‘Lying if we said it doesn’t matter’ – Lionel Messi & Co. want MLS record as Inter Miami get another chance to rewrite the history books

When it comes to a possible MLS record, Julian Gressel admits that Lionel Messi and Inter Miami would be 'lying if they said it doesn’t matter'.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Herons claimed Supporters' ShieldEntering play-offs as the No.1 seedsCan post single-season points recordFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Herons have already secured Supporters’ Shield honours for 2024, meaning that they will be heading into the play-offs as No.1 seeds. History continues to be made in Florida, as prestigious prizes are captured for the first time, and MLS Cup glory is now the ultimate target.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Tata Martino’s side do, however, still have one regular season game left to take in. Victory in that contest would take them to 74 points, surpassing the previous single season high that the New England Revolution posted in 2021.

WHAT GRESSEL SAID

Quizzed by on whether records such as that matter to Messi and Co., USMNT star Gressel said: “I think we'd all be lying if we said it doesn't matter. Now we have something to play for in front of our home fans. It's not just a game. We have something to play for that would be a nice way to finish the year off with that record-setting season.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Herons defender Noah Allen added: “We want to get the record, so [we are feeling] very positive, very happy to get the result and keep building on it. We have one more game left and we’re going to go out there to win to get the record.”

Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari went on to say: “Inter Miami aspires to important things. The club is achieving them little by little, so breaking the record is always attractive for us and we are going to do everything possible to make it happen.”

Everton make "very interesting" offer for "priority" forward for Sean Dyche

Having already reportedly agreed a deal to sign Tim Iroegbunam this summer, Everton have seemingly turned their attention to finally solving their attacking problems for Sean Dyche.

Everton transfer news

Even as the Toffees' takeover struggles continue, they've still managed to start their summer in the best way possible with the pending arrival of Iroegbunam for a reported £9m. The Aston Villa prospect will arrive with plenty of potential and could even become the solution to Everton's potential Amadou Onana problem, as the Belgian's Goodison Park future continues to be thrown into doubt.

If Everton want to finally push away from the threat of relegation and into the comforts of mid-table in the Premier League, they'll need more than just Iroegbunam, however, with a solution to their attacking problems also needed. Dyche and those above him seem to be well aware of that as well, with one particular target who knows all about scoring in English football reportedly lined up.

Everton already lining up Dyche's next priority signing after Iroegbunam

The Toffees are wasting no time.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 20, 2024

According to Santi Aouna, Everton have made a "very interesting" offer to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille this summer. The attacking midfielder is reportedly seen as a "priority" after being followed by Everton for years and could be tempted by a return to England just one year after leaving Sheffield United.

Iliman Ndiaye scores winner for Sheffield United against Spurs

It remains to be seen just how much Everton's offer for Ndiaye was, but it's certainly a positive sign that they're pursuing such players this summer. Ndiaye never waited long enough to get his Premier League chance at Sheffield United, but could finally step into England's top-flight in an attempt to replicate his Championship form.

"Unbelievable" Ndiaye needs Premier League chance

After a mixed first season at Marseille, a return to English football could take Ndiaye back to his very best, especially if he finally gets the Premier League chance that he once left behind. His Championship form in the 2022/23 season certainly suggests that he is more than capable of stepping up to the quality needed in the top-flight. Now, it could be Everton who give him that chance.

Appearances

46

Goals

14

Assists

11

A true all-rounder going forward, it's no surprise that Ndiaye earned such high praise from former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom in the 22/23 Championship season.

Heckingbottom said via the Yorkshire Post: "I am going to talk and sound as if I am biased. But you know what I think of Iliman as a player. He can do it against anyone – handling the ball in tight areas at the top end of the pitch where the best players do damage. He's got all that.

"Playing in the Championship doesn't mean players don't handle the ball any better. He's unbelievable with the ball and not many Premier League players can do what he does with the ball."

Paul Pogba & Juventus set to agree on contract termination with ex-Man Utd star eager for 'fresh start' after seeing doping ban reduced on appeal

Paul Pogba and Juventus are reportedly set to agree on the termination of the midfielder's contract as he bids to restart his career.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Pogba cleared to play again from MarchPoised to leave JuventusAiming to join new club swiftlyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per the , Pogba is in talks with Juventus over terminating his contract in Turin. The former Manchester United midfielder's doping ban has been reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport from four years to just 18 months, and he can recommence his career in March.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pogba's second stint at Juve is set to end, though, as he has opened talks with the club over a mutual termination. The star's current deal expires in June 2026, and once his exit is confirmed, he will aim to find a new club as he bids to get his career back on track.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pogba has not kicked a ball competitively since September of 2023, in a substitute appearance against Empoli. He turned 31 in March and is aiming to complete a remarkable comeback to top-level football. According to , Pogba believes a "fresh start" away from Juventus is the best solution for his career.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DAZNWHAT NEXT?

