Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have been branded “a great team”, with Al Ain wary of the threat they pose despite claiming an AFC Champions League lead.
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Saudi outfit trail continental clashCR7 restricted to few sights of goalReturn leg to take place in RiyadhWHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo and Co were in the UAE on Monday for the first leg of a continental quarter-final clash. Al-Nassr fluffed their lines in that contest, as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat and had former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte sent off in stoppage-time.
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Al Ain also had two goals disallowed for offside, as they restricted the likes of Ronaldo and Sadio Mane to limited opportunities in the final third. That left CR7 cutting a frustrated figure at the final whistle, as he fired a “see you in Riyadh” message to those taunting him from the stands.
WHAT CRESPO SAID
The heavyweight tie is still very much in the balance, though, with Al Ain boss Hernan Crespo admitting as much. The former Chelsea and Inter striker told reporters: “It was a very tough match and an incredible performance. The players showed a great night against a good opponent with a lot of stars. And we deserved to win. We played very well, played really good football. But it’s not finished. It’s only the first half and then we need to finish this history there. It will not be easy.”
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The Argentine added: “Really, the result is good because every time you win is important, and more in these kinds of matches. But I don’t know if this is enough [yet], because we need to go there and live another battle. We know very well they have great players to make the difference, and we need to pay attention. At the same time our strength is the group. We showed how important it is to be ready, to play together in this kind of situation. The crucial point is to understand the way you want to play, to defend our identity with great effort to help the talent. Tonight was a perfect situation against a great team, against great players. But it’s not finished. We are very happy, but it’s not finished.”
ألغت تقنية الفيديو (الفار)، هدفًا لصالح النادي الأهلي، أمام الاتحاد السكندري، في المباراة الجارية بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء، ببطولة الدوري المصري.
ويلعب الأهلي مع الاتحاد السكندري، على ملعب برج العرب بالإسكندرية، ضمن مواجهات الأسبوع الـ 26 من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
طالع | مباشر بالفيديو.. مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري في الدوري المصري
وسجل أكرم توفيق هدفًا أول للنادي الأهلي، في الدقيقة 59 من عمر المباراة، بتسديدة من خارج منطقة الجزاء، بعدما وصلته الكرة بعد التحامات من لاعبي الأهلي والاتحاد على حدود منطقة الجزاء للفريق السكندري.
ولكن الحكم طارق مجدي عاد إلى تقنية الفار، للتأكد من صحة الهدف بعد اعتراض لاعبي الاتحاد على الهدف ووجود خطأ على عمر كمال عبد الواحد مع مدافع الاتحاد سيف تقا.
وبعد العودة إلى الفار، تم التأكد من وجود خطأ ضد عمر كمال ضد مدافع الاتحاد، ليلغى هدف الأهلي الأول في المباراة. هدف الأهلي الملغي أمام الاتحاد السكندري في الدوري
Under Jurgen Klopp's tutelage, Liverpool has been transformed after a period of strife on Merseyside and an interminable wait for a Premier League trophy came to an end emphatically.
Since the German manager's appointment, Liverpool have cemented a position at the forefront of the domestic and European game, with the likes of Ralf Rangnick hailing the former Borussia Dortmund boss as "one of the best" managers in the world for his impact at the Anfield side.
In the times preceding Klopp's arrival, however, Liverpool boasted some pretty incredible moments since the turn of the millennia, with the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul forever remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history, while the FA Cup victory over West Ham United the following year and many years of lethal partnerships and enthralling moments etched into the club's lore.
Jurgen Klopp's Honours at Liverpool (via Transfermarkt)
Times won
Premier League
x1
Champions League
x1
FA Cup
x1
League Cup
x1
FIFA Club World Cup
x1
UEFA Super Cup
x1
FA Community Shield
x1
FIFA Best Men's Club Coach
x2
PL Manager of the Season
x2
At the centre was Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history and the centrepiece of all that flowed for the Reds, having made his debut in 1998 and going on to record 710 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals and supplying 157 assists.
