Ex-Everton star Yannick Bolasie has hit out at Gary Neville's punditry, claiming the Manchester United legend "thinks he’s the second coming of Pep Guardiola". Neville was on Sky Sports commentary during the Premier League clash between the Toffees and the Red Devils as Ruben Amorim's side suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss against 10 men.
There was a sour note at the end of Chelsea's commanding 3-0 win over manager-less Wolves after star midfielder Enzo Fernandez revealed he's been playing with a worrying injury, which has ruled him out of playing for Argentina. Fernandez put in a top shift for the Blues, but delivered a concerning update which means he will miss the forthcoming international matches against Angola.
Arsenal secured a seventh consecutive victory and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend, but not everyone was happy with what they saw at the Emirates.
The Gunners appear in unstoppable form and they capitalised on a weekend where Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all lost by securing a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace to cement their status as the current favourites to win the title.
Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice were sensational in the win, as was Jurrien Timber, who is fast becoming the standout right-back in world football.
The Netherlands international however called for calm ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash against Brighton: “It is good to stay neutral, and not to get too high.
“Obviously, we’ve been doing well, but it’s still early in the season, and we just have to keep getting better game by game.
“The next game is already in three days, which is a (Carabao) Cup match (against Brighton), and the next Premier League game (against Burnley) is going to be tough as well.
“So, let’s keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard, and then from there, we’ll see what happens.”
Stelling reveals he turned TV off during Arsenal win over Palace
Arsenal’s bid to land their first league title in 22 years has been built on a remarkable defence which has shipped just three goals, and only one from open play, in their 13 fixtures across all competitions.
They have of course dominated in the opposition box as well, scoring just five of their 16 league goals from open play, and former Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling was disgusted by the lack of expansive football during the win over Palace.
“They can’t keep relying on set plays, they just can’t,” he said on talkSPORT on Monday morning.
He continued: “I love some of the Arsenal players, I love Saka, I love Odegaard, I love Eze. But please, please be just a bit more expansive. I mean watching Arsenal against Palace, was watching paint dry. It was purgatory. I started watching that match, and I had enough of it before they had a shot. I’d turned over by then, to watch Villa versus City, which was a much better game.”
Arsenal’s clean sheet against Palace was their fifth in succession, And Timber is proud of their tough to play against style: “Everyone plays a part in it, but it’s a good thing and a good foundation to build on.
“From that standard, you just have to keep getting better and be consistent in what we do, and then throughout the whole season, hopefully we’ll turn it into something beautiful.
“It gives you confidence and it shows that we’re doing really well, and also, if it’s for multiple games in a row, it says something about consistency.
“We just have to keep improving, and look at what we can do better, but also take that feeling with you, that confidence and go into the next game with the same mindset.”
Mikel Arteta awaits news on injuries sustained to William Saliba, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, which is perhaps the only damp spot on an otherwise flawless October for the Gunners.
Lionesses starlet Michelle Agyemang has suffered a torn ACL, it has been announced. It's a diagnosis which confirms the worst fears of the teenager after she was stretchered off with a knee injury during England's 3-0 win over Australia on Tuesday night and one that spells the end of her 2025-26 season, which she had started well on loan at Brighton again from Arsenal.
Official: Agyemang's season is over after ACL diagnosis
Many feared an ACL injury would be the outcome when Agyemang went down off the ball during the Lionesses' friendly at Derby County's Pride Park on Tuesday. It's something which is unfortunately extremely prevalent in the women's game, with England team-mates Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly among the many stars in the sport to have had to endure the long road to recovery it entails. In the best cases, it can take around nine months for a player to return from this setback, though the likes of Sam Kerr and Catarina Macario, who both spent closer to two years on the sidelines, can attest to the fact that it is not always that straightforward.
AdvertisementAgyemang's first words after devastating injury news
In a post on Instagram confirming the news, Agyemang wrote: "Disappointed that results show a torn ACL. I am so grateful for all the kind words and the support from everyone. Recovery starts now, I will be back stronger than before. In all things I give thanks to the most high God, this test will surely turn into a testimony."
Statements from England, Arsenal and Brighton added words of support for the 19-year-old. "As a member of the Lionesses family, she has the full support of the FA and everyone associated with our England teams," the Football Association's update said. "Lionesses staff will remain in regular contact with Michelle and her club and be on hand to aid any aspect of her rehabilitation."
