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Wolverhampton Wanderers head into the final few weeks of the season with a genuine chance of securing a top half finish in the Premier League.

At the start of the season, you could forgive supporters for worrying that the Old Gold would be closer to the relegation zone than the European places, given the timing of Julen Lopetegui's departure, but under the astute management of Gary O’Neil, they have exceeded expectations.

With fixtures against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool to come between now and the end of the season, the Molineux side could find it tough to finish in the top half of the table.

Recent weeks have seen the club struggle due to the absence of players such as Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-Chan, and Matheus Cunha, as O’Neil’s attacking options have been a big part of their recent resurgence.

The summer transfer window is fast approaching, giving the former Bournemouth manager an ideal chance to bolster his squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Wolves transfer news

The club sold a few players last summer for big fees, including Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes as they battled to comply with financial fair play regulations.

This could perhaps impact their transfer business in the summer window, although they have been linked with a Bundesliga attacker recently.

According to sources at GIVEMESPORT, it appears Wolves are showing interest in Wolfsburg striker Jonas Wind and are contemplating whether or not to make a move for the player during the summer.

The Old Gold will have to shell out a fee for him if they wish to bring Wind to the Premier League due to the striker having two years remaining on his current contract.

If they could perhaps sell a player, then O’Neil may be able to raise sufficient funds in order to bolster his attack.

Current first-team star Hwang arrived at Wolves from the Bundesliga and the English boss could repeat that masterclass from the club, should he sign the Dane this summer, as another talented attacker from the German top-flight.

How much Hwang Hee-Chan cost Wolves

During the 2021 summer transfer window, Bruno Lage signed Hwang on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig. The South Korean had scored 45 goals in 126 appearances for RB Salzburg which led to the move to the German top flight, but he did struggle in Germany.

During his only full season at Leipzig, Hwang scored just three goals and grabbed four assists, leading to his loan move to Wolves.

Technical director at the time, Scott Sellars, praised the forward, saying: “He had a fantastic goal scoring record at Salzburg and will give us a good option in the front areas.

“He’s got a good pedigree, having played Champions League football and at a World Cup. He’s got a lot of pace, power and strength – he’s probably a little bit different to what we’ve got, and we think he’s a strong acquisition for the squad.

After just six months at the club, Wolves exercised their option to sign him on a permanent deal, costing just £14m after an impressive start to life in the Midlands.

Hwang Hee-Chan’s statistics for Wolves

During his spell at Wolves, the former Leipzig forward has made 87 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals and chipping in with seven assists.

This season has been a big turning point however, finally emerging as a consistent goal scorer. Indeed, he is level with Cunha on 11 goals this term, the most of any player in the squad, and this would arguably have been more had he not suffered an injury recently.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

24

11

3

2022/23

32

4

3

2021/22

31

5

1

Via Transfermarkt

Among his teammates, Hwang currently ranks second for goals and assists (13) in the top flight this term, while also ranking third for shots on target per game (0.6), fourth for big chances created (four) and for successful dribbles per game (1.5), showing how influential he has been all season.

A move for Wind could give Wolves another excellent attacking option, while replicating the Hwang masterclass in the process.

Jonas Wind’s stats for Wolfsburg this season

The 6ft 3 marksman has impressed for the Bundesliga side throughout the 2023/24 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering seven assists for his club, while adding another goal and assist in the DFB-Pokal.

While Hwang tends to operate across the front three, Wind is more of an out-and-out striker, preferring to operate in a central role whenever possible.

According to WhoScored, Wind’s strengths include through balls and aerial duels, indicating how strong he is in the air, while the striker likes to do flick-ons and plays the ball off the ground on a regular basis.

The Dane is currently ranked in the top 20% when compared to his positional peers for aerial duels won per 90 (3.16) in Europe’s top five leagues, further evidence of how strong he is when the ball is delivered into the opposition penalty area.

While the likes of Neto, Cunha, and Hwang have effectively contributed this term, Wolves lack a proper out-and-out striker, which is where Wind could add so much to their squad.

Football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor praised the 25-year-old towards the end of last year during a game against Darmstadt, saying: “That Wolfsburg goal really showed how good Jonas Wind is at seeing what’s around him. Too strong for his centre-back and too clever for Darmstadt with the layoff to Majer. Brilliant bit of play.”

On the surface, Wind looks like a player who could really shine in the Premier League, especially following his wonderful season for Wolfsburg.

