All posts by h716a5.icu

New Zealand Monday arrived in the hometown of Shoaib Akhtar, the man who destroyed them with his searing pace in Sunday’s first One-Day International in Karachi

23-Apr-2002New Zealand Monday arrived in the hometown of Shoaib Akhtar, the man who destroyed them with his searing pace in Sunday’s first One-Day International in Karachi.On their arrival at the airport, the Black Caps were received by the officials of the Rawalpindi Cricket Association and the team later checked into an Islamabad hotel.The New Zealanders, who lost the opening game by 153 runs with Shoaib, the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ taking a career-best six for 16, now go into the second day-night match at the Rawalpindi Stadium Wednesday.While New Zealand may well be wondering what Shoaib would look like playing in front of his home crowd, the Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed said he was delighted that the tearaway bowler had now started thinking how to get the batsmen out.”Shoaib has not just speed on his side, he is also bowling to a good line and length,” Yawar told Dawn as his side also arrived on the same plane as New Zealand.Yawar said that it was good that Pakistan were playing with passion and confidence. “Everybody is doing well and the team is playing like a well-knit unit.” He pointed out that the players knew what their goals and objectives were. “I am confident that they will keep up the good work in the second match and further ahead in the series.”The Pakistan team is due to have nets at the match venue on Tuesday evening while the visitors will go through their paces in the morning.

Wolves are currently blessed with some hot talent sitting and waiting eagerly within the under-23s for a senior opportunity.

Their academy has been growing in recent years, with Jeff Shi aiming to buy young players who will eventually be first team ready. Fosun spent a record fee for the club in terms of an academy player when they welcomed Christian Marques to the Midlands in 2019.

A centre-back by trade, Wolves seem to be well-stocked in that third of the pitch. Nuno could have Marques in his squad next season and he will also have Toti Gomes at his disposal, someone who has caught the eye on loan at Grasshoppers Zurich in Switzerland.

The Old Gold have made good use of the loan system this season, with another centre-back in Dion Sanderson impressing significantly.

The defender has spent the campaign on loan at Sunderland in League One, where his performances have been so astute that he was named their Young Player of the Year.

Sanderson has learnt plenty on the field but he has also matured off it. He had to wait patiently for his chance and didn’t become a regular in the Mackems side until the New Year.

An injury to defensive stalwart Bailey Wright earned the 21-year-old a chance in the middle of defence and he didn’t look back.

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Speaking about Sanderson’s efforts in 2020/21, Black Cats manager Lee Johnson said earlier this term: “He’s a centre-half. At his age, he’s an absolute Rolls-Royce.”

Johnson continued: “He’s got the competence on the ball of a right-back, so he’s very good on the ball for a centre-half, and he’s got a bit of physical maturation to come. That’s part of his potential.”

Versatile, aggressive and always on the front foot, he would be ideal for Nuno Espirito Santo’s system.

Sanderson is capable of playing out from the back in a similar way to Conor Coady and has registered a passing success rate of 81.6% this term. He is also dominant in the air, winning 2.3 headers per match.

It would be difficult to suggest that he’s the complete defender at such a young age but he certainly seems to have the qualities to make a successful career for himself in the Premier League.

Wolves have hardly been a pillar of consistency defensively this season, either. They kept just two clean sheets during a run of 14 games from October to January.

As such, the Molineux outfit have several targets in mind this summer. Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence is on their radar but they’ve also been intrigued by Bayer Leverkusen’s imperious centre-half Edmond Tapsoba.

With players like Sanderson coming through the ranks, Wolves already have an internal solution to their defensive problem, one which could save them millions in the transfer market.

His season was curtailed in unfortunate circumstances due to a back injury but he will surely be fit and firing come next season if Wolves are willing to hand him a chance.

If they don’t, he could flee the nest. Sunderland are only too keen to have him back, while Crystal Palace, Brighton and Sheffield United are also interested.

Nuno must duly ensure that there is a pathway for him to be unleashed at Molineux in 2021/22.

