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Shafali scored 75 off 41 balls in the fifth T20I to finish the series as the second-highest run-scorer behind Mandhana

Valkerie Baynes13-Jul-2025

Shafali Verma struck 75 off just 41 balls•Getty Images

Shafali Verma has batted her way into the conversation surrounding India’s squad selection for the home ODI World Cup later this year.Dropped after India’s group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup last October, Shafali was recalled for the T20I series against England, which India won 3-2, and re-established herself by finishing as the second-highest run-scorer behind opening partner Smriti Mandhana.Shafali’s 176 runs at 35.20 and a strike rate of 158.55 included scores of 20, 3, 47 and 31 and a 41-ball 75. Her two highest scores came in losing causes as England clinched last-ball victories at The Oval and Edgbaston, respectively.On Saturday night, she brought up her fifty off just 23 balls, the joint-second-fastest for India Women alongside Mandhana, and behind only Richa Ghosh’s 18 balls against West Indies last year.Related

Harmanpreet embraces 'happy headache' with India's depth on the rise

Mandhana: 'Shafali deserves this comeback and I'm really excited to open with her again'

'One more ball, please' – The quiet rise of N Shree Charani

Dean, Wyatt-Hodge shine in England's nervy last-ball win

Having helped her side go from 19 for 2 to 167 for 7, it took the highest successful chase in women’s T20Is in England for the hosts to win it – and they only did so on the final delivery, despite a 101-run opening partnership between Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley.Shafali is not part of the ODI series that will start in Southampton on Wednesday, but India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar said she was “without a doubt” in contention for the ODI World Cup at home starting from September 30, although Pratika Rawal remains the incumbent.Rawal averages 63.80 from 11 ODIs since making her debut at home against West Indies in December. She has a highest score of 154, at home against Ireland and five half-centuries.”It just shows that we’ve got a lot of depth now in this India squad,” Muzumdar said. “Pratika Rawal, she was drafted in the month of December, so it’s almost six months, but she has left a mark, a big mark in her initial stage in her international career.”So I think there’s a lot of depth in this Indian line-up, a good headache to have as a coaching staff. And Shafali has been a terrific player. There’s no doubt about it that she will be in the mix. She will be amongst the core group of India. There’s no doubt in my mind about it. But at the moment, Pratika, she has joined the squad probably four or five days prior to the ODI. The depth is stronger, it’s getting stronger.”Pratika Rawal has had a dream start to her ODI career•BCCI

While the ODI series will provide a better World Cup gauge for both teams, India were further encouraged by the development of left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who was named Player of the Series for the T20I leg of India’s tour.Charani was the leading wicket-taker with ten at 14.80 and an economy rate of 7.46, having only made her T20I debut in the opening match of the series, where she took 4 for 12. And while she conceded 35 runs while going wicketless in the final game, Muzumdar was pleased with her progress.”She’s been a find of the WPL,” he said. “From the WPL, we identified her and then I think her progress has been fantastic, she’s been phenomenal in this series. We were searching for a left-arm spinner and she’s fitted the bill perfectly.”Kranti Goud, the 21-year-old right-arm seamer who made her T20I debut in Birmingham, having played just once for India before, in the final against hosts Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series also involving South Africa in May, is part of the 50-over squad in England.She made a nervy start to her T20I career when she took the new ball against England. Goud sent down three wides before bookending four dot balls with two singles off the bat. Harmanpreet Kaur, her captain, kept faith for a second over on the trot, which went for six runs in all, including four to Wyatt-Hodge, powered over midwicket, and Goud finished wicketless from three overs, which went for 26.N Shree Charani was named the Player of the Series•Andy Kearns/Getty Images

Muzumdar said he had “mixed feelings” about the fact that his side had outplayed England in three games but failed to clinch the two close ones.Had Mandhana’s shy at the stumps at the non-striker’s end after Sophie Ecclestone had pushed towards mid-on and sprinted for the single England needed for victory off the last ball, the match could have gone to a Super Over.But not only has the series result given India a maiden T20I series victory in England, it has given the visitors crucial data on what playing here for the T20 World Cup might be like 12 months from now.”We had that in our mind when we came back from Sri Lanka and we started our preparation for this tour,” Muzumdar said. “We were on the same page, all of us, including the selectors, thinking that there’s a World Cup in 2026, same place, in England, so we’ve picked the squad accordingly. We’ve started on a good note, I guess, winning the T20 series here against England 3-2, that too the first time ever. So it’s a pleasing result. The preparation has already started.”The biggest takeaways, without a doubt, have been our bowling and our fielding. The batting has been a strength for a long time. A year and a half that I’ve been in charge, we’ve played some fearless cricket as far as batting is concerned. The two departments which we wanted to take care of were bowling and fielding, and in this series, it has shown the results.”

