Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Series in the T20 World Cup, rose 12 places to No. 12 among bowlers
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jul-2024
Hardik Pandya smashed 144 runs, while also bagging 11 wickets at the T20 World Cup•ICC via Getty Images
Hardik Pandya has become the first Indian to occupy the No. 1 spot for T20I allrounders, as per the latest ICC rankings. He climbed two spots to join Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga at the top following his all-round contributions in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, where they went unbeaten to lift the trophy.Pandya smashed 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151, while also bagging 11 wickets at 17.36 in the West Indies and USA. That included a match-winning haul of 3 for 20 in the final against South Africa, which India won by seven runs to lift the trophy. Pandya’s best performance with the bat in the World Cup came against Bangladesh, as he hit 50* off 27 balls.Full rankings tables
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His team-mate Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Series in the T20 World Cup, meanwhile made big gains in the bowlers’ rankings. Bumrah rose 12 places to No. 12 after claiming 15 wickets at an average of 8.26, and an economy of just 4.17. With South Africa requiring only another 30 runs from the last five overs in the final, it was Bumrah’s spell towards the end which helped turn the game around for India.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Among other India players to make gains on the table were left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, who got ten wickets at 13.90 in the World Cup, as he moved up three positions to be joint-eighth among the bowlers. Seamer Arshdeep Singh, the joint-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 17 wickets, gained four places to be ranked a career-best No. 13.Meanwhile, South Africa quick Anrich Nortje climbed seven places to a career-high No. 2 among the bowlers after being their highest wicket-taker in the World Cup. His 15 wickets came at an average of 13.40, and an economy of 5.74.Also, the quartet of Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan and Liam Livingstone rose one spot each to be ranked No. 3, 4, 5 and 8, respectively, among the allrounders.
They say strengthen while you’re on top, and that is exactly what Liverpool have done this summer, with the runaway Premier League champions having already secured three marquee deals to bolster Arne Slot’s ranks.
After a quiet first summer in charge, the Dutch coach has so far welcomed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez into the fold – alongside two new goalkeepers – with rumours still rife regarding a further move for Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guehi.
With Darwin Nunez’s impending switch to Napoli also heightening the need for a striker, the Reds don’t appear to be done just yet – a scary prospect for the chasing pack.
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What is yet to be seen, however, is whether such incomings will spark a raft of further outgoings at Anfield to help balance the books, with speculation rife over Luis Diaz’s future at the club.
The latest on Luis Diaz's Liverpool future
Previously looking set to be the man to replace Sadio Mane on the left flank, Diaz found a new home for himself through the middle under the new Slot regime last term, resulting in his best return for the club to date with 25 goals and assists in 50 games in all competitions.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
The 28-year-old appears to have properly found his groove in a Liverpool shirt, although with just two years left to run on his existing deal, it remains to be seen what the future lies in store, with talk of an extension having seemingly gone quiet.
That uncertainty has provided a potential opportunity for suitors to pounce, with recent months having seen Barcelona heavily linked with a move, while interest in the Colombian has also emerged from Saudi Arabia.
A further destination also presented itself in the form of Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga side’s director of sport, Max Eberl, believed to have made contact amid the hopes of landing the £73m-rated forward.
As revealed by journalist Paul Joyce, that approach has been rebuffed by the Merseysiders, with Liverpool holding firm on their stance that the player is not for sale.
Luis Diaz
Diaz may yet stay at Anfield this summer it would seem – although that’s not to say the club aren’t seeking a potential upgrade in the attacking ranks…
Liverpool's search for a new forward
The Reds’ interest in Alexander Isak remains a hot topic on Merseyside, albeit with the fact remaining that it would take a colossal bid to prise the Swede from St James’ Park, not least with Newcastle United reportedly slapping down a £200m price tag.
Alternative centre-forward options thus need to be considered, with journalist Fabrizio Romano – speaking on his YouTube channel – reporting that Liverpool are actually “discussing” a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
The suggestion is that Slot and co will step up their interest in the £85m marksman if and when Nunez’s expected exit is sealed, with Romano stating:
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
“Liverpool are working on this deal, they are discussing the possibility of adding Hugo Ekitike to their squad. The idea of Liverpool is to have one more striker, they are waiting to understand what happens with Darwin Nunez with conversations ongoing with Napoli.
