The international break can either bring a player's form to a complete standstill or hand it another major boost ahead of their return to domestic action. For one Liverpool star, in particular, the latter has certainly been the case.
Liverpool's flying start under Arne Slot
The Reds couldn't have asked for a better start under new boss Arne Slot, who has the near-impossible task of replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. The Dutchman is not attempting to simply replicate the Liverpool legend, however. He arrives his own man with his own techniques. Gone are the fist bumps, replaced instead by the more reserved thumbs up, job done attitude of Slot.
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He’s a Premier League icon…
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More classical than heavy metal thus far, Slot's side have been as stylish as the Premier League gets, winning three from three without conceding once in a run that includes a stunning 3-0 mauling of Manchester United at Old Trafford. Even without Klopp, things quite clearly haven't changed all too much when it comes to the modern history of that rivalry.
Alas, Old Trafford victory aside, what has been most impressive is how Slot has transformed Ryan Gravenberch into the defensive midfielder that he was craving at the heart of his Liverpool side. The Dutchman has stepped up for his club and more recently for his country to win over a harsh critic in Rafael van der Vaart.
Van der Vaart's praise for Gravenberch
As the Netherlands held Germany to an entertaining 2-2 draw courtesy of goals from Denzel Dumfries and Tijjani Reijnders, it was one particular pass from Gravenberch that caught the eye of Van der Vaart. The Liverpool man unleashed a stunning half-volleyed pass into the path of Xavi Simons, who failed to convert to hand his teammate what would have been the ultimate assist.
Earning the praise of Van der Vaart, the former Tottenham Hotspur star said via The European Lad: "That pass by Ryan Gravenberch. I actually wanted to go home after he gave that pass because it ain't going to get any more beautiful than that."
The former Bayern Munich man may have finally discovered his best form after a difficult few seasons, and that could leave Ronald Koeman with no choice but to hand him a permanent place in his Dutch side. Of course, the ex-Everton boss didn't hand Gravenberch a single minute at Euro 2024 in a move that he may now be regretting.
The task for Gravenberch is now to pick up where he left off for Liverpool. As things stand, he's set to save the Reds from spending what could likely be over £50m on a defensive midfield solution by handing Slot the perfect option. With Nottingham Forest up next, Liverpool, Slot and Gravenberch have the chance to make it four from four in the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk dropped a major hint about his future as the Liverpool captain claimed that he can play at the highest level for another four years.
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VVD's contract at Liverpool ends next summerDefender hinted that he might continue at AnfieldInsisted that he "loves the club" amid transfer speculationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Dutch centre-back, widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, has described his connection with Liverpool as a “love affair,” underscoring his deep ties to the club. The 33-year-old’s comments come as negotiations over an extension to his current contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, remain ongoing. While speculation about his next move continues, Van Dijk’s words indicate a strong desire to continue his journey at Anfield.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT VAN DIJK SAID
In an interview with , ahead of Liverpool’s Boxing Day clash with Leicester City, Van Dijk eloquently summarised his relationship with the club.
“I love the club, the club loves me," he said. "I love the fans, the fans love me and it is a very good foundation to be successful. In my opinion I can play for another three, four years at least at the highest level. We will see what the future brings.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Van Dijk’s current situation mirrors that of team-mates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also have contracts expiring in the summer of 2025. All three players are reportedly in discussions with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes as the club works to secure the futures of its core players. Under FIFA rules, Van Dijk will be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs starting January 1 if no extension is finalised before then. This adds a layer of urgency to Liverpool’s efforts to tie down their captain and two other key players before the season progresses further.
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
As contract discussions continue behind the scenes, Liverpool’s immediate focus shifts to their upcoming Premier League match against Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day. The Reds currently sit at the top of the Premier League table, and maintaining their momentum will be crucial as they aim to reclaim domestic glory.
Now that the transfer window is finally shut, Enzo Maresca can settle at Chelsea with his squad and relax on the madness of incomings and outgoings until atleast January.
The Blues have already generated 11 "big chances" in their opening three Premier League fixtures, five of which came against Crystal Palace in their recent 1-1 draw. The lack of clinical finishing continues to be a hot topic around the club in recent times.
Current striker, Nicolas Jackson made 44 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, scoring 17 goals, providing six assists, and totalling 3,534 minutes played but they could have signed an upgrade.
