Outgoing CoA member says her public differences with Vinod Rai weren’t anything personal, but just based on principles

Vishal Dikshit in Mumbai22-Oct-2019Among the first four members of the now outgoing Committee of Administrators (CoA), Diana Edulji has agreed with new BCCI president Sourav Ganguly’s view of giving priority to first-class cricketers in India. Edulji said the CoA was working towards that but “could not finish” it. The CoA is set to hand over the reins of the BCCI to the new office bearers on October 23.Speaking on her penultimate day in the BCCI after meeting the other two CoA members to wind up their duties, Edulji also looked back at her 33-month period, including their achievements and even the differences she had with Vinod Rai, saying she did not expect her “nightwatchman” duties to last so long.”Yes, a lot more work [has to be done], we were working on that but could not finish it,” Edulji said in Mumbai at the BCCI headquarters about the first-class circuit. “The players, the domestic structure does need a look in, so we can attract more cricketers to the game and let’s hope for the best.”Among the numerous issues Ganguly has already addressed even before officially taking over as the president, was “taking care of” the share of revenue the BCCI gets from the ICC, which reduced in 2017. When asked if the CoA was somehow responsible for the drop in the BCCI’s revenue share, Edulji said, “I would not want to comment on that because I would not want to say I have done something wrong or they are saying something wrong. Let’s see how it goes forward, all the best to them (new administrators).”Appointed by the Supreme Court in January 2017, Edulji and Rai had taken over, along with Ramachanda Guha and Vikram Limaye, to oversee the running of the BCCI. Guha later resigned while Limaye moved on, and Lt Gen (retd) Ravi Thodge joined the duo of Rai and Edulji earlier this year.”It was a good experience and a long journey,” Edulji said. “Didn’t think that the journey would last so long, but I am happy with the end result that elections and office bearers are coming back and BCCI will be run by them now.”No, not all (no regrets). We (Rai and Edulji) have had our differences and we aired it openly also. In any organisation, that works. And I have always batted on the front foot or bowled my armers well, but no nothing personal. It was just (on) principles that stands were taken and that’s it.

“We (Rai and Edulji) have had our differences and we aired it openly also… I have always batted on the front foot or bowled my armers well, but no nothing personal.”Diana Edulji on her equation with Vinod Rai

“If I wanted to say something, I have always called a spade a spade and I don’t hold back. I have enjoyed my journey of 33 months, I never expected it to be so long, and as Mr Rai said, it was a nightwatchman, but this was more than a nightwatchman also. I’ve never heard of a nightwatchman scoring a double-hundred or triple-hundred (laughs). It was a great learning experience, handling BCCI and I hope I can do something more after I finish my cooling period (laughs).”Was the CoA able to implement all the reforms as they were defined by the Supreme Court and the Lodha Committee’s recommendations?”Yes and no,” she said.The CoA had taken over the supervision of the BCCI during troubled times after the board was hit by a betting scandal in the IPL and the matter was taken to the Supreme Court, but Edulji steered clear of blaming previous office bearers, under whom the board had landed in trouble.”I would not want to run down the people before, I wouldn’t say that we have done a better job than them,” she said. “Whatever role we had, we tried to complete our duties, let’s hope it goes forward and they take in the right spirit whatever we have done and move on. Life has to move on.”It is good that a [former] player [has become a president], he knows in and out what players’ require…when he was a player what he expected from BCCI, and now when he is sitting on that seat, I wish him all the best and let’s hope that he will do well and cricket should do well.”The final official CoA meeting with the three members lasted about two hours on Tuesday afternoon after which Lt Gen Thodge said they had finished implementing “almost” all of their tasks and responsibilities.”We’ve almost implemented things the way we wanted to,” Thodge said. “There are certain things to be done, our status report has been submitted to the court and we’ll see whatever comes.”Thodge also elaborated on the conflict of interest issue that’s been coming up time and again, and was even mentioned in the CoA’s 11th and final status report they submitted to the Supreme Court last week.”We (CoA and Ganguly) are in agreement with it and the last time when we had a meeting here, Sourav attended on video conference from Calcutta and we had lots of discussions on that issue,” Thodge said. “He’s aware, and it’s one thing that needs to be addressed otherwise we’ll have a problem in having anybody as a coach or for any BCCI appointment it will be an issue.”So to facilitate cricketers being involved in the cricket administration, it is essential that conflict of interest has to be relooked into, it’s not that it should totally go. Where the personal and financial benefits are there, those will be taken care of. But if the interest of cricket suffers because of conflict of interest then it needs to be addressed. I think he (Ganguly) has mentioned that same point because we had almost a three-hour discussion at that time and he’s got his views on that.”

