يخوض منتخب مصر، بقيادة مديره الفني حسام حسن، مباراة مصيرية أمام بوركينا فاسو، مساء اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.
ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، على ملعب الأخير، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثامنة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم.
طالع| تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم.. محمد صلاح ومرموش في الهجوم
ويسعى منتخب مصر، إلى الفوز من أجل حسم التأهل بشكل رسمي إلى نهائيات بطولة كأس العالم القادمة لتكون المرة الرابعة في تاريخ الفراعنة.
ويتصدر منتخب مصر حاليًا ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، بعد مرور 7 جولات، فاز في 6 وتعادل في لقاء.
طالع | موعد القنوات الناقلة لـ مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم
ويتضح من التدريبات الأخيرة للمنتخب أنه من المتوقع أن يشهد تشكيل منتخب مصر المتوقع لمباراة بوركينا فاسو، تواجد ثلاثي في خط الدفاع، رامي ربيعة مع خالد صبحي ومحمد ربيعة، كما يفضل حسام حسن الدفع بـ محمود صابر مع مروان عطية في وسط الملعب بدلًا من أحمد سيد زيزو وحمدي فتحي المصاب.
ويقود هجوم الفراعنة، الثنائي محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول الإنجليزي مع عمر مرموش لاعب مانشستر سيتي. تشكيل منتخب مصر المتوقع أمام بوركينا فاسو اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم
حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي.
خط الدفاع: محمد حمدي ورامي ربيعة وخالد صبحي ومحمد ربيعة ومحمد هاني.
It is the start of a new era at Ibrox after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that Russell Martin is their new head coach, which came shortly after their takeover was finalised.
They also have a new sporting director, in Kevin Thelwell, and will be attacking the summer transfer window with a view to creating a team that will compete for trophies next season.
Martin and Thelwell are tasked with making changes to a squad that ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.
The former Scotland international has already confirmed, though, that James Tavernier will retain the captaincy, and that a change in management will not result in a change in leadership.
Of course, the English defender keeping his role as the club captain does not mean that he is guaranteed to start week-in-week-out next term.
Why James Tavernier's position could be in danger
The veteran full-back should not be a guaranteed starter at right-back under Martin because of his defensive deficiencies that have cost Rangers on many occasions.
As recently as April, broadcaster Graham Spiers posted this on X: “The criticism that has been cast at James Tavernier all his career – defensive negligence – strikes again.”
That comment was in reaction to the goal in the clip above, as Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams ghosted in behind the Rangers skipper to score at the back post.
Tavernier, who former Gers full-back Steven Whittaker once claimed “needs to look” at the defensive side of the game, did not enjoy the best season in the Scottish Premiership from a defensive perspective either.
Appearances
33
Goals
4
Assists
8
Dribbled past
17x
Error led to shot
4
Duel success rate
56%
As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old captain made four errors that directly led to shots for the opposition, which is twice as many as any other Rangers defender made in the division this season.
Errors have simply become too commonplace for the English full-back, whether that is giving the ball away to set up a shot for the opposition or by failing to track a runner at the back post, and that is why his spot as a regular starter should be in danger heading into next season.
Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a new right-back to bolster their squad, and it could mean that Tavernier starting regularly next term is even less likely.
Rangers eyeing deal for new right-back
According to Hull Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Hull City right-back Cody Drameh in the summer transfer window, which reopens next Monday.
The report claims that the Gers are ‘huge admirers’ of the English defender, as they line up a swoop to sign him from the Championship side ahead of next season.
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It adds that Derby County, who are also in the English Championship, have already had one bid turned down for the former Leeds United full-back, but they remain determined to snap him up.
The outlet reveals that as many as nine clubs are eyeing up moves to sign Drameh this summer, with Preston North End and Strasbourg named alongside Derby and Rangers.
Cody Drameh in action for Hull City.
Hull Live reveals, though, that the Tigers are not ‘actively’ looking to cash in on the defender, although they would be prepared to consider offers in excess of £1m for his services.
Rangers should, now, push hard to win the race for Drameh’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window, because he could improve Martin’s options at right-back.
Why Cody Drameh could be an upgrade on James Tavernier
As aforementioned, Tavernier’s defensive work has left a lot to be desired for Rangers and bringing in the Hull star could improve the team defensively because of the qualities that he can provide down the right flank.
The 23-year-old star, who was once described as a “Duracell bunny” by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison, is a solid defender who can lock up opposition wingers week-in-week-out.
Ex-Leeds player Ben Parker previously hailed the full-back’s defensive qualities, saying: “Cody Drameh, his strength is one v one defending. He loves defending. There has not been too many players I’ve seen this season that gets the better of him in a one v one duel. I love to see that.”
Drameh has averaged 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game across his entire club career to date, compared to Tavernier’s 3.1 per match, and his defensive statistics in the 2024/25 campaign in particular suggest that he could be a terrific addition for Rangers.
