All posts by h79snht.top

Tamim questions team selection and calls for better batting surfaces to be produced back home

Mohammad Isam22-Jun-20240:54

Tamim: Bangladesh’s approach in the chase was disappointing

Bangladesh’s two most high-profile cricketers, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, were left disappointed with the team’s lack of intent against India in their T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight game in Antigua.Shakib made 11 off seven balls having arrived at the crease in the 12th over with Bangladesh needing 121 runs at 14.23 per over. He rued the team’s lack of fight in the business end of the tournament as they made below-par scores of 140 for 8 and 146 for 8 against Australia and India respectively. The Bangladesh top order’s continued poor form hasn’t improved even on the Antigua pitches where batting is seemingly easier than on most surfaces in this tournament. Shakib said that they couldn’t even show their intent of wanting chasing India’s 196 runs in this game.”We have a 50 percent win rate in this World Cup but if we had fought against India and Australia the way we fought against South Africa, we could have called it a good World Cup campaign,” Shakib said. “We are short of runs as a batting unit. We made 140 in the last game, 146 today. We should have done better today since we had a target in front of us. We couldn’t even show it to people that we were trying [to chase the target] today. I don’t think the confidence was there. We have lacked in this area throughout the World Cup.Related

Taskin Ahmed on missing team bus for India game: 'Not as if they didn't pick me because I arrived late'

Hardik and Kuldeep lead India to their second win in the Super Eight

Rohit on batting show vs Bangladesh: 'That's how we want to play and go forward'

“You have to bring your A-game against teams like Australia and India. I think we lacked in skill and strength. We couldn’t do the basics for longer periods to create pressure. Throughout this World Cup, I don’t think we justified ourselves as a batting unit. We are capable of scoring big runs. We were well short of par scores like 175-185 in the last two games, both played on good wickets. Maybe India scored 20 more runs today but we have to show the intent from the start of the innings. I don’t think it was there.”Tamim, in his capacity as an expert for ESPNcricinfo, said after the match that Bangladesh’s lack of intent with the bat surprised him against India. “[Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh’s captain] said that he should have finished the game but Bangladesh never got close in this contest. I didn’t understand why he would say that. Bangladesh’s batting has disappointed in this whole tournament. The think-tank really needs to think about how they will go from here on.”When your batters are scoring runs, you are confident that your batting line-up can chase down a total like 160 or 170. When you know that your batting is struggling, it surprised me that [Bangladesh] decided to bowl first. Couple of their decisions have surprised me in this game. Fingers will be pointed.”Tamim added that the Bangladesh team management’s decision to leave out Taskin Ahmed against India, bringing in the extra batter in Jaker Ali, left him surprised. Taskin had gone for some runs against Australia, but he is the team’s vice-captain, and someone looked upon as the bowling attack leader.”I was very surprised why Taskin didn’t play. Both the spinners went for plenty of runs. There was a time when India were in a bit of bother losing back-to-back wickets to Tanzim [Hasan Sakib]. If Taskin was there as an extra fast bowler, Bangladesh could have attacked India more. We know about Shivam Dube’s short-ball weakness. Taskin had the pace to use those tactics against him.”Mustafizur Rahman had an off-day with the ball•Associated Press

Tamim also felt that not giving the new ball to Mustafizur Rahman was a missed opportunity to take on Rohit Sharma’s talked-about weakness against left-arm pace, while he also felt that Tanzim could have been allowed to continue with the new ball because he was handling it well in the previous matches.”Everyone is talking about Rohit Sharma having a little weakness against left-arm fast bowling. It plays on the player’s mind when he is taking on a similar bowler in the game. Bangladesh had an opportunity to start with the left-arm seamer, just to have a look. India might have scored 196, but Rohit’s start was very important for India. That’s how momentum comes.”Tanzim did well with the new ball in the previous matches. He didn’t get the new ball today. Why do you have to change the whole setup for somebody else and even when someone is doing exceptionally well?”Dropping Taskin was mainly to boost the flagging batting line-up. It has been problematic for a long time, but since coming to North America last month, the top-order has caved against most bowling attacks. Shakib said that Bangladesh has a general batting tendency to do better on tricky wickets rather than on good batting pitches.”We don’t really do well when we play on flat wickets that produce 180-200 runs,” Shakib said. “We play better on wickets that produce 130-150 runs. That’s what we are familiar with. Apart from one game in BPL this year, our local batters haven’t really chased big runs. It remains our weakness.”Tamim further explained that the Bangladesh batters aren’t used to good batting wickets for many years. He said that they play on slow and low surfaces back home where they play most of their cricket, so when they encounter good ones in ICC tournaments, they get caught out not knowing what to do.”Bangladesh [usually] play in difficult wicket for batters. They also can’t start scoring runs freely when you put them in a very good wicket. You need to know how to score runs even on a good wicket. You need to know your limitations on which shots to play. I think there should be a long-term plan where Bangladesh should play on good wickets. They don’t get it in Mirpur.”Tamim said that even their marquee T20 tournament, the Bangladesh Premier League, failed to produce exciting cricket due to the nature of the pitches in the country. He said that the win-first (at home) nature of Bangladesh cricket has left the batters in the lurch.He suggested being patient with better pitches so that the batters can improve while the bowlers also pick up how to bowl on good batting surfaces.”BPL is a fantastic tournament but we couldn’t get wickets that excited the crowds. The last two years, scores have been higher. Teams are chasing 170-180, but we are so result-oriented in Bangladesh. If we have a very good wicket in the first game, the moment we lose that game, people are trying to make a spin-friendly track. I think not only players and coaches, the board also has to come out of that mentality. Let us lose for another six months, but let’s prepare wickets where bowlers and batters can learn. I think this is the only way forward for Bangladesh cricket.”

