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Liverpool have enjoyed a brilliant season in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign, with the Reds currently sitting two points clear at the summit with nine games left to play.

The club are aiming to win the league title to give boss Jürgen Klopp a perfect send-off, as he leaves Anfield at the end of the season after a successful nine-year stint in charge at the club.

The German has transformed the club into a force to be reckoned with once again after many years of failures under the likes of Brendan Rodgers, with Klopp able to attract some unbelievable talents.

Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson are just two examples of the world-class players he's brought to the club and developed, which has given the Reds a huge opportunity to win their second Premier League title in four years.

However, one player who arrived at Anfield just last summer has rapidly developed, with the club reaping the rewards of their impressive dealings in the transfer market.

Alexis Mac Allister's stats for Liverpool

Alexis Mac Allister has been a huge hit in Liverpool's midfield this season since his summer arrival, with the Argentinian featuring in 24 of the club's Premier League outings this campaign.

The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Klopp's success with the former Brighton man the perfect box-to-box midfielder in the Reds' 4-3-3 system.

He's been brilliant at ball-winning, with Mac Allister averaging 2.6 blocks and 3.2 tackles per game in the league this season – the latter is the highest of anyone in the Liverpool squad this season.

However, the Argentinian has been just as impressive with the ball at his feet, averaging 7.1 progressive passes per 90, with the midfielder completing 87% of the passes he's attempted this campaign.

Alexis Mac Allister's stats in the PL 23/24

Statistics

Tally

Blocks

2.6

Tackles

3.2

Progressive passes

7.1

Pass completion

87%

Shot creating actions

3.7

Stats via FBref

From looking at the table above, it's clear the £150k-per-week talent has excelled this season, with Mac Allister's market value skyrocketing as a result of his impressive performances for the Reds.

Alexis Mac Allister's market value in 2024

Since joining Liverpool for £35m from Brighton last summer, the 25-year-old has cemented his place as a key figure within the Reds squad.

His talents have seen his value increase rapidly, with the midfielder now worth a staggering £60m on Transfermarkt – a figure that is £5m more than winger Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian now worth £55m on Transfermarkt, despite scoring 16 times in the Premier League during 2023/24.

Mac Allister's current market value sees him rank joint second-highest within the Reds' first-team behind Luis Diaz and level with forward Darwin Núñez.

Highest transfer value in the Liverpool squad

Player

Value

Luis Diaz

£64m

Dominic Szoboszlai

£64m

Darwin Núñez

£60m

Alexis Mac Allister

£60m

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£60m

Stats via Transfermarkt

The club have conducted sensational business in bringing him to Anfield, with the Argentinian certainly looking to be worth every penny of his £35m fee.

His ability on and off the ball is up there with the best in the division, with the 25-year-old star certainly deserving of more credit given his stats in the Premier League under Klopp since his move to the club, which is why the Reds struck gold when they snapped him up from Brighton.

علق حسام المندوه، أمين صندوق نادي الزمالك، على انتهاء أزمة الثلاثي عبد الواحد السيد، مدير الكرة ومصطفى شلبي، ونبيل عماد دونجا، لاعبي الفريق في الإمارات وعودتهم إلى القاهرة.

‎وأصدرت دائرة القضاء في أبوظبي حكمًا ضد ثلاثي الزمالك، بالحبس لمدة شهر واحد مع تغريم كل منهم مبلغ 200 ألف درهم إماراتي، بتهمة الاعتداء على عناصر من الأمن الإماراتي.

‎ومن جانبه، وانطلاقًا من عمق العلاقات بين مصر والإمارات، أصدر الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان رئيس دولة الإمارات قرارًا بالعفو عن ثلاثي الزمالك، المتهمين في أحداث مباراة بيراميدز في كأس السوبر المصري.

طالع..أول تعليق من مصطفى شلبي بعد انتهاء أزمته في الإمارات

وقال حسام المندوه في مداخلة مع قناة “الزمالك”: “نشكر عبد الفتاح السيسي رئيس جمهورية مصر، وسمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد على التدخل لإنهاء الأمر، الذي كان من الممكن أن يكون أكثر صعوبة، وعلينا التعلم من المواقف الصعبة”.

