One reporter has provided a Manchester United update on the future of Erik ten Hag, claiming it is “big news” for supporters.
Ten Hag’s future at Man Utd
The Red Devils’ season went from bad to worse in the week with a dramatic Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen in Denmark. It was a crucial game for both sides, and after conceding twice late on, United fell to a 4-3 loss to leave them bottom of Group A with two games to play.
There were two penalties, a red card for Marcus Rashford and plenty of VAR drama, with VAR possibly missing an offence in Copenhagen’s first goal, to which Ten Hag said:
“You can see that there’s a player in front of Onana in an offside position on Copenhagen first goal. Not only tonight. We have to deal with many decisions against us in other games.”
After the game, there have been claims Ten Hag could soon be facing the sack, although Paul Scholes wants his former side to stick with the Dutchman, saying:
“I still don't feel like there's that much pressure on Erik ten Hag. He had a good year and bought some time. He's had bad injuries but nine defeats in 17 is not good enough. I know United have sacked before, but I don't think they can afford to keep doing that, I think we've got to let this fella go with it."
Recent reports have even suggested that incoming investor, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is planning to sack Ten Hag and wants to replace him with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. However, while talking to GiveMeSport, reporter Dean Jones believes that Ten Hag isn’t facing the sack at Old Trafford and feels the manager isn’t feeling the pressure regarding his job security.
“I realise there is a section of football society that wants ten Hag to lose his job and that every time United lose a game there is this narrative around him being axed and then deciding who would be best to replace him, but United seem unwavering in their support of him right now and I have some big news for Man United fans – I don’t think he’s getting the sack. The truth is, he feels very comfortable in his role at the club. He feels a pressure to perform but I don’t think he feels a pressure to save his own job. Against Copenhagen his game plan was going fine, United were cruising, then Rashford gets his controversial red card and everything is blown apart. Is that really the manager’s fault?"
Ten Hag’s record at Man Utd
Despite a poor start to the season, already losing nine games in all competitions, Ten Hag’s overall record at Old Trafford is relatively solid. He became the joint quickest manager in the club’s history to reach 50 wins, equalling Ernest Mangnall’s record following a 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend.
In total, Ten Hag has taken charge of 79 games and is averaging exactly two points per game at this moment in time.
Erik ten Hag stats at Man Utd
Wins
50
Draws
8
Losses
21
Goals scored
139
Goals conceded
99
Therefore, it seems to make sense to give the manager more time to turn things around, especially after such a good first year in charge which saw the club win silverware and finish in the top four.
The country’s sports minister is considering a request to issue a moratorium on the board, preventing it from making any further announcements about the tournament
Firdose Moonda20-Aug-2018
Cricket South Africa President Chris Nenzani speaks at the inaugural player draft of the T20 Global League•T20 Global League
Cricket South Africa has run into more trouble in their efforts to get a T20 league up and running.The country’s minster for sports, Tokozile Xasa, has been asked to consider issuing a moratorium on the board, preventing them from making any announcements regarding the tournament until they appear before the parliamentary committee for sports and recreation.This request, delivered by letter on Monday morning, was made by Darren Bergman, the deputy shadow minister of sports and recreation and has been seen by ESPNcricinfo. Bergman asserts that the damage CSA have already suffered and the risks of greater financial losses are sufficient for parliament to demand assurances from the board that they can get a T20 competition up and running without any further hiccups.”While I do not believe that politicians should interfere in the running of sports and that we are best placed to play a supportive role, I am concerned that Cricket SA has the potential to risk major reputational and financial loss both to the sports as well as to the players and sponsors. This could have a negative impact locally and internationally,” Bergman’s letter reads. His comments were in reference to the legal action CSA is facing over the postponed GLT20.At least four owners have threatened CSA with legal action and reserved their rights to a team in the new T20 competition, despite the board announcing a new equity deal with broadcaster SuperSport. That deal is now believed to have fallen through, with SuperSport reportedly happy to telecast matches but averse to holding a 49% stake in the tournament.CSA’s board met in the weekend, planning to make an announcement on the future of their 20-over competition in the next two weeks, but if Bergaman’s request is successful, they will need to appear before parliament first. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bergman said forcing to CSA to delay any further announcement would be “responsible rather than reckless.”CSA were due to address the parliamentary committee on Tuesday but asked for an extension while it prepares for next month’s AGM. If a moratorium comes in place – and Bergman hopes to hear back in the next few days – CSA may hasten their appearance in parliament. Then they need to satisfy the committee that they can conduct the 20-over tournament smoothly, despite the legal battles looming, the lack of a sponsor and the uncertainty over SuperSport’s role. All of this points to a likelihood that this new T20 league might be postponed as well, with the current six-team franchise competition continuing as usual.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has compared youngster Kobbie Mainoo to a World Cup winner from Germany.
