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      Barcelona vs Inter Milan LIVE RESULT: Raphinha’s screamer sees thrilling six-goal Champions League semi-final end level

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      BARCELONA and Inter Milan’s scintillating Champions League semi-final first leg has come to an end – and it was one for the history books!Marcus Thuram scored with an audacious flick inside THIRTY SECONDS before Denzel Dumfries followed up with a spectacular bicycle kick a little over twenty minutes later.Lamine Yamal scored a solo strike to make it 2-1, and then Ferran Torres temporarily levelled the scoreline.Dumfries then popped up with his second goal of the night to restore Inter’s lead, but a minute later, Raphina fired one in from long range, which rattled the bar before deflecting in off Yann Sommer.RESULT: Barcelona 3-3 InterLive stream: Discovery+TV channel: TNT Sports 1Barcelona starting XI: Scczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; FerranInter starting XI: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitarayan, Dimarco; Martinez, ThuramBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from Estadi Olimpic with our live blog below…Inzaghi impressed by generational talentSimone Inzaghi believes Lamine Yamal is the kind of footballer that comes along once in a generation.Speaking after his side’s 3-3 draw at Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, the Inter coach admitted he was impressed after seeing the 17-year-old perform in person.However, Inzaghi also revealed he was delighted with how his players responded to the task of tracking the teenager, and hopes for more of the same in the second leg.At half-time, we changed a little. We had to mark Lamine Yamal even better – that guy really impacted on me tonight. He really did. So we wanted to play and press much higher up the pitch. My guys didn’t have much rest after the Roma game, but they gave everything and impressed me. Lamine is the kind of talent that comes along every 50 years, and to see him up close really impressed me. I’m really enthusiastic about what my lads did. They worked really hard against him, doubling and tripling up on himSimone InzaghiTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedBarca face ‘final before final’According to Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, Barcelona will have to win two finals to be crowned European champions.The German tactician was proud of how his side fought back after a slow start at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, but knows a huge test awaits them in Milan next Tuesday.We didn’t start well tonight, but we got right back into the match. The second half was spectacular. There’s one leg of this tie left and we have to win it. I think this qualifies for that description of the ‘final before the final!Hansi FlickTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedRaphinha revelling on the biggest stageWhile Lamine Yamal stole the headlines, it was another excellent evening for Raphinha.The former Leeds ace forced Barcelona’s third goal with a stunning strike that eventually went in off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.The Brazilian also set up Ferran Torres for the second, an assist that took his goal involvements in this season’s Champions League to 20 (12 goals and 8 assists)It means only Cristiano Ronaldo (17 goals and 4 assists in 2013-14) has registered more goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign.Meanwhile, only Luís Figo (9 in 1999-00) has provided more assists in a single season in the competition than Raphinha’s eight this term.Copy linkCopiedMkhitaryan: We couldn’t stop YamalInter star Henrikh Mkhitaryan admitted that he and his teammates struggled to cope with 17-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal.The Spanish teenager came to the fore with Barcelona 2-0 down and dragged his side back into the tie.And afterwards, former United midfielder Mkhitaryan spoke in glowing terms of the winger, but added that the Italian outfit were determined not to allow him so much space in the return. The whole world can see what a good footballer he is. He’s a player who shines. We tried to stop him, but that was so difficult because he’s got great talent. I hope we don’t let him play this much next week.Henrikh MkhitaryanTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedYoung Yamal in good companyBarca superstar Lamine Yamal became just the second teenager to score in the last 16, quarter-final and semi-final within a single Champions League campaign.The other? A certain Kylian Mbappe for Monaco in 2016-17.Copy linkCopiedFast off the MarcMarcus Thuram’s audacious opener after exactly 30 seconds was the second earliest goal Internazionale have ever scored in a Champions League tie, after Dejan Stankovic’s equally flamboyant strike against Schalke in April 2011 (26 seconds).It was also the second earliest goal Barcelona have conceded from the start of a game in the competition after Alexandre Pato’s strike for Milan in September 2011 (24 seconds).Copy linkCopiedYamal lights up Champions LeagueAt 17 years and 291 days, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal became the youngest ever scorer in a Champions League semi-final, a record previously held by Kylian Mbappw (18y 140d).Tonight was also Yamal’s 100th appearance for Barcelona across all competitions with only Jules Koundé (107) and Robert Lewandowski (104) having played more games for the club since the Spaniard’s debut in April 2023.Copy linkCopiedMatch Stats from Estadi Olímpic Lluís CompanysAnd so ends the joint-highest scoring Champions League semi-final game, ranking alongside a 3-3 draw between Dynamo Kyiv and Bayern Munich in the first leg of their clash in 1998-99.