West Ham United will have no problem paying the asking price to sign a forward who's been called "similar" to Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.
Hammers chasing new forward
Michail Antonio's uncertain future, coupled with David Moyes and his seeming lack of faith in Danny Ings, highlight the potential need for West Ham to bring in new forward options sooner rather than later.
Technical chief Tim Steidten is the man tasked with overseeing their transfer activity, and it is believed he is growing in influence at West Ham. The east Londoners are thought to be chasing a striker as their main focus for January, but Moyes has been forced to improvise in the meantime.
Winger Jarrod Bowen has been used down the middle on occasion, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson actually suggesting West Ham have enough cover there already.
“I think Moyes has that cover with Mohammed Kudus, he’s been a great signing," said Robinson on West Ham's striker situation to Football Insider.
gideon-kidoa-jarrod-bowen-west-ham-opinion
"He’s the option. He can play down the centre as well, but also in recent weeks, we’ve seen Jarrod Bowen fill in that role and he’s been excellent. I’ve seen him a few times this season.
“With Kudus and Bowen, maybe not direct competitors, but David Moyes certainly has options and he is not afraid to use them.
“I really like what he’s done there. They’ve progressed again whether or not he looks for a direct competitor for Antonio to strengthen his squad. It’s a squad that’s used to the rigours of European football and they’re in a much better place. In regards to Antonio, if the manager can afford that luxury, maybe it’s something he looks at.”
The Irons, in their pursuit of a new forward, are actually believed to have their eyes on quite an interesting option in Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson.
West Ham ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson
The Iceland international is versatile and can play out wide, through the centre and as a second striker – which is what he's done under manager Alberto Gilardino.
Gudmundsson has often been deployed as the second striker behind Meteo Retegui this term, where he has impressed with five goals in 12 Serie A appearances.
Genoa rewarded the 26-year-old with a new contract on Friday as a result of his excellent performances, but that hasn't deterred Steidten and co.
Indeed, according to Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), West Ham are ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson and will have no problem paying his asking price.
The "exemplary" attacker (Kevin Strootman) is said to be valued at around £17.5 million, and they aren't the only ones who wish to make a move for Gudmundsson.
Rivals from the Premier League, Napoli and Roma are mentioned as other suitors for the player and it will be very interesting to see who comes out on top.
Given Gudmundsson's versatility and form, coupled with the notion that he is actually "similar" to Kudus (Football Transfers), £17.5m could be a price worth paying.
While Edulji wants Ramesh Powar to continue, Rai appoints ad-hoc committee to shortlist new coach
Sidharth Monga and Nagraj Gollapudi 11-Dec-2018The question of the coach for the India women’s team, itself a highly divisive matter within the side, has become the latest flashpoint in the two-member Committee of Administrators (CoA), with Diana Edulji taking strong exception to the “unilateral” decision taken by Vinod Rai over the process of appointing a new coach.The war of words between the two surviving members of the CoA, which has been reduced from four following the resignations of two other original members, also reopened the role played by Virat Kohli in the controversial departure of Anil Kumble as the head coach of the India men’s team last year.Powar reapplies for India women coach role
Ramesh Powar, whose tenure as the interim coach of the India women’s team ended on November 30, has reapplied for the position. “I can’t let the girls down, especially Harman, Smriti for showing the support for the hard work we put together for three months,” Powar told ESPNcricinfo. “Whatever happens next is not in my control. Their backing gives you that much satisfaction that they recognise your hard work, their own hard work, the hard work we put together to qualify [for the World T20 semi-finals] after eight years, winning 14 games in a row, no matter whether it was beating Australia A or beating Australia. I thought about it for a week, discussed it with my friends and family. I felt I should do what’s in my control – to reapply – especially to respect their support and the hard work we put in together in such a short time which took us to the semis.”