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Mainoo receives England call-up
Rooney praises him
Compares him to World Cup winner
WHAT HAPPENED?
Rooney, 38, has likened Mainoo to former Bayern Munich and United star Bastian Schweinsteiger in terms of his playing style. He went on to highlight the 18-year-old's decision-making and maturity as one of the main reasons why he has compared him to the 2014 World Cup winner – who he played with at Old Trafford from 2015 to 2017.
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WHAT ROONEY SAID
“I think he's incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he's shown,” Rooney said to “When you see any young players come into the first team they're normally a bit raw or play off the cuff.
“He reminds me of a young Bastian Schweinsteiger with how he plays, and he always seems to make the right decisions. He has a very bright future.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mainoo has enjoyed a breakout season at the Red Devils and has started all 14 of his Premier League appearances throughout the 2023-24 campaign. He regularly displays maturity beyond his years and has since been rewarded with his maiden call up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MAINOO?
The young midfielder has been training with his new Three Lions teammates during the week and could be in line to make his international debut on Saturday, as England prepare to face Brazil at Wembley Stadium. If he does not feature on this occasion, Mainoo will get another chance at game time on Tuesday – as England host Belgium in their second friendly of the break.
Coach Tushar Arothe not invited to meeting attended by limited-overs captains Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, and Committee of Administrators members among others
Annesha Ghosh29-Jun-2018India women’s recent string of poor results, culminating in the loss to Bangladesh in the Asia Cup final, has brought alleged discord within the team to the fore with less than five months to go to the World T20.On Wednesday, head coach Tushar Arothe wasn’t invited to a meeting attended by limited-overs captains Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, and Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai and member Diana Edulji. Also present were women’s selection committee chief Hemalata Kala and team manager Trupti Bhattacharya.This comes in the wake of a series review meeting held in Bengaluru on June 13 upon the team’s return from the Asia Cup. Arothe, BCCI general manager (cricket operations) Saba Karim, and BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary were in attendance in that instance.ESPNcricinfo understands the dynamics between the team and Arothe had been fairly healthy as recently as the tour of South Africa in February, when India won both limited-overs series. However, below-par performances at home against Australia and in the tri-series featuring Australia and England – in the face of mounting pressure to live up to expectations after India’s breakout run in the World Cup last year – seem to have played a part in the growing discontent between some of the high-profile regulars and Arothe. The Asia Cup loss is understood to have been the tipping point.One of the reasons for the alleged discord seems to be training methods. For the major part of Arothe’s tenure, since his appointment in April 2017, two mandatory practice sessions of roughly two-and-a-half-hours each in the morning and late afternoon, and an optional afternoon session, have been part of the team’s training regimen with a view to enhancing the all-round skills of all players, especially the tail-enders.But the larger consensus among players has been to have one long session a day, so as to accommodate training at the gym and an optional session if necessary – feedback that had been amicably conveyed to Arothe ahead of the Asia Cup. The subject, however, is believed to have been a moot point during discussions at the meetings with the CoA members and the selectors.Iffy selection calls are understood to be another reason for the discord, foremost being the omission of 17-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues from the starting XI for the entire tournament. This, even as every other member of the squad featured in at least one game.It is believed Rodrigues’ underwhelming form at the nets and in the warm-up match in Malaysia played its part in her being benched. The decision to leave her out is understood to have been taken in consultation with Harmanpreet, the captain, and vice-captain Mandhana.During the team’s brief stay in Bengaluru, where a conditioning camp was to be held at the National Cricket Academy from June 15 to 25, speculation over the high-profile regulars addressing their grievances about Arothe to senior board officials started circulating. This coincided with the last-minute cancellation of the camp and the BCCI subsequently imposing a media gag on all the players and support staff.ESPNcricinfo understands that the less-than-satisfactory performances at the Asia Cup played a hand in the cancellation of the camp. The support staff, however, wasn’t informed of this development until the last minute, even though they were asked to prepare a list of facilities required for the players. Soon after the BCCI’s annual awards ceremony on June 12 ended, the team was told to disperse because of unavailability of space at the NCA.An overall camp – barring Harmanpreet and Mandhana who are set to play in the KSL – is to be held for the women’s team around July 25. Two skills-specific camps for a select group of batsmen and quick bowlers will take place before that in two batches, starting on June 30 and July 5. India’s next assignment is a limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in September. There are also talks of a bilateral series in the West Indies ahead of the World T20 in November.
