Tag Futebol

Leeds United were dealt a number of blows in the summer transfer window as they lost a host of key players after they failed to earn promotion from the Championship.

The Whites lost Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, and Glen Kamara to West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Rennes respectively, after they lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final.

After the 2023/24 campaign, the Hammers swooped in to sign the Championship Player of the Year, Summerville, for a reported fee of £25m plus add-ons.

The Dutch forward earned himself a big-money move away from Elland Road after an impressive campaign in front of goal under Daniel Farke last term.

Crysencio Summervile's form last season

The 22-year-old wizard showcased his quality at the top end of the pitch on a consistent basis in the second tier in the 2023/24 campaign, to propel Leeds to a third-placed finish in the regular season.

Summerville, who had scored four goals in 28 Premier League games in the previous term, featured in 41 of the club’s 46 league games before the play-offs.

Starts

41

Goals

19

Conversion rate

15%

Assists

9

Dribbles completed per game

2.3

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman was directly involved in 28 goals in those 41 games and almost hit 20 league goals for the season.

These statistics illustrate why it was such a big blow for Farke to lose the forward in the summer transfer window, as he provided a gigantic threat in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the wing.

The German head coach could, however, eventually unearth his next version of Summerville in Thorp Arch talent Luca Thomas, who has caught the eye at youth level.

Why Lucas Thomas could be the next Crysencio Summerville

The 20-year-old forward has been in prolific form for the U18 and U21 sides in recent seasons and could have the potential to develop into a Summerville-esque figure for Leeds in the future.

In The Pipeline

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

It was recently reported by Football Insider that Thomas is in talks to sign for National League side York City on loan for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, which would be his first step into senior football.

Playing regular men’s football week-in-week-out for a few months at the start of 2025 could be a great learning experience for the youngster, who could then look to kick on.

He has clearly outgrown development football at Thorp Arch, with a return of six goals and one assist in five matches for the U21s so far this season. Last term, the versatile attacker – who can play centrally or out wide – produced six goals and four assists in 18 outings.

Overall, Thomas scored 23 goals in 30 matches for the U18s and has currently racked up 12 goals and five assists in 30 outings for the U21s, combining for 35 goals and eight assists in 60 games.

U21 boss Scott Gardner recently claimed that “he’s scoring with pretty much every opportunity he gets”, and that is backed up by his return of six goals in five matches this season.

Leeds can ease Gruev blow with loanee who scored a screamer for his country

The Whites youngster has caught the eye with hs performances out on loan.

1 ByDan Emery Oct 15, 2024

If Thomas can carry that form over to first-team level and then eventually break into the Leeds starting XI further down the line, Farke could have his next winger who can provide goals and assists at a special rate.

Crystal Palace are believed to be monitoring the situation of a versatile defensive midfielder with a £16.5m price tag, according to a new transfer report.

Glasner battling to save Crystal Palace job

It’s fair to say that life at Selhurst Park is not going too positively for Oliver Glasner and his players currently, with the Eagles suffering a dire start to the new Premier League season.

Just three points have been picked up from eight league matches, with Monday’s 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest further cranking up the pressure on manager Glasner. The Austrian’s stock has fallen significantly, having impressed so much when he first took over earlier this year, and improved results and performances are required immediately, starting at home to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

In terms of possible replacements for the current Palace boss, David Moyes has been linked with the job, having been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season. It has even been claimed that he would be open to a move to Selhurst Park, should the chance arise.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has also emerged as a reported target for the Eagles, although he has made it clear that he is keen on a break after his excursions with the England team over the past eight years.

Crystal Palace eyeing move for £16.5m player

According to Haber 61 [via Sport Witness], Crystal Palace are monitoring Trabzonspor defender Batista Mendy, with Nottingham Forest also emerging as potential suitors.

The Turkish club would be willing to listen to £16.5m offers for the 24-year-old, but a move wouldn’t be able to happen until next summer, rather than the January transfer window. No bids have been made yet, however, but there is also interest from Italian, French and Russian clubs.

Mendy stands out as an astute option for Palace next year, not least because his versatility allows him to excel as both a centre-back and a midfielder. This season, the Frenchman has been primarily used as a central defender, averaging 1.8 clearances per game in the Turkish Super Lig, starting seven matches in the competition and also appearing once as a substitute.

