Nuno Mendes says he is "proud" to play for Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo called out those who don't want to represent the national team.
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Ronaldo 'disappointed' by some players
Mendes asked for his response to captain
Spoke of his pride of playing for Portugal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo said he is "disappointed" in players who do not want to represent Portugal and insisted there is "nothing better than playing for the national team, representing your country, your culture, your children" while collecting an award in his homeland this week.
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The Al-Nassr star did not name any players he was referring to, but it could not have been Paris Saint-Germain defender Mendes, who responded to the captain's comment.
WHAT MENDES SAID
"Everyone has their own opinion," he told reporters. "I can speak for myself, I am very proud to represent Portugal and I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. I will always give my all and I will always be available to be here."
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WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL?
Ronaldo and Mendes will both expect to feature when the Selecao take on Poland in the Nations League on November 15, which will be followed by a clash against Croatia three days later.
Having finished fifth in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on Champions League football by two points, Ange Postecoglou will be looking to strengthen his side ready for next season in the hopes of achieving top four.
Despite Tottenham scoring four more goals last season than in the 2022/23 season, since the loss of Harry Kane, they have missed that G/A output at the top of the pitch. Whilst Son Heung-min did provide 17 goals and ten assists last season, Spurs began to miss that one-two-punch combo of Kane and Son.
Tottenham captain Heung-min Son
With Son often playing as the striker now, it leaves a hole at left wing for Spurs to add a direct attacking threat, who can create and score goals as Son did from that left side when partnered with Kane.
Tottenham transfer news
According to Paul O'Keefe, Tottenham are showing a 'firm interest' in Desire Doue, whilst also retaining an interest in Wolves star Pedro Neto.
Doue has received interest from many top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle United, as well as, of course, Tottenham.
Rennes midfielder Desire Doue
The 19-year-old winger broke onto the scene in the 2022/23 season and has continued to impress for Stade Rennais this season in Ligue 1, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 31 appearances.
How Doue compares to Lamine Yamal
When looking at Doue's FBref page, the "similar players" feature lists Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal as a similar player to Doue.
Now, whilst these players tend to operate on opposite wings, Yamal – who has lit up Euro 2024 with Spain – often starts on the right for Barcelona, and Doue often starts off the left for Rennes, both players possess that 1v1 quality.
Yamal excels in ball-carrying metrics, averaging 5.02 progressive carries per 90, completing 3.01 successful take-ons per 90, and completing 3.05 carries into the final third per 90.
Doue is right there with him, averaging 4.38 progressive carries per 90, completing 3.42 successful take-ons per 90, and completing 4.20 carries into the final third.
Barcelona's Yamine Lamal
The direct nature of these wingers, ability to carry the ball and beat their man often creates chances for their sides. However, where Yamal has the upper hand over Doue is with his final ball and creative decision-making.
The 16-year-old scored seven goals and provided ten assists for Barcelona last season, making 50 appearances for the club. He also produces an xAG (expected assisted goals) of 0.27 per 90, and 4.44 shot-creating actions per 90.
Doue in comparison, had four goals and six assists in all competitions last season. He also only produced 0.19 xAG per 90, but did create 4.49 shots-creating actions per 90. This tells us the Rennes star can often get into these areas, but his numbers are hindered by a mixture of a lower quality of attacking teammates (finishing chances he creates), and a slightly less consistent final ball to Yamal.
Doue is a "special" talent, as mentioned by Zach Lowy, and a player with this sort of "X-factor" can take a massive jump when put into a side that gives them even more opportunities in the attacking third to work their magic.
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The sensational star was one of the Lilywhites’ best performers last season.
Tim Weah scored Juventus' second while Weston McKennie assisted the opener and their third in a 4-4 draw with Inter Milan
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Juventus draw Inter 4-4Tim Weah scores second goal of season for BianconeriWeston McKennie records two assistsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
In an all-time classic in the Derby d'Italia, Juventus and Inter Milan played to a 4-4 draw. U.S. international Tim Weah scored his second goal of the season for the Bianconeri, while fellow American Weston McKennie recorded two assists.
A late brace from Turkish teenage star Kenan Yildiz brought Juventus level over the final 10 minutes of the match in a thrilling game as the two Serie A giants shared a point at the final whistle.
