CSA board to discuss T20 Global League's fate

A potentially decisive weekend awaits South African cricket, when the CEO’s position will also come under the scanner

Firdose Moonda01-Jun-20182:06

The rise and fall of the T20 Global League

A potentially decisive weekend awaits South African cricket when CSA’s board meets, ahead of its annual awards, to discuss the fate of the T20 Global League and the position of the CEO, which has been occupied in acting capacity by Thabang Moroe since Haroon Lorgat’s departure last September.Moroe’s term ended on Thursday, but he remains in a decision-making capacity until advised further. CSA have not advertised for new candidates, which makes it likely Moroe will continue in the role for at least another month.In his nine months as CEO, Moroe has overseen some of the most turbulent times in South African cricket, including the postponement of the first edition of the T20 Global League after massive financial losses were predicted in the absence of a broadcast deal. Moroe has since been on various task-teams working to revive the tournament but CSA’s Member’s Council – made up of the presidents of the provincial affiliates – have yet to approve a proper structure for it.ESPNcricinfo understands there is a push within CSA to make the T20 Global League happen in November, even if it takes place on a smaller scale than originally planned. When the league was launched last June, it was an eight-team affair (with seven of them owned by foreigners) and boasted many international players. But if it is to take place in 2018, it would likely resemble the domestic T20 tournament, with several South African national players taking part but few big-name overseas stars. SuperSport appears to be the likeliest broadcast partner.If the board does not make a decision on the league this weekend, a final one is expected by the end of June, when CSA also hopes to sign a new MOU with the South African Cricketers Association (SACA) after the old one expired in April. All players, both international and domestic, remain on contract thanks to a temporary extension of the previous MOU.

'Sou uma menina de muita fé', por Ketlen Wiggers, do Santos

MatériaMais Notícias

Eu só sei que não sou mais a garota que aos 15 anos de idade marcou o primeiro gol pelo Santos, por causa do RG. Mas me sinto a mesma pessoa, a mesma menina. Se não me lembrarem que eu tenho mais de 100 gols pelas Sereias da Vila, é capaz que eu nem lembre. Eu nem sei porque sou assim. Simplesmente sou. E, na boa, não mudaria por nada.

São 13 anos no futebol. Devo a ele tudo. E quando eu digo tudo, é tudo mesmo. Vai além da minha profissão, das minhas conquistas e realizações profissionais, mas ele faz parte da minha identidade e todos os caminhos que a minha vida tomou em 28 anos.

Desde pequena eu arrancava a cabeça das bonecas para fazer de bola. Na escolinha, a Tia Irene já separava uma roupinha especial pra eu jogar futebol. Eu era a única menina da família e minha mãe me vestia como a princesinha da casa. E ai da Dona Rosileia se fosse me buscar e eu não tivesse com os lacinhos no cabelo e o vestidinho impecável. Era uma força tarefa pra me vestir novamente. Mas sempre dava certo.

Se eu planejei alguma coisa? Nunca. Minha vida é baseada na fé. Talvez por isso eu não compreenda a dimensão que eu atingi pelo Alvinegro. A minha história já está escrita por Deus, e por isso que sempre fui a mesma menina, crente que a trajetória que sigo já estava traçada por algo maior que eu.

Rio Fortuna

“Tem uma história engraçada, quando a gente foi jogar a final estadual do futsal, que era o campeonato mais importante nosso, todo mundo me conhecia pela faixa de cabelo e a camisa número 10 que eu usava. Então, quando a gente foi jogar, o meu treinador falou que o técnico adversário sabia que eu era a craque do time. Tinha uma prima minha que jogava comigo. Aí o técnico disse pra minha prima colocar a faixinha e a camisa 10 e eu usaria a camisa dela no jogo. Só assim pra gente ganhar, porque todo mundo iria marcar ela e eu ficaria livre. Deu certo, quando o treinador do outro time reparou, gritou que estavam marcando a loirinha errada, mas nisso eu já tinha feito uns cinco gols. Ganhos de uns 6 a 0 e fomos campeãs”.

Em uma cidade de apenas quatro mil habitantes, no interior de Santa Catarina, tudo é uma família e todos se conhecem. Tem o tio da padaria, a tia da banca de jornal e eu era a craque do futebol local. A cidade parava pra me ver jogar. Nem o prefeito perdia um jogo meu. Era muito gratificante.

No Município todo, eram apenas umas 15 meninas que jogavam bola, só tinha uma escola e era por ela que eu treinava três vezes por semana, só uma no campo, o resto era em quadra de salão. Até cheguei a ser sondada por um colégio particular, em uma cidade vizinha, mas quis permanecer em Rio Fortuna.

