Mauricio Pochettino is facing a battle to keep hold of his job after his Chelsea side were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal in the Premier League.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Chelsea enduring miserable season under PochettinoArsenal defeat piles more pressuure on managerBlues yet to make decision on his futureWHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea suffered more misery on Tuesday after beating thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates. Pochettino admitted his team were "so bad" after the game, with a young fan at the match also calling on the players to "fight" for the shirt. The defeat has piled more pressure on Pochettino, who is not guaranteed a second season at the club yet, according to . No decision has yet been taken on his future, although he does still retain some support at Stamford Bridge despite a desperately poor season.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Pochettino signed a two-year deal with the option for one more when he arrived in May 2023 but has overseen a poor campaign. The Blues will finish the season empty-handed and face a battle to secure a European spot. Other than the signing of Cole Palmer, there has been very little for Chelsea fans to cheer which has led to doubts over Pochettino's future. A big summer also awaits for the Blues who may have to offload players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
DID YOU KNOW?
Arsenal recorded their biggest-ever victory against Chelsea across all competitions on Tuesday. This was also the Blues' heaviest defeat in a London derby since losing 6-0 to Queens Park Rangers in March 1986.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR POCHETTINO
Pochettino has six more Premier League game to try to keep his job but faces some tricky fixtures before the end of the campaign. Chelsea head to high-flying Aston Villa next and also play Tottenham, West Ham and Brighton in the coming weeks. Pochettino will at least be hoping to welcome Palmer back next time out after the youngster missed the trip to Arsenal due to illness.
Chelsea are all set to part ways with Armando Broja on a permanent basis in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Broja set to be sold permanentlyFailed to impress at Fulham Clubs from across Europe want the strikerWHAT HAPPENED?
The Albanian striker, who is currently on a short-term loan at Fulham, will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the current season after which the Blues will consider selling him permanently in the upcoming window, according to .
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 22-year-old has had an underwhelming loan spell at Craven Cottage as he managed to clock just 58 minutes on the pitch since joining the club in February. However, the striker has reportedly attracted interest from several clubs in Europe and the Premier League.
DID YOU KNOW?
Along with Broja, the Blues are also planning to offload Romelu Lukaku permanently in the summer after the Belgian star returns from his loan spell at AS Roma. The striker has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Mauricio Pochettino's side will aim to register a third consecutive win on Saturday as they take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Half-centuries from du Plessis and de Kock swelled South Africa’s lead before they lost 5 for 8 to set Sri Lanka 304
The Report by Liam Brickhill15-Feb-2019Stumps Sri Lanka were buoyed by Lasith Embuldeniya’s debut five-for that rattled South Africa before tea, but hope dissipated soon after as they lost a clutch of wickets to give the hosts total control of the Durban Test.South Africa rode on Quinton de Kock’s second fifty of the match and Faf du Plessis’ 90 to inch closer to 300 before losing 5 for 8 to set Sri Lanka 304. Then their quicks dug in after a solid second-innings beginning from Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. Once the 42-run stand was broken, they nipped out two more, and when bad light brought an early end to proceedings shortly after 4.30pm, Sri Lanka were tottering a 88 for 3.On his international debut, Embuldeniya picked up 5 for 66 to bowl South Africa out for 259 in their second innings. With Vishwa Fernando also taking 4 for 71, the hosts crumbled. Du Plessis was part of two vital partnerships, first adding 96 in concert with de Kock and then a further 60 with Vernon Philander to push his team further into safety before the dramatic collapse.The big turnaround for Sri Lanka came after the 66th over, when the ball had to be changed after picking up a white mark from landing on one of the crease lines. South Africa added just 28 runs after the ball was changed, Embuldeniya and Fernando striking repeatedly.Embuldeniya’s dismissal of Philander kicked things off. Having temporarily adopted a defensive line from over the wicket, the left-arm spinner switched around and soon got one to skid through, beating the under edge and rattling the stumps. Vishwa then got the