Arsenal kicked off their European campaign last night, and while it’s always exciting to watch your team play on the continent, we wouldn’t be surprised if a few Gooners fell asleep before the 90 minutes were up.

Now, a point away from home is rarely a bad thing in the Champions League, and Mikel Arteta’s side wasn’t poor either, but with very little attacking football on display, it’s not a game that will go down as a classic.

That said, if all else about the encounter is eventually forgotten, David Raya’s sensational double save won’t be, and in what is a slight silver lining to an underwhelming 90 minutes for the manager, the keeper wasn’t the only Arsenal player who further cemented his place in the side.

Raya is making himself undroppable

So, after the constant back and forth about his position in the team last year and talk of a potential rivalry with Aaron Ramsdale, Raya has now firmly established himself as Arsenal’s number one, and the questions over his ability have all but disappeared.

The Spaniard won the Golden Glove at the end of last season and has started this season like a house on fire, with his performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, and now Atalanta as the real stand-outs.

There wasn’t actually all that much for the 29-year-old to do last night, but when he was called into action for the penalty midway through the second half, he continued his outstanding form with a sensational double save.

Now, had he just stopped the initial effort, that would’ve been impressive enough, but it is the speed at which he gets back to his feet to stop the follow-up that makes it such an outrageous piece of skill and led to Robbie Savage describing it as “one of the best saves I’ve ever seen.”

Unsurprisingly, the former Brentford ace was handed the Player of the Match award at full-time, and the Sun’s Joshua Jones awarded him a 9/10 on the night, which seems entirely justified.

Overall, Raya keeps proving Arteta right this season, and while he’s made himself utterly undroppable, one of his teammates from last night’s match is on his way to doing the same.

Jurrien Timber's recent form

Yes, the player in question is Dutch defender Jurrien Timber.

The former Ajax star joined Arsenal last summer, but an ACL injury in the opening game of the season saw him miss the entire campaign. While there was some concern that he wouldn’t be the same player upon his return, his start this year has put those concerns to rest.

The 23-year-old has featured in all five games so far – starting four – and already looks to be on the same level as his incredible teammates, with his performance against Tottenham Hotspur last week perhaps his best so far.

However, while he wasn’t as spectacular as his teammate between the sticks, the “elite” full-back, as analyst Ben Mattonson dubbed him, also played well last night, earning a 7/10 from Jones, who wrote that he ‘adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side’ which is hard to deny.

Moreover, the Utrecht-born dynamo’s statistics from the game help to highlight his strong display. In his 73 minutes of action, he made two clearances, blocked one shot, won four of five duels, lost the ball just six times, won two fouls, took 49 touches, maintained a passing accuracy of 93%, and succeeded in 100% of his dribbles.

Ultimately, while Arsenal’s attacking players flattered to deceive last night, Raya continued to show the world why he is one of the best goalkeepers in England, and Timber further established himself as an undroppable player in Arteta’s squad.

Related Fewer touches than Raya: Arteta must drop 3/10 Arsenal ace after Atalanta

While the defence stood strong, there were a number of Arsenal players who looked way off the pace.

Posts 2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 20, 2024

After a brilliant start to their Premier League campaign that saw them pick up six points against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, Arsenal hit the first bump in the road on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta's side hosted the high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion, and while they took a one-goal lead in the first half, a red card for Declan Rice early in the second saw them put under immense pressure and ultimately forced to settle for a single point.

It wasn't the performance home fans were hoping to see, nor was it the sort of display new signing Raheem Sterling would have been expecting, who was watching from the stands after agreeing to join the team on a season-long loan from cross-city rivals Chelsea.

The Englishman was a surprise signing on deadline day, and while some are unconvinced about his arrival, his Premier League record speaks for itself. However, the Gunners did sell another winger in the past, who, if he had still been in the squad, would've made Sterling's move unnecessary.