Arsenal and Brighton, meanwhile, both wrote that the clubs are "in close contact" as they strive to "determine a treatment and recovery programme for Michelle".
Huge blow to England, Brighton & Agyemang sours teenager's incredible 2025
The news is a serious blow to all parties. Agyemang has emerged as a game-changing talent for England in what has been an incredible six months for the forward. After scoring 41 seconds into her international debut back in April, which only came about after the Lionesses' squad was hit hard by injuries during that camp, she was then included in the squad for the European Championship and would score in both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals on her way to becoming a European champion and being named the Young Player of the Tournament. She looked set to only add to that experience and continue her growth as a talented prospect over the next few months, but will now be sidelined for a significant period instead in what is a horrible way for what had been an excellent year to end.
Agyemang will miss out on those development opportunities at club level, too. Despite some believing her breakthrough at Euro 2025 could be the springboard for a greater role at Arsenal this season, the teenager returned to Brighton on loan for the 2025-26 campaign, a move which guaranteed more game time and, with it, chances to learn. It felt like the right decision for all parties and the early knockings of this season seemed to confirm as much. Now, though, her focus will turn to an entirely different challenge which lays ahead in what is also a real blow for a Brighton side she has been a central figure in.
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Getty Images SportWhat research is being done into ACL injuries in women's football?
This devastating news only reaffirms what a huge problem ACL injuries are in the women's game and how important it is for more research to be done in trying to prevent them from happening as incredibly frequently as they are. FIFA is funding a year-long study at Kingston University London into the issue, which began back in May, while England star Lucy Bronze is one of those who has shown support for 'Project ACL', a collaborative effort between FIFPRO, the PFA, Nike and Leeds Beckett University to accelerate research on the injury.
"Project ACL is important because we need to start fine-tuning the information that we're putting out," Bronze said of the three-year task. "There is already research, but I think there's just so much talk and a lot of wrong information out there. There isn't a quick fix to eradicate ACL injuries in women's football. We need to finely tune research so that we can identify the key factors."
The sooner that happens, the better it will be for the entirety of the women's game as it watches yet another player, in Agyemang, fall victim to a setback that continues to impact far too many.
Arsenal continued their strong run of form in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side played host to Greek outfit Olympiacos and picked up their second win of the campaign.
The Gunners ran out 2-0 winners in the end, and while they could have scored plenty more, the visitors put up more of a fight than some would have been expecting.
With that said, almost everyone who featured for the hosts put in a strong showing, including someone who could end up becoming a new Bukayo Saka for Arsenal.
Saka's rise at Arsenal
Saka was handed his Arsenal debut by former manager Unai Emery back in November 2018. He came off the bench in a game away to Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava, and then made his full debut for the club a few months later at home against Qarabağ.
However, while the Hale Ender showed some real promise early on, he didn’t make all that many appearances under the now Aston Villa coach.
In fact, before Arteta was appointed in December 2019, the dynamic winger had made just 16 appearances for the first team, most of which came on the left-hand side, either in left midfield or at left-back.
Fortunately, the 24-year-old began to be moved over to the right more in the following campaign, and by the start of the 2021/22 season, he was well and truly established as the Gunners’ first-choice right-winger.
More than that, though, the youngster would then develop into the team’s most important attacking outlet, a role he still fulfils to this day, as reflected in his incredible numbers.
For example, despite still being only 24 years old, the talismanic winger has made 269 appearances for the North Londoners to date, scoring 72 goals and providing 72 assists.
Unfortunately, with him being so key to the club’s attacking threat, the last couple of years have seen opposition teams double and triple up on him, making it far harder for the incredible talent to create opportunities for Arteta and Co.
Appearances
269
Starts
233
Minutes
20358′
Goals
72
Assists
72
Goal Involvements per Match
0.53
Minutes per Goal Involvement
141.37
The good news is that Arsenal have added more quality to the side to help mitigate that problem, including someone who could be like a new Saka for the side.
The Arsenal star becoming a new Saka
Arteta and Andrea Berta did well to add a few new attacking talents to this Arsenal squad over the summer, from the direct and tricky Noni Madueke to the versatile and mercurial Eberechi Eze.
Chalkboard
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However, when it comes to the player who has the best chance of embodying some of the things that make Saka such a star for this team, it has to be Viktor Gyokeres.