Chief selector Upul Tharanga said Angelo Mathews was not being considered for selection in T20Is any longer

Madushka Balasuriya24-Jul-2024

The nature of Dushmantha Chameera’s injury is not yet known•AFP/Getty Images

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s home series against India with bronchitis and a respiratory infection. Asitha Fernando is his replacement in the ODI and T20I squads.Chameera played for Kandy Falcons in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) earlier this month, though he wasn’t picked in the side towards the end of the tournament.”Only yesterday did we get back the reports, and it can be confirmed that he will miss the T20Is and ODIs against India,” Sri Lanka’s chief selector Upul Tharanga said at a briefing, alongside newly appointed interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya on Wednesday, where he outlined the road ahead for Sri Lanka in T20 internationals.Related

Calm, chilled and selfless: captain Asalanka steps into Sri Lanka cricket's melee

Jayasuriya appointed Sri Lanka's interim head coach

Chandimal returns; Asalanka to lead Sri Lanka in T20I series against India

Four questions for India as they enter a new era in white-ball cricket

What next for Angelo Mathews?Mathews had received an unexpected recall to the T20I side at the start of the year, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. However, despite scoring 261 runs at a strike rate of 151.74 in the LPL, he was not in the squad to face India.While Mathews is yet to retire from T20Is, Tharanga seemed to confirm the 37 year-old was no longer being considered as Sri Lanka build towards the next T20 World Cup in 2026.Chief selector Upul Tharanga said Angelo Mathews is not part of Sri Lanka’s T20I plans•Bangladesh Cricket Board

“When we came in [as selectors] we spoke to Angie about playing in this past World Cup, that was the plan,” Tharanga said. “But after the tournament we spoke again, and this time we told him he wasn’t in our plans for the next World Cup.”But during the brief time he was in the side after we brought him in, he played well. And in the LPL as well he did will as a finisher. But we need to look to the future. There’s a big gap to fill when it comes to an allrounder in the side – we have about two-three new players in mind to slot into that role. We’ll give them an opportunity and get them ready for the next World Cup.”How do Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera fit in?Chandimal and Perera had excellent performances in LPL 2024, scoring 287 and 296 runs respectively at exemplary strike rates while opening the innings.But competition is tough at the top of Sri Lanka’s batting order, with Tharanga confirming Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis as first-choice openers. It’s also likely that Kamindu Mendis will slot in at no.4, with Avishka Fernando – who also had an impressive LPL – the back-up.Dinesh Chandimal is back in Sri Lanka’s T20I side after an impressive LPL season•SLC

Captain Charith Asalanka will remain at no. 5, which leaves one spot – at no.3 – for either Chandimal or Perera.What will Sri Lanka’s attack look like against India?With all three T20Is being played in Pallekele, a venue that has offered more pace and bounce than anywhere else in the country, Tharanga said Sri Lanka’s could play three fast bowlers.Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando and Matheesha Pathirana could be the first-choice combination, with each offering something different in the powerplay and death. Dasun Shanaka is another seam option at no. 6, with the uncapped allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe serving as a back-up.On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will play, with Dunith Wellalage an option if Sri Lanka want an extra spinner.What can we expect from Jayasuriya, the coach?Jayasuriya’s international career spanned 22 years. After retiring in 2011, he remained in the game in different capacities: most recently he was cricket consultant for SLC, overseeing players and coaches at the high-performance centre. The home series against India will be his first as a head coach of the national side.Sanath Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s cricket consultant during the T20 World Cup 2024•ICC/Getty Images

