All posts by h716a5.icu

Ravi Shastri expects the World Cup to come to India if the players perform to their potential

Vishal Dikshit in Mumbai21-May-20193:27

‘Most challenging World Cup due to the format’ – Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli believes handling the pressure “is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions”. He said as much a day before the team’s departure for England, for the tournament beginning on May 30. Second on the ICC ODI rankings behind hosts England, Kohli said his team was “very balanced” and “very strong”.”White-ball cricket, playing in England, playing an ICC tournament, the conditions are not that different or that difficult I would say, compared to Test cricket,” Kohli said in Mumbai. “Pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. From that point of view, it will be helpful. Secondly, all the bowlers that are in the squad, even during the IPL they were preparing themselves to be in the zone for 50-over cricket. And if you saw the guys bowling – no one looked tired or fatigued after bowling four overs. They were very fresh. The mindset or the ultimate goal is to be fit for the 50-over format and not let their fitness come down and that was communicated before the IPL started.”We go into the World Cup feeling very balanced very strong as a side. You saw in the IPL as well, all the players that are in the squad were in great form and played really well.”Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri spoke about the different challenges they will face because of the format of this World Cup in which all 10 teams play each other once and the top four qualify for the semi-finals. India’s first four matches will be against “tough” sides – South Africa, defending champions Australia, New Zealand and arch-rivals Pakistan.”It is probably the most challenging World Cup of all the three that I have been part of because of the format and looking at the strength of the all the sides as well,” Kohli said. “If we live up to our skill sets and our standards that we set for ourselves, we’ll be on the right side of the result more often. That is going to be key. Every game you have to play to the best of your potential because it’s not a group stage anymore, it’s playing everyone once.”The best thing is that we’ll have four tough games straight up and that will set the tone nicely for us. Everyone has to be at their best intensity from the first match onwards and we don’t have any room for complacency.”The format is the same as that of the 1992 event in which Shastri played. When asked how challenging the format is, he said: “Very challenging. If you look at 2015 and 2019, the gap is much closer now between teams. See what Afghanistan were in 2015 and see what they are now. See what Bangladesh were and what they are now. The good thing though is there are those nine games rather than just three-four games where you have to be on the ball from the outset.”The most important thing is to get out there and enjoy the World Cup and if you play to the potential the cup might be here.”In terms of form and fitness, India had two players in focus ahead of the tournament – Kuldeep Yadav and Kedar Jadhav. Kuldeep was dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders for five of their 14 matches in the IPL recently because of his economy rate of 8.66 – his worst in any IPL season since his debut in 2016 – and his tally of four wickets in 33 overs. Jadhav, on the other hand, had injured his left shoulder in Chennai Super Kings’ last league game earlier this month to give India a worry before the World Cup. Even before the injury, Jadhav put together only 162 runs this IPL in 14 innings, averaging 18, and didn’t bowl at all, something he is expected to do for India during the World Cup. He was, however, declared fit on Monday and Shastri confirmed he will fly with the team.India coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli take questions from the media•Associated Press”Someone like Kuldeep who has had so much success, it’s important to see a period where things don’t go your way also,” Kohli said. “We are glad that it happened during the IPL, rather than during the World Cup. He has time to reflect, time to correct things and come into the World Cup even stronger. The kind of skill set he possesses, along with [Yuzvendra] Chahal, they are really two pillars of our bowling line-up.”Kedar also, we understand the kind of pitches they (Chennai Super Kings) got playing at home. We were not too worried looking at Kedar because he was looking in a good space. Yes, he couldn’t get runs, T20 is such a format where you don’t get a few and you can go on like that for a few days. We are not worried about anyone’s headspace.”A team that does well at the World Cup is a team that can handle pressure well and secondly try and be as normal as possible. Looking at the magnitude of those games, the team that stays more focused and more balanced can go on to win the tournament.”Both the captain and coach also reflected on the recent scores that were put up by England and Pakistan in the bilateral series that had both teams score at least 340 in three of the four completed matches. The conditions might be the same during the World Cup, but the scores might be a little different, Kohli said.”We expect high-scoring games, but a bilateral series compared to a World Cup is very different,” he said. “You might see a lot of, I won’t say low-scoring games, but 260-270 kind of games, teams getting those totals and defending it successfully because of the pressure factor. We expect all kinds of scenarios at the World Cup but yeah, there will be quite a few high-scoring games too.”India will be playing their matches across six venues in England, and Shastri said they will have to adapt according to the grounds.”Our mantra will be to be flexible according to the conditions,” he said. “It’s one country in the world where the pitches might be flat but if it’s overcast and conditions change, then you’ve got to be up with it because any other country in the world, overhead conditions don’t matter that much. In England they do, and it differs from venue to venue. In London it might not make that much of a difference whereas if you go up north, it does get overcast and you’ll see things happening. So you have to be ready for that, prepare for that.”India will play two warm-up matches, against New Zealand (May 25) and Bangladesh (May 28), before starting their main campaign on June 5 against South Africa.