CAS are set to officially announce their ruling on Monday. Thereafter, Pogba will have the chance to find a new club.

Spurs now in the front row to sign "world class" forward likened to Salah

Despite showing caution with his chequebook in recent windows, Daniel Levy finally looks set to spend big this summer and give Ange Postecoglou the players he needs to break into the top four of the Premier League.

Levy looks eager to back Ange this summer

The latest rumours out of N17 have linked Tottenham Hotspur with a slew of fresh faces. Conor Gallagher has of course enjoyed something of a will-they-won't-they saga with Spurs, as the midfielder looks set to depart Chelsea this summer.

Fabrizio Romano – Tottenham eyeing versatile £50 million Ramsey alternative

He’s been a star for his club.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 29, 2024

Despite rumours cooling-off in recent weeks, the arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Stamford Bridge could be what finally brings the England star to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A midfielder is clearly high on Levy's list of priorities as Spurs are also leading the race for Leeds United star Archie Gray. The teenage sensation is set to depart Elland Road imminently owing to his club's continued financial worries.

With the higher ups at Spurs clearly not shy of splashing the cash this summer, the Lilywhites are now in the driver's seat for one of Europe's highest rated talents.

Spurs front of the queue for versatile forward

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press are claiming that Spurs are in the front row for Albert Gudmundsson. The Icelandic striker currently plies his trade at Genoa, however has long been linked with a move away from the club this summer, namely to Spurs.

The outlet claims that the Lilywhites are joined by Inter Milan in their pursuit of Gudmundsson, who scored 14 goals as his side finished 11th in Serie A last season.

Whilst continuing to play in Italy may prove the more appealing option for the 27-year-old, Sport Witness states that there are a number of hurdles in Inter's pursuit of Gudmundsson. The outlet claims that Genoa’s £30 million asking price is currently too high for Inter, meaning that they will have to sell players in order to fund the transfer, with Spurs waiting to pounce.

Albert Gudmundsson for Genoa.

At 27 years of age some may feel that this is the peak of Gudmundsson's powers, however many have tipped the Icelandic striker, who can play several positions across the attack, to continue his upwards trajectory if he is to move this summer.

In fact, Gudmundsson's Genoa teammate, Kevin Strootman, backed the striker to make the same leap as Mohamed Salah did when he moved from Roma to Liverpool, telling the press: “I said that Salah didn’t always score goals at Roma, despite being clear on goal four or five times per game

“So others noted that if he did score every time he was clear, then he’d be at Real Madrid or Liverpool rather than Roma. And that’s where he ended up.

“If Gud can make the same leap, I think he can do well at a super top club. He must do it to become a world class player, because his quality is already beyond doubt. He is a serious professional and I am sure he’ll do even better over the next few years.”

The Nerazzurri's financial woes may play into Spurs' hands as they should have no issue matching the fee that Inter have so far struggled to cough up. With Europe's top strikers now fetching fees almost triple what Genoa are asking for, signing Gudmundsson could look something of a bargain in years to come if he can add quality depth in multiple forward roles.

Inter Miami player ratings vs New England Revolution: Lionel Messi scores hat-trick in 11 minutes, leading Herons to MLS regular-season points record

A Lionel Messi hat-trick and a Luis Suarez brace lifted Inter Miami to new heights, setting an MLS record in their campaign finale

Inter Miami are the MLS record points holders, thanks to incredible 11-minute off-the-bench hat trick from Lionel Messi to secure a 6-2 win over the New England Revolution Saturday.

The result saw the Herons notch 74 points in 34 matches, edging New England's previous record of 73 points set in 2021.

The match wasn't as straightforward as the scoreline suggests as the Revolution actually started with a 2-0 lead in the contest. Argentine winger Luca Langoni scored within just two minutes. They then doubled their lead in the 34th minute through attacker Dylan Borrero, who seemingly put the ball through the hands of Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender from close range. But Luis Suarez would level things quickly, scoring a brace in three minutes to close out the half. Then entered Messi.