Weah logged 62 minutes, while McKennie played 83, with both having a pivotal role in the result.
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Weah missed roughly one month of action between September and October due to a lower-body injury that also sidelined him through the first international break under Mauricio Pochettino's leadership with the USMNT. He returned to action on Oct. 19 with a cameo off the bench against Lazio, and followed it up with another substitute appearance in the UEFA Champions League midweek in a loss against Stuttgart.
Sunday marked his second start of the season, and notably, both his goals this campaign arrived when handed a start under Thiago Motta.
For McKennie, he recorded his first goal-contributions of the Serie A season, ending his drought on the domestic scoresheet.
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR WEAH, MCKENNIE AND JUVENTUS?
The Bianconeri are back in action on Wednesday when they clash with Parma in Serie A. They'll host the 17th-place team in Serie A.
Chelsea, having already announced the arrival of Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa, have reportedly turned their attention towards landing an international gem for Enzo Maresca this summer.
Chelsea transfer news
It's already been a fairly busy summer for the Blues, who have welcomed the likes of Kellyman and Tosin Adarabioyo with a deal also sealed to sign Estevao Willian this summer. The three arrivals will all hope to make impressive impacts, be it in the future or as soon as next season, as Maresca looks to guide Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four next season.
Speaking for the first time since completing the move, Kellyman told Chelsea's official media channels via BBC Sport: "It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started."
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Following the departure of Ian Maatsen, however, Kellyman seems unlikely to be the last name through the door. Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall looks set to be the next to sign for £30m.
Also, according to The Athletic's Tom Bogert, Chelsea are also in advanced talks to sign Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United this summer. The USA international is just 19 years old and could arrive to instantly fill the void left behind by Maatsen at left-back.
Whilst the deal is not done yet, Wiley would certainly follow the Chelsea trend of young players making their way to Stamford Bridge in place of academy graduates, although a move to Strasbourg first before the Blues is also a possibility.
"Amazing" Wiley can succeed Chilwell
With a difficult history of injuries at Chelsea, Ben Chilwell remains an unreliable option at Stamford Bridge despite his position as vice-captain behind Reece James. And that could see an opportunity eventually emerge for Wiley if he can fend off competition from Marc Cucurella.
Caleb Wiley for Atlanta.
Though the American is still just 19 years old, he's earned plenty of praise throughout his career, including from former Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda, who said via 90Min: "Yes, for Caleb it’s [the goal] amazing. I think it was a good play overall. I think those were the moments where we were probably putting a little bit of pressure and then I think Caleb with his speed, his power and decision, he is going to get a lot of those. So, I am happy for him, he did a tremendous game."
Scoring once and assisting a further two times in all competitions last season, Wiley will hope that a potential Premier League move only results in improvement and opportunities in what is arguably the highest-quality league in world football. It's in England's top flight that he could quickly emerge to become a wise piece of business by Chelsea.
Tottenham are "expected to bid" for a £50 million Premier League player, who reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said manager Ange Postecoglou "really" likes.
Spurs identify new midfield signing as key summer priority
Bringing in a new midfielder is thought to be among Spurs' chief transfer priorities for this summer window, as uncertainty surrounds the futures of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso and a few others.
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Hojbjerg has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs, and was given very few opportunities in Postecoglou's starting eleven during the Australian's debut campaign in the Lilywhites dugout. As a result, the Denmark international is expected to part company with the club – four years after being signed by ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho from Southampton in 2020.
Lo Celso is unhappy with his situation at Spurs, meanwhile, and is reportedly attracting interest from European clubs and sides in Saudi Arabia. The Argentine midfielder has entered the final 12 months of his contract as well, so the writing appears to be on the wall for both men this summer.
Postecoglou needs to bring in a replacement if either of the duo depart. Atalanta star Ederson has been monitored by Spurs ahead of a potential swoop this window, while Chelsea star Conor Gallagher remains a key player of interest to the Lilywhites.
The England international has been linked with a move to north London since last year. Chelsea may be forced to sell Gallagher as well, given the player's contract situation and need to balance the PSR books before June 30.
Fabrizio Romano stated in January that “Tottenham have been interested in Gallagher since August 2023 because Postecoglou really appreciates the player" (via GiveMeSport), and Sky journalist Kaveh Solhekol has shared that Spurs remain in contention for him now.
