وجه مجدي عبد الغني عضو اتحاد الكرة الأسبق انتقادات قوية للاعبي الكرة المصرية بسبب تصرفاتهم السيئة خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

وشهدت مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز، بعد انتهائها نشوب أزمة بين مصطفى شلبي ونبيل عماد دونجا مع أحد منظمي المباراة، التي أقيمت في الإمارات، وترتب على ذلك احتجاز اللاعبين في أحد أقسام الشرطة هناك.

كما تم توقيع عقوبة مالية بقيمة مليون جنيه على محمود كهربا لاعب الأهلي وإعادته من بعثة الفريق بالإمارات إلى مصر، بعد ما بدر منه تجاه الجهاز الفني واللاعبين عقب مباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا الأخيرة.

طالع | الزمالك: نحترم قوانين الإمارات ولا نفكر في الانسحاب من كأس السوبر المصري

وقال مجدي عبد الغني في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة الشمس: “اللاعبون يتخيلون أنهم فوق القانون، الفلوس أفسدت لاعبي كرة القدم في الوقت الحالي”.

وتابع: “عدم تمسك الأندية بـ انتقاء اللاعب قبل التعاقد معه وموضوع الكيد أن هذا خطف لاعبا من الأهلي أو هذا خطفا لاعب من الزمالك، الكيد يفسد الكرة المصرية وأوصلنا للمستوى الذي نحن عليه الآن من انحدار أخلاقي”.

واستطرد: “سواء اللاعب الذي ضرب شخصا في أحد المولات التجارية، أو من يعتدي على رجال الأمن في المدرجات أو من يتطاول على مدير الكرة ويتم ترحيله”.

واختتم: “كل هذه نماذج لفساد كرة القدم في الجيل الحالي والأندية هي من تساعدهم على ذلك”.

Sachin Tendulkar has suggested tweaking the format of one-day cricket in order to promote a greater balance between bat and ball, suggesting – again – that having “two innings of 25 overs per side” could boost the interest among the spectators as well as the broadcasters.He had mooted the same idea, of splitting a one-day innings halfway, in 2009 for the first time. The ICC even considered the idea, but it wasn’t implemented in the end.”The 50-over format is the first thing that needs a look-in,” Tendulkar told . “As I had suggested, the format needs a tweak of two innings of 25 overs per side with a 15-minute break between each innings (a total of four innings between two teams). The number of innovations that can be brought in are huge.”Let’s say there’s a 50-over-a-side match between Team A and Team B. Team A wins the toss, bats 25 overs; then team B bats for 25 overs; Team A resumes innings (with whatever wickets left) from the 26th over; Team B then resumes the last innings to chase the target. If Team A has lost all their wickets within the first 25 overs itself, then Team B gets 50 overs (25 overs plus 25 overs with a break) to chase the target.”Tendulkar explained how his proposal could help deal with dew, which often hinders the team bowling second in the subcontinent, resulting in a more even contest.”There’s always a chance to come back into the game,” he said. “In a regular 50-over format, if a side wins toss and there’s dew, the side bowling second has no chance. The wet ball just skids on to the bat and it’s never a fair battle”.In the recent 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru and Vadodara, wet weather affected a number of matches, forcing some of them to be abandoned and many rescheduled. Rain also affected the quarter-final clashes of the tournament, denying Mumbai and Punjab cracks at semi-final spots.”Frankly none of us understood Duckworth & Lewis,” he said. “I think only those two gentlemen understood it. Look at the recent Vijay Hazare game washout, when Mumbai bowed out. Nobody likes a no-result contest.”Tendulkar also suggested that the first five overs of each set of 25 overs could constitute the Powerplay as opposed to ten overs first up, and that the bowling side could take three overs of a Powerplay whenever they wanted, leaving two overs with the batting side.”The six extra balls for bowling Powerplay will balance the battle between the bat and ball,” he said. “It’ll be exciting for the viewers because teams will constantly rethink strategies.”If a batting side has consumed seven overs of Powerplay (five mandatory and remaining two), and have a pinch-hitter waiting to come out yet, they could hold the batsman back until the fresh mandatory Powerplay will begin from the 26th over. Or, if the bowling Powerplay is on and two offspinners are on strike and batting side loses a wicket, a ‘nightwatchman’ can walk out to see off those overs”.A day after the 50-over Deodhar Trophy final, Tendulkar questioned the relevance of the tournament, as well as that of the four-day Duleep Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.”Look at the Challenger [Trophy]. Players come from different states, zones, play together for a few days and disperse,” he said. “There’s no team bonding. Do we even remember these games? Teams are randomly chosen. The same applies to the Duleep Trophy in certain ways. It doesn’t serve any purpose when players arrive overnight from different zones and play a few matches and go their separate ways.”It’s [Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy’s] the same format. The IPL is serving that purpose and is getting revenue too, which is important.”