India’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and 19-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues, who has been on the radar of at least two teams, are unlikely to feature in the first standalone Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) – set to start much earlier than usual – from October 18 to December 8.The tournament is likely to clash with India’s month-long tour of the Caribbean, leaving the players with a very limited window towards the end of what will be the fifth season of the WBBL. ESPNcricinfo understands that the Indian team, currently playing a T20I series at home against South Africa, is tentatively slated to depart for the Caribbean on October 23. India will also play three ODIs against South Africa, with the last match on October 14.Scheduling aside, it is understood that the players were keen to be fresh for India’s tour of Australia next year which will feature a tri-series involving England – from January 31 to February 12 – ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup to be held there in February-March. India will take on hosts and defending champions Australia in the tournament opener on February 21.The scheduling meant Sydney Thunder did not offer a contract extension to Harmanpreet, a key player in their line-up since 2016-17. Harmanpreet, however, was approached by the Melbourne Stars. Mandhana, who was contracted with the Hobart Hurricanes, was set to continue for a second consecutive edition. She had earlier been part of the Brisbane Heat in 2016-17.Rodrigues’ wait for a WBBL contract is set to continue. She enjoyed a breakthrough KSL season for Yorkshire Diamonds, finishing the season as the second-highest run-scorer. Her fearless approach in limited-overs formats has impressed many – including Australia captain Meg Lanning – since her international debut in February last year.Rodrigues’ high-scoring exploits on foreign soil – in South Africa (February 2018), New Zealand (earlier this year) and in the KSL, coupled with her chart-topping tally at the Women’s T20 Challenge at home in May, made her a sought-after player among two WBBL franchises.”The BCCI doesn’t discourage any of our women’s players from taking part in overseas leagues as long as their participation [in those tournaments] doesn’t clash with their national duties,” BCCI’s general manager (cricket operations) Saba Karim told ESPNcricinfo. “In this case, there’s an international series to be played, so that will automatically be on top of their list of priorities.”The standalone WBBL marks a departure from its preceding four seasons. With the exception of the women’s final last season which was accorded a standalone slot, on Australia Day, the women’s competition had traditionally run parallel to the men’s tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur landed a terrific creative midfielder last summer when they decided to swoop for impressive England international James Maddison.

The dynamic number ten had been relegated to the Championship with Leicester City and Spurs took advantage of that to secure a deal for his services ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Ange Postecoglou has got him firing in the Premier League this season with a return of three goals, six assists, and seven 'big chances' created in 14 appearances so far.

The former Norwich City starlet has finally filled the creative void that has been there since Christian Eriksen left the club to join Italian giants Inter in January 2020.

Spurs did, however, come close to signing a perfect replacement for the Denmark international shortly before his official departure from North London, as they fumbled a swoop for Bruno Fernandes.

When Spurs almost signed Bruno Fernandes

The Lilywhites identified the Portuguese dynamo as a target to bolster their options in midfield during the summer of 2019 and made a bid for his services.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed that Tottenham came in with an offer for the impressive dynamo but it was not enough to convince them to part ways with their star player.

He claimed that the English side submitted a bid of €65m (£55m) but that €20m of that came as add-ons, which would only be activated if Spurs won the Premier League and the Champions League.

Varandas, who was well within his right to do so, believed that these add-ons were too difficult to achieve and, as a result, decided to reject the offer.

The Standard, who covered the Sporting chief's comments, added that Spurs were looking at Fernandes as Eriksen's future at the club was uncertain at that time.

Although the Denmark international stayed at the club for another five months in the end, Daniel Levy fumbled the perfect replacement for the former Ajax star.

Eriksen departed in January of that season and it took Spurs over three years to find another mercurial playmaker to spearhead their midfield in the form of Maddison.

Meanwhile, Fernandes has gone on to become a star in the Premier League for another team and, arguably, better than the Danish maestro.

Bruno Fernandes' Premier League emergence

The Portugal international finally earned his move to the English top-flight in January 2020, the same window Eriksen moved to Inter, as Manchester United snapped him up from Sporting.