Now, some of you will rightly point out that the pair play in different positions, and that, as things stand, the former Sporting CP star has not scored as many goals as some would’ve hoped.
Yet, there are still elements in his game that are similar to the Hale Ender’s, most notably his gravitational effect on the game.
That might sound like an odd way to talk about a footballer, but this essentially means that, just as the Englishman has spent the last few years being double and triple-teamed by defenders, the Swedish international is already dragging opposition defenders all over the pitch this season.
He might not be scoring with the regularity that some would like, but the 6 foot 2 “powerhouse”, as described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, is already starting to make the right runs, get into the correct positions, and this, combined with the fact that he has a lethal shot on him, means that defenders cannot leave him alone.
This was on full display on Wednesday night, particularly for the first goal, as his charge towards the penalty area saw two defenders converge on him and left space for Gabriel Martinelli to tap the ball into the back of the net after his shot was saved.
Just imagine the gravitational impact he’s going to have on defenders when he’s up to speed and putting away the chances so many know he can.
Ultimately, Gyokeres isn’t on the same level as Saka and has plenty of differences in his game with the Englishman.
However, he is one of the few players capable of striking a similar level of fear into opponents and one of the few attackers who’ll force them to converge on him.
Outclassed by Odegaard: Arteta must drop Arsenal dud who lost the ball 14x
Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League.
1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 2, 2025
GOAL ranks the top soccer players from each of the country's four regions, including USMNT players both past and present
From Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to Brian McBride and Christian Pulisic, decades of groundwork have given rise to great American soccer players. With the 2026 World Cup less than nine months away, the United States has steadily progressed into a genuine force in the global soccer scene.
Some regions in the U.S. have deeper player pools than others, so who is the best of the best? And who were some of the top players from those soccer-rich states that didn't make the cut in the top of three, given the stiff competition?
GOAL ranked the top three men's soccer players from each of the 50 states, and now ranks the best from each region.
STATE RANKINGS: Northeast | South | Midwest | West
Getty ImagesNortheast: Christian Pulisic
Hometown: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Clubs played for: Dortmund, Chelsea, AC Milan
USMNT caps: 80
Why he's No. 1: The East is arguably America's premier soccer region when it comes to producing talent. From legendary players such as Tim Howard and Jozy Altidore to Bruce Arena, a Hall of Fame manager, the region is stacked. What sets Pulisic apart is his unprecedented club success in Europe.
He is the face of AC Milan, traditionally one of Europe's top six clubs, and he's the only player U.S. player to win the Champions League. While his USMNT legacy might not be as strong as some of the legends, his talent is undeniable. As analyst and former USMNT star Stu Holden once said, success seems inevitable for the 27-year-old.
"I think he'll go down as the best U.S. Soccer player by the time he's done, and he might be already in terms of what he's achieved on the club level," Holden told GOAL. "Talent alone, he will be the best U.S. Soccer player of all-time."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidwest: Brian McBride
Hometown: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Clubs played for: Wolfsburg, Columbus Crew, Preston North End, Everton, Fulham, Chicago Fire
USMNT caps: 96
Why he's No. 1: The race for best player in the Midwest involves three players: Brian McBride, Tim Ream, and Cobi Jones. While Jones is widely considered to be a top-five all-time USMNT player, Ream has also had long-term success, largely in England's second division, and a late career breakout.
But ultimately, it's McBride, who is neck and neck with Altidore as the best striker in national team history.
McBride was a revolutionary talent for the USMNT, playing in three World Cups and becoming the first American to score in two tournaments. On the club level, it's hard to imagine Pulisic or Clint Dempsey being entrusted to be the faces of European clubs without McBride blazing the trail.
He is the first American with back-to-back double-digit scoring seasons, accomplishing that in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 campaigns for Fulham. The striker's work rate and role in keeping Fulham in England's top flight during his five seasons for the club elevated him to iconic status – he even had a bar named after him at Craven Cottage.
Getty Images SportSouth: Clint Dempsey
Hometown: Nacogdoches, Texas
Clubs played for: New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham
USMNT caps: 141
Why he's No. 1: Clint Dempsey's path to success wasn't always easy. He grew up in a small town, 140 miles from Houston. Dempsey famously mentioned if it wasn't for his parents driving hours at time to attend camps and practices, he wouldn't have been a professional player. Thankfully for U.S. fans, they did.