Despite Edulji’s insistence on retaining Ramesh Powar, who had been India women’s interim coach till the World T20, Rai had signed a BCCI media release, which stated that an ad-hoc committee was formed to shortlist and finalise the new coach. The panel, comprising Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shanta Rangaswamy, will conduct interviews on December 20.Rai said he was “constrained” to give the final instructions to appoint the ad-hoc committee in the “best interests” of women’s cricket. “We can’t extend uncertainty,” Rai said in an email sent to Edulji and the BCCI hierarchy, including the three office bearers.Edulji, who was disappointed with Rai’s decision, told ESPNcricinfo that “this committee has not been approved by me”. She strongly disagreed with Rai, saying he could not take “unilateral” decisions, considering the Supreme Court had given her equal authority.”As chairman he can’t take any unilateral decisions as there is no casting vote for chairman,” she said. “It is strange that in a democratic set-up of the CoA only views of one person are considered and the views expressed by other member who was also appointed by the Supreme Court along with you don’t matter.”The divide between the two CoA members surfaced as soon as the BCCI opted against renewing Powar’s contract, which had expired on November 30. Powar was appointed as the interim coach from September 1, replacing Tushar Arothe, who had to resign after senior players had told the BCCI that they did not agree with his coaching style.In a long trail of emails exchanged with Rai, which have been accessed by ESPNcricinfo, Edulji stressed that Powar should “continue” as coach because India’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana had requested he do so.Edulji reminded Rai that the precedent of listening to the player’s view had already been set last year during the controversial resignation of Kumble, who was told by the BCCI that Kohli had differences with his style of coaching. Edulji told Rai that he had accepted Kohli’s word despite Kumble having the backing of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), the three-member selection panel that had appointed him as coach.”The captain [Harmanpreet] and vice-captain [Mandhana] have requested their choice, so why can’t we respect their choice for this tour till we get clarity on the committee,” Edulji said in an email on Tuesday. “We can go ahead and continue with the same coach. The views of the two senior players must not be ignored.”Virat did not accede to Kumble continuing inspite of CAC saying so, then why not these two players get what they feel is best for the team.”Rehab mates: Harmanpreet and Mandhana, captain and vice-captain of India’s T20I team, spent quality time with each other while recovering from injuries at NCA•Annesha Ghosh/Annesha Ghosh/ESPNcricinfo LtdIn response, Rai argued that although Kumble had “stepped back” due to the “differences” with Kohli, players had not sent emails to CoA or the BCCI. Rai told Edulji that a head coach could not be picked by asking for the players’ votes. “Yes- there were differences between Virat and Kumble,” Rai said. “As a consequence of that Kumble stepped back. More importantly, the team did not send emails. The team must realise that that coaches are not decided on team votes.”Edulji responded saying there was “nothing wrong” with Harmanpreet and Mandhana recording their opinions about the coach saga in emails because “they were truthful in expressing their views.” Despite earning the backing of a majority of the Indian players, Powar could not earn similar respect from the team’s senior-most player and ODI captain Mithali Raj.Raj was included in only three out of the five matches India played in the World T20 and was dropped for the semi-finals against England. In a scathing email to the BCCI management, Raj said Powar wanted to “destroy” her career. In response, Powar said Raj threatened to walk out of the WT20 and retire if she was not allowed to open.Edulji also accused Rai of keeping her away from discussions when he met Raj and Harmanpreet in Delhi recently to resolve the differences between the pair and seek their views on the appointment of coach. The next day, Powar received a shot in the arm after Harmanpreet and Mandhana had sent out separate emails urging the CoA and the BCCI to continue with Powar, who they said had a positive impact on the players. As for the differences between Powar and Raj, both players insisted these could be sorted amicably. “In my absence, you had a meeting with the two women cricket captains and when I enquired on the same; you replied saying they wanted to meet you, so you met them. Once again, you have failed to understand that I have an equal say in all matters of BCCI as CoA with equal rights not less not more.”Edulji also wanted the CAC comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman to conduct the interviews and shortlist the names for the women’s coach. The CAC members had informed the BCCI that they were not available to be present at such short notice, but given a “defined role” and adequate time they would be happy to help. Edulji suggested India could travel with Powar continuing as the interim coach for their tour of New Zealand in January, allowing CAC to do their job.However, Rai was in no mood to oblige. “We cannot now withdraw and say that we will continue with our ad-hoc coach of three months – who has been the reason for such bad blood in the team. This chapter has to be closed and the earlier the better.”Rai said that he could not understand why Edulji and the senior players were against hiring a new, experienced head coach, who could possibly help them crossover the “plateau” they keep hitting in big-ticket tournaments like the World Cup.Rai asked Edulji to instead “persuade” the Indian women players to “grow out of micro issues” and see the “macro” picture.” “What I cannot understand is why some members of the team, or any other person advising them, is against having an internationally acclaimed coach. Don’t we seek to upgrade the team from the plateau that they keep hitting in international games?
Lyon staged an incredible comeback to overturn a 2-0 deficit and beat PSG 3-2 in a thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg.
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Marie-Antoinette Katoto scores twiceLyon hit back with three goals in six minutesSecond leg takes place next weekGettyTELL ME MORE
Coming into the game, PSG knew that they had something of a mountain to climb, given that Lyon are top of Division 1 Feminine and nine points clear of their rivals.
But PSG were stunningly efficient for so long, gaining a shock 2-0 lead that looked set to take them into the second leg with an advantage.
Lyon spent the first half largely in the ascendancy and had a superb chance just after the half-hour mark, as Constance Picaud in PSG's goal failed to claim a cross, and the rebound dropped to Wendie Renard, but she rushed her finish and could only find the side netting.
And they were swiftly punished, as Marie-Antoinette Katoto got on the end of a delicious delivery from Sandy Baltimore and finished despite being off balance at the back post to give PSG the lead against the run of play.
PSG picked up where they left off in the second half and Katoto added a second just a minute into the half, controlling a deflected shot and finishing coolly to give her side a commanding lead.
But Lyon somehow managed one of the most efficient comebacks fans will ever see.
Kadidiatou Diani first finished a superb run with a poked finish in the 79th minute, then Melchie Dumornay equalised five minutes later with a powerful effort.
And, in the 86th minute, Amel Majri, on as a substitute, finished brilliantly after an exceptional break to give Lyon a scarcely believable victory.
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While Katoto scored a brilliant brace, it is impossible to look beyond Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor. She kept her calm, allowed Lyon to keep playing their way, and her changes paid off, with substitute Mejri netting the all-important winner. Bompastor is a simply brilliant tactician.
THE BIG LOSER
PSG as a whole had this game under control, were cruising towards what looked like a staggering result, and they lost their heads as soon as Lyon scored. At 2-1, they showed none of the composure required to keep their lead intact, and were subsequently punished. Lyon are the best at this; PSG opened the door for them.
