The last few seasons have been nothing short of a roller coaster for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has dragged his side from fighting for Champions League qualification to battling for the Premier League title.

However, this season has seen the North Londoners take a slight step back, and instead of playing the high-octane football they did in their first title-challenging campaign, they’ve played slightly more pragmatic football.

Interestingly, most fans would probably agree that most of the changes made to the XI that played that year have been upgrades, like David Raya for Aaron Ramsdale and Riccardo Calafiori or Myles Lewis-Skelly for Oleksandr Zinchenko, but there is one player from that team many would argue has not been replaced adequately, Granit Xhaka.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the club with a player who’s previously won comparisons to the Swiss international.

Arsenal target the new Xhaka

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson.

The report has revealed that the Gunners have already made ‘several enquiries into the availability’ of the midfield gem, who joined the Eagles for around €9m – £8.6m – in May 2023.

However, if the North Londoners were under the impression that they’d be able to sign the Swede for anything close to that, they’d be mistaken, as per the report, the Bundesliga club currently value the 20-year-old at a whopping €80m, which is about £68m, although it is unclear whether they’d accept a slightly lower offer if presented with one.

It could be a costly and rather complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Larsson’s ability and potential, it is worth pursuing, especially as he’s already won comparisons to Xhaka.

How Larsson compares to Xhaka

So, before looking into some of the other reasons Arsenal might want to sign Larsson this year, let’s examine this comparison to Xhaka and where it has come from.

In this instance, it has stemmed from respected analyst Ben Mattinson, who, when looking into the young Swede, made the bold claim that he was, in fact, “similar to Xhaka” among other high-profile midfielders, including Jude Bellingham and İlkay Gündoğan.

However, while the latter two are utterly sensational players, we are more interested in the former Malmö prospect’s similarities to the former Gunners’ ace, similarities which make him such an appealing transfer today.

Appearances

61

63

Goals

3

6

Assists

4

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

0.14

Well, according to Mattinson, the 20-year-old has several strengths, which the Swiss legend demonstrated during his final campaign with Arsenal, such as the way he “receives the ball from deep and turns casually past pressing attackers,” which was one of the reasons the Gunners’ left-hand side was so dangerous in 22/23.

On top of that, he is also “very composed on the ball” and “press resistant,” which, for all of his outbursts off the ball, was very much true of the former Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder.

However, perhaps the most significant similarity is that the Frankfurt ace is “a top ball-carrier,” and that, like the Bayer Leverkusen star did in North London, he can “ping long passes out to the wings.”

With all that said, another reason that Arteta and Co might want to bring the Svarte-born gem to the Emirates this year is that, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho looking increasingly likely to leave come the end of the season, the team will need fresh blood in the middle of the park, and based on the similarities Mattinson claims he shared with Xhaka he could prove to be an excellent investment for the long term.

Ultimately, midfield might not be the most pressing concern for Arsenal at the moment, but securing the services of Larsson this month or in the summer could be a brilliant decision and one that pays off in a big way a few years down the line.

Arsenal hold January talks with £51m striker as elite club open to selling

They need an alternative to Kai Havertz.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 21, 2025

Despite falling out of favour, Wrexham's all-time top goalscorer Paul Mullin was elated at the club's promotion to the Championship.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham earn promotion to the ChampionshipMullin does not hold back celebrationsRed Dragons to undergo summer revampFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham stormed to the Championship with a 3-0 thrashing of promotion rivals Charlton Athletic on Saturday evening. Celebrating their third promotion in as many seasons, Mullin could not hold back his emotion and argued his controversial move to the club in 2021 has been justified by their meteoric rise up the English divisions. While his future may lie away from the Red Dragons, Mullin's role in propelling Phil Parkinson's side up the leagues will not be forgotten anytime soon at the Racecourse Ground.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MULLIN SAID

Speaking to after the game, Mullin said: "It's not just about me. It's a real team effort. When I first joined, Rob McElhenney told me: 'Championship in five years'. We've done it a year early. It's been some journey, unbelievable. These fans f*cking deserve it. Sorry for the language. [It's an] unbelievable feeling. I'm so happy for everyone involved. Phenomenal.

