Rangers reach agreement to sign Fabio Silva with Clement “crucial” to deal

Things can't get much better for Philippe Clement and Rangers. The Gers are in control of the Scottish Premiership title race and still unbeaten under their new boss, while also winning the Scottish League Cup. With the January transfer window swinging open in a matter of days too, Clement will have the opportunity to make his first mark on the side after taking a side built by Michael Beale back into title contention.

With that said, Rangers have now completed a deal for Clement's first arrival, with the Belgian "crucial" to the transfer. As the title race heats up, the deal could turn into a game-changer.

Rangers transfer news

The Scottish giants sit just five points adrift of Celtic with two games in hand, giving them a slight advantage over their Old Firm rivals. There was once a time when Rangers looked down and out in the race for the title under Beale, only for a swift managerial change to turn the tide in the Scottish Premiership. Now those at Ibrox have the opportunity to improve even further and are on course to land a Premier League gem as Clement's first addition.

Fabrizio Romano said on Thursday afternoon that Rangers had reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Fabio Silva on loan until the end of the season. Clement was reportedly "crucial" to getting the deal over the line when the new year arrives, and a deal has now been confirmed.

After struggling at Wolves, Silva has the opportunity to finally get back on track in Scotland and potentially even decide the title race between Rangers and Celtic. Whilst there is no buy option included in the loan deal, Rangers may reap the rewards of Silva's potential for the rest of the current campaign.

"Unique" Silva can get back on track at Rangers

Silva's price tag was initially as high as £35m when he joined Wolves in a big-money deal. The 21-year-old now finds himself heading out on loan, however, after struggling to make an impact in the Midlands. Silva's stats highlight his struggles, with just five goals and six assists in 72 appearances whilst at Wolves. Clement could help Silva to finally find his feet in senior football though, handing Wolves a future advantage and Rangers a present one in pursuit of the title.

Wolves striker Fabio Silva.

Previously praising Silva, Nuno Espirito Santo said via FourFourTwo: “I cannot compare because it is a mistake to compare players. Each player has their own individual characteristics. They are totally different. What I can tell you and that I’m sure of, Fabio is a huge talent, pure talent. We have to help him develop that talent. The priority is to integrate him into the idea of the team and then that allows players to develop. It would be a mistake to compare Fabio to any other player because he is unique. The way we see it is, let give him all the details so he can become better.”

Mark Wood called up for England's Caribbean tour as replacement for Olly Stone

Mark Wood has been called into the England Test squad as a replacement for Olly Stone.Wood, who played the last of his 12 Tests in May, recently impressed with his pace and fitness on the Lions tour to the UAE where he played in all three formats of the game. He is expected to arrive in Barbados this weekend.Stone, meanwhile, will return to England on Friday having been diagnosed with a stress fracture in the lower back.”I am really pleased to get the call and I do feel for Olly in these circumstances,” said Wood. “I am excited to be joining up with a team that’s flying at the minute. The lads, under Rooty [Joe Root], showed what they are capable of. They are in a great place going into the West Indies tour and hopefully a successful 2019.”Given his role in England’s ODI side, there might have been a temptation to rest Wood with a view to saving him for the World Cup. But he has made no secret of his continuing Test aspirations and has been preferred ahead of less experienced candidates such as Jamie Porter and Jamie Overton.While Wood’s Test record is modest – he has a bowling average of 41.73 – the England management feel his pace can prove an asset on flat pitches. And while that pace has not always lived up to its billing, the selectors feel he is currently fit enough to fulfil his potential.”I have put a lot of work into my game when I was away with Lions in the UAE during November and December and I took on board what the coaches were looking for while I was there,” he said. “We discussed the way I trained, being more efficient with my preparation and having a positive mindset.”I am enjoying myself and having fun with the game again. I am very clear about where I am at and I have a lot of clarity.”My body is good to go. I left the tour of the UAE in a really good place physically. I have had a clear thought process and mentally I feel fresh and excited to continue to improve on things I started with the Lions and play with a smile on my face.”The recall completes a happy few weeks for Wood, who got married in Northumberland in December, and had been on honeymoon in Paris prior to his unexpected call-up.”To hear from National Selector Ed Smith was a surprise but very satisfying,” he said. “It has been a very happy time for me and the family.”

