A temporada deste ano ainda está na reta final, inclusive tendo o mês mais relevante para o Flamengo após dois anos, mas a preocupação quanto ao calendário de 2022 se mostra evidente no clube. Através do vice-presidente de relações externas do Rubro-Negro, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, conhecido como Bap, uma sugestão para a CBF foi compartilhada nas redes sociais:
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– Calendário de 2022 terá nove meses e meio apenas, até 07/11, por causa da Copa. Sugestão do Flamengo antes: Brasileirão deve acabar dia 07/11, última data do calendário; iniciar estaduais no dia 15/01. Libertadores, já definido, com mata-matas entre julho e setembro, final em Guayaquil, 29/10 (corrigindo a postagem original) – postou Bap, em seu perfil no Twitter.
Calendário22 terá 9 meses e meio apenas,até 7/11,por causa da Copa.Sugestão do Flamengo ANTES: Brasileirão deve acabar dia 7/11,última data do calendário; iniciar estaduais dia 15/01. Libertadores,já definido,com mata matas entre julho e setembro, final em Guayaquil, 27/10.
— Luiz Eduardo Baptista (@BapLuizEduardo) November 4, 2021
Em agosto, a Conmebol anunciou que, emem virtude da Copa do Mundo, que acontecerá no Qatar entre novembro e dezembro, a final da Libertadores será realizada no dia 29 de outubro, no Estádio Monumental de Guayaquil, no Equador.
Quanto às datas dos Estaduais, há a espera pela definição da CBF, que deve manter os torneios locais com 16 datas no ano que vem. É esperado que o calendário de 2022 seja oficializado pela entidade ainda este mês.
Cabe lembrar que o Flamengo tem sido, publicamente, um dos principais críticos contra decisões da CBF relacionadas ao calendário, muito por conta da não paralisação de torneios nas Datas Fifa (veja mais aqui).
> Veja e simule a tabela do Brasileirão
Em tempo: o próximo jogo do Flamengo será realizado já nesta sexta-feira, contra o Atlético-GO, às 21h30, pela 19ª rodada (atrasada) do Campeonato Brasileiro. O LANCE! transmitirá o confronto em Tempo Real.
With Chelsea looking to add an attacking thrust to their side, they have recently acquired tricky Wolves winger, Pedro Neto.
The 24-year-old can play off both wings and even through the middle if needed, adding pace, 1v1 ability and creation.
One player this could help is Chelsea's new striker signing, Samu Omorodion, by linking the creativity out wide of Neto, and the box presence of 6 foot 4 Omorodion. Nicolas Jackson could also be a beneficiary of Neto's arrival, due to his ability to find passes in behind for the striker.
Pedro Neto for Wolves
But Chelsea could go out and add another striker to the mix, looking to create a frightening trio with Neto and Chelsea POTY, Cole Palmer in attack, with Victor Osimhen remaining on their wishlist.
Chelsea's hunt for another striker
According to reports from the Daily Star, Chelsea are still interested in a move for Brighton forward, Evan Ferguson.
Manchester United are another club interested, and they could even move first for the 19-year-old, in attempt to beat Chelsea to his signature.
Brighton strikerEvan Ferguson.
Despite already signing Omorodion from Atlético Madrid, Chelsea could still be on the lookout for another striking option, with the possibility of Jackson being moved out to the left wing. The 19-year-old fits Chelsea's recent transfer strategy of buying the best and highest-rated youngsters in the world.
Ferguson made 36 appearances for Brighton in all competitions last season, scoring six goals, providing one assist, and totalling 1,721 minutes played, despite suffering multiple injuries.
Ferguson and Neto as a partnership
Neto, the new Chelsea signing, will bring a bundle of creative qualities to the side. The 24-year-old made 24 appearances for Wolves last season, scoring three goals and providing 11 assists.
He averaged 0.53 assists per 90, made 5.82 progressive carries per 90, and produced 2.26 key passes per 90, all of which are qualities that could help unlock a centre-forward at Chelsea. Of course, they already have Jackson and Omorodion on the books, but Ferguson could be another worth watching.