The Victor Osimhen transfer saga
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on transfer deadline day that talks between Victor Osimhen and Chelsea had broken down in the final hours, stopping a move to Stamford Bridge for the Nigerian striker.
The 25-year-old has now agreed to a loan move to Galatasaray, which also included a contract negotiation with Napoli, to lower his release clause should another team approach him in January.
Osimhen made 32 appearances in all competitions for Napoli last season, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 2,476 minutes played.
So, who will the club turn to next? How they wish they had a star of the past to solve their offensive woes, someone who Osimhen has coincidentally been compared to in his career.
How Didier Drogba would work in Maresca's system
Described as a "big game player" and a "fighter" by José Mourinho, Didier Drogba – Osimhen's idol – would be the perfect answer to Chelsea's striker woes in the current state.
Drogba joined Chelsea in 2004, spending eight years at the club, before leaving in 2012, and rejoining for the 2014/15 campaign, as his last hurrah in a Chelsea shirt. The Ivorian striker made 381 appearances for the Blues, scoring 164 goals and providing 88 assists.
2004/05
10
5
2005/06
12
15
2006/07
20
4
2007/08
8
6
2008/09
5
4
2009/10
29
13
2010/11
11
15
2011/12
5
1
2014/15
4
1
Drogba is a huge name in English football, being a huge part of a Chelsea core group that won multiple Premier League titles, and a Champions League in 2012.
However, it wasn't his goal record that made him truly stand out, it was his all-round game, and how he could offer different attributes to the side.
The Chelsea legend was known for stepping up in big moments, playing in ten finals and scoring in seven of those massive matches. Not only that, but standing at 6 foot 2, Drogba was aerially dominant, whilst having the technical ability to drop in and link play.
That certainly sounds a bit like Osimhen, doesn't it?
His widespread set of skills allowed him to be a tactical tool for his managers, holding up the ball to bully defenders and score goals, getting on the end of crosses, but also dropping deep to link play when needed.
This is the exact striker Maresca is looking for, someone who would fix all of Chelsea's problems, not only with clinical finishing, but box presence, link-up play, and aerial prowess, a mixture of the tools both Jackson and Osimhen would have given the Stamford Bridge outfit had they been paired together.
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Carlos Corberan will know all too well, from West Bromwich Albion’s summer transfer activity, the disappointment that comes with losing a star player for nothing.
Cedric Kipre walked away from the Hawthorns for zilch this off-season, having been an imposing presence at the back for the promotion chasers during the 2023/24 campaign, but both Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi have managed to step up to the mark in his absence so far this Championship campaign.
Going the other way, there are other instances where losing a player for nothing is actually a benefit, with the individual in question, unfortunately, becoming a flop that needs to be taken off the roster.
Kenneth Zohore certainly fits into that latter category, with the Danish striker costing the Baggies an obscene amount to land in 2019, only for the ex-Cardiff City man to struggle throughout his cursed stay in the West Midlands.
Zohore's time at West Brom
There will have been some doubters from the get-go when Zohore penned a bumper deal to move to West Brom, having not exactly been an unbelievable goal machine when lining up for Cardiff prior to making the switch.
The Danish striker would only find the back of the net an underwhelming 24 times from 101 total clashes for the Bluebirds, with many left wondering why West Brom – then managed by Slaven Bilic – had forked out £8m to win his services as a result.
Zohore was prone to a purple patch in front of goal in the Welsh capital from time to time, but eyebrows were rightly raised about why the second-tier side decided to splash the cash on an attacker once described as being “lazy” by outspoken former Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock.
The Scandinavian forward would just never settle at West Brom, with the towering 6 foot 2 striker only registering a lacklustre five goals from 23 appearances, before finding his contract had been torn up in 2023.
It’s not been any easier for the now 30-year-old attacker since his Baggies exit, with the former Denmark U21 international now unemployed after more goal-shy spells.
Zohore's numbers since leaving West Brom
Zohore ended up relocating over to Poland in the wake of being pushed out to West Brom, lining up for Slask Wroclaw in a bid to breathe life back into his stuttering playing days.
Yet, his time playing in the Ekstraklasa proved to be even more damaging than his spell in the Premier League, with Wroclaw also releasing the 30-year-old – who remains without a club – earlier this year after he continually fired blanks.
Zohore’s numbers for Wroclaw
Club played for
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
Wroclaw
7
0
0
Wroclaw II
1
0
0
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Zohore would never end up breaking his goalscoring duck whilst playing for Wroclaw, with the frustrated attacker even demoted to the reserves during his brief but damaging stint at the club.