better of du Plessis after an engaging battle between bat and ball. He troubled him with zip and brought indecision into his batting. The uncertainty soon told as du Plessis shouldered arms to one that seamed in to hit his front pad right in front of the stumps.Embuldeniya had his fifth when Kagiso Rabada gloved a turning delivery onto his thigh with Niroshan Dickwella completing the catch. South Africa were nine down in the very next over when Fernando disturbed Keshav Maharaj’s stumps. Dale Steyn lasted all of six deliveries before he walked across the stumps to flick, only to expose the stumps that were rattled.AFPThe speed of their collapse notwithstanding, South Africa had enjoyed a profitable morning with the bat as du Plessis and de Kock rapidly moved their team from parity into a position of strength. Having started slowly, du Plessis caught up to the more adventurous de Kock with a pair of drives off Lakmal, the first of which took the team’s score past 150. The second was the shot of the morning as du Plessis played with a straight bat, high elbow and held the pose for the cameras as he laced it through the covers.With both batsmen ticking, the lead soon progressed beyond 200, and there were other concerns for Sri Lanka in the field. Kusal Mendis was struck on an already-strapped right hand as he dived low to pouch a thick edge off du Plessis, and immediately left the field in pain. He didn’t come back out for the remainder of the session, although his absence was mostly precautionary as he is still recovering from a bad finger injury he picked up on Sri Lanka’s recent tour of Australia.It was Embuldeniya who finally broke through for Sri Lanka, trapping de Kock with one that spun back in sharply to hit the pad. Philander walked in with South Africa already 235 ahead, and with du Plessis bringing up his his 18th Test fifty, and first at this ground, the pair batted on into second session before the change of ball also brought a change of fortunes for Sri Lanka.Their bowlers ensured they won the session, but their batsmen were left with a monumental task. Karunaratne and Thirimanne survived until tea and then picked things up thereafter as South Africa gifted them a couple of extra lives. First, du Plessis and Elgar both stood motionless as an edge off Thirimanne’s bat flew right between them at second and third slip, and South Africa then failed to notice a feathered edge off a Karunaratne waft outside off.But the Sri Lankan captain couldn’t make the chance count as for the second time in the match, he was dismissed lbw by Philander, and for the second time burned a review trying to get the decision overturned. With Thirimanne having flashed an edge to du Plessis in the slips, Sri Lanka lost both of their openers in a matter of moments after they had put on 42.Kusal Mendis lasted just eight balls before he, too, nicked off to Duanne Olivier and after a relatively steady start Sri Lanka were wobbling at 52 for 3. Unbowed, Oshada Fernando and Kusal Perera played their shots and rode their luck to add an unbroken 31 for the fourth wicket before the weather closed in, but Sri Lanka need a further 221 runs to win the Test and, on current evidence, that total should be beyond the visitors.
Newcastle United have suffered the consequences this season for failing to bring in adequate depth during the summer transfer window. Whilst injuries have stopped them in their tracks, the Magpies' poor planning in their first season in the Champions League under Eddie Howe has left them struggling for form in all competitions. Now that they're out of both European football and the Carabao Cup, however, Newcastle could look to turn their focus towards Premier League improvement and the January transfer window.
With that said, reports suggest that those at St James' Park are eyeing a move to sign one particular star who could finally solve their depth problem in attack come next month.
Newcastle transfer news
At the time, bringing in Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall seemed like smart business from Newcastle. Now though, it seems anything but. Tonali is at the start of a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, Barnes is sidelined through injury and Hall is struggling to break into the side, leaving just Livramento to play a starring role out of those who arrived in the summer window. When next month arrives, Newcastle will hope to avoid such a disaster.
Lille striker Jonathan David.
According to Marco Conterio, Newcastle have entered the race to sign Lille forward Jonathan David and have already made contact to test the waters with the Ligue 1 side over a potential deal.
The striker has previously been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur when Fabrizio Romano reported that David's price tag was as high as £52m. With that price unlikely to have suddenly dropped, if Newcastle want to bolster their attacking options in January, it looks as though they'll have to spend big once more, making the window all the more interesting.