Ferguson stats (FBref)
Stats (per 90 mins)
Ferguson
Non-Penalty Goals
0.34
Shots Total
2.11
Shots on Target
1.20
Shots on Target %
56.8%
xG
0.28
Goals/Shot
0.16
Goals – xG
+0.06
Aerials Won
0.80
Ferguson showed in the 2022/23 season his ability to be clinical in front of goal at such a young age, scoring ten goals in his debut season at senior level. And his metrics still show this, having a 56.8% shot on target percentage, and over-performing his xG by +0.06 per 90.
The 19-year-old was described as a player with "very big potential" by manager Roberto De Zerbi, after scoring his first Premier League goal back in December 2022.
Standing at around 6 foot 2, Ferguson has a physical frame, perfect for the Premier League, which with time and development could be one of his biggest weapons, winning more aerial duels (currently only averaging 0.80 per 90) and becoming even more of a box presence because of it.
With Chelsea and United both interested, it's clear the raw talent Ferguson possesses, and perhaps a move to Chelsea to work with Neto, Palmer and Co, would unlock his clinical finishing even more, and take him to that next level that is already projected for him.
Watch out Omorodion: Chelsea want PL ace who's a bigger talent than Solanke
The Blues are still looking to improve their forward line this summer.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are looking to win their first international game in more than a year
Madushka Balasuriya03-Mar-2021Big PictureMen’s international cricket is back in the Caribbean. The last time Sri Lanka visited was for a three-match Test series, which ended with both sides sharing the spoils. The last time the West Indies hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral limited-overs series was way back in 2008, while the most recent contest between the two sides was in Sri Lanka, almost exactly a year ago – a two-match T20I series, which West Indies swept comfortably. That was the last bit of cricket either of these sides played before Covid-19 brought a halt to pretty much everything.Since then, Sri Lanka haven’t fared all that well in the limited cricket they’ve played. Test series defeats to England and South Africa, while not totally unexpected, nevertheless added a touch more doom to the gloom considering the nature of those losses.Related
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Then there’s the small matter of Sri Lanka’s build-up to this series, which has been chaotic to put it mildly. With several senior players missing, either through injury or a lack of match-fitness following Covid-related time away from training, the number of available experienced campaigners in the squad can be counted on one hand. Their captain Dasun Shanaka, meanwhile, who was fortunate enough to avoid any of these issues, misses out because he couldn’t sort his visa out on time. And then there’s the issue of the team’s fast-bowling coach pulling out from the tour at the eleventh hour over a pay dispute – which the country’s sports minister has openly stated would impact the younger players on tour. And this is without even touching on the fact that Sri Lanka haven’t won a game of cricket in the past year.While West Indies haven’t done all that much better in recent times, their recent Test series win in Bangladesh will see them come in as easily the more buoyant outfit – in fact, the many fresh faces in the Lankan line-up would do well in taking inspiration from their opponents’ highly improbable victory with a second-string outfit.For both teams, though, with the 2021 T20 World Cup edging closer, the series will serve as much for building confidence as it will for working out their best combinations.Form GuideWest Indies: LLWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first) Sri Lanka: LLLLLWanindu Hasaranga brings Sri Lanka both wicket-taking legspin and handy lower-order hitting•SLCIn the spotlightWanindu Hasaranga was undoubtedly the breakout star of the Lanka Premier League at the tail end of last year. While his effectiveness in the recently concluded Test series against England and South Africa showed his shortcomings in the longest format, his impact in the shorter variants cannot be understated. He topped the wicket charts with 17 at 1.29, while conceding less than a run a ball, and scored his 127 runs at a strike rate of 160.75. With his legspin and his hitting down the order, he has positioned himself as a genuine match-winner.Chris Gayle is back in the West Indies’ T20 set-up after an absence of almost two years. In his two outings for the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL earlier this month, Gayle looked close to his devastating best. He has since spoken of his desire to help West Indies win another T20 World Cup, even if it means batting down the order. Even at the age of 41, a fit and motivated Gayle is a boon for almost any side.Team newsWhile several big names have missed out from the squad, much of Sri Lanka’s team still picks itself – though it does mean coach Mickey Arthur has some options in terms of giving some of the young players game time. In the build up to the game he spoke of the pitch potentially aiding spin, and with that in mind, Ramesh Mendis with his flighted offbreaks and prowess with the bat could be a handy inclusion.