Tackles
4.04
Top 1%
Tackles in defensive third
2.57
Top 1%
Dribblers challenged
4.15
Top 1%
Dribblers tackled
2.46
Top 1%
Tackles + interceptions
5.08
Top 1%
Errors
0.0
Top 23%
As you can see in the table above, the Hull star ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Championship in a host of key defensive metrics, winning tackles and challenges in his own half and preventing wingers from getting by him with dribbles.
He also ended the Championship season without a single error that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition, compared to Tavernier’s four, which suggests that he would be far more reliable in the right-back slot.
As Parker claimed, Drameh ‘loves defending’ and the same could not be said of Tavernier after aforementioned his mistakes for the Gers, which have cost them, particularly in the Europa League.
The Hull defender is also ten years younger than the Rangers captain and could be the long-term option for Martin in the right-back position, as a big defensive upgrade on the former Newcastle man.
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Viktor Gyokeres has been the name on the lips of Manchester United supporters over recent months, with the Sporting CP striker widely linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim previously worked with the forward during his time in Portugal, with such a scenario likely to have fuelled the rumours over a potential switch.
Talks have previously been held between the 27-year-old’s representatives and the United hierarchy, but no deal has yet to progress, with Arsenal also in the race for his signature.
Such a move is likely to create excitement within the fanbase, given his record of 54 goals scored in just 52 games across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
However, with negotiations seemingly not heading any closer to completion, other targets will likely be considered ahead of next season, with numerous names emerging over recent weeks.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
United’s need for a new striker has become evident over the course of this season, with Amorim’s side only finding the net on 44 occasions in the league – an average of 1.15 goals per game.
Such a record is unacceptable, subsequently leading to links with the likes of Gyokeres and, in the last 24 hours, Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Chelsea.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
However, it appears that Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has once again appeared as an option, according to Football Insider’s latest update.
It’s been claimed that the Red Devils have been in talks with Oliver Glasner’s side over a move for the Frenchman, who managed to find the back of the net on 17 occasions across all competitions.
The report also states that the hierarchy have been keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old’s progress at Selhurst Park, with a £40m price tag previously being mooted.
Why United’s £40m target would be better than Cunha
Over the last couple of days, United confirmed the signing of Brazilian international Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, forking out a fee in the region of £62.5m for his services.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunha
The 26-year-old has made a huge impact in the Premier League in recent times, managing to register 15 goals and six assists in his 33 appearances in 2024/25 – undoubtedly the shining light of the West Midlands outfit.
Such a tally will massively bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal next season, hopefully looking to catapult the club back to the fringes of the Champions League places.
However, it remains unclear if he will feature as a striker or in one of the number 10 positions, opening the door to another attacking addition like Mateta or Gyokeres.
If the Frenchman is to move to the club this summer, it’s imperative that the manager drops the Brazilian into a deeper role and utilises Mateta at the top end of the pitch.
Crystal Palace's Jean-PhilippeMatetacelebrates after the match
When comparing their respective figures, the current target has dominated the new United signing in the final third – showcasing why he’s better suited to the centre-forward position.
Mateta, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, may have registered fewer goals, but has a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.
How Mateta compares to Cunha in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Mateta
Cunha
Games played
37
33
Goals scored
14
15
Shot-on-target accuracy
43%
40%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Take-on success
45%
44%
Aerials won
2.2
0.4
Aerial success rate
37%
31%
Stats via FBref
He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, having the ability to beat the opposition with the ball at his feet before firing at goal, something which he’s done countless times this season.
The Palace star has also been dominant in the air, winning over four times more aerials per 90, whilst also posting a higher success rate in such a department – handing the side the focal point they’ve craved.
Such a fee appears to be somewhat of a bargain, with his experience in the Premier League key to the club’s ambitions of returning to their former glory in the coming months.
The prospect of the striker starring alongside Cunha at Old Trafford is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the pair able to work together to overturn what’s been a dismal period for the Red Devils.
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Glasgow Rangers search for a new manager might well stretch into June as the Ibrox side are not any further forward after the end of the 2024/25 campaign last week.
The longer the club waits, the harder it will be for the new manager to integrate smoothly, thus wasting precious preparation time.
Celtic are on course to win yet another domestic treble, their sixth in the previous nine seasons. If the wrong man is appointed this summer, Brendan Rodgers will only continue to motor his side further and further away from Rangers.
Stats of the five previous permanent Rangers’ managers
Name
Days in post
Games
Points per game
Philippe Clement
497 days
86
2.09
Michael Beale
307 days
43
2.26
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
368
68
2.01
Steven Gerrard
1228
192
2.15
Pedro Caixinha
229
26
1.81
Via Transfermarkt
It is no exaggeration to say that this is perhaps the most important summer in the club’s recent history. Get the right manager in, and the Light Blues could enjoy their own Martin O’Neil or Ange Postecoglou, a force which stops the opposition juggernaut.