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Barcelona 3-3 InterThere’s your answer.An incredible night of football comes to a close, but it’s all set up for more of the same in Milan next Tuesday.This crazy, chaotic evening of Champions League football was full of sublime skill, wonder goals and shambolic defending.Inter led 2-0 and then 3-2, but Barca fought back on each occasion to ensure a memorable contest ended all square.Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal starred for the hosts, while Denzil Dumfries picked up the Man of the Match award with two goals and an assist.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter90. Three minutes of stoppage time are signalled just as Raphinha unleashes another belter from long range.Sommer tips this one over for a corner, and as Barca’s brilliant Brazilian rushes over to take it, he urges the crowd for one last push.Can they find a winner? Or will Inter stick it out?Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter89. It’s a late charge from Barcelona!Inter have every player behind the ball as the Spanish giants move it left and right in an attempt to make space.The Serie A side are sticking to the task though, and will be delighted if they can see these final minutes through.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter87. Off the crossbar!Yamal also steers Barca in front for the first time with an audacious chip, an effort that catches out opponents, fans and commentators alike.The lift on the run is so delicate that Sommer doesn’t even move as it rises up and over him, and back off the woodwork.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter84. Barcelona have only ever won once away at Inter Milan, and that was back in 1959.If they want to take a lead with them to Italy, then they will need to find another goal in these remaining minutes.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter82. One of La Masia’s golden generation replaces another as Gavi comes on to take over from Pedri.Also for Barca is former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, and he takes over from Pau Cubarsí.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter80. Inside the final ten minutes of what has been an extraordinary night in Spain.Two of Inter’s stars – Marcus Thuram and Denzil Dumfries – will play no further part this evening, and it’s time for Piotr Zielinski and Matteo Darmian to play their role from the bench.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter77. Yamal teases Barella into conceding a free-kick 22 yards out, and this is very much in Raphinha range.The Brazilian immediately takes charge of the set-piece, and who can blame him given his form this season?His left-foot effort around the wall is sweet enough, but Sommer uses all of his experience to comfortably deal with it.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter74. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has the ball in the back of the net for a fourth Inter goal……but it’s not going to count.The offside flag was immediately up as soon as the Armenian had swept in a terrific Dumfries cross, but it seems a lot closer than everyone initially thinks.In fact, replays show it’s incredibly close.Eventually, the offside call is upheld, but trust me, there was barely anything in it.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter72. Cubarsi picks up a yellow card for a shirt pull on Taremi.Again, considering the high line that the hosts operate with, you wouldn’t want to be a Barcelona defender on a booking.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter70. A brilliant recovery challenge from Pau Cubarsi denies Thuram a strike on goal.Mind you, it was only some careless defending from the Spaniard and Barcelona’s ridiculous high line that let the Inter striker through in the first place.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter67. What happens next in this tie?!Whatever does occur, it won’t involve Dani Olmo, who has now been replaced by Fermin Lopez.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter65. What a belter from Raphinha!Seconds after falling behind, Barca hit back through a corner of their own – and this one has a lot more finesse about it.Dani Olmo pulls back the dead ball towards the edge of the penalty area, Lamine Yamal lets it run through his legs, and Raphinha races on to it to smash.The shot arrows through the air from 25 yards out, crashes against the crossbar, and ricochets into the net off the back of Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.It will go down as an own goal, but owes so much to a stunning strike from the former Leeds man.Copy linkCopiedLevel again!Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-3 Inter65. This game is absurd. Absolutely ridiculous. Daft as anything I’ve seen in a while.And I coach an Under 6s team on Saturday mornings.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-3 Inter63. Well, well, well! Inter Milan are back in front!This one lacks the flair of the first two, but is every bit as important.Hakan Calhanoglu swings over a corner from the right, and Denzil Dumfries gets up to nod in without much of a challenge.The Dutchman’s header comes off the shoulder of Dani Olmo, and that probably helps it to find the target.Internazionale have struck three times in Barcelona!Copy linkCopiedDouble for Denzil!Copy linkCopied More

