Tag Futebol

Since the days of Diego Costa in the mid-2010s, Chelsea have struggled to find a long-term solution for the number nine position.

Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, and even Tammy Abraham have all tried, but none of them were able to prove a success. It says it all that only Lukaku, who looks set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, remains on their books as of July 2024.

Nicolas Jackson is the latest striker to try and fill the void in west London, enjoying a successful debut campaign in England, netting 14 Premier League goals – the second most of any Blues player last season.

Cole Palmer finished the 2023/24 campaign as the club’s leading scorer, finding the back of the net on 22 occasions, thriving for the Blues after his £40m move from Manchester City during the same window as fellow attacker Jackson.

However, 12 months on from the duo’s respective move to Stamford Bridge, new boss Enzo Maresca is on the lookout for another option in attacking areas and could potentially repeat Palmer’s move in a deal for one star who is keen to start a new adventure this summer.

Chelsea could land £77m star this summer

In recent weeks, Chelsea have been linked with a plethora of attacking options, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres all touted with big-money moves to West London.

However, their interest in Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez could bring an end to their hunt for a new centre-forward, with the Argentinian also being able to feature in various other attacking roles.

It’s been reported in recent days that he wants more consistent first-team minutes to further his development, with the former River Plate talent unhappy with his tally of 31 starts for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Athletic claimed that City would not stand in Alvarez’s way should he want to leave this summer, but are demanding a fee in the region of £77m including add-ons for services.

The deal may seem an expensive one, but the 24-year-old would be a hugely impressive signing, registering 20 goal contributions in the Premier League despite playing in a deeper role than he would like.

It would allow Palmer to be reunited with his former teammate, potentially rekindling their partnership, whilst the Blues would be signing a talent compared to one of the very best in world football.

Why Alvarez could be like Mbappe for Chelsea

For the past few years, French forward Kylian Mbappé has been one of the leading talents in Europe, scoring a combined 85 goals in the last two seasons, prompting a move to Spanish side Real Madrid this summer – undoubtedly the biggest move of the window despite signing on a free transfer.

During his time at PSG, he’s often found himself featuring on the left-hand side or down the middle, but still excelling and producing some phenomenal stats.

Argentinian forward Alvarez has found himself in a similar predicament at the Etihad, featuring in a number of roles but still impressing – as demonstrated by his goal contributions under Guardiola in 2023/24.

However, FBref claim that the City attacker is a similar player to the French ace and when comparing their respective figures, Alvarez has produced numerous stats that are on par if not better than what Mbappé could muster, demonstrating once again why he would be a huge coup for Maresca’s side.

How Mbappé & Alvarez compare in 2023/24

Statistics

Mbappé

Alvarez

Games

29

36

Goals + assists

34

20

Passes per 90

33

34

Shot-creating actions per 90

4

4

Take-on success

46%

48%

Recoveries per 90

2

3.3

Stats via FBref

The “legendary” City forward, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed fewer goal contributions, but has registered the same amount of shot-creating actions – proving that he can create endless opportunities in the final third.

He’s also completed more take-ons than the Real Madrid forward despite his direct nature, also completing more passes per 90 – allowing players such as Palmer to further boost their own goalscoring tallies as a result of Alvarez’s potential arrival.

The Argentinian talent has won 1.3 recoveries per 90 more than Mbappé, showcasing his ability to regain possession in forward areas, allowing for more frequent chances for himself and his teammates – a really important aspect of Maresca’s high-pressing system.

It remains to be seen if Alvarez would be interested in swapping Manchester for London, but he would be a huge addition for the Blues in their attempts to secure a Champions League spot this season.

Palmer’s phenomenal form at Stamford Bridge could tempt the 24-year-old to make a similar move this summer, taking his personal form and Chelsea’s attacking unit to the next level.

Related Cole Palmer repeat: Chelsea targeting "electrifying" talent

The Blues are on the hunt for a versatile new winger…

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 22, 2024

Wolverhampton Wanderers might have approached the 2024 summer transfer window with an air of frugality but Gary O'Neil and the Old Gold transfer team have worked hard to make some exciting early signings.

While the potential departure of the £60m-rated Pedro Neto hangs on the wall like an unpleasant old painting, Wolves have already strengthened with the additions of winger Rodrigo Gomes and left-back Pedro Lima, both young, both talented, both sought-after by Premier League rivals.