Mendy has also clearly been a big talent since his teenage years, considering he has been capped by France across four different youth age groups, winning a combined 24 caps in the process.

France Under-19s

4

1

France Under-18s

3

0

France Under-17s

7

0

France Under-16s

10

0

Palace’s squad has clearly been hurt by the exits of some key players this summer, not least Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise, and bringing in Mendy could help fill the void left by the former, who has been such a big miss since opting to join Fulham permanently.

Crystal Palace could sack Glasner and appoint "outstanding" coach

Crystal Palace could sack Glasner to appoint a new candidate with Premier League experience.

ByConnor Holden Oct 24, 2024

At 24, the Trabzonspor man is still a relatively young player, too, so Glasner or whoever else is in charge would be bringing in a long-term acquisition with plenty of potential.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou could be without an “exciting” player for nearly two months after an injury, which would come as a real blow for the Australian as he seeks to deliver on his promise of silverware.

Postecoglou promises Spurs supporters silverware this season

The 59-year-old, speaking to the press back in August, claimed that he “usually” wins a trophy in his second season in charge – inadvertently pledging to end Spurs’ 16-year wait for silverware this campaign.

Real Madrid considering talks to sign £46m Tottenham star alongside Romero

The Galacticos have yet another Spurs player on their radar.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 3, 2024

It was a bold statement by Postecoglou, considering the pressure that comes with a public message of that nature, but it perhaps also displays a real confidence in his own ability to bring success back to N17.

“Usually, in my second season, I win things. That’s the whole idea,” said Postecoglou on ending Tottenham’s trophy drought, in an interview with Sky Sports.

Brighton vs Tottenham

October 6

Tottenham vs West Ham

October 19

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

October 27

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

November 3

Tottenham vs Ipswich Town

November 10

“First year is about establishing principles and creating a foundation. Hopefully, the second year is going on to win things. Of course, it’s easier said than done, particularly in the Premier League and the competition we’re in. That’s always the way I’ve looked at it, is that the second year you should be in a position where you can push on, depending on how the first year has gone.”

Postecoglou did get some stick for this, but the former Celtic boss later doubled down on his statement after a defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby. Indeed, Postecoglou then claimed he “always” wins things in his second year in another show of faith in both this team and his ability as manager.

Spurs have gone on a run of four consecutive wins in all competitions since losing 1-0 to Arsenal. Victories over Coventry City, Brentford, Qarabag and Man United have swung the momentum back in Postecoglou’s favour, and he has the chance to make it five as his side travel to take on Ferencvaros in the Europa League tonight.

They’ve also done well without some key senior players, with Richarlison out injured recently. Unfortunately, though, both Son Heung-min and Destiny Udogie will miss Ferencvaros through injury too, and a concerning update has come to light on winger Wilson Odobert.

Wilson Odobert could be out for nearly two months at Tottenham

According to club insider Paul O’Keefe, taking to X, it is believed Odobert could be out for over six weeks at Tottenham – following a hamstring problem he sustained during Spurs’ dramatic EFL Cup win over Coventry.

Odobert, signed from Burnley in a deal worth £25 million, was forced off after 18 minutes against Coventry – and was given the nod to start two Premier League games by Postecoglou before his forced absence.

The 19-year-old Frenchman will be desperate to come back as soon as possible, as will Postecoglou, who called Odobert an “exciting” new arrival.

“Well, what you saw out there,” said Postecoglou on Odobert’s signing.

“It’s just really exciting. I was excited by the way he went about things. He always wants to take his opponent on, you know, even if he hasn’t been successful, he goes at him again and this is a 19-year-old playing for his new club in front of 60,000 people, and just played football the way he wants to play it, and I love that about him.

“He got tired in the second-half, but it’s really exciting for us that another young player comes in that is going to make us a better team.”

Pakistan have their own top-order issues to iron out to bounce back

Danyal Rasool19-Aug-2021Big pictureThe agonisingly tense denouement to the first Test between these sides would be enough to inject life into any series, and the shot in the arm West Indies gained from that thrilling one-wicket win should serve them extremely well. Having struggled in the format over recent years, it felt like the sort of Test West Indies tend to end up on the wrong side of, and when Kemar Roach nudged one through the covers to send the Caribbean into raptures, you might be tempted to wonder if this was something of a new beginning.It helps that the victory was timed as sweetly as a Jason Holder extra-cover drive, coming as it does right at the start of this World Test Championship cycle. It catapults West Indies to second spot on the table, but against a dispirited Pakistan, the second Test represents an ideal opportunity for a perfect start to this two-year period.Watch cricket on ESPN+

West Indies vs Pakistan is available in the US on ESPN+
Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the match.