مبابي يعلق على أول أهدافه وبطولاته مع ريال مدريد.. وإمكانية تسجيل 50 هدفًا

علّق الفرنسي كيليان مبابي مهاجم ريال مدريد الإسباني، على ظهوره الأول الرسمي بقميص الفريق والتتويج بلقب السوبر الأوروبي.

وسجل مبابي في فوز ريال مدريد بثنائية أمام أتالانتا ليقود فريقه للقب كأس السوبر الأوروبي، وهو الهدف الأول واللقب الأول له مع الملكي.

وقال مبابي في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “ليلة رائعة، لقد كنت أنتظر هذه اللحظة لفترة طويلة، اللعب بهذا القميص، بهذا الشعار، من أجل هؤلاء المشجعين.. أنا سعيد جدًا”.

وأضاف: “الهدف مهم، أنا مهاجم لكنني أردت حقًا اللعب في هذا الفريق الذي يجب أن نفوز فيه دائمًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رجل مباراة ريال مدريد وأتالانتا في كأس السوبر الأوروبي

وعن مشاعره، استطرد: “أنا سعيد جدًا، لدينا الأفضل في جميع المراكز، ولا يزال يتعين علينا التحسن، أنا أول من سيتحسن”.

وبشأن إمكانية تسجيل 50 هدفًا هذا الموسم، أكد: “نحن ريال مدريد، لا يهم أن أسجل خمسين هدفًا، إذا كان بإمكاني تسجيل خمسين.. حسنًا خمسين، علينا الفوز، نريد المزيد دائمًا”.

Clement could replace Sima with Rangers academy star who Danilo would love

Glasgow Rangers have been in formidable form under Philippe Clement since he took charge in mid-October, winning six and drawing two of his first eight matches in charge, thus heralding a new era at the club.

It has been a remarkable turnaround, especially from where the Gers were just a few weeks ago under Michael Beale, and the Belgian will be hoping to salvage something from a season which looked all but over last month.

With a League Cup final to look forward to, plus the chance of securing European football beyond Christmas, there is no doubt the incentives are there for the players. The question now is, can they take them?

The results have been good, and the performances have also been a lot better under Clement than what they were under the previous regime and, over time, his style of play will rub off on the players.

Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.

Another key aspect during the early stages of the Belgian’s reign is the fact he does not shy away from utilising youth talent.

Ross McCausland has forced his way into the senior side of late and has even been rewarded with a new and improved contract.

The Northern Irishman won't be the last to make a breakthrough under the former Club Brugge boss, especially when there are talents such as Zak Lovelace showing maturity way beyond his tender years.

Zak Lovelace’s youth statistics

The 17-year-old first came to prominence during his spell at Millwall and became their second youngest player ever when he emerged from the bench against Coventry back in 2021 aged just 15, and he went on to make another four appearances for the side.

This clearly impressed Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who swooped in and brought him to Ibrox last summer, and it is already looking like a wonderful piece of business.

Rangers forward Zak Lovelace.

He was praised by former sporting director Ross Wilson on his arrival, who said: “We are delighted to welcome Zak to Rangers. He is an exciting young player and one we are sure will progress here.

“He has developed really well with the staff at Millwall and we can see lots of potential in him.”

This potential has seen the teenager make four appearances for the senior side having impressed for the B team. A return of 19 goals and ten assists across 38 academy matches is enough for any manager to sit up and take notice and Beale even gave him a cameo in the final Old Firm clash of last season.

He was given his first start for the club in October and, while the youngster was taken off due to injury, it was a promising display which showed plenty of grit and heart.