Carse and Woakes are set to open the bowling, while Tongue and Bashir have retained their positions

Matt Roller18-Jun-2025

Ollie Pope notched up his eighth Test hundred against Zimbabwe recently•Getty Images

It will be Ollie Pope, rather than Jacob Bethell, who bats at No. 3 for England against India in Friday’s first Test at Headingley.Pope, England’s vice-captain, left his position vulnerable after a poor run of form last year. Moreover, Bethell’s sudden emergence in New Zealand prompted serious consideration about the No. 3 spot. But Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have opted to retain Pope, resisting the temptation to pick England’s most promising young player of his generation.Bethell’s opportunity at No. 3 in New Zealand was the result of two absentees – Jamie Smith (paternity leave) and Jordan Cox (thumb injury) – pressing Pope into action as England’s wicketkeeper. He scored three half-centuries in his first three Tests, including a second-innings 96 in Wellington, while Pope looked more comfortable down at No. 6.But Pope returned to No. 3 against Zimbabwe last month, with Bethell deemed unavailable while at the IPL, and scored 171 to push his case for retention. Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said on Tuesday that England had “two brilliant options” for one position, and they have chosen Pope.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

England confirmed their team for the first Test on Wednesday, with Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes set to open the bowling after missing last month’s win over Zimbabwe through injuries. Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir retain their positions, with Gus Atkinson still recovering from a hamstring injury, while captain Stokes completes the attack.This will be Carse’s first home Test, after he took 27 wickets in five Tests in Pakistan and New Zealand this winter. “Headingley is an unbelievable ground,” he said. “I’ve played a bit of white-ball cricket here over the last couple of years… but to be able to play a home Test against India is going to be pretty exciting and I cannot wait to get going.”Carse has been a change bowler throughout his first-class career but is expected to take the new ball alongside Woakes this week. “There has been a little bit of discussion around that. I’m relishing that opportunity, if that is what it is,” he said. “I opened the bowling during the one-day series [against West Indies] and felt comfortable and confident.”England’s attack has considerably less experience than those India have faced on their recent tours. Mark Wood remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Rishabh Pant said it was “definitely” a bonus not to face the retired James Anderson and Stuart Broad. “It feels so good,” Pant said, with a smile. “But… they have enough ammunition as an England bowling line-up.”England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 Shoaib Bashir.

It is a testament to Everton’s growth under David Moyes that their recent 1-1 draw with West Ham United in the Premier League was met with frustration.

This is because Everton were expected to win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and that belief was strengthened when Michael Keane powered home a first-half header to open the scoring.

But the Toffees ended up labouring to a draw against Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers, with the point gained lifting them into ninth place in the standings.

Expectations have indeed been raised, with newbie Jack Grealish leading the charge.

Jack Grealish at Everton

Grealish will be disappointed with his performance against West Ham. Everton’s positive play flowed through the 30-year-old playmaker, who wasn’t at his best but still looked a constant threat, with Sofascore recording that he created four chances and won seven duels.

With four assists to his name in August, Grealish was awarded the Premier League Player of the Month award, and though he and Everton have not since claimed three points, drawing twice and losing a close game at Anfield, his level of performance remains impressive.

Grealish, perhaps excitingly, hasn’t reached his optimum level yet. There is more to come. However, as Everton grow and improve under Moyes’ wing, so too does the spotlight increase on certain stars.

And there are a few who might be holding Grealish back.

Moyes must drop £55m duo

Grealish has yet to score in an Everton shirt, but that’s not the end of the world. The Three Lions star has never been the most prolific of attacking midfielders, and he adds much to the build-up patterns and creative flow. That is his bread and butter.