"I've found it hard not being involved as much this season, but I will enjoy this one just as much. The question I got asked when I signed here was: 'Why Wrexham? Why Wrexham?' Here's your answer for the third time in a row. It has been phenomenal; we've created history yet again. Back-to-back-to-back, never been done, it has now and it belongs to Wrexham. I'm so happy for all the fans."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mullin has not featured in a match-day squad in League One since being an unused substitute against Mansfield in February. His last minutes in the league came in a 3-2 defeat to Stevenage at the end of January. He has been all-but-frozen out of the squad, but still takes pride in the role he has played in helping the Red Dragons get to where they are now – and the Championship.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MULLIN?

With Wrexham adding Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith to their striking options in January, Mullin saw his game time drop massively. With the club's promotion to the Championship now sealed, rumours linking the club with other top forwards, including Jamie Vardy, have already started flying and Mullin appears destined for the exit door. However how unceremonious his departure may be, Mullin will leave a Wrexham legend.

The booming cover drive was packed away as Dinesh Chandimal buckled up for the safety-first innings Sri Lanka needed

Andrew Fidel Fernando at P Sara Oval15-Mar-2017Dinesh Chandimal has a big, booming cover drive, and everyone knows it. Mahela Jayawardene had one that purred like the engine of a Jaguar. Kumar Sangakkara’s became so high class and epoch-defining he could have had the Rolls Royce Spirit of Ecstasy installed on his forehead.Chandimal’s is more fast-and-furious than grace-and-finesse: a lowered Subaru Impreza with a flaming paintjob, blinding rims, and an exhaust pipe that could house a small elephant. I mean, just watch him in the shot. His head stays steady, but his arms are almost a blur – the backlift massive and menacing. He doesn’t stroke or hit the ball, he outright assaults it.Like the boy racers who take their cars flying around residential zones, though, Chandimal’s drives can be endlessly annoying when deployed in the wrong place. The tour of South Africa was like this. Repeatedly, coaches and captain would go on record pleading with batsmen to take care in their shot selections, to show a bit of patience, and please for the love of all that is good and holy, refrain from driving at the seaming bloody ball. Yet there Chandimal was, a senior man by number of Tests played, flashing giddily, sending balls to keeper or slip, bringing hundreds of thousands of palms to faces.When he was subsequently told by the chief selector to retune his game in first-class cricket, Chandimal seemed to radically alter his approach. His first innings at Galle last week was almost a self-flagellation for his South African extravagances – he spent 71 minutes and 54 balls at the crease, but scored only five runs. Had the long drought scrambled his mind completely? On as flat a surface as Sri Lanka has produced in a year, Chandimal’s was an innings so out of character you couldn’t help but wonder if he had lost a little bit of himself again, as he had once done in 2014.He made 50 not out in the second innings of that game, but this did not convince the doubters either, so easy had that half-century come. Sri Lanka were completely dominant when Chandimal came to the crease and, in an ideal world, would not have delayed the declaration long enough for him to get the milestone. What was the point of virtually gifting a Sri Lankan batsman a score, after all? Chandimal has come through one of the weakest domestic circuits in the world: he already has access to a lifetime supply of meaningless fifties.At the P Sara on Wednesday, however, he was suddenly everything fans wanted from a senior batsman. Chandimal put his fingers on the pitch and batted to its pulse, discerning early on it was more devious than it appeared. The scoring opportunities were not spurned altogether, but the brash strokes had definitely been locked up.

