NZC to introduce Debbie Hockley Medal to honour top female cricketers

It will be the women’s equivalent of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the outstanding male cricketer of the year

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jan-2023

Debbie Hockley was the first woman to be elected NZC president•Getty Images

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is introducing the Debbie Hockley Medal at this year’s annual awards ceremony, to honour the outstanding female cricketer of the year. The medal will be the women’s equivalent of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the outstanding male cricketer of the year, and will be a regular feature at the NZC’s annual awards. This year’s awards will be held on March 23 in Auckland. Hockley herself will present the new award on the night.Hockley played 118 ODIs and 19 Tests for New Zealand from 1979 to 2000. She was regarded among the best batters across two decades in the 1980s and 1990s and is considered a pioneer of the women’s game. She is the only woman to win the New Zealand Cricketer-of-the-Year award, in 1998, 13 years before the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal was introduced.”I feel honoured, personally, of course – but also thrilled that the country’s outstanding women’s cricketer of the year will be recognised on an annual and ongoing basis,” Hockley said. “It’s been wonderful to watch the progress of the women’s game in New Zealand over the past five or six years and this is another very positive development.”Women’s cricket is going from strength to strength; the growth at all levels has been amazing.”I’m looking forward to presenting this award to the inaugural recipient in March.”Hockley was the fourth woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, in 2013, after Australia’s Belinda Clark and England’s Enid Bakewell and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint.Hockley held several records during her playing and captaincy days. She became the second-youngest captain in a woman’s Test at the age of 21, she is still the format’s fourth-highest run-scorer and the highest for New Zealand, she finished her Test career with an average of 52.04, scored the joint-second-most Test centuries (four), and scored ODI hundreds in consecutive innings, among a host of records.Hockley scored over 4000 ODI runs while averaging nearly 42, including four centuries. She was the first woman to cross 4000 ODI runs, and also the first to play 100 ODIs.She was the first woman to be elected NZC president.

Sky Sports: £35k-p/w Man Utd player who Amorim is happy with may now leave

A Manchester United player who Ruben Amorim and INEOS are happy with could leave Old Trafford in 2025, according to Sky Sports.

Players who may leave Man Utd in 2025

The Red Devils are now in another new era under head coach Amorim and have made a positive start under the Portuguese coach, winning two and drawing one of their first three games.

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Real Madrid are keen on signing a Manchester United player who has become a key player in recent seasons.

ByBrett Worthington Dec 2, 2024

Fans have already been seeing signs of a change in playing style under Amorim, and in the transfer market, there could also be plenty of movement in 2025.

In regards to exits, a number of players are out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and will therefore be able to talk to clubs outside of England in January over a pre-contract agreement.

Man Utd players out of contract in 2025

Amad Diallo (Option for a further year)

Harry Maguire (Option for a further year)

Christian Eriksen

Jonny Evans

Tom Heaton

As can be seen, five players on the books at Man Utd are on course to become free agents, although a new deal for Amad Diallo appears to be in the pipeline.

Unfortunately for Christian Eriksen, it looks as if his days as a Red Devils player are numbered, with Eriksen likely to leave Man Utd for free at the end of the season. Now, it looks as if another player who is still under contract for a number of years could join him in a 2025 exit.

Altay Bayindir could leave Man Utd – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Man Utd goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could leave Old Trafford in either January or in the summer.

Despite Amorim and INEOS being “very satisfied” with the ‘keeper, Plettenberg states that Bayindir “is simply too good to be a number two behind Andre Onana and currently has no prospects for regular playing time”.

Bayindir arrived in Manchester from Fenerbahce for £4.3m in September 2023 following David de Gea and Dean Henderson’s Old Trafford exits.

The Turkey international has rivalled Onana since moving to Old Trafford but has found game time hard to come by, making just three appearances in all competitions.

Under contract until 2027, Bayindir has played in United’s two EFL Cup games in 2024/25, but by the looks of it, an exit in the New Year could be on the cards for the £35,000-a-week shot-stopper.

Should a permanent exit away from United materialise, it will be looked back on as a transfer to forget, with former director John Murtough previously hailing Bayindir after he signed, saying:

“Altay is an excellent addition to our squad and adds further quality to our already strong group of experienced goalkeepers. Having consistently performed at a high level in a strong European league, he has the qualities to support us in achieving our ambitions across all competitions this season and beyond.”