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      Barcelona 3 Inter Milan 3: Electric Yamal, Raphinha and Dumfries have fans on edge of seats in ‘game of the season’

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      LAMINE YAMAL will have to accept these Lionel Messi comparisons soon. The 17-year-old star lit up his first Champions League semi-final as his superb spell diverted Barcelona from disaster — before a Raphinha rocket, in off Yann Sommer, saved them again. Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a Champions League thriller in SpainCredit: GettyThe first leg of their Champions League semi-final ended 3-3Credit: ReutersAll this from Yamal just a few hours after he rejected similarities with his fellow graduate of the club’s La Masia academy. Hansi Flick’s men would have been travelling to the San Siro next Tuesday in need of a miracle without this little genius. After the torment of conceding the earliest semi-final goal in Champions League history, then shipping another, Yamal dragged his side back into contention.  All that after Barcelona’s biggest concern at kick-off being how long he might last.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teenager walked out of the warm-up early appearing to have felt something in his thigh.Very quickly the hosts had a lot more to worry about as Marcus Thuram dealt a sucker punch after just 30 seconds, with the most delicate of touches.Nico Barella collected a poor Jules Kounde clearance and fed Denzel Dumfries, whose cross fell perfectly for Thuram to apply an inspirational touch and make some history.The start went from bad to worse for Barca as Dumfries then took centre stage.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFrancesco Acerbi nodded goalward from a corner, where Dumfries twisted and fired in a bicycle kick as Pedri ducked out of the way.Inter had stunned their hosts with two goals worth of the Spanish club’s greatest magicians.Moment raging Ansu Fati kicks cooler and stairs in meltdown after Barcelona sub is made to warm up then sit back downBut they would end up being a footnote – thanks to the latest Barcelona maestro.Yamal wanted to mark his 100th game in style and did not disappoint.A new haircut caught the eye in the Copa del Rey on Saturday, but his feet did all the dazzling here.With the hosts shell-shocked, one kid – not old enough to drink, smoke, drive or vote – stood up and took charge.Marcus Thuram gave Inter a lead after 30 seconds with a backheel finishCredit: GettyDenzel Dumfries then netted a stunning scissor kickCredit: GettyYamal shrugged off Thuram, the man who had dared take his limelight.He turned and brushed past Henrikh Mkhitaryan like he was an afterthought and whipped an instant classic of a goal in off the far post when it looked like there was nowhere to go.There was almost another all-timer to follow minutes later, leaving Federico Di Marco sliding on his backside before seeing a strike tipped onto the bar.Barcelona fought back through a Lamine Yamal stunnerCredit: APFerran Torres levelled things up before the breakCredit: EPABarcelona were in full flow now and decided to share the load.Dani Olmo saw a couple of attempts stopped, but soon they broke through – Torres converting a tap in after Raphinha nodded the ball into his path.The noise and momentum was all with Barcelona, though half-time sapped it and gave Inter the chance to remember they were still level, if dazed.Dumfries’ second goal of the night put Inter back in the driving seatCredit: GettyBarcelona equalised yet again thanks to an own-goal from Yann SommerCredit: ReutersDumfries lifted Inter back off the canvas and into the lead once more with his second of the night – this one far more mundane, heading in from a corner.But again they could not hold on, level again via a stunning strike and some stinking luck.Yamal allowed a corner to run to Raphinha’s feet, the ex-Leeds man unleashing a thunderbolt against the bar which ricocheted in off the back of Yann Sommer.Read More on The SunInter kept swinging, Mkhitaryan having one ruled out for the most minuscule offside before Yamal’s mis-hit struck the bar and Raphinha had another tipped over.So much class, even more chaos and we are still no closer to knowing who will reach Munich. More

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      Distraught Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with HIMSELF as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr’s trophy dream KO’d