Aston Villa have seen a host of talent grace the pitch at Villa Park over the years, with some leaving a mark on the club forever for their contributions in claret and blue.
It’s hoped that Unai Emery is in the process of writing his own history into the books at Villa, with the Spaniard continuing to exceed expectations following his arrival as manager in October 2022.
The former Arsenal boss took the Villans from 16th in the Premier League table to 7th, subsequently earning them a place in the UEFA Conference League and marking Villa’s first European involvement since 2010.
Aston Villa managerUnaiEmery
With not even a year spent in the Midlands, the trajectory of Emery’s success is looking positive, with the four-time Europa League winner seeming to be capable of achieving significant highs at Villa Park like those before him.
From the dazzling displays provided by Martin O’Neill’s stars in the top-flight, to Dean Smith’s promotion gaining gems of 2019, Villa fans have celebrated their side for their achievements over recent years.
Each manager that has notably succeeded in the Premier League era for the Villans has had some magnificent players to thank for their highs, with Villa Park being home to some quality attacking talent both past and present.
Who are Aston Villa’s top-scorers in the Premier League?
The key for success in any side in world football is an identifiable source for goals, which Villa have seen plenty of over the years since the founding of the Premier League in 1992.
The Villans’ most prolific goalscorer from the early days of the Premier League was Dwight Yorke, who netted 60 goals in 179 league appearances in claret and blue, placing him as the club’s second-highest scorer of the Premier League era.
Aston Villa top-scorers in the Premier League
Rank
Player
Goals
1st
Gabriel Agbonlahor
74
2nd
Dwight Yorke
60
3rd
Dion Dublin
48
=4th
Juan Pablo Angel
44
=4th
Ollie Watkins
44
5th
Christian Benteke
42
All figures via 11v11
Dion Dublin is listed as third in the pack for his contribution of 48 league goals, followed by Juan Pablo Angel who registered 44 goals, and Christian Benteke who netted 42 in the Premier League whilst at Villa Park.
While all the scorers listed are memorable members of the squads on show over the years, one name stands out from the rest, with Villa’s current leading scorer in the Premier League being none other than Gabriel Agbonlahor.
How good was Gabriel Agbonlahor?
A product of Villa’s academy, Agbonlahor lived out his career as a one club man, only leaving his home surroundings to endeavour on loan spells to both Watford and Sheffield Wednesday in the early days of his journey.
Leading the pack with 74 Premier League goals, the striker wrote himself in Villa folklore for his commitment to the club over the years and the contribution he made to the various squads he appeared in.
The legendary forward hit his prime under O’Neill, scoring over 10 goals in three consecutive Premier League seasons between 2007/08 and 2009/10.
In all three of those campaign’s, O’Neill and Agbonlahor guided the Villans to consecutive 6th place finishes, which remain as the club’s highest league placement since 2010 with Emery’s 7th place finishers coming close last term.
Between 2007/08 and 2009/10, the Englishman contributed to 58 goals in the league, scoring 35 and assisting 23 to inspire his teammates to consistently perform in the top-flight.
Aston Villa's former forward Gabby Agbonlahor.
For his goals, his loyalty, and the electrifying quality he installed to Villa’s attack, the club veteran will forever be remembered at Villa Park, with one star in Emery’s current crop of talent having the potential to replicate the legend’s achievements in Birmingham.
Dubbed the “perfect signing” at the time of his arrival by Agbonlahor, Ollie Watkins’ form in front of goal has been integral to Villa’s growth, and with talks of a new contract circulating, the Englishman could be on the cards to chase the current records.
How many goals has Ollie Watkins scored?
Level in fourth of Villa’s all-time Premier League scorers with Juan Pablo Angel with 44 goals, Watkins is just five goals away from moving into third place ahead of Dublin.
