Bayern Munich are all set to sign Vincent Kompany as head coach this summer and Julian Nagelsmann thinks that the signing will be good thing.
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As England close in on 500-run innings, what better place to reach it than in Nottingham, scene of their world-record 481
The Preview by Andrew Miller16-May-2019
Mark Wood fields during England practice•Getty Images
Big PictureOne of the more interesting (if slightly off-topic) snippets of information to emerge from the ECB’s briefing on The Hundred at Lord’s on Wednesday was that the scorecards for the World Cup have had to be recalibrated to allow for the possibility of 500 runs being scored in a single innings.For the sakes of the statisticians at Trent Bridge, it has to be hoped that the new batch has been printed already. Because if the mood of England’s batsmen, allied to the recent reputation of the country’s most run-laden one-day venue, are anything to go by, we could be in for another monstrous batting performance in the fourth ODI on Friday.It’s not just England who are in a bit of a mood at the moment. Pakistan must have believed they’d given themselves a shot at squaring the series in Bristol on Tuesday, when Imam-ul-Haq’s brilliant 151 from 131 balls provided the bedrock to what, in any ordinary scenario, would have been a formidably challenging total of 358 for 9.Instead, with Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy pushing the parameters of their world-beating alliance at the top of the order, England cantered to their target with an absurd 5.1 overs to spare. Pakistan’s efforts, said Eoin Morgan with calculated disdain at the post-match presentation, had been no more than “par”. Like Tiger Woods at Augusta in 1997, England are in the process of redefining exactly what par entails.As for Trent Bridge, well, this is a ground on which all bets are off. With its leg-side boundary bisected by the erection of the new Bridgford Road Stand in 2016, it has been a scandalously prolific venue for white-ball batsmen at county and international level alike: in two of their last three completed matches, England have twice ransacked their own record for runs in a single innings – 444 for 3 against Pakistan in 2016, and a world-record 481 for 6 against Australia last summer.If England bat first under anything resembling clear skies – and it’s not their preferred tactic, but someone’s got to do it – who knows what they might be capable of posting. One note of caution: they did just that on their most recent visit, against India in July last year, and collapsed in a heap to the wrist-spin of Kuldeep Yadav. But expectation is nevertheless mounting as they seek to flex their muscles and reaffirm their World Cup front-runner status.They will have to take the field without the services of Morgan, who will be serving a suspension after a miserably slow over rate in Bristol. But on the plus side from the point of view of pyrotechnics, that almost certainly means that Jos Buttler will have to return to the side as captain, after sitting out the last game. And having pillaged a 50-ball century on his most recent visit to the crease, it’s safe to say he’s seeing it all right.As for Pakistan, they can be proud of their batting performances with some individual brilliance in the form of Fakhar Zaman’s 138 off 106 in Southampton and Imam-ul-Haq’s knock in the third game as well as some solid support acts throughout from Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haris Sohail. Against any other side in the world they would have backed themselves to win either of those matches. But therein lies the problem.Bowling has been an issue for Pakistan, particularly against a line-up as strong as England’s and on the batting-friendly wickets they have encountered. To have taken only seven wickets in the last two ODIs, after the first match was washed out, has not been good enough in this series and they need to find answers – fast.Form guideEngland WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LLLLLIn the spotlightLet’s be absolutely frank about this. Ben Stokes’ place in England’s starting XI for the World Cup is about as much of a cast-iron certainty as you can get in this sport. He is the pivot of their batting and bowling attacks, the one unequivocal world-class allrounder in a team stacked with options, and one of the most committed men you could ever hope to take onto the field – a man who could claw in a screamer in the covers, and claw back a certain four at long-on. But he has been a strangely mute presence in England’s team for some months now – ever since the Bristol trial, it is almost as though he has become too bound by his duty to the team, and not sufficiently care-free out in the middle. He could really do with having a cobweb-clearing thrash, just to remind himself of the fun that can be had playing cricket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Mohammad Hafeez is set to play his first ODI since Pakistan toured South Africa in January, the allrounder coming in, not at his preferred position as opener, but for No.6 Haris Sohail. The World Cup is expected to be the final major tournament for the 38-year-old Hafeez, who has recently returned to fitness after a finger injury suffered during the Pakistan Super League. He’ll provide another key spin option alongside Imad Wasim.Team newsAfter roaring into top gear on England’s tour of the Caribbean, it’s been a muted few months for Mark Wood. Kept on the sidelines by that ever niggly ankle, he was then selected for two of Durham’s