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Aston Villa are blessed with talent up front. They have two excellent centre-forwards in their current squad, namely Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran. The pair have been on fire this season, in what has been an underwhelming campaign for the Villans so far.

The duo are the top scorers at Villa Park this term across all competitions. Colombian international Duran has scored 12 goals, and England centre-forward Watkins, who scored in the Euro 2024 semi-final, has eight goals to his name. Morgan Rogers, with seven strikes to his name, is the only other player with more than five goals.

Incredibly, the Villans are looking to add more depth in the striker department to their squad during the January transfer window.

Villa’s striker target

The player in question here is young French striker Tidiam Gomis. The 18-year-old has been impressive for Ligue 2 side Caen and has now been linked with a move away to some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to a report from The Athletic, Villa are one of the sides pursuing the young attacker and actually seem to be leading the race for his signature. They are believed to be ‘in advanced talks’ to bring the 18-year-old to the West Midlands.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In terms of the other sides who are believed to be interested, German outfit RB Leipzig and Italian giants AC Milan are in the race, according to Florian Plettenberg a few weeks ago. It seems as though the Villans will sign him. A fee is not clear at this stage, but his contract is up this summer and it could cost Unai Emery’s side next to nothing.

Why Gomis could be a good signing

There is no doubt that Villa are signing a player for the future as well as, or perhaps more so than, the present. Plettenberg described Gomis as a “top talent”, and he is certainly living up to that praise in a Caen shirt throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

This term in Ligue 2 for Caen, a club owned by France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, 18-year-old Gomis has scored two goals in 18 league appearances. He has played 1004 minutes this term, which equates to 11 full 90-minute games.

He also made history for the French side during the 2023/24 campaign, when he scored twice in the final game of the season. At the age of 17 years, nine months and 19 days old, he became the youngest player to do so for Caen, an impressive achievement.

Despite the fact he is so inexperienced, Gomis could certainly have a role to play at Villa Park this season if they decide to give him that opportunity. His stats on Sofascore are eye-catching, and he has created two big chances and completed 1.3 dribbles per game.

Stat

Number

Starts

12

Goals

2

Big chances created

2

Key passes per game

0.6

Dribbles per game

1.3

Ball recoveries per game

3.1

Duels won per game

2.8

Gomis could form a deadly partnership with Villa’s latest recruit, Donyell Malen. On Tuesday evening, they confirmed the signing of the Dutchman from Borussia Dortmund, although it is not a deal that will affect the move for the Frenchman.

The former Arsenal academy player is someone who can both score and assist in attack, playing anywhere across the frontline. His best campaign came for former club PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands in 2020/21, where he scored 19 goals and grabbed eight assists in 32 games.

With those kinds of numbers, he could link up nicely with Gomis and could be a key provider of goals for the youngster. The Frenchman averages 1.2 shots per game and has already scored a couple this season, and with Malen’s obvious creative ability, that might only increase.

The same can be said the other way with Gomis also showing in the past he can be someone who can create chances, even if he is yet to register an assist this term. However, given Malen’s career-high of 19 goals in one campaign, the assists could start flowing for the Caen youngster.

All things considered, this seems to be a risk-free deal for the Villans. He is likely to cost little or nothing at all, and, as the stats show, clearly has talent waiting to be unearthed. Should he form a partnership with Malen, or indeed the likes of Watkins and Duran, it could be deadly for Villa.

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Villa have a medical booked for the defender

ByJoe Nuttall Jan 14, 2025

A club have now made a fresh approach to sign a member of Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad this January, with the player himself reportedly keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge before the window shuts.

Chelsea's January plans

Like they have been in previous windows, Chelsea are expected to be busy this winter, with the club looking to turn around their Premier League form.

After an excellent start to the campaign, the Blues are now without a win in their last four games, having drawn two of those, and their grip on a spot in the top four is weakening.

Much of that has come down to an injury to Wesley Fofana, who Maresca suggested could be out for the remainder of the season, something which could prompt them to sign another centre-back in the weeks ahead.

Axel Disasi

Levi Colwill

Tosin Adarabioyo

Aaron Anselmino

Josh Acheampong

“Probably with Wes and Benoit injuries, we will see if something is going to happen [in the transfer market]”, Maresca explained after the draw with Crystal Palace, in which Josh Acheampong deputised in the heart of defence.

There is also expected to be significant movement away from the Blues, with Ben Chilwell likely to depart either on loan or permanently after failing to feature in the Premier League across the first half of the campaign.