It is believed a heavily praised manager could "emerge" as a late contender to replace David Moyes at West Ham, with the tactician's future still uncertain.

Moyes deal expiring as West Ham fans call for change

Moyes' tenure has been the best of any West Ham manager in recent memory, with the Scotsman securing European qualification in each of his full campaigns whilst also helping them to their first major trophy since the 1980s last year.

West Ham want proven Moyes replacement as Steidten takes to South America

The Scotsman is out of contract at the end of the season.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 27, 2024

West Ham's Conference League triumph in Prague will live long in the memories of many supporters, but a large section of the Hammers fan base now also believe the time is right for change.

There have been some complaints over West Ham's dogged style of play, with their league form since 2022 not exactly proving imperious. West Ham found themselves in a relegation battle last season and it took them nearly two months to win their first game of 2024.

West Ham chiefs have reportedly been assessing alternatives to Moyes, although the Scotsman stated last week that a new contract is already on the table for him.

Points per game

1.65

Win percentage

48.65%

Goals per match (average)

1.51

Goals conceded per 90 (average)

1.57

"I've had really good conversations with the owners, with David Sullivan and Karren Brady," said Moyes on signing a potential new contract.

"There's a contract there for me and I'm the one deciding I want to wait until the end of the season. There are plenty of reasons [to wait]. I've got to make sure it's the right thing for the club, for me and my family. I've spoken to the board. I've had a fabulous four years. We'll sort it out but I'm happy to wait."

According to various reports, West Ham are after a proven manager if they're to part company with Moyes, but one man who could come into the fold is ex-Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.

Cooper could "emerge" as West Ham candidate

Despite eventually being handed his P45, Cooper was praised for his "10/10" job at the City Ground last year as the Welshman steered Forest away from relegation. Cooper had to deal with a bloated squad among other issues but managed to keep them in Europe's most sought-after division, and he's now a free agent who's ready-available for hire.

Journalist Dean Jones has now told GiveMeSport that he's not in the equation right now, but if other options fail, Cooper could emerge as a candidate to succeed Moyes at West Ham.

“At the moment, I don't think Steve Cooper is going to be in that conversation, but I can see why people would expect him to be," said Jones.

“Perhaps further down the line, if they were to be looking at options and they weren't falling into place, I think he could emerge as an option."

The uncapped Michael Neser has also been included among 14 names for the two Tests against Pakistan

Andrew McGlashan14-Nov-2019Joe Burns and Travis Head are set to fill the batting vacancies in Australia’s Test line-up after being named in the 14-man squad for the two matches against Pakistan.Australia Test squad

David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Cameron Bancroft, Tim Paine (capt & wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Michael Neser