The problem, though, is that Grealish is supported by a full-back in Vitalii Mykolenko, who leaves much to be desired from an attacking standpoint, and is surmounted by Beto at number nine, who has endured a tough, luckless start to the season.

Mykolenko was chased by Napoli this summer, who were willing to pay around £26m for his services. Everton turned it down, but may come to regret that decision if his fitness and form do not improve.

Undoubtedly, Beto has improved since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, but the Bissau Guinean striker enjoyed a bright purple patch shortly after the Scotsman’s arrival, bagging five in four, and has since plateaued, with only one strike to his name this term and a litany of missed opportunities.

Games

42

23

Starts

10

20

Goals

4

8

Assists

0

0

Everton writer Ell Bretland even remarked that “Beto’s lack of hold-up play and Mylolenko not getting forward” has been stifling the esteemed loanee, who is not being supported effectively from behind and who is struggling to get a tune out of Everton’s misfiring centre-forward, who was signed from Udinese for up to £30m in 2023.

This may require a left-field solution. Iliman Ndiaye, for example, has played up front during his career before, and no Everton player has scored more than his 13 goals since joining the club from Marseille in 2024.

It would change the dynamic of Everton’s team, but with Tyler Dibling looking to nail down a starting berth of his own, this may be an outlook that would bear dividends for Moyes down the line.

James Garner provided a sumptuous assist for Keane at the weekend, too, and has played three times as a stand-in left-back in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.2 chances per game.

There is much for Moyes to ponder, but if Mykolenko and Beto fail to find form, they must be dropped to raise the level of the collective, and that not only includes Grealish but is shaped and charged by him.

Bowen 2.0: Everton must regret selling "one of the best players in the PL"

Everton must now rue selling this gifted star before he hit his full potential.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

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Desde a queda precoce do Corinthians na fase de grupos da Libertadores, o técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo e a diretoria do Corinthians decidiram ir com um time alternativo para o jogo contra o Liverpool-URU e nos playoffs da Sul-Americana.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Luxa irá seguir com a mesma estratégia para os confrontos contra o Newell’s Old Boys, da Argentina, pelas oitavas de final da Sul-Americana. Assim, jogadores pouco aproveitados e garotos da base ganharão mais uma chance de impressionar Luxemburgo. Abaixo, a reportagem lista três jogadores que vem aproveitando as oportunidades no time reserva e três que estão deixando a desejar.

Gabriel Moscardo

Os 15 minutos em campo de Gabriel Moscardo contra o Liverpool-URU foram suficientes para fazê-lo cair nas graças não apenas de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, como também da torcida corintiana.

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Desde o jogo contra os uruguaios, Moscardo foi “promovido” ao time titular e atuou contra Bragantino, Atlético-MG e nos dois jogos contra o América pela Copa do Brasil. A ascensão do jovem de 17 anos fez a diretoria  estender o contrato dele até junho de 2026, e a posição de volante já não é mais urgência no clube.

Felipe Augusto

Com a saída de Júnior Moraes e a inconstância de Romero, Luxemburgo apostou em Felipe Augusto, e o garoto de 19 anos ressurgiu no Timão após problemas em 2021 e 2022. Com mobilidade e faro de gol apurado, ele balançou as redes na partida de ida contra o Universitario e passou a “incomodar” Yuri Alberto pelo posto de centroavante titular da equipe.

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Carlos Miguel

O goleiro agarrou as oportunidades nos jogos continentais para se consolidar como reserva imediato de Cássio. O camisa 22 foi o mais regular da equipe nos três jogos continentais e teve seu auge diante do Liverpool-URU, ao defender uma cobrança de pênalti, garantindo a vitória do Corinthians.

Cantillo

Sem atuar há três meses pelo Corinthians, Cantillo ficou de fora dos relacionados para o duelo contra o Liverpool-URU, pela fase de grupos da Libertadores. Insatisfeito com sua situação no clube, o volante se reuniu com a diretoria e pediu para ser negociado.

Até agora, não houve clubes interessados em abrir conversas com o Corinthians pelo jogador. O colombiano viajou com a delegação para o Peru, mas foi preterido por Ryan Gustavo, que entrou no segundo tempo e marcou o gol da vitória sobre o Universitario.