Dempsey wasn't fleet of foot, didn't have a locked-in position, and wasn't necessarily prolific at any particular skill, but as Arena famously once said "He tries sh*t." The Texan was gritty, relentless, and persistently had a chip on his shoulder that helped him to defy the odds.
He once famously used criticism from then-manager Roy Hodgson as motivation to help Fulham – traditionally one of European soccer's smallest clubs – stun Italian powerhouse Juventus in the Europa League with arguably the best goal scored by an American on the continent.
The goal, a lobbed chip, had no business going in. But it did. In many ways, that moment was symbolic of Dempsey's career. He also had incredible success on the national team, winning three Gold Cups. He is on the short list of America's greatest soccer players.
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AFPWest: Landon Donovan
Hometown: Ontario, California
Clubs played for: Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, Leon
USMNT caps: 157
Why he's No. 1: Dempsey has a case. So does Pulisic. But in the end, Donovan is the best player in American soccer history, due to his consistent success on the national team level, paired with his dominance in MLS. At the peak of his powers, Donovan was the face of U.S. Soccer, a box office draw that put fans in seats.
He is tied with Dempsey for all-time national goals with 57 and holds the record for assists with 58 – the next closest is Michael Bradley with 22. Donovan had a way of delivering in key moments for the U.S., from the Go Go USA goal against Algeria to a being a consistent thorn in Mexico's side over nearly two decades.
Yes, there's an argument that he should have tested himself more on the global stage, instead choosing to stay in MLS while others continually played in Europe. And he frustrated some with his decision to retire from international soccer, and then try to play in the 2014 World Cup.
But ultimately, he is the closest thing the U.S. had to a world-class outfield player – with Pulisic still in contention to take that title.
Everton’s summer transfer business under David Moyes highlighted a clear shift in strategy.
The club, once notorious for muddled recruitment, has embraced a more balanced approach.
They have successfully combined headline signings like Jack Grealish from Manchester City and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea with some of the brightest young prospects in Europe.
Yet as Everton now put increased emphasis on developing youth talent, it also brings into focus the players they may have let go too soon.
History shows that some departures from Goodison Park have gone on to flourish elsewhere, leaving fans wondering what might have been.
Moise Kean is one of the most prominent examples but he’s not the only one finding form on the continent
Former Everton stars finding form in Italy
When Everton signed Moise Kean from Juventus in 2019, he was hailed as one of the most exciting teenage strikers in Europe.
A product of Italy’s most successful club, Kean arrived at Goodison Park with expectations that he could spearhead the Toffees’ attack for years to come.
But his time on Merseyside never quite clicked.
Across 39 appearances, the Italian managed just four goals and two assists, struggling to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.
After a series of loan moves – including stints at PSG and back at Juventus – Everton eventually cut their losses, sanctioning a permanent return to Turin in 2023.
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A year later, Kean moved on again, this time joining Fiorentina.
It proved the making of him. During the 2024/25 Serie A season, he scored 19 goals and registered three assists in 32 appearances, finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer behind Mateo Retegui.
The numbers underline just how much Kean has developed since leaving England.
According to FBref, he ranks in the 86th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.58), the 87th percentile for total shots per 90 (3.39), and the 92nd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 (1.47).
Once criticised for inconsistency, Kean has matured into a forward capable of deciding matches, combining sharp finishing with the ability to carry the ball past defenders.
While Kean may not have thrived at Goodison, his resurgence elsewhere in Italy suggests the raw ability was always there.
Not just Kean: Ex-Toffee is now emulating Europe's elite
Signed from Charlton in 2017, Ademola Lookman made 48 appearances for Everton, contributing two goals and one assist.
Despite flashes of promise, he was often used sparingly, and in 2019, he left permanently for RB Leipzig.
Since then, Lookman has become one of the most exciting forwards in European football.
Now starring at Atalanta, the Nigerian has earned widespread acclaim, even being nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
His crowning moment came when he scored a stunning hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, dismantling Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen to secure the trophy for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Journalist Oma Akatugba has gone so far as to describe him as “one of the best forwards in Europe.”
The statistics back up the claim and even place him stylistically alongside elite attackers like Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, according to data-led website, FBRef.
In terms of output, Lookman registered 20 goal involvements last season, compared with Salah’s 47 and Isak’s 29.