Cameron Bancroft, who was dropped after two Ashes Tests, has also been called up after his late inclusion to the Australia A side while the uncapped Michael Neser has been included as another seam-bowling option in a squad that covers both a day Test in Brisbane and a day-night Test in Adelaide. It was announced earlier in the day that Will Pucovski had asked not to be considered for selection as he manages his mental health.”We feel [Joe] was unlucky to miss the Ashes squad,” national selector Trevor Hohns said. “Joe’s record speaks for itself, he has Test hundreds on the board and has combined very well with David [Warner] in the past. We also like the feel of a right-hand, left-hand combination at the top of the order.”Travis scored a hundred against a very good New South Wales attack just a few weeks ago and also offers the option of part-time off-spin. Matthew Wade was superb as a specialist batsman through last summer, had a solid Ashes series with two hundreds and strong start to the current domestic season.”We anticipate Matthew and Travis will give us a strong middle order in support of the top four. Cameron Bancroft is someone who has the ingredients of what we believe makes a good Test cricketer and rounds out our batting group in the squad.”Travis Head celebrates his hundred•Getty ImagesDespite the unconvincing form of a number of the batsman, and the Australia A side falling to 9 for 57, Test captain Tim Paine remained bullish ahead of the series. “I saw that Pakistan are smelling blood in the water or whatever they said,” he told reporters in Adelaide. “What happened in Perth has got nothing to do with what is going to happen at the Gabba. The same thing happened in England with the Headingley Test – ‘Oh, momentum’ and all these words that don’t matter. Ball one at the Gabba next week is all square and we start again.”Burns’ recall means Marcus Harris, who was the incumbent opener having played the last three Ashes Tests, loses his place while Usman Khawaja has paid the price for a poor start to the domestic season having been dropped in England.Harris managed just 58 runs in six innings after replacing Bancroft during the Ashes. Though his form has been steady at the start of the domestic season with a century, which came on a featherbed at Junction Oval in Melbourne, and two half-centuries, he has been cut.Burns failed twice in the Australia A match against Pakistan in Perth but the selectors, Trevor Hohns and Justin Langer, have opted to return to a player who has four centuries in 16 Tests including 180 in his most recent outing against Sri Lanka in February. A stint with Lancashire was cut short by post-viral fatigue syndrome and though he returned for the Australia A tour of England – and scored a century – he was left out of the Ashes squad.Head, who will also be joint vice-captain with Pat Cummins, was part of Australia A’s collapse, but a century in the previous round of Sheffield Shield has been enough for a swift return.Bancroft has come up on the rails to earn his place after a lean start to the season for Western Australia and not initially being included in the Australia A side until Nic Maddinson withdrew for mental health reasons. However, after Australia A subsided on the second day in Perth, he top-scored with 49 from No. 6 and has the versatility to bat in any position among the top order if required.Neser, who was part of the Ashes squad, has been rewarded for a strong start to the season and will push for the third pace-bowling slot alongside Mitchell Starc, who has been in outstanding form for New South Wales, and James Pattinson although one of the latter two will be favoured to join Cummins and Josh Hazlewood at the Gabba. However, Neser’s impressive performance with the pink ball against Pakistan A in Perth could put him in contention for the day-night Test in Adelaide and he has effectively taken Peter Siddle’s position.”We are blessed to have four of the best fast bowlers in the world challenging each other for spots and most importantly playing as a group,” Hohns said. “Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood and Pattinson are daunting pace prospects for any opposition, particularly at home. Michael Neser adds to that group with his ability move the ball both ways, giving the team another bowling option depending on the conditions.”Mitchell Marsh, who took the No. 6 slot at The Oval in September and claimed a maiden five-wicket haul, was not in contention for this squad having broken his hand punching the dressing room wall at the WACA last month.

Chelsea have sent Cole Palmer a good luck message ahead of England's Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• England bidding for Euro glory in Berlin
• Palmer hoping to have impact on pitch
• Chelsea hyped their man up on social media

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues wished their star man the best of luck as England prepare to take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Chelsea sent a similar message to Palmer's team-mate Conor Gallagher, who may also have a role to play in Berlin. The words written on social media spoke of how both players could have an impact for the Three Lions. Some may interpret it as a slight dig at their lack of game time in Germany.

Advertisement

• WHAT CHELSEA SAID

  On X, Chelsea wrote: "Balling his way to Berlin. A game-changer for the Three Lions. The English cheer as he walks up to the touchline. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. With all eyes on the first kick of the shootout, the coldest man in the stadium sent the keeper the wrong way. Precision and purpose. The incisive pass for the winner in Dortmund, with just minutes to go. Us Blues know what he can do. This is your time, Cole. Best of luck! 👊"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Palmer has not had the time on the pitch he would have liked this summer, but that has not stopped him from having a positive impact for Gareth Southgate's men. The 22-year-old set up OIlie Watkins for the winner against the Netherlands on Wednesday and has been unlucky not to start at all across England's six games.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER AND ENGLAND?

  There is one last hurdle for Palmer and England to conquer and that is Spain. The final will take place on Sunday in Berlin and the Three Lions are looking to avoid a repeat of the final of three years ago when they lost to Italy.

Liverpool have made an early move as they prepare for life without Jürgen Klopp and are lining up a potentially massive transfer this summer, it has been claimed.

FSG preparing for post-Klopp Liverpool

A summer of change awaits Anfield at the end of this season. Long-time boss Klopp is calling time on his stint in the technical area after nine years in the Premier League, leaving the Merseyside outfit on the hunt for a new manager.

Having transformed the Reds from also-rans to a Premier League powerhouse during his time at Anfield, the legacy of the German will be hard to live up to, and he could yet end his final season with three trophies.

