Tag Futebol

Arne Slot has confirmed that he will rotate his Liverpool team in the Premier League this season (finally) after last weekend’s title triumph.

A host of players have been reduced to bit-part roles under the new management, but the Dutch coach has said that “a few players will come into the team” across the closing weeks of the campaign.

Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah and Federico Chiesa will be among those looking for starting berths, but at left-back, it’s more of an uncertain situation.

While Andy Robertson remains Liverpool’s first-choice option to partner Virgil van Dijk on the left side of the backline, his influence has waned this season, mistakes creeping in and attacking contributions heading out.

Several Reds stars are going to be playing for their futures over the final four fixtures, and Kostas Tsimikas is sure to be one of them, having only started seven top-flight games all term. However, four of those have come across seven recent outings.

Liverpool are in the market for a new left-back this summer, and one of the experienced duo is sure to be sold to make room for a fresh face. Milos Kerkez is at the top of the list of contenders.

Liverpool's interest in Milos Kerkez

According to The Times, Liverpool have placed Kerkez right at the top of their shortlist as FSG warm to the idea of signing a new left-back. However, Bournemouth want £45m for the 21-year-old and this is steep.

Described as a “machine” by Sky Sports’ Izzy Christensen, the Cherries defender has all the attributes to become one of Europe’s elite players, and so it’s hardly surprising that his outfit are ready to drive a hard bargain.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was the man who brought Kerkez over to England, signing the Hungarian talent from AZ Alkmaar for £15.5m in July 2023 while he was the transfer operator at the Vitality Stadium.

This season, Kerkez has been a revelation in Andoni Iraola’s system, frightening in attack and secure in defence. His completeness and athleticism have seen him emerge as one of the best young full-backs in Europe.

At £45m, Liverpool will be sure to consider their options, especially with Manchester City and Real Madrid also keen. Hughes has already lined up a potential alternative, and he’s an exciting one at that.

Liverpool chasing new left-back

Kerkez seems to be the top target for the Anfield side, but Liverpool aren’t limited in their scope. Indeed, journalist Bence Bocsak has recently reported that the Premier League champions have been extensively scouting an alternative option.

The man in question is Maxim De Cuyper, with the Club Brugge star impressing Liverpool recruiters with his performances in the Champions League this year. Arsenal are also interested.

De Cuyper, 24, is an active defender with a gas tank that refuses to be depleted. With Robertson hoping to stick around for a few more years, this could be the perfect profile to challenge the Scotland captain for a starting berth, especially since he’s got a rumoured price tag of €25m (£21m).

Why Liverpool should De Cuyper

Firstly, these reports suggest that De Cuyper could be available for less than half the price of Kerkez, and when digging into their respective skill sets, it does look as if the Belgium international has the quality to make just as much of a positive impact in Slot’s team – if not more.

A fiercely creative defender, De Cuyper ranks among the top 19% of full-backs across divisions similar to the Belgian Pro League for assists, the top 1% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

FBref have also recorded that De Cuyper’s Champions League performances this season put him alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold from a statistical standpoint, only reinforcing the argument that he would be a perfect fit in Slot’s squad.

When assessing De Cuyper against Kerkez, there’s a case to be made that his playmaking and roundedness make him a better fit than Kerkez, who is a fast-rising defender but a mite expensive at £45m.

The Club Brugge man has hit 11 goal contributions across all competitions this year, notably scoring against Aston Villa in the Champions League. Arsenal want him too, remember, so he’s doing something right.

Of course, the Premier League is objectively of a higher technical calibre than the Belgian Pro League, but the defender’s success in Europe’s elite competition emphasises his chances of hitting the ground running under Slot’s wing in England.

Matches (starts)

34 (31)

34 (34)

Goals

3

2

Assists

5

5

Pass completion

83%

80%

Big chances created

22

7

Key passes*

2.5

1.0

Dribbles (%)*

0.5 (51%)

0.6 (57%)

Ball recoveries*

4.0

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

2.6

Clearances*

2.0

2.8

Duels (%)*

3.6 (53%)

4.1 (53%)

It’s interesting that the Belgian should produce such scintillating playmaking numbers – furthering the argument that he’s Trent-like – with his underlying metrics across other areas also suggesting that he could be a more complete and effective left-back upgrade than Kerkez.

