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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The new Diogo Jota is wanted by Liverpool in €100m deal
Hugo Ekitike should be an exciting link. He isn't because of two reasons. Firstly, people see him as a project player and have PTSD from the signing of Darwin Nunez. Secondly, there's a bit of a misunderstanding when it comes to Expected Goals. WhoScored posted a stat recently, revealing that his 15 league goals this season from an Expected Goals haul of 22.55 was the biggest xG under-performance in the Bundesliga. In other words, he's a poor finisher. Advertisement Having watched Darwin for three seasons, there's a fear that signing a centre-forward who is an underwhelming finisher is a big mistake. So, in their eyes, there's no getting away from it. The former PSG man is going to be a dud. An underperformance isn't a bad thing though, not if the numbers still appear to be sustainable. Ultimately, you want attackers who can generate high-quality shots on a regular basis. Finishing can be erratic. But being an elite chance-getter is what is highly sought after in the world of data analysis. Ian Graham said it in his book. 'A scout or a coach would say, 'Why do we like this forward?' His analytics team would respond, 'He takes loads of really good shots.' The scout or coach would counter, 'Yeah, but does he drive inside enough? Does he bring his teammates into play enough?' 'But we're playing them up front,' Graham said. 'He takes loads of good quality shots. There is literally nothing else to say. All other arguments, they're second-order effects compared to this. But people love to mystify and bring more and more factors into play. A use of the data is just to say: This is the important thing and we might be wrong about it — we sometimes are wrong — but you have to come up with some really good arguments against this one really important thing.'' Advertisement 'He takes loads of good quality shots. There is literally nothing else to say.' This is why I have Darwin the benefit of the doubt during his first two seasons at Anfield. Yes, he was missing big chances. And yes, he was making some questionable decisions at times. But he was a centre-forward who created opportunities and got into good positions. He was doing what you want your striker to do. Across his two full seasons with the Reds, he had an Expected Goals total of 28. That is quite remarkable when you consider a few things. He was adapting to a new country, a new league and a new system. He was also shifted about the pitch with Jurgen Klopp trying different things on multiple occasions. Advertisement Yet he still managed an xG of 28 across 3,750 minutes. Without taking penalties. He was taking high quality shots on a regular basis. Mohamed Salah, for example, had a Non-Penalty xG of 34.1 across this period, having appeared in 5,8000 minutes. So, in a nutshell, 6.1 more xG in an extra 2,050 minutes. This isn't a stat to show Darwin is better than Salah - he isn't. It isn't a stat to say Darwin is as good as Salah - again, he isn't. But it highlights how impactful Darwin was in the final third as a goal threat. You pay insane money for that. Liverpool did just that. You also ignore the misses because, generally speaking, things balance themselves out. In this instance, it didn't and Darwin scored just 20 times. He was judged on his actual output rather than his threat. Advertisement The Nerds in charge at Liverpool will look at the threat though. Usually, you can scale the threat in a better team. It happened with Diogo Jota. He had an Expected Goals per 90 of 0.45 in his final season with Wolves but averaged just 0.28 goals. People looked at his return of seven goals and laughed at Liverpool's decision to spend £40million. The Reds no doubt looked at his xG total of 20 across two seasons in the Premier League with Wolves and thought they were grabbing themselves a bargain. That turned out to be the case, didn't it? The same thing happened with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. You don't mind an underperformance if the other metrics are all positive. Advertisement If anything, you'd prefer that over an overperformance. This is why I didn't want Darwin initially. He had a Non-Penalty Expected Goals total of 14 for Benfica but scored 22 non-penalty goals. Liverpool were paying for his output rather than his underlying numbers. He was running stupidly hot and it didn't seem sustainable at that rate. Turns out it wasn't. Liverpool managed to scale his threat but the one-off season for Benfica of insane overperformance turned out to be an outlier rather than the norm. So, back to Ekitike. I'm not entirely sure why people are against his signing. He's 22, he's well-rounded in attack and a dual threat, with a Non-Penalty xG Involvement of 0.91 this term on a per 90 basis in the Bundesliga. Of course, Bundesliga tax needs to be applied to this. But for something like £65million, it doesn't appear that outrageous. Not if Liverpool feel they can scale his threat, or at least sustain it. Advertisement Though German media report a fee of €100million would be needed, the likelihood is the Bundesliga side will accept less. He has a Non-Penalty goals per 90 average of 0.49, per FBref, but has a NPxG90 average of 0.68 from 4.01 shots. Good shot volume, good xG per shot (0.19) average and a huge xG average. Exactly what you want to see from a striker. His misses don't appear to impact his confidence either. For a bit of context here, Darwin was averaging one non-penalty goal per 90 for Benfica during his final season from a NPxG of 0.6 and four shots.