Royal London clashes at Grantham and Leeds, but never made it onto the field due to bad weather. He’s had to watch and wait while Jofra Archer takes all the attention, and now – with just two games remaining until the final World Cup squad shake-down – he needs to hit the ground running. He and Archer will take the places of Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes, neither of whom have been given time off ahead of the World Cup – read into that what you will – as has Bairstow after his century at Bristol. Adil Rashid is set to return, but Joe Denly could be given one last chance to prove his worth.England: (possible) 1 Jason Roy, 2 James Vince, 3 Joe Root, 4 Jos Buttler (capt, wk), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Joe Denly, 7 Adil Rashid, 8 Moeen Ali, 9 Tom Curran, 11 Jofra Archer, 11 Mark Wood.Mohammad Hasnain is expected to play in place of Faheem Ashraf as the team continues to tinker with their bowling options. Shoaib Malik, who joined the squad in Bristol after a period of personal leave at home but did not play, is expected to make his return, probably in place of Asif Ali, while Hafeez stands in for Sohail.Pakistan: (possible) 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Shoaib Malik, 5 Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt/wk), 6 Mohammad Hafeez, 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Mohammad Hasnain, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Shaheen Afridi, 11 Junaid Khan.Pitch and conditionsSlightly unsettled and cooler weather is forecast for Friday, though it is expected to stay dry. The pitch is expected to be good, as ever.Stats and trivia There have been eight 400-plus scores at Trent Bridge since the start of 2016, more than at any other venue in the world. Three of those totals have already been made in the 2019 season: 433 for 7 by Nottinghamshire v Leicestershire, and two in a single thriller in April – 417 v 406 between Notts and Lancashire. These sides have met seven times at Trent Bridge, with England holding a 4-3 win-loss record.Quotes”I think the England team have set a standard. I truly think we believe 500 is gettable one day.”
“White ball cricket is not a bowler’s game, but credit to the groundsmen and the ECB, the wickets they are preparing are unbelievable … it’s like a batting paradise. You have to find a way to contain and take wickets.”
MatériaMais Notícias
No Paraná, o volante Lucas Abreu, ex-CRB e Guarani, falou sobre o desejo do grupo em melhorar o desempenho em campo nestas próximas semanas. Para o jogador, todos querem crescer de produção para que a equipe conquiste seus objetivos em 2021.
Fim da novela entre Rafinha e Flamengo. Veja o Dia do Mercado
– Estamos trabalhando para que a equipe possa evoluir e melhorar seu desempenho em campo na temporada. O grupo sabe do potencial que tem e está em formação. Vamos lutar para crescermos de produção neste ano – disse
VEJA CLASSIFICAÇÃO DO CAMPEONATO PARANAENSE.
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Ainda para Lucas, sua meta é fazer um ano perfeito nesta temporada.
– Estou muito motivado com esse projeto do Paraná. Vou me dedicar ao máximo para fazer um ano perfeito no clube – concluiu Lucas.
Sunderland are interested in completing the signing of a Championship player who is "very good" technically, according to a new update from reliable journalist Alan Nixon.
Sunderland transfer news
The Black Cats are running out of time to conduct some late transfer business this month, as Michael Beale looks to bring in players who can turn things around after a disappointing start to his spell as manager.
Sunderland have been linked with lots of players this month, with Amad Diallo backed to make a return to the club from Manchester United, having shone on loan for them last season. Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles is also considered to be a transfer target, with the Hungary international seen as someone who could boost their options in the middle of the park.
Elsewhere, former Liverpool attacker Liam Millar has emerged as an option for the Black Cats, with the Canadian on loan at Preston from FC Basel currently. Yann M'Vila is also believed to be a dram addition, but nothing major has materialised yet regarding a move to the club.
It looks as though Sunderland could be looking to snap up a player from one of their promotion rivals, too, following a key update that has emerged.
Sunderland want Leo Hjelde
According to Nixon on Patreon [via MOT Leeds News], Sunderland are keen on signing Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde before the end of the January transfer window.
The Whites could even be willing to accept a loan offer for the 20-year-old, who hasn't always managed to be a regular under Daniel Farke this season, starting just one Championship match.
Despite this lack of playing time, Hjelde could be a really shrewd signing by Sunderland before the end of the month, given his long-term potential as a player. In the past, he has even been compared to Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk, which is about the highest praise any defender can receive in the modern game, and his former Ross County manager John Hughes once lauded him, saying:
"In terms of potential he plays a way beyond his age, with a maturity that is two or three years above himself. He’s only just turned 18, he’s just a baby, but he’s 6ft2 and still has a bit of growing to do. That’ll come. He’s an athlete, quick, nobody would run him. He had a great recovery if someone did go by him, and technically he’s very good."
