Every Chelsea fan will be loving life at the minute, with boss Enzo Maresca working wonders during his first few months at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian has guided the Blues to second place after the first 14 matches of the campaign, sitting just seven points off leaders Liverpool after their impressive recent run of form.

His side are unbeaten in seven Premier League matches, claiming a huge 5-1 victory against relegation strugglers Southampton on Wednesday night.

Maresca has implemented a beautiful attacking system that has led to 31 goals so far this season – the most of any side currently in England’s top-flight.

However, he could be about to add further firepower to his attacking department, potentially catapulting the club into an unexpected title charge in the closing months of 2024/25.

Chelsea targeting January move for £67m star

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are targeting a deal for a new striker in the January window, with a plethora of names put into the mix over a potential move to West London.

However, one player they appear to be interested in is Juventus talisman Dušan Vlahović, after the Serbian’s excellent start to the campaign which has seen him notch nine goals in his first 16 appearances in all competitions.

They would face competition from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, with the Spaniard also looking to solve their problem position to boost their own title ambitions.

Any deal for the 24-year-old would be an expensive one, with the report claiming that it would take a fee in the region of €75m (£67m) for the Italian giants to part with their star attacker.

Whilst on the face of it, it may be another massive sum for Todd Boehly to fork out, any deal for the towering ace would be well worth the price tag, especially given his comparison to one of Europe’s leading strikers in recent times.

Why Vlahovic would be Chelsea’s own Haaland

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been a dominant force in recent years, providing a constant source of goals for Pep Guardiola’s men in the league and Europe.

The Norwegian has registered 107 goals in his 118 appearances for the Citizens, helping them finally end their wait for a Champions League title back in 2022/23.

Haaland has also smashed all the English records, scoring 36 times in the same season, writing his name into history, and becoming the holder of the most goals scored in a single 38-game campaign.

However, after Vlahovic’s own impressive start to 2024/25, he’s been deemed as a similar player to the City star by FBref – a huge statement given the form of the former Borussia Dortmund talisman.

When delving into their respective figures from the ongoing season, the Serbian has matched or bettered Haaland in numerous key areas, leading to Italian legend Christian Vieri previously labelling him as “one of the best young talents in the world”.

The “phenomenal” Juve attacker, as dubbed by journalist Ollie Spencer, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has shown his ability to be that focal point the Blues have been craving since the summer, winning more of his aerial duels.

How Dušan Vlahović compares to Erling Haaland in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Vlahovic	Haaland
Games played	12	14
Goals & assists	6	13
Progressive passes	0.8	0.6
Progressive carries	0.7	0.6
Pass completion rate	70%	69%
Aerials won	1.4	1.1
Aerials success rate	47%	42%
Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more progressive carries and progressive passes per 90, offering an all-round option that could allow the likes of Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke to continue to bolster their own goalscoring tallies with his service and hold-up play.

Whilst, on the face of it, any deal for Vlahovic would be another massive investment, he would be an option that could transform Maresca’s options in the final third.

No one could’ve predicted the Blues’ mega start to the league season, with any deal for the forward only enhancing their chances of either reaching the top four or doing the unthinkable and claiming title glory.

Chelsea need to sell their £64m problem who Boehly dubbed "world-class"

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Connor Holden

Dec 6, 2024

After spending hundreds of millions of pounds in the last few years since their takeover, Chelsea are finally reaping the rewards. The Blues have been flying so far under new manager Enzo Maresca and are already 2nd in the Premier League with 34 points to their name.

Their form has been very impressive. So far, the Blues have won ten times, lost twice, and drawn on four occasions. Indeed, those draws have not been the worst results, with two coming against Manchester United and Arsenal.

Maresca will be hoping his side can keep their momentum going, as they look to make a real push for the league title. The form of his midfielders will be crucial to any potential title battle.

The form of Chelsea’s midfield

The Blues have spent a fortune getting their midfield right, but this season it seems as though their investment is paying off. Enzo Fernandez, who cost £106.8m, Moises Caicedo who was £115m and Romeo Lavia who cost £58m, have all had a huge role to play this term.

It was a slow start to the season for Fernandez. The 2022 World Cup young player of the tournament struggled to get into the side earlier in the campaign. However, the 23-year-old won his place back in the team in the Premier League. He now has seven goal involvements in the last six top-flight games, including a goal and an assist against Leicester City.