West Indies were by no means perfect, which of course indicates there’s room for improvement. But having outbowled Pakistan for significant periods of the Test, Phil Simmons’ side will be aware they have to keep up that quality when it comes to fast bowling, while working out how to put more runs on the board. The coach had been vocal about calling on his batters to improve, and after that first Test, it’s not hard to see why. There might not be too many changes in personnel, but with the home side’s top order capitulating in both innings, there remains the risk of a wounded Pakistan bowling unit looking to rip through an innings.There’s been an uneasy calm in the days that followed that Pakistan defeat, but likely little appetite for stomaching another one. Pakistan will feel disconsolate at the manner in which they let the game slip out of their grasp, given the multitude of opportunities they had to put distance between the sides on the first three days, and clear-cut opportunities to seal it on the last. Individual errors aside, Pakistan’s opening pair looks well short of the quality required at this level, with the extra burden that places on the middle order leaving the side looking unbalanced.The complete lack of influence spin bowling played in that first Test came as something of a surprise. With both sides opting to field a spinner, it’s clear that startled the teams, too, with all 39 wickets falling to the quick bowlers. With the second Test to be played at the same venue, under similar conditions, team selection around spin options might be something worth watching out for.Form guideWest Indies WLLDD (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LWWWWIn the spotlightWith all the drama around the climax of the first Test, Kemar Roach, Kraigg Brathwaite and Jayden Seales took the plaudits, but Jermaine Blackwood’s role ended up being slightly underrated. On a treacherously difficult surface for batting, he came in on both occasions with his side in trouble, bravely looking to go after the bowlers. It translated into key partnerships, taking the pressure off his captain in the first innings by lifting the run rate. But it was the second innings where his contributions really shone, batting at perhaps the hardest time of the game. Shaheen Afridi was on fire and had just removed three top-order batters. Just before lunch, Blackwood lofted him for two leg-side fours, halting Pakistan’s momentum in a priceless 55-run knock. His role might have been overshadowed, but both sides recognise his quality, and importance to this side.Jermaine Blackwood scored a vital 55 in the second innings of the first Test•AFP/Getty ImagesFor much of his career, Yasir Shah was close to the first name on the Pakistan Test team sheet, but it’s difficult not to wonder whether those days might be gone for good. Returning from an injury that kept him out of the Zimbabwe Test series, the legspinner who took 10 more wickets than any other bowler the last time Pakistan toured the West Indies was conspicuous by his absence. He went wicketless through the game for just the third time in his career, struggling visibly with his length and failing to generate much spin. It was admittedly a game dominated by fast bowling, but in a low-scoring fourth-innings chase, Babar Azam turned to him for just three overs. With Nauman Ali in the squad, Shah might consider himself lucky to get picked for this game, and he certainly has a point to prove if he does.Team newsKieran Powell’s dual failure could bring Shai Hope into the picture, with Jomel Warrican’s place in the XI also under scrutiny. Chemar Holder, Alzarri Joseph, or even Rahkeem Cornwall are options should West Indies want a different kind of spinner.West Indies (probable): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), 2 Kieron Powell/Shai Hope, 3 Nkrumah Bonner, 4 Jermaine Blackwood, 5 Roston Chase, 6 Kyle Mayers, 7 Jason Holder, 8 Joshua Da Silva (wk), 9 Alzarri Joseph/Chemar Holder, 10 Kemar Roach, 11 Jayden SealesPakistan must also wrestle with the Yasir Shah conundrum, and determine whether his ineffectiveness in the first Test was a function of the pitch or his own lack of form and confidence.Pakistan (probable): 1 Abid Ali, 2 Imran Butt, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Babar Azam (capt), 5 Fawad Alam, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Faheem Ashraf, 8 Hasan Ali, 9 Yasir Shah/Nauman Ali, 10 Mohammad Abbas, 11 Shaheen AfridiPitch and conditionsRain is forecast for part of this Test, but the first day is completely clear. There should be enough good weather around not to seriously spoilt the contest.Stats and trivia The three overs Shah bowled in the fourth innings were the fewest he has ever bowled for Pakistan in the final innings of a Test other than Cape Town 2020. On that occasion, South Africa needed 41 for victory, and Shah didn’t bowl. Roston Chase needs 14 runs to reach 2000 in Test cricket. The last two two-match series between the two sides – in 2011 and 2005 – ended 1-1. On both occasions, West Indies won the first Test, with Pakistan rebounding to level things up.Quotes”Me and Monty [Desai] have been putting a lot of work in the nets behind the scenes. He’s just told me to be a little more patient, but he doesn’t want me to take away my aggression, but to choose the right shots and not lose focus.”

