Zagueiro Kadu destaca amadurecimento no Hercílio Luz

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Kadu Ribeiro chegou ao Hercílio Luz em setembro de 2021 para reforçar o time visando a disputa da Copa Santa Catarina. O desempenho atendeu às expectativas do clube e o técnico Raul Cabral quis continuar com o atleta para o Campeonato Catarinense de 2022.

O defensor foi um dos principais pilares da campanha do Hercílio Luz no estadual. Dentre os jogadores de linha, foi o que teve mais minutos, sendo 1084 no total, e também, Kadu foi responsável por manter o saldo de gols do Leão do Sul em oito oportunidades, o que tornou a equipe catarinense como a menos vazada do campeonato.

– Nosso sistema defensivo estava muito bem encaixado e entrosado. Durante a pré-temporada, o professor nos ajudou muito a melhorar alguns pontos que estávamos falhando, e isso me fez amadurecer bastante. Posso dizer que, tanto como pessoa, quanto como jogador, termino o Catarinense muito melhor do que comecei – destacou o zagueiro.

O Hercílio Luz conseguiu cumprir as metas que tinha traçado para o Campeonato Catarinense, onde o foco era na permanência na divisão de elite e na conquista da vaga para a Série D de 2023, e ambos fora concretizados com sucesso. Fundamental para que o Leão do Sul cumprisse os objetivos, Kadu destaca a temporada até aqui.

– É muito gratificante poder ajudar o clube que me acolheu muito bem desde que cheguei aqui. Estou mais confiante dentro de campo, com uma noção defensiva melhor e também com a sensação de dever cumprido. Vou seguir trabalhando duro, e amadurecendo meu futebol, para que as oportunidades sigam surgindo – concluiu.

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Man City submit opening bid to sign "energetic" £58m midfielder in 2025

Manchester City have submitted a bid for an “energetic” midfielder ahead of the January transfer window, and Pep Guardiola is believed to be a big fan, according to a report.

Man City struggles continue with defeat to Aston Villa

City’s struggles were underlined by their defeat at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon, falling to a 2-1 defeat after yet another disappointing display, which leaves them outside the top four in the Premier League.

Guardiola’s side have dropped off considerably this season after winning the league four years in a row, and their poor run of form coincides with Rodri being sidelined with an injury, indicating just how important the midfielder is to the team.

Manchester City managerPepGuardiola

In the Spaniard’s absence, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan got the nod in central midfield yesterday afternoon, but they flattered to deceive, with the latter arguably now in the twilight years of his career.

As such, Guardiola may feel he needs to strengthen this winter if his side are going to force their way back into Champions League contention, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jamal Musiala thought to be a target, albeit and expensive one.

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Now, it seems as though Guardiola has identified his main target to strengthen the midfield, with reports from Spain detailing that an opening Man City offer has been made for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with Guardiola personally seeing him ‘as an ideal reinforcement’ in 2025.

Manchester United are also interested in the midfielder, which could drive up the price, and there is a feeling that a deal could amount to around €70m (£58m), with a swap deal also possible. City are said to be determined to beat their rivals to the 25-year-old’s signature, and the outcome of the transfer battle is likely to be known within the next few weeks.

Man City need a new midfielder

Amid links to Liverpool earlier this year, the Brazilian was lauded by journalist Bence Bocsak, who said:

Since then, the Atalanta star has kicked on even further, playing a big role in Atalanta’s successful Europa League campaign, and he has remained one of the first names on the team sheet for the Serie A side this season.

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring their third goal withEdersonand Matteo Ruggeri and completes his hat-trick.

It is evident that City need to strengthen this January, with the Rodri injury exposing how reliant they are on the Spain international, and they need to reinforce their midfield with a player proven at the top level.

Ederson could fit the bill in that regard, but it remains to be seen whether City can win the race for his signature, particularly considering the ongoing legal battle with the Premier League, which could be off-putting to potential targets.

وسط ارتباطه بـ ريال مدريد.. نادٍ واحد يتمنى أليجري التعاقد معه

كشفت تقارير صحفية إيطالية، عن مستقبل ماسيمليانو أليجري المدير الفني الإيطالي، وسط ارتباطه بالانتقال إلى ريال مدريد لخلافة كارلو أنشيلوتي.