Sky Sports reported that the Red Devils agreed a £46.6m deal that could rise to £68m including add-ons, which suggests that they offered the Portuguese side more realistic add-ons to make the move worthwhile for Varandas.

Since his move to Old Trafford, Fernandes has emerged as a star in the Premier League with his outstanding performances as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield position.

Like Eriksen, the 29-year-old maestro is not blessed with phenomenal pace or impressive physicality but he has the technical ability to consistently punish teams in the final third.

In four years at United so far, Fernandes has racked up an eye-catching 47 goals and 37 assists in 147 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils. That is a return of one goal contribution every 1.75 games on average, which speaks to how consistent he has been at the top end of the pitch.

Interestingly, the experienced whiz has produced a staggering 48.4 Expected Assists (xA) in the top-flight during that period, which suggests that his teammates have let him down at times in front of goal with their wasteful finishing.

Had his fellow attackers performed as expected, the United star would have 48 assists to go along with his 47 goals, and that would be a return of one goal or assist every 1.55 outings on average.

Appearances

23

Goals

Three

Assists

Five

Big chances created

12

Key passes per game

3.1

Stats via Sofascore

Fernandes, who was once hailed as "sensational" by Red Devils legend Paul Scholes, has been in impressive form for the club so far in the Premier League this season, as you can see in the table above with his constant creativity.

Overall, it is clear to see that the former Sporting magician has taken the Premier League by storm over the last four years and been a huge success for United, with his ability to score goals and create chances at an exceptional rate.

Christian Eriksen's Premier League career

You could argue that Fernandes has forged a more impressive career in the top-flight of English football than the man he could have once replaced at Spurs, and is now teammates with at Old Trafford.

Eriksen has made 280 appearances in the Premier League throughout his time in England with Tottenham, Brentford, and Manchester United, and contributed with 54 goals and 80 assists.

That is a return of one goal or assist every 2.09 matches on average across those three spells, which means that he has provided quality in the final third less frequently than Fernandes has during his career in the division.

Interestingly, Eriksen has produced 59.12 xA in the Premier League since the start of the 2014/15 campaign and been rewarded with 71 assists, having registered nine assists and seven goals in 25 games in the 2013/14 season.

Had his teammates performed as expected in front of goal, the Danish gem would have 54 goals and 59 assists in 255 games in the league since the summer of 2014, which is one goal contribution every 2.26 appearances on average.

Appearances

15

Goals

One

Assists

One

Big chances created

One

Key passes per game

0.9

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 32-year-old gem has struggled to make a consistent impact as a scorer or a creator for United in the division so far this season, as Fernandes has established himself as the main man for United in that regard.

In conclusion, Spurs made a huge blunder in the summer of 2019 when they failed to present Sporting with a worthwhile offer that included realistic add-ons, and the Red Devils have benefitted from their mistake.

Tottenham could have signed a dream replacement and, based on their respective statistics, a big upgrade on Eriksen had they signed the gem, who is now a £68m-rated Premier League star.

Darren Bravo was dropped from West Indies’ squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, but former fast bowler and current commentator Michael Holding believes the left-hand batsman is “too talented to be left out”.ALSO READ – West Indies selector Roger Harper backs Bravo to return to Test sideHolding’s endorsement comes after chief selector Roger Harper also backed Bravo to return to the side.”I would tell him to find something that works. If he has a technical problem – and I don’t know if that is the case – I would tell him to find someone and get it sorted,” Holding said on the podcast this week. “If it’s just a matter of going through a bad rut and you don’t know exactly what the problem is, again find someone who is highly qualified and skilful enough to look at you and suggest something that may be going wrong and try and get it sorted.”Bravo still has a central contract, having been awarded an all-format deal in July.”Him being out of the team, I hope he will not take it personally and won’t be upset,” Holding added. “I just read that Jonny Bairstow was left out of the England team, and I also read that the chairman of the selectors and another selector actually went to visit him and sat down and talked to him. I hope that they will do the same thing for Darren Bravo. He is too skilful and talented a player to just be washed up on the shore. He is too talented to be left out.”Holding also advocated for West Indies going back to their traditional strength of fast bowling, and supporting upcoming pace bowlers by preparing pitches accordingly. He cited India’s example, and their recent stock of pace bowling riches, to emphasise his point.”I would hope that the pitches in the Caribbean will be prepared to encourage fast bowlers,” Holding said. “Because if you don’t have pitches that encourage fast bowlers, you’re going to struggle. Look at India. They have started [to] prepare different pitches over the last six-seven years, and they’ve started to produce a lot of fast bowlers. And they are now winning series away from home. That is what you need.”Look at the quickest pitches renowned in the Caribbean – Jamaica and Barbados. Where have most of the Caribbean fast bowlers come from? Jamaica and Barbados. In recent times, a few more have been coming out of Antigua. But Trinidad have not produced a lot. Ian Bishop definitely would have been a great but for injury. Colin Croft was from Guyana. But those flat pitches that don’t encourage people to run in and work hard, will not produce fast bowlers. So one would hope that pitches that have good pace and bounce will be prepared in that manner so that we can encourage our youngsters to bowl fast.”