AND in other news, Move over Semedo: Wolves should unleash “exciting” 18 y/o, he’s an “exceptional guy”…

Sheffield United’s time in the Premier League will officially come to an end on Sunday afternoon as they take on Burnley at Bramall Lane in the final game of their season.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side ultimately succumbed to relegation this year but recent hard-fought wins, coupled with the integration of exciting young talent into the first-team, should give Blades fans plenty to be hopeful for ahead of next seasons’ Championship campaign.

The game against Burnley will also see fans return to Bramall Lane after restrictions were eased recently and whilst it is not in the circumstances that anyone would’ve hoped, the players will surely be keen to reward the Blades faithful with a win to sign off their time in the top-flight, after an extremely difficult season.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Heckingbottom to line his side up against Sean Dyche’s side, with four changes from the team that started in the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United in midweek…

Aaron Ramsdale has enjoyed an impressive end to the campaign, so he keeps his place in between the sticks for the visit of the Lancashire side.

There is one change at centre-back, as Blades legend Phil Jagielka makes what will likely be his last appearance for the club, as the 38-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

There are two changes at wing-back, as Max Lowe comes in for Enda Stevens on the left, whilst academy talent Femi Seriki earns a start on the right, after making his Blades debut as a late substitute at St James’ Park in midweek.

There’s one change in midfield, as John Lundstram also makes what is likely to be his last appearance in a Sheffield United shirt, and he comes in for Ben Osborn.

David McGoldrick and Daniel Jebbison continue up front after some promising recent displays, and they will be key if Heckingbottom’s side are to pick up a rare win on the final day.

And, in other news… Winckel heading for huge mistake with “very good” academy gem, the new manager will be fuming

Flying high after the series triumph over the mighty Australians, the Indian cricketers are now aiming to set right their dismal record abroad, during the coming tour of Zimbabwe

14-May-2001Flying high after the series triumph over the mighty Australians, the Indian cricketers are now aiming to set right their dismal record abroad, during the coming tour of Zimbabwe.As the probables engaged themselves in fitness and fielding drills at the M Chinnaswamy stadium, where the six-day conditioning camp began yesterday, skipper Sourav Ganguly said on Monday that a series victory over Zimbabwe would set right a “lot of things.””Our aim is to win a series abroad which will set right a lot of things,” Ganguly said and emphasised the need for India to play competitive cricket and as a team to the hilt.The Indian captain warned against any complacency, saying that Zimbabwe should not be taken lightly. “They are a good side and have home advantage…the last time we lost a Test match which we should have won. Our team is working on the fitness part since it has a hectic international schedule ahead,” he added.Coach John Wright said the focus was on fielding, catching, running between the wickets and improving the fitness levels of the players. He was interacting with players to find the reasons for India not performing well overseas.”We have to play the same way as we did against Australia. If we play up to our potential, we can beat good sides,” he said.The Indian team is to be announced in Bangalore on May 17.

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Conor Gallagher is better off staying at the Hawthorns than returning to Chelsea.

Gallagher has spent the season on loan at West Brom from Chelsea but looks set to return to the west London club in the summer.

According to The Sun, the 21-year-old midfielder plans to remain at Stamford Bridge for the 2021/22 campaign and compete for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s team.

Given the competition he faces at his parent club, though, Palmer believes the best choice for Gallagher would be to remain at West Brom or join another outfit on loan.

When asked by FFC would staying at the Baggies be a better option for the midfielder, the retired England international said:

“There’s no point going back to Chelsea, sitting on the bench or playing in the reserves. There’s no point; you need to play – that’s as simple as it is. I’ve always said that. My advice to any young player would be you’ve got to get out and play.

“Don’t let your career stagnate for a year or two years.”

Should Gallagher indeed return to Chelsea, he could very well find himself sitting on the bench.

The Blues are currently stacked in both the midfield and attacking midfield positions, with Tuchel already having the likes of Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech and Jorginho to call upon.

Ronald de Boer believes that Glasgow Rangers must be involved in any changes to the Champions League or other competitions in the future.

De Boer discusses Gers

Last week, the European Super League shocked the footballing world – fortunately, it was abandoned within two days of its launch (The Guardian). However, its impact has been widespread and has brought into conversation the place of many European clubs.