Caicedo is another player thriving in the middle of the park for the Blues. He has been crucial at the base of their midfield, playing all 16 top-flight games so far and has scored one goal and three assists. Earlier this week, former Chelsea player turned TalkSport pundit Jason Cundy claimed he is “the best midfielder in the country right now”, which illustrates how well he is playing.

20-year-old Romeo Lavia also plays an important role in Chelsea’s midfield. He has struggled with injuries at times this term but has managed nine appearances in the top flight. Jamie Redknapp has been full of praise for him this season, explaining that he “has done ever so well” for Maresca’s side.

The impressive form of Fernandez, Caicedo, and Lavia has been a real positive for the Blues, although it has meant new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has not really had an opportunity to showcase his skills.

Dewsbury-Hall’s 2024/25 season

Chelsea did not pay as much for Dewsbury-Hall compared to their three key midfielders. He cost £30m from Leicester City, which is not a lot in the grand scheme of things. However, given the amount he has played, it hasn’t been the best deal.

The 26-year-old has played 15 times across all competitions in his short career at Stamford Bridge so far. He has two goals and an assist to his name, both coming in the Europa Conference League. Worryingly, the midfielder has played just 55 Premier League minutes.

Competition

Games

Minutes

G/A

Premier League

5

55

0

Conference League

6

475

3

Conference League qualifiers

2

180

0

Carabao Cup

2

147

0

That is certainly a surprise given the success he enjoyed in midfield under Maresca last season. Dewsbury-Hall was a key player for the Foxes as they won the Championship, scoring 12 times and grabbing 14 assists in 44 games.

The new Chelsea boss was full of praise for the midfielder during Leicester’s successful campaign last term. The Italian explained he can be “dangerous” in advanced areas, as his goals and assists numbers showed.

Given how much Maresca rates the midfielder, it is perhaps a surprise he has not had much chance to prove his worth in a Chelsea shirt. They are paying him a lot of money for someone who has played so little this season.

As per Capology, Dewsbury-Hall is on £80k per week, more than Noni Madueke who earns £50k each week, and Lavia who earns a weekly wage of £45k.

That does not seem like value for money when you consider that Madueke has recorded six goals and four assists in 19 appearances so far this season, which shows that the England international has offered far more to the team than Dewsbury-Hall, despite earning less.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Dewsbury-Hall, but Maresca recently admitted he could leave the club in January. The Chelsea boss must, now, ruthlessly ditch the English flop from the squad when the January transfer window opens, as he has not proven to be a value-for-money addition.

Under-strength Thunder fail to capitalise after 130-run opening stand

ECB Reporters Network21-May-2022Tammy Beaumont’s second half-century of the season and Piepa Cleary’s three-for underpinned Lightning’s first-ever Charlotte Edwards Cup victory.England international Beaumont made 59 for the second time in three innings with a classy knock after Australian fast bowler Cleary had restricted Thunder to 152 despite Georgie Boyce and Emma Lamb’s 130-run opening stand.Lightning had lost all six of their fixtures in the competition last year and had already gone down to Southern Vipers and Diamonds this term, but secured a five-wicket victory at the eighth time of asking. Thunder were without Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone, both of whom are in India for the Women’s T20 Challenge.Lamb and Boyce had put on 95 in the victory over Diamonds on Wednesday and were at it again through low-risk accumulation having chosen to bat first.A rapid outfield paired with a short-sided boundary saw the Milligan Road side of the Uptonsteel County Ground peppered as 40 runs came off the powerplay.Related

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The duo kept pace with each other, scoring their half-centuries within three minutes of each other with the same exact stats: 44 balls and five boundaries each. They both got lucky, and Cleary unlucky, as catches were shelled at mid-off and deep midwicket.Just as a score north of 160 looked probable, Lightning fought back to stifle the visitors with four wickets coming in 10 balls. Lamb scooped to cover and Boyce was well-caught at long-on for 56 and 71 respectively to end the second-highest stand in Charlotte Edwards Cup history.Cleary’s luck returned to have Ellie Threlkeld caught behind and Danielle Collins stumped with back-to-back balls before Shachi Pai was run out in the final over.The ever-effervescent Alex Hartley made the early breakthrough of Marie Kelly, lbw while sweeping, but Ella Claridge and Beaumont copied much of what Boyce and Lamb had done earlier.Beaumont needs no introductions, with intelligent manoeuvrability mixed with power, while Claridge showed off brutal power to hit four boundaries in the ‘V’.She was undone by Phoebe Graham’s slower ball to end a 61-run stand with her experienced partner, who moved to a 34-ball fifty with a glorious cover drive.Beaumont, who had been dropped on 20, dragged a cross-bat shot to mid-on and Sarah Bryce was stumped. Kathryn Bryce took her side to the brink of victory with 29 before Bethan Ellis’ back-to-back boundaries took them to the win with seven balls to spare.