Sterling's move to Arsenal

Yes, after months of speculation surrounding Arsenal's pursuit of an attacking signing this summer, it was officially confirmed the day after the window shut that the club had secured the services of Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

From a purely financial perspective, it appears to be an incredible piece of business from the North Londoners, as according to reports, they are set to pay just £100k-per-week of the Englishman's £325k-per-week wages, with the Blues stumping up the rest.

It would appear that the reason the Gunners have got such a good deal in this regard is that following the statement released by the player ahead of the West Londoners' opening game of the season a few weeks ago and the subsequent fallout, the Pensioners have been looking for a way to get him out of the club for the rest of the campaign, in turn, presenting Edu Gaspar and Co a brilliant market opportunity.

However, it's not just the finances that could make this an excellent deal for last season's Premier League runners-up because, at his best, the former Manchester City ace is a fantastic player.

For example, in his 339 appearances for City, he scored 131 goals and provided 73 assists, equating to a goal involvement once every 1.66 games, which is remarkable considering he did so over a seven-season period.

Appearances

129

339

81

Goals

23

131

19

Assists

18

73

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.31

0.60

0.38

Moreover, even though he hasn't been at his very best at Stamford Bridge, he has still scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 matches, meaning he's averaged a goal involvement once every 2.61 games, which isn't too bad.

However, while Sterling looks to be a great addition to Arteta's squad for this season, it's a deal that probably wouldn't have been needed had the club not sold a former player in 2017 who has since gone on to play in a Champions League final, and no, it's not Serge Gnabry.

Donyell Malen's post-Arsenal career

Yes, the player in question is Donyell Malen, who, after joining Arsenal in 2015 and scoring 44 times in two seasons for the youth sides, was sold to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 2017 for around £540k.

Over the next four years, the Wieringen-born dynamo would score 55 goals and provide 24 assists in just 116 first-team appearances for the Eredivisie side, which was enough to see him earn his first senior cap for the Dutch national team and earn a £26m move to Borussia Dortmund in July 2021.

His move to Germany was not an instant success, but since adapting to life in the Bundesliga and overcoming several injuries, the "sizzling" attacker, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has once again shown how talented he really is.

Appearances

116

114

Goals

55

34

Assists

24

19

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.46

For example, in just 38 appearances last season, he scored 15 goals and provided five assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.90 games. He even came off the bench to participate in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Like Sterling, the 25-year-old is comfortable playing off either the right or left of a front three, although he has also spent a significant amount of time playing down the middle.

Moreover, according to FOTmob, he is actually worth more than the Englishman, with a value of €41m – £35m – to his €37m – £31m valuation.

Ultimately, the Chelsea attacker looks like he'll be a brilliant addition to Arsenal's attack this season, but had the Gunners kept hold of Malen over the years and helped him reach his potential in North London, there is a chance the former City ace wouldn't be needed.

Why Arteta personally pulled plug on Arsenal signing £330k-per-week striker

The Spaniard intervened on his side doing a summer deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 3, 2024

Arsenal fans have taken to social media to slam Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler after he defended the referee's decision to give his side a penalty.

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Brighton handed controversial penaltyArsenal fans and Arteta unhappyGunners could be eight points off the top by end of SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

In Saturday's 1-1 draw, the Seagulls were handed a rather soft penalty by referee Anthony Taylor after William Saliba clashed heads with Joao Pedro in the 18-yard box. The Brazilian scored the spot kick to level the game and cost Arsenal a precious two points in the title race – a familiar tale this season after a controversial Declan Rice red card preceded a Pedro equaliser in the reverse fixture.

AdvertisementWHAT HURZELER SAID

Hurzeler told reporters: "It was a clear penalty. It is head-to-head but if it is another piece of the body, everybody would say it was a penalty. Joao Pedro places the ball with his head and Saliba comes too late, therefore it was a clear one."

While Mikel Arteta criticised the decision saying a decision like that is one he has "never seen before in my life", Hurzeler's comments riled up Arsenal fans.