أليجري رحل عن يوفنتوس بنهاية الموسم الماضي، بعد فترة لم تكن الأفضل له على عكس فترته الأولى من 2014 وحتى 2019 مع البيانكونيري.

مع اقتراب رحيل كارلو أنشيلوتي عن ريال مدريد، ارتبط المدرب الإيطالي بخلافة مواطنه، وسط العديد من المرشحين لتولي قيادة النادي الملكي.

طالع أيضًا.. أنشيلوتي يعلن موقف مبابي من مباراة برشلونة.. ويؤكد: ريال مدريد ليس ضحية لهذه الدرجة

صحيفة “كالشيو ميركاتو” الإيطالية، أكدت بأن أليجري لا يهتم بأنباء اقترابه من ريال مدريد، ولم يتواصل معه أي من مسؤولي النادي الإسباني.

وكشفت الصحيفة عن رغبة أليجري بخلافة كونسيساو في تدريب ميلان، حيث إن البرتغالي يواجه خطر الإقالة في ظل النتائج السيئة للروسونيري في الفترة الماضية.

أليجري أحد أبرز الأسماء المرشحة لخلافة ميلان، وتم التواصل معه بالفعل من جانب إدارة ميلان، بجانب انطونيو كونتي مدرب نابولي، رغم صعوبة مهمة التعاقد مع الأخير.

أليجري يرى بأن العودة لـ ميلان مجددًا ستكون خطوة مثيرة، ويرى بأن الفريق الذي يمتلكه الروسونيري مناسب مع طريقته، كما أنه يريد الرد على إدارة يوفتنوس التي أقالته الموسم الماضي.

جدير بالذكر، أن ماسيمليانو أليجري تولى قيادة ميلان خلال الفترة من 2010 وحتى 2014، وتمكن من التتويج ببطولة الدوري الإيطالي في موسمه الأول.

Big-money West Ham star should no longer be a regular starter

West Ham United made it three games unbeaten in the Premier League, drawing 1-1 with Brighton at the London Stadium, with goals from Mats Wieffer and Mohammed Kudus.

Despite having less possession than the Seagulls (46% to Brighton’s 54%) and fewer big chances created (two to Brighton’s four), the Hammers generated a higher xG than Brighton, with 1.31 xG to their 0.94 xG.

But one man in particular let Lopetegui down against the Seagulls, and he has been struggling all season under the new manager, already finding himself dropped on a number of occasions.

Lucas Paqueta's performance vs Brighton

Lucas Paqueta has made 19 appearances so far this season, scoring three goals and totalling 1,260 minutes. However, the Brazilian is yet to provide a single assist, despite his creative passing being one of his best attributes.

Against Brighton, Paqueta lost possession 14 times, only completing 78% of his passes, and failing all three of his dribble attempts. The 27-year-old also picked up his fifth Premier League booking of the season, meaning he will miss the game against Southampton on Boxing Day.

Paqueta was clearly putting himself about in the middle of the park, as he made five tackles in the game, won nine out of 15 ground duels, and won two out of five aerial duels.

However, his persistence to lose the ball whenever West Ham regained possession put the side under unnecessary pressure, and their Boxing Day game against Southampton could now be their perfect chance to experiment, finding an option that reduces the Brazil international to the bench even when his ban is up.

How West Ham could replace Paqueta on Boxing Day

One option for Lopetegui would be moving Mohammed Kudus into a central attacking midfield position, allowing summer signing, Crysencio Summerville to start on the left and hold the width.

However, this would be asking him to do a different role, not looking to be an outlet in wide areas, and instead needing his physicality off the ball to win duels and carry the ball forwards in transition to progress play for the side.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Another option is Carlos Soler, who is another summer signing. The Spaniard missed the game against Brighton at the weekend, having picked up his fifth yellow card in the Premier League against Bournemouth. This would be the most like-for-like option available for Lopetegui.