A dogged batting display for the ages from Hashim Amla staved off defeat for Surrey and thwarted Hampshire’s push for victory – and their quest for a top-two finish in Group Two of the LV= Insurance County Championship.Resuming on 6 for 2, Surrey held on for an unlikely draw, reaching 128 for 8, with former South Africa batter Amla batting all day to be unbeaten on 37 from 278 balls.Amla demonstrated incredible restraint to repel an attack that bowled an incredible 64 maidens and more than 500 dot balls in an innings where the hosts were made to pay dearly for three dropped catches.Despite Amla’s heroics, the result almost certainly ended any chance of Surrey being one of six teams to qualify to play in Division One later in the season and the opportunity to win the title.Hashim Amla’s blockathon•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Hampshire now require victory over Gloucestershire starting on Sunday, in a potential winner-take-all clash at Cheltenham, to keep alive their season, with Surrey facing leaders Somerset at the Kia Oval.Amla scored just three runs from the first 100 balls he faced and did not find the boundary rope until the 125th ball of his brave vigil, where he took three heavy blows to the body that had many traditionalists at the Ageas Bowl purring. Hampshire’s attack bowled tirelessly but were left to rue the dropped chances – including a simple opportunity grassed by Ian Holland at leg slip 17 overs from the close when Amla was put down off the admirable Keith Barker, who finished with figures of 3 for 9 from 22 overs. Barker had an economy rate of 0.40 during his 22-17-9-3, the most economical effort in a first-class innings since 2001 (minimum of 20 overs).Following-on after being bundled out for just 72 in response to the home side’s 488, the visitors scored just 18 runs in the first session with nightwatchman Amar Virdi the only wicket to fall.Ryan Patel should have joined Virdi back in the pavilion before lunch but was given two lives after being dropped by Kyle Abbott, off a caught-and-bowled chance, and Joe Weatherley’s second slip spill.Although those missed opportunities cost only 14 runs, they crucially allowed Patel to soak up 85 balls before his off-stump was uprooted by Abbott after lunch.Felix Organ took Hampshire’s third wicket of the day when Jamie Smith’s inside edge looped into the hands of Holland, before first-innings centurion Colin de Grandhomme bowled debutant Ben Geddes for 15.Barker got his third wicket when Jordan Clark was trapped lbw for four, before Organ raised hopes of a home victory when he bowled Jamie Overton.However, Amla and fellow fellow veteran Rikki Clarke held firm for the final nine overs to see out the draw.”I did enjoy it,” Amla said. “Every batter that went out there had a plan and [we] tried our best to just block it out. You don’t know how far you can go but we managed to go all the way. We had some nervous moments but the way the youngsters played was fantastic.”It was a real battle. Everyone wants to score runs, but we had a cause. You need a lot to go your way especially on this wicket. It was up and down and there was quite a bit of rough from the off-spinner.”The game dictated that we have to save the game. The last thing you want to do is play a couple of bad shots and the game is over by lunchtime. But the way everyone played today we managed to pull it back after being outplayed on days two and three.”

INDIVISA looks at the best goals from the 2024 USL Super League season

The USL Super League didn't come to play in it's first inaugural season. From bangers in Brooklyn, to one-touch volleys in Florida, the league had all the drama and thrill. For it's first year as a professional league, the eight teams showed up. INDIVISA ranks our top 10 goals from the 2024 season.

10Sam Kroeger's shot from a distance for Brooklyn FC

A short pass from a corner to Sam Kroeger is always trouble. Kroeger took one set up touch and then struck the ball clinically into the far post netting to give her Brooklyn team the lead.

Advertisement9Vicky Bruce scores the first goal in USL Super League history

The best part about this goal is that defender Vicky Bruce rarely scores. The defender, who's a hometown hero for the Carolina Ascent, followed a beauty of a service into the box that was redirected into her run off a flick header. Bruce literally ran the ball down and followed it into the net for the USL Super League's first goal in in history.