If not, the consequences could prove to be catastrophic, no doubt about that.
The latest on Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti
The two names that have been routinely linked to taking over the vacant role at Ibrox are Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti.
Gerrard has plenty of history with the Gers. His first senior managerial role came in Glasgow, arriving in the summer of 2018 to try and restore the club to the summit of Scottish football.
Nathan Patterson, Steven Gerrard
His first two seasons saw plenty of progress, including three victories over Celtic, with a win at Parkhead for the first time since 2010, but no trophies were won.
The 2020/21 season changed all that. After some smart recruitment in the summer of 2020, signing players such as Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi, and Calvin Bassey, the Light Blues won their first Premiership title in a decade.
Not only that, they went through the league season undefeated, and it looked as though this was just the start of another era of dominance.
For Gerrard, however, a lack of backing in the transfer market ahead of the 2021/22 campaign saw him doubt his future at Ibrox. When Aston Villa came calling, he jumped ship to the riches of the Premier League.
Now, it looks as though the Englishman is ready for a return to the club where he began his managerial career. He knows the club inside out, that’s a certainty, but will a return be the right thing for Rangers?
Elsewhere, Ancelotti has been linked with a surprise move to the Gers to become their new head coach. It was then revealed that the Italian was going to join his dad, Carlo, as Brazil assistant in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. This meant he was out of the running.
Recent news suggests that Ancelotti is set to make a name for himself as a manager this summer, which puts a move to Rangers back on.
He has worked with his father at clubs such as Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli over the years, but is he ready for the step-up to a managerial role?
There has been another name surprisingly, linked with a move to Ibrox. And he also has a previous history with the club…
Rangers considering move for Gennaro Gattuso
While all the talk has surrounded Gerrard and Ancelotti, names such as Russell Martin, Rob Edwards and Gary O’Neil have also been considered by the board for the role, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
One name stands out among the noise, however, and that is Gennaro Gattuso. Bailey mentions the Italian as a manager the club are also considering, but unlike the rest of those linked, Gattuso is currently in charge of a club.
Gennaro Gattuso during his time with Marseille.
Indeed, he could lead Hajduk Split to their first domestic title since 2005, although it will be a long shot after their collapse over the previous few weeks.
Reports state that he could leave the Croatian side, even if he somehow leads them to the title, which means he would be available this summer.
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Would Rangers take a chance on their former player? That much remains to be seen.
Gennaro Gattuso could be a perfect left-field choice for Rangers
The 2006 World Cup winner has managed nine clubs since hanging up his boots, winning the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020, which is his only trophy in management thus far.
Truth be told, he hasn’t been a major success at any of the clubs that he has taken over in the past. He spent nearly two years in charge of AC Milan between November 2017 and May 2019, but he failed to return them to the top of Serie A.
Utilising a 4-2-3-1 system throughout his career in the dugout, this could work well with the players he would have at his disposal should he surprisingly take the reins at Ibrox.
After his cup glory with Napoli five years ago, journalist Anthony Lopopolo lavished praise on the former midfielder, saying:
“Gattuso is one of the best men in football. He deserves the Coppa Italia and so much more. He’s had some odd jobs in his coaching career, and he’s faced a lot of criticism, but he’s a winner because he has principles.”
These sorts of qualities would work in Glasgow. He knows what it is to win, having led AC Milan to two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies between 2003 and 2011.
He spent a single season at Rangers during 1997/98. Although they failed to win their tenth league title in a row, Gattuso’s early abilities were on show, and it was clear he would have an excellent career in the game.
It would be taking a big gamble in appointing Gattuso, but is it any bigger than making a move for Ancelotti?
The hot-headed coach may not be perfect, but the Light Blues need someone with that winning mentality. The former Italy international knows plenty about that. That’s for certain.
Whoever is appointed faces a busy summer transfer window indeed.
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The Premier League is back, and it’s quite the fixture for Everton supporters to sink their teeth into.
Last month’s Merseyside derby still lies fresh in the memory, James Tarkowski having sent Goodison Park into ecstasy after firing a last-gasp equaliser past Alisson Becker. Moving to Bramley Moore this summer, it was a fitting finale for a historic fixture in English football.
Now, Anfield awaits David Moyes and his Toffees troops. The turnaround under the Scotsman’s wing has been startling, amazing, with Everton currently nine games unbeaten in the top flight.
But this is sure to be a tough one. The title-chasing Reds were knocked out of kilter before the international break, but will be looking to return to form and move closer toward the title.
Everton, of course, will do everything in their power to prevent that.
Everton – Recent Record at Anfield
Season
Competition
Result
23/24
Premier League
2-0 loss
22/23
Premier League
2-0 loss
21/22
Premier League
2-0 loss
20/21
Premier League
2-0 win
19/20
FA Cup
1-0 loss
Data via Transfermarkt
Everton team news
Merseyside’s red patch has not been a happy place for Everton in a long time; barring one euphoric result, Everton have been consigned to defeat with deflating regularity.