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Oshada Fernando, 4 Dinesh Chandimal, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Thisara Perera, 7 Ramesh Mendis, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Nuwan Pradeep, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Akila Dananjaya.Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell and Shimron Hetmyer – all three played a key role in West Indies’ T20I series win in Sri Lanka last year, and all three miss out having failed a fitness test. This has meant recalls for the likes of Fidel Edwards, Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo and Gayle – all of whom bring experience in spades. With head coach Phil Simmons stating that rotation would be kept to a minimum with one eye on the World Cup, it’s also likely that spinners Akeal Hosein and Fabian Allen will see game time.West Indies (possible): 1 Lendl Simmons, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Kieron Pollard (capt), 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Fabian Allen, 8 Jason Holder, 9 Dwayne Bravo, 10 Akeal Hosein, 11 Fidel Edwards.Fabian Allen and Kieron Pollard are expected to play key roles in West Indies’ middle order•Getty ImagesPitch and conditionsThe Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua are known for its asymmetrical boundaries, which means bowlers from both sides will have to watch their lines particularly closely. The pitch itself is expected to take some turn, which will suit both sides in preparation for potentially similar surfaces at the T20 World Cup in India later this year.Stats and trivia Chris Gayle last played a T20I in March 2019. West Indies have played 18 matches since then. Sri Lanka won six of their first seven T20Is against West Indies (losing only the 2012 World T20 final during this run). They have lost each of the last four meetings since. Sri Lanka have not won a match in a year. They have lost six games in that time: four Tests (two each to South Africa and England), and the two T20Is against West Indies in March 2020. West Indies have won five and lost seven of their T20Is under Kieron Pollard.Quotes”It is an opportunity for some young players to step up, now that we are short of our regular players. I can’t wait to see these young guys get out there and do the job, and show us what they’ve got. The team morale is excellent; the guys are just so good, they just get on and do the work.” “We see what Chris Gayle did in his last IPL stint. He shows that both with the bat and on the field, he looks fitter and feels better and he is still hitting the ball as we want to see him do it. We’ve seen Fidel in the last CPL and we have seen that he can still muster over 90mph with his searing yorkers. So it is great to have the two of them with us.”
Bumrah was seen clutching his abdomen repeatedly on the third day of the Sydney Test
Shashank Kishore12-Jan-2021India’s tryst with injuries continues as they look to put together a fit XI for the series decider at The Gabba. A day after Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the tour on Monday, and it emerged that Hanuma Vihari (right hamstring injury) and R Ashwin (back tweak) batted through pain to save the Sydney Test, there is an injury cloud over Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the fourth and final Test starting January 15.Bumrah was seen clutching his abdomen repeatedly during Australia’s second innings on the third day’s play in Sydney. He even left the field once for medical attention. However, he bowled 25 overs in all, in a total of 87 overs that India sent down before Australia declared.Bumrah has had the most workload among fast bowlers among both sides, bowling 117.4 overs across the six innings so far in the Tests. Bumrah, who was rested for the T20I leg of the tour to play India’s warm-up fixture in Sydney, has so far featured in each of the three ODIs and the three Tests.Related
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Jadeja ruled out of Brisbane Test
While the physio may have to work overtime to get him ready, India’s already inexperienced attack will further be depleted if he is ruled out. If that happens, Mohammed Siraj – all of two Tests old – will be the spearhead, alongside Navdeep Saini and one of the uncapped T Natarajan or Shardul Thakur. India have one other reserve fast bowler in the squad – rookie Kartik Tyagi – who has been used as a net bowler. Tyagi, however, featured in the first warm-up fixture.Meanwhile, if Ashwin too is deemed unfit, India may have to turn to Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, or allrounder Washington Sundar, who stayed back to assist the side after being part of India’s T20I series win in December. Kuldeep, who was one of India’s finds of their tour in 2018-19, was left out of the five of the six white-ball matches and went wicketless in his only first-class game on tour in Sydney.