“I was here as a consultant, I’ve played for Sri Lanka for 22 years, and I’ve worked under a lot of great coaches. I think whatever I can do, I will do with the side,” Jayasuriya said when asked about his new role. “Yes, I don’t have experience as a head coach, but I will try and do my best with this challenge. That said, I’m only in the role on an interim basis, so we will have a permanent coach coming in soon.”How have Sri Lanka prepared for India?Every member of the squad played in the recently concluded LPL. They will be familiar with the conditions in Pallekele, having played one of the legs of the tournament there.The team is currently having a training camp in Kandy ahead of the series and is working with Rajasthan Royals high-performance director, Zubin Bharucha, on a short-term basis. The move was facilitated by former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who is the director of cricket at RR.”It was great training with Zubin, as we did a lot of things that we had not done before,” Jayasuriya said. “There was a lot of work done with him, we learnt a lot from him, and I hope the players have learned about more optimal practicing and techniques. So I think preparations have been really good – and we have another two more days in Kandy.”

علق روجيرو ميكالي المدير الفني الأسبق لـ منتخب مصر الأولمبي، على أداء الفراعنة في تصفيات كأس العالم، موضحًا حقيقة وجود مفاوضات بينه وبين الأهلي أو الزمالك من قبل.

وقال ميكالي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر “أون سبورت”: “أرى أن المنتخب المصري في طريق جيد، مؤمن أنه سيتأهل لكأس العالم، مهم استغلال فرصة المشاركة في كأس العالم، منتخب مصر قوي جدًا وأنا أتابعه، شاهدت آخر مباراة والفوز بهدفين على إثيوبيا كان مهما”.

وأكمل: “هذا المنتخب نتاج شغل المنتخبات المصرية الأصغر، وقدرتهم على تمثيل منتخب مصر الأول، المخطط دائمًا هو أن يصل اللاعبون الشباب للمنتخب الأول لتمثيل مصر بأحسن صورة، أنا سعيد جدًا أن لاعبين كثيرين منهم قد يكون نصف المنتخب عملت معهم من قبل”.

طالع | أحمد حسن عن فيديو “العميد الأصلي”: البعض يريد أخذ اللقطة.. وسننافس على كأس العرب

وتابع: “أنا أحب كوكا وإبراهيم عادل ومحمود صابر، كان عندي فريق قوي وكل لاعب له خصائص وكلهم كان عندهم أهمية للفريق، كان عندنا أساس جيد من اللاعبين، كل واحد لديه إمكانيات في مركزه، وهناك لاعبون لا يتواجدون في المنتخب الحالي لكن أتوقع لهم بمستقبل جيد”.

وبسؤاله عن رأيه في محمد النني؟، أوضح: “النني لاعب محترف ودخل معي في الفريق بصورة قوية وكان مهم بالنسبة لنا، ومع الأسف لم نستطع وقتها ضم لاعب آخر عنده خبرة، لو فعلنا ذلك كنا حصلنا على ميدالية، البعض لم يكن مؤمنًا بنا، ولكني كنت مؤمنًا والنني كان مهمًا للفريق، لاعب جيد ويمتلك شخصية جيدة”.

وبسؤاله من اللاعب الذي لو كان معك في المنتخب الأولمبي، كنا فزنا بميدالية، أجاب: “كان عندي خيارات عديدة، أنا اخترت اللاعبين الذين كانوا يشاركون مع المنتخب الأول، وكنا نحاول ضم المتاح”.

وواصل: “كان في هذه الفترة الأهلي يتنافس مع بيراميدز على اللقب، فلم يكن لدينا لاعب من الفريقين للمشاركة معنا، وكنا قد اخترنا القائمة في وقت مُبكر ولم نستطع ضم أي لاعب من الفريقين”.

وزاد: “لم تكن هناك مفاوضات مع الأهلي لتدريب الفريق، والزمالك كان هناك كلام في شهر فبراير، لكن مع الأسف لم أستطع الذهاب لأن كان عندي مشكلة شخصية، واستغليت هذه الفترة لأحل المشكلة الشخصية”.

وأردف: “أنا حزين أنني لم أستطع المجيء وشرف لي تدريب الزمالك الذي يمتلك جماهير كبيرة، حتى لو الفريق لا يؤدي بشكل جيد لكن الجماهير دائما تشجعه”.

وأتم: “ممكن في يوم من الأيام أدرب الأهلي أو الزمالك، أنا أحب العودة إلى مصر، وليس القطبين فقط، يوجد بيراميدز وزد وسيراميكا وغيرهم، توجد العديد من الأندية المميزة في مصر، وأنا حابب أعود لمصر من بوابة أي ناد لأنني أعتبر مصر بيتي الثاني”.

Manchester United’s busy summer is well underway, with Ruben Amorim having a huge task on his hands to transform the situation at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ dismal season in 2024/25 was reflected in their measly league standing in the Premier League, which saw them finish just a handful of places above the drop zone.

Issues became apparent at both ends of the pitch, with a real lack of star quality within the frontline and the defence areas, as seen by their tallies of goals scored and conceded.