Gilly's no-balls, and Rahane's catches

Also: Moeen Ali’s Ashes distinction, other 3-2 Ashes scorelines, and the oldest living Australian players

Steven Lynch25-Aug-2015How many times has an Ashes series ended up 3-2? asked Martin Palmer from England
This one in 2015 was only the sixth Ashes series to end up 3-2, the first since 1997 when Australia came out on top. That, though, was a six-Test series which also included a draw: the last five-Test Ashes encounter to end up this way was the famous one of 1936-37, when England went 2-0 up but Australia – skippered by Don Bradman – won the last three Tests to pinch the series, a unique feat. The other 3-2s were all in England’s favour, in the 1884-85, 1894-95 and 1903-04 series in Australia.Moeen Ali scored nearly 300 runs in the Ashes series – is this a record for someone who never batted above No. 8? asked Martin Basterfield from England
Moeen Ali’s 293 runs in the 2015 series from No. 8 or 9 has been exceeded only once in the Ashes, by Australia’s Sammy Carter – their wicketkeeper and an idiosyncratic batsman – who made 300 runs in the 1907-08 home series, with a highest score of 66. Carter’s aggregate has been exceeded only twice in any Test series: Shaun Pollock made 302 runs in South Africa’s five home Tests against West Indies in 2000-01, but he was shaded by Harbhajan Singh, who made 315 for India at home against New Zealand in 2010-11. That came from only three Tests: Harbhajan scored his only two Test hundreds, and averaged 105 overall.England won the fourth Test by an innings then lost the fifth by an innings. Has such a turnaround ever happened before? asked Neil Cartwright from England
This seesaw end to the 2015 series was only the second time in Ashes history that the sides had traded innings victories in successive Tests. The other occasion was in 1965-66, when England won the third Test in Sydney by an innings and 93 runs, only for Australia to hit back in Adelaide, winning by an innings and nine. In other series it has happened three times. In India in 1952-53, in Pakistan’s inaugural official Test series, India won the first Test, by an innings in Delhi, only for Pakistan to turn the tables in Lucknow. This also happened in the series between England and West Indies in 1966, and the two-match rubber between India and South Africa in 2009-10.I know Ajinkya Rahane’s eight catches in Galle was a Test best, but was it a first-class record too? asked Mahesh Rahul from India
Ajinkya Rahane’s eight catches in the field in the recent first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle eclipsed the old Test record of seven, first achieved by Greg Chappell for Australia against England in Perth in 1974-75, and later equalled by Yajurvindra Singh (on debut, for India against England in Bangalore in 1976-77), Hashan Tillakaratne (Sri Lanka v New Zealand in Colombo, 1992-93), Stephen Fleming (New Zealand v Zimbabwe in Harare, 1997-98) and Matthew Hayden (Australia v Sri Lanka, also in Galle, in 2003-04). Rahane was the ninth outfielder to take five catches in a Test innings, a record originally set by Chappell’s grandfather, Vic Richardson, against South Africa in Durban in 1935-36. The first-class record, though, is held by Wally Hammond, who was a fine slip fielder as well as a superb batsman. Playing for Gloucestershire against Surrey at Cheltenham in 1928, Hammond took ten catches – eight of them off Charlie Parker – and also scored 139 in the first innings and 143 in the second.Moeen Ali’s 293 runs in Ashes 2015 is the second-highest by a No. 8 or below in an Ashes•Getty ImagesFollowing the sad passing of Arthur Morris, who is Australia’s oldest living Test cricketer? asked Jamie Stewart from Canada
The recent death of Arthur Morris, aged 93, leaves 89-year-old Len Maddocks as Australia’s oldest living Test player. Maddocks, a wicketkeeper from Victoria, played seven Tests during the 1950s. Two of them came in England in 1956: Tony Lock inflicted a pair on him at Headingley, then he provided Jim Laker with two of his 19 wickets in the next match at Old Trafford. In the second innings, Maddocks was the last man out to complete Laker’s ten-wicket haul. Morris’ death means there is now just one survivor from the famous Australian “Invincibles” team of 1948, which was captained by Don Bradman. The last man standing is Neil Harvey, who was only 19 during that tour and is now 86.Kumar Sangakkara played 594 international matches without ever bowling – is that a record? asked Sunit Kumar from Afghanistan
Well, it would have been a record – except that actually Kumar Sangakkara did occasionally have a bowl, sending down 14 overs in Tests in four different innings. Ten of them – for a respectable 34 runs – came at Karachi in 2008-09, as Pakistan amassed 765 for 6 declared. The man who has played the most international matches without ever bowling is Adam Gilchrist, with 396, ahead of Moin Khan (288) and Ian Healy (287). The top non-wicketkeeper is Eoin Morgan, who has played 213 internationals so far without ever turning his arm over. Sangakkara did play more matches (594) than anyone else without taking a wicket: Gilchrist is next, ahead of Herschelle Gibbs, whose one and only over in 361 international matches came as the 11th bowler used when West Indies piled up 747 against South Africa in Antigua in 2004-05.