Former Gers player De Boer, who scored 40 goals during his time with the Ibrox outfit, was speaking about his former club and he believes that, along with Celtic, they should be involved in discussions if any changes are made to the Champions League or other competitions. He explained (via Daily Record):

“If you just talk about merchandise and interest from people around the world, Rangers and Celtic are definitely up there.

“Wherever you go, there are an unbelievable amount of fans from those clubs.“I’m not talking about the quality of football in Scotland, just the magnitude of the clubs themselves.“They’re huge. That’s why, on that level, they’re very close to these big teams we’re talking about, I’m 100 per cent sure of that.“So if there are any changes in the future, they should be involved or considered.”

Important

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised the importance of Rangers and Celtic when knocking the Super League (BBC) – he does at least appreciate the stature of the Old Firm clubs. Unfortunately, their lack of financial power means they are often overlooked at the top of the game, but as De Boer says, in terms of fanbase they can claim to have a seat at the highest table.

De Boer is right in saying that the Gers must be involved in discussions if changes are made, but they should be one of a huge number of clubs. European football needs the ‘smaller’ clubs just as much as the elite – everyone should be given an opportunity to have their say on the future of continental football.

In other news, Rangers are in advanced talks to sign this striker.

This has been a season to forget for Wolves and after being mauled 4-0 by Burnley a couple of weeks ago, it only went from bad to worse.

The Old Gold didn’t bounce back with a win against neighbours West Brom but it was still an encouraging performance nonetheless.

With injuries rife in the Wolves squad, Nuno Espirito Santo took the decision of handing out opportunities to some of the club’s younger players.

On the chalkboard

Their attack had a refreshing feel to it last weekend against the Baggies. Nuno fielded Fabio Silva in attack and behind him was a vibrant trio of Adama Traore, Owen Otasowie and Vitinha.

Traore has returned to form in recent weeks with a goal and two assists in his last five outings, while Silva is now among the goals too. That said, it was Vitinha who arguably stole the show in the middle of the park.

Daniel Podence was rightfully dropped from the starting XI after two dismal showings and was replaced by the dynamic loanee.

Vitinha has rarely been seen this season, starting just three times in the top flight since swapping Porto for Wolverhampton. He has played only 361 league minutes but you sense that number will dramatically increase between now and the end of the season.

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The Old Gold have an option to buy the 21-year-old and they’d be foolish if they turned it down.

Nuno needs to take the opportunity in the remaining weeks of the season to unleash him more often. If Vitinha hasn’t already proven he deserves to be at Molineux next term, this should be the chance to end any counter-arguments.

He appears to have all the tools necessary to become a star at Molineux. Compared to Joao Moutinho, the youngster has creativity in abundance.

Against West Brom last weekend, he produced four key passes, more than anybody else on the field. Vitinha also completed 90% of his passes and registered three dribbles, proving how impressive his ball-carrying can be.

Speaking recently, Nuno commented: “We are pleased with Vitor. He’s a young player, but full of talent and quality.”

We shouldn’t be surprised by his performances, however. He starred for Portugal in the group stages of the Under-21 European Championships during the last international break, creating chances and dribbling past players at a similar rate.

Blessed with clever feet and an eye for a pass, he could be the key to providing more goal-scoring opportunities to a laboured forward line at Molineux.

AND in other news, Forget Kilman: Wolves should unleash “outstanding” rarely-seen 18 y/o instead…

Get German Football News editor-in-chief Daniel Pinder has exclusively told Football FanCast that the addition of Stuttgart star Nicolas Gonzalez this summer would make for an “exciting” front-three for Leeds United.

The Yorkshire club were strongly linked with the Stuttgart winger last summer, although the Argentine ended up staying in Germany having scored 14 goals in their promotion-winning campaign 12 months ago.

Gonzalez has missed the majority of this season with a muscle problem, but has still contributed to eight goals in the Bundesliga, scoring six times whilst providing two assists, to help Stuttgart push towards a mid-table finish in their first season back in Germany’s top-flight.

Jack Harrison has been part of Leeds’ front-three this season, but the youngster is on loan from Manchester City, and Pinder told Football FanCast that signing Gonzalez would make for a mouth-watering attack for Marcelo Bielsa, alongside two stars of their own first campaign back in the top division – Raphinha and Patrick Bamford.