However, the 40-year-old has the opportunity to make the changes he desires to his first-team squad, needing funds from the hierarchy to make the additions to bolster his ranks.

With a couple of months left in the transfer window, Amorim has plenty of time to plot the signings he wants in one department, with countless players remaining on their radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

After scoring just 44 goals in the Premier League last season, United’s need for a new talisman is evident, with Amorim making numerous moves in the window already.

Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are two forwards who have been hugely on their radar this window, unsurprisingly so given their respective tallies of 54 goals and 37 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.

However, another name has entered the mix in the form of Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, potentially looking to take advantage of his lack of action at Stamford Bridge.

A report from The Athletic states that the Red Devils have been in constant talks with Enzo Maresca’s side over a move for the Frenchman, who only started nine league games last season.

It also states that a potential swap deal could take place which could see winger Alejandro Garnacho potentially move in the opposite direction, with the Argentine set to depart the club this window.

If United were required to pay a straight up fee, then previous reports have suggested the Blues are looking for around £59m to let him go.

Why United’s latest target would be the dream Watkins alternative

Ollie Watkins is another name who’s been mentioned with a move to United throughout this summer window, with their interest reaching the next level in recent days.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils have made contact with Aston Villa over a deal for the 29-year-old, who’s registered 31 combined goals and assists in the most recent campaign.

Unai Emery’s side could be open to offloading the England international this window, bolstering their PSR standing, whilst handing Amorim an added option within the final third.

However, it may cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, after Arsenal had a £50m offer rejected for Watkins back in the January transfer window seven months ago.

As a result, they could turn their attention to Nkunku. While his form at Chelsea has been questionable, he was “unstoppable”, in the words of European football expert Zach Lowy at RB Leipzig, scoring as many as 23 goals in his final campaign in Germany.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the Premier League last year, the Blues talent has managed to outperform the Englishman in numerous key areas, potentially being a bargain addition.

Nkunku may have registered fewer goals, but has posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – handing Amorim the clinical option he craves in the final third.

How Nkunku compares to Watkins in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Nkunku

Watkins

Games played

27

38

Goals scored

3

16

Shot on target accuracy

44%

43%

Progressive passes

2.5

1.1

Pass accuracy

90%

72%

Key passes

1.4

0.8

Take-on success

37%

24%

Carries into final third

1.6

0.7

Aerials won

43%

42%

Stats via FBref

He’s also dominated in terms of his link-up play, completing more passes and more key passes per 90, having the opportunity to provide those around him with chances and also offering the side a needed focal point.

The Frenchman’s all-round dominance is reflected in his take-on success and aerials won, potentially being a key option that could either feature as a nine or even a ten in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Blues outcast would cost this window, it’s evident that the former RB Leipzig talisman would be a better option than Watkins.

There’s no denying that the Villa star would be a viable option, but ultimately, Nkunku has showcased that he has the all-round ability to catapult the Red Devils to success in the near future.

Related Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd open talks to land "the next Mbappe"

Manchester United are looking to complete a positive transfer window this summer.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 1, 2025

تحدث لويس كامبوس، المدير الرياضي لنادي باريس سان جيرمان عن ترشح لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم عثمان ديمبلي، للفوز بالكرة الذهبية هذا العام.

وقدم ديمبلي موسمًا مميزًا مع باريس سان جيرمان بعد التتويج بالخماسية الدوري والكأس والسوبر الفرنسي ودوري أبطال أوروبا للمرة الأولى في تاريخ النادي وأخيرًا السوبر الأوروبي على حساب توتنهام هوتسبير.

وكانت تقترب السداسية من الفريق الباريسي إذ كان قاب قوسين أو أدنى من التتويج ببطولة كأس العالم للأندية في نسختها الجديدة 2025، لكنه خسر بثلاثية نظيفة أمام تشيلسي بقيادة إنزو ماريسكا.

وكان ديمبلي قد توج بجائزة الكرة الذهبية المقدمة من مجلة “أونزي مونديال” الفرنسية بتصويت الجمهور بنسبة 32.5% متفوقًا على لامين يامال بفارق صغير 30% ومبابي الذي جاء في المركز الثالث 12.5%.

ويقام حفل الكرة الذهبية لعام 2025 في مدينة باريس يوم الإثنين الموافق 22 سبتمبر الجاري لتحديد من هو الفائز الجديد بجائزة “بالون دي أور”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كامبوس: إنريكي أول من أبلغ نيمار بالرحيل.. وكان مُصممًا على التتويج بدوري الأبطال

وقال كامبوس، عن فوز ديمبلي بالجائزة في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “لدى باريس سان جيرمان 9 مرشحين لجائزة الكرة الذهبية، نحن سعداء للغاية”.