Whilst West Brom have messed up in the transfer market previously, Corberan and Co did get a lot of deals right in the last window, especially with the phenomenal deal to gain Mikey Johnston back on a permanent basis.
Mikey Johnston
Helping himself to an immense seven goals from just 18 games whilst out on loan last season, West Brom managed to win him back for good for just £3m, £5m less than Bilic and co forked out to land Zohore in what now goes down as a major blunder.
Corberan won’t want to have any similar misfires moving forward if the Baggies taste promotion up to the Premier League, as the West Midlands side aim to continue operating effectively, instead of splashing cash rashly.
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West Bromwich Albion supporters will have forgotten about this dud.
Newcastle United suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season over the weekend as Fulham prevailed 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers were well worth their victory as Eddie Howe’s men delivered arguably their worst performance of the season, although it had been coming.
Several of the starting XI were disappointing during the defeat, most notably Anthony Gordon, who has been excellent in recent weeks.
Anthony Gordon’s game in numbers vs Fulham
The Englishman was deployed on the right wing with Harvey Barnes given a chance to shine on the opposite flank.
While the former Leicester City shone, scoring the club’s only goal, Gordon largely struggled to create any meaningful opportunities during the clash.
While he made two key passes and succeeded with two of his three dribble attempts, the winger struggled to make inroads into the Fulham defence, looking like a shadow of the player he has been in recent weeks. So poor was the England international that journalist Luke Edwards suggested it was “his worst performance for Newcastle.”
Four crosses were delivered into the opposition penalty area, yet only two were successful. Gordon even managed to lose possession a staggering 16 times while on the pitch, along with winning five of his 11 ground duels, showing that he was beaten more often than not in his one-on-one battles.
He was even given a match rating of just 5/10 by Newcastle World for his display, showcasing how poor he really was.
Goals
0
Assists
0
Key passes
2
Big chances created
0
Dribble attempts (successful)
3 (2)
Possession lost
16
While the League Cup clash against AFC Wimbledon is postponed, Howe could certainly make a change to his starting XI for the league match against Manchester City, especially to freshen things up.
Might this see a summer signing given his first start for the club?
The best replacement for Gordon
William Osula is clearly ready to make an impression. The Dane was signed for a fee of £15m during the summer transfer window, joining from Sheffield United with hopes of becoming a first-team regular at St James’ Park.
Primarily a centre-forward, the youngster has operated on the wing numerous times throughout the embryonic stages of his career and this could see Howe make a few tactical tweaks to his team.
Last term, he made 24 appearances for the Blades, scoring three goals and his performances clearly caught the eye of Howe, who wasted no time in bringing him to the north-east.
Previously hailed as a “serious player”, Osula has all the required attributes to be a success at the Magpies, about that there is no doubt.
What he needs now is some minutes in the first team to demonstrate his abilities to the manager.
What better occasion than a match against the four-time reigning Premier League champions this weekend? It might be a big gamble, but considering how poorly they have played recently, it could be one which reinvigorates the team.
It would be a surprise to see the Toon claim anything against City, but stranger things have happened.
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Liverpool have the sweet smell of victory in their nose, having closed the first chapter of the 2024/25 campaign with a perfect Premier League record under new boss Arne Slot, the latest of which was a 3-0 win over arch-rivals Manchester United.
Yes, yes, Slot inherited a first-class squad from Jurgen Klopp, but the seamless switch to a more controlled and cultured style of football has been something to behold. Liverpool 2.0 is truly here, and the world is taking note.
There was plenty of noise around the Anfield side's lack of transfer activity this summer, only signing Federico Chiesa from Juventus for an initial £10m fee to complete a fearsome frontline, but Liverpool look a real unit, boasting first-class quality of different shapes and sizes across the park.
Federico Chiesa for Juventus
There are six established options for the three attacking spots in the starting line-up, but so far, Slot has yet to make any changes. Diogo Jota has enjoyed a goal and an assist across the three victories, but he wasn't at his best at Old Trafford and might be the first to relinquish his spot.
Diogo Jota's performance vs Man Utd
Jota is one of Liverpool's best goalscorers, one of their most reliable ball-strikers, but he isn't undroppable, and his display at the Theatre of Dreams underscored that strength in depth and ability to rotate such a talent out.
