Um dos momentos mais marcantes da história do Corinthians foi o gol de Paulinho diante do Vasco, na Libertadores 2012, que pavimentou o caminho para o Timão conquistar o torneio pela primeira vez. A situação ocasionou em uma foto histórica, em que o meio-campista abraça um torcedor no alambrado do Pacaembu.
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O corintiano era Lucas Perassollo. Entrevistado pelo Lance!, ele fez uma revelação intrigante: não assistiu ao gol de Paulinho pelo Corinthians. Mas, se tivesse visto ao vivo, talvez o momento histórico não teria acontecido.
— A gente chegou bem cedo na porta do estádio, e à noite estava aquele clima de Pacaembu, como sempre. Fui no banheiro, tinha tomado muito. Se eu não tivesse ido no banheiro, não teria acontecido o lance do alambrado. Estava voltando, não vi o gol, só a explosão. Subi no alambrado, comemorei meio que sozinho. Quando olhei para trás ele (Paulinho) estava subindo, e eu resolvi subir de novo. Pô, comemorar com o cara que fez o gol. Não tinha noção de que seria uma imagem histórica — afirmou.
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— No dia seguinte acordei com milhares de mensagens, amigo meu mandando eu ir na banca, porque tinham milhares de jornais com capa com meu rosto. Comecei a ter a noção do que foi a repercussão — concluiu.
Paulinho saiu do Corinthians oficialmente nesta semana e concedeu sua última entrevista como jogador do clube. De acordo com o torcedor, o meio-campista tinha “a cara” do Timão.
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— Paulinho tem totalmente a cara do Corinthians. É um jogador com características que a gente gosta. Raça, respeita o clube.
Aos 35 anos e com passagens por Barcelona e Tottenham, o volante deixou o Timão com quatro títulos: Brasileirão (2011), Libertadores (2012), Mundial de Clubes (2012) e Paulistão (2013).
There’s no denying that Chelsea employed a scattergun spending approach in the early days of BlueCo’s ownership, but that has since been streamlined over the past few years, with Enzo Maresca proving the perfect man for the job.
Sunday’s Premier League clash is a big one, with Stamford Bridge playing host to a top-of-the-table clash between Chelsea and Arsenal. The second-place Blues will narrow the deficit to just three points with a win.
This is a team building toward a period of sustained success, and the tactical readings suggest that Chelsea are already one of the most exciting attacking outfits in the division, even if there is a sense that there are several levels still to be scaled.
Chelsea
2nd
22.1
Man City
3rd
21.8
Arsenal
1st
20.7
Crystal Palace
5th
20.2
Man Utd
10th
19.9
However, a question mark lingers over number nine, with Liam Delap yet to prove he is the answer. Could Chelsea be looking to sign an upgrade?
Why Chelsea are searching for a striker
In fairness, Delap has spent a sizeable portion of his first months in west London in the infirmary. Still, since returning from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for much of the autumn, the English striker has started twice in the Premier League and failed to break his duck on both counts.
That said, he did net his first goal of the campaign for the Blues against Barcelona in midweek, coming off the bench and coolly converting to seal the 3-0 win after neat interplay between Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.
However, the £30m summer signing from Ipswich Town has yet to prove he has what it takes to nail down a berth at the front of Maresca’s system, and co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are searching for a potential upgrade.
They may have found one. According to Sky Germany, Chelsea are among the outfits to have been informed that Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy is worth about €50m (£44m), applicable for a number of top European outfits.
Chelsea are in the mix, and though Delap and Joao Pedro make up a dynamic central strike force in west London, Guirassy’s clinical record suggests he could add an interesting dimension to a title-challenging side.
What Guirassy would bring to Chelsea
Guirassy, 29, might not fit the age profile Chelsea have focused on targeting in recent years, but his experience and maturity in the final third would serve as a neat counterpoint to the younger generation.
Delap caught the eye for Ipswich last season, a shining light as he scored 12 goals across 37 Premier League outings. Kieran McKenna’s side were relegated, but so many teams swarmed for Delap’s signature, and Chelsea won the race.
The 22-year-old has a future at Stamford Bridge, but Maresca’s side need someone in the now who can maintain a fight against Arsenal, while pushing deep into the Champions League too.