His aerial ability, combined with a keen eye for goal – 67 goals across 185 senior matches – shows that his style of play could allow him to settle in fairly well should he make the move to Molineux this summer.

Injuries to the aforementioned trio over the previous few weeks have seen Wolves struggle of late, showing how much they rely on them to score. Adding another striker to the squad could see the pressure taken off of them heading into next season.

Much will depend on how much Wind could cost, especially with the club aiming to balance their books, but if the fee is realistic, then there is no doubt O’Neil should be making a concrete offer.

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona took the internet by storm after walking off TV set while live on air.

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Cantona took the internet by stormWalked off from TV set live on airWas on punditry duty for United vs Fulham clashWHAT HAPPENED?

Cantona was on punditry duty for the Premier League feed during the 2024-25 campaign curtain raiser between Manchester United and Fulham. He was accompanied by former United player Owen Hargreaves when the Frenchman was asked by the presenter to predict the Golden Boot winner of this season. Cantona had a short and awkward answer to the question as he said, "We'll see." Hargreaves was quick to react to the situation as he immediately provided a more elaborate answer.

AdvertisementWHAT ERIC CANTONA SAID

The 58-year-old was then asked what was in store for 'the millions of fans watching on their television sets' this season, to which he again gave a one-word response, "Television". He then stood up and took off his microphone live on air before coming up with a monologue as he said, "We call this the beautiful game, but how many people in this world don't even own a television? What of them? How can we sell this [the Premier League] to them? The game should be everywhere. It cannot be stuck on the wall or just in a bar, no. It must fly. No one should believe the Premier League is ours. This marks the beginning. The revolution has begun."

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Fans across the world were left stunned, however, it was later revealed that the entire incident was actually a skit prepared to promote Showmax, an online subscription platform that holds Premier League rights in Africa. South African entrepreneur Mike Sharman later posted on X, "Showmax hijacked the entire @premierleague feed with Eric Cantona to promote its mobile offering across Africa – the most affordable package on the planet. The most phenomenal stunt you’ll see in 2024."

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imago imagesWHAT NEXT?

The Red Devils kicked off Premier League 2024-25 action on Friday at Old Trafford with a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham courtesy of a goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. Liverpool and Arsenal will play their season openers on Saturday while Manchester City are set to lock horns with Chelsea on Sunday.

Hosts South Africa lost by 104 runs, with Shahadat Hossain and Towhid Hridoy making 74 and 51 respectively to set South Africa a target of 262

The Report by Sreshth Shah30-Jan-2020South Africa were caught napping by spin again in the quarter-final, as left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan took a five-wicket haul to knock the hosts out of the 2020 U-19 World Cup. Bangladesh will now face New Zealand in the semi-final, on February 6 in Potchefstroom.Before Rakibul took 5 for 19 in 9.3 overs, it was opener Tanzid Hasan’s 84-ball 80 and No. 5 batsman Shahadat Hossain’s 76-ball 74 that set South Africa a challenging target of 262. Towhid Hridoy chipped in with 51.South Africa’s No. 4 Luke Beaufort, who made 60 and was the ninth wicket to fall, was the only half-centurion for the hosts. He looked to take the game as deep as possible but found little support from the other end. Opener Jonathan Bird’s 35 was the second-highest score from South Africa.It was Bird’s dismissal, the second South Africa wicket, that got Rakibul on the wickets column in the 14th over. After that, he bowled the captain Bryce Parsons for 7. In his second spell, Rakibul had Pheko Moletsane stumped in the 35th over, trapped Tiaan van Vuuren lbw four overs later and finally dismissed Beaufort in the 43rd over to end South Africa’s hopes. Rakibul’s five wickets were claimed at an economy of only 2.00.After their win, the Bangladesh players walked around the ground thanking their supporters who had come from nearby cities to watch the game. Chants of “Bangladesh, Bangladesh” resonated through certain sections of the ground after the final wicket – a run-out – closed South Africa’s innings out for 157.The day had begun with a measured 60-run opening stand between opener Tanzid and Parvez Hossain Emon. Emon’s dismissal for 17 was soon followed by No. 3 Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s and they were 73 for 2 after 16.4 overs. However, a 57-run partnership between Tanzid and Hridoy brought Bangladesh back on track. In that partnership, they found the boundaries often, with Tanzid being the aggressor.Then came the 102-run stand between Hridoy and Shahadat that kept South Africa’s bowlers quiet in the middle overs, and a combined late charge from their captain Akbar Ali – who made an 11-ball 16 – and Shahadat helped them finish on 261 for 5.