Michael Edwards is returning to the club, but in a new CEO role rather than as sporting director, with Richard Hughes having been recruited from Bournemouth to take up that position.

Liverpool “most serious” candidate to sign “phenomenal” Premier League ace

The Reds are in pole position to complete the move.

ByHenry Jackson Mar 15, 2024

There promises to be serious change on the pitch too, with both Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara out of contract and likely to leave as free agents, while the core players remaining from Klopp's greatest successes (namely Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Mo Salah) are all the wrong side of 30 years old.

Salah in particular has been the subject of heavy interest from Saudi Arabia, and Al-Ittihad could re-ignite their interest in the Egyptian as he heads into the final 12 months of his contract in north-west England, having seen a £150m offer turned down last summer. But it isn't all doom and gloom at Anfield.

Liverpool eyeing new poster boy

Now, it has been reported that Liverpool are among the clubs to have 'requested information' on young Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Heorhij (Georgiy) Sudakov, making the first move ahead of a potential summer deal for the 21-year-old.

Sudakov is expected to be the next big thing out of the Ukrainian giants, with Mykhaylo Mudryk having joined Chelsea in January 2022 from the same outfit.

According to TuttoJuve's Mirko Di Natale, five Premier League clubs including Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Sudakov, who has grabbed three goals and an assist in 14 top flight outings and has featured in each of Shakhtar's Europa League and Champions League games.

Also thought to be keen are Arsenal, Manchester CIty, Manchester United and Newcastle United, but any club that signs him will be willing to fork out an eyewatering 100m euros (£85m), which is reportedly where his release clause stands.

For that money, scout Ben Mattinson believes that any club would be getting one of the best talents that the Ukrainian club have ever produced, claiming that the midfielder is 'the latest top talent they've produced and he may be one of their best', armed with 'quality ball-striking', 'technical ability' and 'press resistance'.

Any move for Sudakov would likely be reliant on departures, with the centre of the pitch clogged up as things stand with all of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szobozslai fighting it out for spots either side of Wataru Endo.

It would also likely require a major sale given the hefty asking price. However, at just 21-years-old he could be shrewd investment as the Reds gear up for another period of dominance under a new boss.

After an incredibly successful first five months in charge at Rangers, reports suggest that Philippe Clement is set to enjoy a busy summer of change, with a number of incomings and departures on the cards.

Rangers transfer news

As things stand, the Gers are on course to win the Scottish Premiership in a season where their credentials looked at increasing risk in the early stages of the season until Clement arrived. Since the former AS Monaco boss took over from the sacked Michael Beale, the Scottish giants have completed an extraordinary turnaround to leapfrog Old Firm rivals Celtic on their way to potential glory.

Related Rangers missed out on a star who's now worth more than Cantwell

The Light Blues were reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive youngster.

Posts ByDan Emery Mar 13, 2024

Yet, even if they lift the Scottish Premiership in May, Rangers look set for several changes, with contracts running out and players set to depart. As of right now, the Gers are set to lose John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe as free agents this summer, whilst Ridvan Yilmaz's future is also in doubt, according to reports.

Those departures are set to leave gaping holes in Clement's squad, which will need to be filled with further incomings when the summer window swings open. And that's exactly what Rangers' recruitment team seemingly has in mind.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers' recruitment team have highlighted the need for a new left-back, central midfielder and striker to Clement this summer as part of a major overhaul, with those five names expected to be replaced by three top signings.

It remains to be seen just who those recruits will be, but as loan deals for the likes of Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes come to an end, it will be interesting to see if the champions-elect look to make permanent moves for their loanees in the coming months. If they help the Gers on their way to the league title, then they'd have certainly earned summer switches.

Rangers should look inwards for permanent deals

Whilst new targets will undoubtedly emerge this summer, Rangers would be best-served by turning towards those who have already made an impact at Ibrox in players like Cortes and Silva. Both players have particularly impressed, with the former unfortunate to suffer a recent injury to interrupt part of his loan spell.

Reports have already suggested that Rangers want to sign Cortes on a permanent basis this summer, whilst they already have an obligation to buy Mohamed Diomande after his loan spell. The midfielder is a ready-made replacement for Jack, who is on course to depart as a free agent come the end of the season.

If they end the current campaign as champions, then logic suggests that Rangers will be in a far stronger position to attract further reinforcements this summer, in what should only result in an improved side and potential title defence next season.

