Category Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur continued their good form with a win away to Hungarian champions Ferencvaros in the Europa League. It was a professional performance from Ange Postecolgou’s side, who ran out 2-1 winners in the Groupama Arena.

The Lilywhites, sporting an all green kit tonight, scored a goal in each half to ensure they won all three points. Young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr opened the scoring for the visitors, pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty box to fire home and give his side a 1-0 lead.

After some good pressure from the home side, and still only a goal up and far from comfortable, Postecoglou turned to his big guns on the bench.

They certainly had an impact the Australian had hoped for, with James Maddison finding Brennan Johnson just inside the penalty box, who finished well into the bottom left-hand corner for his fifth goal in as many games. The Hungarian side pulled one back in the 90th minute, but could not find an equaliser.

There were certainly some impressive individual performances from Spurs, not least from their substitutes. However, one of their standout players on the night was exciting young talent Mikey Moore.

Moore’s stats vs. Ferencvaros

There is lots of hype around Spurs youngster Moore, who has impressed at academy level. After making his debut last term, he has finally managed to break into Postecoglou’s squad this season and is making a real impact.

Before the game, Maddison described his potential as “scary”, and that was certainly on show in Hungary. The youngster is a quick and direct winger, who is not afraid to run at a defender and look to take him on in a one-vs-one situation.

He showed that against Ferencvaros on Thursday night, as his stats from Sofascore reflect. The 17-year-old had 67 touches of the ball, completing 80% of his passes, creating one big chance and winning an impressive four fouls. He also worked hard off the ball, winning six ground duels and one tackle.

His impressive performance in Hungary earned him an 8/10 rating from The Evening Standard journalist Dan Kilpatrick. The journalist praised the teenager for an ‘excellent showing’ against the Hungarian side, in which he ‘always looked to take on his man’.

Whilst Moore impressed against the Hungarian outfit, there was arguably one player who outshone the 17-year-old – Archie Gray.

Gray's stats vs. Ferencvaros

It was an impressive performance against the Hungarian outfit from young Gray. He has featured in all but three of Spurs’ games this season, with the trip to Ferencvaros his third start of the new campaign.

The trust that has been shown in the youngster demonstrates just how highly rated he is by Postecoglou, and the England youth international has certainly repaid his faith. He was superb against the Hungarian champions, retaining possession well and working hard off the ball in an unfamiliar position at centre-back, before moving to left-back in the second half.

His impressive contribution was reflected in his post-match stats. The 18-year-old had 82 touches of the ball in Hungary – more than even teammate Yves Bissouma (76), completing 87% of his passes and creating two chances. Off the ball, the youngster performed well, and won three from three tackles.

Gray stats vs. Ferencvaros

Stat

Number

Pass accuracy

87%

Touches

82

Passes completed

47/54

Ground duels won

4/10

Tackles won

3/3

Interceptions

3

Chances created

2

Stats from Sofascore

His performance was enough to earn him a 7/10 rating from Kilpatrick. He explained the summer signing from Leeds showed ‘flashes of real class’ against the Hungarian side, praising him for his versatility.

It is a performance that will bring real confidence to Postecoglou, who will be hoping Moore, Gray and their teammates can continue a good run of form away to Brighton at the weekend.

Related O'Hara thought Spurs ace was really "bad" last season, now he's undroppable

The incredible international has looked so much better this season.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 2, 2024

Ruben Amorim wants his Manchester United players to follow the example set by new darts world champion and Red Devils supporter Luke Littler.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Amorim cites Littler example to motivate playersWant squad to channel self-beliefUnited take on Liverpool on SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

17-year-old Littler, who is a boyhood United fan, created history on Friday as he became the youngest player to win the PDC World Championship, beating the Netherlands' Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at London's Alexandra Palace.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The youngster's triumph at the World Championship has created quite a stir across the UK and has also reportedly inspired Red Devils boss Amorim. Per , the Portuguese has used Littler's grit and self-belief as an example to motivate his players ahead of Sunday's trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

A source told , "Ruben is well aware of the Herculean task in front of him and his players – not just today [Sunday]. He wants the team to start channelling the same self-belief Luke showed in Friday’s world final. Luke was unstoppable because he was determined to win.