Liverpool are yet to make an addition to their first-team squad during the January transfer window and still have some time left to get business done before the deadline passes.

The Reds were busy last summer as Jurgen Klopp restructured his midfield to refresh his team with plenty of fresh talent in the middle of the park.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, and Naby Keita were all allowed to depart, either on free transfers or permanent deals, and this opened up space for new arrivals to come through the door.

Liverpool swooped to sign Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch to improve their options in midfield.

Despite that overhaul ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, the Reds are reportedly looking at another addition in that area of the pitch to bolster Klopp's side.

Liverpool's search for a defensive midfielder

According to journalist Francois Plateau, the Premier League club have made contact over a potential deal to add a defensive midfielder to their ranks.

The reporter claims that the Merseyside outfit have enquired about a swoop to bring Argentinos Juniors number six Federico Redondo – son of the former Real Madrid star Fernando – to England.

He states that the Argentine dynamo could be available for a fee within the region of €8m (£6.8m) as the English side eyes a move for the young talent.

However, there is no mention of whether the club would like to bring him in during the current transfer window or if they are prepared to wait until the summer to secure his services.

Plateau adds that current Liverpool star Mac Allister has 'spoken highly' of the talented Agentinos Juniors starlet when asked about the gem's ability.

Whether it happens now or at the end of the season, Klopp could finally secure his replacement for Fabinho as a natural number six at the base of his midfield by signing Redondo.

The Brazil international departed Anfield last summer to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad after five years in England and left the club with a hole in the defensive midfield position.

Liverpool raked in a reported fee of £40m for the former Monaco star and they could now land his dream heir for less than a quarter of that at £6.8m.

Fabinho's midfield dominance for Liverpool

The 30-year-old titan racked up 219 appearances over the course of his five years in England and played a crucial role in their success in the Premier League and the Champions League.

Klopp's side lifted Europe's premier club trophy at the end of the 2018/19 campaign and Fabinho featured in 11 of the club's matches in the competition.

He showcased his defensive awareness and quality with 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game, as the towering ace consistently won possession back for his side by cutting out opposition attacks on a regular basis.

The gem also ranked within the top 29% of Champions League midfielders for progressive passes (6.29) per 90, which shows that he was able to progress play in possession to help his side build attacks to go along with his excellent defensive work.

Fabinho also played an important part in their Premier League title-winning campaign. Liverpool won the league at the end of the 2019/20 season and the Brazilian enforcer played in 28 of their 38 matches.

Tackles per game

2.2

1st

Interceptions per game

1.2

4th

Key passes per game

0.7

8th

Pass accuracy

87%

8th

Aerial duels won per game

1.2

5th

As you can see from the table above, he offered defensive solidity with his impressive ability to make tackles and interceptions at an excellent rate to put opposition attacks to an end, whilst the talented battler was also reliable in possession.

Fabinho was not at his best last season for the Reds, though, as he averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per game across 36 Premier League appearances and only won 50% of his duels.

This suggests that he was unable to replicate his title-winning form and that opposition players were able to get the better of him far too often, as the 30-year-old veteran did not dominate his battles last term.

The stats that show why Redondo could be Fabinho

Liverpool could now land Fabinho 2.0 by securing a deal to sign Redondo from Argentina this month, as the youngster has the potential to be like the Brazilian titan was at his best.

The 21-year-old starlet, who analyst Ben Mattinson claimed has the "perfect" frame for a defensive midfielder at 6 foot 2, was in fantastic form for Juniors throughout 2023 and showcased both his defensive and progressive qualities off and on the ball.

In terms of his ability to stop opponents, Redondo is a strong number six. He won 61% of his duels across 14 Copa de la Liga outings last year and made 2.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game for his side.

This means that he made 3.6 tackles and interceptions combined per match and that is 0.2 more per clash than Fabinho managed during Liverpool's title-winning season.

He also caught the eye during the 2023 edition of the CONMEBOL Libertadores with an outstanding 2.3 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game across seven appearances in the competition.

These statistics show that the Liverpool target is like Fabinho in the sense that he can consistently make vital defensive contributions to win the ball back for his side in matches.

Pass accuracy (87.2)

Top 2%

Progressive passes (7.44)

Top 9%

Progressive carries (1.68)

Top 33%

Successful take-ons (1.33)

Top 36%

As you can see in the table above, Redondo can also offer quality in possession with his ability to break lines and progress the play through his progressive passing and carrying.