Man Utd make £12.5m offer for £209k-p/w ace as Amorim eyes first signing

Manchester United have made a £12.5 million offer for a defender who’s been called a “cheat code”, as Ruben Amorim eyes his first signing at Old Trafford, according to a recent report.

The Red Devils were very busy during the summer, adding five players to their squad in INEOS’ first summer transfer window. However, that was under Erik ten Hag’s reign, and the Portuguese will now have his eye on areas of the team he would like the board to strengthen.

Amorim now makes bringing £38m Sporting star to Man Utd his top priority

Amorim has yet to arrive at United but already has his eye on one player he would like to bring to his new side.

1 ByBrett Worthington Nov 5, 2024 Man Utd transfer news

The left-back area has been a concern at Old Trafford for a while now, given the recent absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. United decided against buying a recognised left-back in the summer, instead opting to buy Noussair Mazraoui, who has been excellent since his arrival, but that appears to be an area that needs addressing, especially under Amorim.

The new boss will be looking to play a three-at-the-back system at Old Trafford, and therefore, he will need a left-back capable of playing the wing-back role. So, the Red Devils have identified Patrick Dorgu as a potential option, as he can play as a left-winger and full-back, fitting perfectly into the style of player Amorim likes to have.

Goncalo Inacio in action for Sporting Lisbon

Meanwhile, Amorim and United have made Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio a top target for next summer. They added Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt to their ranks in the summer, but Amorim appears keen to bring Inacio, who has been so important for him in Portugal, to Old Trafford with him next summer.

But Inacio is not the only centre-back that United are looking to sign, as they have reportedly made an offer for another European defender.

Man Utd make £12.5m offer for Andreas Christensen

According to reports in Spain relayed by Football365, Manchester United have made a €15m (£12.5m) offer for Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen. The January transfer window is still several weeks away from opening, but United have made their move for the defender who could become Amorim’s first signing at the club.

Andreas Christensen

Christensen has been at Barça since July 2022, when he joined the club on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea. The Danish international, who has been described as a “cheat code” by journalist Domagoj Kostanjsak, played over 160 times for Chelsea and has been an important player for the Spanish giants since his move.

Amorim is keen to strengthen his United defence in the January transfer window, and according to this report, his first target is going to be Christensen, which aligns with reports on Inacio detailing he cannot move until next summer.

The Red Devils have then made an early offer for the centre-back, who can also play as a right-back if needed. It is an offer that sporting director Deco is willing to consider too, as the player is not in Hansi Flick’s long-term plans.

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Christensen, who earns 250,000 euros a week at Barça, which is roughly £209,000, has an uncertain future at the Spanish club as he’s only played once in La Liga so far this season. This offer from United presents Barça with an opportunity to bring some reinforcements to other areas of the team.

20 anos do Penta: os bastidores da cobertura do LANCE! no último título da Seleção Brasileira

MatériaMais Notícias

da 888casino: Há exatamente 20 anos, o Brasil levantava sua quinta e última Copa do Mundo, que foi realizada em 2002, na Coreia do Sul e no Japão. Fundado em 1997, o LANCE! participou da cobertura, que foi a única da história do veículo em um mundial conquistado pela Seleção. Cobrir essa Copa foi algo muito peculiar, que ficou marcado, e mobilizou as redações em território brasileiro e reportagem in loco.

