Chelsea Transfers

[Mário César 1,346]

so if we sell koulibaly no way we can loan lewill agian

lewill

fofana

thiago

dude from monaco

4 players to two spots its ok 

[Vesper 30,322]

DMFs still available

 

Moisés Caicedo 
Martín Zubimendi  
Khéphren Thuram  (Pool are close to signing him)
Roméo Lavia  
Sofyan Amrabat

Rúben Neves   
Amadou Onana     
Teun Koopmeiners  
Florentino 
Alan Varela 

ALAN VARELA – THE XEMILLERO GEM READY FOR STARDOM

https://footballtalentscout.net/2023/01/16/alan-varela-the-xemillero-gem-ready-for-stardom-by-shay-hicks/
 

[Vesper 30,322]

1 hour ago, Tomo said:

I don't feel you can hold that many passengers in the build up play these days, even if they're not the main "ball player" they still have requirements.

If Rice signed for us I could forsee opposition manager commiting more resources to marking Enzo because they knew Rice wasn't that huge a threat in possesion.

that is why I was warming to Ugarte, despite his rashness

[Vesper 30,322]

50 minutes ago, Mário César said:

robert sanchez? what?

Robert Sanchez can stay next season but I decide the XI – Roberto De Zerbi

https://theathletic.com/4545895/2023/05/24/robert-sanchez-brighton-future/

Roberto De Zerbi says there is a route back at Brighton for former No 1 goalkeeper Robert Sanchez if he accepts that he may not play.

Sanchez will be missing from the squad for the fourth game running against Manchester City at the Amex on Wednesday night after refusing to be on the bench as cover for Jason Steele.

Asked if it’s up to Sanchez how the situation is solved, De Zerbi said: “Yes, Robert and the club.

“I can’t do anything. If he wants (to stay next season), for sure, but I decide the first XI.

“Robert is a top guy, a very good guy. I like him and I still have a good relationship with him, but my work is to decide the first XI and I’ve always been honest, correct with everybody.

“No-one can change my responsibility to decide the first XI.”

De Zerbi replaced Spain international Sanchez, 25, with Steele in March, due to the 32-year-old’s better understanding of how the head coach wants to pass out from the back.

Sanchez has been replaced by 23-year-old Tom McGill on the bench since the 5-1 home defeat by Everton earlier this month.

Brighton have already qualified for Europe for the first time. Mathematically, they still need a point from the final two matches against City and at Aston Villa on Sunday to guarantee playing in the Europa League by finishing sixth, rather than the Europa Conference League for seventh place.

Central defender Adam Webster is fit enough to return to the bench after missing the last three games through injury.

Webster equalised with a header when Brighton came from 2-0 down to beat City 3-2 in their final home game of the campaign two years ago.

 

GO DEEPER

The seven factors that got Brighton into Europe

Edited June 12, 2023 by Vesper

[Vesper 30,322]

 

Santiago Hezze: Huracán’s most precious gem and a future star of Argentina – scout report

https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/santiago-hezze-at-huracan-2022-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics

Until recently, Lionel Messi’s career with Argentina’s national team was characterised by failure and disappointment. For years, the Barcelona legend struggled without the rise of any promising players coming out of the South American country. The tides have turned, however, and as seen by their recent Copa América success, there are countless Argentinian stars emerging throughout world football. More specifically, the generation of players born from 2000-2005 may turn out to be a golden one for Argentina.

While stars like Man City’s Julián Álvarez and Benfica’s Enzo Fernández are already performing for UEFA Champions League clubs, there are a few promising players on the verge of breaking out of Argentinian football. One of the most consistent of them is 20-year-old Santiago Hezze from Huracán. The kid from Buenos Aires is a product of Huracán’s youth system, having made his professional debut in early 2020. After establishing himself in the senior team, he is now a key piece of Diego Dabove’s side, who are currently third in the Liga Professional.

In the form of tactical analysis, this scout report will examine Santiago Hezze’s playing style, identifying why the defensive midfielder is such a promising player. Specifically, this analysis will look at the 20-year-old’s characteristics, tendencies, and strengths.

Positioning

Santiago Hezze is rather versatile as far as positioning in the midfield. The 20-year-old is certainly more defensive, although he is also able to play an important role in possession. Dabove’s tactics have been built around a 4-2-3-1, with a 4-3-3 occasionally being used. In the 4-2-3-1, Hezze has the more defensive role in the double pivot. However, he was also used as a number eight in the 4-3-3.

Nonetheless, given his abilities and characteristics, Santiago can perform either as part of a double pivot or as the single pivot himself. As seen in his heatmap, he has mostly performed on the right side of the pitch throughout his career.

His actions map further highlights his involvement throughout the pitch. Though he is initially deployed on the right, he is active everywhere in the middle of the pitch. This mobility and presence are quite significant, especially in such an important role.