Everton manager David Moyes
However, Moyes’ men outplayed their neighbours for sizeable chunks of February’s 2-2 draw and there’s every chance they capitalise on Liverpool’s injuries and recent loss of form.
The Blues do have issues of their own, though, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still sidelined.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Key attacking outlets Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have reached the end of their rehabilitation, but this one may come a smidge too soon for them.
Thus, Abdoulaye Doucoure is bound to reprise his industrious role at the attacking point of midfield, while James Garner and Idrissa Gueye should continue their solid partnership in the basal area.
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure
But what of the flanks? Everton need to prepare to absorb waves of artillery but equally must strike when they can. Well, with options slim out wide, Jack Harrison may return to the right, leaving a newly welcomed talent with room to leap forward and take his own starting berth.
Everton's answer to Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai is one of Liverpool’s most important parts, bringing his own brand of football to the number ten spot. With just seven goals and six assists across 40 matches this season, he’s not the most prolific, but his firebrand energy makes for a difficult foe.
He’s a real handful, but Everton could have their answer in Charly Alcaraz, who joined on loan from Flamengo in January and needs to complete five appearances from nine available to settle at Everton as a permanent feature.
Alcaraz, 22, has played six times and started thrice in the Premier League since joining, bagging a goal and an assist each on his first game from the opening, during a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.
Everton midfielder Charly Alcaraz
Technically gifted, versatile and tenacious, the Argentina talent has the trappings of a high-level star in the future, with journalist Antonio Mango hailing him as a “special talent.”
Likely to feature off the left of Doucoure, should he start, Alcaraz has averaged 1.6 key passes and 3.6 successful duels per PL game this season, as per Sofascore, also completing 60% of his dribbles.
It’s a skill set that aligns somewhat with Szoboszlai’s, among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as noted by FBref – more on that below.
Charly Alcaraz vs Dominik Szoboszlai (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)
Alcaraz
Szoboszlai
Goals scored
0.17
0.18
Assists
0.17
0.18
Shots taken
3.40
2.41
Shot-creating actions
3.06
4.29
Pass completion
84.6%
83.4%
Progressive passes
5.43
5.07
Progressive carries
2.04
2.57
Successful take-ons
1.19
0.91
Ball recoveries
5.09
5.31
Tackles + interceptions
3.06
1.78
Clearances
1.19
0.54
All stats via FBref
One of Liverpool’s staple attributes is their ability to keep the energy levels up, overwhelming opponents when legs begin to tire. Szoboszlai is fundamental in that regard, his indefatigable running, his drive, his doggedness.
Everton could do with such a player to strike back at Anfield, showing Slot’s squad once again that they are capable of expansive dynamism.
No longer is this a desolate unit lacking the means and confidence to. Avoiding defeat against Liverpool would lead to a ten-match unbeaten streak, and Alcaraz’s performance will be crucial toward achieving this.
Everton will rely on their defensive strengths for sure, but they will also need to meet fire with fire in some phases and Alcaraz’s involvement from the outset could be the perfect way to combat the energy and dynamism Szoboszlai will bring to the table.
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The England spinner will be remembered as one who gave his all on and off the pitch
Mark Nicholas16-Apr-2024Dear Derek,I remember first seeing you on television, in black and white. The field was wet and the pitch too but lots of spectators helped to dry it out, and incredibly, play got underway with just enough time left for England to push for a win.The year was 1968 and, outside of the Beatles and the Stones, you and all the other cricketers of the time were our heroes. It was a big match – England versus Australia at The Oval – and I sat glued to the screen with my pal Jack Newington, both of us ten years old and willing you on.When Dad came home from work, he couldn’t believe the score because when he left the office, it had seemed a certain draw. He arrived in time to see one of David Brown’s close catches and then the dramatic moment when you trapped John Inverarity lbw to claim victory with that wicked arm ball of yours. The other players looked happy but didn’t leap around the place like they do now. It was altogether more modest then and understated. Mind you, the result was only to draw the series, not to win it. Not that this made much difference to the reaction. I can’t imagine Colin Cowdrey, Tom Graveney and Co leaping around like they’d scored the winner in the FA Cup final, whatever the excitement.Related
Derek Underwood, England and Kent's legendary spinner, dies aged 78
Deadly venom: the terror of Derek Underwood