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da mrbet: GALERIA
> Saiba por onde andam os jogadores da Seleção do Penta

TABELA
> Veja tabela e simulador da Copa do Mundo-2022 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Com um torneio do outro lado do mundo, o que ditava o ritmo da cobertura era o fuso horário, algo que exigiu a divisão da redação em vários turnos de jornada de trabalho, além de duas edições de jornal nos dias de jogos do Brasil e muitas madrugadas em claro para levar conteúdo aos leitores da principal publicação esportiva do país.

Para contar um pouco dessa história, a reportagem atual do LANCE! foi atrás de Guilherme Gomes, editor do jornal na época, que participou ativamente daquela cobertura e ajudou no desenvolvimento da capa que ficou marcada como a do Penta. O jornalista explicou com mais detalhes o funcionamento da redação e a produção dos jornais na única Copa em que o veículo pôde estampar sua capa com um título mundial da Seleção Brasileira.

Cobertura custosa e logística mais complicada após Copa de 1998

Pela primeira vez na história a Fifa organizava uma Copa do Mundo em dois países, a primeira em território asiático, o que popularizou ainda mais o futebol no local, mas inviabilizou a ida de muitos profissionais e torcedores pelos altos custos para estar no Japão e na Coreia do Sul. Dessa forma, o LANCE! acabou enviando apenas dois jornalistas para a cobertura, enquanto na França, na edição anterior, dez integrantes da equipe do jornal montaram uma “mini redação”.

– Foi uma Copa atípica, porque foi a primeira em dois países, Japão e Coreia do Sul, e outro era a questão da logística, por ser do outro lado do mundo, teve a questão financeira, que foi um impedimento grande, porque era um custo bem alto, de passagem, hospedagem, de cobertura, ou seja, diferentemente de outras Copas, a cobertura era bem mais custosa. Uma outra grande situação que foi enfrentada foi o fuso horário – relatou Guilherme Gomes, antes de completar:

– Em relação à questão orçamentária, para efeito de comparação, na Copa de 1998, na França, o LANCE! chegou a montar praticamente uma mini redação na cidade de Chantilly, onde o Brasil ficou, perto de Paris. E o jornal mandou de oito a dez pessoas para a cobertura. Quatro anos depois, na Copa de 2002, por todo o custo envolvido, o LANCE! mandou somente duas pessoas: um repórter e um editor. Então a cobertura in loco foi bem limitada.

Fuso horário provocou a divisão na redação e até lembrou No Limite

Quem não se lembra ou quem não viveu aquela Copa do Mundo, o fuso horário entre o Brasil e Japão/Coreia do Sul era de 12 horas, ou seja, um desafio e tanto para quem trabalhava do outro lado do mundo. Foi preciso trocar o dia pela noite, além de criar uma edição extra para os dias de jogos do Brasil. Toda essa “operação de guerra” fez a redação fazer uma brincadeira com o programa No Limite, sucesso da Globo na época, como lembrou Guilherme Gomes.

-Em relação à logística do fuso horário, ficou estabelecido que com o jogo tendo sido na madrugada ou no início da manhã, o jornal ficaria velho se fosse publicado no horário tradicional, pela manhã, ou seja, não poderia dar esse resultado somente na manhã seguinte. Então ficou decidido que a gente fizesse edições extras nos dias dos jogos do Brasil. A cobertura do jogo era feita na redação com uma equipe, com o jogo sendo de madrugada, ou no início da manhã, como se fosse um fechamento normal de rodada noturna, ou seja, fechando 20 minutos depois do apito final.

– O pessoal brincava com aquele programa “No Limite”, da Globo, aí tinha o grupo Lua e o grupo Sol. O grupo Lua que trabalhava de madrugada nos jogos do Brasil e também dividimos os editores e os responsáveis pelo fechamento. Nesse caso, eu fiquei responsável pelo fechamento do grupo Lua, ou seja, dos jogos do Brasil na edição extra e o editor do grupo Sol continuou fechando a edição normal durante a Copa.