After falling behind early on, Luis de la Fuente's side battled back as the Manchester City midfielder led from the front in Cologne

A Rodri-inspired Spain overcame an early scare to romp to a 4-1 win over a plucky Georgia to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, where they will take on hosts Germany in a mouth-watering clash between two of the tournament favourites.

For 17 of the first 18 minutes in Cologne, Spain had nearly 90 percent possession and put relentless pressure on Georgia; but one breakaway attack later, Robin Le Normand put the ball into his own net after a wicked cross into the six-yard box by Otar Kakabadze.

The Georgians looked so threatening on the counter-attack, and just when it looked like it could be one of those days for Spain, talisman Rodri guided a superb strike into the bottom corner six minutes before the break.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili repeatedly kept Spain at bay until Lamine Yamal's inch-perfect cross was headed in by Fabian Ruiz in the 51st minute, and Nico Williams' terrific run and finish in the 75th minute put the contest beyond doubt before substitute Dani Olmo stroked in a fourth seven minutes from time.

GOAL rates Spain's players from RheinEnergieStadion…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Unai Simon (6/10):

  Nothing he could do about Le Normand's own goal but wasn't really tested on the night.

  Dani Carvajal (6/10):

  Had his hands full with the irrepressible Kvaratskhelia and came off second-best against the flying winger.

  Robin Le Normand (5/10):

  Failed to deal with Kakabadze's fizzing cross and the ball squirmed off him and into his own net. His place could be under threat for the quarter-finals.

  Aymeric Laporte (7/10):

  Of the two centre-backs, he looked the more dependable one. Showed his experience when it was required.

  Marc Cucurella (8/10):

  Chelsea must be thinking, 'Where has this player been?'. In attack and defence, the left-back looked impressive.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Pedri (6/10):

  Started with some neat touches and flicks but went into his shell for a while after Georgia's opener. Was hooked not long after the break after a subpar display.

  Rodri (8/10):

  When players needed to stand up and be counted, the Manchester City man delivered the goods with an excellent finish into the corner. A towering display in midfield.

  Fabian Ruiz (7/10):

  Like much of his team-mates, began brightly but then was somewhat cowed by going behind. However, he was in the right place at the right time to head in Yamal's beautiful delivery.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (7/10):

  After a relatively quiet first half by his standards, the 16-year-old burst into life with a magical assist for Spain's second. Should have grabbed at least one goal on a night that would have been a good learning experience for the Barcelona star.

  Alvaro Morata (5/10):

  Question marks may be asked over why this man is Spain's captain. The striker didn't offer a great deal up front.

  Nico Williams (7/10):

  At times, he looked unplayable, but when Spain conceded, the winger appeared seemed a bit predictable. After looking quiet for long periods, Williams scored a goal of individual brilliance to seal the win. Towards the end, he was a joy to watch.

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• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Dani Olmo (8/10):

  His passes in the final third were a delight and got a deserved goal late on. Putting his hand up to start the next game.

  Alejandro Grimaldo (7/10):

  Provided a bit more of an attacking threat down the left in a wing-back role.

  Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10):

  Didn't do a great deal when introduced.

  Jesus Navas (7/10):

  Nearly grabbed an assist at the death as he continues to show that age is just a number.

  Mikel Merino (N/A):

  On to give Rodri a late rest.

  Luis de la Fuente (7/10):

  His team were stung by conceding first, but they kept their cool, continued playing the same way, and got a crucial goal before half-time. This was their toughest game of the tournament and they did well to overcome this banana skin. De la Fuente's substitutes also helped give Spain extra control and go onto win comfortably.

