fulham Star Kelvin Bassey believes he needs another year at Ajax to really establish himself and learn from his experiences with the Dutch side.

ajax showtime report On the Fulham defender’s comments today. He is speaking on the Ziggo Sports program Kick ‘T Mate. During this time he reflected on his unsuccessful time spent in Amsterdam.

ajax difficulties

After impressing under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox, the defender joins the Dutch side from Rangers in a €23m deal in 2022.

The plan was for him to be a replacement for Lisandro Martínez. The fan-favourite Argentine had established himself as a key player at the club before leaving to join Manchester United in the summer.

However, Kelvin Bassey was unable to successfully replace him. Instead, he endured a difficult year at Ajax, during which he was regularly criticized, with even the smallest mistakes often leading to analysis and further criticism.

After a year he moved to join Fulham, where he became a key player under Marco Silva. Now 26, he reflects well on his time at Ajax and admits he still needed more time.

“It was the tactical aspect of understanding where you need to be and knowing where your next pass is going to be,” He said.

“At Ajax, a full-back plays like a number six in possession, or moves forward as soon as you get the ball. So, if you understand it tactically and you know where your next pass has to go, it becomes easier.

“If my first touch was on the outside – which was natural for me, because I expect the full-backs to be there, my passing lane was immediately blocked, because the Ajax full-backs could cut inside.”

fulham confidence

The problems that had troubled him at Ajax were not evident at Fulham. But he puts it in a different style and has had time to adapt to how Fulham want him to play. This was the time when he was not allowed at Ajax.

“The English league is easy for me because I am used to English football,” He added.

“Many managers come from abroad; mine is Portuguese, but this is the system I am familiar with. What you do at Ajax takes time.

“Players who were new needed more time to adapt. When you’re young, and I was 21 or 22 at the time, I might have needed another season to settle in. Just like in England.”

“It took me a year to even settle in there. After that, I played the most matches and became the player of the year at the club.”

The defender now feels comfortable in the Premier League and the game in general. He believes this comes from experience. This was something he was not given time to learn during his time at Ajax.

“I think I understand the game better. But it’s obviously because of the experience you’ve gained.” He concluded.

“The only way to know if you’re doing something wrong is to just do it wrong. But it’s also about mindset. You have to be willing to make mistakes so you can improve.”

chelsea With Estevao’s World Cup hopes now looking to fade into the background, the Brazilian has already begun to shape Carlo Ancelotti’s team plans with the expectation that the teenager will not recover in time.

For weeks, the situation revolved around treatment decisions, medical disagreements and increasingly desperate attempts to keep a small window open.

Estevao and his camp prompted conservative treatment. Chelsea was initially inclined towards surgery. Brazil waited in between, hoping for good news that never came.

Now, the tone coming from inside the Brazilian setup sounds different. Less hopeful. More practical.

Brazil is already adapting to life without Estevao

according to globo esporteThere is now expectation within the Brazilian FA that Estevao will not even be included in the initial 55-man squad submitted to FIFA.

Until recently, the talk was about whether he could recover quickly enough to force his way into the final 26-man group. Now, the debate has increasingly focused on replacing them altogether.

The report suggests that Ancelotti and his staff are already re-evaluating the balance of the squad due to injuries. One of the major discussions concerns the distribution between midfielders and forwards. Estevao’s absence changes that equation.

Brazil were initially working on the idea of ​​five midfielders and nine attacking players. With Chelsea’s youngster now looking unlikely, that structure could change completely.

The implications are already in place elsewhere in the squad plan.

The article points to Bournemouth’s Ryan emerging as an option on the right side of attack due to the possible absence of Estevao.

Meanwhile, Andre Santos is also facing uncertainty amid questions over his difficult season at Chelsea.

It is becoming impossible to avoid the injury battle

As we followed closelyAfter struggling with muscular problems earlier this year, the 19-year-old almost completely tore his hamstring. Chelsea saw surgery as the safest long-term route. Estevao and his crew chose conservative treatment, hoping to maintain a path to the tournament.

That route is now underway in Brazil, with the players using the facilities in Palmeiras while continuing to be monitored by Chelsea staff and their personal performance team. So technically, the door remains open.

However, realistically, Brazil is preparing to shut it down.