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO fought back tears and repeatedly shrugged while appearing to argue with HIMSELF as Al-Nassr’s trophy dream was KO’d by a Japanese minnow.Ronaldo’s super-rich Saudi side came against Kawasaki in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League today.Cristiano Ronaldo came close to tears as Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions LeagueRonaldo appeared to argue with himself as he dissected his own performanceThe ace waved his arms in despair after a 3-2 defeat to KawasakiRonaldo was clearly unhappy with the performanceAl-Nassr boasted a team packed with top talent including ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane and former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.But despite having 21 shots and 75 per cent possession, Ronaldo’s men crashed to a 3-2 loss against their lowly opponents.And it means he is set to end the season without a trophy, with Al-Nassr third in the Saudi Pro League and also out of the King’s Cup.Ronaldo, 40, has won just one single trophy since joining in December 2022 following his Manchester United exit, landing the Arab Club Champions Cup eight months later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd after seeing his latest silverware hopes go up in smoke, Ronaldo was left repeatedly shrugging on the pitch while fighting back the tears.He even appeared to have an argument with himself as the Portugal legend replayed several missed chances in his head.But Ronaldo, who has 97 goals in 108 games for Al-Nassr, vowed to keep his head held high afterwards.Posting on social media, Ronaldo declared: “Sometimes the dream has to wait.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch.“Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is a playable character in new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves game Ronaldo issued a heartfelt statement after the defeatFans gave the icon their support“Your support means the world.”Fans were quick to lend Ronaldo their support though.One said: “Even when the dream waits, legends never stop. You didn’t just play, you inspired. Respect, GOAT.”Another declared: “You are the best, my commander.”One noted: “Proud of you always.”Another added: “It’s not your fault, we will come back strong.” More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham break all-time EFL points record in just second season in charge of League One champions

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have smashed the record for the most points scored in a single EFL campaign.The club’s 2-0 win over Blackpool on Wednesday evening took their overall points total up to 108 – two more than the record previously set by Reading (106) in the 2005-06 Championship season.Birmingham have broken the EFL points recordCredit: PAIt is a successful end to Tom Brady’s second season as co-owner of the clubCredit: ReutersEthan Laird broke the deadlock in the 39th minute before striker Alfie May secured the win at the start of the second half.Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, still have one more game left to play – against Cambridge United.The Blues were promoted back to the Championship earlier this month and clinched the League One title just days later.They have lost just three games all season and now remain 19 points clear of second-placed Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter lifting the trophy on home soil at St Andrew’s last week, manager Chris Davies said: “It’s an incredible achievement.”I really have to reiterate that. I don’t want people to start taking this for granted and thinking that we just won another game.”We just got the most points any team in the history of English football have got in this league.”It’s an incredible achievement of how consistent the players have been, with all the ups and downs you have through a season, and injuries and everything else.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They’ve done exceptionally well, so it’s an achievement that will be hard to match, 105 points in a season and I’m very, very proud of everyone.”We’re unbeaten in the league at home, so I wanted to finish strong today.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”We scored some good goals, it was a dominant performance – a really good way to finish.”Birmingham now have the chance to hit a record-extending 111 points if they beat already-relegated Cambridge on Saturday. More

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      Laura Woods returns to TV for first time since giving birth to baby boy and loves how TNT Sports welcomed her back

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      LAURA WOODS made her long-awaited return to TV for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final.The popular presenter, 37, stepped back from duties to welcome son Leo in January with fiance Adam Collard. Laura Woods returned to the TV screens on Champions League dutyCredit: TNT SportsShe opened the programme on TNT Sports with a pre-recorded piece to cameraWoods was joined in the studio by Steve McManaman and Owen HargreavesShe gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the TNT Sports studiosCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has been enjoying family time and settling into life as a mum – and is wasting no time getting her boy into her beloved Arsenal.The pair watched the first leg of the semi-final against PSG together at home last night. But she shocked fans during the game by announcing she would make a comeback to the screens for TNT Sports’ coverage of Barcelona vs Inter.Woods kicked off the programme at 7pm with a pre-recorded monologue setting the scene for the highly-anticipated semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe then went live with Steve McManaman and Owen Hargreaves in the London studios. And when McManaman made a slight mix-up regarding the stage of the tournament, Woods – decked out in a long-sleeve black outfit – joked it was “me who missed the quarter-finals”.She then quipped that every English person is an Arsenal fan because they are the only Premier League team left in the Champions League – prompting sniggers from the two pundits. Colleagues were delighted to see Woods back at work, with Reshmin Chowdhury kicking off her piece from the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys by stating: “Welcome back, Laura.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd close pal Ally McCoist could not resist a cheeky dig at Woods’ expense by referencing PSG’s victory last night with a wry smile.Woods took to her Instagram story earlier on Wednesday afternoon with a picture of her mum and Leo waving her off through the window to head to the TNT studios.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post She then added another snap of a dressing room door with her name on a Champions League-themed background, captioning the image with a series of love-heart emojis.Woods also revealed she will be in Paris next week for the second leg of the Arsenal tie, where she will be desperately hoping the Gunners can overturn the 1-0 deficit and book their place in May’s Munich final.That is understood to be her first live presenting gig at a stadium since hosting TNT’s coverage of Arsenal vs Monaco in the league phase at the Emirates on December 11. Woods’ son and mum waved her off to workCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe watched the Arsneal vs PSG game with Leo on Tuesday nightCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods was on duty at the Emirates on December 11 – approximately six weeks before the baby arrivedCredit: Getty More