Getty ImagesWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Fans could not believe they had been on the harsh side of two controversial decisions and did not enjoy Hurzeler's defence of the officials. X user Jase Pinhead tweeted: "He also saw Veltman boot Rice and thought he should be sent off whilst justifying Pedro not getting booked for kicking the ball away, Brighton are becoming one of those unlikeable sides…thugs and divers."

@Mmouckhtar added: "He's absolutely mad. He's always ready to defend stupid decisions. He said the same thing against Rice's red card."

Paul Desmond also pointed to the Rice incident, saying: "He also tried to convince us Rice shloud have been sent off as well. He talks a load of nonsense."

On Rice as well, @Oscar_Tees posted: "Just like he thought the red was a red. I have no respect for your biased lying manager."

@vetto_e highlighted the Brighton boss had defended Pedro's escape from punishment for a wild elbow against Brentford. They said: "This is the same guy who justified and laughed at Pedro’s attempted elbow on a Brentford player. Tells you a lot about his character…"

Finally, one Arsenal fan kept it simple. Max Morley tweeted: "I genuinely hate Hurzeler."

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

If Arsenal fans were already incensed with the decision to award the Seagulls a penalty, Hurzeler's defence of Taylor will only compound that fury. It appeared a harsh penalty against Saliba who made contact with the ball before clashing heads with Pedro in the box and puts another significant blow in the Gunners' title challenge. As fans can be quick to point out, Arsenal have been on the wrong side of a number of close-call decisions this season and it looks like another refereeing decision has had disastrous effects for the Gunners.

Visitors indebted to Luke Hollman’s four wickets, Sam Robson’s 76 as Danny Lamb threatens to steal game

ECB Reporters Network03-Aug-2021Middlesex’s young bowlers just about held their nerve to secure a six-run win over Lancashire in a magnificent Royal London Cup match at Emirates Old Trafford.Defending 257, the visitors were indebted to 20-year-old leg spinner Luke Hollman, who took 4 for 56, but the visitors had to withstand a late assault from Danny Lamb, whose 21-ball 33 looked as though it might win the game until he was bowled by Ethan Bamber when four balls remained in the game.Middlesex’s total owed much to Sam Robson’s 81-ball 76 and also to Martin Andersson’s partnerships with tailenders Thilan Wallalawita and Bamber that saw 67 runs added for the last two wickets in less than ten oversThe visitors probably envisaged making an even bigger total when they were 80 for 1 in the 18th over but Stevie Eskinazi became the second of his side’s batters after Josh de Caires to be caught by Lamb when he top-edged a rank full-toss from George Balderson to fine leg where the Lancashire all-rounder dived full length to clutch the ball in his right hand.Eskinazi’s departure for 45 was followed by that of the Middlesex skipper Peter Handscomb for 14 seven overs later and once again Lamb literally had a hand in things when he dived backwards from short fine-leg to take a one-handed snare off Jack Morley.Related

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By that stage Robson had reached his fifty off 54 balls and the four-day opener continued to bat fluently despite injuring his groin and needing a runner. Robbie White was caught behind off leg-spinner Luke Wells for 18 and that wicket started a collapse that saw Middlesex decline from 154 for 3 to 190 for 8 in nine overs.Three of the five wickets were taken in eight balls by Tom Bailey, who finished with 3 for 33 and was clearly the pick of his side’s attack. Indeed Bailey was the only bowler to concede less than five runs an over and Wallalawita helped himself to two sixes and a couple of fours when Jack Morley and Liam Hurt’s radar malfunctioned. Andersson ended the innings unbeaten on 42.Lacashire’s reply began badly as both Josh Bohannon and Wells fell to Bamber and James Harris for single-figure scores but Keaton Jennings and Rob Jones had put on 63 in some comfort before Jennings injured his calf when setting off to complete a leg bye.Following treatment he was helped from the field in obvious pain but Jones and Steven Croft added a further 77 before Croft fell to Hollman for 41. Balderson then hit de Caires for two sixes over the short leg-side but both he and Jones were dismissed by Hollman, whose eighth over was crucial in deciding the outcome.Jones was caught by de Caires at long-off for a career-best List A score of 72 but that only prompted Lamb’s defiant assault that nearly brought Lancashire a famous victory. Jennings’ injury prevented him coming out to bat when Lancashire’s ninth wicket fell.