"The players need to show the same courage against Liverpool. They’re all pretty close to Luke and know victory against Liverpool would cap the most memorable weekend for their most famous fan."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

After facing their rivals on Sunday, Amorim's men will be next seen in action in the FA Cup on January 12 with a trip to Arsenal.

MatériaMais Notícias

Titular do Sport neste ano, o volante José Welison, ex-Vitória e Atlético-MG, teve uma ótima temporada com a camisa do clube em 2021. Feliz com o crescimento que teve e com as boas partidas que fez, o jogador falou sobre esse momento no Leão da Ilha.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalCarlos Eduardo espera vitória do Sport sobre o Athletico-PR na última rodada do BrasileirãoFutebol Nacional08/12/2021Futebol NacionalRenan Mota avalia temporada em alta no Vila Nova e espera definir futuro em breveFutebol Nacional08/12/2021CorinthiansPM-SP divulga imagens sobre cartaz rasgado de criança no jogo do Corinthians; assistaCorinthians08/12/2021

Saiba quanto vale de premiação terminar em cada posição do Brasileirão

– Estamos lutando muito para que a equipe possa terminar o ano vencendo e fazendo bons jogos. Vamos nos dedicar ao máximo para que isso seja possível nestas próximas semanas. O grupo está focado – disse.

Ainda de acordo com o atleta, a ideia de todos é encerrar o ano com vitória sobre o Athletico-PR.

VEJA TABELA E SIMULE A RODADA FINAL DO BRASILEIRÃO

– Vamos para o último jogo da temporada motivados para vencer o Athletico. Temos que fazer uma grande partida para buscarmos o triunfo – concluiu.

The Red Devils didn't miss the academy graduate in the derby, and there's no sense prolonging an unhappy marriage for another six months

"It doesn't look good for him," Roy Keane told after seeing Ruben Amorim leave Marcus Rashford out of his squad for Manchester United's trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. "I think a move for Marcus would suit the player. He hasn't been great recently. He (Amorim) has obviously seen something he doesn't like."

To make matters worse for Rashford, United pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City without him, as Amad Diallo solidified his status as the best winger at the club. The dazzling Ivorian won the penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted to level the scoreline, before producing a brilliant run and finish to complete a remarkable late comeback for the visitors, who are now within sight of the Champions League places again.

Amorim's ruthless decision to drop Rashford paid off. To say the 27-year-old "hasn't been great recently" is actually a massive understatement, and a transfer away would also "suit" United, ideally at the earliest possible opportunity.

Rashford is not a beloved academy product anymore, he's a waste of space, and doesn't deserve to be part of Amorim's revolution at Old Trafford.

GettyRashford will keep letting Amorim down

When pressed on his reasoning for dropping Rashford, and erratic Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho, before kick-off at the Etihad, Amorim said to : "I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide."

The suggestion is clear: both men have fallen short of the manager's standards for commitment and general effort in some way. If it was just a tactical call, or based purely on current form, they would have at least taken a place among the substitutes.

Amorim was even stronger on Rashford's case after the game, as he referred to the extreme cost-cutting measures across all levels of the club taken by INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the past few months. "You understand for so long we try something with Rash, it doesn't work," he admitted to the media. "Let's continue to do the same thing or try something different? It's as simple as that. They have to work hard. Today they trained really hard. It was not a disciplinary thing. Next week, next game, new life… When we want to change a lot of things, when people in the club are losing their jobs, they have to fight for their place in the team."

Amorim is not the first coach to demand more "fight" from Rashford. He will continue to let the Portuguese tactician down, just as he did Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho. Rashford has used up all of his nine lives at this point, and the constant speculation over his mentality is just serving as a distracting sideshow.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStinking attitude

United made a serious mistake by handing Rashford a new five-year contract in July 2023, which reportedly made him the highest earner in the squad on £325,000 per week. He was prematurely rewarded for reaching the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career in 2022-23, and has since completely taken his eye off the ball, scoring just 15 times in 66 appearances across the last two seasons.

The club was forced to discipline Rashford in January as he reported ill for training after being spotted out partying for two nights in Belfast, which should have been a wake-up call, but his attitude has only worsened. Rashford has stopped playing for the United badge, having seemingly forgotten the core institutional values he was taught when making his way through the youth ranks.