Categorias de base? Nunca nem vi. E é incrível acompanhar a evolução do futebol feminino brasileiro hoje, com a formação das meninas mais novas, clubes grandes, como o Santos, investindo em estrutura. No meu tempo não tinha nada disso. Apenas a cara, a coragem de jogar futebol e, é claro, a fé. Essa nunca me faltou.

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Abençoada pelos Santos

Em um dia qualquer meu irmão abriu uma revista na página que mudaria a minha vida. A minha mãe começou a ler uma reportagem do então técnico das Sereias, o Kleiton Lima, que hoje é o meu segundo pai. No fim da matéria, estava o contato dele e a informação de que haveria uma peneira para novas atletas para o time feminino do Santos. Dona Rosileia não titubeou. Para ela não tinha empecilho de idade. Eu nem 15 anos tinha, mas a minha progenitora já via algo em mim. Meu Porto Seguro também foi a minha primeira olheira e até hoje é a minha empresária.

E eu fui pra Baixada Santista. Quase 900km de estrada e a certeza da passagem só de ida. Não me perguntem de onde vinha essa segurança. A resposta está no inexplicável.

Eu nunca tinha feito um teste como jogadora. Passei de primeira, então nunca conseguirei imaginar como seria minha frustração caso o resultado fosse negativo. E prefiro nem pensar, apenas desfrutar esse caminho louco que moldou o meu caráter.

Não é que eu seja desligada. Muito pelo contrário, eu sou muito focada, levo a sério o futebol. Mas é que eu deixo as coisas simplesmente acontecerem. E elas acontecem. Sempre foi assim. E eu agradeço a Deus por isso, pois me faz ser quem eu sou.

Sempre fui Santos

“Foi um sonho realizado, porque eu via o Santos desde criança, ouvia as histórias do Pelé e Coutinho, jogadores que tinha mais conhecimento. E quando você cresce ouvindo essas histórias do Santos, principalmente que vieram da minha vó, da torcida dela, realizar esse sonho é algo maravilhoso, parece que é inacreditável tudo o que eu vivo e tô vivendo, porque não foi um sonho só meu, alegria não é só minha, mas é compartilhada com a minha família”.

E tudo aconteceu tão ao natural, que eu ultrapassei a marca do Pelé e nem notei. Sim, o mesmo das histórias da minha vó. E mais, estou atrás apenas de Coutinho como atleta mais nova a marcar um gol pelo Santos, com 15 anos. Eu literalmente debutava do jeito que sempre sonhei. Sem valsa nem príncipe. Apenas eu e a bola.

No início de 2020, o pessoal do Memorial das Conquistas me procurou. Meu sogro foi atrás dos documentos na Federação Paulista de Futebol, e não é que eu tinha ultrapassado o Pelé?!

E fui mais além, santificada pelo Santos, na terra do Rei, acabei jogando com a Rainha. Era 2010, eu já tinha 17 para 18 anos, jogaria a minha primeira Libertadores e do nada começo a conviver com a Marta. Muito louco isso. Mais bizarro ainda foi saber que o meu gol na competição foi com passe dela. E, na boa, pode ter certeza que essa assistência não foi a única que a Estrela deu pra mim. Todos os dias ela me puxava pra perto, me fazia ganhar confiança. Pensa, você está frente a frente com a sua ídolo todos os dias. Eu ficava atônita. Ela reparava e me trazia pra perto. Como isso me deu confiança. Então, quando ela me deixou na cara do gol, a parte mais difícil já tinha passado, o peso nas pernas não existia mais. Eu fiz o que sempre fiz. O que faço até hoje. Gol.

Atualmente eu sei o peso que esse tento tem na minha carreira. Está na prateleira como um dos mais importantes dentre o 100. Mas no dia, adivinhem, eu deixei o destino se encarregar.

Outras famílias

Lembram quando eu falei que o Kleiton Lima foi o meu segundo pai? Na época que passei na peneira pra jogar pelo Santos, não tinha com quem ficar. O futebol feminino ainda estava bem abaixo no Brasil e minha mãe teria que voltar para Rio Fortuna.

“No começo, a minha mãe veio junto em algumas semanas comigo, até eu me adaptar. Depois eu acabei morando com o meu treinador, o Kleiton (Lima), e a família dele. Eles me abraçaram como filha mesmo, sabiam da dificuldade que eu teria de adaptação, por ser uma cidade grande e eu vir do interior. Minha mãe conversou com eles, pra saber se eu poderia me hospedar lá, e acabou que eu fiquei três anos”.