This means that the 21-year-old gem can spot a forward pass and take risks to find his teammates in dangerous areas, whilst retaining an impressively high success rate with his passes.

Therefore, the Reds could land Fabinho 2.0 in a deal for Redondo as the talented youngster could provide quality on and off the ball in a holding midfield position, as the Brazil international did at the peak of his powers at Anfield, if he can adapt to English football and the Premier League.

South Africa’s veteran spinner will be hoping to kickstart their World Cup against Bangladesh, whether he opens the bowling or not

Andrew Miller at The Oval01-Jun-2019Imran Tahir’s solipsistic wicket rampages are not everybody’s cup of tea. Some might argue, with justification, that in a team sport such as cricket, the direction of travel in that moment of exquisite release after the snaring of an opposition batsman ought to be towards one’s team-mates (including the chap who has often just held a catch for you) rather than towards the most sparsely populated corner of the outfield.But then Tahir’s career has been uniquely reliant on his own sense of direction – whether that means emigrating from his native Pakistan for the love of a good woman (as he did in the wake of the 1998 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa), or making his international debut for that newly adopted country at the age of 31, and at the 2011 World Cup in India to boot.So you could forgive him his glee on Thursday morning, when he conjured up South Africa’s undoubted highlight of an otherwise chastening tournament opener against England. Not content with becoming the first spinner (the first non-right-arm seamer, in fact) to bowl the opening delivery of a World Cup, he followed that up, one ball later, by stopping the previously rampant Jonny Bairstow dead in his tracks for a first-ball duck.ALSO READ: Kagiso Rabada TCM interviewAnd so, while the wider focus for South Africa has to be on those inevitable early frissons of anxiety that only World Cup campaigns can cause, Tahir could be excused for taking a moment on the eve of the game to pause, to take stock, and to reflect on the prospect, unthinkable a decade ago, of playing in his 100th ODI.”It feels really special,” Tahir said. “It’s been an amazing journey. I always dreamt that, but I never thought I will be here one day playing my 100th game for South Africa. It’s an absolute honour and privilege, being given the opportunity by the lovely people from South Africa.”I’m just really grateful to everybody, and I hope that from myself, that I give everything that I could for the country.”While he has clearly been living the dream for the past decade (and a pretty wild one at that, given that it began with him providing for his siblings by packing bags in a retail store in Lahore), Tahir knows that he is nearer the end than the beginning.He turned 40 back in March, and at some stage in the course of the ten fixtures still available to South Africa in this tournament, he will call time on the 50-over leg of his international career at the very least. The World T20 in 2020 remains a plausible postscript for a player who will be returning to The Oval immediately after the World Cup to play for Surrey (his eighth county) in the T20 Blast.”Obviously, if I look back, I’m really proud of myself,” he said. “I’m the guy who come through a lot of hard patches, I’ve seen a lot of hardships. I lost my parents without them seeing me play international cricket. So these things are really special to me, and for my family.”I have not seen my brothers or sisters in the last two years, so this country that I’m representing and every game I’m playing for is really important to me, and I’m really proud. I’m just really grateful to my family. They understand that, you know, I’m away from them, but there is an important reason for that.”Indeed there is. For all the talk of how the round-robin format of the 2019 World Cup can be forgiving to sides who make a slow start to the tournament, South Africa’s itinerary is proof that there will be jeopardy at every step of the group stages. Defeat against Bangladesh – Champions Trophy semi-finalists and recent tri-series winners in Ireland – would leave them excruciatingly placed going into India’s opening match in Southampton on Wednesday.”Look, there is always a pressure if you play every game and especially when you are representing your country,” said Tahir. “But you can take the pressure positively or negatively, and we are very positive. We have been beaten by a very good England team who has been dominating world cricket for a year or so, but we are going to learn from our mistakes.”Imran Tahir celebrates Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal•AFPThose mistakes, for the most part, were made by the batsmen whom Tahir admitted had allowed themselves to be rushed in the run-chase. Broadly speaking, their bowlers and fielders were exonerated after limiting England to a daunting but obtainable 311 for 9 – and Tahir was a key factor in that performance, thanks to that initial impact and the overall energy of his two-wicket display.”I am the kind of guy who likes challenges and I like to think that my captain [Faf du Plessis] can give me a ball in any situation and I will be the first guy to say yes,” he said. “It was a plan which I had been working on for the last year or so, so I think we knew that it was going to be pretty much a shock for everybody.”It was a great challenge, bowling against two top players in world cricket who have been in form, and we were really pleased as a team with the way it came out.”The same strip will be in use for the Bangladesh match, which may tempt South Africa into a repeat performance (not that the man himself would be drawn). But whenever he enters the fray, you can be sure that further crucial breakthroughs will cause his team-mates to gravitate towards him once again … wherever in the outfield his cavorting may carry him.”I always look for one thing, and that’s hard work and to never give up,” Tahir said. “I know I’m the oldest guy on the team, which I’m really proud of, because playing on this team, you need to be very fit.”I’m really enjoying my cricket. I’m enjoying my team-mates. I just hope as a team we have a great World Cup, like how we thought before we came to England.”