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      Fan favourite Ian Wright becomes highest paid football pundit after bumper year of earnings amid Eni Aluko row

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      ITV sports presenter Ian Wright is now the highest earning pundit on telly – making an estimated profit of almost £2.2m last year.His earnings now dwarf those of his longtime friend and former England skipper Gary Lineker who was paid £1.35m by the BBC as host of Match of the Day. Ian Wright was recently slammed by fellow pundit Eni AlukoCredit: RexRecent accounts for former Arsenal star Ian, 61, showed that his company, Elanar Ltd, had its best period yet in the year ending July 2024.A TV insider said: “These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains – both the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”His firm’s financial reports show he has over £1m in the bank and in the last financial year paid a staggering £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.19m during that period.As well as his football punditry Ian also has other deals that have boosted his coffers, including ad campaigns for retail giants ranging from Marks & Spencer to adidas.read more on ian wrightITV recently backed him following a row with his fellow presenter Eni Aluko, who accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football. She later apologised, but he refused to accept the apology.A spokesperson for the channel later said he was: “an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowArsenal legend Ian has refused to accept Eni’s apologyCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Four stars Chelsea could sign in transfer from sister club Strasbourg – including PSG Champions League hero’s brother

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      CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and his BlueCo consortium are no stranger to a loophole in the world of football, and their acquisition of RC Strasbourg might be one of their smartest business moves yet.The Ligue 1 side are having a campaign to remember as they sit seventh, just four points short of SECOND place and still battling in the hunt for Champions League football next season.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is thriving on loan for StrasbourgCredit: GettyKeeper Djordje Petrovic is also shining in his stint at the Ligue 1 sideCredit: AFPA matter of weeks ago I travelled to Eastern France to watch the team in person in their 2-2 draw vs INEOS-owned OGC Nice, and I was pretty blown away by the quality of some of their players, not least those on loan from Chelsea, Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic.Their fans are rightly concerned that any major talent they produce or buy will be sniffed around by the Stamford Bridge outfit and lured into the heart of South West London in a transaction similar to when I move money from my current account to my savings.It’s no secret that Chelsea have spent obscene amounts of money in recent windows, but many fans will tell you that there are still problem positions in Enzo Maresca’s side.Nicolas Jackson is good, but there are concerns over his ability to be a Premier League winning number nine. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWesley Fofana is a (sometimes) walking injury concern, and it remains to be seen if Reece James can keep his recurring injuries away for good this time.So, which players from Strasbourg will the BlueCo ownership no doubt be keeping an eye on, who could be moving to London sooner than you think?1) Emanuel EmeghaAged 22, Striker. Market Value: £17mEmanuel Emegha has great stats and the all-round game to matchCredit: AFPBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe dons the number 10 shirt as a striker, but this guy is a serious number nine.Most read in FootballThe Dutch forward joined RCSA in 2023 in a four-year deal worth slightly over £11m, and has scored 21 goals in 52 games since his arrival.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThat said, this campaign he’s got 14 goals and 3 assists in 26 league matches, and impressed me with his all-round play in their game vs Nice.One of the criticisms of Jackson this season has been his threat inside the box, the Senegalese striker is great in build up and has shown technical ability on the ball, but doesn’t pose a huge threat inside the box or in the air.Emegha provides exactly that.At 6’5 feet tall, he is a danger in the air and has been clinical when he gets the chance to shoot too, I sat and watched on as he shrugged off Nice’s Moises Bombito before calmly dispatching the ball at the near post into the back of the net.He may not be the superstar name of Viktor Gyokeres or be Premier League proven like Liam Delap, but he is certainly