Carney Chukwuemeka is another player likely to leave, although more likely on loan, while the BBC also report that “Harvey Vale is set to leave the club on a permanent deal” and Alex Matos could also depart.

Now, a fifth player could be on the move, with a bid having already been tabled.

Chelsea receive offer to sell midfielder

That comes according to a report from Gianluca di Marzio, who claims that Torino have tabled a bid to sign Cesare Casadei from Chelsea this winter. The midfielder, who Maresca hailed as “very good” after one performance earlier in the campaign, has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge.

As a result, he has been the subject of plenty of speculation in Italy, with clubs positioning themselves to offer him a return to his homeland as soon as January.

According to Di Marzio, Torino are the side most hotly pursuing his signature at present, with the two sides locked in negotiations. The Turin side have so far only offered €12m plus “a percentage of future resale”, and Chelsea have replied, asking for €20m to let the Italian leave alongside a favourable buy-back clause.

Chelsea chiefs view £99m Premier League star as "key" potential signing

They’re “ready to compete” for his signature.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 4, 2025

For his part, Casadei has given “priority” to Torino and has already agreed to the move, looking to seal a Stamford Bridge exit. It is added that “new contacts between the parties [clubs] are expected between Tuesday and Wednesday”, with hope that they can meet in the middle over the Italian.

Casadei’s £390,000-per-year deal at Stamford Bridge still has almost four years left to run, but a move away from Stamford Bridge could be just what he needs to reignite his career, while Chelsea could stand to profit on the talent they signed from Inter two years ago for an initial £12.6m.

Chelsea has been the home to numerous midfield talents over the years, with many capturing the hearts of the fanbase and leading them to success over various time periods.

Frank Lampard will arguably remain one of, if not the club’s most iconic players, producing countless moments of magic during his time as a player at Stamford Bridge.

The Englishman scored 211 goals for the Blues, still holding the record to this day for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history – showcasing how important he was during his stint in West London.

Fast forward to 2025, Enzo Maresca has a talented crop of players in his hands, helping to try and secure the Italian a top-four finish during his opening Premier League campaign at the helm.

As a result, he’s been targeting reinforcements in the January transfer window, including one player who could return to England in the coming weeks.

Chelsea make enquiry to land midfield star

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have made contact with Juventus to ask about a potential loan move for midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian only joined the Serie A outfit in the summer, joining in a £42m deal from Aston Villa, but it’s a move that is yet to go to plan for either party.

He’s only featured in 12 league matches, starting just three of them, with former side Manchester City and surprise top-four hopefuls Nottingham Forest also in the race for his signature.

However, Romano confirmed that the Italian outfit are reluctant to allow him to leave on a temporary basis after his move just a handful of months ago from Unai Emery’s side.

Whilst a deal may seem tricky given the interest from elsewhere, it would be a superb addition for Maresca’s side, undoubtedly proving a better option than another player linked with a move to the Bridge.

Why Luiz would be a better signing than Mainoo for Chelsea

In recent weeks, Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has been regularly touted with a move to join the Blues after it was confirmed they would accept a reasonable bid for his services to satisfy the division’s PSR rules.

No bid has been made for the 19-year-old’s signature yet, but the Red Devils youngster is a name who simply won’t go away, leaving the door open for a late move before the end of the window.

It’s unclear how much Ruben Amorim’s side would demand to part ways with their star academy graduate this month, but it’s clear that he would provide quality in the middle of the park – helping secure a top-four spot.

However, a move for Luiz would certainly be a better option, having that experience at the top level of the English game to have a serious impact at the Bridge to help Maresca in his quest.

When comparing their respective figures from the ongoing campaign, the Juve ace has produced various impressive stats, many of which have completely blown Mainoo out of the water, showcasing why he would be the better option for the Blues.

Luiz, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best in the world” in a midfield position by one Sky Italia journalist, has completed more of his attempted passes this campaign, whilst also creating more chances per 90, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

How Luiz compares to Mainoo in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Luiz

Mainoo

Games played

12

16

Minutes played

414

1211

Pass accuracy

91%

87%

Chances created

2.6

0.9

Successful dribbles

2

1.5

Dribble success rate

82%

51%

Duels won

56%

48%

Aerials won

57%

43%

Stats via FotMob

However, the Brazilian has been just as impressive defensively, winning more of his ground and aerial duels than Mainoo, making him the perfect box-to-box option at the heart of Maresca’s side should he move.

Given the interest from other Premier League clubs, the Blues may face stiff competition for the former Villa ace’s signature, but it’s a signing that would hugely improve their chances of Champions League football.