Considering the start that the 27-year-old has made to this season, it looks increasingly possible that Watkins could narrow the gap significantly between himself and Agbonlahor in this campaign alone.
With four goals from seven appearances this term in the league, the Englishman showcased just how dangerous he is in the final third last time out, scoring a hattrick at home against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The three goals against the Seagulls wasn’t the former Brentford talisman’s first match ball of the 2023/24 campaign, as he netted three against Hibernian in the Europa Conference League qualifiers in August.
In total, Watkins has netted 50 goals for the Villans in all competitions following his arrival in 2020, with his highest league tally coming under Emery last term where he found himself on the scoresheet 15 times in 37 appearances.
How much is Ollie Watkins worth?
In the summer of his arrival, the forward had an expected transfer value (xTV) of €23.7m (£20.5m), a figure that has increased to €41.2m (£35.7m) to where it sits today, telling of the potential future profit the Villans could make from the striker, via Football Transfers.
During this summer, the Englishman was linked to a sensational £60m move to Bayern Munich by The Sun, suggesting that the price that Villa value their star man at is far beyond his estimated market value.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
What’s exciting for the Villans is that rumours have surfaced to suggest that Watkins could commit his future to Villa Park, with talkSPORT revealing that the forward is ready to pen an improved deal.
Could Ollie Watkins leave a bigger legacy than Agbonlahor at Villa?
Previously lauded as “unstoppable” by Premier League veteran and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, Agbonlahor will in some ways hope that Watkins can be stopped in order to protect his record at Villa.
While the Torquay-born ace is still 30 league goals and 36 goals in all competitions behind Agbonlahor with reference to his scoring record at Villa Park, a new contract could place the 27-year-old in good stead to rewrite history.
gabby-agbonlahor-villa
What could potentially place Watkins in Villa folklore is far beyond his ability to clinch new records, but the trajectory of where his goals could take Emery’s side.
European success could grant the Englishman a place in the club’s record books, with Villa’s history already rich with success at the highest level, peaking with their Champions League win in 1982.
You’d have to go back to that historic night to capture the last time that the Midlands side last had their hands on European silverware, however considering Emery’s managerial record in Europe, and Villa’s start to the campaign, this term could be a great opportunity to change expectations.
One thing that Agbonlahor was unable to do at Villa was to deliver silverware, which Watkins could have the ability to do in the near future when considering the development the Villans have shown over the past year.
Not many will ever overtake the legacy that the Birmingham-born veteran created for himself at his boyhood club, however Emery’s £75k-per-week talisman has all the tools to come close to the success that the former striker enjoyed at Villa Park.
Chelsea have endured a frustrating start to the campaign and the main thing that has contributed to their poor form is a lack of cutting edge in the final third.
What's the latest news involving Chelsea?
The Blues have received some much-needed clarification regarding their front-of-shirt sponsor in recent times amid news that US-based sports data organisation Infinite Athlete have agreed a £40 million per season deal to place their logo on the front of the Chelsea jersey, as per The Guardian.
The report states that the agreement has come too late to see Chelsea sport their new sponsor in Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion; nevertheless, it may make an appearance for the first time in their away clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League next Monday.
In conversation with GIVEMESPORT meanwhile, journalist Dean Jones is bemused as to why Mauricio Pochettino continues to persist with young defender Levi Colwill in a left-back role, while Ben Chilwell, who predominantly operates as a full-back on that side, continues to be seen as a challenger to Mykhailo Mudryk on the left flank rather than an option at left-back.
Jones stated: "He's obviously looking for something here at left back that we probably didn't expect necessarily. I thought that he'd want somebody like Chilwell to play that role. But he doesn't. He wants Chilwell to be seen clearly as somebody that can challenge Mudryk for his position now. I find it astonishing, really, that Chilwell is basically now being considered as an alternative wide forward rather than a full-back because that's not really where his strengths lie."
Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu has signalled his desire to move to Chelsea at some point in his career despite attracting interest from Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester City, as he said in a recent interview: "Chelsea is my dream to play for. I’ve been a fan of them for over ten years, so playing for them would be a huge dream."
Where is Christopher Nkunku?
According to Football Insider, Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku's absence from first-team involvement due to injury is viewed as a devastating blow by coaches at Stamford Bridge, while the France international could be set to miss the rest of the year owing to a serious knee problem.