Afterwards we went into the back garden, and Dad, who was a decent right-arm wristspinner, imitated your bowling pretty well, left arm and all. I did a bit of Ian Chappell – collar up, chewing gum – but didn’t lay a bat on many. I had a go at copying you too, but the first attempt landed in the neighbour’s plot, so I soon switched back to right arm and knocked over Jack, who wasn’t much good and left in a huff. Dad said you were a fantastic young bowler who bowled faster than most spinners, and almost cut, rather than spun, the ball. He also showed me how to bowl the arm ball, which was basically seam up with the shinier side set for an inswinger, and released damn fast.Dad died early that autumn from a heart problem, but his impression of you lives with me to this day. Jack didn’t come back to play much, so I spent a lot of time bowling like you against the back wall of our house.Dad would be astonished to know that I went on to play against you quite a few times. I was always taught to play the ball, not the man. Easier said than done. This was especially so in your case because, before my time, you bowled out Hampshire cheaply on a dry and dusty pitch in the south-west. Barry Richards told me you took 7 for 20, or some such figures, and he has no idea how Hampshire got the 20. If Barry thought that, the rest of us were scuppered.Strong arm of the law: when conditions were right, there was nothing more lethal than Underwood’s whippy left-arm action•S&G/PA Images via Getty ImagesDerek, you will almost certainly have come across the dystopian novel : a cautionary tale of futurism by George Orwell, frightening in its prediction and accuracy. You were frightening too, if conditions best suited you. And it was in 1984 that you pinned Hampshire to the rope on a wet pitch at Canterbury before battering us into submission. You took seven wickets for 21- and yes, god only knows how we found the 21 – bowling us out for 56 and winning the game at a canter.I wrote about that game on these pages four years ago. It haunts me still as pieces fly from the pitch and we move from 13 for no wicket to 16 for 4 in 15 extraordinary balls, nine of them bowled by you during which time you spat out four Hampshire batsmen – Paul Terry, Chris Smith, Nicholas, Trevor Jesty – as if they were little more than irritants. A couple of months later you came to Bournemouth and claimed 12 in the match to win it for Kent again. They ask why you’re called “Deadly”. I’ve just looked up these games again. You were deadly alright.Anyway, I’m on this email group called “The Raisers”. It was set up by an old mucker and team-mate of yours, Pat Pocock. In short, former first-class cricketers share stories about mates and raise a glass of something to them on their birthdays. Your passing has spawned a long line of terrific tales, happy memories. The overriding emotion is of warmth and love for you – a great cricketer for sure, but a fabulous man too, whose roaring laughter lit up the hours after play and whose morning greeting suggested we were the luckiest people on earth.In so many ways you were a piece of the past: those ten-to-two feet, them baggy trousers, that long-sleeve flannel shirt rolled to the elbow, your short hair, its side parting (with, briefly, some trendy long sideburns to reflect the 1970s), a pack of cigarettes always close by and a pint of ale in hand come stumps. You were modest to a fault, kind to the point of generosity but never soft. You played hardball against the best, and yet never once compromised the polite sense of respect you had for the game and for your opponent. In the age of good manners you were a standard-bearer.The field was your playground but not your theatre. You attracted attention to yourself with honest deeds not extravagant words – indeed, all that we ever heard you utter was in response to Alan Knott behind the stumps.”Bowled Del,” Knotty would say as another ball fizzed past the outside edge and was taken at shoulder height by the master stumper.A young fan gets a taste of Underwood’s music while on a train to Poona (now Pune) for a Test in 1981•Adrian Murrell/Getty Images”Thanks matey,” came the gentle reply, on repeat, ball after ball.Your greatest skill was to give nothing away and to take advantage when the opportunity came. You loved to patiently tie up an end when the pitch was flat, and rip into it when the pitch went rogue. You were accurate, persistent and often deadly. You played for those around you as much as for yourself, and you never, ever gave in.Above all, perhaps, you were courageous, both physically and mentally. You acted as nightwatch without a helmet against Lillee and Thomson and the West Indies attack of the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s. The photograph of you in mid-air, throwing back your head to avoid the ball is, at the same time, one of the most thrilling and alarming cricket shots ever taken. Then, with the ball, when your team turned to you to win the match for them in the fourth innings, you invariably did exactly that. Respect, Deadly, respect. You were the best of England.I led a side you were in once, remember? MCC versus Australia, Lord’s 1985. Allan Border began a counterattack against you and I asked which fielder you would like to drop back and to where. “No idea matey, I tend to leave setting the field to the captain… Hmm, but maybe midwicket could give a yard or two.” Oh, okay.I look back at the match as if it didn’t happen: the three days that I skippered Deadly. How marvellous.So that’s it really, time to say goodbye. I’ve adapted a short poem called “Afterglow” by Helen Lowrie Marshall.Thanks Deadly, from us all.Mark Nicholas
A crisis man, a tidy bowler and a compact batter – Chase ticks all the boxes for WI