وأضاف: “قام الناس بدور محترم جدًا، ففي الأزمات إذا لم نشعر بالدعم المعنوي، سيكون الموضوع أكثر صعوبة، خضنا مباراتين أمام بيراميدز والأهلي، وكان الأداء أكثر من رائع، علينا التركيز فيما هو مقبل لتحقيق البطولات في الموسم الجديد”.

وأكمل: “توجد علاقة وطيدة بين مصر والإمارات لا تحتاج إلى مبالغة أو مزايدة، دبلوماسيتنا المصرية قوية، وقد حدث موقف غير معتاد، وتوجد إجراءات قانونية يجب أن تُتبع، وجاء العفو من سمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد”.

وواصل: “للأسف، شمت بعض الناس، وهذا شيء مرعب وعَيب جدًا على كل من يستغل هذه الأزمات، كنت أتمنى أن يقف الإعلام بأكمله في أزمة الثلاثي الزمالك، والجمهور كان عاقلًا وتعامل مع الموضوع بشكل محترم جدًا، مما يُظهر قيم الأخلاق الزملكاوية، كانت هناك كتيبة عمل تعمل بإخلاص”.

وأضاف: “أما بالنسبة للبطولة الأخيرة، فأنا أكاد أكون قد حققتها الكل رأى المباراة وشاهد الزمالك يلعب 120 دقيقة بشكل رائع لعب الزمالك في عز الظهر أمام بيراميدز، وبعد ذلك جاءت ضربات الجزاء، وكان هناك إرهاق شديد على اللاعبين كما كانت هناك حالة عدم تركيز حدثت بسبب أزمة الثلاثي، واللاعبون كانوا بحاجة إلى الاطمئنان عليهم”.

وتابع: “في هذه الظروف، قدمنا أداءً بطوليًا أمام الأهلي، لقد حصلنا في هذه المباراة على إشادة كبيرة، وكنا أقرب للفوز، ضربات الترجيح أدت إلى هذه النتيجة، وفريق الزمالك مع مدرب قوي مثل جوميز سيكون له شأن كبير في الدوري”.

وأتم: “إن شاء الله، نأمل أن تكون الكونفدرالية والسوبر الإفريقي والدوري من نصيبنا هذا الموسم”.

Mohammed Hafeez’s three-wicket haul and 29 with the bat went in vain as St Kitts and Nevis Patriots couldn’t recover after losing five wickets in the space of 19 balls