He trudges through games with a disinterested look on his face and his shoulders slacked, acting as if perspiring for the collective cause is beneath him. The new manager bounce provided by Amorim briefly sparked Rashford into life as he scored three goals in his first two games under the ex-Sporting CP boss, but he's quickly reverted to his usual ways.

Rashford was hooked after just 56 minutes in his last outing against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, which was an act of mercy from Amorim. The England international's body language was painful to watch once again; he showed no real inclination to press or make any positive runs in behind the defence and carelessly gave the ball away on 11 occasions, with United improving considerably after his withdrawal.

Getty Images Sport'No place for you in the club'

Gary Neville was among those to back Amorim's decision to drop Rashford and Garnacho, both of whom have failed to heed the manager's "run like mad dogs" warning in recent matches. "He's giving us clues, in fact, emphatic clues, about the last few days that they're moping and not doing their bit around the training ground," the United legend said on . "It's standards in training and he's thought 'no, I'm not having it, I'm not accepting it'. Good on him. For far too long we've seen players mope around that pitch and still continue to get a game or be on the bench. No. It's got to be non-negotiable. I don't care who you are, whether you're Andrei Kanchelskis or Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nani, whoever you are as a wide player at Manchester United you've got to run this way [forward] as fast as you can and run that way [backwards] as fast as you can. If they don't do that there is no place for you in the club, there is no place for you in the team."

Garnacho isn't a complete lost cause; he's still only 20 and has the potential to be a key player for United once he matures. But Rashford has been stuck in this pattern for the best part of nine years.

Rashford is simply not good enough to get away with this kind of behaviour. And because the Red Devils have let him have his way for so long, even the fans have turned on him. It's a damning indictment of how badly the club has been run over the past decade that Amorim is the first man to really bring the hammer down on Rashford, and the next step is to remove him from the picture entirely.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportPut to shame by Maguire & Amad

Selling Rashford would free up resources for United to bolster their attacking options in 2025, and tie far more important players down to new contracts. Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire are at the top of that list, with both men fast approaching the final six months of their respective deals.

Amad has quickly become the face of Amorim's project at Old Trafford, which David Beckham alluded to when posting an image of the 22-year-old kissing the United badge after his winning goal on Sunday. “And the rebuild begins, big team win with players who wanna wear this jersey,” the iconic former Red Devils winger wrote on .

Amorim has given Amad the platform to showcase his unique qualities, and he's spectacularly justified the manager's faith with five goal contributions in his last five Premier League appearances. The Ivory Coast international could easily have left when he wasn't getting a look-in under Ten Hag, but he never gave up, and those incredible powers of resolve are now paying dividends.

Maguire is enjoying a similar resurgence, with Amorim describing his performance against City as "perfect". The towering defender had Erling Haaland in his pocket for the full 90 minutes and looked right at home in the middle of United's back three with Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez flanking him.

Just over a year ago, Maguire was stripped of the captaincy and appeared to have no future at the club, but he confirmed after the derby that "positive" extension talks have already taken place. Maguire and Amad's passion and perseverance puts Rashford to shame. They fully understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with being a United player, while Rashford uses it as merely a symbol of status.

Well, that wasn't really the start fans were hoping for.

After a summer of promising performances in preseason and a flurry of exciting signings, Tottenham Hotspur got their Premier League campaign underway last night with a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Leicester City.

Now, in the first half, Ange Postecoglou's side looked electric and like they could've scored three, but therein lies the biggest issue with their display: they didn't put away their chances.

The North Londoner's wastefulness was punished in the second half by none other than Mr Leicester, Jamie Vardy, who nodded one home in the 57th minute to level the score.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites, there were several disappointing performances on the night, including debutant Dominic Solanke.

Solanke's performance in numbers

So, while the result can't be solely blamed on Solanke, it's also hard to deny that in his 99 minutes of action, the £65m striker was extremely wasteful in front of goal.

There were several times when the former Bournemouth ace got onto the end of a brilliant piece of play only to snatch at the ball or fire it directly at Mads Hermansen in the Leicester goal.

The 26-year-old didn't impress Express journalist Amos Murphy, who awarded him just a 4/10 on the night, writing that he 'ought to have found the back of the net at least once' and will 'have to be less profligate in the future.'