He has the opportunity to make himself a fan-favourite should he make the move, providing the added quality and dimension that has often been lacking in the recent poor run of form.

Related Better than Garnacho: Chelsea make contact over signing "world-class" star

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jan 22, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O crescimento sob o comando de Paulo Sousa e as boas atuações em 2022 já fizeram João Gomes conquistar a titularidade do Flamengo. Agora, com o bom início de Campeonato Brasileiro, o volante rubro-negro ganhou destaque no tradicional diário “AS”, da Espanha. Em reportagem publicada nesta quinta, o camisa 35 do Fla é avaliado como o “grande ladrão de bolas do campeonato”.

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Confira a classificação completa e as próximas rodadas do Brasileirão!

A publicação afirma que João Gomes é o nome que se destaca na temporada do Flamengo acima dos demais, e que o jovem é uma “figura indispensável para competir e manter a equipe ordenada no campo”. As estatísticas do volante de 21 anos, formado no Ninho, também são destacadas na matéria.

De acordo com o “SofaScore”, João Gomes lidera, entre todos jogadores, os seguintes quesitos no Campeonato Brasileiro: duelos ganhos; desarmes; bolas recuperadas; interceptações; ações defensivas; faltas sofridas e passes no terço final. Vale destacar que o Flamengo já disputou três jogos na Série A, assim como o Palmeiras, e as outras 18 equipes só fizeram duas partidas, por ora.

Além das estatísticas, é possível observar a evolução do Flamengo, como um todo, e do meio de campo formado por João Gomes e Thiago Maia. O bom desempenho da dupla e a utilização de Willian Arão como zagueiro pelo lado direito, devido aos desfalques, acabou por criar um dilema para Paulo Sousa.

Robbie Savage has led Macclesfield FC to promotion in his first season as a manager.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Phoenix club will play in National League North next year
• Co-owner of the club Savage, appointed himself manager
• Pundit had promised to sack himself if he failed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-Leicester City and Manchester United midfielder marshalled the phoenix club, built from the remnants of the now-defunct Macclesfield Town, to a commanding title-winning season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Savage's side have won 29 of their 36 games, and have secured the crown with six games remaining. The success was confirmed earlier this afternoon with a 2-1 win over Bamber Bridge.

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• GETTY
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The TNT Pundit has been a owner of the club since 2020, but only installed himself as coach this season. Never one to shy away from a challenge, the combative Savage previously said he would sack himself if he couldn't secure the Silkmen a promotion.

• WHAT ROBBIE SAVAGE SAID

  Robbie Savage said: "I’ve been lucky enough to captain four teams in the Premier League, play nearly 350 games in the top-flight, appear in Wembley finals and win 39 caps for my country.

  "But Macclesfield being crowned champions of the Northern Premier League was my proudest moment of all.

  "For all the haters, doubters and keyboard warriors, they have fuelled my fire and that of my players.

  "I have answered every single person who spoke negatively about us."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Macclesfield FC was formed in October 2020, just a few weeks after Macclesfield Town was wound up by a High Court Ruling. Savage serves as both Director of Football, and Head Coach.

If MS Dhoni had been thinking of giving up the Chennai Super Kings captaincy, the franchise should not have released Faf du Plessis and, instead, should have passed on the reins to him, according to Ravi Shastri. That, according to the former India head coach, would have let Ravindra Jadeja – Dhoni’s replacement – play freely, and “things could have been different for Chennai” this IPL season.”I feel that someone like Jadeja, he should focus on his own game. If Chennai were to think back, they wouldn’t have let go of Faf du Plessis,” Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time Out Hindi after Super Kings lost their fourth match on the bounce, this one by eight wickets to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon. “He [du Plessis] is a match-winner, he has won the IPL with Chennai, he has a lot of experience.”Super Kings are being led by Jadeja after Dhoni, who had captained them since the start of the IPL in 2008, bar the two seasons when the team was suspended, stepped away from the role two days before the start of the 2022 edition. Jadeja was given the job even though he came into it with little leadership experience – his only past gig as captain at a representative level was with the India Under-19 team, for a while, in 2007. One of the premier all-format allrounders in the world, Jadeja has since had four results go against him, leaving the four-time – and defending – IPL champions in an uphill battle to make the playoffs.At the time the news about Dhoni’s resignation became public, Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan had told ESPNcricinfo that Dhoni had been thinking about giving up the top job, and that “he felt it is the right time to hand over captaincy to Jaddu [Jadeja]”.Shastri argued, “If Dhoni was thinking of giving up the captaincy, then Faf should have been given the job, and Jadeja should have continued as [just] a player. He would have played freely, without the pressure of captaincy. Things could have been different for Chennai then.”As it is, du Plessis was released by Super Kings before the 2022 auction, and was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore and appointed their captain; Virat Kohli too had given up the job after the 2021 season. Royal Challengers have started the season with two wins in three games.du Plessis had also played a key role with the bat for Super Kings in their run to the title in 2021, hitting 633 runs at the top of the order at 45.21, with a strike rate of 138.20 and six fifties in 16 innings.