وأكمل: “لاعبون آخرون يستحقون التكريم أيضًا مثل باركولا وباتشو لكن ديمبلي تم اختياره أفضل لاعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا، الأفضل في دوريه، لقد فاز بكل شيء، لو كان اسمه ميسي أو رونالدو لما كان هناك أي نقاش”.

وأردف: “إذا لم يفُز فذلك لأن المصوتين غير مؤهلين لاختيار الفائز بالكرة الذهبية، أتحدث عن الموسم الماضي وليس عن مستقبل لاعبين مثل لامين يامال”.

وأتم: “بناءً على الإحصائيات والتأثير في جميع المسابقات، كان ديمبلي الأبرز، قدم حكيمي وفيتينيا مواسم رائعة أيضًا لكن أفضل لاعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الفرنسي كان ديمبلي”.

Kane Richardson and Marcus Harris will also take part in the Darwin event which included eight teams

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Aug-2024

Josh Brown stunned in last year’s BBL•Getty Images

Josh Brown and Will Sutherland have been included in the Melbourne Renegades Academy squad for the Top End T20 series in Darwin while Australia quick Scott Boland will be part of Melbourne Stars Academy.Sutherland, who made his ODI debut against West Indies last season, will captain Renegades. He has spent the winter recovering from another stress fracture of the back which ruled him out of a second consecutive county stint having lined up a deal with Somerset.Brown, meanwhile, was one of the big off-season moves after he was lured away from Brisbane Heat having lit up last season’s BBL with some spectacular innings include a stunning 140 off 57 balls against Adelaide Strikers. While the much-anticipated pairing with Jake Fraser-McGurk will have to wait for the BBL in December, the Top End tournament will be Brown’s first outing with his new club.Renegades have also included Kane Richardson and Victoria opener Marcus Harris who does not currently have a BBL deal. Harris made one appearance for Perth Scorchers last season, in the Eliminator final, having been signed as a late replacement.Meanwhile, Boland will have a dual role for Stars having been included in their academy squad for the tournament where he will also serve as a bowling coach. Should Boland play it will be his first competitive cricket since April when he had a county deal with Durham cut short by a heel injury.Stars have also included the experience of Hilton Cartwright who is part of their BBL squad.Alongside the Stars and Renegades academy sides, the Top End T20 features Northern Territory Strike, Adelaide Strikers, Perth Scorchers, Tasmania, ACT Comets, Pakistan A and a Bangladesh High Performance side.Jake Weatherald (Tasmania and Adelaide Strikers) and D’Arcy Short (Western Australia and Strikers) will play for NT Strike.All the squads for the Top End T20 seriesNorthern Territory StrikeJacob Dickman, Lachlan Bangs, Harshtik Bimbral, Connor Carroll, Isaac Conway, Coby Edmonstone, Matt Hammond, Hamish Martin, Cadell McMahon, Tom Menzies, D’Arcy Short, Charlie Smith, Caelan Maladay, Jake WeatheraldMelbourne Stars AcademyAustin Anlezark, Max Birthisel, Scott Boland, Dylan Brasher, Liam Blackford, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Hilton Cartwright, Sam Elliott, Jaga Koduru, Reiley Mark, Joe Medew-Ewen, David Moody, Arjun Nair, Connor RutlandMelbourne Renegades AcademyWill Sutherland, Tom Brooks, Josh Brown, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Matt Hennig, Jai Lemire, Blake MacDonald, Fergus O’Neill, Tyler Pearson, Kane Richardson, Callum StowAdelaide StrikersLiam Scott, James Bazley, Jordan Buckingham, Hamish Case, Josh Kann, Ryan King, Harry Manenti, Harry Matthias, Tim Oakley, Tom O’Connell, Lloyd Pope, Sam Rahaley, Jake WinterPerth ScorchersSam Fanning, Keaton Critchell, Joel Curtis, Baxter Holt, Luke Holt, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Lucas Martin, Declan Power, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors, Josh Vernon, Corey Wasley, Teague WyllieTasmaniaGabe Bell, Lachlan Clark, Zac Curtain, Nick Davis, Jake Doran, Kieran Elliott. Rafael MacMillan, Jack Montgomery, Will Prestwidge, Nivethan Radhakrishnan, James Scott, Louis Smith, Charlie Wakim, Tim WardACT CometsTyler van Luin, Scott Murn, Nick Allen, Nic Broes, Kai Brunker, Tom Hogan, Zak Keogh, Tyler Hays, Hanno Jacobs, Zac Maron, Mikey McNamara, Esam Rahman, Jake Smith, Hayden WatlingPakistan AMohammad Haris, Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Arif Yaqoob, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Imran, Mubasir Khan, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan.Bangladesh High PerformanceTanzid Hasan, Jishan Alam, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Ariful Islam, Akbar Ali, Wasi Siddiquee, Rakibul Hasan, Al Islam, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Abu Hider, Mukidul Islam, Ripon Mondol, Maruf Mridha

It must feel like Christmas Day every day for Arsenal fans at the moment.

Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have already sealed the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and look set on spending even more.

Noni Madueke has reportedly passed his medical, and a deal has been agreed for Valencia’s promising centre-back Christian Mosquera.

On top of all of that, Viktor Gyokeres could be announced as an Arsenal player at any point this week, and if reports are to be believed, the club are closing in on another international who’d be his dream ten.

Arsenal target dream ten for Gyokeres

After years of looking for an out-and-out nine to lead the line for them, Arsenal have settled on Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The Swedish international has been linked with the club in prior windows, and even looked to be second-choice behind Benjamin Sesko at one point this summer, but finally, a deal has been agreed for the Sporting star.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Gunners will pay an initial fee of £55m for the 27-year-old, with £9m coming in the way of performance-related add-ons.

It feels like a good deal for someone who’s scored goals for fun over the last two years, and now it looks like the North Londoners are trying to bring in an attacking midfielder who’ll get even more out of him.

At least that’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who reported for Football Insider that Arsenal are still very much interested in Eberechi Eze.

O’Rourke has revealed that the Gunners are closing in on the Crystal Palace star, and that they would be willing to pay his full £68m release clause to get the deal done.

However, due to FFP and PSR concerns, they will not be able to pay it all upfront, and are therefore in talks with the South Londoners over paying it in instalments.

It’d still represent a serious investment from Arsenal, but Eze has proven he’d be worth it, and he’d also be the perfect ten for Gyokeres.

Why Eze would be Gyokeres' perfect ten

It might sound simplistic, but as Gyokeres is quite traditional in the sense that he does most of his work in the penalty area, one of the key reasons he’d love playing with Eze is that he’d be able to get the ball to him.

For example, he can move the ball up the pitch with his dribbling, as FBref ranked him in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons in the Premier League last season and the top 11% for general shot-creating actions, all per 90.

Crucially, he also makes things happen when he gets into dangerous areas, as he racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in just 43 games last season.

Eze vs Odegaard in 24/25

Players

Eze

Odegaard

Appearances

43

45

Minutes

3303′

3447′

Goals

14

6

Assists

11

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.40

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

191.5′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That was a far better return than the Gunners’ current first-choice attacking midfielder, Martin Odegaard, who racked up 18 goal involvements in 45 games.

In short, the Sporting star will be able to play ahead of the Palace ace, safe in the knowledge that he’ll be provided with a regular supply of chances, and even have the opportunity to turn provider himself at points.

Finally, what is one of the main drivers behind the former Coventry City star’s desperate desire to join the North Londoners this summer?

It’s to have the chance to win the biggest prizes in the club game, and the English “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, proved that he’s the man for the big occasion last season.

He scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the final of the FA Cup, so Gyokeres would surely feel confident that his creative midfielder would perform at his very best in the crunch games and not let him down.

Ultimately, while it’d be another massive outlay, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this summer, as he’d be a brilliant addition to the squad and someone who could help get the best out of the Swedish goal machine.

Related Alongside Gyokeres: Arsenal now in "very advanced" talks to sign £17m ace

The Gunners are closing in on a deal to sign a “magnificent” player.

Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 14, 2025

Newcastle United always knew this summer would involve a lot of higher-up teams battling it out for Alexander Isak’s services.

Isak’s 23-goal heroics in Premier League action just weren’t going to go unnoticed, with Liverpool targeting the lethal Swede intensely this off-season, subsequently, only to fail in their advances.

The Magpies aren’t out of the woods just yet, however, when it comes to rich teams sniffing around for their star-man, with a move now allegedly on the table for Isak to move out to the Saudi Pro League for an eye-watering £200m.

Newcastle have asserted back that the ex-Real Sociedad goal machine isn’t for sale under any circumstances, but they will surely have some strikers up their sleeves anyway this summer to try and improve their forward line even more, just in case the unthinkable occurs.

Newcastle line up swoop for £78m attacker

Already, the Magpies have forked out an extortionate £55m to land Anthony Elanga to enhance their personnel down the wings.

This spending could continue with a striker now being obtained, with reports suggesting that Newcastle are looking at Victor Osimhen as one viable option, alongside another lethal finisher from the Bundesliga – away from earlier interest in Hugo Ekitike – who would cost Eddie Howe’s Toon a mighty £78m.

This is, of course, RB Leipzig hero Benjamin Sesko.

That’s according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook who recently stated that Newcastle might well rekindle their interest in the Slovenian machine very soon, having been dealt blow after blow with other centre-forward targets.