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
PSG and Lyon will renew hostilities next Sunday. PSG play Paris FC in a derby on Wednesday beforehand, while Lyon play Guingamp on the same day.
Rangers returned to winning ways over the weekend by easing to a 2-0 victory over St Mirren at Ibrox and the result was a pleasant way to end a difficult week.
The victory keeps them eight points behind Celtic in the Premiership, but they do have a game in hand coming up and if they could secure three points then, it would narrow the gap further.
Philippe Clement remains undefeated in charge of the club, yet successive 1-1 draws against Aberdeen and Aris Limassol appeared to halt the new manager bounce and the performances were disjointed in both games.
Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.
Against the Paisley side, however, the Belgian rejigged his starting XI, and it resulted in a straightforward victory, with Todd Cantwell being utilised in his preferred attacking midfield slot.
Despite the win, it wasn’t all good news as the manager confirmed that Nico Raskin will all but miss the League Cup final against Aberdeen in two weeks due to injury.
The latest news on Nico Raskin's injury
The 22-year-old was stretchered off during the 2-1 win against Hearts at the end of October due to suffering an injury and the initial prognosis was he would be available after the international break.
Speaking to the media following the league clash on Sunday, Clement provided a fresh update on his recovery, and it isn’t good news for the Ibrox faithful.
He said: "Nico will have a new assessment next week because his rehab is not going well so I am not so happy about that but it is what it is. We have to find solutions."
The 49-year-old also said his chances of appearing against Aberdeen were “very small” and this is a blow for the Light Blues, who were hoping to return to full strength ahead of the game.
It remains to be seen whether he will play a part in any of the festive fixtures and Clement will need to adapt and utilise other players in the squad.
Nico Raskin Rangers career in numbers
The Light Blues managed to secure Raskin’s signature during the January transfer window having trailed him since the previous summer, and it looked as though he was going to be a shrewd piece of business by Michael Beale.
During his first six months, the Belgian played 16 matches for the club and despite arriving with over half the season already completed, Raskin still managed to rank third across the squad in tackles per game (1.8) while succeeding with a staggering 92% of his dribble attempts and completing 88% of his passes.
It was clear he had a bright future in the game and his embryonic spell in Glasgow certainly proved that he could emerge as a mainstay in the heart of the midfield.
So far during the 2023/24 campaign, Raskin tops the pile for tackles per game across the whole squad (2.8), while also ranking seventh for accurate passes per game (44.1) and for big chances created (two), showcasing his tenacious nature along with an impressive passing game.
His loss has been felt and while John Lundstram is a steady presence in the midfield, Clement must now try and get Ryan Jack and Jose Cifuentes up to speed as they are his likely choices of partner for the former Sheffield United midfielder.
There may be another option, however, as Tom Lawrence dropped slightly deeper against St Mirren at the weekend. Could the Welshman fill in for Raskin over the course of the next few weeks?
Tom Lawrence’s game vs St Mirren in numbers
The 29-year-old played the full 90 minutes and with every game, he is slowly returning to the type of form which led the Gers to sign him in the first place.
Lawrence was constantly looking to get involved against the Paisley side, taking 93 touches and when he had it, the midfielder made two key passes and succeeded with his only dribble attempt in what was a commanding performance.
Tom Lawrence
He did lose possession 18 times, but it was only due to his inclination to get forward on a regular basis and the former Derby County star chipped in defensively too.
The midfielder managed to win 50% of his ground duels along with making four tackles during the match and his performance may have given Clement something to think about going forward.
Tom Lawrence’s statistics this season for Rangers
Having missed practically the whole of last season due to suffering an injury in August 2022, Lawrence has shown wonderful resilience to not only recover but to force his way into Clement’s plans for the future.
The £22k-per-week maestro was recently hailed as “brilliant” by Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie, and he has impressed so far this season.
The Welshman not only ranks second across the squad for big chances created in the Premiership (three), but he also ranks fourth for key passes per game (1.7), fifth for successful dribbles per game (one) and shots on target per game (0.8), showing his effectiveness in an attacking sense.
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29
2
3
0.9
1
1.1
1.7
2.8
0.8
He has often been utilised in his preferred attacking midfield role, hence the impressive statistics regarding big chances created, and key passes made, but the midfielder displayed on Sunday that even by dropping slightly deeper than normal, he still has the potential to cause plenty of problems for the opposition defence.
With Jack struggling with the odd injury niggles and Cifuentes not quite hitting the ground running, there is a space alongside Lundstram for Lawrence and if he takes it, there could be selection problems for the manager when Raskin returns.
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The former Club Brugge boss will just need to be wary of Lawrence’s fitness as he hasn’t exactly played a lot of football and with a hectic fixture list coming up, managing his game time will be a key priority.
Against Hearts on Wednesday, however, Lawrence and Lundstram must be the two central midfield options that Clement goes with, as they can work in tandem to cause all sorts of problems for the Jambos.
Raskin being injured may be a blow for the Light Blues, yet in the 29-year-old, they have a more than capable replacement who has shown just how good he can be in recent weeks.
The Argentine looks set to smash several single-season benchmarks in his first full campaign in the U.S.
When Lionel Messi does hang up his boots – and that day is coming sooner than many are willing to accept – he'll have made his mark on the record books, to say the least. Messi basically tore up everything that preceded him during his time at Barcelona, so much so that the sport can now basically be defined by two eras: pre-Messi and post-Messi.