“Liverpool can add a new striker, so Hugo Ekitike remains a name on the list for the club.”
Why Ekitike could be an upgrade on Diaz
The beauty of Diaz in Slot’s tenure thus far has been his surprising versatility, with the orthodox left-winger having fashioned a new role for himself as a false nine or centre-forward, amid Nunez’s dismal return of just seven goals across all fronts in 2024/25.
That said, Ekitike also boasts that same flexibility to feature off the left or in a central role, with the promising Frenchman having even eclipsed Diaz’s return of 25 goal involvements last term.
Indeed, the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain – racked up a mammoth haul of 34 goals and assists in just 48 games in Germany last time out, having surpassed his Liverpool counterpart in both of those metrics.
Most goals & assists in 24/25 – U23 players in Europe’s top 5 leagues
Player
Goals
Assists
Total
Michael Olise
12
18
30
Mason Greenwood
21
6
27
Erling Haaland
22
3
25
Bradley Barcola
14
11
25
Cole Palmer
15
9
24
Yamine Lamal
9
15
24
Hugo Ekitike
15
8
23
Florian Wirtz
10
13
23
Stats via Transfermarkt
On the league front, in particular, it was Ekitike who also enjoyed the greater success with 15 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga, with Diaz, by contrast, contributing ‘just’ 13 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.
Away from just that end product, the Frankfurt star also came out on top with regard to big chances created (12 vs eight), as well as for successful dribbles completed (1.6 vs 1.5), as per Sofascore, thus showcasing the full array of his talents.
Lauded as a “world-class” figure by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the relative youngster has also been described as looking like the “perfect centre-forward” by TNT pundit Owen Hargreaves – all while still just 23.
While Liverpool certainly don’t need to weaken their ranks by selling Diaz, providing increased competition in the forward line would be a mouthwatering prospect, not least if the Reds would actually be getting an upgrade in the process.
The next Henderson: Liverpool now closing in on a "monster" new signing
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Former allrounder and bowling coach will return to Headingley in September
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Aug-2024
An anti-racism banner hangs outside Yorkshire’s Headingley Stadium in Leeds•AFP/Getty Images
Rich Pyrah, one of the 16 staff sacked by Yorkshire at the height of the racism scandal which engulfed the club, will return to the club next month as the county’s new women’s head coach.Pyrah, who was men’s batting coach before he was dismissed, was last year found guilty of using “racist and discriminatory language” when referring to whistleblower Azeem Rafiq’s sister by the Cricket Discipline Commission. He was handed a two-week ban from coaching and was fined £2,5000.He was previously one of the 16 members of staff sacked after signing a letter to the Yorkshire board that accused Rafiq of waging a “one-man mission to bring down the club” when he made allegations of an institutionally racist culture in late 2021. The club and Pyrah reached a settlement the following year after Yorkshire accepted his sacking had been “procedurally unfair”.Related
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Yorkshire confirmed the news in a club statement on Friday which made no reference to his sacking. “We’re delighted Richard has agreed to become the head coach of our women’s team and we are very pleased to welcome him back to Yorkshire,” Colin Graves, the club’s chairman, said.”After a thorough and robust process, Richard stood out amongst an incredible shortlist of candidates. Through the whole process it was clear Richard is the right person to lead Yorkshire into the club’s new chapter and take our women’s professional team to the highest level.”Richard is a proven developer, has an excellent reputation, and a winning mentality as a player and as a coach. We believe that Richard will be the perfect fit for the next stage of our new and exciting journey.”Yorkshire will play in Tier 2 of the ECB’s revamped domestic structure next year, alongside Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex and Worcestershire. They will then become a Tier 1 county from 2026 onwards.”It’s an incredible honour for me to be given the opportunity to lead Yorkshire’s women’s side and it’s the proudest moment of my career,” Pyrah said. “This is an exciting time to be involved in women’s cricket, following ECB’s restructure of the women’s professional game.”
