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Najmul Hossain Shanto’s match-readiness and Nahid Rana’s pace are worries, but Simmons is hoping for things to fall in place in time

Mohammad Isam10-Feb-2025

Phil Simmons looks pretty pleased with life ahead of the Champions Trophy•BCB

Bangladesh are cramming extra training sessions into their schedule in a bid to shift their mindset from T20Is to ODIs ahead of the Champions Trophy. Head coach Phil Simmons is confident that the players can get themselves accustomed to the format despite not playing an ODI since December.The BPL ended on February 7, and the following day, some of the players turned up at a training camp at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. These were mainly cricketers whose BPL teams had been knocked out before the final. The team will train in Dhaka till February 12, after which they leave for the Champions Trophy – their first match is against India in Dubai on February 20.”I agree that it is not the best preparation, but they were playing white-ball cricket, which means that they are sharp skills-wise,” Simmons said. “We have to get their minds up to 50-over cricket in the next six or seven days. They have the skills. They are performing. It is about getting to that 50-over mentality now. We will have double practice sessions in the next couple of days. We bat and bowl in the morning, and then do the same under the lights.Related

Champions Trophy: Teams, players, venues, where to watch

Taskin, Tamim headline the BPL team of the tournament

“We are getting ourselves prepared to bat for 50 overs. The first part of the preparation is about Dubai. Once we can get ourselves in the right frame of mind, and work on the right things for Dubai, I think we can start [preparations for] the rest the competition as well. We will get familiar conditions in Pakistan after that.”Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is a worry, particularly because he hasn’t played a lot in the last couple of months. Shanto missed the tour of the West Indies owing to a hamstring injury. His last international outing was in November last year. He returned with the National Cricket League T20s, and then played five games for Fortune Barishal in the BPL.”He was working very hard all of those days when he wasn’t playing,” Simmons said. “We are going to need a strong mental attitude from everyone in the team. I think he possesses that, so I look forward to him continuing his work.”Simmons admitted that Nahid Rana’s drop in pace towards the back-end of the BPL was a concern, but he was relieved since Rana has upped his pace in the training sessions.”He has looked slower than normal in the last couple of games. The run-up was less than normal approaching the wicket,” Simmons said. “They [Rangpur Riders] got knocked out early so he had a bit of rest. He looked sharp in training yesterday. The pace was coming back. The run-up was as quick as it was in the Caribbean.”This is Simmons’ last assignment in his current contract, and there are questions about the future. But Simmons wasn’t giving any clues.”I won’t be here if I didn’t believe [that we can win],” he said. “I think you prepare as best as you could when you go into a tournament. On that day, you play your best games. That’s what I look to do, on every occasion. I think we have made a lot of strides in the Caribbean. I think we have a good chance once we play to the best of our ability.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have enjoyed a long-running rivalry after dominating world football for two decades. Both superstars are now entering the twilight of their careers, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen claiming the 40-year-old Portugal international is now in better physical condition than Inter Miami's World Cup winner.

Ronaldo & Messi still going strong

Ronaldo and Messi are still going strong despite their advancing years. The Portuguese superstar celebrated his 40th birthday in February but is still banging in the goals for club and country. Ronaldo has now scored 943 career goals and is edging closer to his dream target of 1,000 before he hangs up his boots. Meanwhile, Messi's latest goal for Inter Miami against the Seattle Sounders means the World Cup winner now has 20 in 21 MLS matches this season for Javier Mascherano's side.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesDifferences between Ronaldo and Messi revealed

Meulensteen has now shared his thoughts on the differences between the two superstars. Speaking to football betting site BetVictor, Meulensteen said: “It takes its toll, obviously. They're different players, different physical specimens as well. Cristiano Ronaldo is an athlete, 187 cm or something, and more than anything, as everybody knows, he has looked after himself unbelievably well. I'm not saying that Lionel Messi hasn't, I'm sure he has, but they're just physically different kinds of players. 

"Messi has always wanted the ball to feet, and then his magic started with a lot of turns and twists and explosive runs. But I think it's just possibly nothing else other than a genetic difference between them. They're both exceptional players that have brought absolute beauty to the game. 

"We are so fortunate to have grown up to have those two players going toe to toe with each other because that competition has brought the best out of them. 100% that rivalry, but also that mutual respect that they have for each other. But Cristiano, physically, he's in such a good state. I can't see anything else than just some genetic difference, and obviously maybe Messi starts to feel it a little bit more. You know, the day-to-day routines of training and recovery and all this and that."