The MLS and Inter Miami record books are obviously much newer. The league is still in its infancy compared to its European counterparts, while compared to Barcelona, Miami is essentially a newborn. Their records are still being written and none are particularly set in stone.
He's less than a year into his Miami career, but Messi is already taking down MLS marks left and right. The Argentine is destroying all in his path to start this season, and he's showing no signs of stopping.
On current pace, Messi looks set to challenge some of the league's top marks, and while nothing is guaranteed, particularly with a Copa America coming this summer, it seems like MLS' record books are being rewritten before our very eyes by a player that's no stranger to rewriting them.
Watch Inter Miami with the MLS Season PassStream nowGetty ImagesMessi's hot start
Messi missed about a month of MLS games due to injury. If you look at his stats, though, you'd have no idea. The Argentine has more than made up for lost time, scoring goal after goal to open his MLS campaign. In seven matches, including six starts, Messi has directly contributed to a total of 16 goals. All of that has come in just 585 minutes, which means Messi is averaging a goal or an assist every 36.5 minutes. Even by Messi standards, that's absurd.
He's scored nine of his own and set up seven more, contributing to all-but four of the goals scored in the games he's played for the Herons. With Messi on the field, Miami have dropped just four points from those seven appearances.
Despite missing time, Messi is leading the league with his nine goals, one more than Real Salt Lake's Chicho Arango and D.C. United star Christian Benteke. In assists, Messi is also the league leader, level with Arango and Minnesota United playmaker Robin Lod.
All of that despite missing four matches due to injury. It's no surprise, though… just Messi being Messi.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMulti-goal madness
It's not just the volume of goals, but rather the consistency. When Messi is on the field, you can basically guarantee multiple goals for Miami.
In his seven MLS appearances so far this season, Messi has contributed to more than one goal in all-but one. His most recent effort? A two-goal, one-assist explosion against the New England Revolution, matching a previous two-goal, one-assist explosion against Nashville SC just one week prior.
With his performance against the Revs, Messi became the first player in MLS history to record multiple goal contributions in five consecutive games. He also earned some unsurprising recognition from those at the league office…
Matching MLS royalty
On Monday, MLS made it official… not that we didn't know it was coming. Messi was named MLS Player of the Matchday for Match 11, meaning the Argentine has claimed the award in two of the last three weeks.
By winning the prize, Messi joins Luis Suarez in winning it twice in this young season. The South American duo are the first pair of teammates to earn multiple Player of the Matchday honors in the first 11 matchdays since Landon Donovan and David Beckham did so for LA Galaxy. That's decent company, for sure.
Additionally, Miami are the first club to have earned four of the first 10 Play of the Matchday honors since 2021, when the Galaxy did the same. It's safe to assume that Messi isn't done, though. There are plenty of goals and records still very much in his sights.
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USA Today SportsRewriting Miami's records
Miami are still one of MLS' newest clubs, and thus the club's history books are still very much being written. All signs indicate that Messi will be doing plenty of that writing going forward, though.
As things stand, Gonzalo Higuain is Miami's all-time leading scorer, with 29 goals from 70 games. For all of the criticism that followed him throughout his career, Higuain was a dominant goal-scorer who proved himself all over Europe. Thanks to one last surge before retirement, he then solidified his spot in the Herons' young history.
Just behind Higuain in the rankings is current Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana on 25 goals. And then there's Messi, who is already on 22 goals. That puts him just seven behind his long-time Argentina teammate. The scary part? He's needed just 22 games to hit that mark, nearly 50 fewer than Higuain played during his spell in South Beach.
Messi will inevitably be Miami's top scorer; he may even have the mark before summer hits. When he seals the club records, he can then set his sights on MLS' top marks, which could very well fall this season.
Glasgow Rangers will be hoping to take confidence from their recent run of three Scottish Premiership victories in a row into the Europa League clash against Real Betis on Thursday evening.
The Gers have secured European football after Christmas, but it remains to be seen what competition they will feature in.
A win against Betis will ensure they remain in the Europa League, but anything less coupled with a Sparta Prague win over Aris Limassol will mean they drop into the Europa Conference League.
Philippe Clement will surely aim to win every match he takes charge of, yet he has some decisions to make, especially with a crucial League Cup final coming up against Aberdeen on Sunday.
With this in mind, he could make a few changes to his last starting XI in the 3-1 win over Dundee for the trip to Seville.
We at Football FanCast have predicted the lineup that Belgian could choose for the last group stage match of the campaign on Thursday evening, with two possible alterations from the weekend.
1 GK – Jack Butland
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland
The ever-reliable Englishman has not missed a match this term and this seems unlikely to end anytime soon.
Butland has made some big saves during European ties against PSV Eindhoven and Sparta Prague this season and his performances domestically have arguably kept the Gers within touching distance of Celtic in the chase for the title.
With 13 clean sheets in 28 matches, the former Crystal Palace shot-stopper will be aiming for his 14th against the La Liga side.
2 RB – James Tavernier
James Tavernier
The captain scored and grabbed an assist during the previous league match against Dundee on the weekend and he will be hoping to break his goalless run in the Europa League on Thursday.
The 32-year-old has yet to register a goal contribution during the group stage this season, but this could be a good omen. As during the run to the 2022 Europa League final, Tavernier failed to score during the group stage before finishing as the top scorer in the competition.