As you can see above, it was not the Portuguese's most efficient evening, failing with all five of his attempted dribbles and losing each of his ten ground duels. What's more, the "deadly" forward, as he has been described by analyst Raj Chohan, took fewer touches than his goalkeeper, with Alisson taking 42.
The 27-year-old was actually handed a 7/10 match rating by The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle, who acknowledged that he 'did a lot of running and chasing down to little personal reward, although vital for the team.'
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
Statistics often paint a colourless picture in a footballing landscape, and Jota was indeed an engine of sorts, causing all sorts of problems and keeping the hosts guessing, allowing Ryan Gravenberch to thrust forward into space and allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to wreak mayhem down the wings.
But the Portugal international shouldn't start at no. 9 across each of the 38 Premier League matchweeks, even if he does maintain a high level of fitness. Cody Gakpo, for one, is desperate to earn his first shot from the outset under Slot's leadership.
Why Cody Gakpo deserves to start
Of course, if Jota could have his way, he would start every week, for any footballer worth their salt targets a starring role above all of their peers.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
But it's not up to him, and a poor injury record across almost every campaign as a Redman will see his workload tempered. Slot, moreover, demonstrated on his debut against Ipswich Town a ruthless streak, hooking Jarell Quansah at half-time – with Champions League and Carabao Cup commitments on the horizon, it's time for some rotation.
Gakpo, Slot's Dutch countryman, returned to Merseyside off the back of some excellent form at Euro 2024, scoring three goals and claiming an assist over five matches and was hailed as "maybe the most important player" for Oranje by his manager, Ronald Koeman. Lest we forget, this is a team containing the steel and security of Virgil van Dijk.
Hailed for his "special skill set" by Klopp's former assistant manager Pep Lijnders, Gakpo will be desperate to earn a role of significance this season, though he has been consigned to three cameos totalling 53 minutes across the opening fixtures of the campaign.
A sharpshooter and a dynamic presence, Gakpo was ostensibly purchased in January 2023 to replace Roberto Firmino, who concluded his iconic Liverpool career that coming summer.
Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino
As per FBref, the Netherlands star ranks among the top 6% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90, so it's clear to see his skillset aligns – to a degree – with that of the silky-smooth Brazilian.
From a more simplistic outlook, you can see that Gakpo has actually produced a promising level of prolificness across his opening seasons at the club, scoring 23 goals and claiming nine assists across just 43 starting roles.
Liverpool player Cody Gakpo
However, Gakpo's not the only one hoping to earn their first start. Indeed, the mercurial Darwin Nunez has only made two fleeting appearances so far, totalling little over half an hour of action.
Why Darwin Nunez deserves to start
Liverpool signed Nunez from SL Benfica in 2022 for a £64m initial figure that could rise to a club-record £85m fee. Football supporters in general are divided on the Uruguayan's quality, but Liverpool fans hold a deep adoration for their maniacal talisman.
Last season, he scored 18 goals and added 13 assists across all competitions, despite only starting 33 matches. Nunez clearly has a superabundance of quality, and he could be perfect for Slot.
Take Jota's role at Old Trafford, for example. The marksman was clearly tasked with working hard to frustrate the hosts and keep them on their toes, allowing his peers to overlap and exploit wide areas, ergo creating an overload and wrench spaces in danger areas, evidenced perfectly by Diaz's opening goal.
Nunez can perform that role. He's fleet-footed and tireless, carrying an electric kind of energy that could be perfect. Moreover, he's been lauded by journalist Theo Squires as an “agent of chaos”, such is his knack to stir up mayhem.
Matches played
29 (19)
36 (22)
Goals
9
11
Assists
3
8
Big chances missed
20
27
Pass completion
67%
72%
Big chances created
11
11
Key passes*
1.0
0.9
Dribbles*
0.6 (49%)
0.4 (43%)
Duels won*
2.8 (38%)
2.4 (38%)
As you can see above, Nunez failed to make any significant gains in the Premier League last season, despite his impressive tally across all competitions. Now though, aged 25, he is surely ready to take the division by storm, perhaps finding the scope of his skillset unlocked by a managerial change.
Therefore, Liverpool should drop Jota for the upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The Portuguese is a spectacular player but he's not the only sharp tool in Slot's kit, and Nunez and Gakpo are both ravenous to make their mark at this exciting start to the new era.
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Manchester City are set to be offered the chance to sign an exciting young defender in a player plus cash deal, according to a recent report.
