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Matt Miazga, who’s been a mainstay for RSC Anderlecht all season, picked a most perfect time to score his first goal of the season, finding the equalizer in injury time in the 2-2 draw against Antwerp in the Jupiler League’s final qualification playoff mini-tournament with a potential spot in next year’s Champions League qualifying round on the line.
Miazga rose above everyone else in the 96th minute to head in a cross from Adrien Trebel, in what would be the last play of the game.
AIR FORCE | Matt Miazga scoorde de gelijkmaker in het absolute slot van de wedstrijd tegen Royal Antwerp FC! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/FwAsiM5vPs
— Eleven Sports (NL) (@ElevenSportsBEn) May 8, 2021
Regarding his future, Miazga said that he wants some stability in his life now that he is 25-years of age, and hinted at a permanent departure in the summer.
“The coach and director [at Chelsea] who brought me in, they’ve left. At the time, who was going to rely on a young American center back without much experience? That was the whole point of going out on loan - to get those experiences and get that growth as a player - and that’s what happened.”
“Now I’m much older. Hopefully this summer is the time to see what’s next, and I think we’re going to have some important conversations within Chelsea and obviously my representatives to see what the plan is. I’m 25. I kind of want to get that stability now.”
-Matt Miazga; source: American Soccer Now
Miazga’s latest displays for his side will certainly pique the interest of other clubs, as well as Anderlecht, and perhaps, he can finally find the stability that he is looking for.
Miazga completed 91% of his passes, won 5/10 duels, made two interceptions, and won 4/7 aerials.
— Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) May 8, 2021
Coming to another player who will look for a departure this summer, Davide Zappacosta scored a brilliant goal from the edge of the box in Genoa’s match against Sassuolo. In the 85th minute, Marko Pjaca passed back to the 28-year-old, who was playing as a left wing back. Zappacosta took a touch across before firing a powerful shot into the top corner of the net.
Despite Zappacosta’s heroics, Genoa would go on to lose the game 1-2, and remain 14th on the Serie A table. However, Zappacosta’s fine form this season, including 3 goals and 2 assists, should mean that interest will not be lacking in the former Italy international.
— Follow @CroatianScout2 (@CROScoutVids) May 9, 2021
Last but certainly not least, Fikayo Tomori scored his first goal for AC Milan in their big game against Juventus earlier today, which was all the more crucial because Champions League qualification was at stake.
After winning a free kick in the Juventus half, Hakan Calhanoglu delivered a great free kick into the penalty area, which was then finished off in even greater fashion by a majestically rising Tomori, who powered his header into the back of the net for Milan’s third (3rd!) goal of the match.
Tomori’s contributions went beyond just this goal in the 82nd minute, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus could manage only one shot on target, with the pairing of Tomori and Simon Kjaer repelling all Bianconeri attacks. The Chelsea loanee was arguably the best player on the pitch.
With Milan winning 3-0, they are now back in the Champions League spots, three points above fifth-place Juventus.
Fikayo Tomori vs Juventus (A):
— ExpectedChelsea (@ExpectedChelsea) May 9, 2021
1 goal
38 accurate passes (88.4%)
8 clearances
3 interceptions
3 blocked shots
2 tackles
2/3 ground duels won
2/2 aerial duels won
A monster display to keep Ronaldo and Morata quiet. He's the real deal. pic.twitter.com/uOMEaSTQmL
The Rossoneri will, in all likelihood, pursue a permanent deal for Tomori in the summer, and the young centre back will get the opportunity to be part of a project that aims to take AC Milan back to the top of European football.
Fikayo Tomori has just scored his first Serie A goal after a fantastic match ‘destroying’ Cristiano Ronaldo. AC Milan are intentioned to sign him on a permanent deal from Chelsea [buy option €28.5m], final decision will be made at the end of the season. #ACMilan #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2021
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli: “We want to buy Tomori on a permanent deal from Chelsea, our intention is clear and also Fikayo’s decision [staying at Milan]. We’ll see what happens at the end of the season”. #CFC #ACMilan
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2021