Fast bowler credits PSL experience as he takes on leadership role in 3-0 series win

Andrew Miller14-Jul-2021Saqib Mahmood has credited England’s management for enabling the team’s new faces to play the same “fearless” brand of cricket that won the World Cup two years ago today, after earning a recall to the T20I set-up off the back of his 50-over performances.Saqib was named Player of the Series for his haul of nine wickets at 13.66 during England’s remarkable 3-0 series win – a result achieved with a reserve squad following a Covid outbreak that led to the self-isolation of the original 16-man party.And of Mahmood’s wickets, six came in the Powerplay overs as Pakistan struggled to muster a response to his skill and aggression with the new ball.His dominance of Babar Azam in the first two games was a particularly significant factor in England’s success, as Pakistan were limited to totals of 141 and 195 before Pakistan’s captain bounced back with a career-best 158 to post an imposing 331 for 9 in the third match at Edgbaston.By then, however, England’s confidence was coursing through the team, and with James Vince’s maiden international hundred underpinning the run-chase, they sealed a clean sweep with two overs to spare in a three-wicket win.”It’s been a special week,” Mahmood said. “Spoons [Chris Silverwood] pulled me to the side yesterday and said ‘you’ve been bowling really well and this call-up is justification for how well you’ve been doing’. It was nice to hear that.”Silverwood had been due to be on holiday until he got the call to rejoin the squad, while Ben Stokes had been expecting to continue his return to fitness with Durham after breaking a finger at the IPL, until he was asked to step in as captain. But between them, Mahmood said, they managed to instil in their rookie team the levels of belief that have characterised England’s white-ball success in recent seasons.”The message we got from Spoons, and from Stokesy this last week, is we are looking to play smart and aggressive cricket, and the personnel they bring in fulfils that role,” Mahmood said. “You get that backing to play fearless cricket and I feel like the boys showed that this week.””I guess the fearless side is always taking the positive option, with ball or bat,” he added. “If you feel like you can take someone down, you go for it.Saqib Mahmood’s dominance of Babar Azam was a key factor in England’s series win•Getty Images

“The way the batters are playing now in county cricket, they’re going all out, as you see Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow doing at the top of the order here,” he added. “So I think those guys have been role models for these younger players, and that’s the nature in which they’re playing. Look at Phil Salt yesterday, taking 16 off the first over after they got off to a very slow start. That’s the way he plays, and he got us off to a great start.”And for the bowlers, having been involved in the environment for the last two years, you’re always taking the positive option. At times in this series we had three, four slips consistently and that comes from not worrying about runs and always trying to take wickets.”You’ve got to have the thought in the back of your mind – how am I going to get this guy out, rather than trying to dry up the runs here. So always having that attacking option, whichever way you do it, is key.”Mahmood’s performances, however, showcased more than just a positive mindset. His experience at this year’s PSL – where he claimed 12 wickets in five games prior to the tournament’s suspension in March – offered not only a step-up in responsibility as an overseas bowler, but also an insight in the methods of his Pakistan opponents that, he said, enabled him to feel more in command of his game than had been the case during his last series against them, the T20I series at Old Trafford last summer.”The PSL helped in terms of playing against these guys,” Mahmood said. “You can show them a bit of respect when you don’t know what you’re up against. When I was in the T20 squad, I was the only one short of experience, everyone else had over 100 T20 caps. But this time I knew their games, having played against them, so it meant for me more of a leadership role, telling other bowlers how these guys play and what good plans are.”Related