+ Veja tabela com os confrontos das oitavas de final da Copa Sul-Americana

Giuliano

Titular com Fernando Lázaro, Giuliano perdeu prestígio após a chegada de Vanderlei Luxemburgo e vem sendo utilizado na equipe alternativa. O treinador corintiano resolveu testá-lo como primeiro volante, mas as atuações do camisa 20 na nova função não vem convencendo.

Giovane

Apesar do prestígio na Seleção Brasileira Sub-20, Giovane vem sendo pouco utilizado pelo Corinthians na atual temporada. Nem mesmo a chegada de Luxemburgo, que vem dando mais espaço para garotos da base, mudou o status do atacante de 19 anos.

Reserva e com pouco minutos nos três jogos com a equipe alternativa, Giovane busca jogar com mais consistência, e times italianos sinalizaram interesse de levá-lo para as categorias Sub-23.

كشف برونو فيرنانديز، قائد نادي مانشستر يونايتد، أنه يتطلع إلى تحقيق إنجاز شخصي له، وذلك قبل مواجهة الشياطين الحمر المرتقبة ضد ليفربول بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ليفربول سوف يستضيف مانشستر يونايتد على ملعب أنفيلد مساء اليوم الأحد، وذلك في إطار قمة الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وفي مواجهة مصيرية لكلا الفريقين.

ويسعى مانشستر يونايتد إلى الفوز على ليفربول، وذلك من أجل تحسين وضعه في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وإزاحة الضغط على المدرب روبن أموريم.

واعترف فيرنانديز في مقابلة مع نجم مانشستر يونايتد السابق، خوان ماتا، عبر موقع الشياطين الحمر الرسمي، أنه يطمح للتسجيل لأول مرة في مسيرته بملعب أنفيلد.

وقال فيرنانديز: ”ربما يكون سبب تطلعي للتسجيل اليوم هو ارتداء الزي الأبيض، في العام الماضي، سجل ليساندرو مارتينيز هدفًا رائعًا هناك وسجل عماد هناك أيضًا، وكان بإمكاننا تحقيق الفوز في الدقيقة الأخيرة بفضل هاري ماجواير، دعونا نأمل أن يمنحنا هذا الزي الأبيض بعض الحظ كما حدث في بعض اللحظات الماضية”.

وأضاف فيرنانديز في حديثه: ”في المباريات الكبيرة أظهرنا مرونة كبيرة وقاتلنا على كل كرة وحاولنا تقديم كرة قدم جيدة، تحدثنا كثيرًا عن كيفية تحقيق ذلك في مباريات مختلفة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سلوت قبل قمة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد: خسارة 3 مباريات متتالية أمر صعب

وأوضح: ”نعلم أنه في المباريات الكبيرة، يكون التركيز دائمًا أعلى قليلًا ولا نريد ارتكاب أي أخطاء، لكن لا يزال يتعين علينا اللعب بحرية كبيرة لأن هذا ما سيمنحنا نتيجة إيجابية”.

وأردف: ‘للعب ضد ليفربول في أنفيلد ضد لاعبين من الطراز الرفيع، يجب أن تكون متميزًا على المستوى الفردي للحصول على نتيجة جيدة، لا يمكنك التفكير كثيرًا في المباراة أو الأجواء، أو النادي الذي نلعب ضده أو المنافسة”.

واختتم برونو: ”عليك التفكير في ذلك عند الدخول في المواجهات الثنائية، ولكن عندما تكون الكرة بحوزتك عليك اللعب بحرية تامة لإخراج أفضل ما لديك”.

Newcastle United are circling the market for reinforcements and could now be set to go all out for a defender they have wanted since the start of the window.

Newcastle United set to sign Yoane Wissa

With hours of the window remaining, Alexander Isak will join Liverpool from Newcastle, leaving a vacancy through the middle free for Eddie Howe to bring in a new striker.

In light of reports linking the Magpies to several different options, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is the one that will pitch up at St James’ Park after the Bees accepted an offer for the Congolese marksman.

Now set for a medical before an official announcement is made, he will join new signing Nick Woltemade, with both set to fight it out for the number one jersey at the top end of the field.

Reacting to a goalless draw at the weekend, Howe made it clear that his side aren’t offensively proficient at this moment in time, which may offer a hint as to why they have made such a strong late play for another striker.