"Quality" David can compete with Isak for a place
Given Alexander Isak's injury history as of late, David could be the perfect incoming for Howe and Newcastle. The Magpies are in desperate need of a reliable option to lead the line, with Callum Wilson's injury record even worse than his fellow Newcastle forward, handing Howe quite the headache. David's stats show that he would be more than capable of keeping up with the duo too, even though he's not enjoying his best season in France.
Player
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Key Passes
Jonathan David
5
1
23
32
11
Callum Wilson
7
1
8
4
4
Alexander Isak
7
0
21
19
6
David, meanwhile, has been at the centre of praise from Canada boss John Herdman, who told TalkSPORT: “Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics. The forwards at times want to understand other elements, he knows he’s going to lead that defensive line and will get into the details of that with you.
"For him, he’s a quiet player around the environment and a quiet presence and has this killer instinct. Tactically very organised and very away, but with that instinct to be able to ghost into a penalty area and do what he does best and that is score. To have a player of that quality who can take that moment, it really makes a difference. One who does the work excites me and I know the players really respect that.”
De Villiers looks rusty and the middle order continues to be a source of worry for RCB as they try to turn around a six-match losing streak
Alagappan Muthu12-Apr-20196:02
Will RCB finally collect their first win?
Big picturePlenty of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s losses tally back to their weak bowling units. But it may be argued that the six on the trot this season is more the result of their batting misfiring through every stage of an IPL match. Statistics indicate they have scored at 7.3 per over in the Powerplay (seventh-best out of eight teams), 6.9 between overs 7 and 15 (seventh-best again) and 8.9 in the back end (dead last).So, clearly, Kings XI Punjab have plenty of targets to aim at and a fine roster of bowlers to do it for them. Yet, two of their three losses in 2019 were the result of bowling mishaps. They fumbled a great opportunity against Mumbai earlier this week and, before that, allowed KKR to score 218. Strange things happen in the IPL and that trend is probably going to continue when these two teams meet on Saturday.In the news Kings XI batting coach S Sriram said Chris Gayle felt a twitch in his back during the game against Mumbai on Wednesday and that he needed to be monitored. Mayank Agarwal missed Kings XI’s previous match with a hand injury. The 28-year old has already played a high-impact innings against one of the best bowling teams in the tournament and his return to the XI could prove a major boost. RCB confirmed the signing of Dale Steyn on Friday evening. The South Africa fast bowler replaces the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile but will only be available for selection after April 15. Form guide
Kings XI Punjab: Lost to Mumbai Indians by three wickets, beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets, lost to Chennai Super Kings by 22 runs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Lost to Delhi Capitals by four wickets, lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets, lost to Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets
Previous meetingGoes back to last year, when Kings XI were bowled out for 88 after fast bowler Umesh Yadav took out their two best batsmen – KL Rahul and Chris Gayle – inside five overs. RCB won with 10 wickets and 71 balls to spare.BCCILikely XIsKings XI Punjab: 1 KL Rahul (wk), 2 Mayank Agarwal, 3 Karun Nair, 4 David Miller/ Nicholas Pooran, 5 Sarfaraz Khan, 6 Mandeep Singh, 7 Sam Curran, 8 R Ashwin (capt), 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 M Ashwin, 11 Mohammed ShamiRoyal Challengers Bangalore: 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Parthiv Patel (wk), 3 AB de Villiers, 4 Marcus Stoinis, 5 Moeen Ali, 6 Akshdeep Nath, 7 Pawan Negi, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Navdeep SainiStrategy punt Spin to AB de Villiers. His strike-rate of 94 this season is among the lowest for any batsman over the first 10 balls of their innings. Also, three of his five dismissals in 2019 were the result of opposition teams forcing him to play spin as soon as he came to the crease. Kings XI will want to exploit this weakness, and may even draft M Ashwin into their XI to do so. De Villiers, since IPL 2017, has lost his wicket to legspin seven times, while making a modest 158 runs in 121 balls. There is an equally strong case for Umesh Yadav’s inclusion in the RCB line-up. He matches up favourably against both Gayle and Rahul, conceding just about a run a ball, while also dismissing them a combined four times – Gayle thrice and Rahul once. In fact, Kings XI are Umesh’s favourite opposition – 26 wickets (personal best), 16 average (personal best), 7.13 economy (personal best)R Ashwin is pumped up after taking a wicket•BCCIStats that matter Since IPL 2015, the average first-innings score in a night game at Mohali is 173 and this is one of the rare venues where teams have more wins batting first (11) than second (5) RCB desperately need a strong hand in the middle order, especially now that international retirement seems to have made de Villiers a bit rusty. In an ideal world, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali should have solved that problem considering they have been striking at 148 and 170 in the middle overs of a T20 match since 2015. Except they average only 19 when playing the shortest format in India and it is that trend that is on show a little too often. Fair warning to fans of both teams. The Powerplay might be hard to watch. RCB have picked up only three wickets in this period across six different matches – that’s a bowling average of 98. Kings XI have been equally ineffective; they are the only team that leaks runs at a higher rate (8.6) than RCB (8.2). So yeah, might be useful to hide behind the couch and ask a friend to tell you when the first six overs are done.