Anticipation

Santiago Hezze’s most notable strength is his defensive presence. Sitting ahead of the backline, he offers tremendous protection and intensity. When pressing in a high block, he is also able to provide cover and close players down. Statistically, his performance is quite impressive. In 2022, with 24 matches played, the 20-year-old averages 12.15 successful defensive actions per 90. Hezze is very active on the defensive end, and a significant part of that comes from his ability to read the game.

Regardless of the scenario, he is constantly able to anticipate plays and successfully recover the ball. At 5.71 interceptions per 90, he has been quite consistent despite the young age. In a recent match, the Argentinian had 12 interceptions in a single match, being able to retain the ball in all of those instances.

In lower blocks, Hezze demonstrates an impressive awareness of the defensive organisation. With intelligent positioning and great physical abilities, he is constantly able to cover spaces and intercept dangerous passes. In the example below, when the ball is played to the centre-forward in the box, he is able to quickly step in the lane and recover it.

Further up the pitch, he is also able to anticipate vertical passes and keep the opposition from progressing into the middle third. In a guardian-like role, he is able to protect the middle third and keep the opposition from constructing dangerous attacks.

Another example can be found below. As the opposition aims to play a direct pass into the midfield, Hezze immediately anticipates the pass, recovers the ball, and begins an offensive transition. His quick acceleration and strength allow him to not only get to the ball before the opponent but also win the 50/50 challenges.

As seen through his positioning, Santiago is quite mobile. He is able to cover a lot of ground, especially due to his aggressiveness. He is able to press the opponents in a relentless manner, not allowing them time or space on the ball. In the example below, rather than sitting deep ahead of the backline, he steps up to close the opponents down in the midfield. When the ball carrier plays it to the middle, he intercepts and again launches a dangerous transition.

Tackling

The 20-year-old kid from Buenos Aires is a tremendously technical defender. Despite having a relentless intensity to his defensive game, when performing tackles and challenging for the ball, he does so with incredible effectiveness. Hezze knows when to stay on his feet and exactly when to perform the challenge.

At 8.63 defensive duels per 90, he is again very active in the defensive phase. Additionally, his 58.59% success rate is quite impressive given this high volume. Aerially, the 177cm midfielder is also able to contribute significantly. In 2022, Santiago has averaged 3.88 aerial duels per 90 with a 52.81% success rate.

Against Aldosivi, his astute defending was on display once again. The Huracán midfielder won five of his seven defensive duels. The 20-year-old also had 20 total recoveries, with 10 of them being in the opposition half. In the instance below, when the defender performs a turn, he surgically extends his legs and challenges the ball.

Despite being very technical, he also has that traditional South American will. Without hesitation, he is willing to throw himself in front of passes in order to stop the opposition from progressing. Especially in instances where is further out from the ball, he throws himself in front of the ball in order to block passes.

His ability to read the opponents and their intentions is also significant in this department. As attackers drive at him, he reads their body language and anticipates their actions. In this instance, he realises the attacker will dribble to his left rather than passing it to his right, so he makes the step over and wins the ball.

He is also conscious of his own body language, always ensuring he has the best opportunity to recover the ball given the scenario around him. This is especially helpful in transitions when the attackers are driving at him. Below, as the opponent begins to dribble at him, he performs a half-turn to be in the best position to chase him. When the ball is knocked past him, he accelerates, recovers it, and plays it back to the keeper.

Once again, his aggressiveness is on display as he beautifully recovers the ball against Independiente. Initially, he steps up to the opposition player in the middle of the pitch. When the ball is played backwards, he continues his pressure onto the next player and performs a tackle to recover the ball.

Movement

In modern football, it is simply not enough to be solely a ball-winning player. Especially in the midfield, players must be able to contribute to all four phases of the game. In addition to being fantastic defensively, Santiago Hezze is also able to contribute to possession through his passing and off-the-ball movement. He is not one to carry the ball or dribble past opponents, as seen by his 0.57 progressive runs per 90 and 1.09 dribbles per 90. On the contrary, his work is through a versatile passing profile and intelligent positioning throughout the pitch.

His movement off the ball is the biggest factor behind his successful involvement in possession, more specifically, his occupation of spaces within the defensive organisation. However, at times, he is willing to drop in between the centre-backs and initiate possession ahead of the defensive block.

He is also able to find spaces behind the first line of pressure. He creates these passing lanes and receives the ball within the defensive block. Usually, after receiving it, he will move it along with quick short passes.

In other scenarios, he is able to support possession as his team tries to break down low blocks. By attacking spaces like this and receiving the ball, he helps his team retain possession and maintain the tempo.

His movement also tends to be considerate of the ball carrier and the opponents around him. Hezze scans the environment and performs his movements accordingly, creating optimal passing lanes in key spaces. He is also very press resistant, with the ability to receive in tight spaces without losing his composure.