For one day, at least, Chandimal was the station wagon Sri Lanka needed, rather than a roaring Subaru

Today, it was his team-mates who were running themselves off the road and into bushes, or plunging off avoidable cliffs. Through most of the day, Chandimal kept his tyres on the tarmac, and just kept plugging on. His unbeaten 86 came off 210 deliveries, and featured four fours. Only one of those boundaries was the result of a drive – though this one was crisp rather than flamboyant, and hit further towards the centre of the batsman’s V than way out towards the badlands at deep cover.”We analysed that he’s got out a lot against seam bowlers, driving outside off stump, early on,” coach Graham Ford said of Chandimal after play. “That’s been his downfall a lot of the time. When he puts that lovely looking cover drive away and doesn’t use it early on, he gets big scores. When he hits it, it’s an exquisite shot, but it’s a high-risk shot in Test cricket, especially if he’s batting at No. 4 and getting in earlier.”It’s more about his mindset. He’s the first to admit that rather than getting himself in, he’s played a few ambitious shots trying to get himself moving or get the scoreboard going. But he’s come back and really thought about his game.”In fact, so responsible did Chandimal’s innings seem, that he even took on a role Angelo Mathews had turned into an art form: that of looking supremely pissed at the non-striker’s end at a team-mate’s loose dismissal. Chandimal raised palms up to ask Dhananjaya de Silva “why?” after he tried to hack Taijul Islam over midwicket and got himself bowled. He was visibly annoyed when Niroshan Dickwella had his stumps rattled playing a fantastically poor reverse sweep. Even Dilruwan Perera – whose major role is with the ball – got an eyeful of ire from Chandimal when he chased a wide ball and edged behind.Chandimal’s has been a rapid transition from wasteful talent to stern senior man, and to be fair, with him there is no telling when he will transition back again. But for one day at least, he was more station wagon than roaring Subaru. And man, did Sri Lanka need it.

Aston Villa and NSWE have submitted a proposal to sign a “superb” star who Unai Emery knows well, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have already brought in two new players this month in the form of Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia, and in the process, they have also said goodbye to Diego Carlos, who has joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a permanent basis.

As Carlos has now left, Villa have been linked with a move for Loic Bade, but while a potential deal has hit a snag in recent days, reports have emerged that they could be about to make a new offer.

Sky Sports: Club in talks to sign £75k-p/w Aston Villa player open to exit

Before the transfer window closes, there could be a big departure from Villa Park.

ByBrett Worthington Jan 26, 2025

Carlos may not be the only departure from Villa Park this month, as Jhon Duran is continuing to be linked with a move away. Paris Saint-Germain are the latest team to show a significant interest in the forward, and given they are only willing to offer as much as £59 million, they are now willing to throw Marco Asensio in the mix to sweeten the deal.

The exit talk doesn’t stop there for the Premier League side, as Florian Plettenberg has reported that Bayer Leverkusen are working on a deal to sign Emiliano Buendia. The Argentine has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park, and Xabi Alonso is keen to bring him to Germany.

However, David Ornstein has reported that Buendia has reached an agreement with Villa to extend his contract by one year, as the Villans are not willing to sanction a permanent exit this month.

Aston Villa submit proposal to sign "superb" star

Bade is not the only defender on Villa’s radar, as according to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are in talks to sign a new defender, and Juan Foyth is one of their main targets.

Romano reports that Villa have sent their initial proposal to La Liga side Villarreal already, and he is someone who knows the Premier League, as he played for Tottenham Hotspur between 2017 and 2021. It is unclear how much Foyth would cost the Midlands side, but he is under contract until 2026, so the Spanish side could be open to a possible sale this month.

Foyth, who has been dubbed “superb” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, is someone Emery knows very well, as the defender and manager worked together during Emery’s time at Villarreal. The 27-year-old’s arrival at Villa Park would see him join a side that already has a wealth of options in the heart of defence, as Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Pau Torres fight for a regular starting spot in Emery’s team.

Apps

4

Starts

2

Minutes per game

48

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

0.8

Balls recovered per 90

1.3

Clearances per game

3.8

But Foyth’s ability to play as a right-back as well as a centre-back means he would give the Villa boss more of an option when it comes to putting him into his team. Furthermore, his versatility could be a key reason why Villa are pushing to land his signature in this transfer window, as they continue to fight in the Premier League and the Champions League.