Looking to land a player dubbed the next Xabi Alonso, Liverpool officials are now reportedly making regular checks to hijack Real Madrid’s pursuit and get one over on their European rivals off the pitch.

Liverpool transfer news

Liverpool’s season couldn’t have gone much better than it has done so far. Although Arne Slot is often quick to remind reporters of his side’s one defeat against Nottingham Forest, even he will be satisfied with a place at the top of the Premier League and Champions League. His players have continued their form in the international break too, with Curtis Jones scoring an audacious debut goal for England in a standout performance against Greece.

In arguably their strongest position to win the Premier League since their victory in the 2019/20 season, the Reds could be in a perfect position to welcome further reinforcements in both the January transfer window and next summer to take Slot’s side up yet another level.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Liverpool officials are now making regular checks on Javi Guerra and are looking to hijack Real Madrid’s move to sign the Valencia midfielder in 2025. The Spanish giants have been linked with the 21-year-old in the last year but could now lose out courtesy of the Reds.

Liverpool willing to ditch Tsimikas in shock swap deal for "great" £40m ace

The Reds are after a significant upgrade…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 16, 2024

A player likened to Alonso and tipped to succeed his role for Spain in the future, Guerra will seemingly get the chance to pick between two of the Spaniard’s former clubs in an attempt to take a similar path to the midfield legend.

It would represent quite the statement of intent if Liverpool sealed glory in the current campaign and then beat Real Madrid in pursuit of a midfield reinforcement next summer.

"Intelligent" Guerra can follow Alonso path

One of the best midfielders of his generation, Alonso first swapped La Liga for the chance to join Liverpool in 2004 in what was truly the beginning of an incredible rise full of moments to savour. Now, Guerra can take a similar path. Like Alonso swapped Real Sociedad for Merseyside, the young midfielder can swap Valencia for a chance to reach Anfield stardom.

Still just 21 years old, the Valencia star has quite the decision to make, that’s for sure. Of course, not many would be shocked by such a big move for Guerra, who was described as “intelligent” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig earlier this year.

After Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi last summer, Guerra could take the opportunity that the Sociedad star decided to reject next summer by completing Slot’s midfield once and for all. Amid such high interest, the Spaniard will be one to watch when 2025 arrives and Liverpool set their sights on reinforcements.

Justin Langer has resigned as Australia men’s head coach after rejecting the offer of a six-month extension that would have taken him to the end of the men’s T20 World Cup.The initial announcement was made by Langer’s management company DSEG on Saturday, the morning after a lengthy Cricket Australia (CA) board meeting had finished without a resolution while he was flying from Melbourne to Perth.Related

• Andrew McDonald appointed as full-time Australia men's coach

• Lachlan Henderson named new Cricket Australia chairman

• Cummins: 'Don't think Langer should be surprised' with players asking for coaching change