Manchester City took to the streets after their fourth-straight Premier League title, however, rival fans have criticised their celebration turnout.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man City win fourth-straight PL titleMan City hold trophy paradeCriticised for fan turnout at paradeWHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester City have undoubtedly been the best club in England over the last seven years having won 17 trophies, including six Premier League trophies. However, one key area in which the club has always been criticised has been their support, which has lacked the same numbers held by their other top-six rivals.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

X user @RealKevinPalmer said: "Baffling why Man City keep making a mockery of themselves with these woefully attended trophy parades. The few hundred fans in this image are walking up the road alongside the buses with the players on board. Inevitable they will be laughed at."

Man Utd fan @markgoldbridge said: "United Stand [his YouTube show] had 20K Live viewers on a Sunday night show. Man City Official Premier League victory parade had 12k."

@plixun_ said on X: "IM IN TEARS LOOK AT MAN CITY’S LEAGUE TITLE PARADE"

@UtdFaithfuls said on X: "All 115 Man City fans at their bus parade. This is just too embarrassing, what a small club."

@JoeLFC94 on X said: "I mean absolutely no disrespect to City fans. But this is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever seen, no joke."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Regardless of what opposition fans are saying about the title celebrations, it seems as though Man City players and staff had a lot of fun celebrating their title victory on the last matchday of the Premier League over Arsenal.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

After losing the FA Cup final to Man Utd, it will be certain that Pep Guardiola and company will get hard at work to ensure they improve over what has been their least successful season in the last three years.

Middlesex bowlers toil for little reward as Derbyshire batsmen shine

Jon Culley in Derby30-Jun-2019Middlesex’s decision to forego the toss and bowl might have looked the logical route to follow given the colour of the pitch here. Instead, it exposed their bowlers to a day of mostly unrewarding toil on a slow surface that offered them little apart from the slightly unreal experience of watching Billy Godleman, once a Middlesex player, compile a 115-ball hundred.By his own confession, Godleman’s default approach in red-ball cricket, for the most part, in a career that had him tipped to play at the highest level in his formative years at Lord’s, has been based on survival first.This is the Godleman who went back to Lord’s in only his second match as a Derbyshire player in 2013, opened the batting on day one against his former employers and took 244 balls to reach fifty, the slowest in the history of the County Championship, allowing himself the liberty of just one boundary. He is not quite so conservative these days, yet still hardly a dasher.So it must have been quite an eye-opener for the likes of Steven Finn and Dawid Malan as Godleman took it upon himself to throw caution to the wind and attack the new ball in a way that had seasoned followers of the Derbyshire captain scratching their heads to recall anything quite like it.Wielding the bat in a way that suggested he had woken convinced that the day would be his, even the fact that his first boundary almost took out his stumps off an inside edge and the second flew over the slips did not alter his mood. At one point, to general consternation, he went down the pitch to Toby Roland-Jones and belted the ball over long-off for six.This time he reached his half-century in 35 deliveries, which a check through his career record confirmed was unprecedented, as everyone watching suspected.He should have then been out almost immediately, dropped at backward point by Steve Eskinazi without adding to the 51 he had scored up to that moment. It was the leg-spinner Nathan Sowter’s first over and the chance could not have been more straightforward.Now Godleman became a little more watchful. His next 12 runs took him seven balls longer to acquire than his first 51. Luis Reece began to catch him up, reaching his own half-century from 92 deliveries. Curiously, given that he had batted with a much more conservative approach than his partner, he should have been out twice, dropped by Max Holden at midwicket without scoring off Roland-Jones and again at slip by Sam Robson on 33, in the unlucky Sowter’s second over.They reached lunch on 113 without loss. The Middlesex bowlers may have bemoaned their luck but they had also offered too many relatively easy run hits, either by bowling too short or too wide.Godleman pushed on again in the second session, completing what was also the fastest hundred of his first-class career when he cut Sowter to the third-man boundary for his 16th four, raising his arms above his head in celebration and shouting something as he looked towards the heavens. Again, he offered a chance immediately after passing the milestone. This time it was taken, at slip, as Sowter’s luck improved as he found some turn and bounce to find the edge.Reece, joined by the splendidly-named Fynn Hudson-Prentice, who will never be troubled to remember his Championship debut for Derbyshire, was by now scoring runs with increasing confidence and a hundred seemed to be his for the taking too. It was no wonder, then, that he threw his head back in disbelief as he was dismissed on 96, wondering what had possessed him to meet a seemingly innocuous ball from seamer George Scott straight to Roland-Jones at mid-on.Yet if Reece could consider himself unlucky, it was nothing compared with the agony that would befall Hudson-Prentice, whose maiden Championship innings for the county was just one run from turning into a dream start.A 23-year-old all-rounder who was released by Sussex, his home county, at the end of the 2016 season, Hudson-Prentice has been given the chance to resurrect his county career after spending last season and the start of this one on the MCC Young Cricketers’ programme at Lord’s, where his progress will have been noted by Steve Kirby, the former MCC head coach who is now Derbyshire’s assistant coach.He made a good enough impression there to earn some Second XI cricket with Derbyshire this early summer, two hundreds in May convincing the county to offer him a contract until the end of 2021.So far, it looks a good decision. Well organised at the crease, he took on a high-quality attack with confidence and no little skill, numbering some crisp drives among his 13 fours and lofting Sowter for a towering six. Middlesex took the new ball and Tom Helm had him edging to second slip only to be called for over-stepping. It seemed destined to be a perfect day.Yet, on 99 and facing the same bowler, an attempt to pull away a short ball went just wrong enough for the ball to travel upwards rather than flat. He looked on from the crease, willing Middlesex’s bad day in the field to continue, before dropping his head in stricken resignation as square-leg Finn clasped the ball safely to his chest. Helm struck again in the same over, dismissing Alex Hughes with the best delivery of the day to claw back something for Middlesex.