Minutes

99'

Shots on target

3

Expected Goals

0.36

Goals

0

Big Chances Missed

1

Lost Possession

8

Offsides

1

Passing Accuracy

15/19 (79%)

It may sound like a harsh assessment of the Englishman, but it's one backed up by his statistics. For example, in his 99 minutes on the pitch, he took three shots on target and produced an expected goals figure of 0.36, yet he failed to score a single goal, missed one 'big chance', lost the ball eight times, was offside once, and maintained a passing accuracy of just 79%.

It wasn't an abysmal showing, and fans shouldn't jump on him right away, but the fact he failed to take any of the chances that came his way was disappointing, although there was another starter who was just as bad.

Udogie's performances in numbers

Yes, unfortunately, one of the other disappointing stars from last night's clash was left-back Destiny Udogie.

Again, like the rest of his team, he wasn't dreadful, and at points in the first half, he looked on it, but as the game dragged on, and especially in the second 45, he began to struggle.

The Italian struggled to cope with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku on the Foxes' right, and it was his cross that found Vardy's head for the equaliser.

Like Solanke, the former Udinese ace was given just a 4/10 by Murphy, who wrote that it was not his 'most convincing performance' and that he 'gave up too much space' for Fatawu.

His statistics from the game do not make for pretty reading either, as in his 99 minutes of action, he was dribbled past once, lost nine out of 14 duels, failed in both his crosses, lost the ball 13 times, committed four fouls and failed to complete a single dribble.

Minutes

99'

Dribbled Past

1

Duels (Won)

14 (5)

Crosses (Successful)

2 (0)

Lost Possession

13

Fouls Committed

4

Dribbles Completed

0

Ultimately, playing one of the promoted teams away from home in your season opener is always a potential banana skin, and while some issues need to be addressed, there is plenty of time for Postecoglou and Co to bounce back from this early setback.

Spurs could land Solanke his dream signing in sensational £100kp/w "wizard"

The incredible talent would be unreal with the £65m man.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 19, 2024

The game doesn’t stop for the latest group of players heading overseas

Andrew McGlashan20-Apr-2021

CC = County Championship, RLC = Royal London Cup (50 overs, starts July 22), T20 = T20 Blast (starts June 9)Sean Abbott – Surrey (CC – from late May, T20)Sheffield Shield Matches: 8; Runs: 570; Average: 63.33 | Wickets: 21; Average: 29.14
Marsh Cup Matches: 4; Runs 93; Average: 31.00 | Wickets 10; Average: 15.20; Econ: 4.53
BBL Matches: 4; Wickets: 7; Average: 18.71; Econ: 9.35Had an outstanding domestic season where he was New South Wales’ second-most consistent batsmen behind Moises Henriques while his four wickets in the Shield final made put him second behind Nathan Lyon as he developed into a full-fledged allrounder. Was also their leading wicket-taker in the one-day competition after taking four in the final against Western Australia. His BBL campaign was limited to a handful of matches due to being in the Australia Test bubble.Australia ambitions
Was part of the Test squad for the postponed South Africa having been around the set-up all season and played ODIs and T20Is against India. With the emergence of Cameron Green and the depth of fast bowling available the limited-overs formats may be the more accessible to him. He said that his main aim with the Surrey deal was to keep his name in the frame for the T20 World Cup.Cameron Bancroft – Durham (CC)Sheffield Shield Matches: 8; Runs: 678; Average: 48.42A strong bounce-back season for Bancroft after he averaged just 13.16 in 2019-2020 and frequently fell to catches at leg gully as opposition exploited a major technical weakness. Although an average of 48 needs to tempered by a season where many batters filled their boots this was much more like the Bancroft that earned international honours.Australia ambitions
Hasn’t played since the 2019 Ashes and with the emergence of Will Pucovski and the recall of Marcus Harris against India he is some way down the list at the moment although it’s certainly not out of the question that he could get another go.Related

Sheffield Shield team of the season

Sean Abbott weighs up the risks to push for World Cup spot

Marnus Labuschagne on his hundred: 'Better than I feel like it's ever been'