O funcionamento das edições extras nos jogos do Brasil

Como dito acima, com os jogos da Seleção na madrugada e no início da manhã, deixar o noticiário somente para o dia seguinte não fazia sentido, então as edições extras ganharam importância e atenção especial durante a Copa do Mundo. No entanto, exigiu que boa parte da redação trocasse o dia pela noite em prol da publicação do jornal.

– Nos dias de jogos do Brasil era uma operação de guerra para essa edição extra, porque em alguns deles a gente tinha que chegar na redação às 3h da manhã, já que o jogo seria às 4h. Então imagine, o jogo sendo das 4h às 6h, a gente chegava às 3h da manhã e ficava até umas 9h, chegando antes para planejar. O jornal fechava às 7h em dias assim, mas eu lembro que tivemos horários variados de jogos, em que foi possível emendar e não dormir antes de ir para a redação. Mas quando o jogo era mais pro fim da madrugada, tínhamos que dormir antes de ir no meio da noite – relatou Guilherme.

– Tinha uma equipe de metade da redação nesses dias de jogo do Brasil na madrugada. A gente fazia cobertura por aqui com ajuda dos correspondentes, de agências, era um jornal menor do que o habitual, eu creio que eram 16 páginas cada edição extra. Nesse dia, a edição normal, que o pessoal entrava na hora do almoço, usava parte do que havia sido feito na edição extra para montar a edição do dia seguinte. Eu diria que usavam 40% do que havia sido produzido e publicado e acrescentava outras coisas e o restante da Copa, pós-jogo, análises…

-A cobertura das edições extras eram bem factuais em cima dos jogos, ou seja, tinha relato, atuações, tinha notícia de ambiente, climão, além do “vestiário” mais imediato, aquele pós-jogo. O conteúdo das edições extras eram diferentes das tradicionais, que vinham com parte desse factual, relatos mais elaborados e principalmente um pós-jogo completo, análise, repercussão no mundo, ou seja, algo a mais para diferenciar os conteúdos.Essas edições extras, eu lembro que chegavam na banca entre 9h da manhã e 12h, dependendo do horário do jogo do Brasil.

Final da Copa teve inversão de turnos e edição extra mais robusta; capa mais famosa foi feita por várias mãos e entrou para a história

No dia 30 de junho de 2002, quando Brasil e Alemanha decidiram o título mundial daquele Copa, o jogo estava marcada para às 8h horas de Brasília, e exigia uma atenção especial, por isso os turnos foram invertidos para a produção da edição extra e da edição do dia seguinte (1º de julho), que acabou considerada como a capa “oficial” do Penta, com a famosa frase “Os Reis do Futebol” no topo.

– Esse sistema de equipe Sol e Lua mudou somente na final, porque começou às 8h da manhã no horário de Brasília. Como era final, nesse dia foi feita uma edição normal, grande, mas saindo logo depois do jogo. Aí foi feita uma inversão, o editor do dia assumiu esse fechamento, e eu entrei mais tarde para fazer a edição do dia seguinte, quando usamos grande quantidade da edição extra que saiu com o título, mas essa edição extra foi bem robusta, bem maior do que as outras ao longo da Copa – lembrou Guilherme.

-A capa oficial do Penta foi feita com várias mãos, teve a edição extra que foi robusta, que foi imediata, e depois ao longo dia teve a produção da capa que ficou famosa, que é aquela “Reis do Futebol”, elaborada para a edição do dia seguinte, que virou a capa clássica do principal jornal esportivo do Brasil no dia do pentacampeonato. Foi bem bacana, eu lembro que tinha uma página para cada jogador.

Experiência marcante em outros tempos e coroada com o título

Naquele momento, a internet já tomava seu espaço, mas ainda não era povoada por redes sociais, o que fazia com que o jornal impresso ainda tivesse uma enorme relevância. O LANCE! era o principal veículo esportivo do país e proporcionou uma cobertura marcante para quem participou dela e ainda pôde curtir o Penta trabalhando.

– Foi uma experiência bem marcante, diferente, principalmente porque eram outros tempos, em que o impresso tinha um peso muito maior, estamos falando de um período pré-redes sociais, então o mundo era outro, mas foi uma cobertura bem bacana por esses detalhes, e também porque foi coroada com o título, que não vinha há muito tempo e que deu tudo certo nessa campanha do Penta – finalizou Guilherme Gomes.