Clement's already transformed the Gers in his first five moments and could make an even greater impact in his first full season in charge. Gearing up for a busy summer, change is afoot once more at Ibrox under the guidance of the Belgian.

Nottingham Forest will be looking to make it into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup when they take on Manchester United at the City Ground tomorrow night.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side come into the encounter on the back of a 4-2 defeat away at Aston Villa, with the Reds looking to return to winning ways once more.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag's side will be looking to end a disappointing season with some silverware, with the FA Cup the club's only real chance of ending the 2023/24 campaign with a trophy.

The Red Devils come into the fixture having lost 2-1 at home to Fulham on Saturday afternoon after a late Alex Iwobi goal condemned United to their first league defeat in 2024.

The two sides last met at the end of December, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez on the scoresheet for the Reds as they claimed all three points in a 2-1 victory.

Since the encounter, both sides have had contrasting form, with Ten Hag's side finally starting to show consistency – however anything can happen with the magic of the FA Cup.

Striker Taiwo Awoniyi was substituted at half-time on Saturday, with Felipe also replaced at the break with both the Nigerian and the £80k-per-week centre-back set to miss out for the clash against United.

Nottingham Forest star who lost 100% duels let Nuno down vs Villa

He was replaced at half-time after a poor first half.

By
Ethan Lamb

Feb 25, 2024

With that in mind, here's a look at the potential Forest starting XI that will take on Manchester United…

1

Matz Sels

Goalkeeper Matz Sels has enjoyed a solid start to life in Nottingham, starting all the Reds' Premier League games since his arrival in the January transfer window.

He missed the FA Cup fourth-round replay against Bristol City, however, he is set to start between the sticks once more ahead of Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos.

2

Neco Williams

A player who has certainly benefitted from consistent game time in recent weeks is Neco Williams.

The right-back, who has made the most tackles of any Forest player this season, has started the last five Premier League games under Nuno with the Welshman impressing with his ability to motor down the right-hand side – a characteristic the Reds boss likes in his full-backs.

3

Murillo

The Brazilian produced one of the most disappointing displays of his Forest career away to Aston Villa last weekend, with the 21-year-old substituted at half-time by Nuno.

However, he's only young and bound to have an off day, with the former Corinthians more than capable of putting in an improved performance against United on Wednesday night.

4

Moussa Niakhate

Like Murillo, the Senegalese defender endured a tough opening 45 minutes at Villa Park, with Nuno opting to start the centre-back out of position at left-back.

He's well suited at the centre of the Reds' defence alongside Murillo, with the pair building a solid partnership earlier in the season. His long throw has caused other sides endless problems this campaign, with his ability to hurl the ball into the 18-yard box a danger for any team.

5

Harry Toffolo

With Nuno Tavares set to miss the next month through injury, Harry Toffolo should start at left-back for the Reds.

The former Huddersfield Town man came on at the break for Murillo against Unai Emery's men, with the left-hand side of Nuno's defence looking much better after the 28-year-old's introduction.

6

Nicolas Dominguez

Having scored against the Red Devils last time out, Nicolas Dominguez will be looking to inflict yet more pain against United.

The Argentinian has enjoyed a brilliant start to life in Nottingham, scoring three times in 20 appearances for the club, with the midfielder impressing with his pressing and ball-winning ability.

7

Danilo

With Ibrahim Sangare away at the African Cup of Nations and Orel Mangala leaving to join Lyon, Danilo has often been the partner alongside Dominguez at the base of Forest's midfield.

The Brazilian hasn't matched the levels he achieved last season, but his partnership against Dominguez has injected a new lease of life into the Reds' midfield.

8

Morgan Gibbs-White

The attacking midfielder has been a revelation under Nuno, with his all-round game seeming to have improved from the start of the season.

As previously mentioned, he scored during the last meeting at the City Ground, with the 24-year-old potentially holding the key to another famous FA Cup victory at the City Ground.

9

Callum Hudson-Odoi

In recent weeks, Callum Hudson-Odoi has enjoyed a purple patch of form which has seen him score three times in his last Premier League outings – including against Newcastle United and Bournemouth.

His pace and direct dribbling could cause the United defence endless trouble at the City Ground, with the former Chelsea winger starting to show glimpses of his former self.

10

Anthony Elanga

A player looking to get one over his former employers is Anthony Elanga. The Sweden international joined the Reds in a deal worth £15m during last summer's transfer window, with the 21-year-old currently enjoying the form of his life.