Até que o Santos encerrou o projeto do futebol feminino. No auge. Após conquistarmos todos os títulos possíveis em um ano. Eu já senti que o caminho era esse. Saí antes. Fui para o Flamengo. Mas quando o martelo bateu, foi muito difícil. Contudo, hoje sei que esse hiato foi importante. Para a modalidade. Para o Santos. Para mim. Que pude explorar outros lugares. Passei por Suécia, Estados Unidos. Treinava em Boston, dentro da Universidade de Harvard. Jogava para 15 mil pessoas assistir. Era um mundo novo. Mas voltei ao Brasil. Joguei em times sem estrutura, que não tinham comida, que eu tinha que lavar o meu próprio uniforme. Vivi os dois extremos, e hoje consigo valorizar o que levo comigo. Até porque, já estava tudo escrito…

…até a minha lesão no púbis, em 2012. Estava na Seleção Brasileira de base, em São Paulo, sozinha. O Dr. Ricardo Eid comandou os procedimentos. Quando reparei, já estávamos nos conhecendo melhor. Não estou brincando. Não foi nada planejado. Pelo menos não da minha parte, rs. Aconteceu. Era pra acontecer.

Hoje, ele, médico do esporte, além de ter sido o responsável pela minha cirurgia, é o meu noivo. Ou seja, a bola sempre se encarregou de tudo.

A bola segue se encarregando

Voltei ao Santos em 2015. Tinha que retornar. Era a mesma menina. Com o pesinho de uma bagagem a mais que eu nem sentia. Mal sinto até hoje. Sigo extrovertida, brincalhona. Moleca de tudo.

Fiz 100 gols pelas Sereias, fui homenageada, passo pelo muro do CT Rei Pelé e vislumbro a minha cara lá. Não por mim, mas pelo futebol feminino. Imagina que legal seria ter as meninas que fizeram história pelo Santos em um local reservado para atletas que atingiram feitos realmente importantes?

“E é isso que eu gostaria, que a gente se tornasse referência no esporte. Isso seria um reconhecimento do Santos, das diretorias e também dos torcedores. E o fato dos torcedores pedirem você no muro é porque eles te reconhecem como referência. É algo não só pra mim, mas pra outras meninas, pro futebol feminino ganhar esse reconhecimento na modalidade também”.

E ainda tenho muito o que conquistar. Me disseram que eu já estou com 28 anos, mas eu sigo me sentindo a menina de 15 marcando o primeiro gol. Que se tornou 100. Se tornará 101, 102, 103… feitos não só individuais, mas coletivos. Ajudando o time que eu amo e me levando além. Para onde? Não sei. As coisas acontecem naturalmente. Já estão escritas. E eu só sigo jogando futebol.

* Conteúdo idealizado por Fábio Lázaro, sob supervisão de Vinícius Perazzini

Aston Villa: NSWE were rinsed by ‘sloppy’ Dean Smith flop who cost £375k-per-game

Aston Villa have been transformed since the arrival of Unai Emery, as the Spaniard has stamped a clear target of progression on Villa Park as highlighted during his first term as manager.

The former Arsenal boss took the squad he inherited from Steven Gerrard from 16th place in the Premier League table to seventh, subsequently earning the club a place in European competition for the first time since 2010.

It’s not always been plain sailing for the Villans, and there’s still a long way to go in terms of their progression under Emery, with the recent success stemming from a period of mediocrity after their promotion in 2019.

Dean Smith was the man in charge of the Midlands outfit when they sealed their return to the top flight, in what was a high in his tenure at Villa Park, which was also tainted with plenty of low points.

One area that the former Leicester City boss was questioned over was his recruitment, with not many market moves as damning as the 2020 loan move for Danny Drinkwater from Chelsea.

How much did Danny Drinkwater cost Aston Villa?

During his half-season loan at Villa Park, the two-time Premier League winner was poised to revive his career after falling off quickly after his move to west London from Leicester in 2017.

Following his arrival, Smith was quick to back the midfielder who had fallen from grace, advising the media that he would make Villa a “better team”, which couldn’t have been further from reality.

Danny-drinkwater

Prior to his move, Chelsea hoped that the Villans would pay the full amount of Drinkwater’s £110k-per-week wages, which was negotiated and turned down by the Midlands club, who agreed to pay a fraction of the weekly fee, via The Athletic.

As per Capology, Villa spent £60k per week to keep the Englishman at the club, making him their second-highest earner at the time, amounting to a total of £1.5m in wages for the total number of weeks that he was on their payroll.

What’s more alarming is when you divide the total NSWE spent on the dud’s wage packet by the number of appearances he actually made, it turns out Villa handed him a damning £375k-per-appearance.

Was Danny Drinkwater worth the money?

In the 25 weeks that Drinkwater was at Villa, he made just four appearances, before becoming an outcast due to a bizarre training ground brawl with Jota and his struggles to stay fit.