• Bailey and Khawaja call for an end to speculation on Langer

• 'I am not putting myself up for any job' – Gillespie

“DSEG confirms that our client Justin Langer has this morning tendered his resignation as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team,” the statement said. “The resignation follows a meeting with Cricket Australia last evening. The resignation is effective immediately.”CA CEO Nick Hockley confirmed the six-month offer, unanimously endorsed by the board on Friday, would have been the end to Langer’s tenure with the view that it was time to transition to a new coaching era in the men’s team. It had previously come close to finishing last August amid strained relationships with the players which first emerged a year ago before high-level talks patched the situation up to the extent that the World Cup and Ashes were won.”We very much felt that Justin had earned the right to defend the T20 World Cup on home soil…but we understand and respect his decision,” Hockley said. “We were pretty clear with Justin that it was for a period of transition. When we sat down and looked at the needs of the team going forward, we felt that the team had evolved, and the requirements of the head coach had.”We understand…many people will be disappointed by the decision to only offer Justin a short-term contract. The decision to start a process of transition is what we believe is in the best interest of the men’s team for unity and future success.”Langer’s manager James Henderson, who also manages Ricky Ponting, Tim Paine, and Cameron Green, made his views clear on Twitter.”As a player, Justin retired on top after a 5-0 Ashes whitewash,” Henderson wrote. “Today, despite the views of a faceless few, he finishes his time as Australian cricket coach winning the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. Lest we forget what JL took over in 2018.”Senior assistant Andrew McDonald has been named interim coach. McDonald was already set to coach the T20I series against Sri Lanka while Langer rested. He will now lead Australia’s tour of Pakistan with another assistant likely called into the fold on a short-term basis. Hockley confirmed they would be looking for one head coach, but there would likely be more tours and series devoted to the assistants.Langer’s decision came less than 24 hours after a marathon eight-hour CA board meeting where his contract was discussed at length. Langer’s current deal was due to expire in June, and he was seeking a long-term extension. Langer had held multiple contract discussions with Hockley and head of national teams Ben Oliver between the end of the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart and Friday’s board meeting.Langer has walked away from the job he coveted after those discussions. The views of senior players have played a big part in Langer’s resignation, with his relationship with certain players fractured for nearly 12 months.The players, led by former Test captain Paine, current Test captain Pat Cummins, and current limited-overs captain Aaron Finch, held crisis talks with Langer while he was in hotel quarantine in Adelaide following a disastrous T20I tour of Bangladesh in August.The meetings were mediated by Hockley and former CA chairman Earl Eddings. Langer himself held over 30 individual Zoom meetings with players and staff while in quarantine to hear complaints about his coaching style. He vowed to change his style and believes he did through the T20 World Cup and Ashes, where he was far less involved in the day-to-day coaching and far more relaxed than he had been previously.”In the middle of this year, we did have some challenging conversations and some issues, and I think, credit to absolutely everybody throughout the national teams set up for having some really robust and direct conversations,” Hockley said.”We’re now evolving to the next phase of a more shared leadership model. If we think about the journey when JL started and think about where the team is now, JL deserves the most enormous amount of credit for where he’s brought the team from and to.”Australia won the T20 World Cup in UAE last year and the Ashes handsomely, and Langer believed that would be more than enough to retain his job moving forward.But Cummins and Finch failed to endorse Langer publicly when repeatedly asked in the media if they would like him to continue as head coach long-term. Both captains were consulted by Hockley and Oliver about Langer’s position.

Tottenham Hotspur are absolutely flying at the moment.

Ange Postecoglou’s side may have slipped up against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, but across all competitions, they have won seven of their last eight games and are currently scoring for fun.

However, while the North Londoners look seriously potent going forward, they could do with another option off the bench, a more physical presence akin to Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.

Fortunately, should Postecoglou want to bring such a profile into his squad down the line, the club already have the perfect youngster ready to come in and fulfill that role, someone other than Dominic Solanke.

Spurs' exciting youngsters

Okay, so before we get to the striker in question, let’s look at one of the other most exciting youngsters in the academy, and it’s not Mikey Moore. The name fans should look out for is 16-year-old midfielder Lucá Williams-Barnett, who made the permanent move up to the under-18s squad in July after making a handful of impressive performances last year, and to say he’s looking good so far would be a significant understatement.

For example, in seven games this season, the Luton-born gem has scored eight goals and provided two assists, meaning he’s averaging 1.42 goal involvements every game, which is frankly ridiculous for someone his age.

Now, it’s probably too soon to see him make it into the first team this year, but given Moore’s rapid rise up the ranks and Williams-Barnett’s sensational form in the academy, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him given a chance next season.

That said, the midfield maestro isn’t the only exciting youngster who could see some more senior minutes in the near future, as the promising Will Lankshear could develop into Postecoglou’s Havertz.

Why Lankshear could be Spurs' own Havertz

Okay, so before the pitchforks come out, we are sure that Lankshear has the potential to develop his own style under the tutelage of Postecoglou, but should the Australian want a forward in the mould of Havertz, then the 19-year-old could also provide that.

For example, while the 6 foot 2 Welwyn Garden City-born poacher is a bit shorter than the 6 foot 4 Arsenal ace, he is slightly taller than the 6 foot 1 Solanke and could, therefore, become something of a target man to bounce balls off of down the line.

Moreover, the Englishman has already shown at the youth level that he can provide a serious physical presence in attack, with Spurs expert Jon Wenham describing him as “an absolute unit for his age,” suggesting he already knows how to use his stature to his advantage.