It wasn’t long ago that many thought the title race was done and dusted. Hand Arne Slot’s men the trophy, they said. Well, if Arsenal win today then the Gunners will cut the gap at the top of the table to just four points.

Liverpool’s clash with Everton on Saturday was postponed due to adverse weather and thus, it gives Mikel Arteta’s side a wonderful opportunity to pile further pressure on their title rivals.

They will have to do so against an in-form Fulham team, one boasting plentiful ex-Arsenal stars such as goalkeeper Bernd Leno, winger Alex Iwobi and Hale End darling Emile Smith Rowe.

They also visit a ground where they dropped precious points in the title race last season…

Arsenal's last trip to Craven Cottage

This was hardly the most ideal of ways to see out 2023. It was the year’s final day in the calendar when the Gunners headed across London to visit Fulham.

Having already drawn with the Cottagers at the Emirates Stadium just a few months before, Arteta will have rightfully been a tad nervous.

Perhaps that was shown in the performance as they ultimately lost 2-1. It all started swimmingly when Bukayo Saka found the net after just five minutes but the hosts came back fighting.

Raul Jimenez scored just before the half-hour mark and from that point onwards Arsenal failed to really get going, ultimately left to rue Bobby Reid’s winner in the 59th minute.

So, it would appear that Fulham are somewhat of a bogey team in recent years.

Arsenal team news vs Fulham

For the trip across town, the Gunners will definitely be without Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White who are both long-term absentees. White recently underwent surgery on a knee issue and isn’t due back in the squad until 2025.

The club are also sweating on the fitness of fellow defenders Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori. Both played against West Ham a week ago but sat out the 2-0 win over Manchester United through injury.

The positive news is that both players trained on Friday, although the bad news is that they weren’t with the full group.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta admitted that it could be a case of wait and see following Saturday’s training session.

So, what does that mean for the potential starting XI we could see at Craven Cottage on Sunday?

Arsenal's predicted lineup vs Fulham

So, every Arsenal supporter will have their fingers and toes crossed that Gabriel and Calafiori will be fit enough to take their place in the squad.

Providing they are, then it’s expected that there will be two changes to the side that defeated Man United in midweek.

Tomiyasu

£19.8m

Knee

Ruled out

Ben White

£50m

Knee

Ruled out

Calafiori

£42m

Knee

50%

Gabriel

£27m

Unknown

50%

That means Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior – two admirable performers from that win given a lack of game time – will drop out.

Beyond that, the only other change could see Leandro Trossard come back in for Gabriel Martinelli. It’s safe to say that the Belgian sees Craven Cottage as a happy hunting ground considering he actually registered three assists in the 3-0 win back in March 2023.

Martinelli has been hit and miss this term but Trossard does appear to be finding some form having scored against both Lisbon and West Ham in recent weeks.

Arsenal predicted lineup in full: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Havertz.

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Big picture

A mix of youth and experience has taken Sunrisers Hyderabad forward, as they now have five wins from eight matches, after early jitters this season. Up against a struggling Chennai Super Kings in the southern derby at MCA Stadium on Sunday, Sunrisers begin favourites as they look to remain in the top four.In Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, Marco Jansen, and T Natarajan, Sunrisers possess one of the most dangerous pace attacks in this IPL, with Washington Sundar taking the lone specialist spinner’s spot. These pacers have alone accounted for 45 of the 57 wickets taken by the team this edition, with Natarajan and Malik scalping 15 wickets each. It shouldn’t be a surprise that they boast the best bowling average this IPL.As far as batting is concerned, unlike the last few seasons, there is no power-hitter like Jonny Bairstow or David Warner at the top of the order. However, the likes of Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and Abhishek Sharma have lifted Sunrisers’ batting. Only captain Kane Williamson’s underwhelming batting form would be a bit of concern moving into the second half of the tournament – he has scored a total of 148 runs from eight matches so far, averaging just 21.14.

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You can watch the action on ESPN+ in English and in Hindi.