Whether such expenditure alludes to Neto's upcoming sale will become clearer in the next few weeks, but given that O'Neil is still set on bolstering further positions, there is cause for positivity at Molineux.

Wolves lining up another signing

According to Dutch outlet 1908.NL, Wolves have been in contact with the representatives of Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen, albeit not yet formally approaching the Dutch Eredivisie side.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a tremendous debut campaign under now-Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and would cost the Old Gold about £17m to prise away from Rotterdam.

Thomas Beelen's style of play

Beelen arrived at a Feyenoord side that had just won the Eredivisie title and while he spent much of the opening half of the season as a substitute, the past few months paint a different picture, with Beelen starting 13 of Feyenoord's final 14 league fixtures.

And he impressed too; as per Sofascore, the Dutchman completed 92% of his passes across the campaign, averaging 4.7 ballb recoveries per game and winning a whopping 73% of his ground duels.

Wolves would do well to snap him up before the suitor pool swells, especially given West Ham United are pushing to sign captain and star defender Max Kilman in a £45m deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Pass completion

91.5%

85.7%

Passes attempted

81.53

60.76

Progressive passes

8.33

3.08

Progressive carries

1.80

0.58

Shot-creating actions

1.80

1.03

Successful take-ons

0.42

0.26

While the Dutch top flight would be accepted to yield an inferior collective quality to the Premier League, Beelen's ball-passing and -carrying metrics speak of his suitability, especially when compared to Kilman's.

The Wolves skipper is undoubtedly an impressive defender, with his lofty price tag evidence of this, but £45m is a lot of money and if O'Neil and sporting director Matt Hobbs succeeded in redirecting it toward an exciting new addition, such as Beelen, it could prove to be quite the coup.

With O'Neil largely triumphing in inculcating his counter-attacking system into Molienux after being appointed in testing circumstances, Beelen could be the perfect addition to lift it closer to the fore.

With pace in abundance, Wolves emphasise runs in behind and Kilman is intrinsic in implementing its success, with a scorching Premier League heatmap speaking of his athleticism and ground-covering expertise, corroborated by an impressive average of 4.7 ball recoveries per game.

Now consider the fact that Beelen trumps the 27-year-old across every relevant metric. Whether this could be transmuted into Premier League performance remains to be seen, but he's fast on the rise and would be an exciting addition, perhaps even leaving Wolves with nearly £30m profit.

How Wolves' starting XI could look after £83m summer spending spree

The Old Gold might not boast the deep pockets of other teams but some exciting arrivals could be welcomed this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 9, 2024

Mumbai became the first team to reach 16 points and all but secure their place in the playoffs

Deivarayan Muthu28-Oct-20202:22

Moody: Suryakumar Yadav is consistently brilliant

A death-bowling masterclass from Jasprit Bumrah, followed by a rollicking unbeaten 79 from Suryakumar Yadav, ensured the Mumbai Indians became the first team to reach 16 points and all but secure their place in the playoffs.Morris, Hardik reprimanded for Code of Conduct breach

Chris Morris and Hardik Pandya have been reprimanded for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct during the clash between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
In the 19th over of Mumbai’s chase, the Royal Challengers allrounder gave Hardik a send-off after dismissing him, following which the latter pointed his finger at Morris, appearing to be saying something in return as he was walking back to the dugout.
According to an IPL release, which did not mention the incident that resulted in the reprimand, Morris admitted to a Level 1 offence under section 2.5 of the IPL code (using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during a match) while Hardik admitted to a Level 1 offence under section 2.20 (conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game).