Manchester United have held Old Trafford talks over a deal to sign a new Premier League star, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd eyeing Casemiro replacement
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are preparing for their first summer transfer window in charge of the Red Devils and have recently decided that Erik ten Hag will remain as manager heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
The full focus will now be on the transfer market, with a new centre-back and striker appearing to be of interest to Ratcliffe and Ten Hag. Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial will officially depart at the end of the month, and there have been plenty of rumours about Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
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Jun 19, 2024
Alongside a defender and forward, though, a midfielder could also be on the Old Trafford agenda, especially if Casemiro leaves. There have been plenty of rumours over an exit for the Brazilian, who has already said his Man Utd goodbyes following the FA Cup win over Manchester City.
Earlier this week, Romano said that Man Utd have been making enquiries over potentially signing a new midfielder: “I’m hearing that in the last 24-48 hours, [United] made some enquiries on the market over a new midfielder. They are exploring options in midfield especially in the case of Casemiro leaving, which remains a strong possibility.
“United are assessing options and have started to make moves to strengthen their midfield – we will see who it’s going to be and what United are going to do, but for sure they are going to be really busy in the next weeks, so keep an eye on potential new arrivals at centre-back, left-back, striker, and midfield.”
He didn’t mention any specific incoming names, until now.
Man Utd hold internal talks for West Ham’s Edson Alvarez
Taking to X on Wednesday evening, Romano once again stated that Man Utd are considering signing a replacement for Casemiro and have now held Old Trafford talks over a deal for West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez. Ten Hag is a fan of the Mexico captain, who is considered a “key player” at the London Stadium.
Alvarez made the move to England and West Ham in a £35m deal from Ajax last summer and went on to make 42 appearances in his first season for the Hammers, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The holding midfielder did pick up a whopping 17 yellow cards, which resulted in two separate Premier League suspensions and one in the Europa League.
FBref – Premier League 23/24
Edson Alvarez
Casemiro
Pass completion
85.6%
81.8%
Interceptions
42
18
Clearances
81
71
Errors leading to a shot
0
1
Tackles in defensive third
47
43
As can be seen, Alvarez outshone Casemiro in a number of areas last season, so the 26-year-old, who made more than 100 appearances under Ten Hag at Ajax, could prove to be a shrewd signing. Whether or not the Red Devils firm up their interest with a bid remains to be seen, but it looks as if a deal is one to keep an eye on.
West Ham United have begun contact to sign a Premier League star for Julen Lopetegui, according to Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham transfer plans after Guilherme
The Hammers have already been active in the summer transfer window, securing the services of Luis Guilherme, who officially arrived from Palmeiras last week.
The Brazilian is unlikely to be the only signing of the summer ahead of Lopetegui’s first season at the London Stadium, with more attacking names linked with moves to the Irons.
For example, a bid has reportedly been made for Colombian Jhon Arias, and an approach to Celta Vigo attacker Jorgen Strand Larsen, whereas there have also been rumours about Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and links to Juventus’ Matias Soule.
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There have been talks in London.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 18, 2024
Additions at the back are also wanted by Lopetegui, Tim Steidten and co, with contact being made for left-back Ryan Sessegnon after his departure from Tottenham. Now, a player who Lopetegui knows well is firmly in West Ham’s sights.
West Ham in Max Kilman contact
According to transfer expert Romano, the Hammers are showing a concrete interest in Kilman, with Lopetegui a big fan from his time at Molineux. It won’t be an easy deal to complete, says Romano, although contacts have started.
Reports elsewhere have stated that Wolves will want around £45m for the centre-back’s services.
The 27-year-old, described as a “big” player for Wolves by The Times' Charlotte Duncker, has been a regular for the Old Gold in recent years, making 151 appearances for the club, 24 of which came under Lopetegui.
Max Kilman
Ironically, Kilman, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, was full of praise for Lopetegui following Wolves’ 1-0 win over West Ham at the beginning of 2023.