Shashank Kishore21-Feb-2022Roston Chase wasn’t meant to play any of the T20Is and was only picked as a back-up allrounder. He not only ended the T20I series as the highest wicket-taker across both teams, and all but sealed his spot as a bowling all-rounder, who can offer batting flexibility when the team needs it.Early wickets lost, consolidation the need of the hour? Dial Chase. Wickets needed with the ball to win back some control? Dial Chase. Besides, Chase is also an excellent fielder inside the ring. He bowled his full quota of overs in each game; his six wickets in three games came at an economy of just 5.16.Jason Holder’s bruise on his chest prior to the series opener handed him an opportunity. In a modest 157 chase, India were cruising at 57 without loss when he was brought on. He bowled his four overs at a stretch mostly with a wet ball.He used the crease to vary his lines, and then his tall frame to bowl it into the pitch and extract bounce. By not allowing batters to get underneath the flight on a two-paced surface, he kept India honest. The rewards for these were the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. He finished the first T20I with figures of 4-0-14-2.In the second T20I, West Indies won a crucial toss and elected to bowl because of heavy dew. This time, Chase wasn’t a last-minute inclusion, but a first XI player in place of Fabian Allen, who was meant to start. Chase’s terrific effort in the series opener had swayed the team management into playing him again.This time, he had better conditions to show off his wares. India began to get off the blocks quickly, with Rohit and Virat Kohli playing in a refreshingly attacking manner. Kohli batted with freedom and positivity, hitting six boundaries off his first 15 deliveries. When Chase came on to bowl in the eighth over, Kohli had raced to 29 off 18, Rohit was on 18 off 16. The signs were ominous, and he delivered yet again.Chase’s tall frame helps him operate with different trajectories compared to Allen or Akeal Hosein, the other two spin bowling allrounders. And he used every bit of it to his advantage. Four balls into his spell, he dismissed Rohit for the second time in the series, by having him slice a lofted hit to cover.Chase can land the ball on the same spot – much like Washington Sundar does for India – and he mixes this with subtle changes in grip. The one that got Rohit held its line instead of spinning in because he bowled it with a scrambled seam. Rohit, who was looking to muscle it over cover ended up slicing it to the fielder at the edge of the ring. Off his next over, he enticed Suryakumar Yadav to drive, only to get the ball to dip and spin as he gobbled up a forceful push.Chase ensured India didn’t hit a single boundary between the end of the powerplay and the start of the 13th over. After a pulsating beginning, Kohli had managed just 10 runs off his next 15 balls during Chase’s spell, with two big wickets having fallen. Once again, his subtle mastery was at play, allowing Pollard a degree of control over proceedings. Four overs of mayhem at the end – where the fast bowlers repeatedly lost their lengths and bowled into the slot – allowed Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer to feast on the bowling to set up a target of 187, which the visitors fell short of.On Sunday, Chase was once again at the forefront for West Indies. Not allowing India’s fearless band to break away initially. They wanted to bat with freedom and made four changes with the series in the bag. In came Chase again, keeping them honest and in the process. Kishan’s frustration stemmed from his inability to step out to Chase.The lengths he bowled didn’t allow him to go back and pull either, because it was the “in-between” length Chase often goes back to as a default setting. Eventually, he’d have Kishan bowled trying to pull a delivery that held on to the surface and had him play early. Once again, he bowled out with West Indies having a degree of control, with Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav having to rebuild the innings. Allen, the man who was set to play ahead of him when the series started, bowled just one wicketless over. How the tide had turned. If not for some poor death bowling, West Indies may have found themselves chasing 20 fewer than the 185 they were set.While his bowling has come up leaps and bounds, Chase the batter struggled for any sort of rhythm. In the first game, he pottered his way around before falling lbw to a Ravi Bishnoi googly. In the third, he came in much later, after the cream of the batting had all been dismissed in pursuit of a big target. For someone who is seen as an accumulator, who can shift up and down the order based on conditions, these were disappointing series with the bat.In a line-up full of explosive power, Chase is often seen as the calm amid the storm. His presence gives West Indies a degree of comfort with the bat at the best of times. He is an excellent player of spin because of the assuredness in his footwork. His role is mainly to knock the ball around after the power plays, pick up occasional boundaries and allow the power-hitters to come into their own.This has been the DNA of his T20 game ever since he made a serious pitch as a T20 player in 2020, when he was named as a replacement player in the CPL by St Lucia Kings. In the following season, he repaid the faith by being the season’s MVP, which got him a maiden T20 World Cup call-up. While his bowling continues to be on the rise, Chase will hope his batting returns in India were an aberration. If he can offer West Indies a bit more flexibility, his presence, amid a succession of bowling allrounders in Allen, Hosein, Odean Smith, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd will help build a bouquet of options T20 teams around the world yearn for.
Despite beating Brentford away over the weekend, Manchester City got some bad news on the injury front. Key midfielder Rodri had to be taken off with just 20 minutes gone due to a suspected hamstring issue.
Of course, the 29-year-old has struggled with injury issues since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last season.
Thankfully for City fans, the former Atletico Madrid star gave an encouraging update, explaining that the injury “seems like it’s not that much,” and suggesting he could even be fit for the first game after the international break against Everton. Surely Pep Guardiola will want to make sure his first-choice number six is 100% fit before playing him again.