Clement could perhaps utilise him when he recovers from the hamstring injury sustained against St Mirren, especially with Abdallah Sima only on a loan deal.

Abdallah Sima’s season in numbers

The temporary signing of the Senegalese winger was certainly one of the better summer signings Beale managed to pull off, and it is a pity he will only be at Ibrox for one season.

According to Football Insider, however, the Light Blues are exploring a potential permanent move for the youngster in the coming weeks – although they face stiff competition from a host of clubs.

The report states that there are some unnamed European clubs after his signature too and, despite his promising start, the Gers could miss out on him.

In 23 matches this season, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals while grabbing an assist and has certainly made the left-wing spot his own.

The winger even ranks second across the whole squad for goals and assists in the Premiership (six) while also ranking third for shots per game (2.8) and second for successful dribbles per match (1.8), clearly proving to be one of the finest attacking players in the current first team.

Clement must avoid Rangers swoop for £9m-rated "wizard", he'd be Boyd 2.0

Clement must avoid making a mistake in the transfer window

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 24, 2023

His pace and eye for goal have been big assets for the Gers so far, and they will be missed should a permanent deal not be struck with Brighton.

In Lovelace, however, Clement has a youngster who could not only take over from Sima in the long term, but also work well with the current players in the squad – with Danilo one asset who would simply love him.

Lovelace and Danilo could be deadly

The Brazilian striker cost the club a staggering £6m when joining from Feyenoord in the summer, and a player worth that much, especially in Scotland, needs to hit the ground running.

He did manage to score twice during his first five matches for the club, yet he started only three of these and there were question marks surrounding whether Beale knew how to utilise him properly.

4

1

1

1

1.5

1

108 minutes

101 minutes

0.9

0

The striker had scored 14 goals during the 2022/23 season for the Dutch side and clearly had a keen eye for goal, yet the former QPR manager failed to really give him a proper chance in the starting XI.

This has changed under Clement, however, with Danilo starting four of his eight matches in charge and this number surely would have been higher had he not been recovering from a fractured cheekbone when the Belgian took over.

The 49-year-old has clearly restored some confidence in Danilo as the forward has scored three goals and grabbed four assists, indicating that he is enjoying his football a lot more now.

Danilo

Lovelace would be a wonderful partner for him on the left wing, using his pace and creativity to get into dangerous areas, from which he could supply Danilo with countless chances during matches.

Of course, the 17-year-old still has plenty to learn and is developing all the time, but he could be a wonderful asset for Clement to have in the first-team squad.

Danilo has shown how quickly he has adapted to a suitable style of play and Lovelace would also thrive under the Belgian, as his tactical system gives his attacking players the freedom that Beale didn’t afford his players during his dismal reign.

While the club won't see the former Millwall starlet for another couple of months, he is a player who could save Clement some money, especially if Sima has to return to his parent club at the end of his loan spell.

Reliable journalist shares Webber to Rangers update contrary to reports

Following the disappointing tenure of Michael Beale, Rangers have had to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and start a new era under former AS Monaco boss Philippe Clement. So far, the Belgian has proven his expertise by remaining unbeaten in his opening four games in charge, which included a 4-0 victory over Hibernian and a 5-0 thrashing of Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

Whilst things begin to fall into place on the pitch, though, Rangers are still seeking deals to calm the chaos away from Ibrox. Adding to their woes, reports linking the Gers with one particular off-field appointment have since been denied by Mark Hendry of Football Scotland.

Rangers sporting director update

Rangers have been actively searching for a new sporting director this season without enjoying great success. They were briefly linked with a move for Brighton & Hove Albion head of recruitment Sam Jewell, but failed to convince the Seagulls man to leave the Premier League side, who are in the middle of their most successful period in the club's history.

With the January transfer window approaching, the Scottish giants must solve their problem as soon as possible. The last thing they'll want is to head into another window without a leading man, who could help them avoid repeating deals for struggling players. The good news doesn't look likely to come anytime soon, however, with reports suggesting that Stuart Webber is on the Gers' wanted list quickly shut down.