Hjelde could come straight in and challenge Sunderland's other centre-backs for regular minutes, also providing Beale with the added depth that could be so priceless in the promotion battle between now and the end of the season.
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Should he arrive and hit the ground running, making a positive impact until May, the Dutchman could then even be looked at as a permanent signing come the summer, with Leeds seemingly not considering him a key part of their future plans.
All the action and analyses from the Afghanistan v New Zealand game
Deivarayan Muthu08-Jun-2019
West Ham United have been enjoying a rather up-and-down campaign so far this season, with impressive wins over Manchester United and Arsenal as well as humbling defeats away to Liverpool and Fulham.
That said, there have been more positives than negatives this year, with David Moyes' men currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League and into the next round of the Europa League.
All this has been achieved without their former captain and club talisman, Declan Rice, who left in the summer for a record £105m, and while the players bought in to replace him have done well, the latest midfielder linked with the Irons could be the perfect partner for James Ward-Prowse and replicate Rice's time at the club – Morten Frendrup.
West Ham could make January move for "underrated" ace, Moyes is a real fan
The Hammers boss wants new additions.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 4, 2024 West Ham United transfer news – Morten Frendrup
According to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, several Premier League teams are currently interested in Genoa's exciting young midfielder Frendrup, including West Ham.
The report also reveals that Crystal Palace are one of the interested parties and that the English teams could offer around €10m – about £9m – this transfer window.
The 22-year-old Danish midfielder has been plying his trade with Genoa since joining in January 2022. While he initially struggled for game time, he has since made himself undroppable, making 37 Serie B appearances last season and 18 in Serie A this year.
He has started the majority of games in either a central midfield or defensive midfield position, which, combined with his performances, has seen him dubbed a "midfield destroyer" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Morten Frendrup could be the perfect midfield partner for James Ward-Prowse
Ward-Prowse has started every one of West Ham's Premier League games this season, either as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder and, with nine goal involvements to his name, he has been one of the best players in the league.
So, were the Hammers to invest in an up-and-coming midfield talent such as Frendrup, he would likely come in to compliment the former Southampton captain, something that his skillset seems perfectly set up to do.
The 22-year-old's biggest strengths lie in his defensive abilities, mopping up attacks just in front of his defence and allowing his teammates to get forward and attack the opposition, in a sense, precisely what Rice used to do at the London Stadium.
In fact, the "midfield machine", as described by Jacek Kulig, has been making and winning more tackles than the Englishman in league play this season. According to FBref, the young Dane has been making four tackles per 90 and winning 2.06, while the Arsenal man has been making 2.16 per 90 and winning just 1.24.
So he is more defensively active than the former Irons captain, but how do his underlying numbers stack up to the two men Moyes' often starts in the defensive midfield positions, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek?
Well, rather surprisingly, the Tuse-born gem comes out on top in the majority of important metrics including tackles, tackles won, ball recoveries and even progressive passes and carries.
Stat per 90
Frendrup
Alvarez
Soucek
Tackles
4.00
2.68
1.24
Tackles Won
2.06
1.34
0.88
Tackles + Interceptions
5.22
3.96
2.41
Errors Leading to Goals
0.06
0.00
0.00
Progressive Passes
3.61
2.75
2.53
Progressive Carries
1.06
0.54
0.29
Ball Recoveries
6.67
5.84
4.53
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season
The one area in which the two West Ham men have him beat is in errors leading to goals this season, although that could be down to his younger age and relative inexperience.
Ultimately, buying younger players from outside the Premier League will always be a slight gamble, but this seems like a gamble worth taking, especially as Frendrup could keep his place in the team for a decade or more if things go well.
Cristiano Ronaldo has doubled down on his “records follow me” claim after rewriting the history books again at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
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Hit half-century for first time since 2016Best scoring season Saudi Pro League has seenFirst to land Golden Boot in four countries(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The evergreen 39-year-old frontman bagged a brace in his latest appearance, against Al-Ittihad, taking him to 50 goals for the season through as many appearances. It is the first time that the Portuguese superstar has reached a half-century since 2016 – when he was on the books of La Liga giants Real Madrid.
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Of Ronaldo’s 50 efforts, 35 have come in the Pro League. That is a new record for the Middle Eastern division, with the all-time great continuing to enhance his legacy. He has also become the first man to clam Golden Boots in four different countries.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has grown so accustomed to making history that it now barely registers with him. Such accolades have never been a priority, with the all-time great posting on social media: “I don’t follow the records, the records follow me.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Ronaldo’s exploits over the course of a remarkable career have earned him a place among the immortals, with there still plenty left for him to achieve. Major silverware remains up for grabs in 2024 – in the King Cup of Champions final and Euro 2024 – with there no indication that a step into retirement will be taken any time soon.