Five great World T20 performances by Associate teams (Netherlands mainly)

Peter Della Penna27-Feb-2016Nepal defeat Hong Kong by 80 runs (2014)
Underpinned by a pair of 40s from the captain, Paras Khadka, and vice-captain Gyanendra Malla, Nepal made 149 for 8 after being sent in on a steamy night in Chittagong. In the end, it was Hong Kong’s line-up that wilted in the heat. The talismanic Khadka struck on the first ball of the chase before the left-arm spin tandem of Shakti Gauchan and Basant Regmi shredded the middle order for five wickets in the space of 13 balls to help secure a famous win for cricket-mad Nepal on World T20 debut.Netherlands defeat England by 45 runs (2014)
After putting a major scare into South Africa before falling short by six runs, the Dutch would not be denied a Full Member scalp in their final match of the tournament. After a typically fiery start from Stephan Myburgh and Wesley Barresi, a middle-order stumble resulted in a modest total of 133. England stuttered in reply after Mudassar Bukhari struck twice in the Powerplay, and a suffocating fielding display produced two run-outs, including a fittingly comical mix-up to end the match.Ireland defeat Bangladesh by six wickets (2009)
Niall O’Brien, who led Ireland’s thrilling chase over Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup, took centre stage here in pursuit of Bangladesh’s 137 at Trent Bridge with 40 off 25 balls. After he fell in the tenth over at 61 for 2, little big brother Kevin gave a preview of the career-defining century he would produce against England two years later, smashing an unbeaten 39 off 17 balls, including a pair of big sixes against Abdur Razzak and Shakib Al Hasan, as Ireland cantered across the line with ten balls to spare.Netherlands defeat England by four wickets (2009)
Despite a roaring start, England failed to hit a boundary off the final 17 balls, ending on 162 to leave the door ajar in the tournament curtain-raiser, at Lord’s. Tom de Grooth pried it open further with an adventurous 49 off 30, and in the end, two were needed off the final delivery to win. Stuart Broad had a chance to deny them after a diving stop in his follow-through, but a hurried shy on his knees from eight yards away summed up a sloppy England fielding display, as the final pair scampered the winning run on an overthrow.Netherlands defeat Ireland by six wickets (2014)

Following their win over Zimbabwe, Ireland’s march into the ten-team main draw seemed assured when they made 189. For Netherlands to qualify ahead of Ireland on net-run-rate tiebreaker, they needed to get to the target in 14.2 overs, an idea so preposterous that Ireland captain William Porterfield wasn’t informed about it until the ambush was nearly complete. Peter Borren promoted himself to open the chase and, along with Stephan Myburgh, initiated a fearless charge, nailing the win with three balls of breathing room.

Looking to seal a dominant Scottish Premiership title victory, Celtic are reportedly set to accelerate their move to sign a young attacking reinforcement who could replace Daizen Maeda.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys are currently 18 points clear of closest title competitors in what has been a dominant campaign in the Scottish top flight, but are seemingly in a ruthless mood as the January transfer window continues to roll on.

Bye bye: Celtic agree £4m+ deal to sell "sensation" with medical now booked

It will net Celtic a profit to reinvest into their squad.

3

By
Ben Browning

Jan 10, 2025

And with Champions League action soon returning, the Scottish giants may even get the chance to cause further shocks on the European stage, having already defeated the likes of RB Leipzig this season.

The fact that they’re clear and away at the top of the Scottish Premiership should undoubtedly aid their push to reach the next stage of the Champions League, as could any potential reinforcements.

On that front, the likes of Bazoumana Toure have already been mentioned among the headlines, with Celtic reportedly set to submit a bid of as much as £10m to secure the services of the young central defender.

However, it’s not just defensive reinforcements that the Bhoys are setting their sights on in the January transfer window. According to Football Insider, Celtic are now accelerating their move to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg 08 this month in a deal that would welcome a player ready to eventually replace Daizen Maeda.

Just 21 years old, Orjasaeter has entered Celtic’s radar following an impressive breakthrough in Norway on top of their own need for attacking depth as they enter the second half of the campaign. As per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, though, the Norwegian side are looking for £7m to sell their young star.