Manchester United have reportedly made their final decision on Mason Greenwood's future as part of their end-of-season review.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

INEOS makes a decision on Greenwood's futureBoard members deliberatedEnjoyed a stellar season with GetafeWHAT HAPPENED?

The resolution on Greenwood comes as part of United's comprehensive reflection period, which concluded this week. The review, which also confirmed Erik Ten Hag will continue as manager, was overseen by INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, sporting CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, and United technical director Jason Wilcox.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Apart from determining Ten Hag's fate, a key focus of the review was the future of Greenwood. has now reported that United have decided Greenwood will not be reintegrated into the senior team squad and the club will instead put him on the market. The club has placed a valuation of approximately £50 million ($64m) on Greenwood and has communicated to interested parties their preference for a sale. This decision marks a significant turn in Greenwood's career trajectory, with his future at United now clearly defined by the club's strategic review.

DID YOU KNOW?

Greenwood spent the past season on loan at Getafe in Madrid, where his performances have reportedly attracted interest from several major European clubs. Atletico Madrid have shown keen interest in Greenwood, although their immediate priority is securing a No.9, with Girona’s Artem Dovbyk being a target. Despite their interest, a permanent move for Greenwood by Atletico appears unlikely due to financial constraints. Barcelona also expressed admiration for Greenwood’s abilities during his loan spell in Spain. However, their transfer priorities lie elsewhere, specifically in acquiring Athletic Club's Nico Williams. This leaves the door open for other potential suitors.

In addition to an outright sale, United are also open to the idea of another loan move. However, they prefer a structured loan deal that includes mechanisms to make the transfer permanent if certain performance-related conditions are met. This approach would ensure United retains control over Greenwood’s future while providing flexibility in the transfer market. Juventus and Atletico Madrid have both entered into discussions with United regarding a possible loan.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Recognising the likelihood of a loan move, United are going to trigger a one-year option on Greenwood’s contract. This extension will tie him to Old Trafford until 2026, ensuring that United retain leverage in any future negotiations regarding his transfer. For now, United have set the stage for a summer of significant changes, with Greenwood’s departure representing just one aspect of a broader strategic overhaul aimed at restoring the club’s competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

Rangers fans have received some intriguing news on their hunt for a new striker before the January transfer deadline, courtesy of insider The 4th Official.

Rangers transfer updates

The Gers could still have a busy few days when it comes to transfers, with numerous players linked with sealing moves to Ibrox, and other current heroes backed to move on. Left-back has arguably emerged as the main area that Rangers are looking for reinforcements in, especially if Ridvan Yilmaz and Borna Barisic leave Ibrox in the near future. Flumimense defender Jefte is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to the Scottish Premiership giants, with his arrival set to be sealed sooner rather than later.