According to Football Scotland's Hendry, Webber will not become the Rangers sporting director and there is currently no interest from the Gers. Instead, the Norwich City recruitment chief has been linked with a move to become Leeds United's head of recruitment, as he edges closer to a Carrow Road exit. The report puts the Scottish side back to square one in the hunt to finally land a sporting director.

Why Rangers need a sporting director

Former Monaco boss Philippe Clement.

Rangers proved exactly why they need a sporting director during the summer transfer window, with a number of arrivals simply yet to show any signs of working out to leave Clement plenty of problems to solve. A sporting director would have, in theory, put together a far wiser transfer plan. We've seen how clubs such as Liverpool and Brighton have benefitted from the likes of Michael Edwards and Dan Ashworth, who is now enjoying even greater success at Newcastle United. So, why shouldn't Rangers follow the lead of such clubs?

Already five points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season, Rangers cannot afford to get things wrong yet again in the January transfer window – their winter reinforcements could make or break their campaign. Clement's start has shown plenty of promise and it looks increasingly likely that those at Ibrox have potentially got their next impressive manager. But he must receive backing and the right players for his system.

As January approaches, it's up to Clement to maintain his side's recent form on the pitch and hand those away from Ibrox more time to finally land a sporting director in the coming months of the campaign.

Botafogo é condenado a indenizar Gilson em meio milhão de reais

MatériaMais Notícias

Em dificuldades financeiras, o Botafogo teve uma notícia ruim neste sentido. Saiu, nesta segunda-feira, uma sentença positiva a Gilson, atualmente no Botafogo-SP, que ganhou na Justiça o direito de receber R$490.847,75. Cabe recurso para o clube de General Severiano.

> Confira a tabela do Brasileirão

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O lateral-esquerdo cobra os salários de novembro e dezembro de 2019, 13º da temporada passada, FGTS e férias como dívidas que o Botafogo estava lhe devendo. A notícia foi informada primeiramente pelo portal “Fogo na Rede” e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

O departamento jurídico do Botafogo já protocolou um pedido de apelo contra a dívida e espera uma análise e, consequentemente, nova resposta vinda da Justiça.

Gilson atuou pelo Alvinegro entre 2017 e 2019. Ao todo, o lateral-esquerdo disputou 100 partidas com a camisa preta e branca.

تشكيل الأرجنتين أمام كولومبيا في نهائي كوبا أمريكا 2024.. ميسي أساسيًا

كشف ليونيل سكالوني، المدير الفني لمنتخب الأرجنتين، عن تشكيل اللاعبين لمباراة كولومبيا، في منافسات بطولة كوبا أمريكا 2024.

ويواجه منتخب الأرجنتين نظيره الكولومبي، في إطار نهائي بطولة كوبا أمريكا في تمام الساعة الثالثة فجراً بتوقيت “القاهرة”، على ملعب “صن لايف”.

وتأهل المنتخب الأرجنتيني إلى نهائي بطولة كوبا أمريكا وذلك عقب فوزه أمام كندا في نصف النهائي بنتيجة 2/0.

بينما تأهل منتخب كولومبيا إلى الدور ذاته بعد فوزه على منتخب أوروجواي بهدف مقابل لاشئ.

اقرأ ايضاً.. القواعد توضح موقف مباراة الأرجنتين وكولومبيا حال انتهاء الوقت الأصلي بالتعادل

ويشارك ليونيل ميسي أساسياً، في تشكيل منتخب الأرجنتين أمام كولومبيا اليوم في منافسات كوبا أمريكا. تشكيل الأرجنتين أمام كولومبيا في نهائي كوبا أمريكا 2024

حراسة المرمى:  إيمليانو مارتينيز.

خط الدفاع: ليساندرو مارتينيز، جونزالو مونتييل، كريستيان روميرو، نيكولاس تاجليافيكو.