New CEO joins following a difficult year for the club both on and off the pitch

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Mar-2020Leicestershire have announced that board director Sean Jarvis will become their new chief executive in June following the departure of Karen Rothery after only 12 months in the role.Jarvis will take up his new position on June 24 after completing a 14-year stint at Huddersfield Town FC, where he was commercial director.”The county is in my DNA and I am honoured to be becoming the chief executive officer of Leicestershire County Cricket Club,” Jarvis said. “I look forward to working with the new board and all of the staff on developing a new and exciting chapter for our cricket club.”The challenge ahead is not going to be easy but with hard work, commitment and the continued support of our stakeholders, members, supporters and local businesses, I am sure that our future will be much brighter.”ALSO READ: Ackermann named Leicestershire captainRothery described 2018-19 as “another challenging year” for the club soon before her departure, having reported an operating loss of £132,000, but the club expects a return to profitability for the 2019-20 financial year, and recently secured a £1.75m loan from Leicester City Council.On the pitch, they struggled in all formats last season, winning the County Championship’s wooden spoon and propping up the north group in both the One-Day Cup and the T20 Blast. Tellingly, the club was unable to field an overseas player throughout the T20 campaign due to financial constraints.Jarvis was described as a “key commercial strategist” on the club’s board of directors over the past year in a press release. Huddersfield’s chairman Phil Hodgkinson thanked him for his “big contribution” at the club.During his time at Huddersfield, Jarvis was responsible for a commercial partnership with bookmakers Paddy Power in 2019, which attracted national attention after the club wore shirts with the brand’s name in huge font in a sash design in a pre-season friendly. The stunt earned the club a £50,000 fine.Leicestershire chair Mehmooda Duke said: “We are delighted to welcome Sean to the club as our new chief executive officer.”Sean has a wide skillset which he has evidenced as a board director over the last 12 months; he comes with a wealth of experience in sport which I am sure will help drive Leicestershire County Cricket Club to a promising future. Sean will be an asset to us and we look forward to him starting in June.”

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe says he is doing everything he can to keep Anthony Gordon at the club amid interest from Liverpool this summer.

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Gordon linked with move to Liverpool Impressed on Tyneside under Howe last termNewcastle boss determined to keep star wingerWHAT HAPPENED?

Howe was quizzed on whether Gordon could still leave Newcastle before the transfer window shuts as reports continue to link the England international with a move to Liverpool. However, the Magpies boss is confident he can keep hold of the 23-year-old and revealed that the winger has not been affected by the speculation in the last few weeks.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT HOWE SAID

Ahead of Newcastle's trip to Bournemouth, Howe said: "I’ve seen Anthony come back in a good place. Especially this past week, he had a really short training period before that first game. We put him in as he’s a difference maker, it takes the younger players less time to get up to speed but I think this week he has looked back to his best. I think that there are two ways to look at that. The Euros will have been an incredible experience for him.

"The first time that he will have been with England for any length of time and I'm sure he’ll have learned, seen and experienced a lot from that. Sometimes, we all have this vision of the fairytale ending, you go in and help win your country the tournament at the first time, but life is rarely like that. Anthony will have seen a lot and hopefully use that for next time that he’s involved."

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The links to Liverpool are a testament to Gordon's development in the last 12 months. Having originally impressed for the blue half of Merseyside with Everton, the four-cap international has hit new heights on Tyneside. Having recorded 23 goal contributions in all competitions last term, it is no surprise that Arne Slot is keen to bring Gordon to Anfield.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GORDON AND NEWCASTLE?

Having been eased back in by Howe for the Premier League opening win against Southampton, Gordon will continue to put his all in for Newcastle unless he hears otherwise. The transfer window closes on August 30 so the Reds have until then to fork out a massive fee that will meet Newcastle's hefty asking price.

A £33,000-a-week player has rejected multiple new deal offers from his club as Leeds United eye a bargain move to bring him in this summer.

Leeds face tension-filled final day in race for Premier League promotion

The Whites can still achieve automatic promotion on the final day this weekend, but the odds are no longer in their favour.

Leeds United in pole position to sign 25 y/o international

Leeds are already eyeing key squad improvements in the transfer window.

ByJosh Barker Apr 27, 2024

Leeds need a huge favour from the soon-to-be relegated Huddersfield Town, who take on Ipswich Town this Saturday at the same time as Daniel Farke's side play host to Southampton.

The Terriers are all but confirmed to be playing League One football next season, but their manager Andre Breitenreiter is pushing his side to spoil the promotion party at Portman Road and cause a huge upset.