Harking back to Robertson, the 31-year-old has failed to register a single goal contribution in the Premier League this season, so it’s no wonder Slot and Hughes are determined to improve that area of the pitch. De Cuyper has the traits that suggest he is the perfect successor.

This isn’t to say that Kerkez is ineffective from a playmaking perspective; far from it, the Hungarian has showcased an exciting desire to advance attacking play on England’s south coast this term.

But De Cuyper has that special something that could charge Liverpool’s left lane to another level entirely. Is it any wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “one of the best left-backs currently playing outside the (Europe’s) top five leagues.”

Transfer Focus

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

Liverpool need to find a way to stay ahead in creative metrics next season, especially if Alexander-Arnold leaves for pastures new in sunny Spain. Bringing in De Cuyper would be the perfect way to enforce this; he might even prove a better signing than Kerkez, and for a portion of the price.

Outscoring Isak: Liverpool scouting £25m "nuisance" who's just like Nunez

Liverpool are ready to go shopping for new forwards this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 3, 2025

Missing from the squad are experienced seamer Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with injury, and batter Shevon Daniel

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Mar-2024Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara is back in the ODI XI, while batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis also makes the squad, as Sri Lanka aim to continue their rebuild after a disappointing World Cup, against Bangladesh. Missing from the squad are experienced seamer Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with injury, and batter Shevon Daniel, who was part of Sri Lanka’s last two ODI squads, but has only played one game.Kumara has been showing decent form in domestic cricket, having taken nine wickets in his four most-recent List A matches. Kamindu has made it to the ODI squad after impressing in the T20Is.ESPNcricinfo LtdAlso in this squad are opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring complaint, and offspin-bowling allrounder Sahan Arachchige, who has been having a good domestic season with the bat as well. Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva remains omitted from the ODI squad, and Daniel – who had made the last two ODI squads – has been left out in favour of Kamindu.While Kumara is the most experienced quick in the attack, Sri Lanka have plenty of seam options, though they do not have the slingers Matheesha Pathirana, or Nuwan Thushara, despite the latter having been outstanding in the third T20I against Bangladesh. They instead have Pramod Madushan, left-armer Dilshan Madushanka, and all-round options Chamika Karunaratne and Janth Liyanage. There is no Dasun Shanaka.On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to be the bowlers likeliest to play in the XI, but Akila Dananjaya is also in the mix, as is left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage.Related

Silverwood welcomes 'great rivalry' with Bangladesh: 'We need good competition'

Shanto banks on bowlers, stable batting line-up for ODI turnaround

Bangladesh look to remedy home record as rivalry with SL heats up

Najmul Hossain Shanto: 'Sri Lanka haven't moved on from timed-out incident'

Sri Lanka have won both their ODI series this year, at home against Zimbabwe, then Afghanistan. This is their first overseas series in 2024. The first of three ODIs will be played in Chattogram on Wednesday.Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (capt.)(wk), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne

Further scans on the opener’s thumb revealed damage from the blow he took in the T20I series

Alex Malcolm27-Feb-2024New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the opening Test against Australia in Wellington due to the thumb injury he sustained in the T20 series. Henry Nicholls has been called into the squad although Will Young will be Conway’s likely replacement at the top of the order.Conway damaged his left thumb while wicketkeeping in the second T20I in Auckland on Friday. Initial scans cleared him of a fracture but he did not keep or bat after the blow and was ruled out of the third match of the series. Further investigation has shown damage to the thumb.”It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “He’s a class player batting at the top of the order for us and I know he was really looking forward to this series.”Related