Cristiano Ronaldo has shed selfish tears, been carried by his team-mates and Roberto Martinez is not “brave enough” to drop him, says Sam Allardyce.

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All-time great now 39 years of ageYet to score a goal at Euro 2024Questions asked of role for countryWHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo is taking in an 11th international tournament at 39 years of age. He has figured in every game for Portugal at Euro 2024, but is yet to open his goal account. He missed an extra-time penalty in a last-16 showdown with Slovenia, leading to an emotional breakdown, and there have been suggestions that his nation would fare better if he were to be benched.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT ALLARDYCE SAID

Ex-England boss Allardyce agrees with that assessment, telling the podcast from William Hill of Ronaldo’s theatrics and the need for stronger management: “Given the talent that Portugal have in their squad, I think they’ve been quite disappointing. They’ve got so much talent and so much ability on the ball, but they’re having to carry Ronaldo now. Even though he is still very fit for his age, he simply doesn’t have the same energy levels anymore. The other players have to carry him and they’re good enough to do it, but he still hasn’t scored yet.

“Roberto Martínez won’t be brave enough to drop Ronaldo. When I was at Bolton I had to sit down Youri Djorkaeff – who was a World Cup winner – and tell him I thought his legs had gone. He didn’t take it very well and it’s not easy for the manager either. It’s a tough one for the manager in that position.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Former Premier League boss Allardyce, who has faced Ronaldo on plenty of occasions down the years, added on the sight of CR7 crying on the field before eventually helping Portugal through in a penalty shootout: “I think Ronaldo’s tears were primarily down to what he wanted to achieve personally, rather than with Portugal as a team. At his level you have to be selfish, but where he didn’t do himself any favours was the last World Cup because he was throwing his hands around and dismissing everyone when they got knocked out. He’s passionate and wants to win. He never really played a part when they won the Euros in 2016 so he’ll want to win this for himself as much as the country.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

While Ronaldo is yet to score at this summer’s European Championship, Portugal are into the quarter-finals. They are preparing to face France in a heavyweight knockout encounter on Friday, with that contest set to see five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo come up against Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.

The opener will begin his search for form against Queensland at the Gabba on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2019Trevor Hohns, Australia’s national selector, has stopped short of guaranteeing David Warner his spot for the opening Test of the season following his woeful Ashes series.Warner managed just 95 runs – the lowest tally for an opener to have batted 10 times in a series – as Stuart Broad removed him seven times.Last week, Test captain Tim Paine, who does not have an official voice in selection, suggested that Warner’s record gave him “enough credits in the bank” to secure his position at the top of the order for the series against Pakistan which starts on November 21 in Brisbane. Warner averages 59.64 in home Tests where he has made 15 of his 21 Test hundreds.ALSO READ: Where have Australia’s batsmen (other than Steve Smith) gone?However, ahead of the Sheffield Shield that begins on Thursday – which includes Warner’s New South Wales side facing Queensland at the Gabba – Hohns did not put his full weight behind him.”I’m not going to comment on that right now,” Hohns said when asked if Warner’s spot was cemented regardless of early-season form. “David knows what he has to do as well as anybody, same as Marcus Harris and any of the players that played in England. Make no bones about it, there is a couple of batting spots, two or three, up for grabs.”Warner was not the only opener to struggle in the Ashes with Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris making 102 runs between them. That pair, along with Joe Burns, Matt Renshaw and possibly Usman Khawaja, will be battling for the Test positions.”There are plenty of openers around the country, it’s up to them to perform,” Hohns said. “The players who performed well [in the Ashes] know and those that didn’t know and it’s up to them to put performances on the board to have a chance to be chosen. If you want to relate it to the Ashes it was difficult for both countries, it seemed like the hardest place to bat. The slate is wiped clean [at home], in different conditions, but it’s nice if we have in-form openers, there’s no doubt about that.”ALSO READ: Can the Sheffield Shield answer these Test questions?On Tuesday Warner was included in Australia’s T20I squad to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan so he will have a maximum of three Sheffield Shield matches before the first Test next month.He and Steven Smith are now back in all three formats following their bans and are inked in at the top of the T20I order, alongside captain Aaron Finch, as Australia begin a year-long build-up to the men’s T20 World Cup next October.Hohns acknowledged that the selectors would keep a close eye on the workload of those players who appear across all formats. After the home Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand there is a one-day series in India, a limited-overs tour of South Africa, a home one-day series with New Zealand then a T20I series across the Tasman to complete the season.”That’ll be something we’ll be very mindful of as the season goes on,” Hohns said. “It’s difficult for players to play every format, which [Smith and Warner] in particular and probably Pat Cummins and a couple of them are likely to do. But we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on their workloads and making sure they don’t get tired. Obviously there is a massive focus on this T20 World Cup in 12 months’ time.”