Guirassy is “one of the best strikers in Europe”, according to German legend Lothar Matthaus, and he ranks among the top 11% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.
25/26
10
5 + 1
24/25
30
21 + 2
23/24
28
28 + 2
22/23
22
11 + 0
He’s hardly just a mindless poacher, with silky footwork and intelligent positioning that allows him to roam around the attacking half and link up with teammates.
But, at his core, Guirassy is indeed a goalscorer, and Chelsea may find that Delap earns fewer minutes with the Guinean striker in the mix.
It’s a tough one, but given the promising position Maresca’s side have placed themselves into, it might just be the move to make.
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Liverpool suffered yet another setback as Arne Slot confirmed that Hugo Ekitike was forced off with a back injury during the Champions League defeat to PSV, raising fresh concerns for the struggling Reds. The French forward felt discomfort early in the game before being withdrawn just after the hour mark, leaving Slot frustrated as his side’s pressing collapsed and their poor run continued.
Ekitike suffers back injury in dismal loss for Liverpool
Liverpool endured a difficult Champions League night as they fell to a heavy defeat against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield, and their problems were compounded by an injury to summer signing Ekitike. The forward struggled to influence the game and was replaced in the 61st minute with Liverpool already chasing the match, having seen their pressing intensity drop noticeably during the second half. His withdrawal came as PSV capitalised on the momentum shift, scoring twice more to leave the Reds with a damaging result.
Ekitike had returned to the starting XI and was expected to provide much-needed attacking spark, but it quickly became clear that something was wrong. His movement appeared restricted, and Liverpool’s frontline struggled to initiate the coordinated pressure Slot demands, allowing PSV to play through lines far too easily. By the time Alexander Isak came on, the visitors had already seized control and Liverpool’s response never materialised.
The defeat deepened Liverpool’s ongoing struggles across competitions, marking a third straight loss as their form continues to unravel. With key players misfiring, injuries piling up, and tactical cohesion faltering, the Reds once again left the pitch with more questions than answers. Ekitike’s condition now adds another layer of concern ahead of a crucial Premier League meeting with West Ham.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot confirms Ekitike 'felt his back' during first-half
Slot admitted post-match that he had sensed something was off with Ekitike almost immediately after half-time. He said: “Especially at the start of the second half, I constantly felt, 'What's wrong with Hugo?' It felt as if he couldn't move as he did [in] the first half. So, that's why our press was, I think, also a little bit off.”
Slot went on to reveal how early the problem began. He explained: “And he just told me that in the first five to 10 minutes of the first half he already felt his back too much. That's also why he had to go out.”
The Liverpool boss also spoke about the decision to withdraw Ibrahima Konate, insisting it was a tactical call rather than injury-related. “Yes, I found that one difficult because up until the moment you were just describing I think he played a good game. But, if you go 3-1 down, I think the thing that I have always done – and what I will keep doing – is then bringing an extra attacker in.” Slot acknowledged the scrutiny but reaffirmed that his priority was chasing goals rather than protecting reputations.
Slot under immense pressure as injuries pile up
Ekitike’s setback comes at a challenging moment for Liverpool, who are already dealing with mounting pressure following a run of poor performances across all competitions. The Frenchman, signed to inject a new dimension into the attack, has had an unsettled start and was looking to establish rhythm before this injury halted his momentum.
Liverpool's strong start had seen Ekitike show off his scoring prowess as he looked to capitalize in Isak's absence. However, the Frenchman's form has also seemed to drop off lately as he has scored just one goal in his last ten appearances for the Reds. With Slot's job now said to be in danger, it remains to be seen whether Ekitike will be available for selection for the Dutchman's crucial upcoming clashes.
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Getty Images SportEkitike could miss crucial West Ham clash
Liverpool now turn their focus to the Premier League, where they face West Ham in a crucial fixture that could shape the trajectory of their season. Ekitike’s availability remains uncertain, and the medical team will assess his back issue in the coming days to determine whether he can feature. Given the physical demands of Slot’s system, he is unlikely to be risked without full confidence in his condition.
The Reds will also continue monitoring squad fitness as their fixture congestion intensifies with clashes against Sunderland, Leeds United, Inter Milan and Brighton coming up, as rotation becomes more important yet increasingly difficult due to injuries and form concerns.