Passing

As mentioned, his passing profile is rather versatile. His most significant work is at the beginning of the midfield with quick short passes. By moving in and out of gaps within the defensive organisation, he allows his team to progress forward, or at least retain possession and ensure control. Additionally, Hezze is able to launch longer and more progressive passes into the final third. Of his 37.46 passes per 90, 14.59 are lateral passes while 12.29 are forward passes. The 20-year-old also averages 5.75 progressive passes per 90 and 6.32 passes to the final third per 90.

He contributes to retaining possession and maintaining control by constantly offering support and creating passing lanes. Mostly behind the first line of pressure, he will pop in and out of passing lanes to keep moving the ball. In the example below, he receives it from Lucas Merolla before immediately playing it to Fernando Tobio on the other side.

He is also able to play longer passes, especially into the final third. Again, he receives it in the same area of the pitch, but this time, he plays it long into the final third where his teammate can drive into space.

With 4.14 long passes per 90, Hezze does this relatively often. In another scenario, he performs a similar type of pass. As Huracán attack through the left, the entire defensive organisation shifts over. After Santiago receives it, he immediately turns and plays the long switch, where his teammate is running free.

When receiving it further up the pitch, the Argentinian is also able to play dangerous passes into the final third. His awareness allows him to do this with speed, immediately playing the pass after receiving the ball.

Now in transition, he launches a dangerous counterattack after recovering the ball. In a similar style, he plays a progressive pass into the final third where his teammate can attack the space. Hezze’s passing and vision complement his ability to recover the ball, allowing him to constantly initiate dangerous transitions.

Conclusion

Santiago Hezze is an exciting prospect out of Argentina’s Huracán. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has a dynamic profile, excelling in all phases of the game. Defensively, Hezze is an incredibly technical defender with relentless intensity. With the ball, his balanced passing profile makes him a powerful weapon in construction.

This next generation coming out of Argentina may very well turn out to be a golden one, and Santiago Hezze is one of the most promising prospects leading the line. It will be interesting to see how his career develops.

 

Edited June 12, 2023 by Vesper

[ZAPHOD2319 4,826]

I like the daily round up he has started doing.

 

[ZAPHOD2319 4,826]

 

[OneMoSalah 8,900]

Isn’t the whole point of trying to sign Robert Sanchez as a GK for his ability to also contribute in build up as well as be a solid GK? Yet we’ve got the Brighton manager not picking him for months on end due to not understanding or being able to do what he wants in that aspect. Avoid. Please.

Also Mbappe saga is on again. Fucking egotistical little cunt. He may be an unbelievable player but what he has basically convinced PSG to do for him is mental with that new deal - a option for a third year that only he can trigger? Mental. He will be a Madrid player though eventually, it’s written.

Edited June 13, 2023 by OneMoSalah

[Vesper 30,322]

1 hour ago, ZAPHOD2319 said:

 

€60m for Onana is utter bullshit

he is nothing special, he is shaky with the ball at his feet and distribution is very meh under pressure

[Vesper 30,322]

if we cannot sell Lukaku to Inter or find some suckers to pay a loan AND his full wages

or (ideal) we fob him off on the Saudis

then I want him buried in the youth squad

punish that cunt choke artist

he is pure poison

he has ripped our club for 2 years now

[Vesper 30,322]

Leny Yoro 🖤

LILLE’S YOUNGEST EVER PLAYER BEATING EDEN HAZARD’S RECORD

 

 

 

 

[Strike 7,541]

Better off packing K2 to Saudi since I don’t see Inter covering full wages 

[Vesper 30,322]

Luka Vuskovic

Who is Luka Vuskovic – The next big thing in Croatian Football?

https://khelnow.com/football/2023-03-world-football-who-is-luka-vuskovic

 

The wonderkid is taking the entire footballing world by storm courtesy of his heroics at the mere age of 16

The emergence of astoundingly young footballers into the biggest level of football, is something which is growing increasingly recurrent with each passing day. These days it is very common to see youngsters at the age of 20-21, to play for some of the biggest clubs in the world, and also have a stature that is way beyond their age.

Other than this, there are also some players, who achieve a more difficult feat, and actually make it to the top level of football, in their teenage years of 18-19 years. Such occurrences are rare, but this has happened quite a few times in the history of football. But what hasn’t happened, is for a 16-year and 1 month old (as of march 2023) boy to play for one of the biggest clubs in Croatia, and become a regular starter for one of the top teams in the nation, and also draw keen attention from other top European clubs. 

As dazzled and amazed as you are after hearing this, this is indeed true, and we are talking about none other than Luka Vuskovic, one of the biggest talents in Europe at the moment, who is baffling the entire world by his astounding achievements at this very tender age.