Who won what in the 2020-21 Australian domestic season

Ben Dwarshuis – Worcestershire (T20)Marsh Cup Matches: 4; Wickets 8; Average: 18.75; Econ: 4.39
BBL Matches: 13; Wickets: 24; Average: 16.79; Econ: 8.85He is a versatile white-ball bowler who holds his own with New South Wales’ international cohort and remains a standout performer for Sydney Sixers where he was their leading wicket-taker in the successful title defense. Bowls a lot of tough overs in the Powerplay, Power Surge and at the death.Australia ambitions
He was part of an Australia T20 squad in 2017-18 but has not featured since despite consistent returns and may struggle to squeeze past the amount of bowling options available.Peter Handscomb – Middlesex (CC, RLC)Sheffield Shield Matches: 8; Runs: 511; Average: 46.45
Marsh Cup Matches: 4; Runs 299; Average: 74.75
Will be captain of Middlesex. Was leading a Victoria side blooding a number of young players this season and wins were hard to come by, but personally the returns were solid with a standout contribution being the century against New South Wales to help earn a draw.Australia ambitions
Has slipped someway down the pecking order but has time to force his way back if he can string together a strong county campaign and then start next summer well in Australia. His renowned ability against spin could put him in the frame for the subcontinent tours next year if the selectors go horses for courses.Travis Head will be hoping to back up a prolific Australian domestic season•Getty Images

Marcus Harris – Leicestershire (CC, RLC)Sheffield Shield Matches: 8; Runs: 695; Average: 63.18
Marsh Cup Matches: 3; Runs 72; Average: 24.00
An impressive Shield season included a double century which was part of the record stand of 486 with Will Pucovski although his unbeaten hundred in tricky conditions against Queensland was an equally good innings. Still has a bit of a habit of not quite cashing in on the number of starts he makes, but Chris Rogers’ arrival at Victoria appears to have been good for his game.Australia ambitions
Was recalled to the Test side for the decider against India in Brisbane when Pucovski was injured, but with such a long gap between matches incumbency may not mean much come next summer. However, plenty of runs for Leicestershire will keep him in the selectors’ minds.Travis Head – Sussex (all formats)Sheffield Shield Matches: 7; Runs: 893; Average: 68.69
Marsh Cup Matches: 5; Runs 276; Average: 55.20
BBL Matches: 4; Runs: 70; Average: 17.50; S/R: 98.59A prolific season for South Australia as he filled his boost either side of losing his Test place, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the Shield, including a career-best 223 against Western Australia. Also churned out the runs in one-day cricket although as captain could not lead the Redbacks to a single victory all season. Had limited chance to make an impact in the BBL for Adelaide Strikers and couldn’t get going.Australia ambitions
Having been dropped after two Tests against India to accommodate the return of David Warner, debut for Pucovski and retention of Matthew Wade, Head would have had a good chance of reclaiming his spot in South Africa although faced competition from Henriques. With the selectors now seemingly moving on from Wade he’ll be firmly in the running for the No. 5 spot in the Ashes, especially if he impresses with Sussex.Josh Inglis – Leicestershire (T20)BBL Matches: 17; Runs: 413; Average: 34.41; S/R: 140.00Must have been a tempting all-formats signing for somebody after an outstanding all-round domestic summer for Western Australia and Perth Scorchers, but it will just be T20s for him with Leicestershire. A hugely versatile batter and excellent wicketkeeper he is something of a rarity in Australia in that he has adapted to a move from the top of the Scorchers’ order to the middle.Australia ambitions
Very close to recognition. Could easily have made either the Test or T20I squad a couple of months ago, although there is no shortage of keepers in the latter. Making a strong claim to move ahead of Alex Carey to replace Tim Paine. This county spell could help him make a late T20 World Cup push.Mitchell Marsh should provide power to Middlesex’s T20 side•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Marnus Labuschagne – Glamorgan (CC, RLC)Sheffield Shield Matches: 8; Runs: 821; Average: 82.10
Marsh Cup Matches: 4; Runs 145; Average: 36.25
Heading back to where the rise really started. The story of his development at Glamorgan ahead of the 2019 Ashes is well known, but no one could truly have known the heights he would already have reached. Capped his Australian summer with the defining innings, 192, of the Sheffield Shield final and he was the only batter to score four hundreds in the competition (and made another against India). Few would have blamed him for wanting some time off, but his love of batting holds no bounds.Australia ambitions
Reckon he’s going okay on that front. On a slightly more serious point it will be interesting to watch how his 50-over batting continues to develop and he is not yet in Australia’s T20 plans (he won’t be playing the Blast for Glamorgan, either).Mitchell Marsh – Middlesex (T20)BBL Matches: 15; Runs: 315; Average: 39.37; S/R: 147.88 | Wickets: 4; Average: 18.75; Econ: 6.52One of the strongest hitters of a cricket ball going around, Marsh should provide a dynamic package for Middlesex in the Blast. Had a good season with the bat for the Scorchers in the BBL but his bowling was limited by injury – something he has had to deal with frequently over the last few years.Australia ambitions
Is firmly in plans for the T20 World Cup having featured on the recent New Zealand tour although his position rarely feels entirely secure. Has the game to be a finisher in the middle order.Ben McDermott – Derbyshire (RLC, T20)Marsh Cup Matches: 2; Runs 68; Average: 34.00
BBL Matches: 12; Runs: 402; Average: 36.54; S/R: 139.58At his best he can be hugely destructive and he was the leading run-scorer for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. His one-day season was limited by being in the Australia T20 squad. Offers another wicketkeeping option for any team he plays for, but also superb in the outfield.Australia ambitions
Is in the thinking for T20 World Cup although could struggle to make the final cut depending on squad sizes. Has even been talked about as a Test candidate despite just two first-class centuries (the second coming for Australia A against India this season) but white-ball cricket would seem the likelier opportunity.Peter Siddle remains a hugely consistent bowler•Getty Images