It’s stated that Howe has admired Sesko for some time now, with a move finally getting over the line for the 22-year-old striker to move to Tyneside, representing a better deal than landing James Trafford in between the sticks, who looks to now be Manchester City-bound.

Why signing Sesko would be a better signing than Trafford

Trafford is yet another unfortunate transfer saga that has gone wrong for the Toon, with it being well-known since last summer that the Magpies were keen on the England U21 international as their future number one goalkeeper.

However, he looks set to return to boyhood employers Man City over making that expected next step to St James’ Park, but Newcastle won’t want to be up in arms about this for too long, considering they do have a dependable top-flight keeper already at the club in Nick Pope.

Whilst Trafford is the talk of the town back at Burnley for his unbelievable 29 clean sheets in Championship action last season, he has struggled in the top division previously, with a worrying 62 goals leaked across the 23/24 season with the Clarets.

On the contrary, Pope has always looked at ease with the same pressures on his back, as seen in his bumper 73 clean sheets at the elite level from 221 outings, with more pressing captures like Sesko’s now surely prioritised over seeking out improvements in net.

Newcastle’s strikers last season – G/A numbers

Player

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Minutes played

Alexander Isak

42

27

6

3319

Callum Wilson

22

1

0

474

William Osula

19

2

2

456

Sourced by Transfermarkt

The table above really does hammer home why Newcastle are going all out to try and win some potent strikers this summer, with Isak leading the line on his own for most of the campaign, as Callum Wilson and William Osula only chipped in with a meagre three strikes in reserve.

With Wilson now off the Toon books, there is only the ex-Sheffield United youngster at Howe’s disposal away from the in-demand Swede, which is where Sesko might well come to the rescue.

Amazingly, Sesko – who has also been on Arsenal’s radar – would only find himself five short of Isak’s tally for Leipzig last campaign when registering a blistering 21 strikes, taking his overall count in Germany to a ridiculous 39 goals from 87 clashes.

One branded a “monster” by football journalist Eduardo Hagn for his ice-cold ability to fire home chance after chance, it does feel as if this is a splurge Newcastle can justify, especially if it goes down to the wire surrounding Isak’s future on Tyneside.

On the contrary, losing out on Trafford is unlikely to keep the Toon up at night for very long.

Related Ekitike 2.0: Newcastle plotting move for "chaotic" £65m Wissa alternative

Newcastle need to complement Alexander Isak with a new striker this summer.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 19, 2025

Jake Fraser-McGurk hit a maiden half-century and Matt Short bagged five but Australia couldn’t defend 193

Matt Roller13-Sep-20241:51

Ehantharajah: ‘Perfect time’ for Bethell’s England T20I debut

Perhaps being dropped from England’s ODI squad was the wake-up call that Liam Livingstone needed. After flattering to deceive while battling a series of niggling injuries over the last three years, Livingstone marked his 50th T20I cap by clubbing 87 off 47 to square the series in Cardiff, having earlier helped to drag Australia back with 2 for 16 in his three overs.Chasing 194 to set up a decider in Manchester on Sunday, England slipped to 79 for 3 in the ninth over when Phil Salt miscued Matthew Short to long-on. But Livingstone combined with the precocious allrounder Jacob Bethell to add 90 in just 47 balls, and despite a major wobble against Short’s offbreaks, England got home with an over to spare.Related

Matthew Short makes his case to be Warner's successor

Liam Livingstone embraces veteran status and targets ODI comeback

Does England-Australia allrounder-fest point way to T20's future?

Bethell was handed his first England cap by Livingstone on Wednesday, having been mentored by him at Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred. They fed off one another: as Livingstone laid into Australia’s under-strength seam attack, Bethell took down their spinners – including four consecutive boundaries off Adam Zampa, which broke the back of the chase.Bethell fell with 25 still needed, losing his off stump while reverse-sweeping, but Livingstone took England home. Given the responsibility of batting at No. 4 in a young side, Livingstone was playing for his England future this week but has delivered, twice top-scoring and taking five wickets in six overs.It meant Livingstone addressed a long-standing charge against him: that he has often shown glimpses of his talent in international cricket, but has rarely won England a game. While he could not quite deliver the decisive blow – he was bowled trying to hit Short for six with scores tied – this was still a match-winning innings, featuring five sixes.He sent a raucous, sold-out Cardiff crowd home happy. “I’ve struck the ball better, but in terms of situations, scenarios, I don’t really care about scoring runs in loses,” Livingstone said. “It’s all about winning games: I want to win games for England and today I feel like I’ve done that.”Australia’s total of 193 owed much to Jake Fraser-McGurk’s maiden international half-century, with Josh Inglis adding 42. They were pegged back after another fast start, but looked short on bowling quality with Xavier Bartlett missing due to a side strain and Josh Hazlewood rested – and so it proved.Liam Livingstone raced to a half-century in his 50th T20I•Getty Images