The New York Yankees didn’t waste time after being snubbed by a certain superstar outfielder and got a big offseason pickup of their own on Tuesday, signing former Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried to a massive deal.
Fried agreed to an eight-year, $218 million contract, the largest guarantee for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history.
Yankees fans were understandably elated about the signing this week. Many of them started digging into Fried’s past and unearthed a 2014 tweet in which the then-Braves lefty paid his respects to Yankees legend Derek Jeter after Jeter decided to hang up his cleats.
“When it's meant to be. It's meant to be #RE2PECT,” Fried wrote on X.
Fans had a feeling Fried was going to be a great fit for the team:
Fried, 30, is a two-time All-Star who recorded a 3.25 ERA in Atlanta this past season and owns a 3.07 ERA across his eight-year MLB career. He’ll slide in nicely behind ace Gerrit Cole in the Yankees’ starting rotation and potentially help the defending AL champions make another deep postseason push.
O Palmeiras foi derrotado pelo Santos por 2 a 1, de virada, neste domingo (8), pela 26ª rodada do Brasileirão, na Arena Barueri. Eliminado da Libertadores, o Verdão está há cinco jogos sem vencer e ficou ainda mais distante do líder Botafogo. Enquanto isso, Abel Ferreira analisa a partida do Alviverde, que colecionou sua terceira derrota consecutiva no Campeonato Brasileiro. Assista, no vídeo acima, à entrevista coletiva do técnico palmeirense:
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+ Santos vence o Palmeiras de virada pelo Brasileirão e quebra tabu de quatro anos
+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
This season feels like it’s do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
The North Londoners have been a real force in the Premier League over the last few seasons, but after three second-placed finishes in a row, they need to get over the line.
Unfortunately, that is a lot easier said than done, as while Manchester City are no longer as much of a threat, Liverpool look incredible, and with Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, arguably have the two best attackers in the league.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, because as long as he stays fit, Arsenal have a player in their ranks who could get to the level of those two.
Salah & Isak's 24/25
Unfortunately for Arteta and Co, the Egyptian superstar had what most would consider to be the greatest campaign of his career in 24/25.
For example, in 52 appearances, totalling 4501 minutes, the Red game-changing superstar amassed an out-of-this-world tally of 34 goals and 23 assists.
In other words, the 33-year-old winger was able to maintain an average of 1.09 goal involvements every game, or one every 78.96 minutes, which was a massive reason the Merseysiders won the league.
Another way to look at it is that, should the former AS Roma ace have another year like it this season, the Gunners may as well give up now.
While it sounds absurd to say, Isak’s campaign, while spectacular, wasn’t quite on the same level.
For example, before he burned his bridges with the Newcastle United supporters, the Swedish international managed to score 27 goals and provide six assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3324 minutes.
That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 100.72 minutes.
In short, Liverpool have two world-class attackers in Isak and Salah, but Arsenal have a star of their own who could emulate their importance this season.
The Arsenal star who could emulate Salah & Isak
The good news for Arteta is that he already has a number of players who could be described as some of the best in the world, such as William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Magalhães.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, when it comes to the attack, it could be said that there is just one player from his squad who currently falls into that category: Bukayo Saka.
Yes, the player in question is none other than the Hale End superstar, and while he hasn’t quite hit the levels of a Salah yet, he’s getting closer and closer, and there is an argument that he is on Isak’s level already.
For example, in the 23/24 season, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 20 goals and 17 assists, in 47 appearances, totalling 3865 minutes.
That comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 104.45 minutes.
Then, despite missing almost four months of action last season and struggling to regain full fitness towards the end, he still scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2,619 minutes.
In other words, the Gunners’ “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.
Appearances
267
Minutes
20271′
Goals
71
Assists
72
Goal Involvements per Match
0.53
Minutes per Goal Involvements
141.75′
To do that in a normal season would be incredible, but to manage those numbers in a campaign in which you’re injured for large parts and are without a striker in others is undoubtedly world-class.
Finally, while he is no longer ‘young’ in a footballing sense, he is still two years out from when we’d expect him to hit his peak, per research from The Athletic.