Frustratingly, one of City’s former academy stars, Romeo Lavia, could have softened the blow of Rodri’s absence.
Why Lavia could have replaced Rodri
As they have tended to do with academy stars over the past few years, City did an excellent job of selling Lavia. He joined Southampton back in 2022 for a fee of up to £14m, despite only playing once for the first team at the Etihad Stadium.
He impressed so much on the South Coast that the former Anderlecht academy star got a big move to Chelsea the summer after. At Stamford Bridge, opportunities have been scarce for Lavia due to injury problems of his own.
However, he’s worked hard to build back to full fitness and is now looking to cement himself as a key part of Enzo Maresca’s midfield.
In total, the Belgian has only made 25 appearances for the Blues, with just two coming this season. The majority of them have come at the base of Maresca’s midfield, where he’s been able to screen the back four and show his excellent progressive carrying skills.
Lavia showed what he is all about in Chelsea’s recent 2-1 win over Liverpool. He came off the bench at Stamford Bridge last weekend, and his cameo was enough to earn him a 7/10 rating from The Standard journalist Dom Smith. He said the 21-year-old put in a ‘good display’ against the Reds.
Yet, with the amount the injury-prone starlet has featured for Chelsea, he may not have been the right player to operate as Rodri’s understudy. They recently let the perfect backup slip through the cracks.
Man City sold the perfect Rodri understudy
Standing in for Rodri in the City squad is certainly no easy task. Lavia has the quality, but his injury issues mean his availability might not have been what City needed. At the club, the likes of Nico Gonzalez and Kalvin Phillips are at Guardiola’s disposal.
However, the man who could have seamlessly slotted into the starting lineup in Rodri’s absence, which is a regular occurrence these days, was sold in the summer for just £13m. Maximo Perrone made the permanent move to Serie A side Como after a season-long loan in Italy.
After joining City in 2023 from Argentine side Velez Sarsfield, Perrone never really managed to nail down a place in the side. He only made two appearances for the first team at the Etihad Stadium in the treble-winning season of 2022/23, before moving on loan to Las Palmas and then Como, where he now plies his trade.
So far, the 22-year-old has made 33 appearances for Cesc Fabregas’ side. The defensive midfielder has cemented his spot in the starting lineup, playing 90 minutes in each of the last three games and scoring his first goal for the club last weekend.
Perrone would have been “an ideal Rodri back-up,” according to football analyst Ben Mattinson.
Well, his underlying numbers from last season show just why. For example, the midfielder averaged 2.81 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 63rd percentile of Serie A midfielders.
Perrone – 24/25 vs. Serie A midfielders
Stat (per 90)
Record
Percentile
Passes completed
58.84
92nd
Key passes
1.45
84th
Tackles won
1.31
75th
Interceptions
0.97
71st
Clearnaces
2.08
88th
Stats from FBref
Perrone certainly feels like one that got away from this City squad. With his profile, a progressive ball-winner in the middle of the park, he could have seamlessly fitted into the City side in Rodri’s absence.
Letting him go for such a cheap fee in the summer could be a big error by City, especially with Rodri’s persistent injury issues.
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Mikel Arteta has built a squad full of superstars at Arsenal over the last six years.
From William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the back, to Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze in midfield, there is quality everywhere you look.
However, when it comes to the Gunners’ most important player, it’s hard to look past Bukayo Saka.
On top of being an exceptional player, the Englishman has become the face of the club, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to an international star who has been compared not only to Saka but also to Michael Olise.
Arsenal target Saka & Olise hybrid
With the transfer window now less than a month away, Arsenal have unsurprisingly begun to be linked with a host of brilliant players.
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For example, Real Madrid’s £70m Eduardo Camavinga has been touted for a move to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s monstrous centre-back Murillo.
However, as talented as those two players are, neither one can be compared to Saka nor Olise, unlike Rodrygo.
Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are once again in the picture for the Madrid star.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Brazilian is now keen to leave the Spanish giants in January, and his camp has been back in talks with several sides, including the Gunners.
However, in addition to convincing the player of the project, the North Londoners will have to offer a fee tempting enough for Madrid, who, according to the report, value their player between £70m and £79m.
Therefore, it would likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing for Arsenal, especially since he’s been compared to both Saka and Olise.
How Rodrygo compares to Saka & Olise
So, before getting to his output and other reasons Arsenal should be looking to sign Rodrygo, it’s worth examining these comparisons to Saka and Olise and where they come from.
Well, in this instance, both stem from FBref, with the Bayern Munich star being ranked as the 6th most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Brazilian in Europe’s top five leagues across the last 365 days.
The Englishman, on the other hand, was ranked as the third most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real Madrid star in the Champions League last season.
You can gain a better understanding of how these conclusions were reached by looking at the underlying numbers in which the wingers rank or ranked, in the case of Saka, closest in.
In the case of the Frenchman, these metrics include things like passes into the final third, successful take-on percentage, carries, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.