After being asked to bat, the Royal Challengers Bangalore rode on opener Devdutt Padikkal’s fifty to move to 129 for 2 in 15 overs. At that stage, they might have been eyeing a total in the range of 190, but Bumrah’s short-ball barrage in the slog overs, headlined by a double-wicket maiden, dragged them back to 164 for 6.In their reply, the Rohit Sharma-less Mumbai started briskly, with Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan putting on 37 in 33 balls. However, they lost 3 for 35 and when the promoted Krunal Pandya holed out for a run-a-ball 10, the Royal Challengers threatened to turn 107 for 4 into something more than a wobble. Suryakumar’s power and placement, though, thwarted the Royal Challengers’ plans and ushered Mumbai home.The Padikkal-Philippe union
Josh Philippe, who had replaced Aaron Finch at the top, kept jumping across off with his Steven Smith-esque trigger movement and kept accessing the leg side like he owned it. He punched Bumrah past mid-on and Trent Boult over mid-on before stepping out and lofting Rahul Chahar over extra-cover. Then, when he attempted to hit Chahar over the same region, he swung harder, lost his shape, and was stumped for 33 off 24 balls.Padikkal, too, had shuffled around his crease to upset the lines and lengths of the seamers in the powerplay. He backed away outside leg, manufactured swinging room and boundaries off Boult and Krunal. James Pattinson made life easier for him by feeding short balls into his hips or pads. Padikkal ran away to his fourth fifth of the season – and his fastest – when he forced Krunal through cover-point for four off his 30th delivery.Chahar beat the outside edges of Philippe, AB de Villiers, and snagged Kohli’s, but was picked apart by Padikkal. The left-handed opener read his legbreaks, wrong’uns and clattered 33 off 15 balls from Chahar.Bumrah bash
After giving up a four to Philippe with the new ball, Bumrah returned in the 12th over and bounced out Virat Kohli for 9 off 14 balls. He also tested de Villiers with a rapid bouncer first-up, but the batsman managed to swerve out of the way. De Villiers then scooped and pulled Pattinson for boundaries, setting up for the death-overs charge. Kieron Pollard, the captain, however, took matters into his own hands and had de Villiers holing out off a high full-toss that dipped below the waistline.Bumrah then bashed hard lengths or shorter lengths again to dismiss Padikkal and Shivam Dube in a game-changing double-wicket maiden. His final over was similarly unhittable, but it did cost five runs, as he finished with 4-1-14-3. The Royal Challengers finished with 164, which would be 20 runs short, according to Kohli.Suryakumar Yadav had an answer to everything the bowlers threw at him•BCCI

The Suryakumar show
Mohammed Siraj and the spinners, though, gave the Royal Challengers a fillip by producing early breakthroughs. Siraj dug one short and had de Kock toe-ending a catch. Then, it was Chahal who had Kishan toe-ending catch with a slow, wide legbreak. Saurabh Tiwary and Krunal, too, fell cheaply, as the asking rate ballooned towards 10.It was Suryakumar who pricked it with his wide range of strokes. Despite wickets falling around him, he kept pinging the boundaries. He hit three fours in four balls off Steyn and meted out the same treatment to Siraj.Mumbai’s designated finishers – Hardik Pandya and Pollard – made only cameos on Wednesday. It was Suryakumar himself who finished it off with a four and strengthened Mumbai’s chances of a top-two finish.

Aurelien Tchouameni has issued a defiant response to claims Real Madrid forced France to leave Kylian Mbappe out of the squad.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Kylian Mbappe left out of France squadRumours Real Madrid forced omissionTchouameni responds to claims Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe was left out of Didier Deschamps' squad for France's Nations League clashes against Israel and Belgium. The France boss insisted this was due to fitness concerns, having just returned from an injury. However, suggestions have been made that Real Madrid may have had a hand in Mbappe's omission as the 25-year-old forward was able to take part in Los Blancos' game against Villarreal before the international break.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe has been targeted by some fans who believe he hasn't put France on the same level of importance as Real Madrid. However, Tchouameni, who has taken the France captain's armband in Mbappe's absence, has suggested that there is "no pressure from the club" for the striker to miss out.

AFPWHAT TCHOUAMENI SAID

Speaking to the media, Tchouameni said: "I have spoken about it with Kylian and with Ferland (Mendy) and it has never happened. There are physical problems, as is the case with Kylian. There is no pressure from the club."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

Les Bleus will take on Israel on Thursday, October 10 before facing Belgium in a crucial clash on Monday, October 14.