The Report by Hemant Brar25-Sep-2019An all-round show kept St Lucia Zouks’ playoff hopes alive as they jumped from the bottom of the points table to the fourth spot with a 20-run win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Gros Islet. Zouks went past Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs and now have five points from seven games.After being put in, Zouks raced to 70 for 1 in seven overs before Mohammad Hafeez pegged them back with three quick wickets. Darren Sammy’s 30 off 19 balls though ensured they finished strongly, on 165 for 6.In contrast, Patriots started slow and were always lagging behind. While they had eight wickets in hand, the asking rate had climbed to ten runs per over at the halfway stage. Searching for quick runs, they slipped from 80 for 2 to 103 for 7 in the space of 19 balls and there was no coming back. Hardus Viljoen picked up 3 for 14 from his four overs, including a wicket-maiden, while Kesrick Williams finished with 3 for 48.Zouks off to flying startOpeners Andre Fletcher and Rahkeem Cornwall gave Zouks a quick start with a combination of good fortune and attractive strokeplay. The first over of the innings, bowled by Jeremiah Louis, went for 15 with Fletcher getting two lucky fours to fine leg off big inswingers and Cornwall flicking one over deep midwicket for a six.The duo followed it with a six each in the next two overs before Alzarri Joseph bowled Cornwall off an inside edge in the fourth over. Colin Ingram hit Rayad Emrit for a six and a four off successive balls in the next over and Fletcher lofted Hafeez down the ground for another six in the last over of the Powerplay. Fletcher got two more fours to fine leg in Emrit’s next over and the platform was set for a big total.Hafeez comes to the fore before Sammy showThe offspinner brought his experience into play to get both Fletcher and Ingram stumped. To Fletcher he slipped one down the leg side when the batsman came out of his crease whereas to Ingram, Hafeez pushed the ball wide outside off to leave the batsman halfway down the track.Colin de Grandhomme flicked one lazily to be caught well inside the deep midwicket boundary as Hafeez finished his spell with figures of 3 for 22. Five balls later, legspinner Keron Cottoy bowled Andre McCarthy around his legs to reduce Zouks to 101 for 5 in the 13th over. Sammy and Chris Barnwell revived the innings with a 56-run stand in just 5.5 overs. In the 17th over, Sammy struck two fours and six off Emrit, whereas Carlos Brathwaite leaked 14 in the next as Zouks went past 150. Joseph and Brathwaite pulled things back a bit by conceding five and seven runs respectively in the last two overs to keep Zouks within 170.Patriots’ sluggish first halfHelped by as many as six wides, Patriots reached 28 for 0 at the end of three overs but Viljoen pegged them back by dismissing Evin Lewis in the fourth over. Devon Thomas was bowled in the next over while trying to pull left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal, leaving Patriots on 31 for 2. Laurie Evans tried to break the shackles and hit Royal over deep midwicket and extra cover for a couple of sixes, but despite that Patriots could only reach 66 for 2 at the halfway mark.Williams dents the chase furtherRain stopped play for ten minutes after 11.4 overs with Patriots 12 runs behind the par score. After play resumed, Williams dented them further with a double-wicket over. First, he had Evans caught-and-bowled with a slower one and then trapped Fabian Allen lbw with the ball thudding into the batsman’s back pad before he could bring his bat down. With the required rate mounting, Brathwaite tried to take on Fawad Ahmed, only to sky a googly towards midwicket where substitute Kavem Hodge took a good catch running in from the deep.Needing 72 from 36 balls with five wickets down, the incoming batsmen couldn’t cope with the pressure. Shamarh Brooks fell to Viljoen for 7 and on the next ball, Fawad took a return catch to send Hafeez back. At 103 for 7 and still requiring 63 from 29 balls, the result was all but decided.

Bowler has chance of winning recall from calf injury for fourth Test at Old Trafford

George Dobell in Leeds22-Aug-2019

James Anderson will step-up his bid to return to England’s Test team with another match for Lancashire Second XI next week.Anderson, who was forced out of the first Test of the Ashes series due to a calf injury, will feature in a four-day friendly fixture against Durham at Chester Boughton Hall CC from August 27. If he comes through the game unscathed, he will have a good chance of winning a recall to the England side for the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting on September 4.Anderson bowled nine overs for Lancashire Seconds in a match against Leicestershire earlier this week. He claimed 2 for 23 and reported no recurrence of the calf problem that first bothered him in early July.The nature of such fixtures will mean Anderson can be withdrawn from the action as required and will not necessarily be obliged to spend session after session in the field.He was at Headingley on Thursday continuing his rehabilitation with the England medical team.

Aston Villa are on the cusp of something special this season as Unai Emery looks to lead the club to the Champions League by claiming a top four finish in the Premier League this term.

The Spaniard has utilised his expertise in the transfer market by building a side that has the chance to end their 28-year wait for a major trophy and with the Midlands side through to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League, might the wait end this season?

Lavish transfer fees have been splashed on the likes of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, and Morgan Rogers since the summer transfer window last year, and, slowly but surely, Emery is building a wonderful squad.

It represents major growth from the side that secured promotion to the top flight in 2019 and some of the signings that summer proved to be a major drain on the finances of the club.

There were a few gems, such as Douglas Luiz, Tyrone Mings, and Ezri Konsa, yet players such as Matt Targett, Marvelous Nakamba and Anwar El Ghazi all failed to really live up to expectations at Villa.

It was the signing of Mahmoud Trezeguet, however, that perhaps was one of the worst signings of that summer, especially with how much money he ended up draining Villa of.