Messi to play at World Cup 2026?

The longevity of both players means the duo may well feature at World Cup 2026. Meulensteen certainly expects Messi to feature in North America, Canada and Mexico as Argentina aim to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. He added: "At some point, more things start to ache. It takes longer to recover. I would still expect to see Messi at the World Cup."

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Getty Images SportRonaldo chasing first silverware with Al-Nassr

Before then, both players will aim to add to their extensive trophy cabinets. Messi has already tasted silverware with Inter Miami after lifting the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters Shield in 2024 but Ronaldo is yet to taste glory with Al-Nassr. Yet he has vowed to "make history" with the club after signing a new two-year contract over the summer.

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Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing a free-kick specialist on a free transfer for new boss Russell Martin.

Busy week for Rangers as 49ers sign Rothwell and Fernandez

The Gers and new owners 49ers Enterprises have had a busy week at Ibrox in regards to new signings, with both Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez moving to Rangers on permanent transfers.

Rothwell, who worked with Martin at Southampton in their promotion-winning season from the Championship, arrived from Bournemouth, and hours later, Fernandez was announced as a Gers player from Peterborough United.

Rangers’ first 5 Scottish Premiership fixtures	Date
Motherwell vs Rangers	August 2
Rangers vs Dundee	August 9
St Mirren vs Rangers	August 23
Rangers vs Celtic	August 31
Rangers vs Hearts	September 13

Talking after signing Fernandez, Martin said: “Emmanuel is a young defender with a huge amount of potential, and I am excited to welcome him to the club. He has a strong physical presence, is a commanding defender and I believe in this environment we can help him develop and provide him with the opportunities to take his game to the next level.”

The duo join Lyall Cameron and Max Aarons through the door ahead of the Gers’ Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos later this month, and more new additions could be made before the end of the month.

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Leicester City defender Conor Coady and Luton Town midfielder Thelo Aasgaard both look on course to head to Glasgow, and another player with EFL experience is also on Martin’s radar.

Rangers also interested in signing free agent John Swift

According to a report from SportsBoom, Rangers are keen on signing John Swift, who is currently a free agent after leaving West Bromwich Albion at the end of June.

The Gers aren’t the only side keen, though, with Championship sides Derby County, Norwich City, Portsmouth and Stoke City also looking at a cut-price deal.

A free-kick specialist, Swift came through the ranks at Chelsea but has made the majority of his career appearances for Reading and West Brom. The 30-year-old has never plied his trade outside of England, so a move north to Scotland would be a first for Swift, should a deal go through.

Former Baggies boss Tony Mowbray praised Swift last season, highlighting his free-kick ability and labelling him as a a “wonderful player”.

“So it shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody that John Swift can bend one in the top corner from 25 yards. He is a wonderful player and that is why he has been in the team.”

Previously, former Reading manager Veljko Paunovic also hailed Swift, saying: “Swift is super talented – he showed urgency and wanted to decide the game. It was fantastic execution and vision to play Joao in. Injuries were the main issue for Swift in the past and he has been missed. It’s important to keep him healthy and motivated like he is now.”

Leeds United have put plenty of work into improving their options across the backline since the summer transfer window officially opened for business last month.

The Championship champions confirmed their latest arrival of the window last week when they unveiled Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri as their number one for next season.

He has arrived from Ligue 1 side Lyon on a permanent deal to compete with Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow, and will play ahead of the likes of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Jaka Bijol, who have also been signed to improve the defence.

In front of the backline, Leeds have also swooped to sign defensive midfielders Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach to provide some steel in front of the back four in the top-flight.

German centre-forward Lukas Nmecha, who arrived on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is the only attacking player who has been added to the squad this summer, though, and the club could now turn to signings in the forward areas.

When the Whites were last promoted to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, the signing of forward Raphinha was vital to their survival.

Why Leeds need their next Raphinha

Leeds need to find Daniel Farke his own version of Raphinha before the end of the summer transfer window because the club’s current options in the attacking midfield and wide positions are uninspiring.

The West Yorkshire outfit do not have any players in those positions who have shown that they have the quality to make a big impact in the Premier League next season, as they all struggled in their most recent seasons in the division.