Mikel Arteta is backing Fulham to upset Manchester City in the title race after players were filmed flying kites in training.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Fulham players appeared relaxed in trainingFace Manchester City on SaturdayArteta hoping for a miracle at Craven CottageWHAT HAPPENED?
A number of Fulham's first team were filmed flying kites after training in West London, sparking fury from Arsenal fans on social media. It gave the impression that the Cottagers were not taking the upcoming showdown with Manchester City seriously but Arteta has labelled the event as a positive team bonding exercise.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT ARTETA SAID
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard said: "The power of team bonding, nobody knows what it is but sometimes you get amazing results with it. I've been in teams that have struggled to win a game and go out for dinner or do an activity and start an unbelievable run, so I'm very positive that that's going to happen to Fulham!"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Elite football can't always be intense drills and serious meetings, there has to be some downtime and Fulham were having a relaxed moment that every team will experience across the week. When the stakes are so high, team bonding can be crucial and Gunners midfielder Jorginho hinted that Arsenal's recent warm-weather camp in Dubai had a major role in their resurgence in 2024.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARTETA AND ARSENAL?
Arsenal will be watching and waiting as City take on Fulham on Saturday before they travel to Manchester United for their penultimate game of the season. Regardless of the result at Craven Cottage, a win will keep them at the top of the Premier League until Pep Guardiola's men play Tottenham in their game in hand.
Jurgen Klopp appears to have distanced himself from some of the high-profile names that have entered transfer circulation now that the January market is in full swing, but Liverpool are still likely to make a move in some capacity this month.
Indeed, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has recently revealed that top targets Andre, Joao Palhinha and Piero Hincapie are not being pursued at present, with the Anfield boss claiming that concluding impactful deals in January is no easy feat.
That said, if the right opportunity arises then Liverpool will pounce – as has been evidenced across recent winter windows; Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool transfer news – Federico Redondo
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the contenders to sign Argentinios Juniors midfielder Federico Redondo in 2024, with the South American club transfer-listing the 20-year-old prodigy for just £8m.
Manchester United and LaLiga giants Real Madrid are also interested, and while Liverpool would not usually make a swoop for an untested prospect in this manner, the affordable fee and abundant quality could urge Klopp to initiate a formal approach.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.
ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024
The No. 6 is one of the hottest commodities in Argentina right now, causing a storm with his precocious performances, and the winter window offers the perfect chance to strengthen on Merseyside.
Federico Redondo's style of play
Described as a “baller” by one journalist, Redondo has amassed 58 total appearances for his side since rising from the youth ranks, posting two goals and assists apiece, impressing last term after completing 87% of his passes and succeeding with 68% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.
As per FBref, the starlet ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Argentine Primera División for pass completion, the top 19% for passes attempted, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing his skill as an elite-level "controller" in the centre – as has been said of Redondo's ability by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
What this effectively means is that he is the metronomic presence in the middle, dictating play, picking out passages with his rangy game and protecting the backline.