Sears called up for O'Rourke, Conway to miss start of IPL due to thumb surgery

Wellington rain leaves New Zealand waiting to decide on fourth bowler

Labuschagne confident of finding form by batting more and more

Neil Wagner retires from international cricket

Big Brother makes rare trip across the Tasman for high-stakes contest

Conway will undergo further assessment during the week to ascertain the extent of the injury and the final diagnosis. The second Test starts in Christchurch on March 8.On Tuesday, Stead confirmed that Rachin Ravindra would be fit to play after being left out of the last two T20Is against Australia as a precaution following knee soreness. Daryl Mitchell is also fit to play after missing the second Test against South Africa and the entire T20I series against Australia to manage an ongoing issue with his heel.Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday after being told he would not be selected in the two Tests against Australia. His place in the squad is a ceremonial one for this Wellington Test only.Mitchell Santner is in line to return to the XI•Getty ImagesNew Zealand played four fast bowlers in their last Test in Hamilton but Stead admitted that, despite winning the match, it was probably a selection mistake. Mitchell Santner looks likely to reclaim his spot in Wellington.”I think in hindsight, we probably got that wrong the way that the pitch did behave,” Stead said. “We’ve certainly got Mitch Santner here as that option and we’ll certainly consider him as well.”Skipper Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke look likely to be the trio of quicks with Scott Kuggeleijn the only other fast-bowling option in the squad. The pitch had a typically green look to it two days out from the first Test but those who have been to the middle said it looks very good and firm underneath despite the covering of live green grass.New Zealand have not beaten Australia in a Test at home since 1993 and have not beaten them anywhere since 2011, but Stead said the series represents an opportunity to improve their record against their neighbours.”We don’t play Australia that often, which is strange considering that they’re just across the Tasman there,” Stead said. “But, look, they always set the benchmark and are current world Test champions and they are that for a reason. They’re a very good side. But that’s our opportunity. And that’s for us to go out and I guess show our wares and we’re certainly looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da imperador bet： Os bastidores da vitória do Fluminense por 3 a 1 sobre o Sporting Cristal, pela Copa Libertadores, no Estádio Nacional de Lima, mostraram a busca por atenção redobrada entre os tricolores. Divulgada pela FluTV na madrugada de sábado, a rotina da equipe traz detalhes da reestreia de Marcelo e sinais de alerta exigidos pelo técnico Fernando Diniz.

Durante o intervalo do confronto, o comandante fez cobranças diante das chances desperdiçadas na etapa inicial.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFluminenseÀs vésperas da final do Carioca, Diniz tem desafios para ajeitar a defesa do FluminenseFluminense07/04/2023Futebol LatinoImprensa argentina repercute paixão de Felipe Melo pelo Boca JrsFutebol Latino07/04/2023Fora de CampoEx-jogador condena atitudes recentes de Marcelo com torcedores: ‘Mascarado’Fora de Campo07/04/2023

da bet7： -Lá na frente a gente não pode perder tanto gol. Nós perdemos seis gols para fazer um. Então vamos fazer a p… do gol para definir o jogo! – contestou o treinador, quando a partida estava empatada no Estádio Nacional, em Lima.

Após a confirmação da vitória por 3 a 1, o treinador mirou suas atenções na final do Campeonato Carioca, que acontecerá no domingo (9), às 18h. Diniz passou entusiasmo para o elenco.

-Rapaziada, parabéns aí pela vitória. A partir de agora, desse momento, a gente pensa no nosso título. Todo mundo que acredita! Nós já estamos trabalhando para c… nesse jogo. Preparar o melhor Fluminense para jogar domingo, que é o da Páscoa. Agora, só Flamengo e só título (apontando para a cabeça) – garantiu.

A delegação tricolor voltou ao Rio de Janeiro em voo fretado na noite de quinta-feira. Após as atividades na manhã de sexta-feira, o técnico Fernando Diniz fará os últimos ajustes na equipe em treino neste sábado (8).

O Fluminense perdeu por 2 a 0 para o Flamengo no jogo de ida. Com isso, precisa vencer por três ou mais gols a partida deste domingo para se classificar diretamente. Vitória por dois gols leva a decisão para os pênaltis. O Tricolor das Laranjeiras terá de repetir um feito incomum em suas disputas nos mata-matas.