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Who really were the best and worst players at Cardiff City this season
Who really were the best and worst players at Cardiff City this season The season is over and the players drastically underperformed as the Bluebirds suffered relegation Alex Robertson of Cardiff City (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) The curtain is down on a disastrous season for Cardiff City. After more than two decades playing in the top two tiers, the Bluebirds finished rock-bottom of the Championship and suffered relegation to League One. They were not good enough all over the park for the entirety of the campaign, shipping too many goals and scoring too few, too, and everyone must take responsibility for that. Now, having had a few days to digest the campaign in its entirety, just how did the players fare? Taking a look at stats website WhoScored, we look at how the players ranked as an average score throughout the campaign. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. We have omitted players who turned out fewer than five times, which includes Michael Reindorf, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, Ronan Kpakio and Dylan Lawlor, who, incidentally, topped the ratings with his 7.11 outing at Norwich City on the final day. Topping the scoring charts, probably with little surprise, is January signing Yousef Salech, who posted a respectable 7.00 rating. The Danish-born striker netted nine times in 22 appearances in all competitions and his firepower alone gave Cardiff fans some hope of staying up for some time. If the Bluebirds are to bounce straight back next season, one suspects Salech will have a big part to play. There will likely be teams interested, given how well he did in a physically demanding league, but there is hope that Salech feels his story at Cardiff is not yet finished. Article continues below Next up is Alex Robertson. The midfielder signed from Manchester City almost a year ago and provided some positive performances despite not lighting the place up. The 22-year-old, who came in with a 6.80 rating, clearly has a high ceiling and vast potential and it would be no surprise to see clubs circling around him this summer. Two-time player of the year winner Perry Ng picks up the bronze medal with a 6.76 rating on WhoScored. A generally consistent performer who rarely lets you down, despite some believing he dropped below his impeccably high standards at times last season. Below the top three are Callum O'Dowda (6.75), Dimitrios Goutas (6.74), Calum Chambers (6.71), Callum Robinson (6.66) and Rubin Colwill (6.64), who all achieved respectable ratings. At the other end of the table, well, it will come as little surprise as to who picks up the wooden spoon. Wilfried Kanga, the disastrous signing from Hertha BSC last summer, ranks lowest with a score of 6.05. The forward scored a grand total of zero goals in 16 appearances before he was shipped off in January to Dinamo Zagreb, for whom he has fared a little better with three goals in 15 appearances. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath is also near the foot of the table with a rating of 6.29. He took over the gloves after Jak Alnwick sustained a nasty hamstring injury and endured a mixed time of it. Alnwick, by contrast, had a rating of 6.56. Article continues below Jamilu Collins also had a tough time of it last season. He was frozen out under Omer Riza and didn't kick a ball after the ex-manager's first game in charge at Hull City. It was thought the Nigeria international, who was rated 6.30, would leave in January but no suitable destination was found so he remained training with the under-21s, with his contract up next month. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Here is the full list of players and how they rated on WhoScored this season...
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Harry Smith named in League Two Team of the Season
Swindon Town striker Harry Smith has been named in the Sky Bet League Two team of the season. Smith, who joined Swindon last summer from Sutton United, has impressed in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing three assists. His contribution played a significant role in helping Ian Holloway's side avoid relegation. Read more: Swindon Town loan-striker Tshimanga released by Peterborough Smith's goal tally was his highest in an individual league campaign, and his aerial prowess was unmatched in the division, winning 348 aerial duels. The accolade was awarded by a football statistics website. Smith's fellow Team of the Season members include players from Notts County, Crewe, Cheltenham, Port Vale, Doncaster, Colchester, Gillingham, and Bromley. (Image: Skybet) Notts County's goalkeeper Alex Bass, with a rating of 6.80, led the team after helping his side secure a play-off place and the division's seventh-strongest defensive record. Crewe's Mickey Demetriou was named Sky Bet League Two Player of the Season with a rating of 7.53. The 35-year-old defender scored two goals and provided one assist, ranking second among players in his position for aerial duels won (264) and fifth for clearances (342). Cheltenham's Sam Stubbs, Port Vale's Connor Hall, and Doncaster's Luke Molyneux also made it to the team. Stubbs led the division in interceptions (78), while Hall contributed to his team's automatic promotion from League Two. Molyneux had the most productive league campaign of his career, with 16 goals and 12 assists, helping Doncaster secure the League Two title and automatic promotion. Colchester's Jamie McDonnell and Jack Payne were the central midfielders in the team. McDonnell, with a rating of 7.36, ranked second for tackles (132) among all players in League Two. Payne equalled his finest individual campaign in terms of goal involvements, with eight goals and 10 assists. Gillingham's Max Clark, who made more tackles than any other defender in League Two (109), was the left midfield choice. Bromley's Michael Cheek, with 25 goals, won the Golden Boot and was also part of the team. Port Vale's Jayden Stockley, despite making just 29 League Two starts, rounded off the Team of the Season with 11 goals and seven assists. Smith's recognition in the League Two Team of the Season is a testament to his outstanding performance and contribution to Swindon Town over the past season.