The 33-year-old, who is nowithout a club, branded his time at Villa Park as “embarrassing”, which is a fair judgement for the money and effort spent to welcome him to the fold after his exclusion at Stamford Bridge.

Danny-drinkwater

When he did play, things weren’t much better, with journalist Ashley Preece previously describing the midfielder’s performances as “sloppy”, as he failed to replicate the searing form he showed during Leicester’s title-winning season in 2015/16.

Where is Danny Drinkwater now?

Since leaving Villa, the former England international has undergone failed loan spells at Turkish side Kasimpasa and Reading, with his current transfer value sitting at under £100k, epitomising his fall from the nest.

Four appearances, £1.5m in wages and assaulting his teammate, NSWE were rinsed by Drinkwater, whose legacy during his short time at Villa will be remembered for his misconduct and overall decline.

Treino do Palmeiras: Zé Rafael tem torção no tornozelo, Esteves volta e Luiz Adriano segue em transição

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a classificação encaminhada às semifinais da Copa do Brasil após a vitória por 3 a 0 contra o Ceará, no Allianz Parque, o Palmeiras se reapresentou na manhã desta quinta-feira (12) na Academia de Futebol.

A novidade do treino foi Lucas Esteves. O lateral-esquerdo, que estava cumprindo processo de transição física, participou de uma atividade tática ao lado dos reservas e atletas que atuaram 45 minutos ou menos na vitória desta quarta pela competição nacional.

Desfalque na partida diante do Ceará por causa de uma sobrecarga na coxa esquerda, Luiz Adriano deu sequência aos trabalhos de transição.

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Já Zé Rafael, substituído com dores na partida com o Ceará, foi avaliado pelo Núcleo de Saúde e Performance e teve detectado um entorse no tornozelo direito. Ele já iniciou o tratamento na Academia de Futebol.

Como de praxe, os atletas que foram titulares na partida desta quarta-feira (11) fizeram um treino regenerativo na parte interna da Academia de Futebol.

O último treino do Palmeiras será na tarde de sexta-feira (13) antes de encarar o Fluminense, sábado às 21h30 (de Brasília).

رئيس البنك الأهلي يفضح عشوائية رابطة الأندية: أرسلوا لنا موعد مباراة سموحة خطأ.. وتضررنا فنيًا وتنظيميًا

عبّر أشرف نصار، رئيس نادي البنك الأهلي، عن غضبه واستيائه من قرار تأجيل مباراة فريقه ضد سموحة، مؤكدًا أن ذلك يُعدّ “ظلمًا” للفريق.

وكانت رابطة الأندية قد أعلنت استكمال مباراة سموحة وبيراميدز من الدقيقة 49، بعد أن نشب الحريق في استاد الإسكندرية وتم إنهاء اللقاء.

وقال أشرف نصار، في تصريحات عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “كان المفترض أننا سنواجه سموحة غدًا الثلاثاء، واللاعبون دخلوا المعسكر والمدير الفني أعلن القائمة، وقمنا بحجز الملعب وسيارات الإسعاف والفندق”.

وتابع: “سمعنا أنباء عن تأجيل المباراة، وكان هذا بعد منتصف الليل أمس، وعندما بدأنا نسأل أرسلوا لنا خطاباً على النادي الساعة الواحدة بعد منتصف الليل يخطرونا بأن المباراة تأجلت من الثلاثاء 2 يوليو إلى الثلاثاء الموافق 13 من الشهر ذاته”.

طالع أيضًا | رابطة الأندية تجري تعديلًا على موعد مباراتي بيراميدز أمام زد وسموحة ضد البنك الأهلي في الدوري

وأضاف: “قلت لهم يوم 13 يوليو لن يوافق الثلاثاء بل سيوافق يوم السبت، فردوا علي (معلش آسفين أصل احنا مضغوطين من الصبح)، حتى الخطاب الخاص بمباراة بيراميدز وسموحة، مكتوب فيه إعادة لعب، كيف إعادة لعب المفروض استكمال ما تبقى من زمن المباراة”.

وأردف: “من الناحية التنظيمية أنا حجزت فندق وإسعاف وملعب، والمدير الفني استعد ووضع خطة للمباراة، كل هذا تم هدمه، أما من الناحية الفنية، فإن الهاني سليمان حارس سموحة تعرض للطرد في مباراة بيراميدز، وسموحة سيواجه إنبي قبل مواجهة البنك الأهلي، وبالتالي فإنني كنت سأستفيد بطرد الهاني سليمان”.

واستكمل: “الأمر الآخر أنه لو كانت أقيمت المباراة غدًا في موعدها، كان أسامة فيصل سيتواجد مع البنك الأهلي بصورة طبيعية، ولكن بعد تأجيل المباراة ليوم 13 يوليو، فإن اللاعب سيكون متواجداً مع المنتخب الأولمبي، وسألعب بدون المهاجم الأساسي”.