He told BBC Sport: “We’re disappointed the other way that we didn’t cause them more problems. We had a few moments that you think could’ve led to more. We’re just in that moment where the goals aren’t flowing and that cost us today.”

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 31, 2025

Nevertheless, that all appears to be in the past, but there are still further questions over where the former Bournemouth man could opt to add more bodies as the North East giants tackle the rigours of balancing domestic football and the Champions League.

At the last minute, supporters may now have found out a little more information on this front after revealing developments surrounding one target.

Newcastle submit loan offer for Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde

According to reports in Turkey via Sport Witness, Newcastle have submitted a loan-to-buy offer for Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde. However, the proposal has been rejected by the Turkish giants.

Intriguingly, the Magpies have been interested in Oosterwolde since June, when he was identified as a cheaper option to Marc Guehi, albeit landing him may be a complicated process after Diego Carlos was ruled out with an injury.

Capable of featuring in central defence or at left-back, the Zwolle-born man has previously been praised for his “extremely physically strong” nature by agent, Jose Blakborn, and he has featured six times for his current employers this season.

Three years remain on his deal in Istanbul, so he retains plenty of value even if the 24-year-old were to agitate for a move, leaving work to be done from a Newcastle perspective if they are to force something over the line.

Stranger things have happened, though PIF will need to move swiftly in order to convince Fenerbahce that he is a player worth parting ways with.

Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign another player after they finally sealed their first major outfield signing of the summer.

Unai Emery can breathe a sigh of relief with the arrival of striker Evan Guessand from Nice, who joins the Villans for an initial £26 million, which could rise to £30 million with add-ons (BBC).

Angers 1-4 Nice

9.31

Nice 6-0 Brest

9.03

Nice 8-0 St Etienne

8.76

Nice 2-0 Marseille

8.70

Nice 2-0 Lens

8.63

via WhoScored

It took months for the Midlands side to confirm a noteworthy arrival ahead of what is a vital Premier League campaign, but Guessand will now be available for selection ahead of their first league game of the season against Newcastle next Saturday.

Out of the versatile Ivorian’s 30 Ligue 1 starts last term, 10 of them came at centre-forward, with Guessand starting a further eight on the right-wing and nine as a second striker.

The 24-year-old also notched a brilliant 13 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, so it is safe to say Emery has secured an excellent replacement for Marcus Rashford at a pretty good price.

It comes as a piece of great news for Emery, following a window dominated by PSR concerns and rumours of key men potentially leaving Villa Park.

Further encouragement for Villa supporters comes via reports that their side may not be done with Guessand, as links continue to surround a move for wantaway Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese, who worked with Emery at Villarreal, is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before deadline day on September 1 (Fabrizio Romano), and Villa’s head coach has already expressed his real admiration for the 24-year-old.

“We worked during the one year on his skill, he improved his understanding better, how he could exploit his potential, and playing minutes and getting experiences was the next step,” Emery told Sky Sports about Jackson.

“But his attitude as well was fantastic. He was always learning. He was always demanding to train more, to be focused. He was also being a professional every day out of training sessions at home because he was focused on football like the first priority in his life.”

Aston Villa offered Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson

Now, talkSPORT report that Villa have been offered the chance to sign Jackson. Enzo Maresca’s side value the African, who’s ready to leave the west London club, at around £80 million – which is just a no-go for most interested clubs.

However, there is a concession that Chelsea will most likely need to reduce their asking price for the attacker if they’re to find a buyer.

There is also the possibility of Chelsea green-lighting a loan deal for Jackson, which is far more feasible from Villa’s perspective, but the Blues would want an obligation to buy clause inserted into the deal.

Jackson bagged 13 goals and six assists in all competitions last season, but Joao Pedro and Liam Delap’s arrivals have now pushed him down Maresca’s pecking order.

The centre-forward has also scored just one Premier League goal since the turn of 2025 and got sent off during Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, so Jackson could gain a valuable new lease of life working under Emery again in the Midlands.

Peter Crouch called Jackson “unbelievable” at points last season, and claimed the player deserves more respect for his contributions at Chelsea.

Liverpool kicked off their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Preston North End. The result didn’t matter. This was an occasion for Diogo Jota, with the two clubs coming together to celebrate and commemorate a wonderful man who will forever be woven into Liverpool’s history, forever a part of Anfield.