Maeda, now 27 years old, has once again been among the stars of the show for Brendan Rodgers this season, but could yet get the chance to move back into the No 9 role and away from the left wing if Orjasaeter arrives this month.

Celtic should splash out on "interesting" Orjasaeter

Described as “another interesting young player from Norway” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Orjasaeter’s £7m fee could quickly turn into a bargain if he was to complete a move and continue an impressive rise. Just last season, the 21-year-old was the star of the show at Sarpsborg – scoring six goals and assisting another seven in all competitions.

Thinking ahead to when Maeda is eventually past the peak of his powers certainly isn’t a bad idea either, and the young Norway star seems to be a worthy candidate to do just that at Celtic Park.

Whilst the Scottish Premiership is all but sealed in the current campaign, Rodgers will no doubt already have his sights set on defending his side’s throne for years to come, and perhaps even stepping things up on the European stage in the remainder of the season.

Manchester United are still hoping to complete one final deal in the coming hours as they look to finalise their squad for the second part of the Premier League campaign, it has been reported.

Manchester United's January signings

Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window as Manchester United manager ended with just two new faces added to his squad despite the Red Devils languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and with a less than good record since the former Sporting manager arrived, which was compounded by their most recent defeat to Crystal Palace.

Ruben Amorim’s Premier League record

Games

13

Wins

4

Goals scored per game

1.2

Goals conceded per game

1.7

Points per game

1.08

The major addition was Patrick Dorgu, with the wing-back arriving from Lecce in a deal believed to be worth around 35m euros (£29m) with add-ons included.

“I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player – this is a very special day for my whole family,” said Dorgu upon being unveiled at Old Trafford.

The 12 best free transfers of all time – ranked

No need to fret just yet if your team didn’t get who they wanted in the transfer window…

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 3, 2025

“I cannot wait to work with Ruben Amorim. His vision for this team and the future of the club is incredibly exciting. There is a clear plan set out for my development, and I feel that Manchester United is the perfect place to fulfil my potential and complete my huge ambitions.”

Though still just 20-years-old, Dorgu is expected to be an instant starter at the Theatre of Dreams and will add some much needed firepower and dynamism on the left hand-side for Amorim, while he is also versatile enough to play elsewhere should he be required. A long-term option at fullback, his arrival means that United are now pursuing a late exit.

United aiming to finalise exit for stricken star

That is according to The Athletic, who report that the Red Devils are still aiming to complete a late loan move for Tyrell Malacia. Despite the English transfer window closing at 11pm on Monday, the Dutch transfer window remains open for another 24 hours and it is there that INEOS are looking to finalise a deal.

Malacia, who has seen much of his time since arriving at Old Trafford marred by injuries, has caught the eye of PSV Eindhoven after a move to Italy or Portugal broke down “over the club’s desired loan fee and the level of a future option to buy”.

Indeed, he has “travelled to the Netherlands to undergo a medical” in a move that will see at least some part of his £75,000 a week wages taken off the books for the remainder of the campaign, adding to the significant savings that both Marcus Rashford and Antony’s loan moves this month have provided.

Malacia won plenty of praise during his early tenure at Old Trafford, including from former Red Devil great Rio Ferdinand, who hailed him for his performance against Mohamed Salah back in 2022.

“He reminds me of Patrice Evra in many ways,” said Ferdinand “He’s athletic, he looks like a pound-for-pound strong kid”.

However, the 25-year-old has failed to kick on from that early promise thanks to injury, and his career now appears to lie away from Old Trafford both in the short term and likely the long term too.

شهدت مباراة برشلونة الإسباني ودايجو الودية، التي أقيمت اليوم الإثنين، إصابة لأحد لاعبي الفريق الكتالوني قبل نهاية المواجهة.

والتقى برشلونة ودايجو في مباراة ودية ضمن استعدادات فريق هانز فليك للموسم الجديد، في جولته التحضيرية بقارة آسيا.