8Mia Corbin's top of the box banger for Carolina Ascent

Mia Corbin's goal for Carolina Ascent deserved Goal of the Month honors, I mean look at this? She made a great follow up central run to the top of the box and then received a pass across the top of the box and struck it, one time for the equalizer.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

7Allie Flanagan's distance shot for DC Power

Allie Flanagan did all the work dribbling, weaving, and making Lexington commit. She then, faked like she was going wide, and then dribbled centrally. Setting herself up for a crazy shot, she struck the ball from outside the box, from a distance in her debut for DC Power.

South Africa might want to tinker with their batting personnel, while Pakistan would look for more from their bowlers

Firdose Moonda13-Apr-2021

Pakistan are at full strength, but South Africa are missing seven first-choice players•AFP/Getty Images

Big pictureMatch one went down to the penultimate ball. Match two was as one-sided as they come. What are these two teams really about?South Africa have been rebuilding for much of the last six years and still don’t seem to have much beyond the outlines of a foundation. They know they have a host of decent players – so much so that even with seven first-choice ones missing, they have packed a decent punch against Pakistan in the two T20Is. The next question is how best to make use of the wealth of talent at their disposal.While their combinations are dictated largely by player availability, batting is one area they may want to address. Though they have gone into both matches with a surplus of bowlers, their batting line-up appears short of at least one batsman. Calls for Kyle Verreynne – the second-highest run-scorer in the 2018-19 one-day cup – to be included have abounded among public and pundits alike, and it is difficult to see the rest of this series playing out without him making an appearance – whether at the expense of another batsman or as an addition to the line-up.Related

Linde's all-round heroics a sign of healthy competition in SA

Rizwan isn't done, and SA can't stay away from his hitting zone

Pakistan are at full strength but their strongest suit – their bowling – did not look at their best in the first match while they did not have enough to defend in the second. Mohammad Nawaz has been their most threatening presence, but they would be hoping for more incision from legspinner Usman Qadir and left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi.The second T20I aside, Pakistan’s line-up has shown they can post big totals albeit with only one or two players coming good. Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan lead their run-charge and they will want to see more from the middle-order to develop a complete performance.Both teams appear to still have plenty of work to do before they are ready for the T20 World Cup, a task for later in the year. With this being a four-match series, whoever wins the next match will have one hand on the trophy.Form guide
South Africa WLLWL
Pakistan LWWLWIn the spotlightAndile Phehlukwayo had the lightest workload in the second T20I, where he neither bowled a ball nor was he required to bat. While the latter suggests the top order did the job it is supposed to, South Africa’s many bowling options means Phehlukwayo is finding himself surplus to requirement at the death despite that being his specialty. Sisanda Magala and Lizaad Williams did a sterling job in giving away just 30 runs besides taking four wickets in the last four overs, and South Africa may have to find a different way to use Phehlukwayo in the middle period.He earned his 100th cap in the first T20I but Mohammad Hafeez has not made the kind of impression he may have wanted to in this series. With scores of 13 and 32 – and dismissals against the spinners in both innings – Hafeez has some unfinished business against what must be his last tour to southern Africa. He has two previous fifties in South Africa – including his joint second-highest score of 86 – so perhaps a return to a happy hunting ground could bring out the best in him. Pakistan need that, especially as they seek to avoid an over-reliance on their top three.If Fakhar Zaman has not recovered, Pakistan will have to field Sharjeel Khan again•AFP/Getty Images