“We have to be professional for the last game and maybe decide the promotion battle," the German said after their draw with Birmingham.

QPR 4-0 Leeds

April 26th

Middlesbrough 3-4 Leeds

April 22nd

Leeds 0-1 Blackburn

April 13th

Leeds 0-0 Sunderland

April 9th

Coventry City 2-1 Leeds

April 6th

"It’s our task to do our job. We want to finish the season with a good result and after we have hold conversations about individuals and about the future. The whole analysis will take place after the season. It is difficult to win with 15 goals next weekend. But we weren’t relegated today.”

Ipswich currently lie above Leeds in second, and hold a three-point advantage, but Farke's men are still in with a shot of automatic promotion due to their superior goal difference. Nothing but a win for Huddersfield and Leeds will do on Saturday lunchtime, and it's the Yorkshire side who face a much tougher test on paper.

If that scenario fails to pass, Leeds will be battling in the Championship play-offs for a place in the English top flight next term, and they'll have to do it the hard way.

Failure to seal a Premier League spot next season will have a bearing on their summer transfer plans as well. Leeds are believed to be interested in signing a new defender for Farke, among other areas of the squad.

Leeds eyeing bargain Ben Johnson move as he rejects multiple contract offers

The Athletic claim West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who looks set to leave when his contract expires this summer, is at the centre of interest from Elland Road.

Leeds are one of a few sides eyeing a bargain free swoop for Johnson, alongside the likes of Rangers and Crystal Palace, with the Englishman now having rejected multiple new contract offers to remain at the London Stadium.

On a reported £33,000-a-week, the full-back has been praised for his professionalism by former England star Stuart Pearce.

"He's a wonderful professional to deal with and work with," said Pearce. "We're very proud to have him out of our academy system as well, which is a real plus for us, especially with the connection to this club with the academy. I think he's just developing and getting better and better, and like with all young players, the more game time they have, the better they'll get, so I am delighted for the boy."

Anthony Martial has reportedly received an offer from Brazil as the former Manchester United star continues to consider options.

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Martial is currently a free agentHis United contract expired last seasonFlamengo in touch with the forwardWHAT HAPPENED?

Martial’s contract with Manchester United expired in the summer of 2024, ending his eight-year stint at Old Trafford. Despite initial expectations that the French forward would attract high-profile European clubs, a significant move has yet to materialize. This delay has prompted Martial to broaden his search, looking beyond Europe for his next club, and he now finds himself with an intriguing offer from South America.

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According to, Martial has drawn attention from Flamengo, a top club in Brazil’s Serie A. The Rio de Janeiro-based team has reportedly made contact with Martial’s representatives as they look to replace their injured striker, Pedro, who has picked up an ACL injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

In addition to Flamengo’s interest, Martial has also attracted the attention of Greek club AEK Athens. On Wednesday, it was revealed that AEK are looking to sign the Frenchman in what could be a record-breaking deal for the club. Although the Greek side are keen to bring Martial into their ranks, they now face stiff competition from Flamengo, who are determined to make their move.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MARTIAL?

Martial’s early promise began to fade in the latter years of his United career. Recurring injuries and inconsistent performances hampered his ability to make a sustained impact. Over his last four seasons at Old Trafford, the Frenchman managed only 12 Premier League goals in 64 appearances, a stark contrast to the bright start he once enjoyed. While a move to Brazil might not have been Martial’s initial plan, the offer from Flamengo presents an exciting and unexpected opportunity to reignite his sinking career.

Southampton manager Russell Martin has provided a significant injury update regarding one important Saints player ahead of their Championship play-off clash with West Brom.

Southampton preparing for play-off clash

Saints finished their 46-game Championship season with an impressive 2-1 win away to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon as they got the better of their fellow promotion hopefuls.

Championship play-offs 2024: Fixtures, ticket info, prize money & more

FFC looks forward to the 2023/24 Championship play-offs with all you need to know, including updated ticket information.

ByLuke Randall May 20, 2024

It was a strong end to what has largely been a positive campaign at St Mary's, but they now face the lottery of the play-offs, joining Leeds, West Brom and Norwich City in the battle to join Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season.

Southampton ended up finishing in fourth place, meaning they have lined up a two-legged semi-final meeting with West Brom, as they look to get the better of the Baggies and seal a place in the final at Wembley later this month.