The football was secondary, but it was a chance for fans to see the fruits of sporting director Richard Hughes’ labours in the transfer market, with wide duo Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong catching the eye.

Kerkez, signed from Bournemouth for £40m, looks an absolute menace, so lively and sharp. Replacing Andy Robertson, 31, should have been a daunting thing, but the Reds have hit the jackpot here.

Frimpong, too, shone, using his blistering speed and underrated intelligence to great effect, winning three of four duels and completing his one attempted dribble, as per Sofascore.

Giorgi Mamardashvili also exuded control between the sticks, but it wasn’t just the new boys who caught the eye, with Cody Gakpo looking good to continue his rise under Arne Slot’s wing.

Cody Gakpo's performance vs Preston

Last season, pundit Peter Crouch noted that Gakpo had “gone up a level” with Slot at the helm, going from strength to strength as he performed in a fixed attacking role off the left flank, as opposed to the shuffle-about role he had for Jurgen Klopp.

Against Preston, Gakpo continued that impressive role, seeing plenty of the ball and converting a well-taken goal that led to an emotional celebration.

The 25-year-old will be desperate to prove to his manager that he deserves another season in a prominent position at Anfield, having scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across 49 matches last year.

However, with Luis Diaz potentially being sold this summer, Bayern Munich reported to have agreed personal terms with the versatile Colombian forward, Slot is within his rights to want more depth out on the wing.

And the man the Dutch coach has in mind might just have the quality to supersede Gakpo.

Liverpool lining up new forward

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool are planning to make an offer for Real Madrid star Rodrygo this summer, potentially using the non-committal Ibrahima Konate as leverage in a potential one-in, one-out deal.

Rodrygo has been considered among the world’s leading forwards for several years, but he’s struggled of late with Real, having been pushed to the backbenches since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti.

Another Spanish outlet, AS, have also chimed in, revealing that Rodrygo has a price tag of €100m (£86m). Los Blancos might be willing to sell their long-serving winger, but only on their terms.

Time will tell whether Hughes and Michael Edwards can engineer a deal that checks out for Liverpool. Arsenal are also keen, though, so swiftness is important here.

Why Liverpool want Rodrygo

Rodrygo would be the first to admit that he endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, but having chalked up 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, it’s clear he’s got a high bar, which leaves even poor seasons above that of many other forwards across Europe.

His former teammate, Luka Modric, actually called him a “world-class superstar” once, and with a longing for a permanent place on the left wing, Rodrygo could find that Liverpool would be the perfect new home for him, should Diaz be sold in the coming weeks.

Given that the Brazil international was fielded out on the right for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign in spite of his preference to play on the opposite flank, maximising his potency, he did well.

Moreover, he’s a big-game star, something Liverpool will need as they challenge for the biggest prizes once more.

Rodrygo’s arrival wouldn’t prove detrimental for Gakpo; Diaz and the Dutchman cohabited in the Reds first team last year.

But there’s a sense that Liverpool would be signing an upgrade on the former PSV Eindhoven talent, one who could dynamise and expand Slot’s vision as the Reds chase down more success.

Matches (starts)

35 (23)

30 (22)

Goals

10

6

Assists

4

5

Touches*

27.7

48.1

Shots (on target)*

1.6 (0.7)

1.8 (0.7)

Big chances missed

6

1

Pass completion

84%

91%

Big chances created

11

5

Key passes*

1.1

1.6

Dribbles*

0.9

1.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Duels (won)*

3.1 (51%)

3.8 (53%)

Looking at how Gakpo in the Premier League and Rodrygo in La Liga compared last season, you’d have to say that the wide range of qualities leans toward the Brazilian’s favour, even though he flattered to deceive by his standards.

Moreover, he might have only scored six times, but the 24-year-old also missed only one big chance, underscoring his value as a prolific outlet.

Journalist Sam Tighe once backed this up when calling Rodrygo “terrifyingly good” in front of goal, so deadly when fit and on form.

The fact that Rodrygo managed to score six goals and supply six assists from the left side of Real Madrid’s frontline probably tells you all you need to know, for Ancelotti actually gave him just 12 appearances from that flank.