2024/25 Season
Stat
Isak
Salah
Lookman
Matches Played
34
38
31
Goals
23
29
15
Assists
6
18
5
Source: FBref
While he lags behind in sheer numbers, his playing profile shares striking similarities.
He averaged 3.24 shots per 90 (almost identical to Salah at 3.23 and Isak at 3.10) and produced 1.28 shots on target per 90, just shy of Salah’s 1.33 and Isak’s 1.34.
His efficiency in front of goal is also comparable, with a 39.5% shot accuracy rate, while Salah managed 41.3% and Isak 43.2%.
Where Lookman truly stands out is in ball progression.
He recorded 5.68 progressive carries per 90, significantly higher than Salah (4.13) and Isak (2.71), underlining his ability to drive forward with the ball.
His passing numbers are similarly impressive: 27.4 completed passes per 90 with a 72.5% success rate, both superior to Salah’s 23.8 at 70.6%.
He also excels creatively, ranking above both with 5.41 shot-creating actions per 90, compared to Salah’s 4.51 and Isak’s 3.01.
Defensively, Lookman contributes too. He ranked higher than both Isak and Salah for tackles in the attacking third (0.32 per 90), reflecting his pressing intensity and commitment off the ball.
The comparisons do not suggest that Lookman is at the same world-class level as Salah or that he matches Isak’s physical presence, but they do show how his game has evolved elsewhere into a blend of goals, creativity, and defensive work – the very traits Everton fans craved during his time at Goodison.
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Hugo Ekitike claims to feel no pressure from his £79 million ($107m) transfer fee at Liverpool, with the French forward saying “I don’t care” when asked about the price tag hanging around his neck. The 23-year-old has made a bright start to life at Anfield and remains convinced that he made the right choice in joining the reigning Premier League champions.
Liverpool also snapped up Isak
Ekitike was linked with several clubs, including Newcastle United, before making his way to Merseyside. Liverpool dug deep in order to get a deal done with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Reds went on to spend a further £125m ($169m) on Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALEkitike's record: Goals for Liverpool
Ekitike now faces fierce competition for places and added expectation after registering four goals through seven appearances for Liverpool. He is taking everything in his stride, telling when asked about how much he cost: “I don't care. I'm just focused on the game. Outside, everyone can talk about the transfer price. It is what it is. Football has changed.”
Ekitike ignores huge Liverpool price tag
He went on to say of choosing Liverpool, with Isak arriving from Newcastle a matter of weeks later: “It was my choice, it's what I wanted. Because I had more of a feeling coming here and I knew it was the right time and the right place for me. I wanted to get back to the top level and come back this time better equipped, more ready in all aspects. And I don't think I made a mistake.”
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GettyImpact at Anfield is no surprise
Ekitike has previously spent time with Paris Saint-Germain, but hit just four goals for them through 33 appearances. His impact at Liverpool has surprised some, but not the man himself. He added: “Obviously, seen from the outside, it can be shocking, but it doesn't shock me. I was in a dynamic where I was also making stats last year and I'm in a good team that seems good to me. I want to be a player who has consistency.”
Paul Pogba will always remain a what-if player for Manchester United, given his failure to sustain his success during his spell as a first-team member at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman left the club on a free transfer, before joining in a then world-record £89m transfer just a couple of years after originally being allowed to depart the Red Devils.
The midfielder was known for his moments of magic, but questions were always asked about his commitment and effort, which held him back from being one of the elite players in world football.
He racked up over 200 appearances during his second spell in Manchester, but ultimately struggled to match the huge fee he returned to the club with.
However, his individual brilliance will always outshine the tough times he spent at the club, with current boss Ruben Amorim able to land his own version of the 32-year-old this window.
The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
Benjamin Sesko undoubtedly remains as United’s main target this summer, as the club look to provide the boss with the talisman he craves during his spell in charge.
Talks have already been held between the players’ representatives and the Red Devils hierarchy, but any deal will be an expensive one, given the current £78m asking price.
However, the Slovenian international isn’t the only player currently on their radar, with work also being conducted to secure a deal for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.
Marca’s latest update claims that Amorim’s side have already reached out to the LaLiga giants over a move for the 22-year-old, who’s currently valued at £25m.
The report also states that AC Milan are also currently exploring a move for the Spaniard, which could see the Red Devils spring into action for his signature in the near future.
Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Pogba
Along with his effortless ability to change a game, Pogba was known for his ball-carrying talent, which often saw him run the game when he was performing in full flow.