Wild conclusion out of kilter with quiet final day in which Lewis Gregory almost saved the game

Matt Roller15-Apr-2024There are nearly 5,000 miles between The Oval and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and while one venue was packed out on Monday evening, the other was almost empty. But for eight overs, Surrey kept pace with the record-breaking scoring rates posted by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, giving Somerset a real scare before this match petered out into a draw.After the first hour was wiped out by rain, Somerset’s lower order batted for 55.4 overs on the final day to leave Surrey chasing an unlikely 209 inside 19 overs. They threatened to pull off the unthinkable: Dan Lawrence and Jamie Smith were promoted to open and added 90 off the first eight overs, plundering six fours and three sixes despite Lewis Gregory stationing nine fielders on the boundary.Smith, who played the shot of the day when he swung Craig Overton into the third tier of the Micky Stewart Pavilion, holed out to Matt Renshaw at long-on off Gregory’s first ball but Ollie Pope seemed an ideal partner for Lawrence, slicing Kasey Aldridge over the short point boundary for six even as one hand came off the bat.But after Pope lost his leg stump looking to slash Aldridge away through the off side once more, Surrey lost their bearings: Jamie Overton miscued a return catch to Aldridge, Rory Burns picked out deep square leg and Dom Sibley top-edged an attempted pull back to Gregory. Lawrence reached a 30-ball 50 but couldn’t keep the strike, and the players shook hands with five overs unbowled.The wild conclusion was out of kilter with a quiet final day, in which Gregory had almost single-handedly saved the game with his second half-century of the match, his second as permanent captain. Somerset’s overnight lead was just 61 with four wickets in hand, but stands of 94 and 89 with Aldridge and Overton respectively took time out of the game.It seemed clear that the second new ball would be the missing ingredient for Surrey after the first one had lost its spice. Kemar Roach broke through shortly after lunch, in the fifth over after the changeover, with a beauty that took Aldridge’s outside edge on its way through to Ben Foakes.Surrey used their spinners from one end and their seamers at the other, trying to create chances and breathe some life into the game on a bitterly cold afternoon. They appealed desperately for leg-before wicket and caught-behind chances, constantly creating half-chances without a breakthrough.But Gregory batted on, surviving a chance on 69 when Roach dropped a skier at deep square leg off Gus Atkinson’s bowling. He eventually fell for 80 to Cameron Steel’s legspin, slapping to backward point, and Steel completed his second five-wicket haul of the season when Migael Pretorius skied him to cover and Shoaib Bashir was pinned lbw.Steel is an unlikely man to be leading the wicket-taking charts in Division One after two rounds, with his 14 wickets already more than double the number he managed last year (six). But he has worked hard on his bowling through the winter, training with New South Wales and Sydney Sixers in Australia, and has enjoyed the opportunity to be Surrey’s main spinner with Will Jacks at the IPL.Somerset’s first-day collapse of 7 for 20 left them behind for the rest of the game, but their coach, Jason Kerr, said he was pleased with the “resilience” that his side showed. “Apart from about 40 minutes on day one, we have been outstanding in this game, particularly on days two and three with the ball and then today, the resilience that the guys demonstrated.”You thought we were getting to the point where we were shutting the game down – but then we gave them a sniff. But similarly, the way Lewis and Kasey bowled in particular to shut the game down… I think the draw was a fair result. Lewis has been outstanding. He’s in great form, and leading brilliantly. Long may it continue.”Surrey were disappointed not to get over the line, but will welcome Dan Worrall back into their squad when they face Kent on Friday and their seamers will be pleased to have a Dukes ball back in their hands. “It was a tough slog for us,” Steel said. “All credit to them for the way they played on a good pitch.”

Federico Chiesa reportedly 'loves' Liverpool but his 'priority' is to return to Italy for next season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Chiesa struggles at LiverpoolSaid to 'love' the RedsBut wants Italy returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chiesa is eager to return to Serie A this summer, and although he 'loves' Liverpool, his limited game time this season has alerted Italian sides about a possible move.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Chiesa was once one of the best wingers in the world, and after signing for just £12.5 million ($17m) from Juventus last summer, it seemed Liverpool had a bargain on their hands. But the 27-year-old has been a big disappointment, and now a move back to Italy seems likely.

DID YOU KNOW?The winger, who has struggled with injuries this term, played just 104 minutes across the Premier League season(466 across all competitions) and is said to be on wages of £140,000 per week.Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Chiesa, who is said to be keen to get back into Italy's plans for the 2026 World Cup, could be off to Serie A ahead of next season – especially as the Reds may buy attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer.