Therefore, as long as he can remain fit, we see no reason why he cannot once again surpass Isak from an output perspective and match Salah in terms of overall impact.
Ultimately, Saka isn’t the finished article just yet, but it feels like a matter of when, not if, he leads Arsenal to glory.
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He’s very close to the Gunners’ star centre-back who’s set to sign a new deal.
A manager who Jurgen Klopp once described as “incredible” is now the leading contender to replace Graham Potter at West Ham United.
Potter under serious pressure after Crystal Palace defeat
Potter would’ve been hoping the 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest could be a turning point in the season, but there has been a return to the mean since the end of the international break, with West Ham suffering defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that the West Ham hierarchy have started looking at new managers, saying: “Internal talks are taking place with eventual replacements being assessed. Decision could follow soon.”
A number of managers with Premier League experience have been identified as potential targets, including Gary O’Neil, Slaven Bilic, and Sean Dyche, but it has since emerged that a different manager is now the frontrunner for the job.
West Ham now weigh up concrete approach to sign £17m England international
West Ham now weighing up concrete approach for £17m England international.
By
Dominic Lund
Sep 21, 2025
That is according to a report from The Mirror, who reveal that West Ham are seriously considering parting ways with Potter, following their terrible start to the Premier League season, collecting just three points from their opening five games.
Nuno Espirito Santo is named as the leading contender to replace Potter, with the former Nottingham Forest boss being dismissed by Evangelos Marinakis earlier this month, despite leading the Tricky Trees to Europe for the first time in 30 years.
The upcoming fixture against Everton is likely to be crucial in deciding Potter’s future, with the Toffees set to travel to the London Stadium next Monday night.
"Incredible" Nuno could be major upgrade on Potter
Potter has experienced success in the Premier League in the past, impressing enough at Brighton & Hove Albion to get the Chelsea job, but the 50-year-old’s performance in his last two roles leaves a lot to be desired.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, the Englishman averaged just 1.42 points per match, lasting less than seven months, before going on to struggle considerably at West Ham, receiving widespread criticism from the fans after the recent defeat against Spurs.
Nuno, on the other hand, is vastly more experienced in the Premier League, with Klopp once praising the Portuguese manager for the work he did at Wolverhampton Wanderers, saying: “Nuno’s doing an incredible job. They are a talented team, the quality is big. It’s really rare, but apart from two or three games they played exactly the same three players in the last line the whole year, that’s unbelievable.”
The Sao Tome-born manager, who favours a 4-2-3-1 system, subsequently went on to be a success at Forest, averaging 1.48 points per match and guiding the Tricky Trees to a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last season.
West Ham have spent a number of seasons in Europe in recent times, winning the UEFA Conference League in 2023, and there are clear indications Nuno could be capable of bringing European nights back to the London Stadium.
Nottingham Forest are preparing for their Europa League campaign and may now have been given a triple boost as they gear up to take on Real Betis on Wednesday.
Nottingham Forest show solidity after chaotic Ange Postecoglou induction
Ange Postecoglou isn’t someone who fails to entertain, and his side have shown excitement and vulnerability in equal measure over the first three matches of his tenure at the City Ground.
Following a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, his side began to show some of their offensive prowess against Swansea City last midweek, albeit the Tricky Trees were knocked out of the EFL Cup in extraordinary fashion after surrendering a two-goal lead.
After two defeats, Turf Moor was never an easy place to go as Burnley look to stabilise themselves in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Nottingham Forest put in a performance that has bred some optimism among supporters of what could be to come.
Fundamentally, Postecoglou’s emphasis on performance is something he believes can breed results. The Tricky Trees took on 17 shots and bossed proceedings with 63% possession against Scott Parker’s men, indicating that improvement is slowly seeping into his group of players as they work within his system.
Murillo could return for Nottingham Forest’s trip to face Real Betis on Wednesday, offering another encouraging crumb of comfort as things slowly start to come together for the Australian boss.
Evidently, his reign at the club is a work in progress and results may not come imminently. Still, the former Celtic boss won the Europa League last season with Nottingham Forest, so it is fair to say he knows how to get a result in continental competition.
Heading into the beginning of their European campaign, there could be another boost in store for the East Midlands-based outfit if developments elsewhere are to stand.