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The Blues are said to be looking to tie Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri down to new contracts over the coming months, as the Belgian has entered the final year of his deal at the Etihad and Rodri is the subject of interest from Real Madrid.
But as well as looking to tie players down to new contracts, Pep Guardiola and Co. are also looking at potential transfer targets for January or next summer. The latest player to be on the radar of Man City is midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest player Morgan Gibbs-White
The Blues are said to be keeping an eye on Gibbs-White and have compiled a detailed dossier on the midfielder after his impressive performances, which recently saw him handed his first senior England cap. The scouting network at the Premier League club are said to be huge admirers of Gibbs-White but may face a battle on their hands, as Nottingham Forest are keen on tying the player down to a new and improved contract.
But while City potentially look into a deal for Gibbs-White, they now potentially face a difficult task in keeping one of their star players as a European side prepares an interesting offer.
Barcelona prepare Araujo-Haaland swap bid
According to a report from Spain relayed by Football365, Manchester City could be offered the chance to sign Ronald Araujo from FC Barcelona. This report states that the Spanish giants are keen on signing Erling Haaland, and they are prepared to offer Araujo in exchange plus around £40m to sign the Norwegian.
The Blues are said to have “huge interest” in Araujo, who has been described as an “athletic monster” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan in the past. Guardiola is also keen to add a new centre-back to his squad, but the report states Barca expect City to reject their advances due to the inclusion of Haaland.
The 25-year-old has been at Barça since August 2018 and has played 150 times for the Catalans, scoring eight goals. Were Araujo to join Man City, he could become the Blues’ very own Virgil van Dijk, as the pair are very similar when it comes to their style of play and what they offer on the football pitch, as shown by Fbref’s comparison tool.
Ronaldo Aruajo
Virgil van Dijk
Pass completion rate
88.8%
91.4%
Shots per 90
1.04
1.27
Shot creating actions per 90
0.99
1.67
Tackles won
22
23
Fouls
25
23
Aerial duel win rate
73.2%
81.4%
The club’s president, Joan Laporta, sees Haaland as his dream signing for Barcelona and they think offering Araujo is a “galactic exchange”, albeit one they expect City to reject in its current format.
If fit, Mustafizur Rahman and Liton Das could come back to the visitors’ playing XI for the decider
Mohammad Isam24-Jul-2021
Blessing Muzarabani has provided Zimbabwe with excellent starts•AFP via Getty Images
Big pictureIt is rather apt that a series that has had almost every shade of drama possible, including a touch of the inexplicable when, in Friday’s game, there was the hit-wicket-that-wasn’t, should have a finale of some sort. That is what we have now, after Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 23 runs in the second of three T20Is to set things up nicely for the final fixture.Zimbabwe have pushed Bangladesh hard all along. They have squandered strong positions on three occasions after their bowlers had given them a chance, they have thrice suffered batting collapses, and they failed to defend 298 in the last of the three ODIs. All of those have proved that Bangladesh are the superior side on the whole, but they faltered on Friday, losing it on the fielding stakes. They let go two catches and had another catch fall between two fielders, while Zimbabwe defended 166 by holding on to all their nine chances.Related
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On Friday, Blessing Muzarabani provided the early strikes before left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza took three wickets, including those of Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan. Luke Jongwe and Tendai Chatara then finished off the job. And earlier, Wessley Madhevere, batting deep into the innings, scored 73 in 57 balls, and Dion Myers and Ryan Burl made important contributions. That’s the sort of team effort Zimbabwe need one more time.Bangladesh, meanwhile, have pulled off wins this series from difficult positions, which should please them, particularly with the likes of Nurul Hasan, Afif Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin starring in some of those results.Saifuddin’s three-wicket burst after being carted for 87 runs in the third ODI, after having helped Shakib pull off a come-from-behind chase in the previous game, suggests good things. Nurul and Hossain are white-ball specialists who have played their part in chases. Mustafizur Rahman has played through an ankle injury to bowl well in two crunch moments.Those performances, plus the fact that Bangladesh do have Shakib and Mahmudullah in their midst, make them favourites to leave Zimbabwe with all three trophies – after winning the one-off Test and sweeping the three-ODI series.Form guide Zimbabwe WLLWL Bangladesh LWLLLShoriful Islam’s emergence has been a big plus for Bangladesh•BCB / Raton Gomes