Chelsea added another two players to their growing collection of sparkling young talent when they officially confirmed the signings of Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo this week.

Both players are poised to join from Sporting at the start of the summer transfer window, although Quenda will return to the Portuguese side to spend next season on loan with his boyhood club.

Essugo, on the other hand, is reportedly viewed as a ‘ball-winner’ who can provide depth for Enzo Maresca next term, as per this report by Sky Sports News.

The Chelsea head coach has a plethora of young talent at his disposal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and it will be interesting to see which ones will make the step up.

The Chelsea youngsters who could break through next season

Essugo is one of those players who could have an eye on making the first-team, as he has made 17 appearances in LaLiga on loan at Las Palmas in the current campaign.

Tyrique George, who has come up through the academy system, has now played 17 times for the senior side and registered four assists this season.

The 19-year-old sensation, who has one assist in five Premier League outings, may look to use his experience this term to push on and secure a regular spot in Maresca’s side next year.

Andrey Santos, who is currently on loan at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, is another player who could make a breakthrough, having averaged 4.3 tackles and interceptions per game across 24 starts this season.

Another player who could make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season is Brazil international Estevao Willian, who can finally join the club this summer.

Chelsea have the world's second-best wonderkid on their hands

The Brazilian forward turns 18 in April and this means that he can officially make the move to England in the summer transfer window, ready to push for a place in Maresca’s team next term.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Estevao, who was described as a “phenomenon” by his agent Andre Cury, was recently named in GOAL’s NXGN top 50 wonderkids in football in 2025 list.

He ranked second on the list, only behind Lamine Yamal, and was above the likes of Endrick, Pau Cubarsi, and Warren Zaire-Emery, among others, which suggests that the Blues have the second-best wonderkid in the world on their hands.

GOAL.com's 10 best wonderkids in world football.

Yamal has already won the European Championship and LaLiga, whilst racking up 20 goals and 24 assists for Barcelona, before the age of 18, which illustrates what a generational talent he is.

Estevao, who was described as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has been capped four times by Brazil and produced 20 goals and ten assists in 59 matches for Palmeiras to date.

Appearances (starts)

31 (26)

xG

10.54

Goals

13

Big chances created

11

Assists

9

As you can see in the table above, the future Chelsea star produced regular quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Brazilian top-flight in the 2024 campaign as a right-sided winger, cutting in on his left-foot.

These statistics show that the potential is there for him to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer as a player who can make an instant impact, despite the fact that he will have only just turned 18, because the young gem is already shining at first-team level.

Boehly must sell Chelsea's "waste of money" who earns more than Nkunku

Chelsea should ruthlessly move on from the central defender in the summer window.

3 ByDan Emery Mar 19, 2025

Chelsea must, now, ensure that they provide Estevao with the right environment to develop and thrive at Cobham, to ensure that he can fulfill his potential and be a future Ballon d’Or winner with the club.

نشرت تقارير صحفية اليوم الأربعاء رد فعل مدرب نادي برشلونة، هانز فليك، على إمكانية رحيل فيرمين لوبيز عن صفوف الفريق الكتالوني خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الجاري.

برشلونة تلقى عرضًا مغريًا من قبل نادي تشيلسي للتعاقد مع لوبيز خلال صيف العام الحالي، وذلك مقابل 50 مليون يورو.

تابع.. برشلونة يحدد سعر بيع فيرمين لوبيز إلى الدوري الإنجليزي

وذكرت صحيفة “آس”، أن فليك يشعر بتوتر كبير جراء فكرة رحيل لوبيز عن صفوف برشلونة خلال الفترة المقبلة، في ظل حاجة الفريق إلى خدمات ابن الـ22 عامًا.

وأضافت الصحيفة، أن إدارة برشلونة ترى أن هناك تضارب كبير بين مصلحة الفريق من الناحية المالية ببيع لوبيز وتسهيل عملية تسجيل اللاعبين الجدد في النادي، وبين رغبة فليك في الإبقاء على خدمات اللاعب.