How much Mahmoud Trezeguet cost Aston Villa

Having defeated Derby County in the Championship playoff final in May 2019, Villa had secured promotion back to the top flight after a three-year absence.

Dean Smith was seemingly looking to strengthen his squad ahead of bigger challenges, hence the mass influx of signings, and Trezeguet was one of the players who joined.

The club reportedly paid £8.5m to secure his signature from Turkish side Kasimpasa following a season where he scored nine goals and grabbed nine assists for the club and, on the surface, it looked as though the winger could add something different to the squad.

"We're really excited to work with 'Trez'. I've watched him a number of times," said Smith upon Trezeguet’s arrival in the Midlands.

"He's the type of wide player that we have been looking for who is direct, causes problems for the opposition in the final third and scores goals."

Mahmoud Trezeguet’s salary at Aston Villa

The left-winger signed a deal that saw him receive a wage of £52.5k-per-week, and it proved that Smith was not messing about as he eyed up a top half finish during their first top-flight campaign since the 2015/16 season.

His first season was actually fairly promising. Not only did the player score seven goals in all competitions, but he also chipped in with three assists, and it looked as though he made the left wing spot his own.

During his maiden season, the Egyptian gem ranked fourth among the Villa squad for goals and assists in the Premier League (seven), while ranking fifth for shots per game (1.5) and for successful dribbles per game (0.9), proving himself to be a decent addition to the squad.

His first season appeared to be a success on the pitch and with the Midlands side remaining in the division by the skin of their teeth, finishing 17th, just one point ahead of the drop zone, it was clear the squad had to improve.

The 2019/20 season proved to be Trezeguet’s only productive year at Villa, as his form dropped during the following campaign.

How much Trezeguet rinsed Aston Villa for

The winger saw his game time decrease during the 2020/21 season, making just 22 appearances in all competitions, and with that, his goal contributions dried up rapidly.

Indeed, he scored just twice in the Premier League, while notching only two additional assists, and he struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting XI, making just 12 starts all season before knee surgery ruled him out of the final stages of the campaign.

These returns saw him drop to eighth in the squad for goals and assists (three), while his displays meant he ranked only seventh for successful dribbles per game (0.8) and 11th for key passes per game (0.6) which proved that his performances had declined.

He missed the entire first half of the following campaign due to recovering from his knee surgery, playing just ten minutes for the club in a 2-1 defeat to Brentford in January 2022 and that proved to be his final match for Villa.

Shortly after, he joined Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir FK on a loan deal until the end of the 2021/22 season and enjoyed a resurgence of sorts, scoring six times and securing four further assists as he sprung back into some form in Turkey.

Mahmoud Trezeguet's Aston Villa statistics

Games

Goals

2021/22

1

0

2020/21

22

2

2019/20

41

7

Via Transfermarkt

That summer, the Egyptian player secured a permanent move to Turkey, joining Trabzonspor in a deal worth £4.25m and this was half of what Villa had paid to sign him three years previously.

Despite an encouraging start, the winger failed to capitalise and while injury issues did not help his cause, Trezeguet drained the club for around £15.32m.

Across a 156-week Villa career, he spent two-and-a-half seasons with the club – with six months on loan with Basaksehir. This meant that they paid him two full seasons of £2.73m and a minimum of £1.36m for the first half of the campaign before his temporary move to Turkey.

In total, they splashed out a minimum of £6.82m. Add that to the £8.5m they paid to sign him from Kasimpasa in the summer of 2019 and that is £15.32m spent on him, including transfer fee and wages, although it could be more of Basaksehir did not cover all of his wages.

Given that he scored just nine goals in 64 appearances for the Villa Park side, it certainly shows that he failed to really build on a decent first season and struggled to remain consistent.

Steven Gerrard clearly did not see a long-term future for the winger once he returned from his loan spell in Turkey and sold him on for a loss in 2022.

20 goals and 12 assists in just 58 games for Trabzonspor show that the player has perhaps found his level in the Turkish top flight, and it looks as though he can be a key player for his club.

Emery is building a squad filled with talent in order to upset the apple cart in the Premier League and so far it seems to be working.