وتمكن برشلونة من تحقيق فوز عريض، وتغلب على دايجو بخمسة أهداف دون مقابل، وسجل له، جافي (هدفين)، روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، أنطونيو فرنانديز، وماركوس راشفورد.

وشهدت المواجهة إصابة باو كوبارسي، الذي دخل بديلاً لرونالد أراوخو في الشوط الثاني في مركز قلب دفاع برشلونة.

كوبارسي لم يتمكن من إكمال المباراة ضد دايجو، في المباراة الأخيرة من الجولة الآسيوية قبل العودة إلى برشلونة.

وأصيب كوبارسي في الدقيقة 87 من المباراة، حيث سقط لاعب فريق الشباب أرضًا وطلب المساعدة من الطاقم الطبي لبرشلونة.

سارع الفريق الطبي بالدخول إلى أرض الملعب لعلاجه، وبحسب صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، أشار كوبارسي إلى ساقه اليسرى بعد أن خلع جواربه وواقي الساق.

ويذكر التقرير أنه بصورة أولية، يُستبعد وجود إصابة عضلية من إشارة كوبارسي، ومن المنتظر خضوع اللاعب لفحوصات طبية للوقوف على مدى الإصابة وطبيعتها.

Real Madrid are reportedly mulling a shock approach for ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to replace Carlo Ancelotti this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ancelotti staring at Real exit
• Los Blancos want Klopp to replace the Italian
• Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso also in the running

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, doubts surrounding Ancelotti’s long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu are growing louder. Despite his current deal running until 2026, poor form in Europe and inconsistency in La Liga are beginning to weigh heavily. With just seven league fixtures remaining, Madrid sit four points behind fierce rivals Barcelona, adding fuel to speculation that a managerial change may come in the summer if their latest trophy pursuit ends up proving fruitless.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Real Madrid have been closely monitoring Klopp’s availability and are contemplating making an official move for the German tactician. Klopp stepped down from his managerial role at Liverpool last summer and took a brief hiatus before accepting a new off-pitch position as Red Bull’s Global Head of Football. While he had initially seemed set on transitioning to a less intense role within football’s executive sphere, recent developments in Madrid may tempt him back into the dugout. Real insiders are said to believe that his charisma, tactical innovation, and big-game mentality could be precisely what the club needs in a period of uncertainty.

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  For months, Xabi Alonso has been considered the frontrunner to succeed Ancelotti. The Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Spain and Madrid midfielder enjoys a strong reputation in his homeland, thanks to his composed leadership and modern approach to attacking football. Having already proven his mettle in the Bundesliga, Alonso’s tactical know-how and familiarity with the club make him a highly attractive option. However, recent inconsistencies in his Leverkusen side’s performances have sparked doubts among Madrid officials. There is growing concern that, despite his potential, Alonso might not offer the immediate impact or commanding presence needed to steer the team through turbulent waters and back to the top.

• WHAT NEXT?

  While Klopp remains comfortably embedded in his role with the Red Bull group, Madrid’s interest might present a dilemma he finds hard to ignore. With a sabbatical already under his belt and a legacy secured in England, the chance to take over at one of football’s most storied clubs could reignite his appetite for front-line management.

After a sub-par 2016 and with India’s strong bench, Shikhar Dhawan’s ODI career has reached the phase where he has no choice but to perform