Team newsSouth Africa won’t want to tinker too much with the combination that won on Monday. But the continued absence of Verreynne and the difficulties Wihan Lubbe has had in building an innings may mean a change in the top five. There is also the possibility of Rassie van der Dussen, if fit, getting the nod ahead of Verreynne or displacing Pite van Biljon.South Africa (possible): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Janneman Malan, 3 Rassie van der Dussen/Kyle Verreynne, 4 Pite van Biljon, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (capt, wk), 6 George Linde, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo 8 Sisanda Magala, 9 Beuran Hendricks, 10 Lizaad Williams, 11 Tabraiz ShamsiIf Fakhar Zaman has not recovered from the rash that kept him out of the second match, Pakistan would have to give Sharjeel Khan another opportunity and would want their line-up to give the attack more to work with.Pakistan (possible): 1 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2 Fakhar Zaman/Sharjeel Khan, 3 Babar Azam (capt), 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Haidar Ali, 6 Faheem Ashraf, 7 Hasan Ali, 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Usman Qadir, 11 Mohammad HasnainPitch and conditionsThe series moves back to Centurion for the final two matches, which may suit Pakistan just fine. They won both ODIs here on this tour, chasing in the first match and defending in the second. With the match starting in the afternoon, there shouldn’t be any early moisture. Conditions are expected to be more even irrespective of the teams batting first or second even if the pitch is slightly slower than at the Wanderers. Temperatures have gone up this week, so expect a scorcher at close to 30 degrees.Stats and trivia There have been 19 T20Is played between South Africa and Pakistan in the past, with South Africa slightly in the advantage with ten wins. If Pakistan win this match, they will even that number. South Africa haven’t won a T20I series since beating Sri Lanka at home in March 2019. Similarly, Pakistan haven’t won a T20I series played outside Pakistan or the UAE since 2018. Shaheen Afridi has had an economy rate of ten or more runs only four times in 23 T20I matches, but twice in two games this series.Quotes “We’ve got a game plan going towards the World Cup, so we’re trying to buy into that. If we can play that type of cricket now leading into the World Cup, then we know how exactly to go about things when it does come.”

Liverpool are now threatening to win the race for a £50 million player who Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was pushing his club to sign, with the Gunners even holding talks and were ready to pay his asking price.

Arsenal attempting third summer signing after Calafiori

Edu Gaspar and the wider recruitment team haven't exactly been too active this summer.

Arsenal may table eight-figure bid for ex-Olympian after Arteta green light

The Spaniard has personally approved a swoop.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 7, 2024

Arsenal have sealed two major first team signings thus far, with David Raya joining in a £27 million deal from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori signing a five-year contract after his initial £34 million move from Bologna.

It took a good while for the Gunners to officially announce the latter's arrival from Italy. Arsenal first opened club-to-club talks for Calafiori in early July, and only confirmed his signing last week.

Calafiori vs Gabriel
Stats per 90	Calafiori	Gabriel
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists	0.10	0.15
Non-Penalty Goals	0.07	0.12
Assists	0.17	0.00
Progressive Passes	3.69	3.46
Progressive Passes Received	0.88	0.24
Progressive Carries	1.08	0.38
Passing Accuracy	89.6%	88.7%
Live Passes	66.2	60.1
Shot-Creating Actions	1.77	0.68
Goal-Creating Actions	0.31	0.09
Tackles	1.81	1.42
Tackles Won	1.28	0.83
Blocks	1.46	1.30
Interceptions	1.94	0.92
Clearances	2.85	2.96
Successful Take-Ons	0.50	0.06
Ball Recoveries	7.46	4.02
Aerial Duels Won	2.31	2.28
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 League Season

With just over two weeks of the summer window remaining, supporters may be hoping that the north Londoners start speeding up their transfer process, as there is some hope Arsenal could still bring in a new midfielder and forward.

Arsenal are believed to still be in the race for Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, while midfielder Mikel Merino is repeatedly mentioned as a priority for Arsenal. Talks are currently ongoing over a deal for the 28-year-old, who's waiting to join them, according to Fabrizio Romano.

“For now my understanding is that negotiations continue," said Romano, via Football Transfers. "It’s still all verbal with no formal bid but for sure Merino is waiting for Arsenal to complete the agreement with Real Sociedad. It’s also about payment terms, the structure, more things to follow between the two clubs. Merino wants Arsenal, so it’s just on the clubs now.”

Arsenal have landed on the Spain international as an alternative to his teammate, Martin Zubimendi, who was rumoured to be a serious midfield target heading into the summer window.

Arteta really wants Zubimendi at Arsenal but Liverpool could now sign him

The midfielder, like Merino, played a crucial role as Spain went on to win the Euros in Germany earlier this summer.

Now, reliable media sources like David Ornstein say that Liverpool are attempting to do a deal for Zubimendi, who would be Arne Slot's first signing of the window. The transfer could also be a sore one to take from Arsenal's perspective, according to HITC.

The outlet claims Arteta was pushing Arsenal to sign Zubimendi, and the club were even ready to pay his full £50 million release clause. However, they were unable to convince the 25-year-old to swap Sociedad for the English capital.