خط الوسط: دي باول، أليكسيس ماك أليستر، إنزو فيرنانديز.

خط الهجوم: ليونيل ميسي، خوليان ألفاريز، أنخيل دي ماريا. بدلاء الأرجنتين أمام كولومبيا في نهائي كوبا أمريكا 2024

فرانكو أرماني، كوارتا، أكونيا، رولي، نيكولاس جونزاليس، جايدو رودريجيز، كاربوني، مولينا، بالاسيوس، لو سيلسو، لياندرو باريديس، جارناتشو، لاوتارو مارتينيز، أوتامندي، جيرمان بيزيلا.

Spurs: Ange could unearth "excellent" John Stones clone from the academy

Tottenham Hotspur’s youth production has been largely rather prolific in recent years, with Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership providing the perfect atmosphere for the next generation of stars to emerge.

His work in developing Dele Alli and Harry Kane into two of the Premier League’s, and the world’s finest talents for a period, was nothing short of exemplary. The Argentine will hope to replicate such success at Chelsea now, given the exceptionally youthful squad he has inherited in west London.

It is now Ange Postecoglou tasked with ushering in the Lilywhites Academy’s next crop of budding superstars, with the feel-good factor fostered by the affable Australian having already gone a long way towards cultivating the perfect environment for success.

Any youngsters in England would likely love to be in north London right now, as they miraculously sit atop the Premier League table, level with rivals Arsenal after eight games.

Such a situation was unthinkable after Antonio Conte’s dismissal and the subsequent embarrassment that followed, so it is worth noting just how impressive the 58-year-old tactician has proven to be.

Within his academy, he actually boasts what many might describe as a golden generation of sorts, with quality all over the pitch. Strikers such as Troy Parrott, Dane Scarlett, Jamie Donley and Alejo Veliz suggest that the future of goalscoring is in good hands, whilst the likes of Alfie Devine and Yago Santiago boast the creativity to supplement them.

However, for the U21s, all of this talent is governed by their captain and defensive stalwart, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.

Who is Brooklyn Lyons-Foster?

Having spent his entire career within N17, despite failing to make a single senior appearance, the 22-year-old remains a highly rated and clearly well-respected member of the academy setup who still has every chance of making a late push for the first team.

After all, his versatility makes him unique, and someone that could be of massive use to Postecoglou. Even Spurs’ official website seeks to detail this, noting: “Indeed, although right-footed, Brooklyn can play either as a centre-back, left-back, right-back or midfielder.”

Such an ability to shift into midfield and the full-back spots arguably showcases his impressive proficiency on the ball, with the ability to not only command a backline with immense solidity and leadership, but also act as a steady metronome.

Academy expert Lennon Branagan would help to emphasise such a notion, highlighting only in August: “Another great game in midfield for the excellent Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Spurs were much the better team.”

Starting five of their opening six Premier League 2 games in the new term, the youngster seems set to enjoy another year of immense responsibility in seemingly any position he is needed.

What is Brooklyn Lyons-Foster's style of play?

Although the report comes from 2018, SuperHotspur actually details the assets that make Lyons-Foster so revered, which he is sure to have honed in the five years since: “Possessing all the raw attributes a centre half needs, Brooklyn is a player who loves to play it out from the back.

Sol Campbell

503

Peter Crouch

467

Luke Young

378

Stephen Carr

377

Nick Barmby

343

All stats via Transfermarkt

“Taking on opposition players in the process he is often seen pinging lovely forward passes. Whilst there is that Stonesesque aspect of his game, there is also a decisiveness which none of our other young defenders possess.”

That niche quality outlined is in reference to Manchester City’s John Stones, who too boasts immaculate ball-playing skills whilst also moving from centre-back to midfield with frequency.

Perhaps, with a little nourishment, Postecoglou could soon be set to unearth his own version of Pep Guardiola’s sensational defensive maestro.

What is John Stones' style of play?

Enjoying what will be his eighth full year at the Etihad since joining for £47.5m, it marked a huge show of faith to spend so heavily on the young stalwart.