On the other side are Super Kings, grappling with injuries to key players – Moeen Ali was the last entrant to this list after they lost pacers Deepak Chahar and Adam Milne – and team balance. With two victories from eight matches, they are placed second from the bottom and are hanging by a thread in the playoff qualification race.In the batting department, with opener Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling to get going, Super Kings need the likes of Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa to get back to their best. In the first five matches, both batters had scored two half-centuries each and had scored 401 runs between them. Contrastingly, in the last three matches, Dube and Uthappa made a total of 40 and 34 runs, respectively. Despite boasting batting depth, Super Kings would need someone to stay long in the innings and not just rely on MS Dhoni for fireworks at the end if they are to climb up the ladder.To their relief, Super Kings have improved their bowling in the powerplay. After picking up just two powerplay wickets in the first four matches, left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary and Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana took five wickets apiece in this phase in the last four matches. Dwayne Bravo leads the attack with 14 wickets from eight matches. However, the bowling unit, collectively, needs to be consistent and economical – barring Mitchell Santner and Theekshana, the rest of the bowlers have conceded at more than eight runs per over – for a miraculous turnaround.With Dhoni back as captain, will the sun rise for Super Kings in the second half of the IPL 2022?

In the news

Washington Sundar returned to the Sunrisers XI in their previous match against Gujarat Titans, after missing a few games due to a finger injury. Both the teams are unlikely to make any changes to the playing XI.

Likely XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1 Kane Williamson (capt), 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Rahul Tripathi, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6 Shashank Singh, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Umran Malik, 11 T Natarajan Chennai Super Kings : 1 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2 Robin Uthappa, 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Shivam Dube, 5 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Dwayne Bravo, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Dwaine Pretorius, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Mukesh Choudhary

Strategy punt

Dhoni has enjoyed great success against fast bowlers this edition, scoring 109 runs from 67 balls at a strike rate of 163. Against a pace-packed Sunrisers, the wicketkeeper will be key in overcoming the threat that their bowlers pose. In the IPL, Dhoni has particularly targeted Bhuvneshwar, having hit 94 runs at a strike rate of 165 in 11 innings, without getting dismissed.

Stats that matter

• Among batters to have scored a minimum of 50 runs, Gaikwad (12.8) and Williamson (15.8) have the worst and fourth-worst batting average this IPL.
• Dhoni averages 53.3 against Sunrisers in the IPL.
• Aiden Markram has crossed the 40-run mark in four out of the six innings this season.

New Zealander will interchange with Rizwan and Philippe between international commitments

Matt Roller11-May-2022

Tim Seifert in action for New Zealand•Getty Images

The challenge facing counties regarding the availability of overseas players has been laid bare by Sussex’s announcement that they have signed a third wicketkeeper-batter for the T20 Blast, with New Zealand’s Tim Seifert joining Mohammad Rizwan and Josh Philippe in their squad.Counties are only able to register three overseas players simultaneously and field two in their playing XI. With Rashid Khan expected to be available throughout the season, Seifert, Rizwan and Philippe will effectively share one role in their side, taking it in turns to open the batting and keep wicket around their various international commitments.Sussex initially signed Rizwan on an all-formats deal until the end of the Blast in mid-July but, within hours of their announcement, Pakistan had confirmed that their ODI series against West Indies had been rescheduled for mid-June, ruling him out of several Blast group games.Philippe was drafted in as his replacement but will himself miss a chunk of games after being named in Australia A’s squad to tour Sri Lanka in June. Seifert has now been drafted in while he is unavailable, for what Sussex’s T20 head coach James Kirtley described as “the middle period” of the Blast.”It’s always good to have someone of his calibre, but the fact that he is a batter/keeper means we are really getting two players,” Kirtley said. “By continuing with an overseas player in that role it means we are not seeing any change amongst the rest of the team as Riz, Josh and Tim slot in and out.”It provides consistency without disrupting the structure, which are key elements behind a performing environment. Not only is Tim’s T20 record outstanding, but he has played in the IPL and CPL so will offer great experience, as well as having a very healthy first-class record.”

Clint Dempsey is "worried about the future of this USMNT" after so-called "Golden Generation" experience "two big failures"

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Crashed out of 2024 Copa America
• Semifinal heartache in Nations League
• Questions ahead of home World Cup

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States will host, along with Canada and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup. An exciting group of players were expected to build towards that tournament ready to make a potentially historic contribution to a global showpiece on home soil.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  They have, however, endured concerning losses in a couple of continental competitions. Failure to make it out of the group stage at the 2024 Copa America led to managerial change, but ex-Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to deliver CONCACAF Nations League glory after suffering a shock semi-final defeat to Panama.