While not a carbon copy stylistically, he could prove to be Liverpool's next Alexis Mac Allister, with his World Cup-winning countryman also beginning his career with Argentinos Juniors before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2019.
More accurate are the comparisons to Manchester City's Rodri, who wouldn't be a bad player to emulate if you are of a Liverpool persuasion and seeking a star in the making.
How Federico Redondo compares to Rodri
It was the aforementioned Kulig who made the comparison, writing that Manchester City's all-conquering midfield machine is the most similar profile to Argentinian football's latest prodigy.
Highlighting Redondo's biggest strengths in superb positioning and spatial awareness, sublime distribution, and his skill as a 'consistent, aggressive, and hard-tackling midfielder, with a very high work rate', there is little question that he is cut from the same cloth.
But to ascend to the level of the Spaniard, he would need to develop such attributes and sharpen them to a wicked point, with Rodri widely regarded as the best No. 6 in the world.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The 27-year-old ranks among the top 1% for pass completion and passes attempted, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 12% for goals scored per 90.
He has also averaged a stunning 7.9 ball recoveries in the Premier League this season and succeeded in 77% of his dribbles and 75% of his aerial battles, dominant in the centre of Pep Guardiola's intricate system at the Etihad Stadium.
Should Redondo join Liverpool, he could nurture his innate ability to grow into a leading figure in European competition, and for a low fee, Klopp surely has to be all over this one.
Before battling it out for this year's Women's Champions League title, finalists Barcelona and Lyon are unsurprisingly well-represented in GOAL's XI
Barcelona and Lyon will battle it out for the Women's Champions League title on Saturday in Bilbao in a match that all-but signals the end of the season for most of the women's leagues in Europe, as attention prepares to turn to international breaks and the Olympic Games.
It's been a campaign all about defending titles, with Barca, Lyon, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Roma retaining their league crowns in the continent's biggest leagues, and the Catalans will certainly hope that remains the theme on the continent as they set out for back-to-back titles, albeit against an opponent that has beaten them in their two previous meetings in the final.
Before that huge fixture takes place this weekend, though, it's a chance to reflect on the season that has been and its star performers. So, without further ado, here is GOAL's European Women's Team of the Season…
GettyGK: Mala Grohs (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s second successive Frauen-Bundesliga title was built on a similar foundation to last year’s triumph, that being a truly rock solid defence, and Mala Grohs’ contributions to their insane record at the back should not go under the radar.
Grohs kept 14 clean sheets in 21 Bundesliga outings this season, conceding just seven times, despite the expected goals statistics saying that she should have conceded on more than 11 occasions. While that is also thanks to the great defenders in front of her, no goalkeeper who played two or more games in the competition had a better save percentage than the Bayern shot-stopper. That’s quite a stat given she plays for Germany’s best team.
Bayern didn’t have the success in Europe they might’ve hoped this year, falling victim to the ‘group of death’ which saw Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain qualify at the expense of themselves and Italian champions Roma, but it should be noted that Grohs put in some strong performances despite that outcome.
AdvertisementGettyRB: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon)
If you’re having a conversation about the best right-back in the women’s game, then Ellie Carpenter is well in the mix. Returning to action midway through last season after a devastating ACL injury, it understandably took the Australia international a bit of time to get back to her best level, but it feels like she’s approaching that right now.
Still only 24 years old, Carpenter is a reliable performer, the kind of player you always get a seven out of 10 performance from as a minimum. Her tireless energy up and down the right flank are a feature for club and country and allow the attack and the defence to be supported at all times.
That she saved one of her best performances of the season for the Division 1 Feminine play-off final against PSG tells you all about her ability to step up in the biggest moments, too, helping Lyon to claim yet another league title.
GettyCB: Jess Carter (Chelsea)
One of Carpenter’s Lyon team-mates could’ve lined up next to her in this XI here, such has been Gridge Mbock Bathy’s solid return after an injury-hit 2022-23, but it’s Chelsea’s Jess Carter who gets the nod instead thanks to her heroic defensive displays that helped keep the Blues in check at the back despite so many absentees. Carter had five centre-back partners this season at Chelsea because of injuries and really stepped up with captain Millie Bright missing for most of the campaign in particular.