While the likes of Trezeguet and El Ghazi played their part during their first season back in the promised land, Villa have come rather far over the previous 12 months.

Leeds United secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win in extra-time at Home Park against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night.

The Whites will now travel to either Aston Villa or Chelsea, depending on the winner of their replay on Wednesday, in the next round of the competition.

Wilfried Gnonto's opening goal was cancelled out by a close-range finish from Brendan Galloway in normal time, which led to an additional 30 minutes.

Daniel Farke brought on his Championship stars from the bench, and they made the difference as Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville both registered a goal and an assist each to make it 3-1 before Ryan Hardie's own goal rounded off the scoring.

They were not the only stars of the show, though, as central defender Joe Rodon produced a colossal performance at centre-back to keep Leeds in the game at times.

Rutter and Summerville's match-winning contributions

The exciting pair started the game on the bench but made their presence felt in extra-time with a terrific display to secure the win for their side.

Summerville made it 2-1 in the 97th minute of the match as the Dutch winger cut inside from Rutter's pass to curl in a brilliant strike into the far corner to put Leeds ahead

The 22-year-old whiz then returned the favour to the France U21 international as his ball across to the former Hoffenheim starlet led to a finish off the post to make it 3-1, which all-but-finished the tie before the late own goal.

Between Summerville and Rutter, the Whites substitutes combined for two goals, two assists, and seven chances created off the bench, which is a staggering impact.

Joe Rodon "saved" Leeds

The final scoreline made it look like a comfortable win for Leeds. However, it was anything but comfortable for the away side as Plymouth caused plenty of problems through the impressive Morgan Whittaker and the likes of Bali Mumba and Hardie.

Rodon's defensive brilliance at the back was vital for Farke's team and one phenomenal block in the first half stopped the hosts from taking the lead.

Plymouth brilliantly carved out an opportunity to cross down the right flank and Mumba's low ball in deflected off Liam Cooper and appeared to fall perfectly to Matthew Sorinola to make it 1-0. Rodon had other ideas as the central defender flung himself in front of the full-back to make a colossal block.

BBC Sport commentator Jonathan Pearce said that the Tottenham Hotspur loanee "saved" Leeds, during their coverage of the game, with his heroics.

Joe Rodon

Vs Plymouth (via Sofascore)

Minutes played

120

Ground duels contested

Ten

Ground duels won

Six

Tackles

Five

Interceptions

Two

As you can see in the table above, the Wales international was a busy man throughout the match with his dominant defensive work on the deck, including his stunning block, as he won possession back seven times through his tackles and interceptions.

Rodon was also assured on the ball with a staggering 133 completed passes (95% success rate) from 154 touches of the ball on the night for Leeds, two of which created chances for his teammates.

These statistics show that the former Swansea star was crucial to what the Whites did in and out of possession, with his crucial defending and extremely reliable play on the ball.

Therefore, Rodon saved Leeds with his colossal showing, as he prevented Plymouth from taking the lead and changing the game with his block before making a number of other interventions to send the game to extra-time, which allowed Summerville and Rutter to work their magic to secure the win.

أعلن مجلس إدارة نادي الاتحاد السكندري، برئاسة محمد مصيلحي، عن ضم صفقة جديدة لتدعيم صفوف الفريق قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد.

الاتحاد تعاقد مع العديد من الصفقات في الميركاتو الصيفي الجاري، وهم محمود متولي ومحمد مغربي من الأهلي، بالإضافة إلى عبد الرحمن خالد جبنة وأحمد الشيمي ثنائي المقاولون العرب وعبد الله بكري لاعب فاركو وكريم يحيى وحامد الجابر من الداخلية وإسلام سمير لاعب حرس الحدود وأحمد أيمن لاعب النجوم وهشام عادل من مودرن سبورت وعمرو جمعة مهاجم نادي راية ومروان داوود من إنبي.

ووفقًا للموقع الرسمي للاتحاد السكندري، أتم مجلس الإدارة، إجراءات التعاقد مع لاعب الوسط وصانع الألعاب البرتغالي فيليب ناسیمنتو لاعب نادي غورنيك البولندي السابق.