Lastly, while the Lilywhites’ faithful might not want to admit it, the former Chelsea ace has become a reliable goalscorer for the Gunners since moving up top, and based on Lankshear’s youth record, he could be as well.

For example, in his 34 games for the U21 side, the promising striker has scored 26 goals and provided three assists, which equates to an average of a goal involvement every 1.17 games.

Ultimately, Havertz is an interesting player to compare Lankshear to and potentially someone to measure him against in the future, but the youngster looks talented enough to develop in various ways in the coming years, and fans should be excited about seeing him do so.

Outshone by Moore: Ange must axe 5/10 Spurs dud who lost the ball 11 times

Spurs have a serious talent on their hands and a player whose future may well be elsewhere.

2

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 25, 2024

Hayes selects roster for 2025 SheBelieves Cup, with the squad featuring NWSL standouts and four uncapped players

• Hayes names 23 players, heavy NWSL presence
• Naomi Girma, Rose Lavelle, and Triple Espresso left off
• Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, Gisele Thompson among teens named

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  Emma Hayes named the 23-player roster for the 10th annual SheBelieves Cup, with a lineup composed largely of NWSL players and just two goalkeepers: Jane Campbell and Maddy McGlynn.

  Notably absent from the squad are standout defender Naomi Girma and the Triple Espresso attack of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. The injured Rose Lavelle will also miss out. The USWNT has won the past five SheBelieves Cup editions, yet this will be Hayes' first time leading the squad in the tournament.

  With several key players contributors not on the roster, Hayes noted that she will practice patience, but still has high expectations for the competition, saying "We’ll be patient with them but at the same time, we’re going to maximize the time we have together."

  The roster is a blend of several veterans – including Lindsey Heaps, Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnet, Tierna Davidson and Lynn Biyendolo – and some notable newcomers. The roster includes four uncapped players and 10 players who have four or fewer caps.

  The USWNT closed out 2024 on a 20-match unbeaten streak overall, including 15 straight under Hayes, who has not lost since taking over the program ahead of the Paris Olympics.

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• Getty Images
  

  SQUAD IN FULL

  GOALKEEPERS (2): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 8), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 1)

  DEFENDERS (8): Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 65/3), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 155/25), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 62/1), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit; 0/0), Jenna Nighswonger (Arsenal FC, ENG; 18/2), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 2/0), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 103/2), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 0/0)

  MIDFIELDERS (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 22/1), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 28/1), Lindsey Heaps (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 161/36), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 0/0), Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage; 21/8), Lily Yohannes (Ajax, NED; 2/1)

  FORWARDS (7): Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC; 75/21), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 0/0), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 19/8), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash; 4/0), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 3/1), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals; 2/0), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 13/1)

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The roster includes 16 players from the NWSL as well as five players from different European clubs. At the USWNT and Futures camp at the end of January, players competing for European clubs were unable to attend.

  That changes for the February roster. Those making the squad for SheBelieves includes Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal, Catarina Macario from Chelsea FC, and Lindsey Heaps from Olympique Lyon. All will be competing in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women's Champions League in March.

  Out of the 23-players named, 12 helped the USWNT win the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics. Only four players, however, started just five or more games in the tournament. The roster welcomes two players for their first USWNT call-ups: Claire Hutton and Michelle Cooper. Both attended the USWNT Futures Camp last month and are also members of the Kansas City Current.

  Absent from the roster, once again, are Swanson, Wilson and Rodman, as well as Girma, Chelsea FC's newest signee. U.S. Soccer said that Girma is "regaining fitness after recovering from a calf injury."

  Catarina Macario is the only previous MVP winner of the SheBelieves tournament to make her return. All eyes will certainly be two sisters named to the team: Gisele and Alyssa Thompson. The Angel City FC pair will be the third set of sisters to make the same USWNT roster. Others to watch include Jaedyn Shaw, Lynn Biyendolo, Emma Sears and Yazmeen Ryan.

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  WHAT HAYES SAID

  “This team is still growing, and I continue to be impressed with the dedication of our player pool to get better, individually and as a group,” Hayes said in a statement. “With many players at the beginning of their club preseasons, we’ll be patient with them but at the same time, we’re going to maximize the time we have together.

  "We are facing three excellent teams with three very different styles and the tournament will be a great test to see who can perform against world-class players, but to see that, we need to give them opportunities. We have put in a lot of thought on how best to accomplish that while continuing to evolve and putting out a team that can win, so every game should be a lot of fun for the staff, the players and the fans.”