Michael Neser – Glamorgan (CC, RLC)Sheffield Shield Matches: 8; Runs: 161; Average: 32.20 | Wickets: 18; Average: 24.33
Marsh Cup Matches: 3; Wickets: 6; Average: 15.83
Started the season in style with a century and a five-wicket haul in the same match against Tasmania then claimed another five-for to set-up the Sheffield Shield final victory. If there is any assistance in a surface Neser will find it. Should provide huge value for Glamorgan.Australia ambitions
Is there a player more unfortunate to not yet have a Test cap? Rightly or wrongly still feels that he needs at least a couple of injuries or players to lose form to push his way in. Isn’t really in the frame for the ODI side.Billy Stanlake – Derbyshire (all formats)Marsh Cup Matches: 4; Wickets 6; Average: 19.66
BBL Matches: 12; Wickets: 13; Average: 24.92; Econ: 8.34An interesting all-formats signing by Derbyshire given he did not feature in the Shield for Queensland this season. Gave a reminder of what he can offer with a career-best 4 for 24 in the Marsh Cup and was solid for Melbourne stars in the BBLAustralia ambitions
Well down the list now having last appeared in late 2019 and it would be a surprise if he was back in contention next season.Peter Siddle – Essex (CC, RLC)Sheffield Shield Matches: 6; Runs: 146; Average: 24.33 | Wickets: 18; Average: 28.16
Marsh Cup Matches: 2; Wickets: 4; Average: 19.50
Remains a hugely consistent and skillful seam bowler and the average of 28 from this season does not do justice to how well he often bowled for his new state Tasmania having moved from Victoria.Australia ambitions
Having earned ODI and Test recalls in 2019 he retired from the international game last season.Daniel Worrall – Gloucestershire (all formats)Sheffield Shield Matches: 5; Wickets: 12; Average: 45.41
Marsh Cup Matches: 4; Wickets: 4; Average: 47.00
BBL Matches: 11; Wickets: 10; Average: 27.10; Econ: 7.29A stalwart domestic performer for South Australia and Adelaide Strikers he will be happy to put in some big shifts if needed for Gloucestershire. As with all the Redbacks’ bowlers this season there was plenty of toil. In the BBL he produced some outstanding new-ball bursts for the Strikers and in T20 is a candidate to bowl the majority of his overs upfront if conditions suit.Australia ambitions
His three ODI caps came back in 2016 and the chances of further representation have probably passed him by.

After their Scottish Premiership triumph last season, Celtic are looking to solidify their position at the summit of Scottish football by bringing in a number of new players this summer.

Schmeichel just the start of Celtic's summer plans

The big news out of Parkhead is that Brendan Rodgers seems to have finally found the man to replace the retiring Joe Hart this summer. A report on the X account of Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Celtic are close to announcing the signing of Kasper Schmeichel with the free agent set to join the Glasgow outfit on a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Celtic struck gold with Ange signing who's worth more than Bernardo

The Hoops played a blinder when they brought the talented midfielder to Parkhead.