Appearances

24

36

34

24

Goals

2

1

1

2

Big chances created

3

5

6

3

Key passes per game

0.4

1.3

1.0

1.0

Assists

1

3

0

4

As you can see in the table above, Dan James, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, and Wilfried Gnonto have only scored six goals combined in their most recent seasons in the Premier League.

Raphinha, however, scored 11 goals and created ten ‘big chances’ in 35 top-flight games in his second and final season at Elland Road, after a return of six goals, 12 ‘big chances’ created, and nine assists in his first year in the league.

The Brazilian forward, who signed from Rennes for a fee of £17m in the summer of 2020, made a huge impact in front of goal with his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, and it does not seem like Farke has any similar players in his current squad.

That is why the Whites must dip back into the market to improve their attacking options, which appears to be what they are on the verge of doing.

Leeds set to agree deal for Brazilian forward

According to L’Equipe, Leeds United are on course to reach an agreement with Feyenoord over the signing of Brazilian winger Igor Paixao this summer.

The report claims that the Whites have submitted an offer of around £28m, with add-ons on top of that, and the Eredivisie side are said to be happy with the numbers involved, but it is now down to the clubs to finalise the finer details.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It adds that Ligue 1 side Marseille are also interested in signing the 25-year-old forward and have already agreed a five-year contract with the player.

However, the French outfit have failed to reach an agreement with Feyenoord on a transfer fee, which opened the door for Leeds to swoop in with this latest offer.

L’Equipe states that Marseille will need to raise their offer to match the Whites’ proposal if they want to remain in the race to sign the attacker, but it remains to be seen if they are willing or able to do so.

What Igor Paixao would bring to Leeds

Leeds must push to get this deal over the line before Marseille can re-enter the race because he would bring plenty of goals and assists to Elland Road next season.

Paixao has the quality on the ball to be the next electric Brazilian sensation to grace the wings in the Premier League for Leeds, following in Raphinha’s footsteps in West Yorkshire.

The Feyenoord star showcased his quality in the Champions League with two goals, including the one in the post above, and four assists in 11 games during the 2024/25 campaign.

On top of his impressive performances on the European stage, which showed that he can compete against the best of the best on the continent, Paixao also delivered exceptional numbers in the Eredivisie for his side.

xG

10.56

Top 2%

Goals

16

Top 2%

xG on target

16.25

Top 2%

Shots on target

43

Top 2%

xA

6.71

Top 4%

Assists

10

Top 3%

Chances created

70

Top 1%

Successful crosses

36

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds target was one of the best players, if not the best player, in the Dutch top-flight when it came to making an impact as a scorer and a creator of goals last term.

Analyst Ben Mattinson claimed that Paixao has “insane” technique from long range, and he has scored six goals from outside the box in the last two Eredivisie seasons to back that up.

This suggests that the £28m-rated star could provide Leeds supporters with some special moments on the pitch by scoring some long-range screamers to win vital points for the team in the Premier League next season.

Paixao is a winger who can score great goals, score goals on a regular basis, and create and assist goals consistently, and has proven himself in the Champions League.

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This is why he could be Farke’s own version of Raphinha, who helped Leeds to stay in the Premier League for two seasons with his goals and assists, as he could be a match-winner for the club with his quality in the final third.

Ellyse Perry takes three wickets in six balls as Phoenix win first home game

ECB Media03-Aug-2024

Amy Jones had an outstanding day with both bat and gloves•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images