Ornstein has written that Sociedad expect Zubimendi to accept a move to Liverpool, though, with Arsenal appearing to not quite attract him enough. Arteta, after missing out on a key target, will now be hoping Merino can fill the role in his stead with real aplomb.

The India coach also hailed Washington Sundar for his “unbelievable composure and temperament”

Saurabh Somani07-Mar-2021India completed two landmark series wins on the trot when they won by an innings and 25 runs in the fourth Test against England in Ahmedabad, having come from behind to first beat Australia away and then England at home. The wins, by 2-1 and 3-1 margins respectively, came with India having to battle a slew of injuries and absences of first-choice players – particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia – while also facing a steeper equation to make the World Test Championship final due to the revised rules caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.The injuries and the pandemic-enforced larger squads meant several players got opportunities they otherwise might not have, and head coach Ravi Shastri was full of praise for how the younger players – particularly Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel – had come through. Shastri spoke at length on each one in a media interaction on Sunday, a day after India had won the fourth Test to seal victory against England.Related

Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021

India are the best Test team irrespective of WTC standings

Shastri, empathy and glory: How India rose out of lockdown

The audacious, and gloriously disrespectful Rishabh Pant

Sundar: A batsman blossoming in bubble of self-assurance

Rishabh Pant
Pant had arrived in Australia with “a lot of baggage” that he had to shed, physically. He was spoken to “in no uncertain terms” about what he needed to do, and Shastri said the wicketkeeper-batsman worked harder than anyone else in the squad, with the results visible.”At 21, 22, 23, I had similar success. I had hundreds overseas so I can relate to what these guys have done,” Shastri said. “When you are young and don’t carry baggage, you’re not afraid. It’s only when the baggage comes, when you become known quantity and the pressures from the outside come in that you have to perform all the time, that’s when life starts. As it started with Rishabh Pant on this trip.”He came with a lot of baggage. It showed in his size. And he had to lose that baggage, which he did. He worked his backside off to lose it. And I tell you, he has trained harder than anyone in the last two months. And the results are not just for him to see, it’s for the world to see.”Pant has enjoyed a hugely productive Test season, topping India’s run charts with 544 runs in seven games while also showing great athleticism with the gloves. More than the runs, it was the game-changing nature of his innings that caught the imagination. He made 97 in Sydney as India held on for a draw, 89* to lead a historic fourth-innings chase in Brisbane and a brilliant counter-attacking 101 in the series-clinching Test in Ahmedabad.”When you have a naturally brilliant match-winner of his ability playing to potential, there’s no greater sight in cricket,” Shastri said. “I think in the last two months what he’s done to win matches for India, there’ll be players who won’t do it in a lifetime and would have never done it in a lifetime. At the age of 21 to pull of magic like he has done, after working as hard as he has… to then show in his wicketkeeping. Like yesterday, I think his keeping was outstanding on that wicket.”When you add the runs, the match-winning efforts, the keeping improving and the hard work he’s put in – like I mentioned yesterday, he was told in no uncertain terms that this game demands respect. You’ve got to respect the game much more than what you do – and which he did. He addressed it. He’s reaping the rewards now. Outstanding. Simply outstanding.”Washington Sundar and Axar Patel came into the Test side as injury replacements, but stepped up when given the chance•BCCIWashington Sundar
When asked if Sundar – brought in as a bowler but who showed great batting chops – reminded him of himself, Shastri said the 21-year-old offspinning allrounder was much more talented, and that he should be batting in the top four for Tamil Nadu, his state side. Before his debut in Brisbane, Sundar hadn’t played a first-class game for Tamil Nadu for three years.”Washington Sundar, unbelievable composure and temperament,” Shastri said. “I mean, for someone who – yes at Under-19 he was an opening batsman – to see that kind of body language, unfazed by the best bowlers in the world in the toughest situations as in Brisbane, [the first Test against England in] Chennai, here [in Ahmedabad] was unreal.”I think he has far more natural ability than I had. Definitely, he should be batting in the top four for his state. No question about that. If I have to have a word with any of the Tamil Nadu selectors or the captain, with DK [Dinesh Karthik] or something of that sort – I think he should be batting in the top four. He’s good enough. He belongs there. He has the ability and he can get a lot of runs. And at the same time if he can focus on his bowling, India could have a very good No. 6 in the future, even overseas. Someone who can get you a 50, 60, 70 and then can bowl for you about 20 overs and pick up 2-3 wickets. That was my role overseas and I think he can do that role easily, and even better.”Axar Patel
Patel played only three Tests against England, but made an impact in each one, ending up with 27 wickets at a scarcely believable average of 10.59. An allrounder at the domestic level, Patel’s runs tally overtook his wickets tally only in the first innings of the fourth Test, when he made 43 in a century partnership with Sundar that put the match beyond England.Shastri said Patel, 27, wasn’t a “youngster” per se, and would have got his opportunities much sooner if it wasn’t for injuries. Patel’s Test debut came in the series against England, but he has already played 38 ODIs and 3 T20Is, having first represented India in 2014.”Axar Patel, seasoned campaigner, I wouldn’t call him a youngster,” Shastri said. “He’s been around the Indian team for years, he’s been very unlucky with injuries. A lot of other players have got opportunities because of his injuries, including the likes of [Ravindra] Jadeja, including the likes of Krunal Pandya – because he’s been injured.”This is the time when he was injury free, and he made the most of it. But try and think, India playing in India without Jadeja – he’s one of the best allrounders in the world, arguably the best allrounder in the world. He didn’t play, someone else grabbed an opportunity. Now when he comes in and the three play together, there’ll be some fun. In India, especially.”