ByDan Emery Jul 14, 2024

At 37 years of age, the veteran keeper brings with him a wealth of both international and domestic experience, in particular his key role in Leicester City's Premier League winning campaign in 2015/16. The Danish shot-stopper will be a familiar face for the Hoops boss who managed the keeper for numerous seasons at Leicester.

Other recent rumours have linked Celtic with a move for Middlesbrough ace Riley McGree. A report this week claimed that Ange Postecoglou attempted to bring the Australian to Parkhead during his tenure at the club and that the Hoops will look to reignite this interest over the course of the summer transfer window.

The interest in McGree has likely come off the back of growing rumours linking Celtic star Matt O'Riley with a move away from the club this summer. Leicester appear to be the current front-runner for the Danish midfielder with a fee in the region of £25 million said to be enough to tempt O'Riley away from Parkhead this summer.

With Celtic showing no signs of slowing down this summer, it now appears that the club have set their sights on their next target with a signing set to be announced next week.

Celtic want backup option before pre-season starts

As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Celtic are working on signing a second goalkeeper. The outlet claims that the Hoops are in talks for a second keeper who can act as a backup to new number one Schmeichel.

O'Rourke goes on to state that the club expects this second deal to be completed before Celtic depart for their pre-season tour of the United States next week. It is claimed that the club want the new second-choice shop-stopper to embed himself within the Hopps' squad before the start of the next campaign.

Whilst the name of this new signing is not yet known, the deal could be for one of the players previously linked with the club. Serbia keeper Martin Dubravka is one name that has done the rounds in Celtic circles in recent weeks, however, it is not known whether the 35-year-old would be interested in being a backup option.

Despite the identity of the player in question remaining unknown for the time being, Celtic fans may only have to wait a matter of days to find out who their latest signing is.

علق حلمي طولان، عضو اللجنة الفنية للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، على احتمالية رحيل أكرم توفيق عن الأهلي، والانضمام لفريق الشمال القطري، خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

وينتهي عقد أكرم توفيق بنهاية الموسم الجاري، ويحق للاعب التوقيع لأي نادٍ آخر خلال شهر يناير الجاري، وفقًا للوائح الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، وسط أنباء قوية تؤكد عرقلة مفاوضات التجديد مع الأهلي بسبب رفضه العرض المالي المُقدم له، والاتجاه إلى الشمال القطري الذي يرغب في ضم اللاعب بمبلغ كبير.

وقال حلمي طولان في تصريحات عبر قناة “mbc masr 2”: “لا شك أن الولاء والانتماء قل كثيرًا في ظل الاحتراف والمبالغ العالية التي تُعرض على اللاعبين، لذلك أصبح الولاء والانتماء يأتيان في المرتبة الثانية بعد الجانب المادي”.

طالع أيضًا | وليد سليمان: الأندية الكبيرة لا تقف على أحد.. وأكرم توفيق أدرى بظروفه

وتابع: “ضع نفسك مكان أكرم توفيق، بالتأكيد الأهلي ناد عظيم وجاذب بسبب الاستقرار المادي والإداري، لكن في نفس الوقت اللاعب ينظر لمستقبله”.

وأشار: “الشمال القطري عرض عليه راتب مليون دولار في الموسم، أي ما يُقارب الـ 50 مليون جنيه مصري، على الجانب الآخر الأهلي عرض عليه 25 مليونًا، الفارق كبير جدًا”.

واختتم: “لا شك أن الإغراءات كبيرة، وبالتالي اللاعب ينظر للأمور المادية قبل النظر في مسألة الولاء والانتماء وحب النادي، وأنا أعذر اللاعب تمامًا، لأنه من المؤكد أنه سيُفكر في الأفضل بالنسبة له ماديًا ليؤمن حياته وحياة عائلته، ليس ذلك وحسب بل عائلة محافظة الشرقية كلها”.

West Ham United supporters felt a pang of concern after David Moyes departed the club at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. It was the right decision, but still, the Scot had led the club to their brightest period in modern history, and the road ahead looked fraught with the murky unknown.

Julen Lopetegui's subsequent appointment failed to allay such trepidation, with supporters viewing the deal as pragmatic, but he has since proved himself bold and committed to building a competitive squad, combining with technical director Tim Steidten in the transfer market to make some exciting signings.