He enjoyed tremendous success for his beloved club and is arguably the greatest player in its history, heralded as "without doubt the greatest player I have ever played with, he has everything" by former teammate Fernando Torres.
And what a partnership that was…
How many goals did Fernando Torres score for Liverpool?
Torres was signed from Spanish side Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be around £20m in 2007, having scored 14 goals in LaLiga the season prior.
Fernando Torres @ Liverpool by season
Goal tally (viaTransfermarkt)
2007/08
33 goals from 46 games
2008/09
17 goals from 38 games
2009/10
22 goals from 32 games
2010/11
9 goals from 26 games
Torres would plunder 81 goals and 20 assists from just 142 matches for Liverpool and earned praise for his "world-class" ability by Gerrard.
Despite going trophyless during his spell at Liverpool, the 110-cap Spaniard did win the 2010 World Cup while on the club's books, and his blistering performances sent the fanbase into rapture on more than a few occasions.
His time on Merseyside ended acrimoniously when he completed a then British-record £50m transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea in January 2011, with the Reds acquiescing to his departure as the Spaniard made his desire to leave clear.
Despite the circumstances of his exit, fans will always remember the electricity of his forward play and his devastating partnership with captain Gerrard.
How good was Steven Gerrard?
Steven Gerrard. The iconic Liverpool captain who orchestrated success in the Champions League, FA Cup and more; his all-encompassing midfield displays are to this day some of the greatest the sport has seen, and his legacy will endure despite failing to bring home the Premier League trophy for his long-time team.
His composure and intellect on the pitch was second to none; his passing range was superlative and his tenacity in the tackle stifled opposing attacks with the robustness and precision of a star centre-half, while his ability to strike the ball is among the best there has been.
Gerrard and Torres developed an innate understanding and forged a truly frightening partnership on Merseyside, with Gerrard's incredible ball-playing skills often breaking the lines and latching onto a surging Torres, whose pace and power in the final third finished off many incisive moves.
Such a duo comes around once in a blue moon, and while Liverpool would struggle to repeat such a destructive weapon, at present, Klopp might have an academy talent capable of blending with prodigious midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who broke into Liverpool's current team last season. Step forward, Jayden Danns.
Who is Jayden Danns?
Danns is a 17-year-old striker who has been making waves for Liverpool's academy outfit, having scored 15 goals and supplied two assists from just 25 outings for the U18s.
This season, he is already making further strides and has bagged five goals from the opening four games of the U18 term, hailed for his “superb” cutting edge by reporter Lewis Bower.
A versatile attacker with a natural eye for goal and electric pace, Danns may well be in the same mould as Torres, albeit with more than a fair share of work to develop into a striker capable of leading the line at the highest level.
What the precocious talent needs is a teammate to develop a dynamic partnership with, and Bajcetic, who has already been impressing in the Reds' senior set-up, might just be the dream comrade.
How good is Stefan Bajcetic?
Lauded for his "outstanding" performances in a struggling Liverpool side last year by pundit Jamie Carragher, the 18-year-old Spaniard made 19 appearances under Klopp's wing last term, scoring one goal, from his energetic role in the centre.
The 6 foot 1 starlet is nimble and agile, both relentless in his defensive duties and possessing an eye for an audacious pass, with Klopp already praising his "attitude, awareness and intelligence."
While he's not a like-for-like heir to someone such as Gerrard, he certainly boasts enough quality to cement a prominent role in Klopp's Liverpool team in the future, and his security in the centre, blended with a supreme technicality and ball-playing skill, may well be perfect for a forward such as Danns to weave into the danger area and wreak havoc.
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
It's early days, but with Danns off to a flyer in Liverpool's youth ranks and looking like he could sustain some clinical form in the future and Bajcetic already exuding style and tenacity in the centre, also demonstrating that he possesses a shrewd eye for goal, the teenage duo could forge a formidable partnership in the future.