During the 2017/18 campaign he spent at Old Trafford, the former Juventus star registered 4.1 progressive carries per 90, a figure that ranked him within the top 5% of all players within England’s top-flight.
His dominance on the ball is further backed up by current professional Declan Rice, who placed the Frenchman within his top three players he’s ever come up against.
United’s current midfield is currently lacking the dynamism that Pogba possessed, which should come as no surprise given 33-year-old Casemiro is still one of the options at Amorim’s disposal.
However, the manager could be about to land his own version of the former fan-favourite this summer, with Guerra possessing a lot of the qualities that made the World Cup winner a hit with the supporters.
Guerra, who’s been labelled “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register 4.8 progressive passes and 1.8 progressive carries per 90 – able to glide past opponents when in control of the ball.
Such a skillset may come as a surprise given his 6”2 frame, sitting just one inch smaller than Pogba, with the pair freakishly talented with the ball at his feet given their height.
Games played
36
Goals & assists
6
Progressive passes
4.8
Passes into final third
4.2
Take-ons attempted
2.7
Carries into final third
1.5
Tackles won
1.7
However, the youngster’s talents are also further reflected in his tallies of 1.7 tackles won and 1.7 clearances made per 90, able to do the dirty work at the heart of the side before making the desired impact higher up the field.
At just 22, he’s already made a name for himself for his ability to find the net from distance, with his effort against Espanyol arguably the best of his career.
Pogba also managed to possess such a quality, as seen by his own catalogue of strikes, which always managed to excite the fanbase – something which Guerra could do himself should he join the club.
Given his £25m asking price, a deal should be a no-brainer, potentially landing themselves a bargain this summer with a player who could emulate the levels produced by the former world record signing.
He's just like Zirkzee: Man Utd preparing move for £40m Sesko alternative
Manchester United have turned their attention to another striker alongside Benjamin Sesko.
ByEthan Lamb Aug 1, 2025
MatériaMais Notícias
Ao mesmo tempo em que conversa com a diretoria para a contratação de reforços na reabertura da janela de transferência, o técnico Dorival Júnior busca soluções caseiras nas categorias de base do São Paulo para tentar arrumar a equipe.
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E, nesse contexto, o nome da vez de Cotia junto ao comandante são-paulino é o do volante Felipe Negrucci.
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Capitão do time sub-20 na disputa do último Campeonato Brasileiro da categoria, o jogador de 19 anos está desde o sub-11 no Tricolor e foi ‘promovido’ por Dorival no início da semana, ganhando a oportunidade de viajar para a Colômbia e integrar a delegação no empate sem gols com o Tolima, pela Copa Sul-Americana.
A ideia é analisar como Negrucci se comporta como o desejado segundo homem de meio-campo, jogando à frente do volante, função na qual o técnico vem encontrando dificuldades em arrumar uma peça que execute as funções.
Pablo Maia vem sendo o escolhido, mas pensando em um 4-4-2 com losagno na meiúca, Dorival precisaria de mais uma opção. A ideia é que Nestor fique totalmente livre de funções defensivas e seja unicamente meia-armador.
Gabriel Neves foi outra opção do elenco que atuou na função e agradou Dorival, mas foram dificuldades de se manter fisicamente apto por 90 minutos.
Na base, Negrucci via de regra atua de cabeça-de-área fixo. Mas com o técnico Belletti, acabava tendo liberdade para avançar. Foi um pedido do antecessor Rogério Ceni, que já observava a promessa desde o ano passado.
Desde que assumiu, Dorival pouco mudou as diretrizes adotadas por Ceni sobre revelações da base. Nomes como Matheus Belém e Vinícius, promovidos durante o Campeonato Paulista, continuam trabalhando na Barra Funda, apesar de não receberem grandes oportunidades. O plano é fazer com que trabalhem pelo menos um ano, antes de passarem a serem escalados de fato, como aconteceu com o zagueiro Beraldo.
Mesmo processo pelo qual passa o atacante Talles Wander. Fenômeno de Cotia, o artilheiro resolveu pendência contratual, mas passará por treinos na Barra Funda antes de efetivamente ganhar oportunidades concretas.
Já o meia Rodriguinho e o atacante Caio Matheus, que já atuaram nos profissionais, seguirão em Cotia até o fim dos trabalhos desenvolvidos para que ganhem mais massa muscular.
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