واختتم: “أنا أتحدث عن أساسيات، هكذا سألعب الجولة 30 قبل الـ 29، والمهاجم الأساسي غير موجود، سألعب يوم السبت أمام زد، ومباراة سموحة تم ترحيلها”.

Taylor, Cremer, Williams pull out of T20I tri-series

More players could withdraw from the tri-series against Australia and Pakistan following an ongoing player-board fracas over non-payment of salaries

Firdose Moonda25-Jun-2018

Graeme Cremer and Sikandar Raza discuss in the middle•IDI via Getty Images

Zimbabwe have named a squad sans Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Graeme Cremer, Sean Williams for their upcoming T20 triangular series at home against Australia and Pakistan next month. While Raza will be playing in the Global T20 in Canada, Taylor, Cremer, Williams and Craig Ervine were omitted following an ongoing player-board fracas over non-payment of salaries. All five players were also left out of the training squad, named last week, and a practice match against a touring Kenyan side.Zimbabwe squad for T20I tri-series

Cephas Zhuwao, Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, Tarisai Musakanda, Malcolm Waller, PJ Moor, Tendai Chisoro, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Mpofu, Ryan Burl, Solomon Mire, Hamilton Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Ryan Murray

Collectively, Zimbabwe’s players, through their newly-reformed association, have demanded that Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) provides them with a payment plan for two months’ outstanding salaries and their match fees dating back to their tour of Sri Lanka in 2017, by June 25, or they would review their availability for the tri-series. Only the five players named above have made themselves unavailable but ESPNcricinfo understands that up to nine players may pull out of the squad.However, several other senior players were included in the 16-man squad including Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Chris Mpofu and Solomon Mire. Blessing Muzarabani, the fast bowler who made his international debut in a Test against South Africa last year, also found a place in the squad, despite not playing in any of the warm-up matches against a touring Kenyan side. Zimbabwe are yet to name a captain after Cremer was sacked following the failed World Cup qualifier campaign in March.More players could pull out over the next few days, despite assertion from the officials the tri-series will go ahead unaffected. Asked whether he believed the players have fully committed themselves to the tournament, selection convener Walter Chawaguta said: “I believe so. We based our selection on the players that are available. My assumption is that everyone is available and I have no reason to believe otherwise.”Chawaguta left the door open for Taylor and co. to return to the fold and said they would be considered for selection if they make themselves available. “I don’t think there is any doubt in terms of the quality that we have that has been left out of the squad,” he said. “There are some players that have proven themselves over time and there’s been a massive investment in those players. Our hope is that they avail themselves, and if they do avail themselves then the selectors will have to sit down and see where they fit in in the greater scheme of things. Our hope is that things resolve themselves and those players avail themselves.”He also confirmed all five players had withdrawn themselves and called on Taylor, who was lauded by former convener Tatenda Taibu last week, to “set the record straight,” by making a statement on “Twitter or whatever means he chooses,” to explain the players’ grievances.”I’ve personally spoken to everyone one of those players and they didn’t make themselves available,” Chawaguta said. “We started off with four squads originally (for the warm-up competition) because our intention was to have a local quadrangular. When Kenya came into the picture we chose two squads of 30. Those players were contacted but made themselves unavailable. They didn’t play in the tri-series. Towards the end of the tri-series I personally got hold of every single one of those players and every one of them made themselves unavailable until their issues are sorted out. I had a word with Brendan Taylor yesterday and told him it was time he set the record straight. Hopefully that happens soon.”None of the players have made any public comments and have directed questions to their representative, Gerald Mlotchwa, who has been in discussions with ZC over payments and indicated players remained unhappy with the board’s attempts to resolve their debt.On June 14, ZC sent a letter to the players signed by their newly-appointed consultant Vince van der Bijl informing players to expect match fees from the Sri Lanka tour by the end of June and salaries by July 25, a month later than the deadline set by the players.A source told ESPNcricinfo that the players want written confirmation from ZC officials – and in the absence of an MD after Faisal Hasnain’s departure that would mean communication from the chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani – detailing a payment plan for the monies owed.Meanwhile, interim coach Lalchand Rajput, who had coached India Under-19s and was the senior team’s manager when they won the inaugural World T20 in 2007, has taken the depleted squad in his stride. Moreover, he has set them a target of reaching the final of the tri-series, along with a focus on learning how to compete against stronger sides.”I just looked at the players who were available and the best 17, we have picked. My job is to get the best 17,” Rajput said. “I am not interested in who is not available. I want to get the people who are available to perform in the tri-series. As a coach, you like challenges and its a challenge for me. I am looking forward to it. My main concern is to prepare them well to play against the top teams in the world. It’s important that we prepare them well. In T20, there are no favourites. If you play well on a particular day, you win.”