A duo of Gakpo and Rodrygo contesting for the ascendancy in Slot’s system would only be a good thing. But if Rodrygo is given the grounds to grow his confidence, he might just find himself eclipsing Gakpo, bringing athletic completeness to marry into a natural-born bent for goalscoring which has perhaps yet to even be fully realised on the professional stage.

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The third day ended with England only 64 behind Pakistan’s 556 with seven first-innings wickets in hand

Vithushan Ehantharajah09-Oct-2024

Joe Root and Harry Brook have so far combined for 243 runs•Getty Images

Stumps Responding to Pakistan’s mammoth first-innings score of 556 after the best part of two days in the dirt was always going to require something special from England. Not only did they respond emphatically to end day three of this first Test on 492 for 3, trailing by just 64, but they did so in historic fashion.Joe Root became England’s leading Test run-scorer, passing Sir Alastair Cook’s record of 12,473 runs on his way to a 35th Test hundred. It was typical Root, unassuming and busy with just 12 fours, set against Harry Brook’s boisterous 141* from 173 deliveries, picking up where he left off from a Player-of-the-Series performance on the 2022 tour of Pakistan, with his fourth century against them in as many matches.As it happens, this is Root’s first on these shores. And it has come after spending all day at the crease – he was the last England batter to achieve that feat, against Sri Lanka in Galle three years ago – meaning he has been absent for just eight deliveries of the 250 overs of this match so far.Related

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No wonder he struggled with cramps for the last half of the day. Having come to the crease on Tuesday following the dismissal of stand-in skipper Ollie Pope with just four on the board, resuming on Wednesday with England 96 for 1, he will mark his guard with 176 against his name on Thursday morning with his side holding all the aces.The Yorkshire duo of Root and Brook combined for 243 (and counting), a third successive century stand in the innings after Zak Crawley’s 78 and Ben Duckett’s 84 provided the guts for 109- and 136-run stands for the second and third wickets, respectively.As it has been for most of the last 12 years in English cricket, Root was the glue throughout. Starting day three with 32 to his name, he made the final ascent to the top of the England run-scorers’ pile 15 minutes before lunch when, on 67, he leaned into another compact drive for four to march along to 12,473 career runs, overtaking Cook as England’s most prolific Test batter, and the fifth overall, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid.Root was always going to mark the occasion with three figures, especially on a pitch that remains interminably dull, with just two wickets falling all day, and none in the final session. He moved to a crisp 100 with a reverse sweep off his 167th ball for a fifth century in 2024. It was the third time he has struck as many in a calendar year, after 2021 and 2022. Only Ricky Ponting (four) and Matthew Hayden (four) scored five or more Test centuries in more calendar years.Aamer Jamal was by far the most impressive of Pakistan’s bowlers on the day•Getty Images

Root was finding matters so easy that he even took to batting left-handed against legspinner Abrar Ahmed, who was hiding the ball outside leg stump as much to slow the game down as to protect himself. Two years after marking his Test debut with 11 wickets against England at this very ground, he currently nurses grim figures of 0 for 174 from 35 overs. That Root only struck one of his fours off Abrar – a full toss dispatched through midwicket off the opening ball of the 92nd over of the innings – spoke to the punishment meted out by Crawley, Duckett and, latterly, Brook.Indeed Crawley and Duckett should have got three figures themselves. But within the first hour of play, Crawley flicked uppishly across a full-length delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi and picked out Aamer Jamal at midwicket. Jamal’s second catch of the innings wasn’t a patch on the screamer with which he had dismissed Pope on the second evening, however. The ball looped straight to him, and he all but dropped it before scooping it up at the second attempt.Either way, Crawley was gone for his sixth score between 60 and 80 this year. Duckett strode in at No. 4 and motored on, showing no ill-effects from a thumb injury that prevented him from opening the batting. He had one life on 37, when Naseem Shah found his outside edge only for the ball to bisect keeper and a wide first slip. But with the ball reversing enough for Jamal to trap the left-hand batter on the crease from around the wicket, Duckett was dismissed for the fourth time between 70 and 90 since his third Test hundred back in February, against India in Rajkot.Brook, however, naturally assumed the mantle of aggressor immediately upon his arrival with the score 249 for 3. It was on the previous Pakistan tour that Brook announced himself to the world with 468 runs at 93.60, with centuries in all three Tests. A guided four to third from his second delivery showed he was back to inflict more upon the hosts two years on.Harry Brook continued his love affair with the Pakistan bowlers•Getty Images