After losing 12 completed games in a row, Birmingham Phoenix, inspired by captain Ellyse Perry, made it two wins from two by squeezing the life out of Southern Brave to win by 16 runs at Edgbaston.With a hint of rain in the air, Phoenix were put in by Georgia Adams and a steady start was only interrupted when 16-year-old slow-left armer Tilly Corteen-Coleman struck with her first ball to have Sophie Devine lbw. She struck again, Rhianna Southby effecting a smart stumping to get rid of Sterre Kalis, forcing Perry and Amy Jones to consolidate.They added 23 for the third wicket before Perry holed out to Maia Bouchier at long-on. With the score 55 for 3 at the halfway stage, the Phoenix needed to accelerate and did through Jones, and a cameo of 22 in 12 balls from Emily Arlott that included two sixes.Jones’s half-century saw Phoenix reach 137 for 7, with Lauren Cheatle having conceded just 14 runs from her 20-ball allocation.After three boundaries from the returning Smriti Mandhana at the start of the Brave innings, it became the Perry show, as the Australia legend picked up three key wickets – Mandhana, Bouchier for a duck, and skipper Adams – in her first ten deliveries.Danni Wyatt and Freya Kemp steadied the ship, the former striking a typically belligerent 33-ball 43 before Charis Pavely got rid of Kemp and Hannah Baker induced an error from Wyatt.At 92 for 5 from 69 balls, the momentum was with the Phoenix, and all of their bowlers stuck to their task admirably, throttling the Brave innings as the required run-rate climbed and the visitors simply ran out of steam.”Emily Arlott’s innings was the difference, clearing the fence with ease,” Jones said. “And Pez’s start was unbelievable. When you have someone like that, who can deliver such performances, it is a huge lift for the team. We were really good in the field and backed up the bowlers.”

Chelsea are looking to strengthen multiple key areas in Enzo Maresca’s squad, before they tackle their first campaign back in the Champions League next season, and they’ve made a fantastic start with their deal for Liam Delap.

Chelsea's transfer plans after signing Liam Delap

The striker has now fully sealed his switch to Stamford Bridge after completing a medical (Fabrizio Romano), with Chelsea activating his £30 million release clause and securing their first signing of the summer.

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Delap may not be their only striker signing of the summer, either, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting late last week that Chelsea remain in serious pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are actively discussing the signing of a new attacking midfielder or winger, with Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United) and Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams all considered (Simon Phillips).

BlueCo are said to be working hard to bolster some key areas before the Club World Cup begins in under a fortnight, with Chelsea taking this summer’s tournament seriously given the riches on offer.

Chelsea could secure £97 million worth of prize money if they win the whole thing, and reliable journalist Simon Phillips writes that they’re very keen to sign a new centre-back before the CWC kicks off.

Chelsea held productive talks over a move for Dean Huijsen, but eventually missed out on a deal for the Spain international when Real Madrid came knocking.

Now, they’ve turned to alternative targets, and one of them is Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea ponder "big-money" bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

The England international, who made his Three Lions debut last year, should arguably have more senior caps for the national team considering his excellent and assured displays on Merseyside, but his talent isn’t lost on Chelsea.

The 22-year-old is high on their defensive transfer shortlist of targets, even if Toffees boss David Moyes is reportedly “pleading” with him to stay.

TEAMtalk have an update on the situation, and they write that Chelsea are “seriously” considering a “big-money” bid for Branthwaite – who could cost up to £75 million.

The Blues are thought to be more “advanced” in their interest than London rivals Tottenham, but it’ll take a marquee fee to prise the highly-rated centre-half down south.

Everton are said to be in a strong position in regard to PSR, and have an option to extend Branthwaite’s contract by a further year, meaning Chelsea will need to stump up a very large fee to even get his club to the negotiating table.

While Branthwaite is expected to be an expensive potential buy, he is one of England’s most exciting young defenders, with Jamie Carragher already calling him a “special” player to watch out for.

Manchester United have now held internal talks over signing a former Barcelona player on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing cut-price deal after Europa League disaster

Of course, winning trophies is always important for a club the size of Man United, but Europa League glory was arguably even more important from a financial point of view, given that success in the competition grants qualification to the Champions League.

Having failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition next season, United are thought to have missed out on £85m, which could hamper their ability to bring in their top targets this summer, in what could be a very important window.

That is according to Jamie Carragher, who has insisted the Red Devils will need to splash the cash to rebuild Ruben Amorim’s squad, although the former Liverpool man has doubts over whether the former Sporting CP boss is the right man for the job.

Carragher said: “Backing him means getting behind a big idea; a system of play that is uncommon among the elite of Europe, requiring specialist footballers and a squad of back-up wing-backs and centre-halves so he can play three at the back.

“It means spending big on redesigning the squad to meet Amorim’s specific needs in the knowledge that, if he underperforms again next season, his successor will most likely revert to a flat back four.”

However, it appears as though INEOS are set to stand by Amorim, and they have now set their sights on a new target, who could suit the manager’s style of play, having internally discussed a move for Wolverhampton Wanders right-wing back Nelson Semedo.

That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Semedo’s name has been raised during talks over Matheus Cunha, with the full-back set to leave Molineux on a free transfer this summer.