The Russell Martin regime is in full swing at Rangers, with the Ibrox side having already confirmed seven new signings this summer, with 21-year-old Djeidi Gassama the latest of those to arrive.
Following what was a largely miserable 2024/25 campaign for Rangers, excluding an encouraging Europa League run, a real overhaul is needed for the Light Blues, as they bid to close the gap at the Premiership summit.
The defensive unit, in particular, looks set to undergo noticeable change, with Martin having already brought in Emmanuel Fernandez, Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons thus far, with veteran centre-back Leon Balogun having departed on a free transfer.
With John Souttar attracting interest from abroad, alongside Turkish full-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, there looks likely to be further upheaval before the window is out, ensuring there could be a much-needed fresh look to the Gers’ backline next season.
While Martin’s free-flowing brand of football will put greater emphasis on the attacking ranks to shine, having a solid base to build from will be crucial, with recent reports indicating that a deal for experienced centre-back, Conor Coady could be in the works.
Capped ten times for England, the 32-year-old would be a worthy addition to the Ibrox dressing room, albeit with Martin and co perhaps having their eyes fixed on a far more exciting centre-back signing.
Latest on Rangers' search for a centre-back
Reports late last week revealed that the Gers were still showing an interest in bringing Coady to Glasgow, with that coming following prior claims that Rangers were actually in advanced talks for the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers man.
A deal for the £75k-per-week star – who has a year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium – may not be too far from completion, albeit with the Gers still keeping their options open for potential alternatives in the centre of defence.
Indeed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Old Firm side are among the clubs interested in signing Xavier Mbuyamba from Dutch outfit, Volendam, with Gent also in the mix.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Romano reported that the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at both Barcelona and Chelsea – is available for a fee of just €500k (£434k), having failed to agree to a new contract with his current side.
It is claimed that clubs in England are also keen on the former Celtic target, with the race now on to see if Rangers can secure the signature of a potentially game-changing signing.
Why Rangers need to sign Mbuyamba
As has already been explored, there is certain merit in bringing in a ‘leader’ like Coady, with the Englishman the type of figure who can replace the likes of Balogun, and Connor Goldson before him, as the centre-piece of the defence.
Leicester City's Conor Coady.
That said, the ageing star would be more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution, having also been part of a dismal Leicester side that slumped to relegation last time out, after making 22 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.
Mbuyamba, however, could be a star both for now and for the future, having previously been hailed as an “elegant and dominant centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also likened him to ex-Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany.
For those in the Premiership, a more interesting comparison has been drawn in the past between the 6 foot 5 Dutchman and his high-profile compatriot, Virgil van Dijk, with Sky Sports stating back in 2023 that such likeness has been noted by ‘coaches and media in Holland due to his similar playing style and huge potential’.
That link to Van Dijk had come amid claims that Celtic were interested in signing the then-21-year-old, although two years on, it might well be Martin and Rangers who manage to finally bring Mbuyamba to Glasgow.
Liverpool's VirgilvanDijkcelebrates scoring their first goal
While he was operating in Holland’s second tier last season, the in-demand defender did enjoy a fine campaign in all, having showcased his brilliance in both boxes, after scoring five times in 34 league outings, while providing one assist and creating five ‘big chances’, as per Sofascore.
Defensively, the towering ace also helped to keep 12 clean sheets, while averaging 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game. That dominance also saw Mbuyamba win 61% of his total duels.
Mbuyamba’s 24/25 League stats
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games (starts)
34 (34)
Goals
5
Assists
1
Big chances created
4
Key passes
0.4
Pass accuracy
86%
Tackles & interceptions
2.8
Dribbled past
0.2
Total duels won
61%
Stats via Sofascore
As for Coady, while he was operating at Premier League level, the one-time Liverpool man scored once, while averaging just 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside winning just 45% of his total duels.
That represents a noticeable drop off from his final season at Wolves in 2021/22, with the then-Old Gold skipper – who was operating as part of a back three at the time – scoring four goals, while averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions and winning 53% of his total duels.