Ismael let "exciting" West Brom ace leave, now he’s a future England star

West Bromwich Albion have produced a number of top-quality youngsters through their academy, with one look at Carlos Corberan’s regular starting lineup this season in the Championship already exposing two homegrown talents who are front and centre of his first-team plans.

Both Tom Fellows and Alex Palmer have fought hard to rise up the ranks in the West Midlands all the way to the first team, with Fellows registering five assists in the second tier this campaign, whilst his counterpart has kept an impressive tally of seven clean sheets from 13 league games.

Tom Fellows celebrates for West Brom.

Away from these rip-roaring successes, some academy starlets have unfortunately slipped through the net before West Brom could give them their moment to shine in the senior mix, with many examples haunting the Baggies.

West Brom's famed academy

Immediately, Morgan Rogers’ name springs to mind as one former West Brom academy player who has gone on to reach unbelievable heights away from the Hawthorns.

The Baggies were ultimately powerless to prevent Rogers from moving onto Manchester City in 2019, as the allure of the Premier League champions won the young attacking midfielder over. He is is now a consistent first-team performer for West Brom’s near neighbours in Aston Villa many years on from his exit.

The exciting Villa number 27 has three goals and three assists from 13 games in all competitions this season to date, which included scoring his team’s opener last time out versus Tottenham Hotspur before Ange Postecoglou’s men ran riot in a 4-1 win.

Other notable faces include the likes of Chris Wood and Tim Iroegbunam who are both on the books of clubs in the division above West Brom currently, with Wood firing home a stunning eight goals from ten games this campaign for Nottingham Forest.

When Wood was on the roster at the Baggies, he managed to register just three strikes from 27 clashes, before going on to become a deadly goal machine later on in his career.

There is another former academy player who could go on to be the biggest regret from West Brom’s perspective, with the starlet in question already receiving some top praise so early into his playing days.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

The former West Brom man who could be "England's future"

The starlet in question here is Lino Sousa, who is still only 19 years of age but has been hyped up for some time now.

Valerien Ismael allowed Sousa to leave the Hawthorns in January of 2022 for Arsenal, where he instantly settled in as a bright spark who had the arguable ability to go on to become a future first-team star at the Emirates Stadium.

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West Brom will now worry that they’ll be forgotten about when it comes to Sousa’s eventual explosion in the game, with five goals and one assist registered by the teenager in the Arsenal U21 ranks after leaving the Baggies.

Such was his bright form that it led to football data analyst Ben Mattinson boldly declaring that the youngster was “England’s future LB” when he left for Villa in January of this year.

Corberan and Co will just hope lightning doesn’t strike twice when it comes to a former academy prodigy going on to make a name for themselves at Villa, akin to Rogers’ rise, with the teenager also labelled as “really exciting” by then-Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Foster last season when briefly on loan at the Pilgrims.

Mikel Arteta’s side will also hope they aren’t made to look foolish for allowing Sousa to go, with Mattinson’s crystal ball prediction potentially coming true if everything clicks into place at Villa Park.

Away from lamenting about future stars they heartbreakingly lost before their prime, West Brom will just hope the likes of Palmer and Fellows can steer the Baggies to another playoff finish come the end of this campaign.

West Brom had Golden Boy nominee alongside Mbappe, now he’s in League Two

West Bromwich Albion once had this promising youngster in their ranks who never lived up to his full potential.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 29, 2024

محمد النني يوجه رسالة للاعبي آرسنال قبل مواجهة باريس سان جيرمان

وجه محمد النني لاعب منتخب مصر ونادي الجزيرة الإماراتي الحالي، رسالة إلى لاعبي آرسنال، قبل مواجهة باريس سان جيرمان خلال منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويواجه آرسنال نظيره باريس سان جيرمان، ضمن منافسات إياب دور نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساءً اليوم، على ملعب “بارك دي برانس”.

وانتهت مواجهة الذهاب بين الفريقين بفوز باريس سان جيرمان، بهدف دون رد، خلال المباراة التي جمعتهما على ملعب “الامارات”.