• WHAT CLINT DEMPSEY SAID

  USMNT legend Dempsey is concerned about what the immediate future holds for a group of players that are failing to live up to expectations. A man with 141 caps to his name said on the CBS broadcast: "People talked about this team being the ‘Golden Generation’. They qualify for the World Cup, they had a pretty strong performance, but then you look at the steps back – Copa America, not getting out of the group there, on home soil. Here, as we get closer to the World Cup, another failure so close to each other. It doesn’t give you a lot of hope.

  "You look at us in our situation right now and it just doesn’t give you a lot of confidence, going towards this World Cup and having those two big failures so close to each other. Now we have the Gold Cup coming up – not going to have all of our best players because some are going to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.

  "You look at the strength of schedule after that, who are the teams that you are playing against that are going to get you ready? I’m a little nervous and I’m worried about the future of this U.S. men’s national team."

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

  Pochettino is able to call upon the likes of Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams – who are all playing at the highest level in Europe – but the USMNT are yet to find a formula that brings the best of talented individuals when they are asked to work together as a collective. They play Canada in the Nations League third-place match Sunday.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now keen on signing a “unique” player who has scored at Molineux for expected new manager Vitor Pereira, according to a new report.

Wolves set to announce Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold have moved quickly in finding a new manager to replace Gary O’Neil, as they sacked the Englishman over the weekend after their 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town. Out-of-work managers such as David Moyes and Graham Potter were linked with the role before O’Neil was sacked, but the Premier League side have made Vitor Pereira their number one target.

It was reported earlier this week that Pereira had agreed a deal with Wolves to become their new manager. The Portuguese has agreed a one-and-a-half-year deal after agreeing to personal terms, and Wolves have agreed to an £800,000 compensation package with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.

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Vitor Pereira will want to leave his mark on the Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

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Al-Shabab have confirmed Pereira’s exit, and the 56-year-old took to social media on Wednesday to bid farewell to his former club. He wrote: “The time has come to say goodbye to Al Shabab; every day here has been a lesson. Every challenge, an opportunity to grow. Even though the passage was short, we achieved important goals and milestones, overcame obstacles, and created memories that will never fade.

“On behalf of myself and my coaching staff, I sincerely thank the players, the staff, the managers, and the fans, who have always supported us unconditionally. I take with me the pride of having been part of this club and the certainty that I gave everything, every day! Special thanks to the president for the friendship, respect, and gratitude he has always shown us throughout this journey.

“This is not only a farewell, but also a reflection on the importance of each step on our path. Now, it’s time to look to the future, always with gratitude for what the past has given me. Thank you, Al Shabab! I WISH the club much success for the rest of the season!”

Wolves now keen on signing "unique" player for Vitor Pereira

As Pereira’s announcement gets ever closer, according to The Sun, Wolves are eyeing up a move to sign Miguel Almiron on loan from Newcastle United in January. The Paraguay international will have been with the Magpies for six years in January, but his time at the club looks to be coming to an end.

Almiron, who was praised for his “unique” style last year by Eddie Howe, has fallen out of favour at St. James’ Park after being a key player under Howe last season. The 30-year-old has played just nine times across all competitions this season, and given Newcastle are keen to balance the books due to FFP rules, Almiron could be allowed to leave in the New Year.

This report states that the Premier League side are keen to offload Almiron in January, with a loan move looking the most likely outcome. Wolves are among the teams interested in signing the midfielder, as are Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

Apps

183

Goals

23

Assists

6

Almiron is looking to leave the North East, as he tries to rediscover the form he showed in the 2022/23 season, where he scored 11 goals in the Premier League. Wolves and Molineux are very familiar with Almiron, as it was there where the midfielder scored his second Premier League goal, in the 1-1 draw against the Midlands side during the 2019/20 campaign.

في ظل موسم لم يكن على قدر التطلعات، اعترف لاعب مانشستر سيتي، إيلكاي جوندوجان، بأن الفريق لم يقدم المستوى المطلوب، مؤكدًا على أهمية الصراحة وتحمل المسؤولية في هذه المرحلة الحرجة.

وشدد النجم الألماني على ضرورة التركيز لتحقيق هدفين أساسيين قبل نهاية الموسم، وهما حجز مقعد في دوري أبطال أوروبا، ومحاولة الفوز بكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، في ظل تناقص فرص التتويج بالألقاب هذا العام.

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز الثالث بترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي، بعد خوضه 34 جولة حتى الآن بالمسابقة.