Tottenham "expected to bid" for Conor Gallagher
As per Solhekol, writing on X, Tottenham are "expected to bid" for Gallagher this summer – but Chelsea are set to demand £50 million despite his contract situation.
"Chelsea won’t let Connor Gallagher go for less than £50m," said the reporter.
"Mason Mount went for 50+5 and Gallagher is captain and regarded as better all-round player. Gallagher has been model professional. Not agitated for big new deal. Aston Villa and Atletico want him. Spurs expected to bid."
Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
8.78
Chelsea 6-0 Everton
8.64
Chelsea 5-0 West Ham
8.39
Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea
8.22
Chelsea 3-0 Luton Town
7.90
The 24-year-old started 37 league games for Chelsea last season as a mainstay of Mauricio Pochettino's XIs and seriously impressed in that time.
"Really think Conor Gallagher is a very underrated footballer," said broadcast commentator Stephen Doyle.
"Spills his guts in every game and he’s always going forward. Good touch, scores goals."
Flamengo e Vasco fizeram uma decisão de Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17 do tamanho do Clássicos dos Milhões. Se em São Januário o Cruz-Maltino levou a melhor por 3 a 1, o Rubro-Negro deu o troco na partida de volta no Raulino de Oliveira, goleou por 4 a 1 e garantiu o bicampeonato da categoria. Os destaques ficaram por conta de Victor Hugo e Petteron, que marcaram dois gols cada. E que golaços!
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Barros descontou para o Vasco, que estava levando a decisão para os pênaltis até os 43 minutos da etapa final. O título coroou o time do técnico Mário Jorge, que fez a melhor campanha na fase de grupos e passou por Atlético-MG e São Paulo na fases de quartas de final e semifinal, respectivamente, antes do Vasco.
Esta foi apenas a terceira edição do Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17 organizada pela CBF. Em 2019, o Flamengo, comandado por Lázaro, conquistou o título em cima do Corinthians. O Fluminense superou o Athletico na decisão de 2020.
BICAMPEÃÃÃÃOOO!!! Nossos #GarotosDoNinho vencem com autoridade o Vasco por 4 a 1 com gols de Victor Hugo (2) e Petterson (2), e conquistam o Brasileirão Sub-17 em Volta Redonda! ATÉ O FIM! 🏆🥇#VamosFlamengo
Uma atuação de manual fez o Flamengo virar a decisão na primeira etapa. Após duas chegadas do Vasco logo nos minutos iniciais, o Rubro-Negro assumiu o controle e contou com a inspiração de seus homens da frente. A começar por Victor Hugo, que desencadeou a reação com uma finalização precisa de fora da área, de pé esquerdo, no ângulo do goleiro Allan Vitor: 1 a 0 aos 15 minutos.
O camisa 10 ampliou aos 33, aparecendo entre os dois zagueiros do Vasco para desviar cruzamento de Zé Wellinton: 2 a 0. O Vasco, atordoado pelos gols, ainda sofreu um terceiro golpe antes do intervalo. Petterson recebeu na esquerda, deixou três marcadores para trás e fez o terceiro aos 45, invertendo a situação de início: após o intervalo, era o Vasco que precisava marcar para ser campeão.
+ Veja a tabela e os próximos jogos do Campeonato Brasileiro
VASCO REAGE E VOLTA PARA A FINAL Igor entrou no lugar de Lucas Eduardo, mas a mudança do Vasco passou também pela nova postura. Mais agressivo e intenso, o Cruz-Maltino “voltou” ao jogo – que ficou franco e com faltas mais duras. Foram três cartões amarelos para o Flamengo até os 15 minutos, para Francisco Dyogo, Victor Hugo e Victor Muller – sendo o último ainda no primeiro tempo – além do técnico Mário Jorge.
Após alguns erros no passe final, o Vasco encontrou suas melhores chances com Ykaro. Aos 18, o atacante girou em cima da marcação e chutou forte, mas na direção do goleiro do Flamengo, que espalmou para a linha de fundo. Aos 27, o camisa 11 saiu da área e cruzou para Barros, que não cabeceou bem.
No minuto seguinte, o lance se repetiu: cruzamento da direita e finalização de Barros. Dessa vez, a cabeçada foi parar no fundo da rede: 3 a 1 idêntico à partida de ida, que levaria a decisão do Brasileirão Sub-17 para as penalidades.