"We've put our heads down and worked really hard in training. And it has paid off today [against West Ham]. We're defending better and we're more solid – this is the real Wolves. We're just delighted to get the win and go from there. We've bonded a lot over the break and have gelled together, and you can see that on the pitch.
"Every game in the Premier League is so tough, and West Ham are a great side, so to get the clean sheet means everyone is delighted."
Fast forward to the 204/25 season, and Kilman and Lopetegui could be working together at the London Stadium, making this one to watch over the coming months.
يستضيف فريق ليفربول نظيره ليستر سيتي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة عشر من مسابقة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.
وسيخوض ليفربول مواجهة اليوم أمام ليستر سيتي على ملعب “أنفيلد” في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.
ويحتل ليفربول المركز الأول في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، برصيد 39 نقطة، بينما يأتي ليستر سيتي في المركز السابع عشر برصيد 14 نقطة.
اقرأ ايضاً.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد هدف بالمر أمام فولهام
وأثيرت الشكوك حول إقامة المباراة بين الفريقين اليوم، بسبب وجود ضباب في مدينة ليفربول، بحسب ما جاء في وسائل إعلامية إنجليزية.
ودفع آرني سلوت المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، بالدولي المصري محمد صلاح بالتشكيل الأساسي في مواجهة اليوم. تشكيل ليفربول اليوم أمام ليستر سيتي في الدوري الإنجليزي
حراسة المرمي: أليسون بيكر
خط الدفاع: أندرو روبيرتسون- فان دايك – جو جوميز – ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد.
Concerns have emerged at Real Madrid over Aurelien Tchouameni's performance in the Madrid derby.
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Tchouameni played in 1-1 draw
Played in central midfield
Upstaged by Federico Valverde
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Per AS, there are concerns over the fact that Tchouameni was shown up by Valverde's defensive ability in the 1-1 draw with Atletico at the weekend. The Frenchman had a central role, being tasked with sweeping up play and linking defence and attack, while Valverde operated off the right. Nevertheless, the Uruguay international turned in a more defensive perormance.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
During the game, Valverde managed nine ball recoveries from his right wing position. By comparison, Tchouameni managed five, and only had one more recovery than 39-year-old Luka Modric, who was substituted in the second half.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tchouameni has made nine appearances in all competitions this season, with his only absence coming against Real Sociedad, when he was ruled out with a foot injury.
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WHAT NEXT?
Real face Lille in the Champions League this week. Tchouameni will hope to turn in a more disciplined performance.
Sam Billings and David Willey dragged England to a second victory against Ireland in three days and a series win after a middle-order collapse left them 137 for 6 in pursuit of 213.Curtis Campher, the South African-born allrounder, had added to his unbeaten half-century on debut with a more fluent 68 from No. 7 to lift Ireland up to a respectable total, but one that had looked some way short of par when Jonny Bairstow blitzed a 41-ball 82 to break the back of the chase.After a three-wicket burst in six balls from Josh Little, England were staring at the prospect of only a second ODI defeat to Ireland and a first on home soil, but Billings and Willey – the stars with bat and ball respectively in the first match of the series – added 79 in 14.4 overs to calm any nerves and seal a four-wicket win.Ireland knew they needed early wickets when defending, and Craig Young provided the goods after three balls, as Jason Roy slammed a long half-volley straight to extra cover. But it looked as though it would be a chastening evening for them when Bairstow got up and running. He effortlessly picked off anything short, full, wide or straight in blitzing England’s joint-fastest ODI half-century from only 21 balls, spanking Andy McBrine over long-off for six to bring it up.Campher struck in his first over for the second time in as many games, nipping one back through James Vince’s gate to peg back his middle stump, before trapping Tom Banton for a third time in his career – once for South Africa Under-19s in 2018, two in this series. Bairstow looked utterly unfazed by what was happening at the other end, racing towards his hundred, before Little’s spell changed the game on its head.Little, a bustling left-arm seamer with broad shoulders and a skinhead, had starred on ODI debut against England last year, taking 4 for 45 to rattle England in their World