يذكر، أن المتأهل من مباراة آرسنال وباريس سان جيرمان، سيلاقي إنتر ميلان في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، يوم 31 مايو الحالي، على ملعب “أليانز أرينا”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. محمد صلاح: واجهنا أفضل فريق أوروبي في توقيت سيء وطلبت منهم التتويج بدوري الأبطال

وحرص محمد النني لاعب آرسنال السابق، على مساندة زملائه قبل مواجهة باريس سان جيرمان المصيرية خلال منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وكتب محمد النني عبر حسابه على موقع وسائل التواصل الإجتماعي “إكس”: “نحن جميعًا معك يا آرسنال، هيا بنا!”.

يذكر أن محمد النني لعب بقميص آرسنال في الفترة ما بين 2016 حتى صيف 2024، وتمكن من خوض 161 مباراة بجميع المسابقات، مسجلاً 7 أهداف وقام بصناعة 10 أهداف.

Gunathilaka, Rajapaksa, Dickwella back in Sri Lanka's ODI squad for Australia series

Dunith Wellalage, the Under-19 captain, is also in line for a debut after making the 21-man squad

Madushka Balasuriya10-Jun-2022

Dunith Wellalage was a key performer for Sri Lanka during the recently-concluded Under-19 World Cup•Getty Images

Several familiar faces, as well as a couple of new ones – most notably the highly-rated Sri Lanka Under-19 captain Dunith Wellalage – have been included in Sri Lanka’s 21-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Dasun Shanaka will lead the side.Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella and Wanindu Hasaranga all return, while there are also recalls for allrounder Lahiru Madushanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando. Alongside Wellalage, 28-year-old right-arm seamer Pramod Madushan is in line for a debut.Making way are fast-bowling trio Nuwan Pradeep, Chamika Gunasekara and Shiran Fernando, wicketkeeper-batter Minod Bhanuka and spin-bowling allrounder Kamindu Mendis. Aside from the veteran Pradeep, the exclusion of the other four were largely expected as they had been included as part of a very inexperienced side that toured Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka’s last ODI series in January.The return of Gunathilaka, de Silva, Rajapaksa and Dickwella bolster a batting unit that already includes Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal and Shanaka. The squad is also not short of genuine allrounders, with Hasaranga and Madushanka adding to the likes of Chamika Karunaratne and Ramesh Mendis.Then there is Wellalage. The general public might not have heard much of the 19-year-old prior to this year, but his performances at the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup, where he put in a string of match-winning performances with both bat and ball, certainly made many sit up and take notice.The tournament saw the spin-bowling allrounder end as its leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps across six games, while with the bat he racked up 264 runs at an average of 44. More impressive though was his temperament, especially when batting deep with the lower order to take his side through to victory.Regular game time in a series against Australia might be a lot to expect of a player with just 17 first-class and List A matches behind him, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Sri Lanka think tank opts to throw him in sooner rather than later.A debut for Sri Lanka’s other potential debutant, Madushan, however might be less likely with Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara and Fernando – included on the back of an impressive Test series against Bangladesh – ahead of him in the seam-bowling pecking order.The spin-bowling contingent meanwhile is also well stocked, with the first choice pair of Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana supplemented up by the resurgent wrist spin of Jeffrey Vandersay and the left-arm orthodox of Praveen Jayawickrama.The five-match series gets underway on June 14 in Pallekele.Squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan

The next Madueke: Chelsea could forget Sancho by signing £35m sensation

Noni Madueke has staked his claim for a regular starting role under Enzo Maresca in recent weeks, starring in Chelsea’s mammoth victory over Wolves last weekend.

The 22-year-old registered a second-half hat-trick in the 6-2 win, producing his best display for the Blues since his move from PSV Eindhoven back in January 2023.

It comes just weeks after he was strongly touted with a move to join fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, with a deal reportedly going as far as the winger agreeing personal terms with the Magpies.

After his sensational performance, it’s highly unlikely that the Englishman will depart Stamford Bridge before Friday’s deadline, showcasing he still has the ability to be a key first-team member despite his lack of opportunities last season.

However, Madueke could be joined in West London by a plethora of players, with the Blues still working tirelessly to make new additions before the closure of the window.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho

It’s safe to say Raheem Sterling’s time at Chelsea has been a disaster, with the former England international failing to justify his £50m fee that saw him join the club from Manchester City.