After being brought in for a fee in the region of £52 million, Nkunku hasn't made a single competitive appearance for the Premier League giants and Chelsea have scored just five goals in their opening six top-flight encounters.
Last term, Nkunku registered 23 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for RB Leipzig, earning himself a high-profile move to Chelsea to spearhead their attack, which so far hasn't panned out the way he would've hoped, as per Transfermarkt.
Former RB Leipzig assistant coach Achim Beierlorzer labelled Nkunku a "world-class player" back in 2021 and it is easy to see why he is deserving of such praise. In 2022/23, the 25-year-old averaged around three shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.5 completed dribbles per fixture in the Bundesliga, as per WhoScored.
Chelsea fans will be keen to see Nkunku return to the fold as soon as possible, especially given that Pochettino is struggling to get the best out of his current options in the final third.
Amid all the turmoil that has beset the pitch of Goodison Park over the past several years, Everton have maintained an impressive youth academy at Finch Farm, admired by those in English football.
Sean Dyche has got a task on his hands in navigating away from danger in the Premier League this season, especially after falling to defeat across the opening three matches of the term, without scoring a single goal.
A battling away draw against newly-promoted Sheffield United last time out did provide a platform for the club to now build from, but there will be many twists and turns yet in the coming weeks and months.
Dyche, understanding the issues Everton were blighted by, strove to replenish the attacking ranks; and he has, signing the likes of Beto, Arnaut Danjuma, Jack Harrison, Youssef Chermiti and co to provide the Blues with a chance to finally end several years of malaise around the bottom of the Premier League table.
They will have to do so without creative midfielder Alex Iwobi, however, with the Nigeria star completing a £22m move to divisional rivals Fulham, having held just one year left on his deal with the Merseyside outfit.
Everton will also have to make do without Demarai Gray, who transferred away from the club in acrimonious circumstances earlier this month.
Why did Everton sell Demarai Gray?
One week after the transfer window had slammed shut for European outfits, Gray completed an £8m transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, ending weeks of speculation regarding the player's imminent future.
The Toffees had initially rejected a bid from the Saudi Pro League team, despite the winger's role on the periphery and with his contract having been set for expiry next summer.
Gray's mind was clearly fixed on pastures new, with the 27-year-old sharing a post on his social media conveying his thoughts and desire to leave the club.
It was a bit of a blow for Everton after Gray played an instrumental role in the Premier League last season, scoring six goals across all competitions and impressing with his dynamism and versatility, which was paramount amid the injury woes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the woeful efforts of Neal Maupay, who scored once all term.
Gray had made 75 displays in total for Everton, scoring 12 goals, since joining from German side Bayer Leverkusen for roughly £2m – a paltry fee in the modern game – and had been noted for his "attacking threat" by journalist Josh Bunting.
While Dyche will feel he has adequately compensated for Gray's exit with the acquisitions made over the past several months, there is undoubtedly a sense of poignancy surrounding the nature of an exit of a player who served so well against the threat of relegation last year.
The transfer window is now shut, and the Goodison Park side will have to wait until January if they wish to bring in fresh faces, but there may already be a tailor-made replacement in Katia Kouyate, with the talented academy winger eyeing up his senior debut this season.
Who is Katia Kouyate?
Kouyate, 20 years old, has been impressing among the Finch Farm academy ranks for several years now, and has chalked up 55 total appearances, plundering 11 direct goal contributions.
Described as "brilliant" by journalist Dan Ghorbal, the player's official club profile claims that he 'possesses impressive speed, skill and power'.
Praised for his "good work" already this season by reporter Joe Thomas, the starlet has been making increments to his game over the past several seasons and is now a regular member of Everton's development squad, penning a new two-year contract in 2022.
The Manchester-born forward has demonstrated his dynamism this season, playing across the frontline already after just four matches – and netting his first goal last time out – and could be in line for a big season this year, earning an opportunity to impress among the seniors.
Although he only posted two goals and assists apiece from 25 matches in the previous edition of the Premier League 2, Kouyate did clinch each contribution across the final 13 outings, starting ten times.
Blessed with a naturally impressive physique, lightning speed and awe-inspiring power, Kouyate is pushing for inclusion and will perhaps earn a shot if he keeps his head down and continues to ply his trade for David Unsworth's development side.
The talented prospect offers a slightly different profile to the recently departed Gray, focusing on his direct threat and utilising his pace and power to beat his man and drive the ball into promising openings.