Cup build-up. Things had not gone to plan in between, with one wicket for 217 in his next 28 appearances, and he was wayward in his first spell after being drafted in for the injured Barry McCarthy.But in his second, he nicked off Bairstow with a length ball that he looked to force through the off side before spitting a volley in his direction. Then, he removed England’s captain for a duck, just as he had in Malahide, digging one in short which Eoin Morgan spanked straight to (guess who?) Campher at short cover.Three balls later it was Moeen Ali’s turn to give his wicket away, top-edging a short ball towards short fine leg where Tucker ran round to take the catch. Suddenly, England needed 76 to win with only four wickets in hand. Throughout Little’s spell, England’s stand-in coach Paul Collingwood had been speaking to Sky from their diary room; once Moeen fell, he was running for the dressing room.Before long, though, any nerves had been calmed. Billings was happy to play second fiddle to Willey, who pulled a towering six over long leg before whacking Campher for two boundaries to alleviate any hint of scoring pressure. They continued to rattle along to pick off the remaining runs with ease, Willey crunching Campher through square leg to seal the win with 17.3 overs to spare.Ireland’s 212 for 9 had looked short of par on a good batting wicket, primarily thanks to a middle-over squeeze from Adil Rashid and Moeen. Rashid took 3 for 34 from his 10 overs, ripping out Ireland’s middle order, while Moeen bowled typically tight lines to conceded only 27 from his eight. Reece Topley bowled with good pace in his first appearance since 2016 after a string of serious injuries, taking 1 for 31 from his nine overs.Andy Balbirnie had demanded “more application” from his batsmen at the toss, but there was little sign of that against the new ball. Gareth Delany was trapped plumb in front by a Willey nip-backer for a 12-ball duck, and with the onus on Paul Stirling to make a meaningful total, he only managed to slice the same bowler to Banton at backward point.The low moment for Ireland came when the fielding restrictions were lifted. Balbirnie had hit two sweet boundaries, a straight drive off Willey and a sweep off Rashid, when Morgan sprung a surprise by giving Vince his first bowl in a limited-overs international.He looked perfectly serviceable but totally unthreatening, but with Balbirnie’s mind scrambled, stuck between attack and defence, he pulled out of a cut shot to a back-of-a-length ball, edging tamely through to Bairstow. Vince grinned sheepishly, almost apologetic that he had taken his first international wicket; in the absence of fans, you could just about make out a collective groan from the away dressing room.Rashid then took control, bowling Kevin O’Brien with a googly that completely wrong-footed him. Harry Tector fell tamely, chipping half-heartedly to mid-on, while Lorcan Tucker’s dismissal was no prettier, heaving a legbreak from wide outside the off stump down fine leg’s throat while top-edging a sweep.That left Campher, the shining light on debut on Thursday, with the bulk of the hard work to do from 78 for 5. He dug in for a 60-run stand with Simi Singh, dragging Ireland towards a defendable score, before putting his foot down alongside McBrine. They added 56 in 7.1 overs: McBrine nailed an upper-cut and smacked Willey straight back over his head, while Campher got innovative and proved he had power in his locker as well as poise.He eventually fell swiping at Saqib Mahmood outside off, before Topley bowled a tight last over, ending with a sharp bouncer which McBrine edged behind to give him a first international wicket since the 2016 World T20.The third game may be an opportunity for England to take a look at fringe players like Liam Livingstone and Liam Dawson, while both teams will know that they could do with a win with World Cup Super League points on offer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, having started the season well, are approaching the finishing line with a whimper.
Since beating Fulham 2-1 on March 9, Wolves have won just once in the Premier League, slipping outside the top half of the table in the process.
Despite this alarming drop-off, Gary O’Neil has a solid core to his side, which, if kept for next season while adding in another player or two, could challenge properly for that top-half finish in the league.
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil.
What is definitely required is some more strength in depth in the midfield, as O’Neil is continually relying on the same players every week.
Did they make a mistake selling Ruben Neves last summer? As his leadership skills and ability could have ensured this late-season dip might never have happened.