PETTERSON MARCA MAIS UM GOLAÇO: FLAMENGO CAMPEÃO!
A iminência dos pênaltis não freou a intensidade de Flamengo e Vasco, que seguiram atrás de mais um gol até o final. Quando parecia certo que o título seria decidido na marca do cal, Petterson marcou um golaço. Mais um.
Aos 43, limpou a marcação, puxou da esquerda para a entrada da área e chutou. A curva tirou Allan Victor do lance, e a bola entrou no ângulo. Muita comemoração, que seguiu após o apito final. Flamengo bicampeão brasileiro!
تمكن فريق الترجي التونسي، من تسجيل الهدف الثاني، بشباك نظيره بيراميدز بالمباراة الجارية بينهما حالياً، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
ويلتقي بيراميدز مع الترجي على استاد رادس الأولمبي في العاصمة تونس، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثالثة من دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وتقدم إلياس موكونا بالهدف الثاني لصالح الترجي في الدقيقة 45، بعد انفراد رودريجيز بأحمد الشناوي حارس بيراميدز والذي تصدى للكرة قبل أن تصل لمسجل الهدف.
طالع أيضاً.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة بيراميدز والترجي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
وكان الترجي قد تقدم بالهدف الأول عن طريق يوسف البلايلي بعد اختراق رائع من وسط الملعب ومن ثم تسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء سكنت مرمى أحمد الشناوي في الدقيقة 36.
ويتواجد فريقا بيراميدز والترجي في المجموعة الرابعة رفقة ساجرادا إسبيرانسا الأنجولي ودجوليبا المالي. هدف الترجي الثاني أمام بيراميدز في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
Rangers icon Ally McCoist has backed his former side to overturn the deficit against Celtic and be crowned champions this season, despite admitting they are now the underdogs.
Rangers hand Celtic advantage
Philippe Clement's side threw away their Scottish Premiership advantage thanks to a dismal run of form that saw them lose to Ross County and draw with Dundee, a run of games that saw them take five points from a possible 15.
It means that Celtic are in the driving seat heading into the final part of the season, with a three point cushion and a better goal difference than Rangers having played the same number of games.
Scottish Premiership as it stands
Played
Won
Drawn
Lost
Goal Difference
Points
Celtic
33
24
6
3
54
78
Rangers
33
24
3
6
49
75
It has led to plenty of speculation that the title is already effectively in residence at Celtic Park, with Rangers still needing to visit their rivals in the final league Old Firm Derby of the season.
McCoist – Title far from over
But one man still believes, in the form of former Rangers striker Ally McCoist. The Scot appeared over 400 times for the Glasgow outfit, and was quick to talk up his old side's chances to overturn the deficit.
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of talkSPORT BET, McCoist rubbished claims that the title race is over, though he admitted Rangers likely have to be perfect and added that it wouldn't be easy for his former side.
Ben Davies at Rangers.
"I genuinely do [think Rangers can still win the SPL]. They are second favourites make no mistake about it. But, you know, you look at it. Celtic's form up until recently was a little bit erratic too. Dropping points in places you wouldn't imagine them dropping points and it's now getting to the stage where it's against the top six.
"And so, the big question is – are Rangers capable of winning at Celtic Park? Yes, they are. Would it be very difficult? Yes, it would be very difficult but they're capable of doing it. Can Celtic drop other points? You better believe it. I mean, KIilmarnock have taken all sorts of points off Celtic this season, and Kilmanock have taken points off Rangers. Hearts have taken points off Rangers and Celtic.
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"So is Rangers dream still alive, you better believe it's still alive. They had the favourites tag maybe three weeks ago, they've lost that that's for sure, but it's still not beyond them."
The two meetings between the sides left this season will almost certainly decide the destination of all remaining Scottish major silverware, with the two also meeting in the cup final next month.
For Rangers, their trip to Celtic Park could be their chance to set the record straight after a poor few weeks. Meanwhile, Celtic will know that even a point against their rivals, like they managed at Ibrox, could see them effectively seal the title.
Tottenham are one of several Premier League clubs being linked with a move for a defender with "huge potential".