September white-ball series set to be confirmed but financial challenges remain

George Dobell at the Ageas Bowl13-Aug-2020English cricket has received a significant boost with the news that Australia are set to confirm their limited-overs tour in September.Confirmation of the tour, which will see the sides play three ODIs and three T20Is, means England’s men’s team should be able to fulfil all 18 international fixtures which were scheduled ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the ECB should be able to avoid the bleakest financial predictions that were made ahead of the season.Significant challenges remain, however. The ECB management recently warned the first-class counties that the next broadcast deal could be worth up to 50% less than the current deal – due, in part, to less competition in the market – meaning a period of cost-cutting is inevitable.ESPNcricinfo understands that among the options being considered is a partial move away from Lord’s as an administrative base and a move away from Loughborough as a performance base. While it is understood that the ECB is given a relatively favourable rental agreement at Lord’s by the MCC, there is ongoing consideration towards moving to less expensive offices elsewhere.ALSO READ: England’s white-ball tour of India postponed until 2021This possibility has been considered previously. This time, however, there is not only a financial incentive but a growing view that a game intent on becoming more inclusive for all aspects of society might benefit from a move away from St John’s Wood, the suburb of London where Lord’s is situated, which is one of the most expensive and exclusive parts of the country.Thought will also be given to moving away from the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough. While the centre has outstanding facilities, there are suggestions it is largely replicating those offered at various other major grounds.Edgbaston, which is about to embark on the next stage of its redevelopment, is one location that is sure to be considered as an alternative for both the administrative and the performance set-ups. In the next few weeks, building work will begin at the ground on new residential and commercial premises which could easily be fitted as required by the ECB. Emirates Old Trafford is also likely to be considered.The ECB could move its offices away from Lord’s•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe most likely conclusion at this stage is that ECB could set up hubs in different areas of the country in order both to cut costs and to improve its relationships with the counties. While a complete move from London is unlikely, it does seem the ECB will follow other major companies – such as Channel 4, the BBC and HSBC – in moving away from the capital.A reduction in the headcount at the ECB, which has risen sharply in recent years, also appears inevitable. As part of a likely restructure, the pay of some executives could also be cut.While confirmation of the Australia tour will ease the ECB’s most immediate concerns, other scheduling issues remain. Most pertinently, there is ongoing discussion about a possible cut to the number of Tests played on the tour to India (from late January to late March) with suggestions it could be trimmed from five Tests to four or even three.England were originally scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in India in September and October before returning for a five-Test series starting in January. Now, they will attempt to fit in as many of the limited-overs matches and Tests as possible in a window from late January to late March. At this stage, the tour is still scheduled to be staged in India, though there remains a strong possibility it will be moved to the UAE.There is also doubt about the viability of England’s limited-overs tour of South Africa, which had been pencilled in for December. The current Covid situation in South Africa suggests the tour would need to be staged behind closed doors in a biosecure bubble, which might prove both problematic logistically and prohibitively costly.Looking ahead to the 2021 English summer, the ECB is still waiting on confirmation over whether the World Test Championship final, which is planned for June, is to be postponed. In any event, it looks probable the Asia Cup, pushed back from September, will be held in June, which could see England’s fixture list hit as a consequence. England are due to host Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs from June, Pakistan (three T20Is, three ODIs) and India (five Tests).There are no immediate prospects of senior tours to either Pakistan or West Indies – the sides which have so far toured England in far-from-perfect circumstances this summer – though it appears there is some thought towards extending the next England tour of West Indies, in early 2022, from two Tests to three.

“I would love to still have the title next to my name but it doesn’t change anything from my end”

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Aug-2020Alex Carey has admitted to being “disappointed” at no longer being one of Australia’s white-ball vice-captains alongside Pat Cummins, but he says the team management’s decision to relieve him of the title “sits really comfortably” with him after he has had a chance to think about it.The official tag against Carey’s name was missing when Australia named their 21-man squad for their upcoming tour of England, with a more traditional captain/vice-captain combination in the form of Aaron Finch and Cummins listed in the sheet.”I’ve had lots of clarity around the decision. You’re always going to be disappointed with that but I’m also really grateful and thankful for the opportunity I’ve had in the past 24 months in that role,” Carey said at a media interaction on Saturday. “I would love to still have the title next to my name but it doesn’t change anything from my end. I’m still going to rock up, hopefully with a big smile on my face, and try really hard around the group.ALSO READ: Another blow for Khawaja, and a glimpse of the future captain”It’s going back to the old model, which has worked in the past, and Pat Cummins is a fantastic leader and Aaron Finch is as well. Through the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell – there’s so many senior figures and heads around the group that we’re not reliant on just one or two people (to lead).”The group has played a fair bit of cricket together now. It’s a great group to have in supporting Aaron. So yeah, I’ve had lots of clarity, and the decision sits really comfortably with me now.”