Isco could miss Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest
According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Real Betis playmaker Isco could be ruled out of facing Nottingham Forest on Wednesday after missing training on Monday.
The four-time Champions League winner has been absent since August and may be joined by Nelson Deossa and Pablo García after the pair also sat on the sidelines while their teammates prepare to face Premier League opposition.
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Ange Postecoglou will be hunting for his first win as Nottingham Forest boss against Burnley this afternoon.
ByEthan Lamb Sep 20, 2025
La Liga outfit Betis sit sixth in the Spanish top-flight after six matches and claimed an impressive 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad last Friday, earning an extended rest period ahead of opening their Europa League account.
Boasting plenty of familiar faces, such as Antony, Giovani Lo Celso and Hector Bellerin, they have plenty of stars who have enjoyed distinguished careers in England.
Regardless, Isco is one of the finest playmakers in Europe when fully fit, meaning his absence would elevate Nottingham Forest’s chances of claiming something at Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that a number of clubs have made an approach for a “dynamite” Everton player, with The Friedkin Group making a decision over his future.
Everton set for opening game at new stadium
The Blues officially begin a new chapter in their history on Sunday afternoon, hosting Brighton in the Premier League in their first-ever competitive game at their new ground.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium is an impressive new setting for Everton’s home games, and while it was sad for them to leave Goodison Park, it was important that the club planned for the future and found a new home to help take them to new heights.
Blues manager David Moyes is certainly excited about his side beginning life in a new stadium, speaking glowingly about it earlier this month.
“It’s brilliant for the football club. For my journey as well – I’ve had lots of different twists and turns – but overall I think the football club has been so desperate for this situation to arise with the new stadium. I think it’s a wonderful stadium, it’s a step up, certainly, from Goodison and I think for Everton Football Club it’s a real positive step.”
Everton’s new venture will hopefully lead to plenty of exciting new signings, as well as persuading current players to stay put, and a new update has dropped regarding an individual in the latter category.
Everton make decision over "dynamite" ace's future
According to Romano on X, Everton have seen numerous clubs make approaches for Iliman Ndiaye, but The Friedkin Group have rejected their advances.
Losing Ndiaye would be a massive blow this early in his Everton career, so this update is an extremely positive one for Blues supporters.
The 25-year-old has so often provided the creative spark for the Blues since arriving from Marseille last summer, being described as a “dynamite” player by Jamie Redknapp and being hailed as “brilliant” by Second Tier podcast.
Ndiaye is going to be a massive player for Everton moving forward – he scored nine goals in the Premier League last season – and it would be just like him to bag the opening strike at the Blues’ new ground this weekend.
Grealish can make him world-class: Everton "in negotiations" for £40m star
Everton still need to sign several more first-teamers before the end of the transfer window.
ByAngus Sinclair Aug 22, 2025
The Blues cannot afford to let him go, and with his current deal not expiring until the summer of 2029, they are in a strong bargaining position and would surely only allow him to leave for huge money.
Nottingham Forest’s summer rebuild shows no signs of slowing down.
After manager Nuno Espírito Santo voiced concerns about the lack of movement, the club has roared into action with a series of ambitious signings and bids that underline their intent to become a consistent European competitor.
Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, and Jair Cunha have all already arrived at the City Ground, while bids have been accepted for James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson.
Meanwhile, a £25m approach for Manchester City’s Rico Lewis has been rejected, and negotiations continue for forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.
The flurry of activity comes at a crucial time. Forest are preparing for a season that includes European football, a reward earned after finishing seventh in the Premier League last term.
Their place in the Europa League was secured after Crystal Palace were demoted to the Conference League following an unsuccessful appeal to CAS.
Forest kick off their domestic campaign against Brentford on Sunday, and while the opening fixture might come too soon for several of their potential recruits, the scale of their ambition is clear.
Nottingham Forest agree terms with midfielde
At the heart of Forest’s latest negotiations is Douglas Luiz, the Juventus midfielder who could form a partnership with Elliott Anderson in the centre of the park.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Forest have agreed personal terms with the Brazil, with only club-to-club negotiations left to finalise, as they look to bolster their midfield with a new addition.