However, under the tutelage of the legendary Spanish manager, he has grown into one of the division’s finest in his role, even reinventing a position and helping his side win an unprecedented treble of trophies in 2022/23.

nico-elvedi-john-stones-everton-transfer-premier-league

It is when compared to other centre-backs across Europe that the 29-year-old truly shines, as he sits in the top 9% for non-penalty goals per 90, the top 7% for pass completion percentage per 90, the top 8% for progressive carries and successful take ons per 90, and the top 1% for progressive passes received per 90, via FBref.

There are few on the planet as adept in possession as the former Everton man, who seemingly loves to create just as much as he does to defend.

Guardiola would laud the adaptability of his 6 foot 2 ace back in April: “At the same time, it’s a new position for him and he has to be able all the time to concentrate more than when you play as a central defender or other positions.

“When you see the game from behind it’s completely different to when you play in the middle and are surrounded. Some movement and patterns are a little bit more difficult that’s why I appreciate a lot what he has done.”

Fortunately for Postecoglou, Lyons-Foster is already well-versed in operating within that crowded environment mentioned and were he to be trialled in a similar role it could prove extremely profitable almost instantly.

Stones’ technical prowess was further praised by Jamie Carragher, who outlined the new hybrid role he was engineering: “John Stones’s performances since the World Cup in that hybrid role for Man City have been outstanding, we have spoke for years about England having a centre back who can step into midfield & dictate the game. That’s what he did tonight, will Southgate do the same”.

With the new age of centre-backs arguably underpinned by the 67-cap ace, as Barcelona great Gerard Pique noted, every club will now be scampering to secure their own version of Stones.

However, Spurs are seemingly already blessed with a man boasting all the qualities to emulate the master, should Lyons-Foster be given his chance.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا اليوم في يورو 2024.. والمعلق

يلتقي منتخب بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا مساء اليوم الأثنين، في منافسات بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024.

ويواجه منتخب بلجيكا مع نظيره سلوفاكيا، بملعب “دوتش بانك بارك”، حيث يلتقي المنتخبان بالجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات عن منافسات المجموعة الخامسة.

ويتواجد منتخب بلجيكا في المجموعة الخامسة ضمن منافسات يورو 2024 بجانب كل من، رومانيا وأوكرانيا، بالإضافة إلى سلوفاكيا. موعد مباراة بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا في يورو 2024

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، والمملكة العربية السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا في يورو 2024

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN sports Max 1. معلق مباراة بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا في يورو 2024

سيعلق عصام الشوالي على أحداث المباراة عبر قناة beIN Sports Max 1

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

West Ham have biggest talent since Declan Rice in 6ft academy star

West Ham United endured a tumultuous summer transfer window but appear to have emerged with a squad fit for purpose under David Moyes' tutelage.

The Hammers triumphed in the Europa Conference League last season to bathe east London in glory, but failed to live up to expectations in the Premier League and finished 14th – with improved form in the latter phase of the campaign saving the squad from the threat of relegation.

Securing that slice of silverware has transformed the 2023/24 season's narrative, however, with West Ham now awaiting the group phase of the Europa League in a continuation of the meteoric rise under their Scottish manager's tutelage.

west-ham-david-moyes

Despite the anticipated £105m sale of midfield general Declan Rice to Arsenal in July and the slow start to the bolstering of the squad during the transfer window, stability appears to have been reinstated and the Irons are now in a position of real strength.

Who did West Ham sign this summer?

Losing Rice was a poignant moment for all affiliated with West Ham, but one that was expected following the rising rumours of his inevitable departure over the past year.

Once the England international did depart, Moyes and co had the perfect opportunity to make astute additions to the squad ahead of a third successive European campaign, and it looks to be mission accomplished so far, with the signings gelling nicely and West Ham currently boasting ten points from a possible 12 in the Premier League.