3 CB – Connor Goldson
Rangers defender Connor Goldson.
The Englishman was rested by Clement during the clash against the Dens Park outfit on Saturday in preparation for the two upcoming matches.
That was just the third match Goldson has missed all season, yet the breather may have done him the world of good.
The 6 foot 3 titan could be unleashed against Betis and Aberdeen over the next four days, and he could be integral to Clement with his towering presence at the back.
4 CB – John Souttar
John Souttar
Leon Balogun was not included in the Europa League squad by Michael Beale and this means Souttar could be unleashed from the start on Thursday.
The Scot played the whole game against Dundee and, while he has missed a few ties this term due to a niggling injury, it appears as though he is back to full fitness just as the fixtures are coming thick and fast.
5 LB – Borna Barisic
Rangers defender Borna Barisic.
Like Balogun, Ridvan Yilmaz was also left out of the aforementioned squad for the group stages and this looks like a bigger mistake with every passing game.
This means Barisic will start his fifth group stage clash of the season, although he has yet to register an assist during those matches.
With his contract expiring in a few months, the Croatian defender will need to impress Clement if he has any ambition of securing an extended deal.
6 CM – John Lundstram
The 29-year-old ace has returned to form this season and is fast becoming one of the few players Clement can depend on, as he has started every single match since the Belgian tactician took over.
He will be hoping to have another commanding performance in the middle of the pitch that gives the Light Blues the best chance of securing a victory and a chance to repeat their heroics from 2022 in the process.
7 CM – Jose Cifuentes
The midfielder hasn’t quite hit the ground running during his spell in Scotland yet, however, there is still time for him to establish himself in the centre of the pitch.
The Ecuadorian was sent off against Dundee and, despite the club appealing the decision, Cifuentes will now miss the League Cup final and the Premiership clash with St Johnstone.
This means Clement will unleash him alongside Lundstram, yet he will face a selection headache for the following two matches.
8 RW – Ross McCausland
The youngster was dropped to the bench during the 3-1 win over Dundee, but he came on for the second half.
Rabbi Matondo was the one who replaced him in the starting XI, yet the Welsh winger will drop to the bench for the European tie as Clement may look to keep him fresh for the final on Sunday.
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This gives McCausland a chance to shine once again in Europe, as it was on this stage that he netted his first goal for the club during the tie against Aris.
9 AM – Todd Cantwell
Since being taken off after just 36 minutes during the previous continental game, Cantwell has knuckled down and showcased his talents by being deployed in his more favoured number ten position.
The Englishman has found the back of the net just once during the current campaign and there would be no better week than this one for him to add a couple more.
10 LW – Abdallah Sima
The 22-year-old is another player who Clement can depend upon to be fit for every match as he has started every single match under the 49-year-old thus far.
Not only that, but the winger has scored four goals during that time and this has taken his tally to 13 for the entire campaign.
If he can add to this total during the next couple of matches, the Gers will stand a solid chance of winning both games.
Khulna Titans remained at rock-bottom on the points table despite a promising batting show led by Junaid Siddique’s 70
The Report by Varun Shetty18-Jan-2019How the game played outComilla Victorians took charge of the match emphatically after being behind for most of the first quarter, and the momentum from that turnaround helped them cross the line despite some nervous moments at the end in their chase of 182. Tamim Iqbal’s 42-ball 73 and his opening stand of 115 at nearly ten an over with Anamul Haque had set a platform that was too much damage for Khulna Titans to come back from. Thisara Perera smashed Carlos Brathwaite for ten runs in two balls as the allrounder tried to defend six off the last four balls. Khulna’s Junaid Khan took four wickets for 32, but their fourth and fifth bowlers went for plenty and those margins were enough for Comilla.Earlier, Shahid Afridi took regular wickets to stop Khulna’s top order from running away to a gigantic total. After opener Jahurul Islam had fallen in the first over, the left-handed Junaid Siddique and right-hander Al-Amin played picturesque shots on a true batting surface. The pair put on 73 for the second wicket in 39 balls, and maximised in the Powerplay. But Afridi bowled Amin and Mahmudullah in quick succession, before Siddique’s run-out was quickly followed by Dawid Malan’s wicket – also to Afridi – after the pair had put up 50 for the fourth wicket. With five overs still left at the point, the momentum was curbed and Khulna only managed 35. Their final total of 181 was at least 20 short of a winning score on this pitch.Turning pointsMalan’s cut had travelled quickly to point and his throw to the non-striker’s end was slightly wide.Siddique was languid as he stumbled back though and the bowler had enough time to get an underarm flick onto the stumps.In the 15th over, Brathwaite had affected a superb run-out at the non-striker’s end off his own bowling and Comilla had collapsed from 115 for 0 to 129 for 3 as a result. They had begun showing nerves but Imrul Kayes hit the next two balls for six to create a big over nonetheless and kept the momentum going.Star of the dayTamim said at the presentation that he had begun panicking about his lack of runs in the BPL this season. The opener had made ducks in both games leading up to this one, and had only two double-digits scores in five innings before this game. His free-flowing start at the top of the order made it almost impossible to lose for Comilla.The big missBrathwaite conceded six fours and three sixes in his spell of 3.4 overs, and was taken for 50 runs. He also fell in the 17th over for a 9-ball 12. These average returns in both innings affected Khulna massively.Where the teams standComilla Victorians continue their upward march. They are now in second place, with four wins in six games. After snapping their four-match losing streak last time, Khulna have failed to put together a winning one. They’re last with five losses in six games.