If there is a title next to my name there is, and if there isn’t, then that’s fine as well. I’m really keen just to play the best cricket I can play. Whatever comes from that, comes of it

Carey, who will turn 29 later this month, didn’t agree that the announcement had come as a setback, but agreed that he has enjoyed leadership over the years, especially with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League and at South Australia when he has had the opportunity.”You never know down the track – I really enjoyed captaining the Adelaide Strikers and the Redbacks team in the past, so hopefully there’s more of that when Travis [Head] is playing at the Australian level and if I’m there I get that opportunity,” he said. “I don’t see it as a setback, I see it as a really big opportunity just to go out there and perform my skills.”The series in England – three ODIs first and then three T20Is – will keep Carey and the others occupied from September 4 to September 16, and Carey, along with many others, will then fly to the UAE to link up with their respective teams at the IPL. With cricket restarting after a long gap, Carey knows he has a job to do to keep his stocks up.”Just want to play cricket for Australia and… if there is a title next to my name there is, and if there isn’t, then that’s fine as well,” he said. “I’m really keen just to play the best cricket I can play. Whatever comes from that, comes of it. I’m just excited to go on this trip, it’s been six months [since] playing cricket. So I am keen to go out there and hopefully perform really strongly for Australia and help us win games of cricket. That’s my job, when selected it is to perform. That’s the first thing in the front of my mind.”

ECB likely to extend tour by South Africa women to give the England as many fixtures as possible

Matt Roller20-Jul-2020The India women’s team is all set to pull out of their September tour of England because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.The original plan was to start the tour by the end of June, but it was pushed back to September because of the pandemic, and the ECB subsequently planned to turn it into a tri-series with South Africa as the third team. But those plans have been put on ice with the number of cases on the rise in India.ESPNcricinfo understands that England’s bilateral series against South Africa – originally scheduled to comprise two T20Is and four ODIs – will now be extended in order to give the team as many fixtures as possible this summer. A revised schedule is expected within the next few weeks.The ECB has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to the women’s game, and last month awarded new retainer contracts to 20 domestic players, who were allocated teams in the new regional centres.Plans for domestic women’s cricket for this season remain under discussion, with Surrey set to play Middlesex in a T20 at The Oval on Tuesday for the London Cup in the first top-level women’s game in the country this summer.Twenty-four England women’s players have been training since late June at six different venues: Loughborough, Headingley, The Oval, Bristol, Hove and Chester Boughton Hall. Venues for the South Africa series are yet to be confirmed, though it is understood Derby is likely to be among them.

For two excellent pace-bowling units, the conditions will be a challenge, making draws a possibility

The Preview by Sidharth Monga20-Feb-20205:32

Questions for India: Pant or Saha, Jadeja or Ashwin?

Big pictureTest series these days – ones between sides at close to full strength – start along predictable lines. Home sides are usually so dominant that they are overwhelming favourites or they are so weak that strong sides such as India can steamroll them. Draws are hardly a possibility either. Rarely comes along a series where a proper victory march comes across a fortress that has stood tall for years without looking that formidable once.In New Zealand over the next two weeks, anything is possible: 2-0, 0-2, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1, 0-0. For two excellent pace-bowling units, the conditions will remain a challenge, making draws a distinct possibility. Don’t go by New Zealand’s annihilation in Australia, these sides are pretty evenly matched. If India have arguably the best all-conditions bowling attack, New Zealand’s quicks know how to get wickets at home better than anyone else. The same bowlers that seemed pedestrian in Australia where you need to bash the hard length will be effective with their kiss-the-surface swing. Or at least they won’t suffer in comparison with the opposition quicks as much as they did in Australia.ALSO READ: Why Test cricket in NZ is unlike anywhere else in the worldThat doesn’t mean India don’t have the attack to take wickets in New Zealand. Just that in these conditions, their added advantages over a slightly limited New Zealand attack will not be apparent. It is in the second innings that their familiarity with the conditions has tended to trump their opponents. Test cricket in New Zealand is played in the reverse with batting getting progressively better on pitches that don’t break up, and it is in those second innings that New Zealand’s bowlers have found ways to dismiss oppositions. This is when New Zealand bowlers have managed to average in the mid-20s since December 2013, but one of the key components of that attack, Neil Wagner, will be missing for the season opener at Basin Reserve as he awaits the arrival of his child, and the other, Trent Boult, has had no competitive cricket since breaking his right hand in Australia.In most other places, India would start as favourites, but at home, New Zealand have lost just two Tests in their last 14 series, a record second only to India’s at home. Then again, India haven’t lost a series anywhere since the 4-1 reverse in England in 2018. Let there be no further ado then.Form guide
New Zealand LLLDW
India WWWWW
In the spotlightSince December 2013, when this New Zealand team started coming together, Trent Boult has been the second-best to Wagner in second innings. The importance of a successful return for him cannot be overstated for New Zealand. These are the series you play for, he has said, to get players such as Virat Kohli out.If you want to identify a point of difference, look no further than Jasprit Bumrah. In his brief Test career, Bumrah has tended to get the better of every challenge the conditions have thrown at him. He has the hyperextension, he has the deceptive pace, he has all the other bowling tricks, and he has a sharp bowling mind.Team newsKyle Jamieson will become New Zealand’s 279th Test player as he replaces Wagner. By leaving Matt Henry out of the XII, New Zealand have made it clear they are looking for a Wagner-like point of difference in the second innings. Jamieson brings those hard lengths and extra bounce with his height. Depending on what they read of the pitch of the morning of the match, New Zealand will choose between Daryl Mitchell and Ajaz Patel, the lone spinner in the squad.New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham, 2 Tom Blundell, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Daryl Mitchell/Ajaz Patel, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Kyle Jamieson, 11 Trent BoultRishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari could both feature in the XI•AFP / Getty Images