He's scored five and assisted seven so far for the Reds, with his pace and eye for goal developing each week, with Elanga starting to look like a potential bargain and a player United might regret selling.

It hasn't been the season many were hoping for at Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe's side have been decimated by injuries, which torpedoed their Champions League campaign and has made the Premier League a real slog.

Last Monday night's defeat to Chelsea was just another painful blow – as was Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City – and while there isn't much to cheer about at the moment, the Toon do have a very promising youngster out on loan who could replace Jacob Murphy in the XI next year.

Jacob Murphy's performances this season

Newcastle completed the £12m signing of Murphy from Norwich City in July 2017, and while he's since spent a couple of spells out on loan to West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday, he has become a valuable part of the squad.

Last season, the Wembley-born winger made 43 appearances for the Magpies, in which he scored four goals and provided two assists as the club finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in two decades.

GK – Karl Darlow

RB – Jamie Sterry

CB – Chancel Mbemba

CB – Grant Hanley

LB – Jesus Gamez

CM – Henri Saivet

CM – Dan Barlaser

CAM – Mohamed Diame

LW – Ronaldo Aarons

RW – Jacob Murphy

ST – Aleksandar Mitrovic

This year, the 29-year-old has been restricted to just 18 appearances, in which he has scored two goals and provided five assists, due to his shoulder injuries between October and late January.

In all, the 5 foot 10 ace has made 167 appearances for the Toon, and while he has undoubtedly been a useful squad player, his return of just 11 goals and 16 assists in that time isn't enough for a team that wants to consistently challenge the big boys at home and on the continent.

So, Newcastle are lucky that one of their most talented youngsters is tearing it up on loan this year and could mount a serious challenge to Murphy next season.

Yankuba Minteh's performances this season

So, the youngster in question is 19-year-old Gambian international Yankuba Minteh.

The immensely talented winger joined the Toon for just £7m from Danish side Odense Boldklub last summer before immediately being sent out on loan to Dutch giants Feyenoord.

Minteh has made 29 appearances for the Rotterdam outfit this season, and while 14 of those have come off the bench, he has an impressive return of eight goals and three assists.

The Bakoteh-born gem has taken it up a notch in recent weeks and is "on fire", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, scoring three goals in his last three appearances.

The youngster's underlying numbers are outrageous as well.

Non-Penalty Goals

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

Top 1%

Progressive Carries

Top 1%

Successful Take-Ons

Top 1%

Touches in the Oppositions Penalty Area

Top 1%

Progressive Passes Received

Top 1%

Tackles

Top 1%

Shot-Creating Actions

Top 2%

Shots Total

Top 4%

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across the next best 14 competitions, the 19-year-old sits in the top 1% of wingers for non-penalty goals, non-penalty expected goals, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the opposition's penalty area, and many more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Howe and Co have a genuinely incredible talent on their hands in Minteh. While Murphy is a hard worker and has been deserving of his place in the squad over recent seasons, it looks like a matter of when, not if, he is replaced by the superb Gambian.

Argentina's deputy sports minister has been sacked after suggesting Lionel Messi should apologise for the squad singing a racist song aimed at France.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentina team in racism scandal over songDeputy minister wants Messi to apologiseGarro sacked within hours of commentsWHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram after Argentina's Copa America triumph over Colombia, where he and some team-mates sang a discriminatory song that questioned the heritage of Kylian Mbappe and his French compatriots. Subsequently, minister Julio Garro said Messi – who was not involved in the chant – should: "Come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president [Claudio Tapia]." Hours after he spoke to radio station Urbana Play, Argentina president Javier Milei sacked him.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT JAVIER MILEI SAID

On his social media page, the president wrote: “The Office of the President states that no government has the right to tell the Argentine national team, world champions and double Copa America champions, or any other citizen, what to comment, what to think and what to do. That is why Julio Garro ceases to be the under-secretary of sport.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Although Fernandez apologised for posting the video and engaging in the chant, Chelsea have launched disciplinary proceedings against him. The French Football Federation has complained about this to FIFA and is considering legal action, while Chelsea's Wesley Fofana posted the video on social media and wrote: "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Chelsea have begun their pre-season campaign and head out to the United States next week. Fernandez and other team-mates are expected to join later in the tour, and it remains to be seen what action will be taken against him and Argentina.