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Showing posts with the label Players Rating

PSG vs Inter: 5 Crucial Duels That Could Shape the Champions League Final

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The stage is set. The lights are bright. And in one corner of Europe’s footballing theatre, two giants are preparing for war. Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan — two clubs from different footballing cultures — are about to clash in the UEFA Champions League final. For one, it could be the crowning moment of a project years in the making. For the other, it’s a shot at restoring their European legacy. But as any fan knows, finals aren’t won just by team sheets or tactics chalked on a whiteboard. They’re decided in the trenches — in the tight battles all over the pitch where individual brilliance or a moment’s lapse can swing the whole game. Here are five key matchups that could tip the balance on the biggest night in club football. 1. Dembélé vs Dimarco: Chaos Meets Composure on the Wing With Kylian Mbappé officially off to Real Madrid, PSG needed a new source of magic — and Ousmane Dembélé has stepped up. The French winger has rediscovered the spark that once made him Europe’s most ex...

Arteta asks himself, "What might have been?" as he leaves Arsenal. PSG humbles the "arrogant" star once more

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The Beast appeared to win for fifteen minutes, but Beauty defeated Arsenal, leaving us to wonder once more, "what might have been?" in a match when their "arrogant" hero was humbled and we learned exactly what Mikel Arteta's team was lacking in Thomas Partey—mostly negative things.  Anyone who offered an upbeat perspective on Arsenal's lackluster performance at the Emirates as a significant lift ahead of this away match was likely doing so more out of hope than expectation given the circumstances of the first leg. We expected an improvement in stopping PSG's rapid breakouts, but the Ghanaian's contribution to the quarterfinal victory over Real Madrid was more significant due to the freedom he gave Declan Rice to advance than his own ability to fill midfield voids. PSG often broke on Arsenal, and Partey was usually nowhere to be seen, so we didn't get that improvement. Instead, we got six long throw-ins and a couple of costly mistakes from Partey...

Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

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In a year devoid of a significant international tournament, triumphing in the Champions League is undoubtedly crucial for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, that ought to conclude the discussion about Real Madrid.  Here are the top 10 contenders for the award, based on the bookmakers' odds…  Favorites to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or   10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain] Outstanding since his January transfer from Napoli, aiding the French team in effortlessly securing another league championship while more significantly remaining focused on achieving that coveted Champions League trophy.  9. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid] "Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or." I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, many asks both on and off the field. "When I take all the necessary steps to achieve victory, I will achieve it," says the Frenchman.  And if he fails to accomplish all that he must – which he definitely has not – then he will...

Who are the leading scorers in 2025? Dembele leads Mbappe by five points

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Viktor Gyokeres finished as the leading scorer of 2024, concluding the year with an astonishing total of 52 goals.  Remaining with Sporting for the time being, Gyokeres is anticipated to be a contender once more in 2025, although Erling Haaland may seek to reclaim his title, and Kylian Mbappe has begun the year strongly.  The standards: Every club goal across all tournaments for teams in the top 10 leagues of Europe. Minutes per goal serves as your tiebreaker when players have the same number of goals scored, which, of course, many do at this relatively early point.  10. Sem Steijn [Twente] – 14 Goals  The top scorer in the Eredivisie is an uncapped Dutch player from Twente, having netted 23 league goals this season—six more than he scored last season, which was already 11 more than the year prior. We still cannot correctly spell his name the first time.  9. Harry Kane [Bayern Munich] – 16 Goals Once more, the Englishman has steadily netted goals, and it will ce...

Ex-Leeds player is now the obvious frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or, surpassing Mbappe

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In a year lacking a prominent international championship, securing the Champions League is undoubtedly essential for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Thus, Mo Salah is unavailable. Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior must be feeling nervous.  Here are the leading 10 contenders for the award, as per the bookmakers…  Contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or victory   9. Harry Kane [Bayern Múnich] If Bayern claims the Champions League title, there’s a possibility for Kane. At the very least, he ought to secure a trophy this season, as Bayern is ahead of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen.  9. Jude Bellingham [Real Madrid] Came in third place in last year's Ballon d’Or voting but did not attend the ceremony following Real Madrid's wild response to Rodri's win. 9.Vinicius Junior [Real Madrid]  All expectations were for Vini Jr to grasp the trophy, but it didn't happen. At the very least, Real Madrid responded with poise and a great deal of decorum, coming toge...

Who are the leading scorers of 2025? Dembele continues to be in front of Mbappe and Haaland.

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Viktor Gyokeres was the leading scorer of 2024, concluding the year with an astonishing total of 52 goals.  Remaining with Sporting for the time being, Gyokeres is anticipated to compete again in 2025, although Erling Haaland may seek to reclaim his title and Kylian Mbappe has made a strong start to the year.  The requirements: Every club goal across all tournaments for teams in Europe’s leading 10 leagues. Minutes per goal serves as your tie-breaker when players have the same number of goals, which, of course, many do at this early stage.  10. Santiago Gimenez [Feyenoord/Milan] – 9 strikes   After demonstrating sufficient talent to secure his major career transition – featuring a Champions League double against Bayern Munich – Gimenez has recently been eliminated from Europe’s top tournament by his old team. Amusing old game.  9. Mo Salah [Liverpool] – 10 strikes   You may have heard he is performing rather well. Salah has netted in eight straight matches ...

Player ratings for Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: James' late goal spares the Blues' blushes

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Chelsea saved a late 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, thanks in large part to captain Reece James. With 13 shots against Bournemouth's one, Chelsea controlled the first half's stat sheet. Cole Palmer's cold low finish 13 minutes in gave Chelsea a well-earned lead. After Antoine Semenyo was taken down by Moises Caicedo, David Brooks narrowly missed a possible red card for catching Marc Cucurella in the face, and Semenyo scored his own goal from inside the penalty area to put Bournemouth in a dominant position, Justin Kluivert tied the score shortly after the restart from the penalty spot. Deep into stoppage time, the returning Reece James bent a beautiful free-kick into Mark Travers' bottom corner to give his team a share with the spoils, just when it appeared the Cherries would cling on for a thrilling victory. Chelsea player ratings [4-2-3-1] Player                                      ...

Petit's Bold Claim Chelsea Player Can Match Haaland's Brilliance"

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  One current Premier League player has been identified by Emmanuel Petit as being "as good" as Erling Haaland of Manchester City. Haaland has become one of the most sought-after assets in world football due to his absurd goal scoring record in recent seasons. Over the last seven seasons, he has scored 263 goals in 322 games for RB Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and now Manchester City.  In his first season at the Etihad, he helped the team win the treble with 108 goals in just 122 games, and he won his second Premier League Golden Boot the previous season. However, although the club was urged by numerous commentators, Petit believes Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson could "be as good" as the Norwegian striker as he disproves skeptics with his outstanding performances under Enzo Maresca. To replace him in the summer with a top-tier center-forward. As is uncommon with football players, Petit told Gambling Zone, "I always knew Nicolas Jackson would turn into a top play...