Paqueta vs Kudus vs Soler comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Paqueta

Kudus

Soler

Goals

0.21

0.27

0.00

Assists

0.00

0.18

0.13

xG

0.26

0.33

0.10

xAG

0.13

0.13

0.13

Progressive Carries

0.68

4.00

1.34

Progressive Passes

4.89

3.27

4.03

Shots Total

1.50

3.27

2.37

Key Passes

1.50

1.18

1.19

Shot-Creating Actions

3.46

4.27

4.33

Tackles + Interceptions

3.00

1.73

1.14

Stats taken from FBref

By analysing the metrics above, you can see what would be lost if Paqueta was not in the team. That extra intensity (whilst leading to those yellow cards) has also given West Ham more recoveries in the middle of the park, winning his duels, making tackles and interceptions, and then looking to play forward passes.

The last option who could bring both added progressive passing and defensive solidity and mobility in the centre of the park is 18-year-old, Lewis Orford. The midfielder is yet to make a senior appearance, but he has made 12 appearances for the U21 this season, providing three assists and totalling 1,059 minutes played.

Whether it is the easy option of bringing Soler in as a like-for-like, bringing Kudus inside to go slightly more attacking, or trusting someone from the academy, Lopetegui will have a decision to make ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Southampton, looking to make it four games without a loss.

Saved by Kudus: West Ham flop with 13% passing let them down

The West Ham star struggled to get into the game

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 22, 2024

Benjamin Sesko decides next move! RB Leipzig striker wants Premier League transfer instead of becoming Harry Kane's backup at Bayern Munich

RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko reportedly wants a Premier League transfer as he does not want to serve as Harry Kane's understudy at Bayern Munich.

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  • Sesko likely to leave Leipzig this summer
  • Several English clubs are interested in the striker
  • Slovenia international prefers Premier League move
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Since his days at Red Bull Salzburg, Sesko has been regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young attackers. His impressive transition to the Bundesliga with Leipzig has only strengthened his reputation, with the striker netting 35 goals and providing eight assists in 78 appearances across all competitions. His performances have drawn interest from some of the continent’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich all reportedly monitoring his situation.

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    According to Sesko is seeking a transfer that guarantees him regular first-team football. Despite Bayern’s belief that Sesko would be content with a backup role, reports suggest the 21-year-old has no interest in sitting on the bench behind Kane. If the Bavarian giants are serious about signing him, they would need to alter their current system of playing with a single striker or part ways with their prolific English talisman. One factor making Sesko an appealing target for top clubs is his relatively reasonable release clause. His current contract allows him to leave for €70m (£58.5m), though this figure could increase to €80m (£66.9m) if he meets certain performance-related milestones. Moreover, reports suggest Leipzig might be willing to negotiate a transfer for around €70m, making him a cost-effective option.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Sesko is not the only striker attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs. The 2024 summer transfer window is expected to see a flurry of movement among elite forwards, with multiple teams vying for world-class goal-scorers. Alongside Sesko, United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are also targeting Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The demand for quality forwards is so intense that even Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, and Lille’s Jonathan David have emerged as potential options for clubs looking for attacking reinforcements.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR SESKO?

    For now, Sesko remains fully committed to Leipzig, as they battle to secure a Champions League spot for next season. The Bundesliga club currently finds itself in a tight race for a top-four finish, and the striker’s primary objective is to help them achieve that goal. While speculation about his future continues to grow, the Slovenian forward is expected to delay any final decision until the summer. His next move will largely depend on which club can offer him the best combination of competitive football, development opportunities, and regular playing time.

فلافيو مديرًا فنيًا لنادي بترو أتلتيكو الأنجولي

أعلن نادي بترو أتلتيكو الأنجولي، تعيين اللاعب الدولي السابق لمنتخب أنجولا، أمادو فلافيو، مديرًا فنيًا لتولي قيادة الفريق في الفترة القادمة.

ونشرت الصفحة الرسمية لنادي بترو أتلتيكو على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”، صورة لـ أمادو فلافيو، وعلّقت قائلةً: “لقد عاد إلى مكانه الصحيح، أهلاً بك يا فلافيو”.

طالع | فلافيو يتحدث عن لحظة الانضمام لـ الأهلي وأقرب لاعب له وسعادته باستقبال الجماهير

وكان أمادو فلافيو، بدأ مسيرته في الملاعب مع فريق بترو أتلتيكو، وعاد واعتزل في صفوفه بنهاية مسيرته الكروية، كما تولى منصب المدرب المساعد في الجهاز الفني للفريق.