Like one unforgettable Spaniard and Englishman duo before them, Liverpool's rising stars could play a big role for the Anfield side in the future, and there is a possibility that the days of Torres and Gerrard wreaking havoc in the Premier League could return, albeit in a new form.
Celtic have been unable to unearth a number of stars in recent years as they have plucked out talented young prospects for modest fees before selling them for a significant profit.
Who are Celtic's most expensive sales?
The Hoops have raked in millions from player sales having proven to be an excellent landing spot for promising talents to come and showcase their ability as part of a dominant side in Scotland.
Player sold
Fee received
Jota
£24.9m
Kieran Tierney
£23.1m
Moussa Dembele
£18.8m
Odsonne Edouard
£13.9m
Virgil van Dijk
£13.4m
Fees via Transfermarkt.
The club's five-most expensive sales in their history highlight their ability to develop signings as only one of the five – Kieran Tierney – came through the academy system at Parkhead.
Another player whom the club, and manager at the time Ronny Deila, played a blinder with was Scottish central midfielder Stuart Armstrong, whose value soared during his time with the Hoops.
Deila, who won two Scottish Premiership titles and one League Cup in Scotland, snapped up the talented gem from Dundee United and it turned out to be an outstanding piece of business by the Norwegian tactician.
How much did Celtic pay for Stuart Armstrong?
The Hoops reportedly splashed out a fee of £1.6m to sign the technically-gifted ace from the fellow Scottish side during the January transfer window in 2015.
They had two bids rejected by Dundee United earlier that window and faced competition from Premier League team Burnley but were ultimately able to secure his services for the aforementioned figure, which was said to be too expensive for the Clarets as they backed away from a possible deal.
Celtic signed the 22-year-old after he had proven himself to be a reliable attacking outlet at Premiership level with United.
Former Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
Armstrong racked up 21 goals and 31 assists in 150 appearances for his former club and provided a regular threat at the top end of the pitch during his final two league campaigns.
The versatile gem, who was deployed out wide or in the middle of the park, produced eight goals and seven assists in 36 Premiership matches throughout the 2013/14 season. He also managed an outstanding three goals and three assists in five SFA Cup clashes that term.
Celtic's attention was then caught by his performances during the first half of the following campaign as the central midfielder scored six goals and assisted six in 20 league matches for United, which was an average of one goal contribution every 1.67 matches – better than his average of one every 2.4 outings in 2013/14.
This convinced the Hoops to splash out £1.6m to secure his signature and it turned out to be a fantastic decision as Armstrong enjoyed a brilliant spell with the Scottish giants.
How many goals did Armstrong score for Celtic?
The Scotland international, who has been capped 43 times by his country to date, went on to score 28 goals in 144 appearances for the Bhoys during his three-and-a-half-year stint at the club.
Armstrong, however, did not enjoy the best of starts to his career with Celtic as he managed just one goal and four assists in 15 Premiership matches over the second half of the 2014/15 campaign.
The attack-minded midfield wizard got his feet under the table ahead of the 2015/16 season and went on to produce four goals and seven assists in 25 league outings for the Scottish giants.
Former Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
His best form in a Hoops shirt came during the following campaign as Brendan Rodgers arrived at the helm in 2016 and got the former Dundee United star firing.
Armstrong ended the 2016/17 term with an outstanding 15 goals and seven assists in 31 league matches for the club, which worked out as an average of one goal involvement every 1.41 outings.
In 2017, Rodgers lavished praise on the central midfielder and described him as a "powerful" player who has "everything" to his game. The Northern Irish tactician said that he was impressed by Armstrong's raw materials and went as far as to say that he was a "joy" to work with in Glasgow.
He did not hit quite the same levels the following year, as Armstrong scored three goals and provided five assists in 27 Premiership games, but that did not stop Premier League side Southampton from making a move for him.
How much did Celtic sell Armstrong for?