Away from the left-back situation, attacking players also continue to be linked with Rangers, with Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland a primary target for a while now, as he keeps shining for his current club. Oscar Cortes is another player who could be set to be confirmed as a Gers player in the coming days, as he edges closer to arriving on loan from Lens.

Rangers striker hunt continues

Replying to a Gers fan asking if they would sign a striker this month, insider The 4th Official claimed that Rangers are indeed working on a new forward signing before the end of the January transfer window: "They are definitely trying their best, I know that."

That's after an initial post that read: "Rangers South American contingent will include Oscar Cortes with an agreement in place. The final piece of the jigsaw is a striker."

Signing a new striker in January could ultimately be the difference-maker in the Scottish Premiership title race, with Celtic arguably possessing more firepower than Rangers currently. That is highlighted by the fact that they have scored 54 goals compared to their rivals' tally of 45 in the league so far this season, admittedly having played one game more.

Shankland stands out as the most exciting option for the Gers, with the Scot someone who could come straight in as Philippe Clement's leading striker, making an instant impression after already scoring 14 times in the competition this season. Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is clearly a fan, recently saying of him:

"I spoke to him and his agent recently and he is going to have plenty of options come January, I have no doubt about that. He seems to have become a more complete player and is not just a finisher. It is good to see him doing well as it is with any of your younger ones who don’t quite breakthrough. He is a good example for what can be done."

Rangers could sign dream Shankland alternative before the deadline

Rangers must sign a new striker before the January transfer window closes

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 30, 2024

If Rangers can't get Shankland, assuming Hearts hold firm, they must look elsewhere for a target between now and the end of deadline day, as they look to give themselves the best chance of going all the way this season.

The Three Lions earned a narrow win in their tournament opener as the coach made some bold selections that paid off handsomely

England are off to a flyer in Euro 2024 following a 1-0 win against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham fired the Three Lions ahead in the opening stages of the game, and Gareth Southgate's side never looked back after that, even if they were forced to hold on in the closing stages.

They are currently top of Group C following Denmark's 1-1 draw with Slovenia earlier on Sunday, and they will take on the Danes in their next game on Thursday, knowing another win will secure their spot in the knockout rounds.

As with any major tournament, every move the England manager makes comes under intense scrutiny, so how did Southgate fare in the opener? GOAL has broken down his key decisions…

Getty ImagesSTARTING LINE UP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Southgate had many options heading into this game and fielded a strong starting XI at the Veltins-Arena. With both Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer pushing for a start, it was a brave call to go with Bukayo Saka, who was lacking match fitness, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the line up. However, both decisions eventually paid off.

Saka was instrumental in the first goal and continued to look bright throughout. Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, impressed in midfield and suited the free, fast-flowing style of play.

The only issue? Maybe England could benefit from more balance at the back. They had four right footers making up the defence and Kieran Trippier was caught out at times due to not being comfortable on his weaker foot.

If Luke Shaw does get back to full fitness, it could be the icing on the cake.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesIN-GAME MANAGEMENT: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

England started this fixture well and Southgate only needed to make minor tweaks to his team during the game. Bellingham was the bright spark early on and giving him complete freedom at both ends of the pitch proved to be the deciding factor.

The England boss also noticed Harry Kane wasn't getting involved in the first half, with just one touch to his name at the time, and instantly told him to drop deeper to receive the ball after the restart.

This opened up more space for other England players and also got their talisman on the ball more frequently. Kane even hit the woodwork with 15 minutes to go, highlighting the impact Southgate's alteration had on his performance.

Getty ImagesSUBSTITUTIONS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

As the game approached the 70th minute, fresh legs were needed, and that is exactly what Gallagher brought to the table after replacing Alexander-Arnold.

The Liverpool-born star was given a standing ovation by the England supporters following a strong display in midfield. He was influential in the game, but Southgate made the right call bringing him off in the latter stages of the game.

Saka and Bellingham also made way for Jarrod Bowen and Kobbie Mainoo, respectively, to provide a boost of energy off the bench. The changes made were more about game management rather than searching for a spark, which were executed well to ensure victory was secured.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesHALF-TIME TEAM TALK: ⭐⭐⭐

Serbia looked rejuvenated and aggressive after the interval, which was always going to happen as they chased the game. For England, it was just a matter of staying focused and continuing to control the game, which was easier said than done.

Southgate spent most of the first half sat down on the bench, but couldn't sit still after half-time, and was constantly instructing his team to remain calm on the ball following a frantic restart.

The team talk would have been just more of the same, which England eventually got to as the game progressed.

It's impossible to know which Chelsea will show up these days.