It is now down to the Tricky Trees to agree a deal with Juventus to bring the former Aston Villa maestro to the City Ground for the 2025/26 campaign.
Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “box-crashing 8, who’s press resistant with a good technical base, passing range and ball-striking ability.”
Juventus'DouglasLuizreacts
The Brazilian joined Juventus from Aston Villa in a £45m deal but endured a difficult spell in Turin.
He failed to score or assist in 27 appearances and missed 20 games due to injury setbacks.
Used sparingly under both Igor Tudor and Thiago Motta, Luiz managed only six starts last season, while his solitary contribution at the Club World Cup amounted to just 45 minutes of football, per Sofascore.
Juventus are now open to recouping around £30m, with the player himself reportedly eager for a Premier League return.
Why Douglas Luiz is perfect for Elliot Anderson
Despite a subdued stint in Italy, Luiz’s pedigree remains strong, particularly when judged on his final season at Aston Villa.
His statistics then underlined his all-round game.
Douglas Luiz – 2023/24
Pass Completion Rate
85.7%
Shot Creating Actions per 90
3.92
Tackles per 90
1.74
Blocks per 90
0.96
Progressive Passes per 90
5.49
Progressive Carries per 90
2.15
Successful Take-ons per 90
1.40
Source: FBref
When compared against Juventus teammates last season, Luiz still showed flashes of quality despite limited minutes.
His 89.5% passing accuracy ranked fifth in the squad, while his 72.2% dribble success rate also placed him among the top five. In 841 minutes of action, he created three big chances and averaged 0.69 key passes per game, per FBref.
These numbers suggest that, given consistent playing time and a role tailored to his strengths, he could rediscover the form that made him such a prized asset in England.
For Forest fans, the prospect of pairing Luiz with Elliott Anderson is particularly enticing. Anderson joined from Newcastle United amid the Magpies’ well-documented struggles with PSR compliance in a deal worth £35m.
The transfer also saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way, while Yankuba Minteh left for Brighton to help balance the books at St James’ Park.
Anderson wasted no time making himself indispensable in Nottingham. He featured in 37 league games last season, contributing two goals and six assists,
His energy, versatility and ability to progress play made him a key part of the side that finished seventh on 65 points. Still only 22, he has caught the eye of England selectors and sits on the periphery of Thomas Tuchel’s squad in a World Cup year.
Statistically, Anderson has placed himself among the most effective midfielders in the Premier League across a range of important metrics.
His dribbling stands out, with the 22-year-old ranking in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons, averaging 1.19 per 90 minutes.
That ability to beat a man allows Forest to break opposition lines and progress play higher up the pitch.
He is equally influential in advanced areas, registering 2.38 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, placing him in the 86th percentile league-wide. This shows how frequently he arrives in dangerous positions, complementing Forest’s forwards by adding an extra threat from midfield.
Defensively, Anderson is just as impressive. He averages 3.04 tackles per 90 minutes – enough to place him in the 88th percentile.
Alongside that, his reading of the game allows him to contribute 2.51 clearances per 90 (89th percentile), a figure that highlights his commitment to the defensive side of the game.
Perhaps most strikingly, Anderson has proven adept in the air. Despite standing at just 1.79m, he wins 1.85 aerial duels per 90, again ranking in the 89th percentile.
Pairing Luiz and Anderson could provide Forest with one of the most balanced midfields outside the Premier League’s traditional elite.
Luiz’s ability to dictate tempo, switch play and resist pressure would allow Anderson to thrive in more advanced areas, where his dribbling, pressing and box arrivals make him a constant threat.
In European fixtures, where possession and control become even more valuable, the partnership could give Forest an edge. Luiz’s Champions League and international experience adds another layer of quality and leadership.
For Anderson, lining up alongside such a seasoned professional would accelerate his development and give Forest a stable core around which to build. If Forest can finalise the deal with Juventus, it would represent a major coup.
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Everton are also credited with an interest in Luiz, but Forest’s project – European football, an ambitious recruitment drive, and a manager eager to impose his identity – may prove more persuasive.
For Nuno Espírito Santo, adding Luiz to a midfield already anchored by Anderson could be the key to competing on two fronts this season.
For Forest supporters, it would be further proof that their club is no longer content with merely surviving in the Premier League.