As you would expect with visiting teams, equations are not simple for India. However, there is great news for them in the sooner-than-expected return of Ishant Sharma after he had torn a ligament in his ankle in December. After a long bowling session in the nets two days from the Test, Sharma didn’t bowl in the nets on match eve; instead he was put through a fitness test. Clearly, India want to be sure. If he doesn’t make it, Umesh Yadav is the favourite to take his spot.India seem to have settled with the opening combination of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. With fewer vagaries in New Zealand pitches, India seem to be going with the batting prowess of Rishabh Pant ahead of the wicketkeeping purity of Wriddhiman Saha. Unlike New Zealand, India are sure to play at least one spinner. If they do play only one, R Ashwin is the favourite from the trends in the warm-up game and in the nets. He could use the wind to his advantage.Given how difficult it is to pick 20 wickets at Basin Reserve, there might be temptation to play both the spinners and form a second lower middle-order of Ravindra Jadeja, Pant and Ashwin, but this India is slightly different from the one that used to take such risks in the first Test of a series.India (probable): 1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Prithvi Shaw, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Hanuma Vihari, 7 Rishabh Pant (wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Ishant Sharma/ Umesh Yadav, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Jasprit BumrahPitch and conditionsThe novelty of telling the pitch apart from the outfield in New Zealand has long worn off. The 15-18mm of grass makes for a menacing look, but the pitch should become friendly after early exchanges. Except for the general windiness, perfect weather conditions for Test cricket have been forecast after two days of intermittent rain in the lead-up to the match.Stats and trivia In 28 Tests in New Zealand since December 2013, teams have decided to field after winning the toss on 25 occasions. They have won 12 and lost eight of these Tests. In the rest of the world, over the same period, teams have decided to field in 58 out of 253 Tests. Kohli averages 66 against Boult, and 46.5 against Southee in Tests. His average against Wagner, who is missing the first Test, is 20. Ross Taylor will become the first player to 100 matches in each international format.Quotes”It’s about bringing the focus to the smaller steps rather than some of the loftier goals that can be achieved, but you do need to take care of the next moment rather than you getting too far ahead of yourselves. As a unit, it was a tough series [in Australia] in terms of a result to swallow but you know you can’t change the past but you can use it definitely to improve as individuals and as a team.”
Kane Williamson looks to bounce back from the sweep in Australia“It doesn’t matter how much patience the opposition has. Then we obviously have to show more patience than them. We can’t prepare in a manner that New Zealand might be more patient than other teams and then put pressure on us. Our fitness levels are such and concentration levels are such now that we can compete against anyone and anywhere in the world.”
Virat Kohli on a possible battle of attrition

MatériaMais Notícias

Sylvinho tem apenas cinco jogos no comando do Corinthians e ainda há pouco a se analisar sobre essa passagem, mas um dos fatores que já possível perceber é a evolução do futebol de Cantillo, que tem recebido um tratamento especial do treinador. O colombiano falou da importância do novo técnico em na retomada da boa fase e ainda elencou as suas referências na posição.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansSaídas de atletas podem abrir espaço para contratações no CorinthiansCorinthians15/06/2021CorinthiansContra o Bragantino, Sylvinho terá a chance de vencer pela primeira vez em casa como técnico do CorinthiansCorinthians15/06/2021CorinthiansCom dores na panturrilha, Jô é baixa do Corinthians contra o Red Bull BragantinoCorinthians15/06/2021

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
>Confira as fotos da nova camisa número 1 do Corinthians para a temporada

Em entrevista para a TV oficial do clube, o volante comentou o bom momento que vive no Timão e como tem tentado colocar o clube de volta na posição em que merece estar: no topo da tabela de classificação do campeonato.

