Highlights: Semenyo scores two goals v. Liverpool
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Real Madrid coach praises Mastantuono and downplays player's choice of Messi as world's best
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised the maturity of teenager newcomer Franco Mastantuono and downplayed the player's choice of former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as the world's best player. The 18-year-old Mastantuono signed a six-year deal with Madrid and said during his introduction last week that he considers his countryman Messi the best in the world. 'It's logical for Messi to be his favorite player," Alonso said on Monday. "He's from Argentina and he's left-footed, so it's no surprise to me.' Messi dueled with Cristiano Ronaldo for years when he played for Barcelona and Ronaldo — also considered by many the best in the world — played for Madrid. Now, Ronaldo is playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia while Messi is with Inter Miami in the United States. Madrid already reached a deal to sign Mastantuono but had to wait until the former River Plate player turned 18. The club reportedly paid 45 million euros ($52.5 million) in the transfer. 'The first time I spoke to Mastantuono, I was struck by his personality," the new Madrid coach said. "He was 17 then, and he was very sure of himself. He didn't seem at all concerned about making the jump to Real Madrid. That maturity and quality has been evident since he arrived. I know he'll settle in quickly, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.' Alonso added Mastantuono could see playing time in the team's opening La Liga match on Tuesday against Osasuna. 'He'll bring us quality and energy, he's highly committed,' the coach said. "He's got great drive from a defensive perspective. In the little time I've spent with him I can see that Argentine spirit, he's a warrior, but he's got quality, too. He's a combative player and he's got a beautiful left foot, both from set-pieces and in the final pass. He's got lovely technique and he's very young. We have to guide him, but he's already playing at a very decent level.' ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
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Eddie Howe has been 'let down' by Newcastle amid Alexander Isak transfer saga
Former Liverpool star Stewart Downing believes Eddie Howe has been let down by Newcastle as the saga surrounding striker Alexander Isak continues. The Magpies opened their Premier League campaign last weekend against Aston Villa without their star striker, with Isak's camp having told Newcastle the Swedish forward has no intention of playing for the team ever again. Liverpool has made a bid for Isak this summer, offering £110 million ($149 million). However, the Magpies are adamant that they will not sell the striker for anything less than £150 million ($204 million), a figure Reds legend Jamie Carragher believes the club should not spend. READ MORE: Newcastle in danger of transfer backlash over Alexander Isak as Liverpool waits READ MORE: Liverpool to make more than $270M in player sales this summer - and counting Without Isak, Newcastle started the new season by fielding Anthony Gordon up front, flanked by Harvey Barnes on the left and new signing Anthony Elanga on the right. While the game against Villa finished 0-0, there were promising signs from Howe's side on the pitch, which was a surprise to some, given how much the talk around Isak has dominated the headlines this summer. Newcastle is trying to bring in Brentford's Yoane Wissa but has been unable to strike a deal with the Bees. The 28-year-old did not feature in Brentford's 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest and looks set to leave the club this summer. However, even if Newcastle do land Wissa, there is no guarantee they will sell Isak to Liverpool. They let Callum Wilson leave on a free this summer, meaning they need to land another forward should they begin to entertain notions of selling the Swede. Finding a striker to come in to replace Isak has been tough work for Newcastle, who held an interest in Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko, only for the former two to choose to sign for Chelsea, while the latter spurned the Magpies advances to join Manchester United. And speaking to Flashscore, former Liverpool winger Downing believes boss Howe has been let down by the club's inability to find a replacement for its star man, forcing him to operate with his hands tied. "I was excited about Newcastle United," Stewart Downing said via Flashscore. "I thought they've got a bit of money with some big backing, but they've had a bit of a terrible transfer window really even before the Alexander Isak saga rumbling on. "That's not helped them at all. I'd have to probably rule them out. Eddie Howe had the England thing lingering around him, but he's carried on at Newcastle and I think he's been let down a bit, to be honest. "I think everyone knew at the start of the window that he's definitely going to Liverpool. It's probably gone on too long. I can understand why they're dragging it out. "They want top money for him because he's a big part of how they play, but how are they going to replace him? "It's great for Liverpool if they sign him, and that makes them even stronger, but it'll weaken Newcastle so much so I can understand Eddie Howe's frustrations. "If they sell Isak, they haven't got anyone they can go to and replace him with of that quality."
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Marc Guehi eligibility status for Champions League if he plays for Crystal Palace in Europe
Marc Guehi would be allowed to feature for Liverpool in the Champions League even if he plays a part as Crystal Palace begins its Europa Conference League campaign. Despite the signing of Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool remains in the market for a central defender. Guehi has emerged as a key target, and discussions regarding a potential move are ongoing. On Thursday, Palace will face Fredrikstad in the club's first European fixture since 1998. Palace chairman Steve Parish is keen to retain his key players until after the commencement of the club's Conference League journey, with Guehi and Eberechi Eze linked with moves elsewhere. READ MORE: Darwin Nunez shows his true colors after Liverpool transfer exit to Saudi Arabia READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Alexander Isak deadline, Ibrahima Konate talks, Marc Guehi latest Parish has earned a reputation as a tough negotiator, meaning any deals will have to be agreed upon on Palace's terms. After playing in the draw with Chelsea at Selhurst Park, Guehi's future could be determined in the final days of the transfer window, and after the Palace captain has played for the Eagles in Europe. From a Liverpool point of view, this could lead to concerns that Guehi may then be cup-tied for the Champions League should he move to Anfield. Appearing on 'BBC Match of the Day 2' on Sunday, host Gabby Logan confirmed that if Guehi plays midweek, he would not be ruled out of further involvement in a different European competition. 'They [Guehi and Eberechi Eze] can play on Thursday actually and then not be tied in other European competitions, should they go somewhere that wears red that plays perhaps in a different European competition,' said Logan. Palace, armed with Guehi and Eze, faces Fredrikstad in a two-legged qualifier, with the first match at Selhurst Park on Thursday. The second leg takes place in Norway on Aug. 28. Palace's presence in Europe this season has been one of the big stories in soccer in recent weeks. Having won the FA Cup last season, the Eagles should be competing in the Europa League this season, but UEFA's multi-club rules and a missed deadline by Palace saw the club demoted to the Conference League. Meanwhile, Liverpool has some time to focus on adding to its title-winning squad as the Reds are not in action until traveling to St. James' Park to face Newcastle on Monday in what is set to be a heated game. Liverpool has angered Newcastle fans due to the club's pursuit of Alexander Isak. Perhaps Liverpool will complete a deal before Guehi plays on Thursday. Should the negotiations continue into the back end of the week and beyond, though, Liverpool will risk Guehi picking up an injury as he plays in Palace's rare European outing. Liverpool is looking to sign Guehi for around £35 million ($47 million), but Palace is holding out for £45 million ($61 million), even with his deal expiring next summer. The Eagles are reportedly considering Rennes talent Jeremy Jacquet, should Guehi join Liverpool, although that move remains very much in the balance. Liverpool takes on Newcastle in its next Premier League contest. Meanwhile, Palace hosts Nottingham Forest in its next league game on Sunday, Aug. 24.