She was a colossus in the Champions League semi-final first-leg win over Barcelona and one of the Blues’ best performers in the return game at Stamford Bridge, too, turning up for the big occasion despite an eventual defeat for Emma Hayes’ side. Carter’s consistency was key in Chelsea’s ability to retain their WSL title, too.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyCB: Ingrid Engen (Barcelona)
When Barcelona lost Mapi Leon to a serious knee injury back in December, it felt like the European champions suddenly had a huge weakness in the team. Leon is arguably the very best centre-back on the planet; how do you replace someone of that calibre?
But Ingrid Engen, moving back into the heart of defence from her more regular midfield role, has stepped up brilliantly to ensure Barca haven’t felt Leon’s absence as strongly as one might’ve expected. That Irene Paredes, Leon’s usual centre-back partner, has also been out for spells this season only makes Engen’s displays more impressive.
“My situation has changed a lot,” she told in April. “When an opportunity like the one I had arises, you have to seize it – and that's what I'm doing.”
New South Wales are happy to mix youth with experience keeping a stable squad for next season
ESPNcricinfo staff13-May-20190:54
WATCH – Aus U-19 cricketer Davies hits six sixes in an over
Beaten Sheffield Shield finalists New South Wales have upgraded left-arm quicks Daniel Sams and Greg West to their contract list for 2019-20 as they continue to develop youth.The Blues have kept a fairly stable squad after falling just short of claiming the Shield against a dominant Victoria side.Sams, 26, has been rewarded after an excellent JLT Cup last season. He also made his Sheffield Shield debut playing two matches prior to the BBL break. West, 24, also impressed in his first two Sheffield Shield matches, taking five wickets against South Australia on debut and three against Victoria.New South Wales were keen to keep continuity within the squad that was revamped under new coach Phil Jaques last season. Teenagers Jack Edwards, Jason Sangha and Baxter Holt all debuted last season with Edwards and Sangha playing all 11 Shield games in order to fast-track their development as long-term players.”When you try to develop players, you want to give them an opportunity to do well,” Jaques said. “We obviously want to reward performance as well which we’ve done with the changes that we’ve made.”I think the long-term development of the core group of young guys is still, very, very important, as is the leadership that the [senior players] have shown over the last 12 months.”Young batsman Ollie Davies, 18, and wicketkeeper batsman Matt Gilkes, 19, have both been handed rookie contracts. Davies became the first player to make a double century in a 50-over match at the Australian Under-19 Championships last season while Gilkes made 51 on BBL debut for Sydney Thunder.New South Wales 2019-20 contract list Peter Nevill, Sean Abbott, Nick Bertus, Harry Conway, Trent Copeland, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Fallins, Ryan Gibson, Liam Hatcher, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nick Larkin, Stephen O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Param Uppal, Greg West, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner Rookies Ryan Hackney, Ryan Hadley, Baxter Holt, Oliver Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chad Sammut
Glasgow Rangers are clearly not resting on their laurels when it comes to improving their first-team squad this month.
Philippe Clement is aiming to strengthen across all areas of the pitch and the latest name to be linked is that of former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, who is on his way out of Fenerbahçe.
This could be a move which supercharges their attack following the injury to Danilo and the wastefulness of Cyriel Dessers – who has scored just six league goals – but it is not the only position that needs to be looked at.
Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers.
The left-back area is something that Clement will need to fix sooner rather than later, especially with the latest rumours linking both Ridvan Yilmaz and Borna Barisic with moves away from Ibrox.
Rangers could face problems at left-back
Yilmaz has not been offered the chance to enjoy consistent game time during his spell at the club, and he has been linked with a move to Hellas Verona this month, according to reports in Italy (via the Rangers Review).
Barisic may also be leaving sooner rather than later. The Croatian defender is entering into the final few months of his current contract at the club, and it remains to be seen whether Clement will offer him an extension.