He said: “It’s that thing of, you’ve got Raphinha and potentially Gonzalez on the other wing and Bamford up front.

“And with their fast direct play up front, them interchanging, it would be an exciting time to be a Leeds fan if they signed Nicolas Gonzalez.”

Tanguy Ndombele offered Tottenham Hotspur absolutely nothing as they drew to Everton in the Premier League on Friday night.

It was quite a crucial fixture in regards to the European qualification landscape in the top flight and, with both teams taking a share of the spoils, Spurs’ hopes of making the top four, and maybe even potentially the top six, are at now in jeopardy as the teams above them can now open up a further gap.

The north London outfit once again rued defensive mistakes and dropped points from a winning position – that’s now a total of 20 points lost all season after taking the lead.

Jose Mourinho tinkered with his formation and that should have brought the best out of the Frenchman as he was pushed further forward to play in behind Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

It was a real opportunity to make a statement with a creative performance to justify that club-record £55m price tag. He’s got to be delivering in big matches like this. Instead, the £45m-rated dynamo lasted just over an hour before being hooked by Mourinho, and it’s easy to see why because, as mentioned, he offered ever so little.

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Ndombele racked up just 37 touches and he was hugely wasteful when in possession, losing the ball a whopping 18 times – only Son managed worse (21) but he was on the pitch for an extra half an hour, so that only emphasises how reckless the 24-year-old was.

He only made ten passes – that’s one every six minutes as a playmaker, and the worst of any starter on the pitch for either side. Even substitute Erik Lamela (12) and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (21) attempted more, as per SofaScore.

Uncharacteristically, he struggled to drive forward with the ball too, failing to complete a single dribble despite a match-high four attempts. In addition to all that, the 5 foot 11 midfielder was weak in his battles, winning just four of 13 duels (30%), whilst he was also dribbled past on one occasion and he committed one foul.

All in all, his performance was summed up by a shameless dive early in the first half, which had BBC journalist Dave Downie calling him “pathetic” and The Athletic’s Toffees correspondent Patrick Boyland slam him as “embarrassing.”

As described perfectly by football.london’s Alasdair Gold, ‘Spurs needed him to be creative in midfield at Goodison Park and he just didn’t have an impact in the final third.’

He can be thankful that Kane capitalised on two horrendous defensive mistakes by the home side, otherwise the spotlight would certainly have been on his shocking performance.

Ndombele offered Mourinho nothing at Goodison Park, so the manager has every right to feel let down.

AND in other news, Mourinho could unearth his next Rashford in Spurs “diamond”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who made 561 appearances for Wolves, admits he is not convinced that Wolves should make Willian Jose’s loan deal a permanent one, insisting it has been a try before you buy for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Jose is still yet to get off the mark for Wolves this season after arriving from Real Sociedad on loan in January, however, Bull believes this is down to the lack of service he’s receiving.

Bull believes Jose’s future depends on how Raul Jimenez is once he is back after he sustained a fractured skull earlier in the season, and if the Mexican doesn’t hit the ground running the Wolves legend thinks it may be wise to keep the Brazillian in the Midlands.

Speaking on Willian Jose’s future and what potential headache Nuno Espirito Santo could have if he has both Jimenez and Jose, Bull told FFC exclusively:

“It’s good going down this path of getting them in on loan because you can try before you buy.

“If Nuno’s got two big strikers on the bench worth a lot of money both of them can’t get a chance in the side.

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“If he does go back then he’s served his purpose and done his job. Yeah, he hasn’t scored the goals we wanted but that’s been down to a lack of service. We’ll see what Jimenez is like when he comes back first before deciding.

“You always need two or three strikers because the Premier League is a deadly and horrible place to be.”

Wolves have struggled without their talisman in Jimenez this season with Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves their top scorers with five goals, and the Mexican the club’s third top scorer with four goals.

Nuno Espirito Santo will know Wolves are all but safe from relegation so may feel he can take some pressure away from both Fabio Silva and Willian Jose for the end of the season.