وأشار نادي الاتحاد، إلى أن فيليب بدأ مسيرته الكروية مع نادي بنفيكا البرتغالي، قبل أن ينتقل للعب في عدة أندية أوروبية منها أكاديميكا البرتغالي وكلوج الروماني بطل الدوري ودينامو بوخارست في رومانيا، بالإضافة إلى ليفادياكوس البلغاري، أيضا له خبرة دولية حيث شارك مع منتخبات البرتغال للناشئين تحت 16 إلى 18 عامًا.

طالع | رسميًا.. الاتحاد السكندري يُعلن التعاقد مع بابا فاسيليو

ووقع اللاعب على عقود انضمامه لصفوف نادى الاتحاد السكندرى والتي تمتد إلى ثلاث مواسم قادمة، عقب الجلسة التي جمعته مع محمد مصيلحی.

وجاء التعاقد مع اللاعب عقب ترشيح وموافقة المدير الفني للفريق بابا فاسيليو والكابتن إمام محمدين مدير قطاع كرة القدم بنادي الاتحاد السكندري.

Leeds United are in the mix to win promotion from the Championship and are now keen to enact an ambitious swoop for a Premier League player.

Leeds United pursue new arrivals…

The Whites have endured a quiet window this month alongside many clubs in English football as they possibly prepare for a late flurry of activity at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke has recently spoken about the difficulties he has faced trying to entice players to move mid-season and has assured supporters that any incomings will be strategic and not just to bolster numbers.

Leeds United "could make offer" for "superman" to replace Illan Meslier

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ByDavid Comerford Jan 13, 2024

"It’s more difficult [to add experienced players]. Sometimes some young players are allowed to go out on loan, for example, but I also got the feeling it doesn’t make sense just to bring numbers in or a young player who has not played in the last six months. It must make sense. If we do a deal, then it’s definitely not out of panic. It must make sense. If we do a deal, then it’s definitely not out of panic."

Full-back has become an area of concern at Elland Road over the last few weeks. According to reports, Luton Town left-back Ryan Giles is joined by Rangers defender Borna Barisic on their transfer wishlist and the two men have been earmarked as targets, with Farke and the 49r Enterprises aiming to bring in another option to support Sam Byram and Junior Firpo on the left-hand side of his backline.

Now, another Premier League defender is on the Whites' radar following news that their chances of landing West Ham United man Ben Johnson have taken a hit amid interest from Real Betis and Villarreal.

Leeds United eyeing Ben Davies move…

According to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, Leeds United are keen on a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Five similar players to Ben Davies (FBRef)

Player

Club

Levi Colwill

Chelsea

Ronald Araujo

Barcelona

Fabian Schar

Newcastle United

Chancel Mbemba

Marseille

Mohamed Simikan

RB Leipzig

Nonetheless, it is deemed highly unlikely that the Wales international will be permitted to leave the Lilywhites this month and any move would likely rely on a severe squad shift in N17. Hay detailed a four-man shortlist of full-backs that are on Leeds United's radar, which includes the likes of Neco Williams, Connor Roberts and the aforementioned Johnson.

Labelled a "reliable player" by Antonio Conte, the 30-year-old has been in and out at Spurs this campaign, racking up 16 appearances across all competitions, scoring once against Brighton and Hove Albion (Davies statistics – Transfermarkt)

Capable of plying his trade on the left or in central defence, Davies, who has the same agent as Patrick Bamford, has carved out a distinguished career in the Premier League and could be a major asset to Leeds United. Despite this, it would appear that his chances of moving to Elland Road are remote, so Farke and the 49ers may need to turn their attention elsewhere in the latter stages of the window.

تحدث المدرب الإيطالي روبرتو مانشيني المدير الفني لمنتخب السعودية، عن مباراة إندونيسيا المقرر لها غدًا الخميس ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

ويستضيف منتخب السعودية نظيره إندونيسيا على ملعب مدينة الملك عبد الله الرياضية (الجوهرة المشعة) في خضم مواجهات الجولة الأولى من المرحلة الثالثة بتصفيات كأس العالم.