How much Wolves sold Ruben Neves for
It was clear that Neves was eyeing a move elsewhere following six seasons at Molineux, where he became one of their key players, helping them secure promotion in 2018 while playing a major part in establishing the club as a regular in the Premier League – scoring 30 goals in 253 games in all competitions.
When an offer of £47m arrived from Saudi Arabia, there was no question the Midlands side were going to accept, especially with the pressure to comply with the financial fair play regulations, but it is clear the club are missing Neves.
Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
For his new team, Al-Hilal, the Portuguese midfielder has scored seven times and grabbed 11 assists. In comparison, no Wolves' midfielder has more than six goal contributions this season, which is slightly worrying.
He remains a big loss to the spine of the team, especially with his continued success elsewhere, but might Wolves have let an even bigger talent slip through the net in recent times? As Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Vitinha was previously on the books for Wolves.
Goals
6
Assists
1
Key passes per game
0.9
Big chances created
1
Accurate passes per game
48.8
Vitinha's record at Wolves
In September 2020, Wolves managed to secure the signature of the Portuguese starlet on a season-long loan deal from FC Porto, with an option to buy inserted into the deal.
vitinha-wolves
Given his potential, it looked as though the Old Gold could be close to pulling off another masterstroke in a similar vein to Neves, but Vitinha’s time in the Midlands was far from a success.
Across all competitions, he managed to make just 22 appearances for Wolves, scoring once and providing one assist, failing to really showcase his potential under Nuno Espírito Santo.
It wasn’t until he returned to Porto ahead of the 2021/22 campaign that failing to sign him permanently looked like it could prove to be a massive mistake.
Vitinha's record since leaving Wolves
The midfielder began to really showcase his true worth when returning to Porto, making 47 appearances across all competitions while scoring four times and grabbing five assists.
After impressing in Portugal, PSG completed the signing of the highly rated player in the summer of 2022, spending €40m (£34.4m) to lure him to France, and it has proven to be a tremendous bargain given how well he has performed, especially this season.
Under Luis Enrique, PSG have looked like a much better team than in previous years, finally showing some cohesion as a collective unit, rather than relying on three or four-star names.
Vitinha has been the beating heart of the squad which not only claimed the Ligue 1 title for the third successive season but are into the final of the Coupe de France while coming ever so close to making their second Champions League final.
In Europe’s premier club competition, Vitinha has played a starring role. The 24-year-old currently ranks seventh in the entire tournament for big chances created (five), showing how impressive he has been when compared to fellow competitors in creating opportunities for his teammates.
Despite losing 2-0 on aggregate to Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals, Vitinha has arguably been the star of the show during the knockout stages for the French side.
In the first leg against Barcelona, the youngster finished the game with a 98% pass success rate, made three key passes and lost possession just twice, controlling the game throughout.
Against Dortmund in the first leg, his distribution was incredible. Not only did he succeed with 96% of his passes, but Vitinha was accurate with all 12 long balls he played while winning four of his six ground duels during the clash in what was a sublime display.
The club may have missed out on a second Champions League final, but having a player like Vitinha at the heart of their midfield, it surely won't be long before they actually go on and win the entire thing.
It's no wonder his performances led to high praise, with analyst Ben Mattinson leading the plaudits, saying: “Might not have won the tie but Vitinha showed how he’s been one of the best midfielders in the world this season.
“The close control, IQ, vision, intelligence to dictate the tempo, ball-striking, the time of release, press resistance, mentality, tenacity. So complete.”
There is no doubt that he is going to get better and better in the coming years, especially as it doesn’t look like he has even entered his peak yet.
Wolves already have their next Morgan Gibbs-White lying in wait
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ByJoe Nuttall May 7, 2024
Would Vitinha have developed this quickly had he remained at Wolves after his underwhelming loan spell? It's hard to tell, but going back to Porto and gaining a chance to be the main man in their starting XI certainly helped him secure a move to PSG.
Losing Neves was a blow, but it was always likely that he was going to leave sooner rather than later, plus turning down £47m would have been a poor move from O’Neil.
Failing to sign Vitinha on a permanent deal in 2021, however, is swiftly becoming one of the poorest choices the club have made in quite some time, no doubt about that.