The 29-year-old, who is the club’s highest earner on a staggering £325k-per-week as per Capology, has been left out of Maresca’s Premier League squad for the 2024/25 campaign, signalling the end of his time in West London.

He’s previously been linked with a move to join Newcastle, but recent reports claim he could be involved in a potential swap deal that could see Jadon Sancho join the Blues from Manchester United.

The former Borussia Dortmund star spent the second half of last season back on loan at the Bundesliga side, but despite fixing his relationship with Erik ten Hag, he looks set for his own exit before the transfer deadline.

Sancho cost the Red Devils £73m back in 2021, but after just 12 goals in 82 appearances, he could be set to swap Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge.

However, given his lack of impact in Manchester, the Blues would be best to steer clear of any deal for the 24-year-old, potentially turning their attention to another player they’ve targeted in the past.

Why Chelsea should move for Bakayoko instead of Sancho

In previous months, the Blues have been linked with a move to repeat their Madueke capture with the signing of PSV’s Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko, after the youngster set the Eredivisie alight last season.

The 21-year-old registered 21 combined goals and assists in his 33 league appearances during 2023/24, prompting interest from Chelsea – with a £35m fee touted for his services.

He would be a much more valuable addition than Sancho, with Bakayoko blowing the Englishman out of the water in numerous key attacking aspects last season.

The “dangerous” forward, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, completed more progressive carries per 90, whilst achieving a higher take-on success rate – showcasing his ability to take the ball into attacking areas and beating the opposition.

How Bakayoko and Sancho compare in 2023/24

Statistics (per 90)

Bakayoko

Sancho

Games played

33

17

Goals + assists

21

4

Progressive carries

7.1

6.2

Shots taken

3.5

0.8

Take-on success

53%

51%

Shots on target

1.2

0.4

Pass accuracy

82%

81%

Stats via FBref

He was also more of a goal threat than the United man, averaging over four times the amount of shots per 90, whilst averaging three times the number of efforts on target – potentially providing Maresca with added firepower in the final third.

Whilst a deal for Sancho would potentially see the club finally shift Sterling off the books, a move for Bakayoko would undoubtedly hand the club more quality in attacking areas.

Johan Bakayoko for PSV

After such erratic dealings in the market, it’s crucial the club identify the right players to take the club back to the heights they once achieved, with the Belgian having all of the qualities to succeed in the Premier League.

Not only would it allow the club to repeat the successful capture of Madueke, but the pair could also potentially form an excellent partnership at Stamford Bridge and lead Maresca's hunt for a top-four finish this season.

Madueke would love him: Chelsea looking at bargain Osimhen alternative

The Blues would welcome this talented forward instead of Osimhen…

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 26, 2024

Where does Harry Kane stand among striker GOATs? Ex-Tottenham team-mate Son Heung-min hands out lofty ranking

Son Heung-min considers former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane to occupy a “top three” standing among the greatest strikers of all time.

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Article continues below

Spurs & England's all-time leading scorerEnjoyed productive partnership with SonConsidered to sit among all-time greatsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Spurs captain Son spent eight productive years working alongside Kane in north London before seeing the club’s most prolific goalscorer depart for Bayern Munich in 2023. Between them, they set a new Premier League record for most assists recorded by one top-flight duo.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SON HEUNG-MIN SAID

Son still holds Kane in the highest regard, telling when asked – as a former Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen star – whether he offered any words of advice before his ex-strike partner headed to the Bundesliga: “I think, still the German league is one of the best leagues also and when we’re talking about Harry, I don’t have to give him any advice. For me, he’s the best.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The South Korea international went on to say when asked where Kane ranks among the world’s best frontmen: “Because he's my friend, obviously you get some bonus points. He will always be [in] my top three. It doesn't matter what happens, he will always be in my top three. Especially [as] we had such an amazing connection and played together [for] so long and we combined together for so many goals and yeah, having this kind of a striker is always a dream.”

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Kane has been just as quick to sing the praises of Son down the years, telling a recent interview with of a colleague that will always hold a special place in his heart: “I got on incredibly well with Heung-min Son. I also think he's one of the most underrated players in the top leagues. We've always had a very good technical relationship.”

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