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Whether, at 32, Coady is merely now on the decline, or perhaps better suited to life in a back three, is up for debate, but either way, his recent woes should have alarm bells ringing for those at Ibrox.
As for Mbuyamba, the former Netherlands youth international still appears to be a player on the rise, with it an exciting prospect to consider whether or not “the new Van Dijk” – as described by journalist Tom Maston – could flourish under Martin’s watch.
On the evidence of his recent form, Coady has already hit his ceiling as a player. Mbuyamba’s potential is yet to be truly explored…
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Rangers could repeat their Abdallah Sima blinder by signing this star this summer.
تحدث الأوروجواني مارتن لاسارتي، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي الأسبق عن النادي الذي المفضل له خلال مسيرته التدريبية المختلفة.
وقاد لاسارتي النادي الأهلي في عام 2019 وكانت فترته مختلطة بين الإيجاب والسلب، لأنه المدرب الذي تلقى أكبر هزيمة للأهلي في تاريخه بدوري أبطال إفريقيا أمام صن داونز بالخماسية الشهيرة، بينما هو نفس المدرب الذي فاز بأصعب بطولة دوري في القرن الجديد للمارد الأحمر.
كما شهدت فترة لاسارتي انهيار الأهلي أمام الفرق الكبيرة سواء على المستوى المحلي أو الإفريقي، إذ لم يفز نادي القرن في عهده خارج أرضه ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد 3 خسائر أمام سيمبا التنزاني وفيتا كلوب وصن داونز وتعادل وحيد أمام شباب الساورة الجزائري.
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فيما كان ظهوره باهتًا للغاية في بطولة الدوري المصري إذ خسر أمام بيراميدز ذهابًا وإيابًا بنتيجتي 2/1 و1/صفر، وتعادل أمام الزمالك سلبيًا.
وقال المدرب الأوروجواني من خلال حواره مع صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “لقد فُزت بالعديد من الألقاب في تشيلي وأوروجواي ومصر مع الأهلي لكن فترة وجودي في ريال سوسيداد لا تُنسى”.
وأتم: “هناك استطعنا تغيير عقليتي السلبية عند وصولي وحولنا التشاؤم إلى تفاؤل، فتوجنا أبطالًا للدرجة الثانية وحققنا الصعود الذي طال انتظاره إلى دوري الدرجة الأولى، تأقلمت جيدًا وسرعان ما فهمتُ ما يتطلبه الأمر للعودة إلى دوري الأضواء”.
Twenty-year-old Disha Biswas, who is too yet to make her Bangladesh debut, was also selected
Mohammad Isam18-Sep-2024
Fahima Khatun was among those recalled to the side•BCB
Bangladesh have dropped experienced allrounder Rumana Ahmed for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in one of five changes to the squad that had played in the Asia Cup in July. But there was a first call-up for uncapped top-order batter Taj Nehar.Also among those selected, there was a recall for Sobhana Mostary, Shathi Rani, Fahima Khatun and Disha Biswas. Twenty-year-old allrounder Biswas, who had played in the Under-19 T20 World Cup in January-February 2023, was also picked for the senior T20 World Cup last year, although she is yet to make her Bangladesh debut.Fahima, the experienced 32-year-old legspinner, has played 84 T20Is so far, 20 of which have come across the five T20 World Cups since 2014. However, she had lost her place in the squad recently when she struggled against India and Australia at home. After missing out on the Asia Cup, Fahima took six wickets in as many matches in the Women’s National Cricket League (NCL) T20 competition.Bangladesh squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Meanwhile, opening batter Rani, whose five T20Is came last year, was the NCL’s leading run-scorer with 284 runs at a strike rate of 151.06. However, Rumana, a veteran of 87 T20Is, missed out after scoring just 55 runs in three innings at the NCL. Middle-order batter Mostary also had a tough time against India and Australia, and neither did she perform in the NCL, where she managed 103 runs in five innings. Mostary is also yet to score a fifty in 38 T20Is, but chief selector Sajjad Ahmed put her selection due to a lack of options at No. 3.”She is a prospect. However, she hasn’t performed up to the mark,” Sajjad said. “We don’t really have a lot of options at No 3. We tried Ishma Tanjim, but she didn’t perform well, and she couldn’t do much in the NCL. That’s why we had to go to Sobhana Mostary.”Apart from Rumana, the four others left out of the T20 World Cup are Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim. Sajjad said that despite an experience of 87 T20Is, they replaced Rumana with Nehar, as the former hasn’t batted in an aggressive manner of late.”We selected Rumana in the Asia Cup, where, unfortunately, she didn’t perform,” he said. “She is a middle-order bat who isn’t batting the way that is needed in T20s.”Bangladesh start their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland in the first of the double-header fixtures on October 3, the opening day of the tournament.Bangladesh squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas In: Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani and Disha Biswas Out: Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim
علق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على أزمة التحكيم في الدوري المصري خلال الفترة الأخيرة، حيث تناول في تصريحاته عبر برنامجه الإذاعي عدداً من الحالات الجدلية في المباريات، مؤكدًا أن بعض الحكام يفتقدون الخبرة والذكاء المطلوب في اللقاءات الكبرى.