In the spotlightWessley Madhevere played a match-winning innings in the second T20I, with his 73 setting Zimbabwe on the path to a competitive total. He had nearly won them the second ODI last week when he made a fifty, took a wicket and a good catch, and Zimbabwe would be hoping for another all-round effort from him in the deciding game.Shoriful Islam has so far taken five wickets in two T20Is, to complement the four-wicket haul in the second ODI. Islam has used the back-of-the-hand slower delivery to good effect, and could be the perfect foil for Rahman, if both left-arm quicks play together in the last game.Team newsBarring any injuries, Zimbabwe are unlikely to change their playing XI.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Regis Chakabva (wk), 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3 Wessley Madhevere, 4 Dion Myers, 5 Sikandar Raza (capt), 6 Milton Shumba, 7 Ryan Burl, 8 Donald Tiripano, 9 Luke Jongwe, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tendai ChataraIf fit, Rahman and Liton Das could return to the Bangladesh XI. If not, there shouldn’t be any changes.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Mohammad Naim, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mahmudullah (capt), 5 Nurul Hasan (wk), 6 Afif Hossain, 7 Shamim Hossain, 8 Mahedi Hasan, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Shoriful IslamPitch and conditionsThere have been no demons in the pitch. The breeze is known to trouble the bails around these parts, and the day is expected to be dry.Stats and trivia Mahmudullah has now gone 64 innings in T20Is without a duck. He is, however, some way behind MS Dhoni’s record of 84 innings. Bowling out Bangladesh in the second T20I was only the sixth time Zimbabwe have bowled out a side in T20Is.Quotes”It is nice to win a trophy. Bangladesh have won trophies in two formats, so it will be nice to keep one in Harare. Some people would say it is another game but it is the final. Champions are made in the big games. We will also treat it like a final.”
Warwickshire and Durham retained their hopes of qualifying for Division One in the LV= Insurance County Championship despite a frustrating final day at Edgbaston.The rain which had bedevilled this match throughout allowed just 28 overs on the final day. And while there was no lack of effort to get back on the pitch – quite the opposite, really – successive waves of rain rendered it all futile. Craig Miles, striking with the second delivery from the second new ball, completed a second five-for in successive Championship matches but David Bedingham was left eight short of a fourth century of the campaign.You could understand why everyone involved wanted to get back out there. With 20 overs left of Durham’s first innings in which both teams could earn bonus points (these are available in the first 110 overs of each first innings) and qualification for Division One looking tight, there was an obvious incentive.Both may yet come to rue dropped points here. Warwickshire, who took 11 points from this game (eight for the draw, one for their batting and two for their bowling) will feel that, from 195 for 3, they really should have made more than 237.Durham, meanwhile, let two points slip through their grasp due to a slow over-rate. So keen were they to make up that rate that it is understood that, from around mid-afternoon, they would have happily declared with Bedingham short of his century to have rushed through a few overs. It means they, too, took 11 points from the game.It all leaves Warwickshire the better placed of the teams going into the final round of games in the group. A high-scoring draw against Worcestershire at New Road should do it. Durham, meanwhile, probably need to beat Nottinghamshire. Both will have to watch out for Essex who, while someway off the pace at present, take on a weak Derbyshire team who are enduring a horrid season.If Warwickshire are to progress, though, they will do it with a squad stripped to the bones by injury and absence. Not only have they lost a coterie of seamers (Chris Woakes, Olly Stone, Olly Hannon-Dalby, Tim Bresnan, Carlos Brathwaite and Henry Brookes), but they are without their spinners, too, with Danny Briggs called up for England and Dan Mousley injured.It is understood they have enquired about various loan options – Surrey’s Dan Moriarty was one obvious lead – but with no luck. It is also understood they have had contact with various overseas players (including India’s Ravi Ashwin) but abandoned such plans as they felt it would be impossible to get a visa in time. Surrey’s plan to sign Ashwin may well stumble for the same reason. Kyle Mayers, who has been signed to play three T20 matches, could be drafted into the Championship side as a consequence.As a result, it seems likely that Jacob Bethell will win a first-class debut in their next game. He is only 17 and had a scan on a knee injury on Tuesday. But he is seen as an extravagant talent – albeit one whose primary skill is batting – and looked admirably calm in his two T20 appearances so far. Just as importantly, with Jake Lintott seen as a limited-overs specialist and the scan having cleared Bethell of serious issues, he is pretty much the only fit spinner available.Rob Yates may take issue with that description. He claimed his maiden first-class wicket in the final day of this game, luring Ned Eckersley into a chip to mid-wicket with one which dipped and turned a little. But it is Yates’ batting which is causing the excitement and you can understand why.After his first-innings dismissal here – his second shortly after completing a century this season – his coach, Mark Robinson, challenged him over whether he wanted to be a “good or great” batter. His point being, great batters go on and make double-hundreds. But given that Yates is 21, still a student and just recovering from an illness that kept him out of cricket for the best part of a month, and he is enjoying an outstanding season. Nobody in the land has made more centuries. A Lions call-up is starting to look like a possibility.The one man in this game whose batting impressed as much was Bedingham. He survived a chance on the third day and was fortunate, perhaps, to survive a leg before appeal on the fourth when he had 78. Liam Norwell was the unfortunate bowler.But he is clearly a class act. Like many of the best, he makes batting appear a simply business and, during the course of this innings, he extended his lead on top of the run-scoring chart to more than a hundred. Sooner or later, he will surely play international cricket with distinction.