-Creio que estou vivendo um bom momento, mas é seguir com confiança, seguir ajudando a equipe com o objetivo que temos. O Corinthians merece estar na parte de cima da tabela, pelo que representa para todo mundo.

E essa confiança que ele citou vem justamente de Sylvinho, que o colocou para atuar como primeiro volante, mas com um esquema especial para protegê-lo, escalando outros dois atletas de mais marcação, como Gabriel e Roni, para dar sustentação ao colombiano em sua função de criação no meio-campo.

-O treinador chegou com uma ideia nova, botou confiança em mim nessas duas, três partidas, que me ajudou muito a subir o nível. Queremos seguir ajudando a equipe, que é a única coisa que importa – disse antes de completar:

-O treinador me posicionou como primeiro volante e com o professor Mancini eu já havia jogador várias partidas assim, agora ele me deu a confiança de jogar ali e esperamos ajudar a equipe.

Sobre essa facilidade para construir o jogo na posição de primeiro volante, especialmente como sua marca registrada, o lançamento, Cantillo descartou que seja algo natural, mas sim fruto de muito treinamento desde pequeno.

-Tudo precisa de treino, mas foi uma característica minha desde pequeno. Sempre foi treinamento e graças a Deus e algo que me ajuda muito.

Além dos treinamentos, Cantillo pegou como referência grandes jogadores de sua posição e citou dois deles como os principais: Sergio Busquets, do Barcelona e da seleção da Espanha, quem ele considera o melhor jogador do mundo, e o compatriota Alexander Mejía, atualmente no Libertad-PAR, mas campeão da Libertadores pelo Atlético Nacional-COL, em 2016.

-Tem muitos jogadores que eu admirava. Eu via o Sergio Busquets, que para mim é o melhor jogador do mundo, e uma inspiração para mim. Quando eu era pequeno tinha o Ale Mejía, que jogava no Atlético Nacional, foi campeão da Libertadores, admirava muito. É um grande jogador – concluiu.

Cantillo deve ser novamente titular nesta quarta-feira, diante do Red Bull Bragantino, às 20h30, na Neo Química Arena, pela quarta rodada do Brasileirão-2021. O Timão ocupa a 10 posição na tabela do campeonato.

continua após a publicidade

Napoli manager Antonio Conte has hinted the club needs more "reinforcements", while explaining why players don't want to sign for them.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Conte becomes Napoli boss in JuneSays Italian club needs "reinforcements"Explains why they can't sign certain playersWHAT HAPPENED?

Former Chelsea boss Conte has sent a message to Napoli's owners about strengthening their squad after their penalty shootout win in the first round of the Coppa Italia against Serie B team Modena. While he accepts the limitations of the club's finances, and the fact that they aren't competing in European tournaments this season makes it harder to sign players, the Italian suggested things won't improve without more investment.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT ANTONIO CONTE SAID

He told reporters that Napoli need more "reinforcements", adding: "I put myself at the club's complete disposal, I knew the situation I found and on the market you have limits in terms of the cost of the player or the salary. Many players don't come here because we don't play in the [European] cups. I want the best for Napoli and to try to strengthen the squad because we need it. Then I don't know what will happen, today was a nice dose of reality."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Napoli had a dire defence of their Serie A title last season, with the Blues finishing 10th in the table. This summer they have signed Alessandro Buongiorno, Rafa Marin, Leonardo Spinazzola and Matija Popovic but are making more headlines for trying and failing to sell Victor Osimhen and buy Romelu Lukaku, despite reportedly making a verbal agreement with the Chelsea forward.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Conte's Napoli side are next in action next Sunday evening away to Verona as Serie A returns. After that, they round off August with home league games against Bologna and Parma. It remains to be seen if they will strengthen the squad by then.