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ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025 "Outstanding" Semedo could be ideal for Amorim

The 31-year-old is accustomed to playing at right-wing-back, which could make him a good fit in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, while his availability on a free transfer is ideal for Man United, having missed out on Champions League football.

Not only that, but the £80k-a-week Wolves star has proven himself in the Premier League over the course of a number of years, with Garth Crooks saying in the 2023-24 season: “Nelson Semedo deserved a mention as he was outstanding. His ability to get forward, but also defend with equal measure, was impressive.”

Admittedly, the former Barcelona man wouldn’t be the most exciting of signings, and there are other areas of the squad in more urgent need of strengthening, with the lack of goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee a real problem.

However, Semedo could be a solid signing as a rotation option at the very least, and the fact the Portuguese defender is available on a free transfer makes him even more appealing.

While there remains a slither of hope that this season ends in Europa League triumph for Tottenham Hotspur, there is no escaping from the fact that, at least domestically, it’s been diabolical.

Ange Postecologu’s side have lost 19 games in the Premier League, and it feels like a certainty that they’ll finish the season with 20 to their name.

However, for all the doom and gloom – of which there is plenty – there remains a reason to be hopeful about the club’s future: their youngsters.

The likes of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mikey Moore look like superstars in the making, and if recent reports are to be believed, the club are looking to add another name to that list, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Brennan Johnson, and has been tipped for Ballon d’Or glory.

Tottenham's transfer targets

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other youngsters who’ve been linked with Spurs in recent weeks, such as Dean Huijsen.

Transfer Focus

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The Spanish international reportedly has a release clause worth £50m in his current Bournemouth deal, and while that is a lot to spend on a youngster, it could well be worth it, as he’s already made 32 appearances for the Cherries this term.

Another youngster from the South Coast who has been heavily linked with the Lilywhites this year is Tyler Dibling.

The Southampton star has racked up a reasonable tally of four goals and three assists in 35 games so far this season and will be available for reportedly £35m.

Finally, the most exciting player, and the one who’d be a significant upgrade on Johnson, is Rayan Cherki.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs and Manchester United are now leading the race to sign the highly-rated Lyon youngster.

The report claims that the 21-year-old could be available for around €35m, which comes out to £30m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Cherki’s immense ability and potential, it’s worth fighting tooth and nail for, especially as he’d be a big upgrade on Johnson.

How Cherki compares to Johnson

So, as Cherki’s primary position is off the right, his main competition for game time at Spurs would be Johnson, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, it’s the Frenchman who comes out on top, and by quite some way at that.

For example, in just 41 appearances, totalling 2894 minutes, he’s scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.32 games, or every 93.35 minutes.

In contrast, the Welshman has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists in 46 appearances, totalling 2987 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 129.86 minutes.

Unfortunately for the former Nottingham Forest ace, the comparison remains just as one-sided when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.71

0.52

Non-Penalty G+As

0.88

0.60

Progressive Passes

9.31

3.03

Progressive Carries

4.17

2.47

Key Passes

3.33

0.82

Passes into the Final Third

4.46

1.08

Passes into the Penalty Area

3.33

1.52

Live Passes

52.7

26.2

Shot-Creating Actions

6.23

1.99

Goal-Creating Actions

0.93

0.30

Successful Take-Ons

2.11

0.82

For example, Lyon’s “future Ballon d’Or winner,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, comes out ahead in almost all relevant metrics, such as actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Johnson has been a useful player, it’s clear that Cherki would be a massive upgrade and, therefore, Spurs should do all they can to sign him this summer.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool when his £180k-per-week contract expires this summer.

It’s a saddening thought, but one which, without a dramatic turnaround, will end in Liverpool’s boyhood sensation closing the door on his Anfield career aged 26.

While it’s important not to begrudge the right-back his decision, it’s understandable that it will cast a bitter air of ruefulness over Merseyside, for this was the club’s next superstar, forged in the city’s very own furnaces and billed as the next Steven Gerrard.

However, Alexander-Arnold won’t reach the same incredible degree of perpetuity where Stevie G’s legacy stands.

In any case, it’s a sequence of events that reinforces the claim that the retired England international is irreplaceably at the top of Liverpool’s long list of superstars.