Mohammed Kudus

£37m

Edson Alvarez

£32m

James Ward-Prowse

£30m

Konstantinos Mavropanos

£17m

Andy Irving

£1.5m

All stats sourced via Transfermarkt

Despite speculation over a possible incoming in the centre-forward department, the Hammers decided to remain with their current options, instead bolstering across the midfield and defence, spreading Rice's transfer fee across numerous exciting acquisitions.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike, Folarin Balogun, Dominic Solanke and Kelechi Iheanacho were among the range of forwards eyed for transfer in August, and while Moyes covets a new first-class striker, there are options aplenty at the London Stadium.

While Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are the obvious focal frontmen to spearhead the seasonal charge, the club are currently nurturing a homegrown talent, dare we say the next Rice, to the fore in Divin Mubama, who looks a promising prospect and is touted for a big role this year.

Who is Divin Mubama?

Having been hailed as one of the club's “top talents” by writer Will Lebeau following his breakthrough into first-team contention last season, Mubama now looks set for a role among the West Ham first-team with regularity after impressing throughout the east London side's youth ranks.

Indeed, the 18-year-old prodigy has been as clinical as they come at youth level, posting 40 goals and five assists from 57 outings for the U18 side before bagging 14 goals and two assists from 28 outings with the U21s.

The bustling 6-foot forward rose to prominence with two impressive performances on the continental stage last term, bagging an assist on his European debut against FCSB in a 3-0 group stage victory before coming off the bench to plunder his maiden goal at senior level in a 4-0 last 16 victory over AEK Larnaca.

There were many coloured impressed by such a blistering start to life on the major stage, with journalist Josh Bunting among those to wax lyrical following his contribution in a pivotal match.

Bunting said: ”Divin Mubama with his first West Ham senior goal. Has been flying for the youth teams this season but he has a massive future ahead of him. Is quick to adapt into different play styles. Not just a goal-scorer but has that link up play. Protects the ball very smartly for his age.”

Divin-Mubama-West-Ham-United

If there were any doubts regarding the precocious youngster's talents, concerns were eradicated after a brilliant pre-season in the thick of the first-team action, scoring three goals from four matches and handing Moyes a welcome quandary when assessing his forward plans for the forthcoming campaign.

With the 2023/24 campaign now up and running, Mubama has earned a place on the bench across all four of his Premier League club's outings, though is yet to earn his first minutes on the pitch; regardless, this is a testament to the trust placed in his age-belying talents.

Could Divin Mubama replace Michail Antonio?

As one player steps up to the plate, another approaches the twilight phase of their impressive career in West Ham colours.

Antonio's contract at the London Stadium is up for expiry at the end of the term, albeit with an option to extend for an additional year, and Moyes may well have found the perfect heir for the 33-year-old striker in Mubama, a talent who is showing promising signs of following in Rice's footsteps; plucked form the academy and ready for senior action.

Signed from Nottingham Forest for around £7m in 2015, the Jamaica international has been a stalwart for his club and has been praised for being "absolute fire" by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, having forged 280 displays, scoring 77 goals and supplying 43 assists.

West Ham striker Michail Antonio.

Instrumental in securing the Hammers their first major honour last year since gleaning the FA Cup in 1980, Antonio plundered six goals and supplied two assists in the Conference League, including goals across each knockout stage leading up to the triumphant final against Serie A side Fiorentina.

It's a good thing that Mubama has displayed early signs of thriving on the European stage, with the teenage talent's own performances during the tournament illuminating his big game potential.

Having indeed been touted for a 'massive future' by Bunting, Mubama will continue to grow into his skin this season, earning opportunities to impress and using his promising progress from last year as a launchpad for an auspicious career.

Antonio, who scored 14 times across all competitions last term, remains a solid option up front and has shown little sign of rustiness across West Ham's return from the summer break, bagging against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion.

It's early days, but the Irons might just have the biggest talent since Rice on their hands in Mubama, who could lead the line at the London Stadium for years to come.

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