The allrounder has recovered from a hand injury to bring the Thunder back to full strength

Andrew McGlashan30-Jan-2021Daniel Sams has been passed fit to play in the BBL Knockout final against the Brisbane Heat, giving the Sydney Thunder a significant boost and returning their middle order to full power.Sams suffered a bone and tendon injury in his right hand when he fell awkwardly fielding off his own bowling against the Hobart Hurricanes earlier this month and missed the last three regular-season games which saw the Thunder qualify third in the table.While they covered for his absence effectively in the bowling attack through Brendan Doggett’s impressive form at the back-end of the tournament, Sams’ batting has been a point of difference for the Thunder this season.Related

Caution urged over Sangha after legspinner earns T20I call-up

BBL finalists: route to the title and how the squads stack up

Christian: 'I'd still love to be playing in that Australian side'

Peirson finishes a victory set up by Brisbane Heat's legspin duo

He is striking at 191.34 from seven innings for his 199 runs – propelled by his thumping 65 off 25 balls in the group match against the Heat – placing him second overall for the season behind team-mate Nathan McAndrew. He has been a key part of the Thunder’s strong performance in the Power Surge – the two overs of fielding restrictions which can be taken by the batting side after the 10th over – where they lead the way with a run rate of 12.69.Sams himself has scored 69 runs off 31 balls during the Surge, which places him fourth behind team-mate Ben Cutting at the top (91 off 40), Brisbane Heat’s Jimmy Peirson (82 off 50) who will be in the opposition on Sunday and Jordan Silk (79 off 45) from the Sydney Sixers.”All the stuff that I needed to [do] yesterday, I was able to tick it off without any problems really. We’re actually a little bit surprised with how good it’s turned out,” Sams said. There’s a little bit of awareness of pain. But, I’ll be able to go out there and bat as I usually would.”ESPNcricinfo LtdSams has also taken 10 wickets with his left-arm pace but it was his ability to be at full tilt with bat in hand that was the main decider over his fitness”His batting was the main thing we looked at,” Thunder coach Shane Bond said. “There’s always a couple of risks that are associated with an injured hand, so the main concern was his batting. The good news is he had no problems and is ready to go.”Sams’ availability will leave Bond with a tough selection decision after the impact Doggett has had with the ball and the all-round skills that McAndrew brings to the side.”It’s a good headache,” he said. “It’s nice to have a fully fit squad at this time of the season. It’s an unusual situation, but it’s definitely welcome.”In terms of our bowling, I think in the last three games we’ve started to really see our game plan come to fruition because we’ve bowled really well. If we can do that again in this game it will be great.”Our batting has been good and consistent throughout the tournament, but it’s tremendous to see that our bowling has picked up.”The two group matches between the Thunder and Heat were shared one apiece. The Thunder chased down 179 with seven balls to spare at Manuka Oval – the venue for the Knockout – thanks to Sams’ brilliance, and then the Heat successfully chased at the Gabba although Sams again made an impact with 37 off 18 balls before having to be subbed out with concussion.