Is it going to be the Chelsea who lost 4-1 to Liverpool and 4-2 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in back-to-back Premier League games? Or the Chelsea who beat a formidable Aston Villa 3-1 away from home in the FA Cup before doing the same to Crystal Palace in the next game?

Mauricio Pochettino clearly has some talent in his side, but if he can't get them to show it consistently, he might not be in the dugout for much longer.

This inconsistency is made all the more frustrating by the fact that one of their former players, who many considered a flop, has been a consistent goalscorer since leaving West London and has actually even outscored Cole Palmer this season.

Chelsea's club record signing in 2017

The player in question is none other than Spain international and former club-record signing Alvaro Morata.

The Spaniard signed for Blues in July of that year for around £60m after enjoying a fruitful 2016/17 season at Real Madrid, in which he scored 20 goals and provided six assists in 43 appearances for Los Blancos.

Appearances

48

24

Goals

15

9

Assists

6

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.43

0.37

Unfortunately for the Chelsea faithful, he would never prove to be this effective in London, and while he did manage to score 15 goals and provide six assists in the 2017/18 season, this was as good as it was going to get.

The following season, he scored just nine goals in his 24 appearances for the Pensioners before he moved to Atlético Madrid on loan in January, where he managed six goals and one assist in 17 appearances.

While his overall record of 24 goals and six assists for the Blues wasn't horrendous, he was seen by many fans and pundits alike as an abject failure, with Rio Ferdinand saying on BT Sport after the 2018 Community Shield that (via Football 365) "from a centre half's point of view, he does not scare you" while Richard Dunne was even harsher, claiming the Spaniard was "a disgrace up front, he was awful."

So, with underwhelming performances and scathing reviews, the Madrid-born forward made his move to Atleti permanent in the summer of 2019 for £58m, although the West Londoners could undoubtedly do with his goals this season.

Morata's stats after leaving Chelsea

Now, life after Chelsea wasn't necessarily all plain sailing for Morata, as his first full season back in Spain was only marginally better than his first year in England, with 16 goals and five assists coming in his 44 games for Los Colchoneros.

It was this middling return that saw him sent back to Juventus on loan for two seasons so that Atleti could sign Luis Suárez, and while some players might've downed tools at the idea of being moved on once again, the former Real Madrid youngster put his head down and enjoyed a brilliant two years in Turin.

In his first season, he scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances before scoring 12 goals and registering nine assists in 48 games the following season, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.73 games for the Old Lady.

Following the end of his two-year loan deal, the "prolific" number nine, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, returned to Atlético and provided 18 goal involvements in 45 appearances for Diego Simeone's side last season.

44

16

5

0.47

44

20

12

0.72

48

12

9

0.43

45

15

3

0.40

33

19

3

0.66

Alvaro Morata's stats this season

While Morata's output across the four seasons following his move to Atlético is impressive, his performances this season have bordered on world-class.

The 31-year-old has seemingly reached a whole new level this campaign and has already found the back of the net 19 times and provided three assists in just 33 appearances.

Unfortunately for fans and Morata himself, he is currently set to miss up to ten games with a knee ligament injury, but should he be back by the end of next month – as he's expected to be – then there is no reason he couldn't end the season with 30 goal involvements.

Simeone clearly shares this sentiment, as in November, on the Spanish podcast El Larguero (via GOAL), the Argentine claimed: "Alvaro Morata is on par with Erling Haaland. In terms of goals and his numbers, he can certainly be compared to him."

While that comparison might be a step too far, Morata has enjoyed an impressive few years bouncing between Juventus and Atlético, and while he might not be the best striker in the world, his 19 goals would see him top Chelsea's squad if he was still in England

Appearances

33

28

Goals

19

12

Goals per game

0.57

0.42

The top scorer in Pochettino's squad at the moment is arguably one of the few Chelsea players who will end this season with their stock higher than it was at the start, Palmer.

The former Manchester City prodigy has found the back of the net on 12 occasions across all competitions this season, and while that is undeniably impressive for anyone in their first season at a new club, it's even more remarkable considering he's just 21 years old.

However, that is still a considerably lower goal tally than Morata's and considering the next highest goalscorer in the team is Nicolas Jackson with nine goals, the Blues are clearly crying out for a new clinical number nine this summer.

Chelsea star with 144 touches was even better than Gallagher vs Palace

Another magnificent performance from the 23-year-old.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 13, 2024

Ultimately, the Blues might have thought they were doing the right thing selling Morata when they did, but he has since proven himself in both La Liga and Serie A, and with Chelsea's current goalscoring woes, Pochettino would probably love to have him at his disposal.