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Mahmood certainly could not have hoped for a better start to his series. In the first ODI at Cardiff, he removed Imam-ul-Haq to a first-ball lbw, then had Azam caught at slip two balls later, also for 0, at which point his figures for the series read: “W0W”.”The new-ball wickets were crucial, especially in the first two games,” he said. “It really set the game up. We saw how well Babar Azam played yesterday and the class he has, so to get him out early in the first two games was crucial. That would probably be the highlight.”At the time, you don’t really think about the quality of player you’ve got out – obviously you’re happy to take two wickets in the first three balls and get everyone off to a good start, but if a batter’s got the better of you, sometimes in the back of your mind you can go slightly defensive.”I feel like throughout the whole series, even in the last game yesterday, I was trying to attack him early doors and I think he was slightly wary and didn’t really try and play any shots up front, and kicked on after I got taken off.”Mahmood’s command of length and seam movement in this series, as well as for Lancashire in the County Championship, has encouraged the belief that he can go on to become a multi-format bowler for England, and potentially even a rival for Stuart Broad as a new-ball option against India and in the Ashes. But for the time being, he is staying grounded about his progress.”I have read that but you try to put it to the back of your mind a little bit,” he said. “A week ago, no-one was talking about me, I wasn’t part of the squad. Obviously, everything has happened very quickly and I’m trying to take it in my stride, not focus too much on what people are saying and concentrate on what I’m doing.”But Test cricket has always been right at the top of what I’ve wanted to do,” he added. “I’ve managed to play a lot of first-class cricket this season for Lancashire on some pretty good Old Trafford wickets, which has helped my game massively. And it showed when bowling with the new white ball as well – pushing that length, having that consistency and moving the ball as well. So Test cricket is right up there. Whenever that chance comes – I don’t know – I’ll look to keep improving.”

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Em coletiva de imprensa, o presidente Robinson de Castro revelou que o Alvinegro almeja seis a oito contratações para a próxima temporada e não vai perder tempo nas negociações.

‘A política é contratar logo agora. Depois, é se passar um cavalo branco, uma oportunidade. O que vamos fazer? Tentar contratar todos agora. Eventualmente, nas janelas, a gente poderá trazer. Mas vamos tentar nos antecipar. Em 2020 e 2021, contratamos pouco durante o ano. Três, no máximo, contratações’, afirmou.

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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has demonstrated his desire to promote and develop academy prospects during his time at Elland Road so far.

The Whites boss made Archie Gray a first-team regular during the 2023/24 campaign and helped the England U21 international earn a move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

This season, the German tactician has started 20-year-old academy graduate Mateo Joseph in all five of the club’s Championship matches, which further proves that he wants to champion young talent.

There is another Leeds academy starlet who could emerge as the next star to come through the set-up under Farke, and he could be the next version of Ethan Ampadu.

Ethan Ampadu's Championship brilliance

The Wales international was signed on a permanent deal from Premier League side Chelsea in the summer of 2023, as one of the manager’s first signings.

Ampadu has started all 51 of the club’s regular season matches in the Championship since his arrival, which shows how much trust Farke has in him.

The defensive midfielder has started all five of the team’s games in the second tier so far this season, and has showcased his quality out of possession.

Appearances

5

Sofascore rating

7.24

Tackles + interceptions per game

4.0

Ground duel success rate

68%

Aerial duel success rate

78%

As you can see in the table above, Ampadu has dominated opposition attackers in physical duels, winning the majority of his battles on the floor and in the air.

He has been a strong and reliable operator in the middle of the park for the Whites and U21 starlet Charlie Crew could eventually emerge as Farke’s next version of the ex-Chelsea man.

Charlie Crew's Leeds potential

Like Ampadu, the 18-year-old is a Wales international, having made his debut against Gibraltar in June, who predominantly operates as a defensive midfielder.

The exciting teenage gem has been on the bench for four first-team games already this season but is yet to make his senior debut for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Earlier this summer, former Leeds star Crysencio Summerville was asked to name a young player to look out for and picked out Crew. He described the academy ace as a “really good” midfielder and told fans to watch out for him, which is an exciting comment.