وأوضحت أن إدارة برشلونة ترى كذلك أن بيع لوبيز سيثير غضب الجماهير، نظرًا لأن اللاعب من أفضل إنتاجات لاماسيا خلال السنوات الأخيرة، لذلك لن يتم بيع فيرمين سوى بمبلغ كبير.

وأردفت أن فليك يقدر إمكانيات فيرمين كثيرًا وقد تحدث مع اللاعب على انفراد عقب فوز برشلونة على ليفانتي بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين يوم السبت الماضي بالدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

وورد أن برشلونة لن يسمع ببيع فيرمين لوبيز إلى تشيلسي بأقل من 70 مليون يورو.

Arsenal have been scouting a “world-class” £70m+ striker who Arsène Wenger once compared to Thierry Henry, according to a report.

Gunners' striker issues on show at Old Trafford

Prior to Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville questioned the decision not to bring in a new striker over the past few years, branding it “poor recruitment”.

Mikel Merino once again had to lead the line against United, with Kai Havertz set to miss the remainder of the season with injury, but the Spaniard struggled to have an impact, failing to score for the third game on the spin in the Premier League.

Gabriel Jesus is the only other senior striker at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, but Neville believes the manager isn’t a big fan of the Brazilian, meaning signing a new forward in the summer may be one of the Spaniard’s main priorities.

A number of targets have been identified, including Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, and a report from The Boot Room has now revealed Arsenal scouts are also watching Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.

The Gunners watched Thuram in action in the Champions League recently, and they are likely to be impressed by what they saw, given that he scored in his side’s 2-0 victory against Feyenoord.

Chelsea and Liverpool scouts were also in attendance to run the rule over the striker, so there may be competition for his signature this summer, should the north Londoners decide to formalise their interest.

However, a deal will not be cheap, as the Frenchman has a release clause of just over £70m included in his contract, and the Italian club want to enter talks to remove or increase that figure.

"World-class" Thuram enjoying another impressive season

The 27-year-old has been a regular source of goals and assists for Inter since arriving from Borussia Mönchengladbach, following up a solid debut campaign by scoring 15 goals in all competitions this season, including two in the Champions League.

Barring an injury-marred 2021-22 campaign, the Parma-born striker has impressed in front of goal over the course of the past six seasons, and there are signs he is entering his prime, given that he is on course to have his most prolific campaign to date.

Season

League appearances

Goals

Assists

2019-20

31

10

7

2020-21

29

8

3

2021-22

21

3

0

2022-23

30

13

6

2023-24

35

13

8

2024-25

27

13

4

As shown, the France international regularly chips in with assists, which may be one of the reasons he was compared to compatriot Thierry Henry by Arsenal legend Wenger. More recently, the Inter star has also received high praise from journalist Zach Lowy.

Arsenal’s recent drop-off indicates they may need to bring in a top striker if they are to compete for the Premier League title next season, and Thuram’s performances this season indicate he could be in that category.

Klaasen clubs England as defending champions sink further into the mire while Sri Lanka out-class Netherlands despite some sloppy moments

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-20231:50

Pujara: South Africa’s confidence in Jansen paying off

–Fixtures | Squads | Points table | Tournament IndexTop Story: Klaasen sends England’s title-defence hopes spirallingHeinrich Klaasen crumpled to his haunches in a dripping mess after every shot. In between whiles, he flayed England’s bowlers for a 61-ball century to set up an emphatic South Africa victory at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.The brutality of Klaasen’s 109 from just 67 balls all told matched the harshness of the heat and humidity which had also left England bowler David Willey cramping throughout South Africa’s innings, ending on 399 for 7 and requiring the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history. England capitulated instead, crashing to 170 all out in 22 overs and suffering their heaviest ODI defeat.Click here for the full reportMatch analysis: Classy Klaasen digs deep to make Wankhede his ColosseumHeinrich Klaasen brought up his maiden World Cup ton off 61 balls•Associated Press