The thrilling journey of Luka so far

Born on the 24th of February 2007 in Split, Luka always had a keen interest in football, and started his journey at a very young age at the academy of Hajduk Split. At the academy, Luka soon proved to everyone that his potential was undeniably exquisite, and swiftly climbed through the ranks of the academy, and became the youngest scorer in the UEFA Youth League in the process.

What followed was an absolute dream for the 15-year-old, as he was allowed to feature in a friendly against Urania, in September 2022. Around three months later, he was once again called by the main team, to play a friendly against German side Schalke. Luka scored in that game, and also helped his team get a 4-3 win over the opponents. 

This spectacular display of brilliance by young Luka convinced Hajduk’s head coach,, to give his 16-year-old starboy the perfect Birthday gift, as just two days after turning 16, Luka got to make his official debut, as he played the entirety of the game against arch rivals Dinamo Zagreb. This far-fetched achievement, crowned Luka Vuskovic as the youngest player to ever feature in the Croatian top flight, and gave him nationwide appreciation.

Just days after his first appearance as a pro, Luka Vuskovic once again featured for his team, and also got his first professional goal, in a cup tie against Osijek, becoming the youngest scorer in Hajduk’s history.

At the international stage also, Luka Vuskovic’s progress has been equally impressive, and he has made three appearances for his nation at the U16 level, against Armenia, Greece and Slovenia.

Luka’s style of play

Courtesy of his incredible 6 feet 3 inch height, Luka gets a pretty fair advantage in his centre back position at the youth levels. Not only that, the players’ brilliant positioning and presence of mind helps him formulate the opposition’s plans and bring about a desired course of action. 

Luka Vuskovic’s heading abilities are also incredible, and he can prove to be very dangerous from set pieces. This is very well proved in the fact that Luka is the second highest score in his youth team, despite being a centre back.

Luka Vuskovic’s dooming physical stature also makes his job easy in the back, and his quick thinking aided with great distribution helps in facilitating attacks.

Scouting expert Jacek Kulig rated Luka as the best 15-year-old in world football and said that Vuskovic has no significant weaknesses, a rare achievement for a player of any age. Such high regards for a young player like Luka definitely speaks tons about the kind of talent he is, and raises a big question, of whether he is the next superstar in Croatian football.

What the future holds for Luka

Such talent at this tender age at such a big level, definitely doesn’t go unnoticed by the scouts of some of the top clubs, and it is pretty fare to say, that some big names would be setting their sights on Luka, and would want to get the 16-year-old in their side, and nourish him into becoming a future sensation.

The bigshots which are eyeing on the teenage prodigy are Man City and Real Madrid, and there has also been some news regarding interest being shown by PSG, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan. 

Hajduk have got a gem in their hands, and the team would want to hold onto him for a few more years, until top clubs are willing to lash out millions to get Vuskovic on their sides. 

Whatever happens, one thing is certain, that there is the rise of an upcoming sensation in the bleak terrains of Croatia, and he has his eyes set on making it to the very top of the footballing world.

[OhForAGreavsie 6,095]

10 hours ago, MoroccanBlue said:

I think I heard June 30th being a soft deadline, meaning club will likely be offered weeks/months afterwards to finalise dealings that could be accounted for the 2023 season. 

Makes sense again. June 30th is the end of the 2022/2023 season, and therefore the period to be accounted but the numbers don't have to be submitted until a later uefa deadline.

[OhForAGreavsie 6,095]

9 hours ago, Pizy said:

So in the same morning we’ve got one report saying “don’t be surprised if Kepa remains Chelsea’s starting keeper” and another that says Lukaku may be welcomed back. Can you even imagine if we line up on match day 1 with Lukaku (a striker who has failed here TWICE and has stated numerous time he doesn’t want to come back) lumbering around the pitch and T-Rex arms Kepa in goal?
 

After all the hype and reporting that a new #9 and a new #1 being the top priorities this summer, if we don’t get either I will have ZERO hope whatsoever of us challenging for the top 4. 

I think @Vegetable has this right, in that the statement about Lukaku is a negotiating stance. Of course the thing with negotiating stances is that people have to believe that you'll follow through or they're no good. 🙂

Also, CL qualification has to be a near imperative target next season, but top 5 might do for that.

[OhForAGreavsie 6,095]

17 hours ago, TheHulk said:

Fuck off Boehly.

This is exactly the correct thing for our negotiators to say. Nothing for you to be angry about.

Edited June 13, 2023 by OhForAGreavsie

[DDA 10,005]

Is Caicedo a cdm? I thought he was more a number 8?

[turgi 71]

Inter will make a joke out of Todd Boehly again

[Strike 7,541]

No wonder the Havertz deal has cooled. 

[Mhsc 1,109]

1 hour ago, Strike said:

No wonder the Havertz deal has cooled. 

Imagine the signing fee he can get if he forces them to keep him for the last year of his contract.