Rodrygo & Olise
Statistics per 90
Rodrygo
Olise
Passes into the Final Third
3.33
3.80
Passing Accuracy
83.8%
81.4%
Successful Take-On %
34.4%
37.5%
Ball Recoveries
4.87
4.60
Carries
51.0
59.5
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
The metrics that formed the basis of the comparison to the Gunners’ mercurial number seven last season included shots, assists, clearances, successful take-ons, shot-creating actions, and more, all per 90.
In other words, the former Santos gem was contributing in attacking phases for Madrid in the Champions League last year, but also chipped in defensively here and there.
Rodrygo & Saka
Statistics per 90
Rodrygo
Saka
Progressive Passes Received
10.3
10.2
Shots
2.57
2.61
Assists
0.21
0.24
Shot-Creating Actions
3.70
3.67
Clearances
0.72
0.60
Successful Take-Ons
1.8
1.67
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL
With all that said, another reason the North Londoners should be all over this signing, in addition to the comparisons, is the fact that, at his best, the 24-year-old winger can be a reliable source of goals and assists.
For example, since moving to Spain, he has racked up a brilliant tally of 68 goals and 53 assists in 286 appearances, totalling 16599 minutes.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or every 137.18 minutes, which is made all the more impressive given that Real arguably are the most high-pressure club in world football, with sky-high standards and expectations.
Moreover, the Osasco-born monster has racked up a sensational tally of 25 goals and 16 assists in 67 Champions League games, which, when considered alongside his two titles in the competition, more than justifies Luka Modrić’s claim that he’s a “world-class superstar.”
Ultimately, while it won’t be easy, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Rodrygo in January, as he could be a totally game-changing addition to Arteta’s squad.
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The Arsenal target has been having a better campaign than Bukayo Saka this year.
Well, given the circumstances, that was an exceptional result for Chelsea.
Sure, Enzo Maresca’s side would have gone out there looking for a win, but considering Arsenal are the Premier League leaders, a point is not bad and has kept them within touching distance.
Moreover, when Moises Caicedo got himself sent off in the first half, it felt like only a matter of when, not if, the Gunners would take the lead.
There were sensational displays across the pitch for the hosts, including one monster that saved the Ecuadorian international from becoming the talking point.
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One of Chelsea’s best players this evening, and all season for that matter, was Robert Sanchez.
Chalkboard
The Spanish shot-stopper has come in for some harsh criticism over recent years, but against the Gunners, he was superb.
On top of his passing generally being on point and his collection of crosses being efficient, he also made several top-quality stops, like the one from Gabriel Martinelli’s shot in the first half.
Another hugely important player for the Blues was captain fantastic, Reece James.
The Englishman once again started the game in the middle of the park and was, in the words of presenter Olivia Buzaglo, “gargantuan.”
In his 94 minutes of action, he provided an assist, played two key passes, won 100% of his tackles, won 11 of 12 duels, didn’t get dribbled past at all, recovered the ball twice, and completed 100% of his dribbles.
It was just the sort of performance the team needed from their captain after Caicedo was sent off in the first half.
However, there was another starter who was just as vital to the win, and truly saved the Ecuadorian’s blushes.
The Chelsea player who saved Caicedo
Once Caicedo was sent off, there was an expectation that Arsenal would eventually wrestle control back from Chelsea and stamp their authority over proceedings.
However, the Blues clearly had other ideas.
Just three minutes into the second 45, James delivered an incredible corner into the Gunners’ penalty area, and Trevoh Chalobah rose to meet it and head it home.
It was a well-worked set-piece and a brilliant header that seemed to shock the visitors and gave the Stamford Bridge faithful something to cheer about and take their minds off the red card.
However, while that was the most memorable moment of his game, Chalobah did far more than just score, as he was superb at the back and showed some great on-the-ball skill, coming out from the back on multiple occasions.
He unsurprisingly made quite the impression on the watching press as well, with the Standard’s Dom Smith awarding him an 8/10 match rating at full-time.
The 26-year-old’s statistics more than justify such a rating as well.
Minutes
94′
Goals
1
Tackles (Won)
1 (1)
Clearances
6
Recoveries
4
Ground Duels (Won)
2 (1)
Aerial Duels (Won)
5 (4)
Dribbled Past
0
Touches
52
Shots
1
Fouls Won
1
In his 94 minutes of hard-fought action, the academy graduate won 100% of his tackles, made six clearances, recovered the ball four times, won five of seven duels, didn’t get dribbled past, took 52 touches and won one foul.
It was another performance from the Englishman that proves he’s more than just a stopgap until the club splashes the cash on a new defender.
Or, as Gary Cahill said in an interview that came out a few hours before the game, he is “the most underappreciated player at Chelsea.”
Ultimately, they might not have won, but Chelsea put in a sensational performance to claim a point against Arsenal, and alongside the likes of Sanchez and James, Chalobah saved Caicedo from becoming the talking point.
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