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sky Sports: Liverpool are ‘Expected' to Sell Defender This Summer
Kostas Tsimikas Set for Anfield Exit as Liverpool Eye Left-Back Reinforcements Kostas Tsimikas has long embodied what fans love in a squad player — passion, loyalty, and the occasional moment of magic. Since joining Liverpool in 2020, the 'Greek Scouser' has never nailed down a starting place, but that has not stopped him from becoming a beloved figure among supporters. Advertisement Now, according to Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas, the 28-year-old full-back 'is expected to be moved on' this summer, as Liverpool prepare to refresh and evolve their defensive options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Tsimikas' future has come under scrutiny amid strong links to emerging talents such as Milos Kerkez, with the Anfield hierarchy reportedly targeting 'a new left-back who can initially 'share the workload' with Robertson before eventually succeeding' him. Other names under consideration include Antonee Robinson and Rayan Ait-Nouri, both regarded as 'the type of attacking left-backs Liverpool are looking for'. The shift in strategy suggests the club is now actively planning for life beyond Robertson's prime, and unfortunately for Tsimikas, that means his time on Merseyside may be up. Photo: IMAGO Playing Time Always at a Premium Tsimikas has never hit double digits in Premier League starts across any of his five seasons in red — a statistic that paints a clear picture. Even with Andy Robertson enduring a mixed run of form, neither Jürgen Klopp nor his successor Arne Slot has seen Tsimikas as a long-term solution at left-back. Advertisement As Sky Sports notes, he 'would need three [starts] from the next four games if he's to break that unenviable sequence,' according to data from WhoScored. At 28, and turning 29 in a fortnight, it's only natural for the Greek international to seek regular first-team football. What's more telling is the absence of noise from Tsimikas himself. Despite the lack of consistent opportunities, he's remained respectful and grounded — no interviews agitating for a move, no social media antics. That sort of attitude will ensure any potential departure is met with nothing but goodwill. FA Cup Glory Cemented His Place in Hearts Tsimikas' legacy at Anfield may not be defined by appearances, but rather by the appearance. His nerveless penalty against Chelsea in the 2022 FA Cup final brought silverware to the red half of Merseyside and solidified his cult status. Advertisement That one moment alone etched his name into Anfield folklore. As Sky put it, he seems assured of ''cult hero' status among Kopites for years to come'. It's rare for a backup player to receive such warm affection, but then again, Tsimikas' journey has always been unique. Photo: IMAGO Should he depart this summer, his name will be sung in the stands — not with regret, but with fondness and appreciation for a player who gave his all, even when he wasn't the headline act. Future Plans Point to Evolution Over Sentiment With Arne Slot now firmly at the helm and fresh off delivering the Premier League title in his debut campaign, Liverpool's plans to rejuvenate the squad reflect a club focused on sustained success. Advertisement Bringing in someone like Kerkez would not only add depth but also lay the foundation for the post-Robertson era. The fact that Tsimikas is 'expected to be moved on' is no slight against him, but rather an unavoidable consequence of progress at the highest level. As the summer window nears, Liverpool's ambitions are clear: maintain the competitive edge, blend youth with experience, and ensure there's no room for sentimentality when silverware is the goal. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis There's something undeniably bittersweet about this. Tsimikas has never been the main man, but he's our man. The sight of him racing down the wing, arms outstretched after that FA Cup winner — it's etched in our memories. You can't fake that kind of joy. Advertisement We've seen him make the most of every start, every minute. While others moaned or drifted, Tsimikas embraced the bench and still gave 100% when called upon. In the modern game, where ego often outweighs effort, that attitude is gold dust. It's understandable that Slot wants to build for the future, especially after the triumph of his first season. But some players, like Tsimikas, deserve a proper send-off. Not just a mention in the gossip columns, but a flag in the Kop and a song in his name. If this is the end of the road for the Greek Scouser, we'll remember him not for what he didn't achieve, but for how he made us feel — like every player in red mattered. Good luck, Kostas. You'll always have a place at Anfield.