Man Utd could sign a bigger talent than Garnacho in £15m star

Manchester United are enduring a torrid start to the campaign, and thus Erik ten Hag is seemingly already looking ahead to January in an effort to fix their ever-increasing issues…

Who could Manchester United sign in January?

Wallowing in tenth and in very serious danger of a group-stage Champions League exit, things have hardly gone to plan for the former Ajax head coach, who is seeing some of his key stars wilt where they previously shone last year.

The likes of Casemiro and Marcus Rashford are both underperforming, with the latter in particular finding the net just once in all competitions so far this season.

Should his age truly be catching up with him, perhaps it is time to start investing in a successor, with there arguably being no better value option on the market than Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren, available for just £15m and of interest to the Red Devils among many other of Europe's elite.

Arthur Vermeeren

Having shone in Belgium for the last 18 months, there is scope for him to move to England and instantly dominate, given he boasts all the physical and technical qualities needed for success.

Who is Arthur Vermeeren?

Starting 23 times in the Pro League last term, it is actually his start to the new campaign that is now catching the eye, with the 18-year-old a key creative presence in the engine room despite operating as a steadfast and solid number six.

Across just ten appearances this term he already boasts three assists, whilst also averaging an 88% pass accuracy alongside 1.6 key passes, 1.8 tackles and 8.3 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

Given the ease with which he has taken to senior football, it should come as no surprise that Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has rushed to praise him on a number of occasions. He would first write: "He plays like a 30-year-old with plenty of games at the pro level. High-quality midfield controller," before then branding him: "One of the most complete young midfielders in Europe."

To further emphasise his outstanding quality across almost every facet of the game, the teenage enforcer also stars when compared against those in the next 14 divisions similar to the Pro League, as he sits in the top 18% for progressive passes per 90, the top 17% for tackles per 90 and the top 16% for interceptions per 90 amongst a sea of other green figures, via FBref.

Such consistency in someone so young could arguably have seen Vermeeren even surpass Alejandro Garnacho, who may be Ten Hag's best young protégée now, but could quickly be usurped.

After all, whilst the Argentine boasts blistering speed and does have an eye for a goal, his record of just six goals in 45 senior appearances is hardly mesmerising, with his boss even suggesting his form had been "not good enough" to start the new season.

Although he too is just 19 years old, Vermeeren is not only one year his junior, but actually has four more senior appearances for Royal Antwerp than the former Atletico Madrid flyer, needing no time to acclimatise to the increase in level, but simply starring from the start. Starring in midfield too, is arguably an area where greater maturity is needed.

With the engine room being a particular area in need of desperate revamp too, perhaps Ten Hag could solve all of his issues with a January swoop for a talent who could easily surpass his current outstanding youngster.

Move over Richarlison: Spurs’ £70k-p/w "handful" could now cement his place

Tottenham Hotspur will be eager to get back into action following Monday's 2-0 win over London rivals Fulham, with the Premier League high-fliers not having long to wait to resume their exploits, ahead of Friday's clash with Crystal Palace.

Spurs currently remain in first place after nine matches, having secured seven victories and drawn twice, and with Palace up next at Selhurst Park, Ange Postecoglou will have complete confidence in his side's prospects of maintaining their charge.

While last season's travails have left the Lilywhites confined to domestic football, having finished eight in the Premier League last term and consequently missed out on continental qualification for the first time since 2009, the feel-good factor has very much returned.

And given that focus can firmly be fixed on restoring success in the Premier League – something which, so far, is very much in full swing – Tottenham could make merry in forging a tremendous campaign come season's end.

Palace will look to be resilient and organised at the back to hamper Spurs' attacking threat, but whether they can stop this seemingly indomitable force at present remains to be seen.

How could Tottenham line up against Palace?

Postecoglou will be handed a real boost for the weekend as midfield general Yves Bissouma is set to return from his one-match suspension after receiving two yellow cards during the victory over Luton Town a few weeks ago, with Spurs' Australian manager set to decide whether to oust his replacement, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, from that deep-lying berth.

Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon all remain long-term absentees, but the likes of Giovanni Lo Celso and Bryan Gil should again be available for selection, with the former having featured off the bench last time out.

Brennan Johnson could also be in line for a recall to the starting lineup after injury, though whether Postecoglou thinks he should displace Richarlison remains to be seen.

How is Richarlison performing this season?

When Richarlison signed for Tottenham from divisional rivals Everton in a £60m move in 2022, Spurs were convinced that they were clinching a player with a relentless work ethic and deadliness in the box.