In order for the south coast side to have the best possible chance of returning to the top flight at the first attempt, they need as few injuries as possible, but Martin saw key striker Che Adams leave the field prematurely at home to Leeds. It was an immediate worry ahead of next Sunday's trip to the Hawthorns to take on the Baggies, putting the Scotland international in doubt for the game.

Martin drops significant Southampton news

Speaking after the Leeds game on Saturday [via the Echo], Martin gave a positive Southampton injury update regarding Adams. Clearly, the Saints boss had no intention of taking any chances, especially with their league position safe.

"He felt a bit of tightness. There is no point carrying on and risking him after that. I think he will be alright. Thankfully we also had Ross Stewart to bring on today, which was really amazing for us."

This has to be seen as an encouraging update for Southampton, considering Russell seems confident of Adams making a swift recovery, and he does at least have a week to further work on his recovery.

The 27-year-old would be a massive loss for Saints given the fact that he scored 16 goals in the regular Championship season and netted twice in the FA Cup, also chipping in with four assists. Ally McCoist has lauded him in the past, too, which is high praise from Scottish legend, saying:

"First and foremost, we now have a striker who is a first pick every week for a very good team in the English Premier League. It’s been a long time since a Scotland manager has had that luxury. Adams has started his international career really positively and has scored in the last two games against Moldova and Denmark. Apart from that, his general play has been terrific."

Southampton can ease big injury worry by unleashing "unbelievable" star

Southampton will hope other strikers can come up trumps if this star is out injured.

ByKelan Sarson May 5, 2024

Adams' vast experience could be priceless for Southampton in the two legs against West Brom and in the final if they make it, so the hope is that he is in the starting lineup at The Hawthorns next weekend, shrugging off this current knock.

Fast-bowling depth to be tested if demanding international schedule goes ahead

Matt Roller13-May-2020England will consider handing international opportunities to fringe players and testing their fast-bowling depth to help them cope with a demanding revised summer schedule of behind-closed-doors cricket.The ECB have made extensive contingency plans in the hope of salvaging a home international season when it becomes safe to do so, with the current ambition of starting a Test series against West Indies on July 8. It is likely that as many as 30 players will be called up to any England squad in order to allow for intra-squad practice games, and the possibility of playing white-ball and red-ball series concurrently remains on the table.ALSO READ: ECB’s Test plans boosted by latest government strategyThat means that England’s depth will be put the test. Mo Bobat, the ECB’s performance director, has been in regular discussions with Chris Silverwood, England’s head coach, and Ed Smith, the national selector, over the past two months, and told ESPNcricinfo that there may be chances for players on the fringes of the national team to allow them to get through a “pretty brutal” fixture list.”We’ve got quite a broad talent pool – some guys that have done really well in the winter on the Lions programme, and plenty of guys knocking on the door, so we may have the opportunity to provide quite a few guys with some international exposure as and when we get to it,” Bobat said.”I get quite excited by that. If it means we’re going to provide international exposure to a new group of players, which we may have to, then I think that’s great. It’s probably common knowledge that we may have to explore things like playing concurrent squads, and that means our depth will get challenged, but I see that as an opportunity.”England’s fast-bowling depth will come under particular strain. Seamers will return to individualised training sessions at county grounds within the next two weeks to allow them as much lead-in time as possible before the planned start of the West Indies series, but with back-to-back Tests likely and players starting from a low base, rotation will be an inevitable feature of the summer.”For some of our fast bowlers, we know we want to get loads through their bodies and their bones need hardening again,” Bobat said. “It’s important to remember what we’re preparing for: we’re preparing for Test cricket, and a schedule that will involve back-to-back Tests. It’s a pretty brutal schedule: it’s not just preparing them to play one Test or a one-day game. It’s incumbent on us to make sure we give the players the best chance of making sure their bodies are in the right place to deal with that tough schedule.”While England have used as many as eight frontline seamers in Test cricket in the last 12 months, there are complications. Both Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were undergoing rehabilitation programmes following injuries when the UK went into lockdown, while Stuart Broad and James Anderson have suggested that returning from the training they are currently doing to international cricket may be harder for them given their age.England’s fast-bowling stocks will be tested this summer•Getty ImagesThat means opportunities for the three seamers handed pace-bowling development contracts by the ECB in January – Olly Stone, Saqib Mahmood and Craig Overton – may be forthcoming, while Ollie Robinson and Brydon Carse, who impressed on the Lions’ tour of Australia, will come into the conversation.The week before the UK went into lockdown, Bobat and Raphael Brandon, the ECB’s head of science and medicine, held meetings with the three seamers’ counties to discuss the outlines of programmes for the season ahead, and while those plans have been thrown off, all three will be considered for squads this year.ALSO READ: Pace-bowling development contracts for Mahmood, Stone, Overton”We know that we want variety in our pace attack, and across that variety we then want depth. It’s as simple as that,” Bobat said. “You can look at those three guys and know that they might have the capability to perform slightly different roles, and they represent depth beneath the guys who are currently in the England team.”The biggest attraction is simply that we think they are three high-quality bowlers. They’re at different stages: Craig has had experience of actually bowling some volume, [so] his needs are going to be different to Olly who’s returning from a couple of injury setbacks. We’re trying to make sure that they get the right amount of cricket to develop skills – as well as their bodies – moving forward.”I don’t think anyone is going to turn down a battery of 90mph fast bowlers, but that one attribute hasn’t been the key driver. If you add those three guys to the many fast bowlers we used this winter, it strengthens our depth. We want to get to our competitive series, like the [2021-22] Ashes as an example, with as many options to pick from as possible.”The ECB had been due to appoint a bowling coach in the early months of this season, but the recruitment process has been paused on account of the pandemic. Instead, England will continue to use short-term consultant coaches, with Richard Dawson, Jon Lewis and Jeetan Patel among those likely to be involved. Patel, Shane Bond and Darren Gough were among those used last winter, with players giving positive feedback about their experience working with them.”We deliberately didn’t rush into [appointments] over the winter in a number of coaching roles that I’d have been looking to fill,” Bobat said. “In the short term, we might use consultants. We’ve got an array of high-quality coaches within the game, and particularly if we’re losing cricket and guys are itching to get involved, it would be good to be able to lean on our county workforce if we need to.”