فلافيو كان أحد لاعبي النادي الأهلي المصري، وخاض فترة من 2005 حتى 2009، داخل جدران القلعة الحمراء، ورغم بدايته غير الجيدة، إلا أنه بداية من موسمه الثاني أثبت جدارته واستطاع أن يكون هداف الفريق وأحد أبرز اللاعبين في جيل الأهلي التاريخي.

فريق بترو أتلتيكو، يتصدر حاليًا جدول ترتيب الدوري الأنجولي، برصيد 59 نقطة.

Glenn Maxwell's Test return: 'So nice to get the tap on the shoulder and have the faith I can do a job'

The allrounder could play his first Test in five years having not played first-class cricket since 2019

Andrew McGlashan25-Jun-2022Glenn Maxwell had always held out hope, if not always complete belief, that he would get another chance in Test cricket. But he did not want to tempt fate in Sri Lanka, so did not pack his baggy green. And as it turns out, he’ll need a new one in Galle with the original having not aged well.”I didn’t want to be presumptuous and it turns out I’m glad I didn’t bring it because it’s completely disintegrated,” Maxwell said. “So I’m going to have to get a new one for this Test tour. I’ll look like a first-gamer out there.”My last Test was a win in Bangladesh and [the cap] is full of all sorts of different things. It’s stayed in the little bag that we get. I took it out last year and had a look at it and it was deteriorating, thought that’s not a good sign. My wife took it out yesterday and said ‘I don’t think I can bring this’, it looked terrible, so think when I get home I’ll see if I can get it fixed up but it’s not looking great at the moment.”Maxwell was involved in squads briefly after his last appearance at Chattogram in 2017 – during the Ashes later that year, then as an emergency call-up in Johannesburg amid the ball-tampering scandal – but while it is not certain Maxwell will add to his seven Test caps the odds are narrowing after he was called up following Travis Head’s hamstring injury.Related

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Having seen how the pitches played in the ODI series with an expectation of more of the same – and perhaps even greater spin – in the Tests there is an increasing sense that – to quote Liam Neeson in – Maxwell has a very particular set of skills that Australia will need to call on.”I think I bring a lot of experience in these sorts of conditions and being able to tackle good spin bowling in tough conditions,” Maxwell said. “It’s something I pride myself on, having quick feet and being able to find a way through adversity in tough conditions.”Looking back to 2017, being able to get a Test hundred in India is something I’m extremely proud and to be one of only a couple of people in the last decade to do that is something I’m hoping holds me in good stead for this as well. My game plan probably isn’t going to change a whole lot, probably just going to be a little more time consuming, being able to spend more time at the wicket, without any run-rate pressure on and I’m certainly looking forward to that opportunity to bat long periods of time.”Glenn Maxwell will need a new baggy green•Getty Images and Cricket AustraliaMaxwell has not played a first-class match since October 19 due to a combination of his extensive role in Australia’s white-ball sides and the impact of Covid-19 on the domestic schedule over the last two years. Before last season, he trained with Victoria ahead of the Sheffield Shield season but believes the conditions in Sri Lanka are so foreign to Australian players that domestic cricket is of limited value.”[I was] always trying to stay ready just in case, knowing there was a fair few subcontinent tours coming up not just this year but next year as well,” he said. “At some stage you think you might give up hope but it’s just so nice to get the tap on the shoulder and have the faith I can do a job for this team.”Even looking at these ODIs, I don’t think anything we do in our domestic competition prepares you for what you are facing out there. It’s so totally alien to us. That’s the hard thing for people trying to pick a squad back home, people might have success against spin in Australia but it just doesn’t compare to over here. It’s doing all sorts. To be able to combat that in different ways, sometimes a play and miss is a good shot, thought we saw that [in the last ODI] with the way Marnus [Labuschagne] and Alex Carey went about their work then Cameron Green at the end.”Maxwell’s addition to the squad also provides another way for Australia to balance up their side with additional spin-bowling depth. It is likely another specialist will partner Nathan Lyon, but Maxwell could have an important role to play while also providing batting depth.”The work I’ve done with the other side of my game, the bowling, being able to contribute regularly with the ball is something I’ve worked really hard on,” he said. “I’ve been lucky to have [spin-bowling coach Sridharan] Sriram follow me in different parts of the world, able to work together at the IPL, and feel like we’ve got a really good grasp on how the ball is coming out of my hand.”With the batting, I just feel really comfortable with where my game’s at, been able to bat continually pretty well in these conditions and my footwork has been reasonable crisp. Certainly looking forward to the next couple of weeks.”