This shows that he caught the eye of a first-team player in training last season, before the Dutchman’s move to West Ham United, and that speaks to the quality of his performances in training.

He has made 24 appearances for the U21s to date, having scored two goals in 20 games for the U18s, but has not played for the academy this season, due to his involvement with the senior squad.

Crew’s consistent presence on the bench in the Championship this term suggests that a first-team debut may not be far away for the 18-year-old battler, as Farke has already deemed him to be worthy of a place as a substitute.

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Therefore, the potential is there for the teenage gem to emerge as Ampadu 2.0 for Leeds, as another impressive, Welsh, defensive midfield option for the German boss.

Worcestershire 228 for 7 (Haynes 59) beat Gloucestershire 82 for 4 (van Buuren 38*) by 11 runs (DLS method)Worcestershire made it two wins from as many Royal London Cup group matches with an 11-run victory over Gloucestershire under DLS in a rain-affected game at Bristol.The visitors posted 228 for 7 from 40.3 overs after losing the toss, opener Jack Haynes leading the way with 59, off 61 balls, with seven fours and a six.After three interruptions, Gloucestershire were finally set a target of 94 from 11 overs and could manage only 82 for 4, Graeme van Buuren making 38 not out.Eighteen-year-old left-arm spinner Josh Baker bowled the penultimate over for just four runs, taking the wicket of Jack Taylor to effectively settle the outcome.Worcestershire began the game brightly, despite losing Brett D’Oliveira, on 14, caught at backward point off Josh Shaw’s second ball of the game with the total on 33.By the end of the ten-over powerplay, the visitors were nicely placed on 66 for one, Haynes having taken advantage of the fielding restrictions with some well-timed shots.But the opening ball of 11th over, the first sent down by left-arm spinner Tom Smith, turned enough to for Tom Fell to edge to wicketkeeper Ben Wells.Haynes went to an impressive half-century off 52 balls, but was caught soon afterwards when miscuing a pull shot off Matt Taylor.Boundaries dried up as Taylor bowled tightly in tandem with the left-arm spin of van Buuren.At the halfway stage of their innings, Worcestershire were 134 for 3. But van Buuren then struck twice in as many balls.Jake Libby, who had played sensibly for his 33, was caught and bowled driving, while Ed Barnard elected to sweep his first delivery and fell lbw.Gareth Roderick, back at his old county, found a positive partner in Josh Dell as they added 55 for the sixth wicket. Roderick then played a loose defensive shot and was bowled by Shaw.It was 194 for 6 off 34 overs when the first rain brought a 90-minute delay. The game was initially educed to 41 overs per side and, on the resumption, Dell quickly fell to Smith for 32, caught at extra cover.Midway through the final over of the innings, heavy rain forced another long delay. Play restarted at 5.35pm, with Gloucestershire’s target then reduced to 115 from 14 overs.Chris Dent, back leading the side after surgery on a hand, struck three boundaries in the first, which cost Charlie Morris 15 runs.Worcestershire skipper Joe Leach responded by having Ben Charlesworth caught at short third-man and Tom Lace taken in the covers as the second over ended with the score 20 for two.Dent was caught behind for 25 looking to force Adam Finch off the back foot before another shower stopped play at 46 for three off 5.5 overs.That led to another revised target and Gloucestershire needed 48 more from 31 balls. The diminutive van Buuren crashed Finch over point for six, but Leach bowled an over for just five runs before Baker’s ice cool contribution.

Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement has several young talents available to him this season. The question is, will any of them emerge as the next best thing at Ibrox?

Ross McCausland broke through into the senior side last term after a host of injuries to the senior wingers gave him a chance to shine.

Players such as Cole McKinnon, Bailey Rice and Zak Lovelace have all made their debuts for Rangers, but the trio will be aiming to make inroads as the season progresses.

There have been various youngsters who have come through the academy, only to be released before having the opportunity to make an appearance for the club. One example is Lewis Ferguson, who has gone from strength to strength since leaving the Gers.