Tottenham transfer rumours
Spurs have endured a mixed 2023/24 campaign so far. They are once again set to go without a trophy and after a 10-game unbeaten run at the start of the season suggested there was hope of a Premier League title push, Spurs have now dropped out of the top-four.
The Lilywhites could still knock Aston Villa out of the final Champions League place in their remaining two games but it does seem likely that the north Londoners will have to settle for Europa League football next term. This is by no means a terrible achievement for Tottenham, especially after the loss of Harry Kane, but it does highlight their need to continue improving their squad this summer.
Recently, Tottenham have been linked with a number of attacking options. Spurs are said to be one of the clubs who have been in contact over signing RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo – who is thought of as a potential bargain despite being valued at around £56 million. They are also believed to be one of several teams interested in Genoa's talented Icelandic attacker, Albert Gudmundsson, ahead of the summer transfer window.
Dani Olmo for RB Leipzig
However, while those players would no doubt improve Tottenham, it appears Ange Postecoglou would prefer to strengthen at the other end of the pitch. The Australian tactician spoke at length earlier in 2023/24 about his desire to sign a centre-back:
"If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at,” said Postecoglou on Spurs signing another centre-back. "With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club.
"So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit into what we’re trying to build here. I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment."
Tottenham join Liverpool in race to sign 22 y/o defender with "huge potential"
Now, it appears as though Postecoglou may finally get his wish when it comes to shoring up his backline.
This comes with Football Insider reporting that Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Tottenham, West Ham and Crystal Palace all sent scouts to watch Brest defender Bradley Locko on Friday as they weigh up moves to sign him this summer.
Bradley Locko for Brest.
The French left-back has been a standout player for the Ligue 1 club this season, providing three assists in 33 league games, as they close in on a place in the Champions League.
The report adds that Brest are bracing themselves for offers to sign Locko and are unlikely to reject any sizeable bids that may come in to acquire his services this summer. The 22-year-old is currently valued at around £9m by Transfermarket, with sources stating earlier this week that Premier League trio Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham see the defender as having “huge potential”.
Newcastle United have been handed a major boost in their efforts to sign an "incredible" Premier League rival in a free transfer this summer.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies' squad needs reinforcements in various positions moving forward, in order to give Eddie Howe a stronger group of players with more depth after injuries cut through them this season, and they have been backed to sign many players in recent weeks.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is enjoying an excellent season, scoring five goals and getting seven assists in the league, and he has been linked with a summer move to Newcastle. He has been viewed as a potential partner for Bruno Guimaraes, being seen as similar to Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham in style.
Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates for Nottingham Forest
Newcastle are also believed to be favourites to snap up Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone, with the 22-year-old a possible alternative to Gibbs-White, albeit in a different role, doing more of the dirty work and allowing Bruno to be the one advancing up the pitch.
Champions League-winning midfielder Billy Gilmour is another target for the Magpies, currently plying his trade at Brighton, and he could jump at the opportunity to seal a switch to St James' Park, seeing it as a natural next step in his career.
Newcastle handed boost over "incredible" Kelly
According to a fresh update from HITC, Newcastle target Lloyd Kelly has turned down the chance to sign a new deal at Bournemouth, acting as a big boost for the Magpies, with the defender now certain to be available on a free transfer this summer.
PIF are now "stepping up their efforts to sign" the Englishman at the end of the season, and they are now "seen as the favourites to secure Kelly’s signature at this stage", even though there has been "strong interest" from Liverpool and Tottenham.
Lloyd Kelly in action for Bournemouth in the Premier League.
It does feel as though the 25-year-old is a top target for the Magpies at this point, considering how many times he has been linked with a summer switch to the club. The fact that he will be available on a free transfer makes him a shrewd option to come in, providing depth at both centre-back and left-back – two positions that have faltered through form or injury this term.
Admittedly, Kelly wouldn't necessarily be the stellar, big-name defensive signing that some Newcastle fans crave, but players of his versatile ilk can be priceless additions, with former manager Gary O'Neil saying of him last season: “I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn't have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world (Mo Salah).
"I thought he showed everything, the potential he has to be a top defender. I thought it was a very, very impressive performance against a top attacker."
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The fact that Kelly has played nine and six times at left-back and centre-back respectively this term shows how adept he is at shining across two key roles on a regular basis, and he could be a great option for Howe, who knows him well from their time together at Bournemouth.