A new centre-forward is yet to come, but one of the most important issues has been mitigated in central defence, with Max Kilman signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £40m.

West Ham transfer news

Lopetegui wants more in defence. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are leading the race to sign Ajax centre-half Josip Sutalo, who has also been scouted by Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham in the Premier League.

Valued at €30m (£25m) by the struggling Dutch giants, the Croatian is expected to be at the centre of official bids, albeit below Ajax's expectation.

West Ham are in the most commanding position after signing Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus from the Eredivisie side last year, and could now use past dealings to their advantage.

Why West Ham want Josip Sutalo

West Ham have considered selling central defensive mainstays Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma this summer, the latter of whom is the club's captain.

Sutalo, 24, completed 39 appearances for Ajax last term and played every minute of Croatia's disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, with the Luka Modric-captained nation failing to make it past the group phase, collecting two points.

It might have been a tough season for club and country as far as the 6 foot 3 titan is concerned, but there's no question that he has maintained a formidable level throughout, combining defensive steel with bouncing energy and crisp passing.

Matches played

23

3

Goals

1

0

Pass completion

92%

96%

Clean sheets

3

0

Touches per game

85.8

82.0

Tackles per game

1.3

1.7

Interceptions per game

1.7

4.3

Clearances per game

3.7

2.3

Ball recoveries per game

6.6

4.3

Dribbles per game

0.6 (61%)

1.0 (100%)

Duels won per game

5.0 (60%)

5.3 (59%)

Direct errors made

0

1

Progressive and proficient across a wide range of roles, Sutalo would be a brilliant addition to a new-look West Ham defence, partnering with the left-sided Kilman to create a dynamic sheen.

Kilman, aged 27, is not exactly the conventional defender either, prone to surging forwards and seeking out passages himself, with the clip below highlighting the kind of shuttling success he can find with the ball at his feet.

The Wolves defender, who plied his trade under Lopetegui during the 2022/23 season, averaged 4.7 recoveries and clearances per game in the Premier League last term and won 71% of his aerial battles, suggesting that the Irons could find a solid partnership capable of performing well whatever the conditions.

One year ago, talent scout Jacek Kulig described Sutalo as "one of the most underrated U-23 CBs in Europe", speaking highly of his potential.

He might have endured a testing 12 months but the Croatia star has proved himself sturdy despite the woes of the collective, and would be a credit to West Ham as they step into a new era.

West Ham submit bid to sign Duran alternative who's better than En-Nesyri

Tim Steidten has made the first move to sign this Euro 2024 sensation.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 9, 2024

Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling has explained how it was "surreal" playing against Manchester United star Marcus Rashford this season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Southampton's Dibling enjoying rapid rise
• "Surreal" to play against Rashford
• Likens it to The Journey on FIFA

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After barely playing for Southampton's first-team last season in the Championship, the 18-year-old has become a regular for Russell Martin's men in the Premier League. The winger came up against United in September and said sharing a pitch with Rashford felt like he was playing The Journey on FIFA – an old mode of the game that allowed players to guide a rising star through his career.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT TYLER DIBLING SAID

  He told Saints' website: "Because I only played limited minutes for the club last year, I didn't think I was going to go on and start a lot of games for the club. I was very nervous before it. It was against Manchester United as well. I felt like I was in The Journey on FIFA. It was weird. I had Rashford next to me. I've used him on FIFA for about five years. It was a bit surreal. After that game, you just get used to it to be fair. I was so nervous before – I don't usually get that nervous – but once you step on the pitch and I made that first pass, I settled. I took on [Diogo] Dalot and won a penalty, unfortunately, Cam [Archer] missed it but it's still a good moment. Sam Amo-Ameyaw said to me: 'If you do well, you could stay in the team'. This is why I'm in the team, to take people on. I can't shy away and pass backwards. I need to be positive and sometimes it works."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dibling, who had an ill-fated and short spell in Chelsea's youth setup, has been one of the few positives for Southampton this season – who are languishing in the relegation zone. The 18-year-old has scored one goal and bagged two assists and may be key to their survival chances.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Southampton face a huge clash with fellow newly-promoted Leicester City at St Mary's on Saturday afternoon. Saints sit 19th with one point from seven games whereas the Foxes are four places higher and five points better off.