For Manchester United, the hope will be that a new year can bring with it better fortunes, having ended 2023 in limp fashion with a dire 2-1 loss away to Nottingham Forest.
From the highs of reaching two cup finals last season and returning to the Champions League following a third-place finish in the Premier League, the Red Devils now find themselves languishing firmly outside the top four, having also suffered early exits in both the Carabao Cup and in Europe.
In a notable case of second season syndrome, Erik ten Hag has failed to kick on from the early 'success' achieved in 2022/23, with questions rightly being asked regarding his long-term future in the dugout – amid the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co.
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Sean Markus Clifford
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As the recent defeat at the City Ground exposed, one clear issue for the Old Trafford outfit this term has been their woes in front of goal, with only Burnley and Sheffield United having scored fewer goals across the entire division.
While much has been made of Andre Onana's shortcomings in the sticks, in the league Ten Hag's men have actually shipped 'just' 27 goals – a record better than Tottenham Hotspur and equal to surprise package, Aston Villa, for instance.
That indicates that had United been more clinical in attack they may well have been more competitive nearer the top end of the table, hence why a January recruit has become something of necessity in order to bolster the frontline.
With funds set to be tight this month – unless notable sales are made – The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell and Dan Sheldon have reported that the club are likely to look for low-cost attacking options, rather than attempt to break the bank amid FFP concerns.
Having signed the likes of Wout Weghorst and Odion Ighalo in recent years in the winter window, the report indicates that United could continue that trend of landing a short-term fix, having shown an interest in Bayern Munich's veteran pairing of Thomas Muller and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting.
The club's most advanced interest appears to be in former Chelsea man, Timo Werner, however, with the piece revealing that the Red Devils have already made 'contact' regarding a deal for the RB Leipzig speedster.
The suggestion is that Ten Hag and co are keen to learn what it would take to prise the Germany international from his current home, with the 27-year-old currently valued at around €30m (£26m) by CIES Football Observatory.
There's no denying that United are in need of reinforcement at the top end of the pitch, with the injury prone Anthony Martial coming into the last six months of his deal, while Rasmus Hojlund has endured a slow start to life in England, scoring just one league goal to date.
The fact that Ten Hag has been forced to rely on the young Hojlund as his leading striker is a stark indication of the club's poor planning, with the failure to land leading target Harry Kane now looking even more like a howler.
Player's of Kane's ilk will certainly not be on the market this month, however, nor do United have the funds at present to make such a move, hence why low cost options like Werner are being considered.
That being said, even in their desperate state, the Old Trafford hierarchy must hold fire on a move for the Leipzig man, with it hard to see the wisdom in signing a player who has not only underwhelmed this season, but has also failed to fire in the Premier League previously.
As for 2023/24 thus far, the one-time Stuttgart man has been something of a bystander in Saxony, scoring just twice in 14 appearances in all competitions – only four of which have come from the start.
In the Bundesliga, for instance, the 57-cap international has failed to provide an assist or create a single 'big chance' to go along with his two goals, having also missed two big chances in that time.
Having hardly been flying of late, for United to plump for Werner does not appear to make a whole lot of sense, while the player's time at Stamford Bridge should also have alarms bells ringing.
Signed from Leipzig for a £45m fee in 2020, the versatile striker – who can also feature on the flanks – looked to be a real statement addition for the Blues at the time, with Frank Lampard and co having won the race for his signature ahead of rivals Liverpool.
Fast forward two years and Werner was packing his bags ahead of a return back to his native Germany, having scored just 23 goals in 89 games in all competitions for the west Londoners – albeit while claiming the Champions League in that time.
Despite being able to "devastate with his pace" – as per talkSPORT's Tony Cascarino – the 5 foot 11 enigma often proved far too "erratic" in front of goal, notably missing a staggering 18 'big chances' in 2020/21 in the league alone.
As ex-United man Rio Ferdinand stated at the time, the Stuttgart native is "frustrating" to watch due to his errant decision-making, with an already goal-shy United side in need of a more clinical and reliable presence to lead the line.