Few Liverpool supporters would argue against the 2022/23 campaign marked the nadir of Jurgen Klopp's illustrious reign at Anfield, with the German manager failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in a full season.
But with the current campaign restoring both Liverpool's verve and credentials as challengers for silverware, there has been much to rejoice over since the starting line was crossed back in August.
Considering this, Football FanCast has perused the narrative of the term thus far and put together a comprehensive list of Liverpool's player ratings. All ratings are out of 10 and feature players to have made more than five starts in the Premier League so far this season.
Goalkeepers Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker.
9/10: Now, it's a bold claim considering some of the efforts from Liverpool's starring outfield members, but Alisson Becker might just take the spot as Klopp's best player of the campaign.
Seemingly indomitable with his odd-defying saves, commanding presence and silky distribution, the Reds probably wouldn't find themselves in title contention if not for his machine-like motions between the sticks.
Caoimhin Kelleher
6/10: Caoimhin Kelleher has made ten appearances this season and while Alisson's presence has been missed when the Irishman is provided a starting berth, he is a competent back-up keeper and does his job for the Reds.
Full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.
8/10: Simply sublime across recent weeks, and were it not for a shaky start to the campaign then Trent Alexander-Arnold's rating would be higher; the influential, role-reshaping creator has posted two goals and seven assists so far in 2023/24, and the best is surely still to come…
Joe Gomez
7/10: Recently, Joe Gomez appears to have decided that he is going to score a goal in professional football and there is nothing that anyone can do about it.
He's not perfect, but the 26-year-old is enjoying a "renaissance" – as said by writer Joel Rabinowitz – after an abject year, and often provides stability at right-back that allows Alexander-Arnold to foray forward and wreak havoc.
Andrew Robertson
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7/10: Andy Robertson remains sidelined after injuring his shoulder on international duty with Scotland in October, but he impressed across his first eight Premier League fixtures of the term, scoring a crucial goal at Molineux, completing 87% of his passes and averaging 2.6 key passes and 7.1 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.
Kostas Tsimikas
5/10: Handed an opportunity for a starring role following Robertson's setback, Kostas Tsimikas, aged 27, has ebbed and flowed from form, however, he has chalked up three assists from eight starts in the English top-flight.
One of the worst regular performers this season, noted for an "abysmal" display in the Europa League by one podcaster.
Centre-backs Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk.
8.5/10: Virgil van Dijk has been a veritable wall in front of Alisson's goal this season, eradicating the concerns that his struggles last season bred with sustained performances of world-class distinction.
In the Premier League, as per Sofascore, he has scored one goal, supplied two assists and kept five clean sheets from 15 matches, completing 90% of his passes, making a key pass every other game, averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions, 4.8 ball recoveries and 4.7 clearances per outing and winning 77% of his duels. Imperious.
He was sent off against Newcastle United in the early stages however, and for this reason, he's a smidge behind his shot-stopper in the ratings.
Joel Matip
7.5/10: One of the more poignant tales of the campaign, long-time servant Joel Matip's season ended in crushing circumstances after rupturing his ACL against Fulham earlier in December; he's out of contract in June. He'd been excellent to that point, and if this is it for his Anfield career, what a ride it's been…
Ibrahima Konate
7/10: Ibrahima Konate had not been starting regularly in the Premier League before Matip's injury, but he has started four of the past five Premier League matches and will hope to sustain his fitness over the coming months, particularly impressing against Arsenal last time out.
Jarell Quansah
8/10: Perhaps a slightly generous rating, but I doubt many will dispute it. Bursting onto the scene this season, 20-year-old Jarell Quansah is the real deal and looks every bit the commanding and controlled centre-half to perform for Liverpool over the coming years.
Midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai
7.5/10: Should Dominik Szoboszlai's rating be higher? Perhaps, but the Hungary captain has plateaued across recent weeks and will need to ramp it up a gear to return to that early-season form that tantalised greatness on Merseyside.
Alexis Mac Allister
7.5/10: Alexis Mac Allister has divided opinion since his £35m summer transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion, though this is largely because he has been forced into a deeper-lying role than he might have liked.
Nonetheless, the 2022 World Cup winner has proved to be an excellent signing, with his dynamism and energy in the centre invaluable in reviving the squad. Also scored an absolute worldie against Fulham.
Ryan Gravenberch
6.5/10: Ryan Gravenberch has demonstrated flashes of brilliance since joining in the summer but still needs plenty of refinement to cement a prominent spot in Klopp's Liverpool team.
Wataru Endo
7/10: Signed as a stop-gap option after Liverpool missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Wataru Endo, aged 30, has been solid if unspectacular, lacking a bit in physicality and command but working tirelessly and popping up with some big moments.
Curtis Jones
7/10: Underrated and underappreciated by some, Curtis Jones is a “truly special” – as has been said by one analyst – midfielder with a complete technicality to rival many more salient names floating around the European scene. He'll want to start receiving more starting appearances.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 5% for assists per 90. That says it all.
Harvey Elliott
8/10: Like Jones, Harvey Elliott is desperate to rise up the pecking order, but the 20-year-old need only have faith in his prodigious qualities and bide his time.