Diretoria do Ceilândia faz promoção: engradado de cerveja vale ingresso para jogo contra o Botafogo

MatériaMais Notícias

A diretoria do Ceilândia aposta em uma estratégia “fora do comum” para tentar promover a partida contra o Botafogo, na próxima quarta-feira, no Mané Garrincha, pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. Torcedores podem garantir ingressos para o jogo até mesmo comprando cerveja.

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+ VÍDEO: veja imagens exclusivas do Espaço Lonier, futuro CT do Botafogo

O Gato Preto publicou uma ação nas redes sociais: na compra de qualquer pack de Brahma Duplo Malte no Atacadão Dia a Dia, um mercado local, a pessoa ganha um ingresso para a Arquibancada Superior do Mané Garrincha para ver o jogo – além de um Salamitos.

Além disso, R$ 50 em compras no mercado também valem um ingresso. Os bilhetes podem ser retirados nas unidades Dia a Dia Ceilândia desta sexta-feira até a terça-feira que vem. Há um limite de 8 mil ingressos disponíveis para essa promoção e um limite de quatro entradas por CPF.

O Ceilândia, sem poder jogar no Abadião por conta das regras da Copa do Brasil, resolveu levar a partida ao Mané Garrincha. O Botafogo enfrenta o Ceará neste domingo, pelo Brasileirão, antes do compromisso da Copa do Brasil.

Sold by Gerrard: Aston Villa hit gold over the ‘next Grealish’

Steven Gerrard’s last few months in charge of Aston Villa were a complete disaster. He was sacked from his position as manager on the 21st of October 2021, with the club 14th in the Premier League table on 12 points.

The Liverpool legend was replaced at the helm at Villa Park by Unai Emery. The Spaniard has since taken charge of over 100 games at the club, 106 to be exact, winning 56 of those. He did not have the smoothest start, with the mid-season break for the 2022 World Cup coming just three games into his tenure.

Over the last few transfer windows, the Spaniard has shaped the squad to his liking, with Gerrard’s final transfer window in charge underwhelming in comparison.

Villa’s 2022 summer transfer window

There were three significant incomings in the 2022 summer transfer window for the Villans. Gerrard looked to strengthen the spine of his team signing a centre-back, number six and number 10, which proved to be in vain given he was sacked months later.

Diego Carlos was the defender who made the move to Villa Park, joining from La Liga side Sevilla. He cost the club a reported £26m, and is one of the only surviving members of that transfer window. Carlos has played 56 games for the Midlands club so far.

Gerrard reunited with former Liverpool teammate Phillipe Coutinho on loan in January 2022, and he made his move to Villa permanent that summer for £17m.

He played just 43 times for the club, registering nine goal involvements, including a goal and two assists against Leeds United in a 3-0 win. He never really found his place under Emery and is out on loan in Brazil.

Leander Denconcker was the cheapest of the three main deals for Villa that summer. He joined for a reported £13m, although played just 36 times for the Midlands club and, again, never really made his way under Emery.

There were also two major sales under Gerrard in his final summer transfer window. One of those saw the departure of left-back Matt Targett to Newcastle United. The other one represented an excellent piece of business for the Villans, with Carney Chukwuemeka leaving the club.

Chukwuemeka's Villa departure

Versatile attacking midfielder Chukwuemeka left the club for Chelsea in August 2022 for £20m. The Austrian-born attacking midfielder must have been a painful sale for the Villans given how highly rated he was.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

Former Villa CEO Christian Purslow once believed that Chukwuemeka was “probably the best 16-year-old in England” back in 2020, and it wasn’t long before he broke into the first team at Villa Park.