The Hoops eventually cashed in on Scotland international during the summer transfer window in 2018 as the Saints snapped him up for a reported fee of £7m.
Sky Sports claimed that talks over an improved contract at Parkhead had stalled with the goalscoring midfielder and that opened the door for the English club to secure his services.
The £7m fee that they received for him did, however, mean that the player's market value soared by a whopping 338% from the initial £1.6m they paid Dundee United for him during his time in Glasgow.
This shows that Deila struck gold for Celtic with his deal back in 2015 as Armstrong went on to become an excellent performer under Rodgers and earned the club a big payday just over three years later.
Where is Armstrong now?
The 31-year-old is still with Southampton and is currently playing Championship football at St. Mary's after he made 149 Premier League appearances for the club.
Armstrong produced 16 goals and 12 assists at the top level of English football and has played 175 games for the Saints in total since his move in 2018.
Football Transfers now rates his current Expected Transfer Value at €4.8m (£4.1m) with his market price having plummeted towards the twilight of his playing career.
Overall, Deila's decision to sign Armstrong from Dundee United was a shrewd one that resulted in Celtic enjoying his talents on the pitch for a number of years before raking in a big fee for his services before his value started to drop.
It also showed that there is value to be had in picking up young Scottish players from fellow Premiership teams and that the club does not always need to look abroad to find up and coming talents.
Since losing Wilfried Zaha after the expiration of his contract, Crystal Palace have failed to find a replacement, leaving the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise to share the responsibility of creating the goals to secure the Eagles' Premier League status.
So far this season, they've got away with their failure in the transfer market, defeating Sheffield United on the opening day before suffering a narrow loss against Arsenal and earning a point at Brentford.
It remains to be seen just how long Roy Hodgson's side can paper over the cracks of Zaha's exit, however, and it now looks as though they could finally be targeting a replacement before the window slams shut.
What's the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?
To say that Palace have stood still would be an understatement. The Eagles have welcomed just two new additions in the form of Jefferson Lerma and Matheus Franca. And with others strengthening around them, you have to worry about their survival chances unless they make some last-minute moves before the end of the window.
One positive has been the fact that they have so far managed to keep hold of Eze and Olise, who signed a new contract at the club to end any reported interest from Chelsea.
Now, though, they must turn their attention to incomings, which is where Luis Sinisterra could come in. According to Football Transfers, Palace are weighing up a late approach to sign the Leeds United winger, who refused to play for the Yorkshire club in an attempt to depart earlier in the window.
It remains to be seen just how much those at Elland Road will demand for Sinisterra, too, given his importance to Daniel Farke's attack and, therefore, Leeds' promotion chances this season.
Welcoming Sinisterra would instantly solve Palace's Zaha problem – statistically speaking, the Colombian is more than capable of replicating the threat posed by the Selhurst Park hero.
According to FBref, Sinisterra even outperformed Zaha in certain aspects last season.
Player
Progressive Passes Per 90
Take-on Success
Dispossessed Per 90
Luis Sinisterra
4.06
45.2%
2.40
Wilfried Zaha
2.95
40.1%
3.23
With that said, and given the fact that the Leeds winger is just 24-years-old, Palace could even be getting themselves an upgrade on Zaha in the long-term, if they push ahead and secure a deal with the Yorkshire club.
Sinisterra has certainly earned plenty of praise during his time at Leeds, too, including from Matt Kilgallon, who told BBC Radio Leeds, via Leeds Live: "He’s exciting, isn’t he? And you can see that when he’s out there, he’s going to produce something. If he gets you one on one, then probably the only outcome is that he’s getting past you.
“I can understand the fans getting excited with him, but I’d like to see him against better opposition. Very exciting though and looks like he’s settled in well. He took his goal brilliantly.”
As the window comes to an end, Palace will have to act fast if they want to sign the winger, with the Eagles simply weighing up a move as things stand.