Fleet-footed, graceful and brimming with guile, the England U21 star has been mesmerising most of the time he's been on the pitch, and his last-gasp winner against Crystal Palace earlier in December could be crucial in the gripping title battle.
Forwards Mohamed Salah
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9/10: Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is comfortably one of the greatest forwards in Premier League history and continues to prove his odd-defying brilliance this season. Need more be said?
Games
Goals
Assists
Premier League
18
12
7
Europa League
5
3
1
Carabao Cup
2
1
0
Total
25
16
8
*Sourced via Transfermarkt
Darwin Nunez
7/10: This was a strenuous rating to decide upon. Darwin Nunez is a fan favourite and rightly so. He's brilliant, he really is, and he embodies many of the best qualities of watching your forward terrorise opposition defences.
Unfortunately, he hasn't quite found his shooting boots despite improving from last year's woes and will need to snap an 11-match goalless streak to truly start proving himself as one of Europe's very best.
Cody Gakpo
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.
6/10: Possibly a victim of his own versatility, Cody Gakpo has scored seven times this season but is not quite producing the glittering performances that his exploits with PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands at the World Cup tantalised. He needs to go up a gear.
Diogo Jota
8/10: Having been ruled out since a shoulder injury sustained against Manchester City in November, Liverpool have clearly been lacking Diogo Jota's incisive goal threat.
Eight goals from just 11 starts across all competitions underscores the Portugual star's value to Klopp's team.
Luis Diaz
6/10: Luis Diaz will feel aggrieved for having a wonderful goal inexplicably ruled out for offside against Tottenham Hotspur, but he's scored just one league goal since August, and for his standards, he's flattered to deceive and will need to increase his output.
Leicester City hero Jamie Vardy has been backed to seal a shock summer transfer to Wrexham by ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.
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Vardy wins promotion with LeicesterFerdinand weighs in on Wrexham speculationLeicester star turned 37 in JanuaryWHAT HAPPENED?
Vardy helped Leicester win promotion back to the Premier League this season, scoring 18 goals in the second-tier. However, the evergreen forward turned 37 in January, and his contract is due to expire this summer. Enzo Maresca has confirmed talks are underway to keep the striker, but Ferdinand believes he could be tempted to make a move to Wrexham, who will be playing in League One next season.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Wrexham have not ruled out the prospect of trying to convince Vardy to move to Wales this summer, with club director Humphrey Ker insisting they would not be "put off" by his age. While the Premier League title winner has played up and down the divisions, he has never made an appearance in League One.
WHAT FERDINAND SAID
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Red Devils legend Ferdinand said: “He’s got to play another season in the Premier League. I want to see him get a couple of goals in the Premier League, it’s nice. The only club I’d like him to go to if he leaves is Wrexham."
Pressed on why he felt a move to Wrexham would appeal, the ex-England and United defender replied: “It’s got that Hollywood feel and he’s had a bit of a Hollywood career. Started from the bottom now we’re here, and he wants to reverse that.”
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Vardy may have a decision to make this summer, especially as talks are underway over him extending his stay at the King Power Stadium. Wrexham, in the meantime, will continue preparations for League One under their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The January transfer window is an opportunity for clubs to capitalise on a mid-season window where they can add to their squads to help them on their way for the second half of the campaign.
Ange Postecoglou's arrival in north London has provided Tottenham Hotspur a fresh lease of life both on and off the pitch. The Australian's philosophy of exciting, attractive football has the Spurs faithful on the edge of their seats and the progressive football has translated into results.
Indeed, Spurs are heading into the new year on the back of a stunning first half of the season and are well within the race to secure a spot in next season's Champions League. It also has to be said that they may consider themselves unlucky not to be closer to the top of the table following a disastrous injury spell over November.
Big injuries to some key players has meant Postecoglou has had to look to his bench over recent weeks and this may mean there is even more significance put on the deals done in the January window for the Lilywhites.
And we at Football FanCast have taken a look into the history books and ranked the top 10 winter window additions for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham ended an 18-month drought of not signing anyone with the addition of Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain in the 2018 January window.
The Brazilian cost Spurs in the region of £25m and over his five-year spell in north London, the winger was able to rack up 221 appearances where he returned 39 goals and 22 assists (via Transfermarkt).
Although Moura did not quite provide the returns of which the likes of Heung-min Son has been able to make over recent years, the Brazilian's name will forever be etched in Tottenham's history.
That night in Amsterdam will always be remembered by everyone at Spurs after Moura scored a stunning second-half hat-trick in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final to book their spot in the final.
It could be argued Moura's returns outside of that night were somewhat underwhelming, however, he did end his time at Spurs in style with a sensational solo goal against Leeds United in the dying seconds of the 2022/23 campaign.
9 Jermain Defoe February 2004 & January 2009
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The England international will always be remembered as one of the club's best goalscorers and both of his transfers to Spurs came in the January window.
Jermain Defoe first signed for Spurs in early 2004, and after a four-year spell with the Lilywhites, he left before returning to White Hart Lane in January 2009.
And although his first stint may have ended slightly underwhelmingly, Defoe returned to Spurs and became one of the club's top goalscorers having returned a stunning 140 goals across his 361 appearances in all competitions (via Transfermarkt).
The striker played a huge role in Tottenham securing their first-ever Champions League qualification by netting a seriously impressive 18 goals in the Premier League over the 2009/10 campaign.