The calendar has become the biggest enemy. Ancelotti announced his final squad on 18 May. Brazil will open the tournament against Morocco on June 13. Even a quick recovery will leave almost no margin for proper reintegration.

what chelsea always wanted

Even through various means, Chelsea can see events happening The conclusion they always wanted.

The club never appeared comfortable with the idea of ​​bringing Estevao back from such a serious muscle injury so soon, especially given his age and recent history. It was his fifth absence of the season, including recurring muscle problems.

From Chelsea’s point of view, the World Cup is always hidden behind the bigger picture.

They have invested heavily in one of the brightest talents in Brazilian football. Maintaining his long-term physical condition is more important than forcing him to commit to any one tournament, even an important one like the World Cup.

Brazil, meanwhile, is slowly accepting that reality. Of course, hope is not entirely lost. But the conversation has clearly moved from optimism to contingency planning.

newcastle united Midfielder Bruno Guimarães has revealed he has spent two months out due to his injury analyzing xG and how he can improve his goalscoring tally.

GE Globo has an interview with the Brazilian today. He admits that he believes he is in a blessed period for scoring goals and intends to score more in the future.

newcastle return

Bruno Guimaraes returned to action for Newcastle on Saturday after a two-month absence. The 28-year-old player was out of action since February due to a hamstring injury.

This resulted in him spending 63 days on the treatment table and missing 12 games during that time. It was a blow to Eddie Howe’s team, who missed their captain dearly.

Guimaraes has again been a key player this season. But he has added another dimension to his game, goals. He has scored nine goals and five assists in 24 appearances in the Premier League this season. Morgan Gibbs-White is the only midfielder with more than 12.

This is his best goalscoring total in the Premier League so far, surpassing his previous best of seven in 2023/24. A better tally, according to the Newcastle midfielder, simply comes from taking more shots.

“The freedom I have to step into the box, attack and attack the ball inside the penalty area are things I have always loved to do, since my beginning at Athletico,” he said.

“Finally, I am more mature now, more experienced, and I know how to score runs more effectively. And, without a doubt, I am taking a lot more shots as well.

“I think the more shots you take, the better your chances of scoring goals – although I also think I’m in a “blessed moment” right now, I would say.”

XG numbers analyzed

The recent injury break may have been a blow, but it provided the Newcastle midfielder with ample opportunity to analyze his game.

This saw the Brazilian take a deep dip in his XG numbers. And when he did he discovered something interesting.

“Man, during that time I was sidelined, I actually took a look at my “expected goals” (xG) stats, and my expected goals figure was sitting at four. [per season]“He said.

“I have nine goals; the ball is connecting, and it’s going into the back of the net. So, you just have to keep shooting, no matter what.

“Even if there’s an unmarked teammate available, take the shot, because right now, it’s resulting in goals. The goals are flowing; I feel like I’m in a moment of divine inspiration.”

special goal vs burnley

The standout goal of this season was undoubtedly the striker’s header from a corner kick against Burnley.

That moment seemed to be of divine inspiration. But Bruno Guimaraes says it was actually part of a targeted plan by Newcastle.

“Of course, full credit for the execution of the kick goes to me,” he concluded.

“However, it was something we really worked on during the week; we noticed that Burnley were struggling quite a bit against direct balls into the box. So, I spent practically the whole week practicing hitting the ball towards goal, and it paid off beautifully.

“It was a brilliant strike, the most beautiful goal of my entire career. I’ve actually tried it a few more times since then, twice the ball hit the post, so who knows? Maybe there will be another one coming soon!”

burnley Forward Gian Fleming believes he should have already earned a place in the Netherlands squad due to his form this season.

Speaking to Voetbal InternationalThe 27-year-old Burnley forward admitted he is surprised he has not been contacted yet.

“I haven’t heard anything,” Fleming told VI when asked about a possible call-up. “If someone had come to see, I would not have paid any attention to it.

“My principle is always this: I demand from myself that I perform so well that a coach, or in this case a national coach, cannot ignore me. Obviously, this has not happened yet.”

He even set a personal goal for himself before the March international break.

“In my mind, I had to score eight goals to get into the team. When the selection was announced, I only had seven goals. The next day, I scored my eighth goal against Fulham. I thought, it’s too late.

“A few days later, Memphis Depay was out of the Dutch national team due to injury. So, by then I was already on eight, but they decided not to call a replacement. So, my assessment was wrong. It’s a real shame. I would have liked it.”