Manchester United have started their 2023/24 Premier League campaign off rather meekly. They were lucky to escape with all three points against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week before going down 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend.
Three points from six and just one goal scored wasn’t the start Erik ten Hag was anticipating, and he will be even more concerned by some of the performances, particularly from new signing Mason Mount.
The £60m summer arrival from Chelsea was expected to improve the United midfield.
Against Spurs, however, he was almost non-existent, having completed only 15 accurate passes and taken as few as 27 touches – even Andre Onana recorded more passes and touches, signifying how poorly he played as a creative-minded midfielder that makes things happen in the engine room.
Could this perhaps give the Dutchman a licence to dive back into the transfer market and lure another midfielder to Old Trafford?
The club have recently been on a scouting mission to France…
Will Manchester United make more signings?
United have shown interest in a few players during the final weeks of the transfer window, most notably defenders.
Frenchman Jean Clair-Todibo has been linked with a move and the Red Devils even sent scouts to monitor his performance for OGC Nice a couple of weeks ago.
Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…
This wasn’t the only player that United were keeping tabs on, however.
According to Get French Football News, OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram was also being closely monitored in light of a potential move to England.
He wouldn’t break the bank either, with the Ligue 1 outfit valuing one of their prized assets at around €40m (£34m) and could Ten Hag act swiftly and bring him to Manchester in the coming days?
What could Khephren Thuram offer Manchester United?
With Rasmus Hojlund injured and Mount failing to showcase his true abilities so far, Ten Hag’s summer recruitment may soon come under criticism, with just Onana enjoying a solid start.
Thuram has enjoyed an impressive spell with Nice since joining in 2019, making 140 appearances and last season was his most productive yet, registering ten goal contributions – two goals and eight assists – across 50 appearances. This is made even better by the fact he typically operated as a defensive midfielder.
Khephren Thuram
Mount was deployed in a deeper role against Spurs alongside Casemiro, yet it clearly didn’t work out and Thuram could certainly be an instant upgrade on the former Chelsea gem in this position.
Indeed, last season, the Frenchman registered more league goal contributions (six v five), a higher pass success rate (85.1% v 75.2%), tackles won (25 v 19) and interceptions (38 v eight), suggesting that he offers more across both attacking and defensive metrics.
Thuram even ranked in the top 4% when compared to positional peers for progressive carries per 90 (3.4) and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.65).
Mount on the other hand failed to rank in the top 40% for successful take-ons per 90 (0.78) while ranking in the top 17% for progressive carries per 90 (2.24), indicating the difference between the two players.
Journalist Zach Lowy even dubbed him as an “elite ball carrier” amid Liverpool’s interest in the youngster earlier in the summer transfer window.
For a fee of just £34m, Ten Hag could sign a player who won't just be part of his future plans, but a talent that could force his way into the starting XI straight away and be an instant Mount upgrade in the process.
The game was delicately poised before the rain interruption, with Bangladesh A at 75 for 3 in pursuit of 230
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2017 ScorecardBarry McCarthy chipped in with a solid lower-order knock and then took two wickets•Getty Images/Sportsfile
Rain in Cox’s Bazar ruined the first one-day match between Bangladesh A and Ireland A. The interruption came with the game delicately poised: the home side were on 75 for 3 chasing 230 runs to win, with Zakir Hasan was unbeaten on 35 and Tanbir Hayder on 10.Batting first, Ireland A came back from a poor start to post a competitive 229. They had slipped to 14 for 4 in the fifth over with Subashis Roy and Abu Hider taking two wickets each.But they recovered through an 83-run fifth wicket stand between Sean Terry and Lorcan Tucker. This was followed by an eighth-wicket stand between Andrew McBrine and Barry McCarthy, which yielded 64 runs.Terry top-scored with 65 off 64 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, while McCarthy and McBrine made 39 and 37 respectively. Subashis, Hider, Abul Hasan and Hayder took two wickets each.In pursuit, the home side had lost three wickets by the 11th over before the rain arrived. McCarthy removed Shadman Islam and Nazmul Hossain Shanto while Jacob Mulder took the wicket of Nadif Chowdhury.The second match of the series will be held on October 19.
Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho “could leave” the club before the end of the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.
When did Philippe Coutinho join Aston Villa?
The Brazilian completed his permanent move to the Midlands last summer from Barcelona following a successful loan spell the season prior, as per Transfermarkt, but there’s a chance that he could already be on the move having fallen out of favour under Unai Emery.
The winger and attacking midfielder was handed just seven starts throughout the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, highlighting how far down in the manager’s pecking order he is despite still having another three years to run on his contract, though he has got potential suitors queuing up to sign him should he depart.
Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…
The Daily Mail previously reported that Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq were interested in the 31-year-old with Steven Gerrard eyeing a reunion with his former teammate, and Sport.ES later claimed that Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas were also keeping tabs on his situation.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor suggested that the forward could be “on his way” alongside the likes of Leander Dendoncker and Morgan Sanson who’s already completed a loan switch to Ligue 1's Nice, and if the following update is to be believed, he could be right.
Is Philippe Coutinho leaving Aston Villa?
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Coutinho has admirers from overseas and that Aston Villa would be open to sanctioning his departure should they receive any respectable offers in the final weeks of the window. He wrote:
“Understand one club from Qatar has now asked for conditions of Philippe Coutinho deal. Coutinho could leave Aston Villa in case he receives good proposal; Saudi clubs also approached him in July.”
Aston Villa forwardPhilippe Coutinho.
Should Emery keep or sell Philippe Coutinho?
Aston Villa enjoyed a hugely successful last season without Coutinho being a regular feature of the side but Emery shouldn’t ignore the positive impact he’s had since initially joining the club, so the Brazilian deserves to be given more of a chance moving forward.
The Rio de Janeiro native, who pockets £125k-per-week, has posted nine goal contributions (six goals and three assists) in 41 appearances since first walking through the doors, and on his day, he’s been dubbed “unplayable” by journalist Josh Bunting.
Liverpool’s former starlet is also a versatile operator having been deployed in a remarkable eight different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even four roles in the midfield, so his flexibility makes him a great option for the boss to have available should any unexpected injuries occur.
NSWE will know that Emery is likely to be in two minds over whether to give Coutinho a chance considering that he wasn’t the one who brought him to the club, but he should be handed the opportunity to prove what he’s capable of in the early stages of the new term, and if it doesn’t work out, there’s always the next transfer window for him to be shown the door in January, with plenty of time on his contract.
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, as the Villans join the queue of Premier League clubs eyeing the 26-year-old.
Unai Emery has enjoyed a successful summer so far, with a swoop for the Moroccan having the potential to be another marquee deal in addition to the arrivals of Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby.
Could Aston Villa sign Sofyan Amrabat?
As reported by news in Italy, Villa have joined the race to sign the midfielder, who is wanted by Manchester United and Tottenham.
Speaking yesterday to the media, relayed by UtdPlug on Twitter, the player’s representative Mahmoud El Boustati confirmed the interest surrounding Amrabat:
“There are quite a few clubs interested in Sofyan. Now it’s a matter of making the right choice.”
Valued at €30m (£26m) by the Serie A side, the club that seals the deal for the Moroccan could complete a steal for a player that is highly rated in Europe.
How good is Sofyan Amrabat?
Playing a pivotal part in Morocco’s World Cup heroics, the midfielder earned the praise of former Spanish national team manager Luis Enrique following his side’s defeat to the Moroccans.
The newly appointed Paris Saint-Germain coach labelled the 26-year-old as “extraordinary” for his performances on the big stage, making the surrounding noise this summer unsurprising.
For Villa, the interest in Amrabat comes at an interesting time, when speculation rises regarding the future of defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to north London, with both Spurs and Arsenal said to be eyeing the Villa ace.