8 Michael Dawson January 2005
Former Tottenham captain Michael Dawson
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Now working on Sky Sports following the end of his career as a player, the centre-back could be considered as one of the more underrated defenders in Premier League history.
Michael Dawson was able to rack up a whopping 321 appearances for Spurs over his time at the club where he played an important role in the club's last trophy triumph.
The 2008 League Cup was Tottenham's last major honour and Dawson played every minute of the semi-final annihilation of their north London rivals, Arsenal, however, he was forced to miss the final through injury.
Although he may not have featured in the final, Dawson proved to be an ever-reliable member of a Spurs side who were beginning their evolution into the big-hitter which they are considered today.
7 Dejan Kulusevski January 2022
Dejan Kulusevski.
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Tottenham's 'ginger from Sweden' has been a real hit following his arrival from Juventus and is showing the signs of being a real dependable starter for the Lilywhites under Postecoglou.
The winger has already played over 75 times for Spurs and in that time he has found the back of the net 12 times and provided 18 assists (via Transfermarkt).
And this season alone, Kulusevski has proven to be a real goal threat from the wing for Postecoglou with five goals in the Premier League alone.
But alongside his return in front of goal, the Swede has proven to be a versatile option for the Australian by playing through the middle amid their injury issues which have plagued the Lilywhites in recent months.
6 Dele Alli February 2015
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Perhaps one of the most exciting young prospects to come out of England in the last decade, Dele Alli set the Premier League alight following his arrival at Spurs.
Although technically, the youngster did not join up with the Spurs side upon his signing in January 2015 as he returned to MK Dons for the remainder of the campaign.
But when he did don the Lilywhite shirt, Dele truly shone and showed he could have become one of the greats for the north London club.
The midfielder quickly rose to stardom and earned himself 37 caps for the England senior side where he was able to find the back of the net three times – including at the 2018 World Cup.
Dele was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year award following a return of 18 goals and nine assists in the 2016/17 Premier League campaign.
The midfielder's struggles over the last few years saw him leave Spurs and has since failed to really find his feet on the pitch since.
However, he will forever be remembered for those stunning early years in north London under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.
5 Pedro Porro January 2023
Tottenham Hotspur ace Pedro Porro in action.
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Spurs have made some encouraging moves in recent winter windows, and one of the most exciting has certainly been Pedro Porro.
The north London side were crying out for an upgrade at right-wing-back in the 2023 January window to provide Antonio Conte with a more natural option.
And that is certainly what Spurs got in Porro. However, Postecoglou's arrival posed a real question as to whether the Spaniard could adapt to a back-four system – that he has done.
Porro has had an impressive start to life in north London with three goals and nine assists over his opening 34 appearances at Spurs (via Transfermarkt).
And it has certainly been an impressive start to life under Postecoglou with the right-back providing six assists in the Premier League over his opening 17 appearances.
4 Rodrigo Bentancur January 2022
Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur
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Alongside Kulusevski, Spurs raided Juventus for Rodrigo Bentancur in a January window which can go down as one to remember for the north Londoners.
Unfortunately for the Uruguayan, Bentancur's recent game time at Spurs has been hindered hugely by two serious injuries. The midfielder was sidelined for the best part of a year in early 2023 after sustaining ACL damage and then – on his first start back – he suffered ligament damage to his ankle following a poor challenge from Aston Villa's Matty Cash.
But in the time Bentancur has been able to play for the Lilywhites, it is clear to see why Paratici wanted to sign him. His return from injury was met by delight from the Spurs fans and he looks like the centre-piece of their midfield for years to come.
3 Wilson Palacios January 2009
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Another player who had a huge role to play in Tottenham's first-ever qualification for the Champions League was the Honduras international Wilson Palacios.
The midfielder was just one of the purchases Harry Redknapp made during his time at Spurs after he was brought in for around £12m from Wigan Athletic.
Palacios was a hard-hitting, no-nonsense midfielder who provided Spurs a lot more solidity in the middle of the park under Redknapp's reign.
The Honduran played a total of 87 times for Spurs over his stint at the club with 33 of those coming in the Premier League campaign where they secured the spot inside the top four for the first time.
By no means was Palacios a glamorous January signing, but he was certainly an effective one.
2 Jonathan Woodgate January 2008
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The career of Jonathan Woodgate was plighted by injuries and his time at Tottenham was no different.
And although that is the case, Woodgate – similarly to Lucas Moura – will be remembered for a huge moment in the club's recent history.
With Dawson missing from the 2008 Carling Cup final, Woodgate lined up alongside Ledley King at centre-back, and he would go on to score the winning goal in extra time.
Spurs were held by their London rivals, Chelsea, to a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, but the two sides were seperated in extra time by Woodgate's header.
Of course, there was a great deal of fortune for the ball to rebound as it did off Woodgate's face before rolling into an empty net. However, that was the club's last major trophy triumph so he remains written in the north London club's history books.
Following his sale to Liverpool, Robbie Keane made his return to Tottenham in the 2009 January window where he would go on to provide a decent return in front of goal.
Over his next 39 appearances for Tottenham across all competitions, the Ireland international scored 15 goals and provided five assists (via Transfermarkt).
Keane's return to White Hart Lane did not quite live up to the standards which he had set during his first stint at the club, but this is a player who has marked his name among the best strikers in the club's history.