JB

Mostly football related thoughts.

[JB @id_jb_]

Dream.

[𝟚𝟑𝟒𝟟𝕔 @emberettee]

So they always come in three 📝

[ArtButMakeItSports @ArtButSports]

Mephisto, by Joaquín Espalter y Rull, 1872, 📸 by Dan Mullan

[VERSUS @vsrsus]

Best brotherhood in football right now.

[Doug @DouglasAll]

acabei de ver Odisseia em uma sala comum e digo

[JB @id_jb_]

2 of these, please.

[D @1886D4VE]

. @Arsenal

[JB @id_jb_]

I guess this World Cup was just written.

What a legendary showdown.

[UNICEF @UNICEF]

Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.

More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.

Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.

The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential.

We are proud to have them on our team.

Credit: Joan Monfort

[JB @id_jb_]

@PolymarketHoops Kyrie
Klay
Dame
PG

[The Athletic | Football @TheAthleticFC]

Using in-house data, FIFA’s Football Performance Insights team have noticed a trend at this summer's World Cup.

Compared to previous editions, they have spotted that possessions including an off-ball run which targets the inside channels and the space in behind the opposition defence are leading to successful actions more frequently.

In other words, attacking the gap between the widest defender and the centre-back nearest to them with a forward run is increasingly valuable.

Compared to the previous World Cup four years ago, possession sequences that include such a movement in the 2026 tournament are leading to around 2.7 shots on goal per 30 minutes of ball-in-play time — an increase of around 34 per cent.

Those runs are effective because they cause tension in the opponents’ defence. Most often, that full-back will have their eye on a winger, while the centre-back on that side will be tracking the striker.

@ThomHarris_

🔗 https://t.co/aINEq8zJc0

[Goaldata - Arsenal Zone @ArsenalZNE]

I did research on French outfield players (that are part of the World Cup squad) with the most minutes.

Guess who had the most? William Saliba.

The last French players with the most mins heading into a WC were: Griezmann, Kante, L. Hernandez, and UMTITI.

If you recall, Umtiti workload that season was massive for a centerback.

Umtiti played 3,539 minutes compared to Saliba’s 4,048 👀

The doctors advised Umtiti to rest his knee during the World Cup but he refused and it ultimately caused severe cartilage degradation.

Umtiti was never the same defender after that World Cup campaign.

Very much like Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez and Kante suffered severe physical setbacks after that World Cup campaign.

After the World Cup, Hernandez suffered a series of knee injuries and eventually tore his ACL before the season ended.

I remember in the subsequent season Kante suffered a succession of hamstring, groin, and ankle injuries and missed 27 games for Chelsea.

There’s an obvious trend, so I’m just hoping the worst doesn’t await Saliba. 4,048 minutes is a lot for a defender heading into a World Cup campaign.

[JB @id_jb_]

Definitely content either way.

[Mo @MoArsenal86]

My choice: Kroupi, Barcola, Bruno G.

Club choice: Alvarez, Rogers, Bruno G.

I prefer the raw pace, 1v1 type of winger but the club are giving priority to a Trossard-type player in Rogers.

Tbf, personally I will be content either way. This is a top pool of players.

[JB @id_jb_]

I love this game.

[JB @id_jb_]

In terms of transfers, it's a bit presumptuous to assume we'll manage to sell Martinelli for £60m, and there's no guarantee Atlético would even entertain a swap deal for Gyökeres.

Overall, the fees for the incomings and outgoings are speculative and "best-case".

[JB @id_jb_]

Assuming Dowman's development is as expected, and with a potential Madueke sale, that could open up a spot for a "young, potentially world-class winger" signing.

A young CF will surely also be on the recruitment team's radar, especially with the long-term futures of 9erino (and maybe Havertz) to consider.

Ben White's time may be up too, so you'd imagine we'd be looking to replace him and, at the same time, strengthen our depth behind Saliba.

[JB @id_jb_]

Kepa staying is a bit stinky, but I haven't got a Scooby about realistic GK2 options, so we'll keep him in this scenario. We definitely need an upgrade and to future-proof the position sooner rather than later, though.

[JB @id_jb_]

Bouaddi as a "future 2027 transfer" with a loan back to Lille sadly isn't very realistic (City are criminals, and Lille will surely want the money this financial year), and prising Acheampong away from Chelsea may be a far cry too. But it's my dream, so whatever.

[JB @id_jb_]

Dream.

[JB @id_jb_]

Obviously, a lot would need to happen to pull this off, so this is by no means a highly probable or feasible outcome of this summer's transfer window. But hey, a man can dream.

A few clarifying points to add:

[JB @id_jb_]

The rotations and tech in this lineup, Jesus Christ.

As per @billycarpy, a lot of Orchestrator-Runner-Dribbler options. Sería hermoso.

Rogers, Alvarez, and Bruno G as pillar signings is some statement.

[Scott Willis 🏆 @scottjwillis]

Gabriel Martinelli - Open Play Shots percentile rankings over time compared to 'Big 5' wingers