He's definitely been energetic, but the 26-year-old certainly flattered to deceive in front of goal, only scoring once in the Premier League last term.

Richarlison PL Stats By Season (Transfermarkt)

Club

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

Tottenham

23/24

9

1

3

Tottenham

22/23

27

1

4

Everton

21/22

30

10

5

Everton

20/21

34

7

3

Everton

19/20

36

13

3

Everton

18/19

35

13

2

Watford

17/18

38

5

5

Once hailed as a player who can "fight for the Ballon d'Or" by former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti, Richarlison has improved this season but has not reached his peak, and will have teammates such as Johnson knocking on Postecoglou's door for a starting berth in his stead.

As the table above illuminates, last year was the player's worst in front of goal so far during his Premier League career, and while he only has one league goal this season, the £90k-per-week dynamo has been far more spirited and enterprising.

Typically fielded on the left wing, Johnson could be the perfect option to replace him against Roy Hodgson's men if Postecoglou chooses to delve down that route, handing his £47.5m summer acquisition from Nottingham Forest the chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Having enjoyed a successful loan spell with League One team Lincoln City during the 2020/21 season, scoring 13 goals and supplying 14 assists, Johnson was welcomed back to the Forest first-team with the belief that he would play a pivotal role.

And indeed he did, with the versatile forward posting 19 goals and nine assists across all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign, as Cooper masterminded an ascent to promotion ecstasy.

And last year, the City Ground outfit's preservation of their newfound top-flight status owes much to the 22-year-old's feats, with his eight Premier League goals personally winning his side 11 crucial points.

The £70k-per-week ace is a real “handful” – as was said by scout Antonio Mango – and offers pace and fleet-footedness in abundance – enough to make a real impact on a first-class squad in Tottenham's this term.

This season, after starting the first three top-flight fixtures of the term with Cooper's side, Johnson has made three league appearances for the Lilywhites, most recently featuring as a substitute on Monday night.

Hailed as a man who can "cause so many problems" by journalist John Bunting, he will be expected to do just that against a Palace squad boasting enough cohesion to stifle Postecoglou's side, should the fluidity not be intact.

And given that he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 8% for tackles per 90, he boasts the level of forward-surging efficiency to compound the Eagles' defensive struggles – having conceded four times against Newcastle United last time out.

Richarlison, of course, is a real threat on his day, but his performances this season – while better than last year's have not warranted an unwavering starting berth – and Postecoglou would be wise to make good use of his various options.

But the fact that Postecoglou can rotate the likes of Richarlison for rising stars such as Johnson underscores the strides taken at the club.

The erstwhile Tricky Trees talent has yet to truly announce himself, but should he be provided with a starting berth later this week, his dynamic qualities set him in good stead to play a central part.

The Wales international certainly has a hefty price tag to try and repay, but if he is to be handed a regular run of games over the coming weeks and months, then those of a Spurs persuasion could be in for a real treat.

Conselho aprova empréstimo de três jogadores do Santos; saiba quais

MatériaMais Notícias

Em reunião virtual realizada nesta terça-feira (17), o Conselho do Santos autorizou o empréstimo de três atletas: o lateral-direito Mikael Doka ao Figueirense, o meia Anderson Ceará ao CRB e o atacante Rodrigão ao Avaí.

Revelação do Santos B, Doka participou de alguns treinamentos com o time principal na última semana, após dez profissionais testarem positivo para o novo coronavírus. O empecilho para que a questão avance é o interesse do clube catarinense de que o Alvinegro arque integralmente os salários até o fim do empréstimo.

RelacionadasSantosConselho Fiscal do Santos veta negócio com o Benfica por Veríssimo, mas assunto voltará a ser debatidoSantos17/11/2020SantosPresidente do Santos diz que impaciência fez Cruzeiro desistir do empréstimo de CopeteSantos17/11/2020

Ceará, por sua vez, havia sido “rebaixado” para o time sub-23 e pediu para ser emprestado para ganhar rodagem. Por conta do bom relacionamento entre as diretorias, o CRB mostrou interesse no atleta e aguardava a aprovação do Conselho Deliberativo para concluir o negócio.

Rodrigão, que segue pertencendo ao Santos, já treinava no Avaí e esperava apenas o aval santista, que pagará 10% dos salários do jogador, que estava emprestado ao Ceará.