His Villans debut came at the age of 17, younger than their last great academy star Jack Grealish, with Birmingham Live writer Alex Dicken explaining he could be the club’s second coming of the Manchester City star.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

The boyhood Villa fan, now 29 years of age, played an impressive 213 times for the Midlands club, scoring 32 goals and grabbing 41 assists. He was crucial to their promotion to the Premier League in 2018/19, and subsequent survival the following two seasons.

As for his heir apparent, Chukwuemeka, the former Villa star played 16 times for the first team before making the move to Stamford Bridge, with Gerrard never really giving him the platform to show what he can do.

The season after making his debut, 2021/22, he played just 12 Premier League games, grabbing his only assist against Norwich City.

So, Villa sold one of their best academy stars in years, making pure profit along the way. That turned out to be a fantastic decision. Sadly, the midfielder’s career has somewhat stalled at Stamford Bridge, and he has not had many chances.

Carney-Chukwuemeka-Chelsea-star

Now into his third season at the west London club, the 21-year-old has played just 32 games in all competitions, scoring twice and grabbing one assist. He could now depart the club in January in search of regular first-team football.

Chukwuemeka stats by season for Chelsea

Season

Games

Minutes

G/A

2022/23

15

362

0

2023/24

12

254

3

2024/25

5

130

0

Stats from Transfermarkt

So, looking back on it, the deal to sell one of Villa’s best academy stars in a long time has been worth it in the end. The Villans managed to make £20m of pure profit which Emery was able to reinvest, and although it is sad to see Chukwuemeka’s career derail slightly, he is likely to be able to get it back on track given his age and how highly rated he is.

Aston Villa could unleash teenage sensation who's the next Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa are very excited by what this youngster could go on to become.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 9, 2024

'Liverpool will be able to find a solution' – Reds backed for stunning swoop to sign Everton defender if Virgil van Dijk leaves Anfield this summer

Liverpool have been backed for a stunning swoop to sign an Everton defender if Virgil van Dijk leaves Anfield this summer.

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VVD's current deal ends this summerYet to sign an extension at AnfieldHamann believes Liverpool could sign Jarrad BranthwaiteFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool’s defensive plans for the future remain uncertain, with speculation growing around Van Dijk’s long-term stay at the club. While the Reds remain keen to extend his contract, the Dutchman has hinted that he wasn't sure where his future lies.

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Van Dijk has been instrumental in the club’s success over the years and remains the heart of the team’s defensive structure. His leadership and presence have been crucial, and Didi Hamann believes that securing his services should be Liverpool’s top priority.

WHAT DIDI HAMANN SAID

In an interview with Hamann said: "Keeping Virgil van Dijk has to be the priority for Liverpool, he is the heart of the team. He stabilizes everything and makes other players better. He's just a rock at the back and he's been for a number of years now, so I think he's the most important."

However, Hamann believes there remains a lack of clarity on whether Van Dijk has been offered a new deal or whether negotiations are ongoing. With just months left on several key contracts, including Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, questions have been raised about Liverpool’s approach to contract renewals.

“It's a bizarre situation because we don't know whether he's been offered a contract or whether he's holding out for more money or what the situation is. So it's very hard to tell," he said.

“But I would find it very bizarre if these players hadn't been offered contracts. If they have been offered a contract you can't be too harsh on the club because the players might want more money or a longer deal so there is negotiation there.

“There's about 10 or 12 games to go and you don't know what's going to happen with them, when are you going to think about a replacement, it will be too late and that probably makes players more expensive. I'm sure they do their homework and that they've got players in mind, but it’s a very strange situation. Liverpool do their business differently to other teams and clubs – but you have to say that in the past and it hasn’t done too much harm.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk, Hamann suggested that Liverpool could make a surprise move for Everton’s highly-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a replacement for Van Dijk.

“It’s been a while since someone made the move between Everton and Liverpool, I know there was talk of Anthony Gordon recently who does have that blue connection," he said.

“Nicky Barmby did it, but I do think that the gap between the two clubs at the moment is so big that Everton fans would understand if he wanted to go there. The gap is big but I hope that it closes in the sense that Everton improve with their new stadium and try to get back into Europe, we know there is a huge rivalry there. But in terms of Jarrad Branthwaite, if there is interest there then Liverpool will be able to find a solution.”

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