one to keep an eye on.Expect plenty of people to be talking about him for a big move soon, especially if Strasbourg do end up playing in Europe next year.2) Guela DoueAged 22, Right back/Centre Back. Market Value: £10.1mWhen speaking to Strasbourg fans, Guela Doue was one name that kept cropping up over and over again.His brother is one of the most exciting talents in world football right now, lighting up the Champions League and Ligue 1 this season with PSG – Desire Doue if you haven’t yet put 2+2 together.Guela is the older of the two, and is far less flashy on the pitch, rather establishing himself as one of the French top flight’s best full-backs this season.Guela Doue is a steady performer who slots in perfectlyCredit: GettyAs previously mentioned, Reece James fitness concerns have had Chelsea fans at times calling for a new right-back.However, what makes Doue such a good fit is the style of how he plays for Strasbourg.Against Nice he was very solid defensively, playing as a right sided centre back and allowing the left-sided defender to push much further up the pitch, which for Liam Rosenior’s side is familiar face Diego Moreira, but in Chelsea’s case would be Marc Cucurella.When James is fit, there is no doubt he is Chelsea’s starting right-back, but Guela Doue would be a more than capable deputy for him and would allow Reece to be rested somewhat with the Blues hoping to be competing on all fronts next season.The stumbling block for this move however, could be Josh Acheampong.Chelsea’s Cobham academy has almost certainly produced another gem in him, and most fans will hope that he can go onto be James’ deputy himself.3) Dilane BakwaAged 22, Right wing, Market Value £15.2mI know what you’re thinking, Chelsea aren’t short of right-wingers.Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto have both joined the club in recent seasons, and they have a supposed generational talent joining in the summer in the form of Willian Estevao.Dilane Bakwa has similarities to Noni Madueke but needs time to developCredit: AFPSo I’m not saying the Blues need to sign him immediately, I’m just saying he is one to keep an eye on.Ligue 1 has served as something of a proving ground for tricky and exciting wingers this season such as Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and this man, Dilane Bakwa.Outside of Santos and Petrovic, the French forward has been the club’s best player for me this campaign, and has potential to be lighting up the Champions League sooner than you may expect.He is relatively similar stylistically to Madueke, with his stop-start dribbling causing chaos for defenders and his ability to create chances and shots reminiscent of Chelsea’s current number 11.With five goals and eight assists in 27 games so far this season he has shown that he possesses the talent to be one of the best wide players in the division, but may just need a bit more time to really compound those numbers next year.He has also played on the left and at times centrally for Strasbourg, which is something Maresca will like, but he may need to refine his end product before making a move away from France.4) Valentin BarcoAged 20, Left back/Central midfield, Market Value £6mBrighton thought they had hit the jackpot once again with their ridiculously good scouting methods when they picked up Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors.He joined the Seagulls in 2024, but was quickly loaned out to Sevilla in a move that didn’t really work out for him, before being loaned to Strasbourg, who have an obligation to buy him after his spell in France.Valentin Barco plays a role like that of Chelsea’s Marc CucurellaCredit: GettyHe plays primarily as a left back, but this season under Rosenior has been inverting into midfield in a similar mould to how Cucurella does at Chelsea – and he has been sensational at doing so.He’s got two assists in 11 games so far, but lately had his gaffer raving about him after a stunning performance vs Lyon in which he was rewarded with three days off having become a father for the first time ahead of the match.With Cucurella being one of the best left-backs in Europe as it stands, it is unlikely that Barco would come in and displace him, but Chelsea have no real back-up for the curly headed Spaniard either – something that could become a problem should the Blues be competing on all fronts in the next few seasons.Read More on The SunIn his absence this season, we’ve seen the likes of Levi Colwill, Reece James and Malo Gusto fill in there – all experiments that haven’t exactly been ideal.  For now, it doesn’t make sense to take Valentin out of an environment where he is doing so well, but if Cucurella’s form drops or he faces an injury lay-off, don’t be surprised to hear Barco’s name branded about Stamford Bridge before long.  More