The gloves still fit for Jonny Bairstow as India Test challenge looms

Test keeper pleased to get back behind the stumps after limited-overs series, and looking forward to playing with Yorkshire team-mate Adil Rashid

Melinda Farrell27-Jul-2018

Jonny Bairstow took a fine catch to remove Shaun Marsh•Getty Images

While some England players are raring to pick up a bat or a red ball against the No.1 Test team, Jonny Bairstow can’t wait to get his mitts on, well, the mitts. Having relinquished the wicketkeeping duties to Jos Buttler during the limited-overs leg of England’s summer, the Test gloveman will be back behind the stumps for the first match of the series at Edgbaston.Bairstow’s keeping has improved markedly since he first took up the gloves for England, as a replacement for the injured Matt Prior during the 2013-14 Ashes. His development is a testament to both hard work and a stubborn refusal to be considered as a batsman only.”It is quite good fun running around like a lunatic on the boundary,” said Bairstow of his time as an out-fielder during the one-day matches. “It is not quite as much fun getting abused by home fans… it is exciting.”I enjoyed it this week being back at Headingley. The last time I kept before then properly was the last Test match so we have had a little bit of a break and a lay-off, but I don’t see that as too much of an issue.”Your movements and everything like, you just settle back in. Yes, you have got a pair of gloves on and you are standing behind instead of out on the boundary. You are able to get your angles a bit better but it is something I have worked hard on for a number of years now.”It was good to get a bit of a break because it keeps your mind fresh, your body fresh, and it keeps that excitement and hunger to come back in and want to do well, keep pushing yourself and to keep having an impact on the game.”Leaving aside his glovework, Bairstow’s impact on matches this season has been significant. Earlier in the week he scored 82 in Yorkshire’s Specsavers County Championship match against Lancashire, while he has made solid contributions for England batting up and down the order in all three formats since the start of the summer, calling to mind his form in 2016.”I am happy with the way I have been playing,” Bairstow said during the launch of the Specsavers Test Series. “There are differences that are going to change from white-ball to red-ball. With the white ball I have been opening the batting, with the red ball I am bit further down, hopefully batting for a longer time and your roles differ.”I would like to hope that is something over the last ten years of playing, with the way my game is and evolving, that I have been able to modify those in different scenarios and different conditions against different opposition.”Whether I am coming into it in good nick… I don’t want to jinx myself. I am content with my game is at but there is a lot more I can offer and a lot further I can go in the game.”Bairstow was, quite understandably, unwilling to be drawn into the controversy surrounding the Test selection of his Yorkshire teammate, Adil Rashid, who opted out of playing red-ball cricket for his county earlier this year. But he is optimistic that Rashid will be able to put aside the rumblings that have followed his England call-up.”That is for them to deal with,” Bairstow said. “That is for Yorkshire to deal with and Adil. That is something I am sure will be in the background but, at the same time, he has now been picked in a Test squad to represent England.”The biggest honour you can have is to go out and play Test cricket for England. I think deep, deep down, Yorkshire will be chuffed to pieces that another one of their players is going out and hopefully representing their country in one of the biggest series there is to play.”Bairstow knows Rashid better than most: the two Yorkshiremen have been playing together since they were teenagers, although Rashid is two years older, and Bairstow believes the legspinner is a better bowler now than when he last played for England against India in December 2016.”I think he has matured a lot,” said Bairstow. “You can see that in the way that he is starting, the way he is bowling in the Powerplays in one-day cricket. And I don’t think that’s hyping him up too much, yes he hasn’t played red-ball cricket – he has played white-ball cricket – but if he is landing his legspinner, if he is landing his googly, he just has to do it a few more times other than the 10 overs he has been bowling.”At the same time people are not necessarily [going to] come at him as hard in red-ball cricket as they will in white so the shape he gets on the ball, the line he might bowl, the length he might bowl, might differ as well. It is an exciting challenge for him, as for us all, going from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket.The national selector, Ed Smith, has denied that Rashid’s call-up was heavily influenced by the leg-break he bowled to dismiss Virat Kohli in England’s victory over India in the third ODI at Headingley. Rashid took Kohli’s wicket twice during the ODI series and there has been speculation the Indian captain’s stunned reaction after missing the Headingley delivery, which Rashid later described as one of the best balls he has bowled at the highest level, may have significantly helped his selection.”He has bowled me with plenty of legbreaks over the years,” said Bairstow. “It is not just that one ball that he will get remembered for. For the rest of the balls he bowled, he’s used his googlies, varied his pace, he’s come over the top of the ball, round the side of it.”The utilisation of his side spin and top spin was very impressive as well. To have him [Kohli] out, get him stumped then to bowl him was really impressive.”He obviously bowled really, really nicely in the one-dayers and the way the white ball has been coming out of his hand… it is an exciting call-up for him. He is delighted and I am really excited for him.”Jonny Bairstow was speaking at the launch of ‘The Test Experts’ Specsavers as Official Test Partner for England ahead of the 1000th Test which begins at Edgbaston on August 1

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