The Argentine attacker combined with Jordi Alba to start, with the fullback feeding midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi for the go-ahead strike, putting Miami up 3-2 from close range in the 59th minute. The Revolution thought they drew level minutes later, but ex-USMNT forward Bobby Wood committed a handball offense in the buildup to his goal.

Messi then found the back of the net himself in the 78th minute, before scoring again just two minutes later to make it 5-2. His third, and the goal for his first MLS hat-trick, arrived in the 89th minute after Suarez fed him for his second assist of the game, too.

It was the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's second hat-trick this week, too. He net one on international duty for Argentina Tuesday evening against Bolivia.

Inter Miami ended their season in the best way possible: with both Suarez and Messi on the scoresheet, and making MLS history – again.

Now? It's playoff season. Miami is the No. 1 overall seed, and will host the winner of the Eastern Conference Wildcard match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United next weekend.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowIMGANGoalkeeper & Defense

Drake Callender (3/10):

An absolute blunder on New England's second. Overall, he was shaky and lacked confidence.

Marcelo Weigandt (5/10):

Controlled his flank well, and kept Esmir Bajraktarević quiet for the most part, but just didn't influence anything.

Tomas Aviles (5/10):

Not his best day by any means. Looked uncomfortable against the run of play.

Hector Martinez (9/10):

Two assists from central defense. Really, really impressive.

Jordi Alba (9/10):

Two splendid assists and a superb defensive effort.

AdvertisementIMGANMidfield

Sergio Busquets (7/10):

Locked down the midfield in the second half after a shaky first 45.

Benjamin Cremaschi (9/10):

Rather influential in driving the ball forward. A really slick finish on his goal, too.

Yannick Bright(7/10):

Great assist on Suarez's second goal. He tried to move too fast at times, but overall, a good performance.

Attack

Julian Gressel (5/10):

Had a few good chances, but wasn't as influential up top as he is in the midfield. Replaced by Messi in the second half.

Luis Suarez (10/10):

Two goals, two assists. At 37-years-old. Genuinely phenomenal.

Robert Taylor (5/10):

Not his day. Replaced by Gomez in the second half.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Subs & Manager

Lionel Messi (10/10):

Scored his first Miami hat-trick. It's hard to write just how good he was. Genuinely, beyond brilliant.

Diego Gomez (6/10):

Arrived in the 57th minute, but didn't threaten too much.

Noah Allen (N/A):

Brought on late.

Player (N/A):

Brought on late.

Tata Martino (5/10):

New England overwhelmed him early, but he countered by telling Suarez to shoot and bringing Messi off the bench. Sometimes, that's all you need to do as Miami manager.

Cricket returns to Eden Gardens with inaugural Bengal T20 Challenge

Six teams, 33 matches, a majority under lights, all of them in a bio-bubble – the tournament begins Nov 24

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2020Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, one of the state’s stalwarts Anustup Majumdar, and up-and-coming allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed will lead three of the six teams at the inaugural chapter of the Bengal T20 Challenge, to be played at Eden Gardens in “a bio-bubble eco-system” from November 24.Each of the teams (all clubs) – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Tapan Memorial, Town, Kalighat and Customs – have 15 players in their ranks; seven of these were retained by the teams from their existing squads, and eight were picked up at a draft, with four more players named as stand-bys. There will be a total of 33 games in the tournament, with each team playing the others twice, followed by the semi-finals and the final, with a “majority” of them under lights. The schedule is expected on Saturday, which may include triple-headers on some days.”Majority of the matches will be played under the floodlights at Eden Gardens. All the players, coaches and match officials will continue to remain in the bio bubble during the entire course of the tournament,” Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya said after the draft, conducted on Tuesday at a Kolkata hotel. “The thought process behind this tournament is to nurture the talents of the state of West Bengal and also enable this competition to act as a talent feeder to the various age groups representing the association.”Abhimanyu Easwaran tests positive for Covid-19

Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday and will be in quarantine for the next two weeks. His participation in the inaugural Bengal T20 Challenge, therefore, becomes doubtful.
“He underwent a mandatory COVID-19 test and was found positive. He is however asymptotic. He is now quarantined and under the treatment of medical panel of CAB,” CAB joint-secretary Debabrata Das said in a media statement.
Easwaran had joined Bengal’s pre-season training a few days back, PTI reported.

On the absence of corporate-owned teams, and the decision to field prominent cricket clubs of the region, Dalmiya said, “This tournament is a CAB property and it will continue to remain the same without franchises. We are trying to ensure all the top brands are associated, top players are associated. We took suggestions from our think tank, the Bengal support staff and the coaches.”