Darwin Nunez's last-second winner against Nottingham Forest last weekend said a lot about this Liverpool side, but then it also said very little; throwing in the towel is inconceivable to this remarkable squad.

The victory, Liverpool's sixth on the bounce in all competitions since a meek Premier League defeat at Arsenal at the start of February, has seen the Carabao Cup clinched, an FA Cup quarter-finals tie against Manchester United set up and the position at the summit of the top-flight protected.

Manchester City, imperious as always, travel to Anfield on Sunday in a league showdown for the ages, with the outfits a point apart and third-placed Arsenal one behind again – a draw on Merseyside would see the Gunners reclaim pole position, should they win against Brentford on Saturday.

But first, Liverpool must journey onto the continent to meet Sparta Prague in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie, with Jurgen Klopp's injury-hit side likely to shuffle around ahead of the weekend's critical juncture in the Premier League.

Liverpool team news vs Sparta Prague

The big one. Liverpool are set to welcome Mohamed Salah back to the squad after the Egyptian talisman aggravated a muscular injury on his goalscoring return against Brentford in February.

Elsewhere, Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo all made their returns last time out, all off the bench, and while Klopp will be wary of Sunday's contest, all three will play some part in the Czech Republic.

Jayden Danns is unavailable after suffering concussion against Forest, while a bloated injury list still contains Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Joel Matip.

Despite all these absentees, Klopp might be wise to place his midfield general, Alexis Mac Allister, on the bench this evening, given the variables surrounding the forthcoming period of action.

Why Alexis Mac Allister must be benched

Mac Allister joined Liverpool in a deal worth £35m last summer, having been the centrepiece in Brighton & Hove Albion's excellent season that bred European qualification and won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to boot.

As per FBref, the dynamo ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 18% for passes attempted, the top 20% for progressive passes and the top 5% for blocks per 90, highlighting his rounded skill set and influence as the orchestrator in the centre.

This doesn't even paint the full picture by half, with Mac Allister's elite technical quality, his tenacity, his drive, all combining to place the woes of the 2022/23 campaign firmly in the past.

Liverpool's midfield was stagnant and sapped of strength but no more, with the 25-year-old praised for his "outstanding" level of performance by correspondent Neil Jones.

In the top flight, as per Sofascore, Mac Allister has posted two goals and four assists across 22 matches, completing 88% of his passes, completing 63% of his dribbles and averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.2 key passes, 5.7 ball recoveries and 5.6 successful duels per game.

But, with so many players sidelined over recent weeks, the £150k-per-week ace has played relentlessly and will now need to be rested, with Endo likely to assume a starting berth as the midfield anchor.

Not the only player needing a rest, Klopp might be inclined to return Andy Robertson to the bench this evening. The Scottish left-back has been beset with injury this season and while he has demonstrated much of his trademark prowess since returning in January, he's still a little rusty.

Why Klopp must ditch Andy Robertson

Robertson has been a staple of Liverpool's success throughout the Klopp era but he was felled by injury in the early stage of the current campaign and thus has been unable to hit his apex.

Having amassed 283 appearances under Klopp's guidance after signing from Hull City for £10m back in 2017 (an acquisition met with some raised eyebrows), Robertson has won it all and is currently tied with Alexander-Arnold as the highest-assisting defender in Premier League history, with 58 assists.

Liverpool XI: Andy Robertson's Full PL Debut

Liverpool 1-0 Crystal Palace (19/08/2017)

GK – Simon Mignolet

RB – Joe Gomez

CB – Joel Matip

CB – Ragnar Klavan

LB – Andy Robertson

DM – Jordan Henderson

CM – James Milner

CM – Gini WIjnaldum

RW – Roberto Firmino

LW – Sadio Mane

CF – Daniel Sturridge

Sourced via Transfermarkt

Last time out, against Nottingham Forest, the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle branded him with a 5/10 match score, writing: 'Somewhat loose with some of his passing first half which led to at least one Forest opening. Missed a great chance second half. Booked and subbed.'