Arun Venugopal14-Jan-2017Shikhar Dhawan is always smiling, but there is no way to tell what’s on his mind. It is the same smile – dripping with warmth and a hint of mischief – that follows a boundary or a dropped catch or a joke shared with a team-mate. Even when he grimaces, there are faint traces of a smile. The last six months, however, are likely to have tested such a quality.Ahead of his first ODI in nearly a year, Dhawan isn’t even a certainty in the XI. It is ironical given that his ODI form has been consistently good: since 2013, he has averaged more than 50 in nine of the 16 series he has played. During the same period his average has dropped below 40 only once. Even last year, he notched up 287 runs in the five ODIs he played.And yet, his place in the ODI side is not a given. While Dhawan would lose the popular mandate – fans have bayed for his axing on social media for a while now – the selectors have voted in his favour, even if not emphatically. It won’t be a stretch to suggest that Dhawan’s ODI career is on weak footing; a failure in this series could see KL Rahul – who is swiftly rising into a reliable all-format batsman – push him down the pecking order.Ideally, Dhawan’s ODI record would earn him a longer rope, but that it is not, at least to some extent, a consequence of his meagre returns in Tests and T20s over the last year. At any rate, it isn’t entirely uncommon for players these days to be picked in one format on the basis of strong performances in another – think Yuvraj Singh.Dhawan’s average differential in Tests and ODIs has been consistently increasing in the last four years•BCCIWhile Dhawan’s Test average in 2016 was 26, he averaged 57.40 in ODIs, a difference of 31.40. Such skewed numbers aren’t a one-off occurrence, and the gap between his Test and ODI averages has continued to widen over the last four years, with 2015 being the lone exception. For instance, in 2014, when India played Test series’ in England, South Africa and Australia, the difference between his Test and ODI averages was 16.44. In his 39 Test innings, he has had three sequences of seven or more innings without a 50-plus score, but in contrast only once has he gone five consecutive innings without a fifty in ODIs.Things went downhill for Dhawan when he was dropped for the Port of Spain Test last August after a modest tally of 138 runs from four innings. He sat out the Kanpur Test against New Zealand, but was handed a lifeline in Kolkata after Rahul injured himself. But, Dhawan copped a furious onslaught from Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Matt Henry, and managed only 1 and 17.A thumb fracture, courtesy Boult, made the management’s decision easier. Upon recovery, he had to audition himself in the Ranji Trophy where five innings didn’t yield a single half-century. His T20 form had been poor as well – he managed 43 runs from four innings in the World T20 – and he hasn’t been picked in the format since.After the Duleep Trophy final last year, Dhawan, who scored 29 in each innings, spoke candidly about how he channelled the disappointment of being dropped for the T20Is into becoming a better batsman. Equally pragmatic was his take on the competition for the opening slots with the emergence and success of KL Rahul: ” [One needs to give it one’s all to keep one’s place in the side].”Dhawan found some form in the first practice game against England earlier this week and went on to score 63 off 84 balls on a flat track. After starting shakily, some of his characteristic strokes – the cut, pull and the uppish drive over covers – made an appearance. The innings would have gladdened his team-mates. Nicknamed Gabbar after the iconic villain of the Hindi film , his moustache-twirling thigh-slapping celebrations are a hit with his team-mates.His captain, Virat Kohli, is as much a fan of Dhawan’s quirks as he is of his explosive potential. But how does he motivate a batsman who has lost his place in two formats and is not too far from being dropped in the third?”A player like Shikhar, everyone is aware of his ability. We try to keep someone like Shikhar in a very good head space,” Kohli said. “Because once he’s cleared his head, he can really take the game from the opposition. That’s something we try to do, give him as much space as possible, not speak too much about the game – that’s something I like to do.’We try to keep someone like Shikhar in a very good head space’ – Virat Kohli•Associated Press”Knowing the kind of player Shikhar is, and the kind of person he is, it is better to leave a guy like that to his own planning and own thinking, rather than giving your plans to him. Because he’s so instinctive, once he gets going, he just finds more options than anyone else. Once he’s in the game, he has momentum, I’ve seen guys really struggling to bowl to him when he’s in full flow.”Kohli feels Dhawan is still a good enough ODI opener, who possesses an ability to set up games for batsmen coming down the order. “He bats long as well, he can really bat till the 40-45th over once he gets going,” he said. “So, he has a lot of positives, that’s what we always back Shikhar on.””Jinx [Ajinkya Rahane] is coming back from an injury as well, he’s batted well in the one-day warm-up match. KL has been playing well for a while; he’s coming off almost a double-hundred in Chennai. Shikhar has also got runs in the warm-up game so we have to figure out, among these three, who are the two who will be likely to start. But, again, I say, I am happy that all three are in a good space now having had some runs behind them. It makes my job easier.”