By the time we start the season, a couple of board tournaments are over and for the selection process we have to look into last year’s performance. I believe you can do a great service to Bengal cricket if you can dislodge the entrenched players, they are the ones under pressure not the youngstersArun Lal

Similar T20 tournaments have been organised by some of the state cricket associations around the country over the past few years – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, Jharkhand, Andhra, Mumbai, for example – and, like them, the CAB is also hoping to make the competition an annual affair. This year, though, the Covid-19 situation has made things slightly more complex that it would be otherwise.”These are very difficult times and to make this tournament successful, we must adhere to the (Covid-19) guidelines and protocols,” Dalmiya said. “There will be health officers who will be ensuring that the bio-bubble norms are followed and if anyone’s out of the bio-bubble, he’s out of the tournament.”For the duration of the tournament, expected to be around three weeks, all the players, support staff, and everyone else associated with the tournament will be stay in a city hotel and not interact with anyone from outside the “safety zone”.The timing of the tournament is a good one from the point of view of Bengal-based cricketers, as it will end before the BCCI’s domestic season kicks off – on January 1, according to board president Sourav Ganguly.”If one can perform here, he can open the gates to greater opportunities. I have been telling the marquee players that this is a godsent opportunity; this has never happened to any of the Bengal players before. By the time we start the season, a couple of board tournaments are over and for the selection process we have to look into last year’s performance,” Arun Lal, the state team coach, was quoted as saying on the CAB’s Facebook page. “I believe you can do a great service to Bengal cricket if you can dislodge the entrenched players, they are the ones under pressure not the youngsters. This is a great opportunity for the youngsters and the players who are forgotten.”While Mohammed Shami and Wriddhiman Saha, senior Bengal players, are in Australia with the Indian side and Ishan Porel, the young quick, has also travelled with the team as a net bowler, there is no dearth of prominent players in the teams. Apart from Abhimanyu, Majumdar and Ahmed, there are the likes of Manoj Tiwary, Shreevats Goswami, Abhishek Raman, Mukesh Kumar, Debabrata Das, Akash Deep, Sudip Chatterjee and Aamir Gani scattered among the six teams.

Explained: Why Jadon Sancho won't be available for Chelsea's trip to Man Utd in Premier League showdown on Sunday as winger denied Old Trafford reunion

Chelsea will not be able to call upon star winger Jadon Sancho for their clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and here's why.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Sancho unavailable for Man Utd clashLoan players can't play against parent clubWinger recently lost place in Blues XI anywayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Sancho made the loan move to Chelsea on the deadline day of the summer transfer window from Manchester United having been outcast from the senior team by former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag after a public spat last season. He has been in fine form for Enzo Maresca's side so far, but the Italian will not have Sancho at his disposal for the Blues' crucial clash against Ruud van Nistelrooy's United.

AdvertisementTHE EXPLANATION

Sancho is currently on loan at Chelsea from United and as per the guidelines of the Football Association, loan players cannot face their parent club in the Premier League. The rule was introduced in 2004 after Lomana LuaLua, on loan from Newcastle, scored a late equaliser for Portsmouth against the Magpies.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

However, the FA's rules would allow Sancho to play for Chelsea against United if the two rivals met each other in any domestic cup competition. As such, if the two sides were to face off against each other in the FA Cup later in the season, Maresca would be allowed to play the winger against his parent club.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

Over the last few weeks, Sancho has fallen back down the Stamford Bridge pecking order. Maresca has claimed this is due to 'tactical reasons', and so the winger should be back in contention next week.

Rahane on bouncing back from 36 all out: 'We have got to back our basics, back our plans'

Rahane says he had a conversation with Kohli after running him out in Adelaide

Sidharth Monga25-Dec-2020One bad hour. Two good days. Back yourselves to keep doing the same things that brought you those two good days, and avoid that bad hour. That is the import from India’s stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, who picked an XI with five bowlers for the second Test before attending the pre-match press conference.It is a rare opportunity to captain India – only 33 men have done so in Tests – but Rahane’s position is not exactly enviable with India coming off their 36 all out nightmare and missing three of their frontline players. On top of that, Rahane still holds responsible for not batting Australia out of the game when he ran Virat Kohli out in the first innings and followed it up with a disappointing lbw dismissal.”It was really tough,” Rahane said of the run-out, which became part of India’s fall of 17 wickets for 92 runs. They had been 188 for 3 before that. “Obviously we were going really well, the partnership was really good, and I could actually see that momentum go towards Australia after that run-out. After the end of the day, I went and said sorry to him [Kohli]. He was okay about it because we understood that the situation we were in, we were going really well at that point, but such things happen in cricket. You have got to respect that and move on from there.”Related