قائمة منتخب فلسطين في التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.. موقف وسام أبو علي

وقال مانشيني خلال تواجده في المؤتمر الصحفي الذي يسبق المباراة: “مباراة إندونيسيا صعبة ونعرفهم جيدًا، بالإضافة إلى أن المباراة الأولى دائمًا ما تكون صعبة ونريد بداية التصفيات على نحو جيد”.

وأضاف: “ندرك مدى تطورهم في السنوات العشر الأخيرة، لكن يجب أن نكون واثقين من أنفسنا ومدى تطورنا، والفوز يحتاج أن نعطي كل ما لدينا”.

وأردف: “قدمنا أفضل أداء أمام كوريا الجنوبية رغم الخسارة، وبالتأكيد احتراف لاعب سعودي في الدوري الإيطالي أمرًا جيدًا، يجب أن يكون لدينا قدر كافي من اللاعبين في أوروبا”.

واستكمل: “أما عن انتقال سعود عبد الحميد لاعب الهلال إلى روما الإيطالي، فلقد أعطيت رأيي في هذا الشأن، وليس لي علاقة بالمفاوضات”.

وأتم: “نحتاج جمهور جدة في مشوار تصفيات كأس العالم، فقوتهم في التشجيع معروفة، وننتظر دعمهم غدا، ولدي ذكريات مع إندونيسيا حيث لعبت هناك مع سامبدوريا قبل 28 عامًا”.

A leading executive at NBC Sports has admitted that they are set to 'continue pushing' for top-flight Premier League matches to be played in the U.S.

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• NBC exec pushing for EPL matches in U.S.
• New plans for multi-billion dollar partnership
• Door is 'ajar' for opportunity, per league CEO

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In an interview with The Athletic, NBC executive and figurehead in negotiations for the multi-billion dollar media rights deal with the Premier League, Jon Miller, spoke on potentially staging English top-flight matches in the United States. Previously, teams have undertaken preseason tours stateside, but there has always been an ambition to see competitive matches played in the country too.

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  WHAT JON MILLER SAID

  Asked if he would be supportive of Premier League games being played in the U.S., Miller replied: “Very much so. And this is a point that we’ve had conversations with the Premier League and they’ve been very open and receptive to listening to me. We did the Premier League Summer Series (in pre-season) last year where we had six teams come over; Fulham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. We had nine games in seven days in five cities around America (and 265,000 fans were in attendance). It was great. NBC view the Premier League Summer Series as a big success.

  “All the teams that came over did really well, had a great experience, and really were able to interact with the fan base. And the Premier League saw that it was very successful. At some point in the future, I would love to see a couple of Premier League games open the season here in big stadiums on our opening weekend. And I know that’s something that we’ll continue to push for because I think that there’s an American audience here that would like to see regular season games but in the meantime, we’ll continue to work with the Premier League to do everything we can to make the games available to as many people as possible.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In a recent interview, Premier League CEO Richard Masters admitted that matches in the USA are not currently in their plans, but that the door is 'ajar' for the opportunity.

  Miller, meanwhile, added that he has ambitions of taking NBC's Premier League coverage to new heights: "There are two things that really bring the viewer and the fan closer to the action: access and audio. So whenever you can increase your access and build your stars up, that’s great. And people love to hear what Jurgen Klopp is saying to his team or what he’s saying on the sidelines. I realize there’s got to be some protection against that.

  "But I think that those are the kind of things that we’re continuing to push the envelope on. And the Premier League is responsive. They’re really good when we come to them with ideas. Far be it for me to try to tell the Premier League what makes a good product. Their product is spectacular. But much like we do with the NFL, and golf, we constantly have conversations with our partners and brainstorm on things that we can do to make the games better and more appealing to try to grow our audience."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE?

  Just four matchdays remain, and a Premier League champion is set to be crowned at the end of the campaign. Arsenal and Manchester City are currently locked in a fierce battle for the trophy, with Liverpool's recent struggles meaning they are unlikely to finish top of the standings come May.