AS Roma and Aston Villa had previously shown interest in luring the player from Scotland last year, but it looks as though a move to his homeland may be the most likely destination after a fresh update.
Rangers defender Borna Barisic.
According to Index Sport, Dinamo Zagreb have scouted Barisic over the previous few months, and they could be set to offer him a contract ahead of a summer move to Croatia.
If Yilmaz does move on this month, Clement won't allow Barisic to leave mid-season, but it is clear he will need to sign another left-back ahead of the 2024/25 season.
There have been a few names mentioned, but it is Dutchman, Gijs Smal who could be the ideal candidate for the role.
Rangers transfer news – Gijs Smal
According to reports in the Netherlands (via the Scottish Sun), they claim that the Light Blues are monitoring Smal, who is currently playing for Dutch side FC Twente in the Eredivisie.
Like Barisic, Smal’s contract is set to expire this summer and this could indicate that Clement may be able to sign him this month for a knockdown fee, especially if Yilmaz does depart Ibrox.
Rangers could forget about Doig with swoop for "aggressive" talent
Rangers are eyeing a move for a Dutch left back this month
ByRoss Kilvington Jan 8, 2024
Due to his performances for the club since joining from FC Voldendam, it is clear they won't want to lose him anytime soon and this has been reiterated by their technical director Arnold Bruggink, who said:
"Of course we would very much like it if Gijs signed a new deal with us. But both parties have to want that. And we have to be realistic about that part of his future sadly."
Luring the 6 foot gem to Scotland could turn into a wise investment and the Gers have previously enjoyed success by signing players from the Dutch top flight.
Indeed, one of their finest defenders in the previous 25 years was signed from PSV Eindhoven in 1998 by former coach Dick Advocaat and went on to cement his legacy during five wonderful seasons in Glasgow – Arthur Numan.
Arthur Numan’s Rangers statistics
Smal could emerge as Numan 2.0 for the Gers, especially with his attacking traits and ability to bomb up and down the left-hand side of the pitch all match.
Having impressed during the 1998 FIFA World Cup for the Netherlands, Numan arrived in Scotland as part of Advocaat’s Dutch revolution, and he soon became a mainstay in the team.
He was part of the team which won the treble during 1998/99 and the double the following season, before falling behind Celtic under Martin O’Neil.
35
1
45
2
33
0
42
3
19
0
Numan was at his finest in what turned out to be his last season at the club during 2002/03 as he won his second treble and featured in 35 matches across all competitions.
The Dutchman made a total of 174 appearances for the Gers, scoring six goals in the process, and is still fondly remembered by the Ibrox faithful.
Could Smal become the next great Dutch left-back to play for the Light Blues? Only time will tell but his performances lately suggest he could be ready to make the step-up.
Gijs Smal has impressed for FC Twente
The 26-year-old has already made 104 appearances for the club since joining three and a half years ago, registering 18 goal contributions during that time – four goals and 14 assists – which are solid numbers from a left-back.
It is clear that going forward and contributing towards the attack are his best traits and this has been evidenced with his statistics this season.
Gijs Smal
The former Voldendam gem has created one big chance and averaged 1.5 key passes per game in the top flight this season, despite starting only six matches.
Not only that, but Smal has also succeeded with 63% of his dribble attempts this term – 0.6 per match – while registering 1.4 shots per game, and it clearly proves that he is a constant menace in the opposition half of the pitch.
The Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson has lavished praise on the defender while analysing him amid the rumours linking him with the club, saying: “Smal would provide quality deliveries from the left-hand side while also being willing to actually run to the by line.
“He’s 5 years younger than Barisic and offers a bit more pace and aggression on that side.”
All this points to a very astute player who could potentially be an upgrade on Barisic and Yilmaz on the left side of the defence and making a swoop for him this month should be a priority for Clement.
Numan arrived from the Eredivisie amid much fanfare due to his displays for PSV, and he didn’t disappoint on Scottish shores, winning ten major honours during his time at the club.
Comparing Smal with a player such as Numan could perhaps put undue pressure on him to perform should he join the club, but if he hits the ground running, the comparisons could turn out fairly accurate.