Despite a hint of reverse swing on offer – first with Jamal, then Afridi – Brook’s speed out of the blocks could not be tempered. Afridi felt the full force of that when a short delivery was smashed back down the ground like a tennis forehand for the first of consecutive boundaries. Brook made it to his half-century in 49 deliveries, his fifth 50-plus score in six innings against Pakistan.Brook’s next fifty took a little longer – 69 balls – in part because the field was spread, the bowling lines negative, and his own battles with cramp, which meant neither he nor Root could push for singles or fully commit to attacking strokes that required extra stretching. But having consumed plenty of gels and isotonic drinks, he struck Abrar down the ground in the 83rd over for the first six of the innings, which took him to 98. A misfield for two cut to point brought up his sixth career century.He could have been on his way back on 75 when a block off the impressive Jamal – comfortably the pick of the bowlers – ricocheted off his grille and rolled on to his stumps without dislodging the bails. Root, similarly, could have been seen off on 168 had umpire Kumar Dharmasena raised the finger following a strong lbw shout from Naseem, after rare seam movement pinned the batter in front with the second new ball. Shan Masood opted to use Pakistan’s last review to double-check, which was retained after DRS came back with an umpire’s call on the impact into leg stump.It summed up a torturous time for Pakistan, who conceded 4.83 an over across today’s 82 overs, watching on powerlessly as their opening effort was made to feel under par. With a night’s rest for Root and Brook, and Jamie Smith waiting in the wings, a first innings lead of note feels inevitable.

Journalist Joshua Barrie claims that Glasgow Rangers will make more signings from domestic markets, in Scotland and England, than they did last summer.

There has been some intense reaction to his claim, with some supporters citing signings like Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies, who are now surplus to requirements at Ibrox.

However, it is also worth acknowledging that Rangers have picked up some bargains from England, specifically, in recent years, including Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo.

Rangers set to sign Brighton youngster

The Light Blues could be on the lookout to repeat the blinders they played with both of those players, as they are closing in on a young talent from England this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Rangers have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old starlet Zebedee Lawson from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

The report claims that the Scottish Premiership giants have beaten several clubs to his signature, and that the winger, who was described as a “sensation” by journalist Pete O’Rourke, was highly-rated at the English club.

That is why Football Insider adds that this is regarded as a ‘major coup’ for the Ibrox side, and potentially for Russell Martin in the future, as they are now set to sign the teenage forward.

Rangers could now be about to repeat the masterclass they played when they snapped up Bassey from then-Premier League side Leicester City in the summer of 2020.

Lawson could be a Bassey repeat for Rangers

The Light Blues hit the jackpot with Bassey because they snapped him up for a fee of just £230k and slowly developed him to become a key first-team player before he made a big-money exit in 2022.

He only made eight Premiership appearances in his first year at Ibrox, as he settled into life as a first-team option, before the defender played 50 times in the 2021/22 campaign after Giovanni van Bronckhorst put his faith in the versatile star, who played at left-back and centre-back.

July 2020

Reported £230k fee

January 2021

£427k

June 2021

£340k

December 2021

£850k

June 2022

£8.5m

July 2022

Reported £22.7m fee

As you can see in the table above, Bassey’s value did not immediately soar, due to a lack of game time, in his first time, but it did fly up when he was a regular in the side, before his £22.7m move to Ajax in 2022.

Lawson, who is only 16, will now be looking to follow in the Nigeria international’s footsteps by ditching a midtable Premier League academy to make the move to Ibrox, as Bassey did in 2020.

The teenage Brighton talent made a breakthrough at U18 level this season with a return of three goals and one assist in 13 matches as a right winger, despite only being 16, which may be why he is so highly-regarded at the AMEX.

This shows that he is making good progress and heading in the right direction, which is why he could be such an exciting signing, and the Gers will be hoping that the forward can continue to progress at Ibrox.

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There is no telling how he will develop in Glasgow, as not every player will soar in value as Bassey did, but Rangers have clearly identified him as a talented prospect, and hopefully he will live up to the hype and end up being a Bassey repeat for the Light Blues in the future.