Ajinkya Rahane is brave, smart, calm, and he has the respect of his team

Rahane builds his legacy by staying in the moment

Gill and Siraj to debut in Boxing Day Test against Australia

Australia eye unassailable lead against unsettled India

Rahane said Kohli addressed the team before leaving for India for the birth of his first child. “Virat spoke to all of us. We had our team dinner in Adelaide so he spoke to all of us about being positive, playing to our strength and just play as a team and as a unit. That is what we have been doing all these years. It is all about that, all about staying in the moment, playing for each other and enjoy each other’s success and help each other out in the field.”Rahane said while Kohli’s presence was important he won’t be sliding into the captain’s messengers for tips while he is in India. “He spoke to all the boys. He said just be yourselves and back yourselves and play as a team. I don’t want to disturb him now because obviously this time is really special,” Rahane said.This is not the first time Rahane has filled in for Kohli at a crucial time. The last time he did so the opposition was the same, and India were playing the series decider in Dharamsala in 2016-17. Rahane earned plaudits for his captaincy in the match, which started with an aggressive selection of Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner, continued with field sets and bowling changes, and culminated in an attacking innings to kill a potentially tricky chase.”I felt [I learnt] backing your instinct, remaining calm under pressure, backing your own strengths and methods, which I really focus on,” Rahane said. “I really learnt a lot during that Test.”Rahane reiterated that neither the openers nor he himself needed to take any pressure for the second Test even though their roles were crucial. “We have got to back our basics, back our plans,” Rahane said. “We just had one bad hour so it is all about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships. As a batting unit, that matters a lot: communication and batting in partnerships. We are focussing on that.”It is a proud moment for me to lead India. It is a great opportunity and responsibility. I don’t want to take any pressure. What I want to do is back my team-mates, back my team. And as a team we want to do well. The focus is not on me but on the team.”The openers’ role is crucial anywhere. I don’t want to put any pressure on our openers. Just want to give them freedom to play their game. But having said that openers’ role is very crucial. When you have that foundation, it becomes easier for the coming batsman.”

Newcastle ready to launch bid for £40m "monster" who plays like Toney

Change is afoot at St. James' Park. Co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have sold their shares in Newcastle United and will leave after playing instrumental parts in the PIF-backed takeover in 2021.

Paul Mitchell has also been confirmed as United's new sporting director after the protracted Dan Ashworth saga drew to a close at the start of the month. Last month's PSR concerns have been combatted shrewdly with sales that have swerved the gnawing sense that one of the club's top talents needed to be sacrificed, instead, such linchpins stay put.

Dan Ashworth with his son.

Eddie Howe is now focused on strengthening his squad, tweaking and tinkering to chart a course back into the Champions League. The 2023/24 campaign was ruined by injuries but now the Magpies can start afresh, and while a spread of positions require attention, sights have been fixed on a Premier League forward… again.

Newcastle lining up new striker

As per Football Insider, Newcastle are prepared to return with a fresh bid to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had been nearing a move to Tyneside one month ago.

Yankuba Minteh heading toward Goodison was a crucial part of the negotiations but Brighton & Hove Albion prevailed in that race, though Callum Wilson's possible departure could see space freed up for the rangy striker's signing.

Indeed, Newcastle are pushing to sell Wilson for £10-15m, and should interested suitors West Ham United step up their interest, cogs could fall into place nicely.

What Dominic Calvert-Lewin would bring to Newcastle

Calvert-Lewin has been one of the Premier League's most prominent centre-forwards for several years now, an excellent striker with aerially dominant properties that would make him the perfect foil for the dynamic skills of Alexander Isak.

Beleaguered by injuries over the past few years, Calvert-Lewin found his feet toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign, scoring four goals and adding an assist across his past seven appearances, with his revived physicality, if sustained, capable of leading him to a future laden with goals.

Hailed as a "high-level striker" by former boss Frank Lampard, the 27-year-old ranks among the top 6% of centre-forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for aerial duels won and clearances made per 90, as per FBref, something that would allow him to serve as a focal point, with Anthony Gordon and the like bouncing off his presence.