Why Steven Gerrard is irreplaceable

Liverpudlian Gerrard made his professional debut for Liverpool way back when, replacing Vegard Heggem during a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in 1998 and going on to achieve footballing immortality at his boyhood club.

Gerrard played the lion’s share of his career at Liverpool, featuring 710 times, scoring 186 goals and providing 155 assists before reaching his twilight years as an athlete and moving to LA Galaxy over the pond, where he saw out his days on the grass.

It’s hard to imagine anyone replacing him. Alexander-Arnold might have got close, but his premature departure ends such chatter.

Another member of Arne Slot’s squad, Dominik Szoboszlai, has been noted for his stylistic similarities to the all-action midfielder, but again, in terms of legacy, it’s hard to imagine he will reach the same level.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live last season, pundit Stephen Warnock drew comparisons between the Hungarian and Liverpool’s legendary skipper: “The long legs and the stride pattern, Dominik Szoboszlai has such similarities to Steven Gerrard.”

One of the greatest captains in Premier League history, the architect of, perhaps, the greatest night in Liverpool’s history, in Istanbul, when the impossible was achieved and AC Milan’s 3-0 lead was demolished, when penalties were won, Gerrard is adored within his city.

The 44-year-old, certainly, is irreplaceable, but that’s not to say Liverpool haven’t been gifted with a new version of the all-inspiring talisman.

It would make sense, given the immutable power of Gerrard’s legacy, that this new star doesn’t ply their trade in the centre of the park, but further up the field.

Liverpool's new version of Gerrard

Having completed 393 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 243 goals and supplying 110 assists, Mohamed Salah has established himself as one of the Reds’ greatest modern players, certainly one who was reared outside the city’s boundaries.

Aged 32, he joined from AS Roma in a deal worth £34m back in 2017 and has been an instrumental part of Jurgen Klopp’s dynasty, breaking the record for Premier League goals in a campaign during his debut term (before Erling Haaland snatched that accolade five years later) and then lifting all the biggest prizes: the Champions League, then the Premier League, then more.

Now, he’s heading toward the end of his contract, but doing so having supercharged Slot’s season to unanticipated heights, scoring 27 goals and laying on 17 assists in the top flight alone this term.

Such greatness has been felt beyond Anfield’s walls. Indeed, Salah’s startling consistency in front of goal has seen him break into the upper level of the Premier League’s scoring records, level with Sergio Aguero in fifth place.

1.

Alan Shearer

441

260

2.

Harry Kane

320

213

3.

Wayne Rooney

491

208

4.

Andy Cole

414

187

5.

Sergio Aguero

275

184

5=

Mohamed Salah

293

184

If the Egyptian King renews his Liverpool deal for another – oh, say – two seasons, you wouldn’t bet against him superseding Harry Kane as the division’s second-best goalscorer. Alan Shearer’s record, admittedly, may be a mile too far.

He’s one of the greats, all right. Salah’s legacy is woven deep into the fabric of Liverpool’s storied years, the definitive face that everyday football fans will partner with the mention of the club, when considering the greatest hits, the biggest moments.

It’s hard to look past him as this modern, glorious version of Liverpool’s superstar above all others, in the same vein as Gerrard, while not actually performing a similar tactical role to the one-time midfield general.

This season, with such an impressive haul vis-à-vis goal involvements, you could argue that Salah has pulled Liverpool through to the finish line – we’re not there yet, but closer and closer by the match-week.

Certainly, his numbers eclipse those of his frontal teammates, all of whom have been frustrated by periods of impotence in front of goal this term.

Mohamed Salah

44

32

22

Cody Gakpo

41

16

6

Luis Diaz

43

13

8

Diogo Jota

30

9

4

Darwin Nunez

41

7

7

Federico Chiesa

11

2

2

Is it any wonder that he’s been declared as an “immense” and “world-class” player by rival pundits such as BBC Sport’s Micah Richards? Honestly, his greatness is without question.

Gerrard might be irreplaceable, but he’s sure to be glancing over his shoulder as Salah continues to go from strength to strength to strength.

All of a Liverpool persuasion will fiercely hope for news in the coming weeks that their star forward is set to pen a contract extension, but even if he doesn’t, the soon-to-be-33 Salah has devoted his prime to Merseyside, has grown alongside the club and conquered the biggest honours on show.

Gerrard is irreplaceable, but Salah has come pretty close.

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