Since promotion back to the Premier League back in 2022, Nottingham Forest have faced two near misses with relegation – but will be hoping to pull clear of the drop zone this time around.
Boss Nuno Espírito Santo has had his first summer to implement his stamp on the team whilst also making any new additions that he sees fit for the squad.
The Reds have made a solid start to the 2024/25 campaign, remaining undefeated after the first three league outings, picking up all three points against Southampton in between two draws with Bournemouth and Wolves.
His side have been aided by multiple new additions, with centre-back Nikola Milenkovic providing that leadership and aerial presence that the backline have seriously been missing in recent years.
However, there’s still hope that another new signing will tear the league apart once he’s settled into life after his summer transfer to the City Ground.
Ramon Sosa’s summer move to Nottingham Forest
After reinforcing the backline, Forest still craved attacking additions to help add more goals to the squad and further improve their chances of a mid-table finish this season.
As a result, they made a move to sign Paraguayan winger Ramon Sosa from Argentinian side Tallares, but at one stage it seemed as though a deal would never be completed for the 25-year-old.
Various conflicting reports over a potential medical and rejected bids saw the transfer saga drag on for various weeks, but Nuno managed to get his man before the closure of the transfer window.
Upon his move, Sosa has made two appearances for the Reds, starting the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United, whilst being utilised as a second-half substitute last weekend against Wolves.
Whilst he’s yet to fully settle into life in England, there is real expectation of the winger to be a hit in the East Midlands – especially after his record in South America, which saw him register 23 goal contributions over the last two seasons.
However, despite his recent arrival, he’s valued lower than one player who left the City Ground in recent years after capturing the hearts of many.
Ramon Sosa’s market value in 2024
Brice Samba was more than just a goalkeeper for Forest, with his antics on the field and bond with the fanbase making him a real fan-favourite during his time in the East Midlands.
The Frenchman will always be remembered for his heroics during the play-off semi-final victory over Sheffield United on the way to securing promotion, saving three penalties and sending the club to the new Wembley for the very first time.
However, after three years at the club, he would return to his homeland, joining Lens in a €5m (£4.3m) deal – one that the club undoubtedly regrets.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Reds explored a deal to re-sign the 30-year-old after failing to replace the shot-stopper despite signing seven new first-team ‘keepers since his departure in 2022.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper signings since Samba left in 2022
Player
Fee
Matz Sels
£6.7m
Matt Turner
£6.7m
Odysseas Vlachodimos
£4.1m
Carlos Miguel
£3.3m
Wayne Hennessey
Free
Keylor Navas
Loan
Dean Henderson
Loan
Stats via Transfermarkt
He’s since featured for his country, being a part of the France squad for Euro 2024, which has seen his market value soar to £12.6m as per Transfermarkt – a figure higher than the fee the Reds paid for Sosa, who cost the club £11m this summer.
Given his form after leaving Forest, it’s no surprise to see the club target a move to resign Samba, further highlighting their regret in allowing the Frenchman – who ex-teammate Matty Cash described as a "legend" – to depart the club.
With ‘keepers Matz Sels and Carlos Miguel currently at the club, he certainly would’ve maintained his number one role, whilst saving hours of recruitment and millions of pounds after their attempts to replace the 30-year-old have thus far been unsuccessful.
He's worth less than Dennis: Nottingham Forest hit gold offloading £8m flop
The club certainly made the right call in parting ways with the talent.