Wales Online
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Cardiff City news as Bluebirds star proves a huge hit on loan and player's nightmare finally ends
Tonight's Cardiff City news as Bluebirds star proves a huge hit on loan and player's nightmare finally ends The latest Bluebirds news from Cardiff City Stadium Antoine Colassin (L) fights for the ball with Kortrijk's Japanese defender Ryotaro Tsunoda (Image: Getty Images ) Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Friday, May 2. Tsunoda proves a hit again at Kortrijk Amid the gloom of a double relegation for Vincent Tan's teams, one small positive has emerged. Ryotaro Tsunoda has spent a season and a half as a Cardiff player but is yet to kick a ball in a Bluebirds shirt. The Japanese defender spent the first half of the campaign sidelined through injury before being sent out to KV Kortrijk for his second loan stint at the Tan-owned club. Cardiff's defence has been a shambles this season and needs to be addressed as a point of urgency as they embark on a season in League One. Tsunoda was brought in from Yokohama F Marinos as a "club" signing for the future and one suspects that he would have to start playing regularly for the Bluebirds next term if their investment is to yield any joy. Fortunately for Cardiff, while KVK's fortunes have been as dire as their own on the pitch, on the brink of relegation, the 25-year-old has enjoyed his second positive loan spell in the Belgian top flight. Indeed, according to the stats at WhoScored, he is the highest-rated player at Kortrijk this season, with a rating of 7.28. And, according to journalist Jorunn Vannoorden, who covers KVK for Belgian outlet Niuewsblad, the Japanese defender has a bright future ahead of him. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. Article continues below "Tsunoda's return was definitely a hit," Vannoorden said of the centre-back, who has played 10 matches during his second stint in Belgium. "He proved from his first match back that he is actually too good for KV Kortrijk and does deserve his place higher up. Only question is how pain-free he can stay, as he does remain injury-prone. If he can, a bright future awaits him." Curtain closes on Etete's nightmare campaign Kion Etete's nightmare season has finally come to an end in light of the news that he has been ruled out of Bolton's curtain closer this weekend. Etete suffered a bad hamstring injury while on pre-season tour with the Bluebirds ahead of the campaign and spent months on the sideline. He made his one and only appearance for Cardiff this term in the FA Cup at Sheffield United before signing a new, two-year deal and penning a loan move to the Trotters. But it's been a disastrous loan spell. He conceded a penalty on debut, resulting in the goal in a 1-0 loss to Reading, before spending the next eight games out injured. He played just four more times, all off the bench, and didn't score a goal, losing every game in which he played. Bolton boss Steven Schumacher has ruled the striker out of their final game of the season against Eli King's Stevenage, bringing an end to a season he will want to forget. However, with two years now left to run on his deal, he will likely have a big say for Cardiff in the third tier next season, however, at time of writing, has Yousef Salech, Callum Robinson, Isaak Davies and potentially Roko Simic ahead of him. Excluded U21s players hints at Norwich team news A number of under-21s players were conspicuous by their absence for the game against Watford this afternoon, prompting speculation over their potential involvement at Carrow Road tomorrow. The Bluebirds' senior side conclude their campaign against Norwich City in East Anglia tomorrow afternoon, ending a disastrous campaign in which they suffered relegation to League One. And while tomorrow's trip against the breadth of the country is futile in the club's efforts to keep their Championship status, more than 1,200 Bluebirds will be making the journey. The supporters might just see a glimpse of the next generation, too, with a host of U21s regulars missing from the game against the young Hornets. Notable absentees were Dylan Lawlor, Troy Perrett, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, Ronan Kpakio and Roko Simic. Whether all or even some of those get first-team minutes tomorrow remains to be seen. As for the under-21s, they beat Watford in convincing fashion, thumping them 3-0 at Cardiff City Stadium thanks to goals from Freddie Cook, Cody Twose and Josh Beecher. Wilshere: I've got huge respect for Ramsey Interim Norwich City manager Jack Wilshere has spoken fondly of his ex-Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsey ahead of their meeting tomorrow. The former Gunners stars will go toe to toe on the touchline tomorrow, with Ramsey taking charge of the Bluebirds in his final game of his interim stint and Wilshire in the Canaries' dugout. Speaking about coming up against his old midfield partner, Wilshere said: "We go back many, many years. We pushed each other a lot. I wanted to be in the team, he wanted to be in the team. We shared some amazing moments - he scored in the FA Cup final. "I've got huge respect for him for taking [the Cardiff job] on. You could see he thought about the game. He is completely committed and it is his life. He spent a lot of time injured like I did but I saw the hunger in him." Wilshere's second game on the Norwich coaching staff was that incredible turnaround win for Cardiff in the reverse fixture in the Welsh capital during that unbeaten run which kicked off Omer Riza's stint as caretaker manager. "It was my second game and we played really well," Wilshere said of that game. "We dominated the ball, and they transitioned on us twice. "The context of the game shapes the approach. We want to win for the fans and leave them on a good note where they are excited for next season and believe on it. When you're a coach on the side, you want to see the passion, hunger and desire to win duels and run back. Article continues below "Tactically, you can set a team up, but if you don't have that and can't suffer or defend your box [then it's no good]. Hopefully we can get that balance right tomorrow." Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