قال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأحد: “تتذكرون ليلة مباراة الأهلي الأخيرة مع سيراميكا، عندما كنت على الهواء هنا في الإذاعة، قلت لكم: محمود وفا حكم هايل وحكم ممتاز، لكن المباريات الحساسة لها حسابات أخرى، الأفضل أن تستعين بحكم دولي مخضرم لديه خبرة وتضعه في هذه المباراة، وبذلك أنت تحمي حكامك”.
وتابع: “أود أن أوضح أنني لا أهاجم محمود وفا إطلاقًا، فهو حكم مميز جدًا، لكن هناك مباريات يا جماعة تحتاج إلى ذكاء وخبرة وفطنة، حتى لا يقال أصل وفصل، وحتى إذا حدثت أخطاء من الحكام الدوليين، فلا مشكلة، لكن الوقاية خير من العلاج”.
وأضاف: “في مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا الأخيرة، كان هناك اعتراض من الأهلي على ثلاث كرات، واعتراض من سيراميكا على كرة واحدة. الأهلي يقول: لدي هدف لم يُحتسب، وضربتا جزاء لم يُعد فيهما الحكم إلى تقنية الفار، وسيراميكا يقول: لدي ضربة جزاء لم تُحتسب. فدخلنا في جدل كنا في غنى عنه”.
وتابع: “محمود البنا كان يدير وقتها مباراة مودرن وإنبي، مباريات قوية وممتازة. فلماذا لم يتم وضعه في مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا، ويتم تكليف وفا بمباراة مودرن وبعدها يحصل على لقاء آخر أخف؟ الأمور كانت ستصبح أهدأ بكثير”.
وواصل: “لكن في النهاية هي وجهة نظر، ورئيس لجنة الحكام يرى أن وفا يقدم مباريات جيدة، وكذلك الغندور، لكن مثلًا، مباراة الزمالك والإسماعيلي أدارها أمين عمر، ورغم أن الزمالك دائمًا يتحفظ على وجوده، إلا أنه حكم دولي. وحتى عندما استدعاه الفار لضربة جزاء صحيحة للزمالك، احتسبها دون تردد، وكان القرار صحيحًا 100 في الـ100”.
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وأضاف: “الأهلي أرسل خطابًا رسميًا يؤكد أن لديه ضربتي جزاء لمحمد علي بن رمضان وطاهر محمد طاهر، وأن كرة تريزيجيه تجاوزت خط المرمى ولم تُحتسب، وكان لابد أن يستدعي الفار الحكم محمود وفا”.
وأشار: “لكن في النهاية، فاز الأهلي بالمباراة 1-0 ومرت بسلام، ولم تحدث مشاكل. صحيح أن الأخطاء لم تؤثر على النتيجة، لكن لو كانت أثرت كنا ما زلنا نتحدث عنها حتى الآن، وسيراميكا يرى أن الأخطاء أثرت على النتيجة من وجهة نظره، ويؤكد أن لديه ضربة جزاء صحيحة لم تُحتسب”.