What Lewis Ferguson did after leaving Rangers

After being released by the Ibrox side as a teenager, Ferguson joined Hamilton, making his bow in Scottish football before Aberdeen secured his services in 2018.

Over the next four years, the midfielder racked up 169 appearances for the Dons, scoring 37 goals and grabbing 23 assists, establishing himself as one of the finest young players in the country.

It was clear his future lay elsewhere and in 2022, Serie A side Bologna made an offer of around £3m for the midfielder, a fee which the club couldn’t turn down.

2023/24 (Bologna)

33

6

5

2022/23 (Bologna)

33

7

0

2021/22 (Aberdeen)

45

16

1

2020/21 (Aberdeen)

41

10

5

2019/20 (Aberdeen)

39

3

9

2018/19 (Aberdeen)

44

8

8

2017/18 (Hamilton)

14

0

5

It looked like a shrewd move by the Italian side and, during his maiden campaign on the continent, Ferguson scored seven times in the league for his new employers.

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He was even made captain last term, enabling the club to qualify for the Champions League for the first time, netting six goals in Serie A. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious knee injury towards the end of the season, but his future looks incredibly bright.

Lewis Ferguson’s current market value at Bologna

It is clear the Italian side have struck gold on the Scottish midfielder, especially considering his current market valuation.

Indeed, according to Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old is now valued at £20m due to his wonderful performances over the previous 12 months.

Imagine if the Light Blues had given him more of a chance during his spell with the academy, rather than releasing him. Could he have forged his way into the first-team plans eventually?

Perhaps it was a good thing for his career having to seek opportunities outside Ibrox, especially given the pressure he would have been under to succeed.

Derek and Barry Ferguson, Lewis’ dad and uncle, both enjoyed spells at the club, which would have placed more stress on the youngster to follow in their footsteps and become a main player for the Light Blues.

The club certainly missed a trick with the Scot, but he has shown just what can happen when a player works extraordinarily hard.

What next for Ferguson? Who knows, but Rangers certainly won’t be able to afford him now, that’s for sure.

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ByRoss Kilvington Sep 17, 2024

Aston Villa are set to lose one of their most senior players on transfer deadline day, and NSWE's late attempt to secure a replacement looks to have failed, according to reports.

Aston Villa deadline day transfer news

The Villans have been one of the busiest sides in the Premier League this summer, snapping up nine new faces as Unai Emery looks to build a squad capable of challenging on four fronts, albeit a few of those faces have already left either permanently or on loan.

NSWE, Emery, and Monchi aren't slowing down either, and have been strongly linked with some exciting business on deadline day. Indeed, the Villans have been mentioned in connection with Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida for some time now, while there have also been rumblings of a deal for Barcelona and former Leeds United superstar Raphinha.

The Brazil international is reportedly considered to be the perfect replacement for Moussa Diaby after his departure to Saudi Arabia, although those at Villa Park are running out of time to get such a blockbuster deal done.

Villa hijack for Dendoncker replacement fails

One move that now looks extremely likely to happen however is the exit of experienced midfielder

Leander Dendoncker, who can also play at centre-back. He is thought to be closing in on a move to boyhood club Anderlecht, according to a report from Give Me Sport.

What's more, the Villans look to have failed in their attempts to secure an immediate replacement for the 32-cap Belgium international, as Give Me Sport's report shares news from Fabrizio Romano about a failed attempt to sign Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham.

Villa are said to have made a late play to hijack the 28 year-old Argentina international, but he has rejected the chance to stay in England because he prefers a move back to Spain, where he will join Real Betis in a deal that will also give Spurs first right of refusal on Betis' own midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

Whether or not Villa now go back into the market to find a different replacement for Dendoncker is not clear, but they will certainly be losing a fair bit of experience if he completes his exit, having racked up over 150 Premier League appearances during his time in England, scoring ten goals, although only one of those strikes came in a Villa shirt.