Gray, comparatively, is slightly more fleet-footed, weaving around defenders and creating confusion with his deft shimmies and ball-playing skills, often the instigator with his looping balls from deep.
This could prove to be an invaluable asset, though, with Lewis Dobbin, who enjoyed a promising loan spell with Derby County last season in League One and has already made three appearances in the top flight this year, starting in the 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Praised for his "relentless" approach and role as a "crowd-lifter" by BBC Radio Derby reporter Dominic Dietrich, Dobbin, also aged 20, certainly brings an extra dimension to the Toffees attack.
Also described as "explosive" by one talent scout, Dobbin is a proficient dribbler and could be the sort of progressive presence suitable to step in and fill the void left in Gray's wake, although Kouyate would offer something different still.
Lewis Dobbin
Indeed, this could be the start of an exciting new era at Goodison Park, with these two homegrown talents blending skill sets to wreak havoc down, primarily, the left channel.
Although he has not yet found his shooting boots with the regularity Dyche will hope for, Kouyate continues to burgeon and could now thrive in the position vacated by the Jamaica international, gone to enjoy the riches of Saudi Arabia.
Given Everton's toothless attack, who showed promise in the 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane but still face uncertainty around their reliability, especially after finishing as the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League last term, and Dyche may well be wise to delve deeper into the club's resources and unleash a precocious talent of Kouyate's ilk.
Afghanistan will play their inaugural Test between June 14 and 18 in Bengaluru against India. The announcement was made after officials from both the BCCI and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) met in Delhi on Tuesday. Never before has a Test match been played in India in the month of June.In December last year, the Indian board agreed to host Afghanistan’s debut Test. The match will be played one year after Afghanistan were inducted as a Full Member by the ICC – along with Ireland – in June 2017.Before the Test, Afghanistan will play a warm-up match, most likely a three-day game, the schedule for which will be announced later.Despite being a country with a history of conflict, Afghanistan have taken impressive strides across all levels in world cricket. They qualified to play their first-ever ODI World Cup in 2015 and are likely to be a strong contender at the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers in March. Although the national players have training bases overseas – in Delhi and the UAE – the ACB, with help from the ICC, has initiated development programmes at the grass-roots level over the past decade.According to Shafiqullah Stanikzai, the ACB chief executive officer, the BCCI has agreed to provide more exposure to Afghanistan players and also help out in the overall development of their cricket. “Our junior cricketers – from Under-17s to emerging sides to the A teams – will be having regular tours to India,” Stanikzai said. “In addition, the BCCI has said it will provide technical support, and merge Afghanistan in their education programmes – coaching, umpiring, curators, performance analysts, speicialised coaching – and help us wherever it can.”The BCCI has also approved the ACB’s request to have a second training base in India, in addition to the existing one in Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi. ACB officials are scheduled to carry out a recce of two more venues, both in northern India, before finalising their choice.Afghanistan will be the fourth team to play their maiden Test against India, following Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
Steven Smith became the equal-second fastest Test batsman to 6000 runs, and now has the chance to make his fourth century of this Ashes series
Daniel Brettig at Sydney05-Jan-2018Australia’s captain Steven Smith has left his team-mates in awe after becoming the equal-second fastest batsman to 6000 runs in Tests behind Sir Donald Bradman and alongside Sir Garfield Sobers, and now has the chance to make his fourth century of this Ashes series – another achievement that would place him in Bradman territory.”It’s pretty crazy, I think at one stage they put up all those numbers on the board for biggest Ashes series by an Australian player and I think he might’ve been six or seven on the list but he’s batted two or three times less than some of those guys at the top,” Pat Cummins said. “Those big innings he’s played as well, they’ve all been really important. In Brisbane and Perth they were match-winning and in Melbourne it was match-saving, so it’s just incredible and I think he’s been the real difference between the two sides.””As bowlers we’re stoked he’s on our team so we don’t have to bowl at him. It’s crazy, he prepares the way most other guys do, sit down, get the gear on and watching the game, but he just goes out there and from ball one he looks like he’s been batting for three hours already. No obvious weakness, no obvious time it takes him to build into his innings, he just looks from ball one like he knows his game so well, so confident and in great touch. It’s great, you lose a couple of wickets but he walks to the crease.”Cummins said that when bowling to Smith in the nets he created unique problems for bowlers with his pre-delivery movements opening up different parts of the field. “He’s very different to pretty much every other batsman,” Cummins said of Smith. “He moves so much so it’s harder to find your target. A normal, fourth-stump ball to anyone else he can hit to the leg side as though it’s a leg-stump ball, then the next one you might bowl the same ball and he doesn’t move as far and hits a full-blooded cover drive.”So I think he’s just a really hard batter to get a rhythm to, and I think the best batsmen in the world are always the most proactive, they find a way to get off strike, find a way to not let you settle in as a bowler, and I think that’s what he’s done. He’s a seriously smart batsman, he knows what he’s doing and how to have one over the bowler.”England’s debutant legspinner Mason Crane said the visitors had to keep reminding themselves that Smith was a batsman with flaws and the capability for mistakes like everyone else. “He’s played really well and scored a lot of runs but he’s only human as well,” Crane said. “It’s awesome to be bowling to some of the best players in the world, that’s why I play the game.”He’s got out I think four times this series so he’s not [immune]. He’s playing very well, obviously seeing it well, but like I said he’s only human, so we’ll keep plugging away. He’s a key player for them, I feel like if we can get him out and take two or three then we can hopefully get a first-innings lead.”