وأكد: “فاركو اشتكى من الحكم حماده بعد مباراة الفريق أمام الاتحاد السكندري التي انتهت بالتعادل، وطالبوا بإبعاده عن المباريات، لجنة الحكام ردت عليهم بشكل ودي وقالت: أنتم محقون، لم يكن هناك تدخل من الفار في الحالة، كذلك غزل المحلة أصدر بيانًا بعد مباراة المصري التي خسرها 2-1، وهاجم الحكم محمود بسيوني، رغم أنه من أفضل الحكام الدوليين”.
وتابع شوبير: “كنت متفائلًا جدًا بالتحكيم هذا الموسم، لأن المجهود المبذول من اللجنة والحكام كبير جدًا، لكن أين تكمن المشكلة؟ المشكلة في عقلية بعض الحكام، أتحدث عن فاركو واتحاد، عن بيراميدز والإسماعيلي، عن المحلة والمصري… تقريبًا لا توجد مباراة خالية من المشاكل”.
واستمر: “المحلة قال: لن ألعب مباراة يديرها محمود بسيوني. نادٍ آخر قال: لن ألعب إذا كان الحكم أمين عمر، أندية أصبحت تختار الحكام! وهذا ليس من حقها إطلاقًا، من حقك أن تقدم شكوى، لكن ليس من حقك أن تقول: لن ألعب”.
واستطرد: “حتى نادي زد أصدر بيانًا واشتكى من التحكيم في مباراتين أمام الإسماعيلي وبيراميدز. وقالوا إن الحكم لم يطرد أحمد سامي رغم تدخله الخطير بالركبة على رأس مهاجم الإسماعيلي”.
وختم شوبير تصريحاته قائلًا: “التحكيم موهبة مثل اللاعب، مثل المغني، مثل الفنان. ليس مجرد لياقة بدنية أو سرعة جري، الأهم أن يكون لدى الحكم موهبة، وأنا أوجه كلامي للحكام الشباب: أحيانًا ألمح نبرة غرور أو ثقة زائدة في طريقة التعامل مع اللاعبين أو في صوت الصفارة، هذا غير صحيح، اقرأوا الفاتحة قبل المباراة واجعلوا نيتكم النجاح، وربنا سيكرمكم، لقد حذرت وسأظل أحذر: ما يتعلمه الحكام في التدريبات يجب أن يطبقوه داخل الملعب”.
Manchester United are making progress in their mission to strengthen under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to move forward in their pursuit of a high-pedigree defender, according to a report.
Manchester United urged to break the bank for quality additions
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha would fit the definition of breaking the bank for elite talent, but Premier League giants Manchester United are aware that more signings are needed to match the output of their domestic rivals on the market.
Reports suggest Manchester United would be willing to offer £22 million for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, which would be another signal of intent, though Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils should go all out for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba to bolster the spine of their team.
He stated: “Who would you go and get?”, and there’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, who I think fits the bill for what we need.
“He’s an Amorim-type player as well. Physically, he’s great. He can drive with the ball, he can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, central midfield… Baleba.”
Without putting too fine a point on it, Manchester United’s lack of solidity in the Premier League last term was evident for all to see, hence why Amorim is also targeting defensive reinforcements in the form of Lucas Beraldo.
Manchester United’s defensive frailties in 2024/25
Goals conceded
54
Defeats
18
Clean sheet percentage across 38 league matches
26%
Ultimately, a failure to secure the back door is a recipe for chaos, leading to a growing appetite for an overhaul within the Red Devils’ backline.
After months of searching, Manchester United could now have found one part of a solution to remedy the well-documented faults within their rearguard.
Manchester United make contact for Inter defender Benjamin Pavard
According to Transferfeed, Manchester United have made contact by enquiring about Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, who may be allowed to leave San Siro this summer for a fee between £26.1 million and £30.5 million.
Despite the Nerazzurri not officially listing the France international for sale, they are looking into potential replacements for the ex-Bayern Munich star, including Genoa’s Koni De Winter.
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Labelled “brilliant” by Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps, Pavard, who is outfitted by Adidas, registered one goal and a solitary assist in 37 appearances last campaign, operating almost entirely in central defence.