Aston Villa will play in Europe’s premier club competition next season for the first time in over 40 years. It is a remarkable achievement by Unai Emery and his side.

It means they can go into the final match of the Premier League campaign today with no pressure on their shoulders, and this should perhaps give the Spaniard a licence to give a few youngsters a run-out.

One such young talent enjoyed a wonderful cameo against Liverpool at the start of the week and thus, should be unleashed from the start this afternoon – Jhon Duran.

Jhon Duran's impact vs Liverpool

Villa found themselves trailing 3-1 to the Reds with just five minutes of regular time remaining as it looked like Jürgen Klopp was going to win his final away match in charge of the Anfield side.

Duran was brought on for the injured Nicolo Zaniolo with ten minutes to go as Emery sought to add another striker into the mix. It soon turned out to be a wise call by the Spaniard.

Despite playing 11 minutes, he managed to score twice, make two clearances, win one duel, and even make a tackle as Villa secured a 3-3 draw to claim an unlikely point.

He was given a match rating of 9/10 by John Townley for the Birmingham Mail for his stunning cameo performance, and surely it would be worthwhile giving him a start against Crystal Palace this afternoon?

Opponent

Result

Goals scored

Everton

4-0 Villa

1

Crystal Palace

3-1 Villa

1

Manchester City

4-1 Man City

1

Liverpool

3-3 draw

2

The Colombian striker has not enjoyed the best of times this season, starting just twice in the Premier League, but he is a wonderful talent who will keep getting better.

Jhon Duran’s statistics for Aston Villa this season

The 20-year-old, despite his limited opportunities in the starting XI, has scored eight goals from 36 appearances in all competitions this season.

The striker has a 28% goal conversion rate while he scores once every 83 minutes in the Premier League, an excellent strike rate.

Duran has also succeeded with 40% of his attempted dribbles, along with losing possession on average just 2.8 times per game. Unfortunately for him, the form of Ollie Watkins has kept the young South American striker on the bench.

Watkins has certainly been worth every penny of his £130k-per-week wages this season, scoring 27 times in 52 matches for the Villa Park outfit.

Duran, on the other hand, takes home a slightly lower wage than the Englishman, earning £30k-per-week for the club, which is over four times less than the clinical Watkins.

The Colombian might not be at that level just yet, but if Emery can afford him more game time during the 2024/25 campaign, then there is no doubt he will develop into a world-class striker who could make the club a small fortune.

Will this be enough to keep him in the Midlands this summer, however? Or might he be enticed by the offer of regular time on the pitch elsewhere and move away from Villa? Only time will tell.

Aston Villa’s 8/10 “man possessed” was just as heroic as Duran

Unai Emery’s side are within touching distance of a fairytale finish to to the campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair May 14, 2024