Premier League dominance

Gian Fleming believes so He is performing well in the Premier League Which ensures his selection.

While Burnley have struggled this season, and seem destined for decline, Fleming has eight goals in the competition this season.

Those are impressive numbers. In fact, he is the Dutchman’s best performer at the top level. Fleming also believes that he is proving himself even against the best players game after game.

He said, “Look at it in black and white: the Premier League is undoubtedly the best and toughest league in the world.”

“And there is no Dutch player who has scored more goals in it than me. I measure myself against the top players in every match; half of the Premier League will soon be at the World Cup. I feel ready for the Dutch national team.”

haven’t given up yet

With the World Cup approaching, convincing Netherlands boss Ronald Koen to include him now will be no mean feat.

Indeed, the failure to call up the Burnley striker during the international break is a clear indication that he is not in their plans right now. However, Fleming would not go down without a fight.

He concluded, “The fact that this is starting to become an issue at the age of 27 is remarkable in itself.”

“But you can leave a challenge for me. That’s what I enjoy. Maybe I’m a little crazy. The fact that I wasn’t called this time stirred something inside me. It’s less likely. But there’s still a chance. Then I’ll try my best for it.”

chelsea And Manchester City Get the boost to sign Ruud Nijstad from FC Twente in the summer.

The 18-year-old has attracted the attention of some European clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City.

Earlier this week, Sport Witness The Dutch press covered the claims. That Chelsea want to bring him to the Premier League.

The same report stated that the Blues planned to buy him and immediately send him back to Twente on loan. There was no mention of Manchester City.

The Eredivisie side promoted the centre-back to the first team in October and he has been a regular since then.

His league statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 16
• Start: 13
• Total minutes: 1,251
• Minutes per game: 78

Chelsea and Manchester City follow the player

Club World Cup winners and Pep Guardiola’s side Barcelona are also in the mix.

is according to espn nlThat reports Chelsea, Manchester City and La Liga sides are all showing interest in Ruud Nijstad.

ESPN NL also spoke with the Netherlands U19 international to get his thoughts on the interest from these clubs.

Responding to that he said: “I try to focus mainly on what I can influence and that is winning matches.”

At the same time, the Dutchman admits that these claims affect him and he will let his agent and family take care of his future.

“We’ll see at the end of the season. I’ve been able to stop it well and leave it to my parents and the management. I concentrate on football. Of course, it affects you, because it’s nice when a big club calls.” Nijstad explained.

The defender admitted that he would either sign an extension or change clubs after this season.

“I think it will either be extended or dropped,” He added.

Contract, price and agent information

Ruud Nijstad talks about the possibility of leaving Twente after this season as his contract expires in 2027. His growth this season has increased his value as Transfermarkt now value him at €8m.

Dutch agency Essel Sports Management is representing the defender. Agents Steinar Dietz and Bas Schotthorst, along with his family, will decide where the young player will play next season.

Just when Donyal Malen was enjoying life at Roma after leaving Aston Villa, Antonio Cassano arrives to throw cold water on the fire.

Forza Roma covered the comments from the Italian mouthpiece today. While everyone is celebrating Malene, predictably, she has a very different take on the situation.

For those who don’t know, Malen is shining at Roma at the moment. The 27-year-old joined them on loan from Aston Villa in mid-January. That loan includes an obligation for the summer transfer window.

Roma would be delighted if this happens, as he has been performing brilliantly in Serie A. To date, he has scored five goals in five matches for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, including two doubles in his last two matches.

rapid improvement

He has improved rapidly in his short tenure at Aston Villa, where he scored 10 goals and two assists in 46 games after joining for €25m in January last year.

The reaction in Italy has been nothing but positive. Sport Witness has covered this reaction extensively Comparison with Gianluca Vialli As for the comments of the striker himself.

Malen took a bit of a dig at Aston Villa by labeling Roma an “ambitious club”.

aston villa one level up

However, like rain on a picnic, Cassano wants to put a damper on things. According to him, Malen is flourishing only because Serie A is not as good as the Premier League.

He said, “Malen is an excellent player, but Serie A is five steps below the Premier League.”

“People who come to Italy from England make the difference. He was also a bench player at Borussia Dortmund.

Gasperini really likes him, and he’s found the right player; Roma did well to sign him. Malen is perfect for this type of football. Emery is one of the best coaches in the world, in England perhaps he was not at his level.”