The 29-year-old also won 78 duels in Serie A, cementing himself as an important factor behind Inter’s ability to go deep both in domestic competitions and the Champions League.
Now, it appears he could be set for a new challenge in the prime of his career, which has piqued Manchester United’s interest as they look to seal a marquee deal to strengthen their backline.
تحدث الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن كواليس تعادل الزمالك مع الجونة في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين مساء أمس ضمن منافسات الدوري الممتاز، مؤكدًا أن الأبيض أهدر نقطتين ثمينتين في سباق القمة.
وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “لا توجد ظروف أفضل من تلك التي خاض فيها الزمالك مباراته أمام الجونة، صحيح أن الأهلي فاز على حرس الحدود، لكن مستواه لم يكن جيدًا، وجماهيره كانت غاضبة جدًا، وكان واضحًا على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي أن هناك حالة استياء”.
وتابع: “الزمالك واجه الجونة في القاهرة، وكنت قد أكدت قبل اللقاء أن الأهلي مرشح نظريًا للفوز على حرس الحدود، والزمالك مرشح نظرياً للفوز على الجونة، لكن ما هو نظري شيء وما يحدث في الملعب شيء مختلف تمامًا”.
وأضاف: “المباراة كانت صعبة للغاية، فقد هدد الجونة مرمى الزمالك بتسديدة قوية اصطدمت بالعارضة، قبل أن يسجل الزمالك هدفه الأول في الدقيقة السابعة والعشرين عن طريق عدي الدباغ بعد عرضية رائعة من ناصر ماهر، حارس مرمى الجونة محمد علاء كان متألقاً بشكل لافت، وتصدى للعديد من الفرص الخطيرة”.
طالع أيضًا | ميدو يهاجم مجلس الزمالك بعد التعادل مع الجونة ويتهمهم باستفزاز اللاعبين
وواصل: “مع مرور الوقت أجرى الزمالك عدة تغييرات، حيث دفع بعمر جابر وأحمد عبد الرحيم إيشو وأحمد حمدي وعمرو ناصر، لكن يانيك فيريرا ارتكب كارثة قبل أن يحسم مواجهة الجونة، فأراح بعض اللاعبين وخسر نقطتين غاليتين، لأنه يُفكر في مباراة الأهلي، وسمح لـ بيزيرا بأن يحصل على بطاقة صفراء في المباراة السابقة حتى يتمكن من المشاركة أمام الأهلي، الحقيقة أن كل مباراة في الدوري بثلاث نقاط، ولا يجوز التفريط في أي مواجهة مهما كان الخصم”.
واختتم: “قرأت بيان مجلس إدارة الزمالك قبل المباراة واستغربت كثيرًا من توقيته ومضمونه، فقد تحدث عن أزمة أرض السادس من أكتوبر، بينما اللاعبون لا علاقة لهم بهذه القصة، هم يريدون فقط الحصول على مستحقاتهم المالية، كان من الأفضل تأجيل البيان بدلاً من إصداره عشية لقاء مهم”.