Sofyan Amrabat
A swoop for Amrabat could be a strong move for Emery, particularly with the rumours surrounding his star man this summer.
In the Fiorentina gem, the Spaniard could obtain a player of a similar calibre to the 25-year-old, lauded for his defensive contributions and energy in the engine room.
Hailed as a “monster” and “the best central midfielder” at the World Cup by journalist Carlo Garganese, the 26-year-old could be the perfect successor to Luiz should he depart, or alternatively the ideal figure to challenge the Brazilian should he stay.
While Amrabat’s performances at the World Cup were emphatic, the midfielder displayed his levels of consistency in Serie A, averaging 1.76 tackles per 90 for Fiorentina, as per FBref.
Despite making a higher average of tackles with 2.24 per 90 in the Premier League last term, Luiz fell short of the other areas in the Moroccan's game that make him so highly regarded in Europe.
Tottenham's Oliver Skipp
As per FBref, the dominating midfielder averaged a pass completion rate of 88.8%, as well as making a monstrous 7.93 progressive passes per 90, highlighting the danger he can cause in the middle of the park.
For context, Luiz averaged just 4.45 progressive passes per 90 for Villa last season, suggesting just how strong the attributes of Amrabat are, and the talent that Emery could integrate into his ambitious side at Villa Park.
Whether the Moroccan would be deployed alongside Luiz or in place of him, the Fiorentina gem could be a dazzling acquisition for the Spaniard to chase this summer.
Crystal Palace are one of the clubs competing to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx, who could be available for a fee of around €9m (£8m) this summer, according to a recent report from Spain.
Who are Crystal Palace signing this summer?
With Luka Milovojevic and James McArthur leaving this summer, Palace have made bringing in a new central midfielder one of their priorities, having already agreed a deal to sign AFC Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma, who has now linked up with the squad.
Roy Hodgson seemingly has no plans to stop there, however, with Lyon's Romain Faivre also emerging as an option for the Eagles, and transfer expert Dean Jones thinks he could be a quality addition to the squad, saying:
"I think he’s a good level of player to be looking at. He's very confident on the ball. He’s very confident in his decision-making. He's got a bit of cheekiness about him too."
Palace had been keeping tabs on former FC Koln midfielder Ellyes Skhiri, however, the Tunisian has now completed a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, so Hodgson is now considering another player from the Bundesliga.
According to a report from Faro de Vigo (via Sport Witness), Palace are chasing Wolfsburg's Vranckx, but they are not the only Premier League club in the race for his signature, with Burnley and Fulham also said to be in the picture.
The central midfielder spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at AC Milan, but the Italian club have decided against making his stay permanent, and the door could now be open for a move elsewhere.
From the player's point a view, the goal is to move to England, however, he may also have the opportunity to sign for Celta Vigo, who are currently "well-placed" to win the race for his signature.
As the Belgian has three years left on his deal, Wolfsburg are still in a position to demand a fee to sanction his departure, and he could be available for around €9m (£8m).
Who is Aster Vranckx?
The Wolfsburg ace is only 20 years old, but he has already managed to rack up two senior caps for Belgium, and he has been playing first-team football for a number of years, having first made his breakthrough with KV Mechelen in the Jupiler Pro League.
Last season was a real opportunity for the youngster to kick on, but he did not make the impact he would've been hoping for at the San Siro, playing just 235 minutes in the Serie A across the entire season.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Group G – FC Salzburg v VfL Wolfsburg – Red Bull Arena Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria – October 20, 2021 VfL Wolfsburg’s Aster Vranckx looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
The maestro is now at an age where he needs regular game time if he is to fulfil his lofty potential, having been compared to Steven Gerrard by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has also lauded him as one of a number of "talented" Belgian midfielders.
Having captained Belgium at youth level, there are indications that Vranckx would be a positive influence in the dressing room, and his first-team experience in the Bundesliga suggests he could be able to make the step up to the Premier League, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.