ويخوض مانشستر سيتي نصف نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي أمام نوتينجهام يوم الأحد المقبل.

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وفي حديثه لشبكة “ESPN”، قال جوندوجان: “أثبت الماضي أن هذا ليس المعيار الذي وضعناه لأنفسنا”.

وأضاف: “نعلم أن الأمور لم تكن جيدة بما يكفي من جانبنا طوال الموسم، لا يمكننا تغيير ذلك، كل ما علينا فعله هو تقبل الأمر والصدق مع أنفسنا، من المهم أن نعترف بذلك لأنفسنا”.

وأردف: “أمامنا هدفان، الأول هو التأهل لدوري أبطال أوروبا العام المقبل، وهو أمر حيوي للنادي ولنا كلاعبين أيضًا، والثاني هو محاولة الوصول إلى نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي”.

واختتم: “سنعود إلى ويمبلي لخوض نصف النهائي، وهو أمر مميز دائمًا، سيكون الأمر صعبًا، لكن ستكون فرصتنا الوحيدة، مع كأس العالم للأندية، للفوز بالألقاب هذا الموسم، سنسعى جاهدين لتحقيق ذلك”.

Manchester City’s academy has produced some fantastic players in recent times. That does not just go for players currently plying their trade at the Etihad Stadium, with several players who have come through the Citizens academy performing at other clubs across the Premier League.

Indeed, a large reason for such success in their youth set-up is due to the investment from the club, and have shown great commitment to producing talented homegrown players.

The academy, which celebrated its tenth anniversary at the start of the month, has managed to make £300m from player sales. The investment is paying off in many ways and has produced some fantastic players.

Some of the best City academy products

Phil Foden is one of the first players that springs to mind when thinking of City’s academy. The 24-year-old attacker has been a mainstay in the Citizens squad for a number of years now.

Although he has struggled this season after failing to score a Premier League goal, the Stockport-born star has a fantastic record for his boyhood club, with 90 goals and 55 assists in 288 games for the club.

In terms of City academy graduates thriving away from the club, Cole Palmer is perhaps the best example. His record for Chelsea since leaving the club is astounding, with 36 goals and 21 assists in 63 games.

Jamie Carragher recently said “there’s no better player in the Premier League” than the Wythenshawe-born star.

Looking further afield than the Premier League, Brahim Diaz is a prime example of someone who has excelled outside of England. He played 15 times for City and has since gone on to play 124 games for Italian giants AC Milan and 85 games for Real Madrid, his current club.

Those are merely some examples of City academy graduates performing well for the City first team, at other clubs in the Premier League or elsewhere in Europe. Another example of a quick rise to the top from a City academy graduate is Rico Lewis, who has become crucial for Pep Guardiola and has seen a sharp rise in value.

Rico Lewis’ market value in 2024

Guardiola is known as something of a tinkerer, and when he first brought Lewis into the fold in 2022/23, the treble-winning season, it was a bold call. However, the talent he saw in the youngster was clear for all to see when he got that chance in the first team.

The 20-year-old has played 73 times for the club so far, scoring four times and grabbing eight assists. He has shown incredible versatility during his short professional career.

The City number 82 – who Guardiola described as “one of the best I’ve ever [coached] by far” – has played in a variety of different positions, including both full-back roles and all across midfield.

Lewis record by position for City (min 45 mins played)

Position

Games

G/A

Right-back

27

4

Defensive midfielder

18

6

Left-back

7

1

Central midfielder

5

1

Right midfield

4

0

Attacking midfield

1

0

Centre-back

1

0

Stats from Transfermarkt

It has been an awful season for the team from the Blue side of Manchester. They have won one game in their last 11, beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 as their only win. With that being said Lewis has been one of their better performers. He has played 23 games in all competitions, in defence and midfield.

He has also got on the scoresheet this term, as well as grabbing four assists across all competitions. His only goal this term came against Crystal Palace, in a game where he also got sent off for two yellow cards.

Given his importance to the City team over the years it is no surprise that Lewis’ value has shot up so much. He is now worth roughly £38m as per Football Transfers. That is an incredible rise given he was an academy investment who did not cost them anything.

Football statistician Statman Dave described the England international as a “serious talent”. Given his exceptional rise to the top, it is not hard to see why. Already he is a crucial player for the Citizens, and the rise in his value reflects his importance to Guardiola.

Yet again, it is a prime example of an academy player proving to be a fantastic option for City, and one of the best talents they have at the club.

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Posts ByGeorge Light Dec 19, 2024