The allrounder smashed the season’s second-fastest half-century in a century stand with Fletcher to set up big win

The Report by Shashank Kishore13-Sep-2019Chris Gayle and Andre Russell in the opposition, the local side, Jamaica Tallawahs. What were the chances of St Lucia Zouks making a match of this one? As it turned out, Sabina Park had to rise and celebrate Rahkeem Cornwall, who biffed the season’s second-fastest half-century, off 19 balls, and then converted that to a 30-ball 75, as Zouks recorded their first win of the season on Thursday night after a brief wobble.Gayle zero, Phillips fiftyLeft-arm seamer Obed McCoy struggled with no-ball issues, but managed to strike gold early when he had Gayle fending a lifter to the wicketkeeper off the fourth ball of the match to set the tone. But the Zouks were under fire as Glenn Phillips, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman, and Rovman Powell set the stage on fire with some exhilarating hitting.Phillips likes to stay leg side and get beside the line, not behind. His stance resembles that of a baseball slogger, the bat moving behind his back in little arcs as he meets the ball with tremendous bat speed. His batting can at times border on the unorthodox, but when they come off, it looks mighty impressive. Like it did on Thursday. His 34-ball 58, courtesy eight fours and a six, and a third-wicket stand of 87 with Powell that took just 43 balls set Tallawahs up for a big total.CPL via Getty ImagesThe Russell blow that tilted the scalesAt the halfway mark, Tallawahs were superbly placed at 108 for 2. Zouks looked out of depth until the quick wickets of Powell and Phillips got them back into the game. Credit for that should go to Australian legspinner Fawad Ahmed, who cleverly varied his lengths and used his gentle drift to build pressure with dot balls that led to both of them falling to big strokes.It also helped that the catching was top notch. Powell was out to a screamer when Colin de Grandhomme stuck his right hand upwards to get his hands on the ball at long-off and then lobbed it up as momentum took him beyond the ropes. Then he regained composure to nonchalantly come back into the field of play to complete the catch.When they made 242 two nights ago against Patriots, Tallawahs raised their hundred in just 12 overs. Here, they got there in the tenth over. The stage was set for the Russell show, but it looked like Zouks had a plan, and that was to target him with short balls at the body, a tactic many IPL sides have tried with a fair degree of success. Hardus Viljoen bowled a heavy ball – back of length and into the body – as Russell looked to hook. In doing so, he took his eyes off and was hit just below the right ear. A dazed Russell took a while to stand up and was stretchered off the field to hospital for scans, which later cleared him of serious injury.That robbed the Tallawahs of momentum, and George Worker and Shamar Springer only managed a run-a-ball 33. They only managed 38 off the last six overs to give the Zouks the momentum at the halfway mark.Tallawahs’ fielding shockerThe hosts didn’t cover themselves in glory on the field. In the space of three deliveries, they dropped Cornwall and Andre Fletcher. First, Springer dropped a steepler running back from square leg to reprieve Cornwall on 18 after he mishit a Jerome Taylor slower delivery. Two balls later, in the fourth over, Oshane Thomas made a royal mess of a straightforward catch at third man with Fletcher on 15. In the next over, Chadwick Walton dropped a sitter at backward point to reprieve Cornwall for a second time, and then watched Fletcher club ten off his next two deliveries in the over as the strike turned. By then, Zouks had raced to 64 in five overs.Cornwall’s game isn’t conventional by any means. But it also isn’t true that his game is only about wild slogging. Amid the occasional backing away to smash the ball, there’s plenty of cricket sense and an air of disdain about his batting. The leg-side boundary was his favoured area as he cleared the ropes quite comfortably playing the pull shot. Up early against late swing, he struggled a touch, but Taylor erred in length by trying to bowl into his body, only to see Cornwall back away and flick or pull. Against Worker’s left-arm spin, Cornwall used his reach to hit straight and clear the ground, a sequence of 6,6,1 getting him to his third CPL fifty.At the other end, Fletcher was in the mood for destruction. The flicks for six over deep square off Taylor having an air of disdain – looking straight on, head down and simply allowing his hand-eye coordination to twirl his wrists and pick the ball for six. He started like a bullet train, but quickly slipped into the role of second fiddle as Cornwall unleashed himself in the 111-run opening stand off just 8.4 overs.Zouks collapse but Fletcher sees them homeThomas returned after his shocker in the field to pick up three quick wickets after a blazing start – Zouks slipped from 146 for 2 to 157 for 5, but the early damage that skyrocketed their run rate meant there was little trouble in getting home despite the wobble. Fletcher remained unbeaten on 47 when Thisara Perera muscled a six and four in his five-ball 11 to hit the winning runs and give them their first win.