2023/24

32

26

7

2

2022/23

17

15

2

1

2021/22

17

15

5

2

2020/21

33

32

16

1

2019/20

36

30

13

1

2018/19

35

19

6

2

2017/18

32

18

4

5

2016/17

11

5

1

0

Recent injury-hit years have swiped the 6 foot 2 star's prolificness from him but the signs of a resurgence were discernible last term, with The Athletic's Patrick Boyland even remarking that he was "like the DCL of old" during the Toffees' Merseyside Derby victory over Liverpool in April.

Newcastle could unburden the England international of the weight of being the star man up front, instead promising a shared role as Isak's understudy – allowing him to find his feet and rediscover his boots, thus moving back into the ascendancy.

He'd be a perfect fit, if, indeed, he manages to stay fit. Calvert-Lewin is even recorded to have striking stylistic similarities to that of Ivan Toney, so could mark a sense of vindication on Tyneside regarding that one.

How Calvert-Lewin compares to Ivan Toney

Toney cut his teeth at Newcastle but was sold to Peterborough in League One for all of £350k after a series of loan stints and four senior showings in black and white.

The "remarkable" forward, as dubbed by Brentford manager Thomas Frank, has since gone from strength to strength and is now a fully-fledged England international and one of the Premier League's deadliest marksmen, having scored 36 goals and supplied 11 assists across 83 appearances in the division since the Bees' resounding promotion – a term that saw Toney harvest 33 goals in the second tier.

Bold and bullish, the 6 foot 1 talent is a deadly marksman and creative besides, boasting sharp link-up qualities that have led his Three Lions teammate Declan Rice to hail him for being "kind of like Harry Kane in a way where he's not only an out-and-out striker, he's a playmaker as well."

As per FBref, Toney was one of the most similar forwards to Calvert-Lewin in the Premier League last season, himself ranking among the top 3% of forwards last term for interceptions made and the top 17% for aerial duels won per 90.

Brentford's Ivan Toney

Calvert-Lewin is also deceptively creative, crafting four big chances for his peers last season despite being limited to only 26 top-flight starts. He's something of a "monster" up front – according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig – but he's also a multi-skilled player.

Newcastle's overall play could also free up greater opportunity for the Evertonian striker, who was left isolated on occasion last season. The Magpies averaged 52.2% possession in the Premier League last season, striking 14.5 shots and completing 9.3 dribbles per game (WhoScored).

Everton, conversely, averaged 40% of possession per match last year, taking less shots (13.3) and completing fewer dribbles (7.3) on average.

They did eclipse Newcastle in aerial duels won per game though (12 vs 18.3), suggesting that Calvert-Lewin's skyward strengths could add an invaluable dimension to the side, all the while using their superiority on the ball to put him in better positions.

Newcastle might not be likely to reclaim Toney's services any time soon, but in Calvert-Lewin, Howe could sign a striker with all the tools to add depth and dynamism to the frontline, gearing it up for an exciting campaign.

Perfect for Guimaraes: Newcastle could land "truly remarkable" £51m ace

He’s one of the most exciting prospects in world football.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 13, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo told he'd be 'very welcome' back at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim – but club legend expects Al-Nassr superstar to 'follow path of David Beckham' instead

Cristiano Ronaldo would be “very welcome” at Manchester United, says Teddy Sheringham, but he is expected to “follow in the path of David Beckham”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Portuguese took in two spells at Old TraffordAll-time great approaching end of his careerTalk of moves into coaching or club investmentFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo has taken in two spells at Old Trafford as a player. The first of those saw him collect Premier League, Champions League and Ballon d’Or honours. The second ended on a sour note as CR7 was released as a free agent following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 39, as a prolific source of goals for Al-Nassr and Portugal, but retirement is no longer a distant thought. Speculation regarding what he will do when record-breaking boots are hung up for the final time has already begun.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

There has been talk of a move into coaching, and ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim is preparing to take the reins at United. Ronaldo may be tempted to step in alongside his fellow countryman, but 1999 Treble winner Sheringham can see the all-time great following the lead of another iconic United No.7 who is now working with Lionel Messi in MLS.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT SHERINGHAM SAID

Ex-Red Devils striker Sheringham has told : “Cristiano Ronaldo would be very welcome back at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, but he is onto bigger and better things. I think that Ronaldo will follow in the path of David Beckham in doing things away from coaching, higher profile things around the world. I'm sure he'd be very, very welcome in any capacity coming back to the club, but I doubt that he'll be a coach.”

Game
Register
Service
Bonus