Chelsea have already spent ludicrous amounts this summer, but they could be set to unload yet another big fee in an effort to avenge a failure of the past…
Who are Chelsea signing this summer?
With Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo the latest to enter Stamford Bridge, it would be easy to assume that Mauricio Pochettino's midfield rebuild was complete.
However, given their free-spending philosophy thus far this window, it makes their next move simply impossible to predict.
There is every chance that they could even reignite an old rumour, with their reported interest in Everton's Amadou Onana from June fitting in with the transfer strategy employed thus far.
He is young, dynamic and progressive, and seemingly most importantly for the Blues, very expensive.
It is expected that the Toffees will command a fee of around £55m to sanction his exit, given he only joined last summer in a £33m deal.
How good is Amadou Onana?
In returning to Goodison Park for a young star, it is hard not to draw comparisons with their 2015 attempt to sign John Stones.
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The ball-playing centre-back had starred on Merseyside, with a skillset that was destined for things far greater than the struggles he was enduring with Everton.
Thus developed a huge transfer saga that lasted the entire summer of the aforementioned year, with Jose Mourinho desperate to bring the graceful defender to west London.
Three bids were rejected, and a satirical chant was forged by the fanbase of the Englishman: "Money can't buy you Stones" sung the Evertonians, to the tune of The Beatles' Can't Buy Me Love.
However, in the end, money did end up buying the now-28-year-old, as they accepted Manchester City's £47.5m bid the following summer. The rest is history.
He has risen to become one of the Premier League's finest defenders, becoming a mainstay for Pep Guardiola and his country, earning praise from the Spaniard recently as his game has evolved:
"At the same time, it’s a new position for him [playing in midfield] and he has to be able all the time to concentrate more than when you play as a central defender or other positions.
“When you see the game from behind it’s completely different to when you play in the middle and are surrounded. Some movement and patterns are a little bit more difficult that’s why I appreciate a lot what he has done."
The former Barnsley gem has gone on to make 230 appearances for the Citizens, playing a key role in the winning of five Premier League titles, numerous domestic trophies, and most recently a Champions League too.
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
FBref helps emphasise his stardom too, as when compared to other centre-backs across Europe he ranks in the top 4% for pass completion per 90, the top 11% for progressive passes per 90, and the top 7% for progressive carries per 90.
In Onana, there is certainly enough of a foundation for him to help spearhead Pochettino's side towards similar levels of success, especially given the wealth of talent he would be surrounded by.
After all, starring for a relegation-threatened outfit is no mean feat, and his 6.92 average rating suggested he did so.
Ranked fifth among those who started five or more games in the league, this figure was upheld through an 84% pass accuracy alongside 0.7 key passes, 1.1 interceptions and 2.2 tackles per game, via Sofascore.
Such was his importance to Frank Lampard and later Sean Dyche, his national team boss Roberto Martinez noted him as: "Another unique profile. Someone with such a physical presence and dynamics is needed, just think of Fellaini in 2018. He is also a leader on the field who has taken steps in his career."
Although his career is still in its infancy, should he emulate even half the success that Stones did at City with the west London outfit, Pochettino will be enamoured.