Lest we forget, Robertson has only started four games since returning from a long-term absence due to shoulder surgery suffered on international duty in October, and he hasn't exactly been abject since his comeback, rather, a shade off the pace while still upholding his energy, determination and creativity.

For example, he might have been criticised for his output at the City Ground but the statistics certainly don't muddy his performance too badly, with the Scotland captain winning four of his six contested duels, making two tackles, completing 89% of his passes and creating four key passes.

However, the 29-year-old did miss a glorious opportunity while indeed culpable for some questionable defending at times, ceding possession on 15 occasions. Given that he also failed to attempt a single dribble that has become a staple of his performance on Liverpool's left flank over the years, he will need to improve.

In his stead, Kostas Tsimikas should start, with the versatile Joe Gomez likely required in his natural right-back position to give Conor Bradley a rest before the Manchester City fixture.

Related Klopp benches Mac Allister in Liverpool predicted XI vs Sparta Prague

The Reds travel to the Czech Republic in the first leg of their Europa last 16 tie tomorrow evening.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Mar 6, 2024

Tsimikas is only just back from injury himself but he provided the assist for Virgil van Dijk's winning goal in the Carabao Cup final and ranks among the top 7% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for progressive carries and the top 18% for interceptions per 90.

He can more than hold his own against Železná Sparta, who will seek to fight fire with fire and, as such, Liverpool will need to ensure their creative and offensive output holds up.

Manchester City might lurk round the corner but Klopp will have full focus on securing a result in Prague. While he will have to rotate, Liverpool have the players to succeed.

Board president Nazmul Hassan also lists out further major changes in BPL, including preferable batting positions to Bangladesh batsmen

Mohammad Isam17-Oct-2019The BCB have dismissed two NCL coaches for failing to carry out the board’s directives. Rangpur Division coach Masud Parvez Razan didn’t pick Fardeen Hasan, and legspinner Rishad Hossain, while Dhaka Division coach Jahangir Alam also lost his job for not picking legspinner Jubair Hossain in the playing XI during the second round that began on Thursday.BCB president Nazmul Hassan said both coaches have been issued with a show-cause notice for not picking the legspinners, with the BCB keen on implementing certain rules in domestic cricket to help strengthen the national side. ESPNcricinfo has learned that both Masud and Jahangir have already been replaced by Zafrul Ehsan and Mohammad Salim, as the Rangpur and Dhaka coach, respectively.”We gave clear instructions to play legspinners in the NCL, but neither [Jubair Hossain] Likhon nor Rishad [Hossain] were picked in the XI in this round,” Hassan said. “We have show-caused two coaches from Dhaka and Rangpur for not selecting the legspinners despite being told to do so. We have to give them game time. How else can they improve otherwise?”BPL set for further radical changes

The BCB have already put in place a rule for quick bowlers and legspinners in the BPL, and Nazmul Hassan said batting orders too would be mandated based on the national team’s interest.
“They must have a legspinner in the squad and if he is a local, he must be picked in the best XI. Teams should also set a batting order which is consistent with how the Bangladesh players are suited or needed in international cricket,” Hassan said. “We will give preference to fast bowlers who bowl 140kph. You can call this season’s BPL as preparation, a trial for the World T20.”