England find reverse-swing to make key inroads after Leach’s early breakthroughs
Andrew Miller15-Oct-2024
Kamran Ghulam made a hundred on debut•Getty Images
There has been precious little for Pakistan cricket to cheer in recent months, but on the opening day of the second Test in Multan, Kamran Ghulam provided a moment of unbridled joy as he brought up a gutsy century in his maiden Test innings, to carry the fight for his embattled team.Though he fell late in the day for 118, bowled by Shoaib Bashir as he looked to stay proactive with the close of play looming, Ghulam’s debut efforts helped to lift Pakistan to 259 for 5 – scarcely riches by the standards that England were dishing up on this very same surface last week, but the beginnings of a score nonetheless.Despite Pakistan’s experience in the first Test, when their first-innings 556 ended up on the wrong side of an innings defeat, Ghulam’s resolute efforts – allied to a career-best 77 from Saim Ayub and an atypically entrenched 37 not out from Mohammad Rizwan – kept Pakistan on course for the sort of 300-plus score that could yet be competitive if their spin-heavy attack can take advantage of a pitch that had been heavily watered and dried with industrial fans in the four-day turnaround between Tests.The danger for Pakistan, however, may yet come from the weapons that they won’t be able to deploy. Despite two early wickets for Jack Leach, who has now claimed nine in three innings on this surface to reassert his status as England’s senior spinner, their most pronounced threat came through a mid-afternoon spell of reverse-swing, excellently harnessed by a three-pronged seam attack. Uniquely, all three hail from Durham, among them Ben Stokes, who was back to lead the team for the first time since his hamstring tear in August. In opting to ditch both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for this contest, much will be resting on their lone quick, Aamer Jamal, if Pakistan hope to utilise similar skills.All such considerations can wait for now, thanks to the efforts of Ghulam, who – at the age of 29 – was the second oldest Pakistani to record a debut century. He achieved the feat with a gleeful swing through the leg-side off Joe Root, after an anxious wait in the 90s that had encompassed the evening drinks break. A few more moments of delay could not perturb him, however, after more than a decade of service in Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, in which time he might have assumed that his haul of more than 4500 runs at 49 would forever be overlooked.His innings had begun at 19 for 2 in the tenth over, after Leach – thrown the ball early after Stokes’ quick assessment of the surface – had become the first England spinner to strike twice so early in a Test match since Johnny Briggs in 1889. His impact threatened another meltdown to match Pakistan’s fourth-evening collapse in the first Test, but Ghulam proved his mettle from the outset, showcasing his familiarity with the arid conditions and his faith in the methods that had finally got him noticed.His first boundary was a composed launch for six back over Leach’s head, and in easing through to his first half-century from 104 balls, he recorded a milestone that had eluded his more illustrious compatriot, Babar Azam, in the 18 out-of-form innings that had resulted in his omission.Brydon Carse produced a key breakthrough with the old ball•Getty Images
Ghulam had faced just two deliveries of fast bowling in his first 120, however, when Stokes brought himself into the attack midway through the afternoon, and the challenge instantly went up a notch. In his first over, Stokes found a fat edge that flew at a catchable height through the vacant slip cordon, and when a second edge fell short soon afterwards, Root found himself donning a helmet four yards from the bat in a bid to make any further chance count.The breakthrough, however, arrived at the other end. Ayub’s reputation had suffered in this series, largely as a consequence of his hopelessly misfiring opening partnership with Abdullah Shafique, which at least reached double-figures for the first time in nine innings. It didn’t get much further, however, as Leach bowled Shafique for 7 to reduce Pakistan to 15 for 1, before Shan Masood clipped on the up to Zak Crawley at midwicket for 3.In isolation, however, Ayub has been a qualified success at the top of Pakistan’s order, and this was his third half-century in four first innings, following his twin fifties against Bangladesh last month. But, with tea approaching, and England beginning to make the ball talk, Matthew Potts threatened his outside edge with a diet of hooping outswingers from over the wicket, before Stokes pouched a firm push through the line at a very straight silly mid-off (168 for 3).After tea, Brydon Carse, energetic as ever, roughed up Saud Shakeel with an excellent short ball, then found his edge for 4 with an even better 140kph/87mph delivery that fizzed through to Jamie Smith behind the stumps. And England’s position could have been stronger still had Ben Duckett clung on to a loose slap from Ghulam, on 79, as he chose to take the attack to the returning Leach and almost paid the price at mid-on.The value of Stokes’ economy with his seamers throughout a morning session was brought to bear in the evening, with Carse helping to keep Rizwan under the cosh for 19 deliveries without scoring before Potts took over and so nearly landed an innings-altering blow. His first delivery to Rizwan, on 6 at the time, zipped past the outside edge and into Smith’s gloves, but England declined to use a review – even though replays showed that the ball had grazed the splice of his bat.England’s endeavours were worthy of another breakthrough before the close, and though he had once again been the weaker link in the attack, Bashir obliged with a critical strike late in the day. Armed with the second new ball, he skidded a good-length delivery past Ghulam’s tired charge, and clipped the top of leg to prise a critical opening that could yet make the difference in Pakistan’s quest for a serviceable first innings.