفرق ضد خافيير تيباس رئيس رابطة الليجا، مشيرًا بأصابع الاتهام إلى تصرفه تجاه نادي برشلونة.

ويتصدر ريال مدريد ترتيب الدوري الإسباني بعد مرور تسع جولات، بفارق نقطتين عن برشلونة الذي يتواجد في وصافة الترتيب.

واتحدت أندية الدوري الإسباني ضد رابطة الليجا ورئيسها تيباس، بسبب قرار نقل بعض مباريات الدوري الإسباني إلى الخارج، بما في ذلك إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في ميامي بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وسبق وانتقد ريال مدريد القرار علنًا في بيان رسمي، مؤكدًا أن ذلك يخل بمبدأ تكافؤ الفرص بين الأندية المشاركة في بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

اقرأ أيضًا | كينان يلدز يكشف عن حلم طفولته قبل مباراة ريال مدريد ويوفنتوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وقال كارفاخال في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “يبدو لي أن هذا غش وتشويه واضح للمسابقة، هذا لا يُلزم جميع الفرق بالتنافس في ظل نفس الظروف”.

وشدد: “أعتقد أنه من الضروري أن نكون منصفين تجاه اللاعبين أنفسهم والأندية والدوري نفسه، وأن نطالب بموقف عادل، ولا أعتقد أن هذا يحقق ذلك”.

وسبق وأبدى لاعبو برشلونة أنفسهم الاحتجاج على القرار، بالوقوف 15 ثانية هم ولاعبي جيرونا قبل مباراة الفريقين بالجولة الماضية في الدوري الإسباني.

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