The Red Devils also already boast a "frustrating" talent in the frontline in the form of Antony – as described by Gary Neville – with the £86m addition regularly flattering to deceive in the final third, having failed to register a single goal or assist across all fronts this season.
|
Antony's Man Utd record |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Competition |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
|
22/23 |
Premier League |
25 |
4 |
2 |
|
22/23 |
FA Cup |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
22/23 |
Europa League |
9 |
2 |
0 |
|
22/23 |
EFL Cup |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
23/24 |
Premier League |
16 |
0 |
0 |
|
23/24 |
Champions League |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
23/24 |
EFL Cup |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
65 |
8 |
3 |
|
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
||||
While Neville suggested that the winger is not at fault for his lofty price tag, even if he had cost half that figure United would still be asking for far more output, with the Brazilian having merely proved himself to be a "one-trick pony" over the last 18 months or so – as per Paul Scholes.
To then partner a player who is neither creating nor finishing at present with a mercurial talent like Werner – who is also unreliable in front of goal – looks likely to be a recipe for disaster, with the club's hierarchy needing to think again before pushing for a move for the German.
Yes, a striker is needed in January, but after the days of Weghorst and Ighalo etc, surely United have learnt their lesson?
An important update regarding the potential takeover of Everton Football Club has emerged, courtesy of an update from Sky Sports reporter Alan Myers.
Everton takeover latest
There has been so much for the Blues to contend with this season, in what has arguably been one of the more tumultuous periods in the club's history, not helping Sean Dyche and his players focus on on-pitch matters.
Perhaps the biggest issue has been the ten-point deduction handed to Everton in the Premier League, which has put them under serious threat of being in a genuine relegation battle. They are currently hovering one place above the relegation zone in 17th position, but there are even rumours of a second penalty coming their way, which really could be fatal.
The ongoing saga regarding the takeover of the Merseysiders is also a big talking point, however, with 777 Partners hopeful of getting a deal over the line, with obstacles currently preventing it from happening. There have been doubts over their credentials as incoming owners, and there is no sign of the finish line just yet.
Now, a new update has dropped that may give Everton fans more confidence that a deal could be struck sooner rather than later, however.
New Everton takeover update
Taking to X, Myers provided an update on the takeover situation, saying 777 Partners have invested a further £13m into Everton, taking them above £150m, suggesting they are still hellbent on becoming the new majority shareholders.
"Proposed new Everton owners ‘777 Partners’ has increased its support to the club with another £13M loan, taking its commitment to over £160M as they await approval from the Premier League to complete a takeover.
"The Miami-based group were expected to hear a decision before Christmas and are understood to have submitted the required information in full to the Premier League."
This has to be considered good news for Everton, as 777 remain serious about plowing a huge amount of money into the club, before hopefully eventually bringing an end to the Farhad Moshiri era at Goodison Park.
A change is badly needed, with supporters making it clear that they are unhappy with the current ownership – protests have been staged outside the ground on matchdays – and as long as 777 pass all the right tests eventually, they could oversee an exciting new spell at the club.
In the summer of 2025, Everton move into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which could generate so much matchday revenue and funds for new signings, and having new owners in place will further help bring a freshness to proceedings.
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It is imperative that 777 only end up becoming the Blues' owners if they are absolutely seen as the right people, with an issue regarding them further down the line having the potential to set them back hugely. That cannot afford to happen, with staying in the Premier League also vital in a financial sense.
أعلن نادي روما عن استقالة الرئيسة التنفيذية، لينا سولوكو، من منصبها اليوم، الأحد، بعد مرحلة حرجة تحملت فيها المسئولية كاملة خلال الفترة الماضية.
وكانت هناك حالة من الفوضى دخل فيها نادي روما بالفعل بعد الإقالة المدير الفني، دانييلي دي روسي، قبل أيام بسبب النتائج الفنية السيئة.
ولم يفز روما مع دي روسي أبدًا في الموسم الحالي رغم خوض الفريق 4 مباريات، ليقوم النادي بإقالته رغم تمديد عقده قبل أشهر قليلة.
اقرأ أيضًا.. وكيل لاعبين يوضح تفاصيل انتقال سعود عبد الحميد إلى روما وحقيقة تحمل المملكة راتبه
وقام روما بتعيين إيفان يوريتش لقيادة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم في الفترة المقبلة ولكن القرارات لم تعجب جماهير روما التي شنت حملة احتجاجات ضد الإدارة.
وعلى رأس المسئولين كانت، لينا سولوكو، الذي تلقت رسائل تهديد من قبل الجماهير بحسب الصحافة الإيطالية في الأيام القليلة الماضية.
وبحسب التقارير الإيطالية أن أطفال لينا سولوكو والبالغ أعمارهم بين 3 إلى 8 سنوات قد تأثروا بتلك الرسائل مما أجبرها على تقديم استقالتها لحمايتهم.