This is the first time that the BCB has taken such drastic action against coaches for not picking a legspinner. Over the years, domestic sides in Bangladesh have mostly opted for left-arm spinners and offspinners, leading to a paucity of legspinners in domestic cricket that has been lamented by players, coaches and selectors. Jubair did make his international debut in 2014, but though he had the backing of Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza and then coach Chandika Hathurusingha, he didn’t get the same backing in domestic cricket.The BCB has reportedly made it mandatory for first-class sides to pick legspinners in their XIs in the 2019-20 season. Minhajul Abedin Afridi, whom the chief selector first spotted as a net bowler in Chittagong last year, made his first-class debut in Chittagong Division’s previous match, while Aminul Islam Biplob, who made his T20I debut last month against Zimbabwe, made his debut for Dhaka Metropolis.Hassan said that in keeping with their plan to troubleshoot weaknesses, the BCB have also put in place rules for BPL teams to pick a local or foreign legspinner in every game, as well as give preferable batting positions to Bangladesh batsmen, whether in the top or middle-order.”They must have a legspinner in the squad and if he is a local, he must be picked in the best XI. Teams should also set a batting order which is consistent with how the Bangladesh players are suited or needed in international cricket.”We will give preference to fast bowlers who bowl 140kph. You can call this season’s BPL as preparation, a trial for the World T20,” he said.Hassan said that players will also require a fitness test to play in the Dhaka Premier League from this season, a first in the tournament’s history, while the bleep test level will be raised further next year. “We will raise the fitness level next year too but we will inform them at least a year in hand.”Players have to pass fitness test to play Dhaka Premier League too, and all of them have to be done in Dhaka,” he said.”Suggestions from the senior team’s coaching staff are being taken seriously,” Hassan said. “After the World Cup, our fielding coach pointed out that there’s a basic lack in fitness and understanding of fielding’s basics among our national team. Some of them can’t even throw properly. We are working on all the suggestions from the support staff. Initially we will stumble, but it is the best for the long-term,” he said.Hassan said that the board’s focus is building a side by 2021, so that they have a settled group by the 2023 World Cup in India.”We have been playing to win, but now we will do some experiments, as part of our long-term plan. Some of our decisions may seem different but by 2021, we want to build a solid team for the 2023 World Cup. A team that can serve Bangladesh for at least four or five years,” he said.

Over the last few seasons, Everton have been in constant relegation battles and their Premier League status has never felt so close to disappearing.

To make matters worse, on the 16th November last year, the Toffees were handed a 10-point deduction due to the Merseyside club being unable to stick to the Premier League's FFP ruling. This deduction was the most severe in 135 years of top-flight football that any club has ever received.

The deduction took immediate effect and an already struggling Everton had been even more crippled due to this ruling. At the time the ruling was announced, Sean Dyche's side had a total of 14 points and were dropped down to four.

This then placed the squad second from bottom of the Premier League table, level on points with 20th-placed, Burnley. The deduction was recently met with an appeal that the Merseyside club are reportedly set to hear back from their appeal by the end of this week.

Former Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, has shared his thoughts on the situation, saying via X: "What is the hold up on the appeals decision regarding Everton’s 10pt deduction?

"Two weeks have passed, this is surely a matter of urgency for Everton and the clubs around them. I’m sure they and the Premier League know their decision by now. Are the Premier League waiting until after Everton’s home game…"

Although this is speculation, it does feel as if a long time has passed since the club were told that they'd be losing points.

Financial Fair Play: What is PSR, how does it work and who's in trouble?

Leicester City have become the latest club charged with an alleged PSR breach, but what could happen next?

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 16, 2024

However, despite the negativity surrounding this season, there have been some positives regarding player performance throughout the campaign thus far, most namely, of those is Frank Lampard signing Amadou Onana.

How Amadou Onana has played so far this season

The defensive midfielder has been on top form for the Toffees in all competitions as he has played a total of 25 games in all competitions and has managed to contribute to three goals during that time.

Additionally, Sofascore states that in the Premier League, the 22-year-old has managed to make 2.5 tackles and recover the ball 6.2 times per game.

Although these stats may not seem too impressive, despite only playing two additional games than Onana, Rodri has only managed 2.2 tackles per game whilst recovering 7.3. When put into this perspective, it shows how influential the midfielder is to the defence on Dyche's side.

Over the course of the transfer windows, the Belgium international has been linked with a move away from Everton to many teams, such as Newcastle.

However, these never came to fruition and a move is now even less likely to happen now that Onana is worth more than Everton starlet, Jarrad Branthwaite.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Onana & Branthwaite's valuations in 2024

Branthwaite is yet another one of Everton's players who has been performing to a high standard this season.

The 6 foot 4 defender has burst onto the scene this season and staked his claim for a starting spot. He has appeared a total of 27 times and has even managed to score a goal; the late equaliser against Spurs recently.

However, despite his solid outings this season, the 21-year-old's value is half of what Onana's is, according to Transfermarkt.

Onana's value currently sits at the €50m (£42.7m) mark, whereas Branthwaite is rated around the €25m (£21.3m). Of course, should either player be sold it's highly likely that any willing suitor will need to cough up a great deal more. That said, it's a marker of the Belgian's impressive displays that he's worth even more than his Everton teammate.

It's evident that both of them have helped solidify the Toffees' defence this season and will continue to do so until at least the 2024/25 season where a big pay day could well be on the way.