Heinrich Klaasen was so spent by the time he faced his 61st delivery, the one he pulled wide of fine leg to bring up his fourth ODI hundred, that almost immediately after he raised his bat in celebration and screamed, his knees gave way and he ended up in a squat. His face contorted between unbridled exhilaration expressed directly at Mark Wood, to ultimate exhaustion and eventually to the realisation of the unquestionable enormity of the moment: this was not just his first century at a World Cup, it was a century against the defending champions in a match South Africa earmarked as must-win after their chastening defeat to Netherlands earlier in the week.As the emotions sunk in, Klaasen composed himself, and acknowledged his team-mates and the crowd, which included his wife and daughter, and the heavens. Then, he went straight to Wood to apologise, several times. Wood settled on a fist-bump or three and Klaasen could have his moment back but only until the next wave of weariness set in. Then it was back onto his haunches to try to conserve the energy to bat to the end, and summon the reserves to keep finding the boundary. It’s a small ground but today it felt like a cauldron and Klaasen had to both absorb and transfer the heat.Read the full analysis from Firdose Moonda in MumbaiMust Watch: What’s gone wrong for England1:40

What’s gone wrong for England?

Match report: Sri Lanka overcome Engelbrecht-led resistance to finally open their accountAn unbeaten 91 from Sadeera Samarawickrama shepherded home a tricky chase as Sri Lanka overcame a resilient Dutch outfit and finally got points on the board. The result means Sri Lanka join Afghanistan, Netherlands, Bangladesh and England on two points after four games; they did however go past Afghanistan on net run rate – before England plummeted later in the evening – to move off the very bottom of the table.Set a target of 263, the chase was built around key partnerships – the first a counter-attacking 30-ball 34 between Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, to recover from the early loss of Kusal Perera, followed by more substantial stands of 52, 77 and 76 – with Samarawickrama a key cog throughout.Click here for the full reportMatch analysis: Sri Lanka find new lionhearts in sloppy-to-sublime performance7:49

Maharoof: The new-ball spell of Madushanka and Rajitha set up the win

It’s the 47th over of Netherlands’ innings. Logan van Beek, running between the wickets, is nowhere near safety and has resigned to fate. Substitute fielder Dunith Wellalage flicks the throw from cover to Chamika Karunaratne, who botches a simple run out chance at the bowler’s end. Van Beek gets to his maiden ODI half-century.Then in the penultimate over, van Beek heaves Kasun Rajitha’s slower ball to the deep midwicket. Charith Asalanka covers some ground first before throwing himself full stretch on the edge of the boundary. It was towards the shorter side and momentum could’ve taken it over, but for Asalanka’s athleticism and balance.Read the full analysis from Shashank Kishore in LucknowNews headlines Rahul Dravid has expressed disagreement with the two “average” pitch ratings that ICC match referees have dished out in the first 11 days of the 2023 ODI World Cup. In doing so he has called for greater diversity in the kinds of surfaces that will be considered “good” or “very good” – the ICC’s highest pitch ratings.
Travis Head will slot straight back in at the top of Australia’s batting order when he is cleared to return to action, which could be as soon as their next game against Netherlands in Delhi on Wednesday, meaning a move down the list for the in-form Mitchell Marsh.Match previewIndia vs New Zealand, Dharamsala (2pm IST; 8.30am GMT; 7.30pm AEDT5:39

Bond: NZ vs India’s top three could be the decider

Ask any ardent Indian fan which is their second-favourite cricket team, and New Zealand will remain a common answer. Ask the same set of fans which team spooks them the most when it comes to ICC events: New Zealand will once again be the unanimous reply. Why you ask.Southampton 2021. Nagpur 2016 and Dubai 2021. Manchester 2019.It’s probably the memories of the last one here that has most Indian fans flinch. And as much as India would like to deny it, New Zealand have been their bogey team over the years. There are numbers to back this up. In all ICC events since 1992 (considering only the final from the WTC 2019-21 and 2021-23 cycles), India have beaten New Zealand just once in nine attempts.Full previewTeam newsIndia (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul (wk), 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Suryakumar Yadav/Ishan Kishan, 8 Shardul Thakur/Mohammed Shami, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mohammed SirajNew Zealand (probable): 1 Devon Conway, 2 Will Young, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Tom Latham (capt & wk), 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Mark Chapman, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent Boult