The Rooster crowsFraser-McGurk missed out on selection at the Utilita Bowl after scoring 0, 16 and 0 in his first three T20I innings in Scotland last week, with Short preferred at the top of the order. But Mitchell Marsh’s illness – which saw Travis Head captain Australia for the first time in any format – gave Fraser-McGurk an opportunity at No. 3.He came in after another fast start by Australia’s new opening pair: Short crunched Reece Topley for a six and two fours in the first over before Head raced to 31 off 13 balls, including two towering straight sixes. Brydon Carse’s extra pace made the difference: Head slapped his second ball, clocked at 91.3mph, straight to short cover.Fraser-McGurk made a flying start of his own, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Sam Curran as Australia reached 67 for 1 off the Powerplay. After initially struggling to pick Adil Rashid, he then lofted a floaty legbreak back down the ground for a straight six – though Rashid then cleaned Short up for 28 with a trademark googly.Livingstone kept things tight through the middle and had both Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis caught at wide long-on by Jamie Overton – though not before Fraser-McGurk had audaciously launched the profligate Topley over deep point for six.Carse was hit for consecutive fours by Inglis – who made 42 – but had Tim David caught behind with his last ball. He finished with 2 for 26 in his first international match since serving a ban for breaching anti-gambling regulations, having replaced the rested Jofra Archer. But Overton shelled Cameron Green at deep midwicket, and Aaron Hardie punished Curran in the final over to lift Australia to 193.Jake Fraser-McGurk launches down the ground•PA Photos/Getty Images

England’s late wobbleAfter Salt crunched Hardie for three consecutive sixes to get England moving, Will Jacks fell cheaply in the chase, picking out long leg for the second game in a row to extend an underwhelming start to his T20I career. Sean Abbott was the bowler, and had two in his first three balls when Jordan Cox lost his leg stump to a nip-backer.Salt and Livingstone ticked over but Zampa briefly put the brakes on, and Head was rewarded for a bowling change which defied convention: using Short’s offspin against two right-handers. But Livingstone and Bethell combined to stunning effect, starting steadily before shifting gears to take Stoinis and Zampa down respectively.England did their best to mess things up, with Short taking his first five-for of a 233-match professional career: Bethell was bowled reversing, Curran picked out extra cover, Livingstone ran past a straight one and Carse picked out mid-on. With Short on a hat-trick, Rashid steered the winning single away through point.

يخوض منتخب مصر للشباب مباراة ودية أمام نظيره بنما، اليوم الخميس، خلال معسكره الجاري في تشيلي، استعدادًا لبطولة كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا.

ويستعد منتخب مصر للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم للشباب التي تقام خلال الفترة من 27 سبتمبر الجاري إلى 19 أكتوبر المقبل.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب الشباب أمام بنما، اليوم في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة والثالثة مساء بتوقيت تشيلي، وقد استعد اللاعبون جيدًا للمباراة من خلال التدريب على فترتين صباحًا ومساءً.

وتأتي مباراة مصر وبنما خلال معسكر شباب الفراعنة بمدينة كوينتيرو الذي يستمر إلى يوم 23 سبتمبر الجاري ويتخلله ودية أخرى مع الفريق الأول بنادي سانتياجو وهو أحد أندية الصدارة في دوري تشيلي، والتي تقام يوم 20 سبتمبر.

منتخب مصر للشباب مر بظروف استثنائية خلال فترة الإعداد التي جاءت مضغوطة لظروف خاصة بالأجندة الدولية التي أقيمت مرتين.

طالع.. خاص | كأس العالم يحسم مصير أسامة نبيه مع منتخب مصر للشباب

الأولى كانت فى أعقاب ختام المنتخب مشوار كأس الأمم الإفريقية التي أقيمت فى مصر وحالة الإجهاد التي لحقت باللاعبين دون إقامة معسكر للمنتخب؛ والمرة الثانية كانت فى شهر أغسطس ولعب خلالها وديتين مع المغرب فى مدينة الرباط وانتهت كلاهما بالتعادل.

وباستثناء ذلك اعتمد الجهاز الفني بقيادة أسامة نبيه المدير الفني وعلاء عبده المدرب العام ومحمد عمر النور المدرب وأيمن طاهر مدرب الحراس على مباريات محلية متدرجة المستوى مع أندية دوري المحترفين ثم أندية الأضواء وكانت البداية مع الأهلي والمحلة وبيراميدز وكذلك فعل المنتخب مع الجبلين السعودي والشرطة العراقي.

وتسير أمور معسكر المنتخب في تشيلي بشكل إيجابي وحالة الالتزام والانضباط تسيطر على الفريق واللاعبون لديهم من الرغبة والإصرار ما يؤهلهم إلى تحقيق أحلام الجماهير في كأس العالم.