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Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham has been hilariously tricked into signing a '10-year deal' with Burnley, along with his brother Jobe.

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• Jude spends Christmas in England with family
• Went to Ewood Park to support his brother Jobe
• Was tricked by a fan to 'sign' for Burnley

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The cheeky moment was orchestrated by Alfie, a young supporter, who presented the two players with a makeshift 'contract' committing them to a 10-year tenure at the Clarets. The boy’s father shared the amusing encounter on social media platform X.

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• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Posting proudly, he wrote: “My lad Alfie has just signed Jobe & @BellinghamJude up for @BurnleyOfficial on a 10-year contract @realmadriden @SunderlandAFC sorry lads!”

  The handwritten 'contract' humorously stated: “We, Jobe and Jude, agree to sign for Burnley for 10 years.”

  Adding to the lightheartedness, Burnley FC Chairman Alan Pace reacted to the social media post with enthusiasm. He tweeted: “Welcome to the recruitment team, Alfie,” acknowledging the playful 'deal' brokered by the young fan.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bellingham, currently one of the most celebrated players in European football, is fresh off helping Real Madrid end 2024 on a high note. The 21-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in a 4-2 victory against Sevilla, solidifying Real Madrid’s dominance in La Liga as they head into the festive break. However, with Spanish football pausing for the holiday season, Jude took advantage of the downtime to visit England and support his brother Jobe against Blackburn at Ewood Park, who is making waves in the Championship with Sunderland.

• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR JUDE & JOBE?

  While Jude is set for a brief hiatus before Real Madrid resumes action in January 2025 with a match against Valencia, Jobe still has one more game to play in 2024. Sunderland will face Stoke City on December 29, providing the younger Bellingham with another opportunity to showcase his burgeoning talent.

Glasgow Rangers lost one of their most experienced players at the end of last month as central defender Connor Goldson completed his exit from Ibrox.

The English titan is the latest player to secure a move away from the Gers during the summer transfer window, as part of Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen's overhaul of the squad.

At the end of May, Rangers allowed John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Jack, and Jon McLaughlin – all senior first-team operators – to depart as free agents at the end of their respective contracts.

Clement could now land a dream replacement for Roofe by swooping to sign a player the club are reportedly interested in this summer.

Rangers interest in Scottish star

According to Football Insider, Rangers are one of the clubs in the running to secure a deal to sign Bristol City centre-forward Tommy Conway.

The report claims that the Light Blues have registered an interest in the Scotland international, as they look to bolster their attacking options.

It states that English Championship side Middlesbrough, however, are currently leading the race to land his signature, which suggests that the Gers must move fast if they want to bring him to Ibrox.

Bristol Live recently reported that Boro have made an offer worth up to £5m for the Scottish dynamo, but it remains to be seen whether or not Rangers are prepared to match it.

Why Tommy Conway would be a dream replacement for Kemar Roofe

Roofe was a back-up striker for Rangers who proved himself to be far too unreliable even for that role, due to his fitness issues over the years.

In four years at Ibrox, the forward missed at least 12 games through injury each season and was absent for a staggering 70 matches across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns combined.

Meanwhile, Conway has only missed ten games through injury in his entire career to date, which suggests that he can be relied upon to be fit and available to provide competition week-in-week-out.

As you can see in the table above, the Bristol City star is also coming off the back of a strong season in the Championship with his current club.

The 21-year-old ace, who was dubbed a "gifted" talent by EFL boss Steve Evans, is regularly available to his team and could offer a greater threat in the final third in comparison to Roofe, based on their recent goal returns.

At the age of 21, he would also come in as a long-term signing as a player Clement could work with to improve over the years to come, whereas the Jamaica international was at the other end of his career and had little room for improvement.

Rangers have genuine interest in move for huge McCausland upgrade

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the English forward.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 30, 2024

Therefore, Conway could be the dream replacement for Roofe by offering more reliability, more quality in the final third, and more potential to improve in the future, which is why the Gers should sign him.

Cheteshwar Pujara is 57 not out in unbroken third-wicket stand of 133 as visitors close gap

ECB Reporters Network16-Apr-2022Sussex skipper Tom Haines led from the front with a superb career-best century to frustrate Derbyshire on the third day of the LV=Insurance County Championship match at Derby.The 23-year-old batted through the day for an unbeaten 164 from 289 balls and with Indian Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara scoring 57 not out , Sussex closed on 278 for 2 after following on 331 behind.Haines was also given solid support from Ali Orr who shared an opening stand of 128 in 43 overs before he was removed by Sam Conners, who was Derbyshire’s most threatening bowler on a flat pitch.After Tom Alsop was run out, Haines and Pujara combined in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 133 to leave Sussex trailing by only 53.With such a commanding lead, it was no surprise that Derbyshire put Sussex back in but the visitors showed much more application and determination after the first innings capitulation.Although Orr edged Suranga Lakmal just wide of the slip cordon in the first over, Derbyshire’s bowlers struggled to create openings on a pitch that remains a good one for batting.When a chance did come, it was not taken as Shan Masood failed to cling on one-handed to what would have been a brilliant catch at leg slip off Alex Thomson when Orr was on 13.Orr dug in, showing good judgement, while Haines played more aggressively to reach 50 from 67 balls by cutting Lakmal for his eighth four. The pair survived comfortably through to lunch although Derbyshire eased some of the pressure on the batsmen by not posting more close fielders.Billy Godleman continued to rotate his attack after the interval in search of the breakthrough which finally came 13 overs into the afternoon session.Orr had left the ball well so it was a surprise when he was caught in two minds and edged Conners behind after battling for just short of three hours.The fall of one wicket had sparked a Sussex collapse in the first innings but Alsop was settling in until he was the victim of a poor call from his captain.Haines pushed the ball towards point and set off for a run but Nick Potts’ throw left Alsop well short of his ground.It was the last thing Sussex needed but Haines did not allow it to disturb his concentration and he drove Anuj Dal through the covers for his 14th four to complete a fine century, the sixth of his first-class career.Derbyshire should have removed him on 111 when he cut the left-arm spin of Leus du Plooy to slip but Wayne Madsen could not hold onto a sharp chance.At tea, Sussex had reduced the arrears to 153 and in the final session, Pujara began to time the ball with ominous assurance from a Derbyshire perspective.Two effortless back-foot drives sent the ball racing to the ropes and Derbyshire’s best hope of breaking through rested on the new ball which was taken 16 overs from the close.But Haines and Pujara stood firm with the skipper reaching his 150 from 256 balls and Pujara brought up his half-century by cutting Potts to the boundary.Sussex still have a lot of work to do to save the game but this was an impressive response in adversity from a young team.

Champion tree-climber, swimmer and one-time fast driver Mashrafe Mortaza talks about the things that make him tick

Interview by Mohammad Isam15-Jan-2013We hear you’re an expert tree climber?
I have been climbing trees since my childhood. Whoever has climbed trees will tell you it is very hard to go up coconut and palm trees. One night I fell off a coconut tree and it hurt, but I didn’t break anything. My friends told me that since I wasn’t hurt, I should go up again. And so I did.Did tree climbing ever come handy in your fast bowling?
I think more than the climbing it was my swimming in the Chitra river that helped me. From a very young age I swam in the middle of the river, mainly against the tide. I remember I could do it for two hours at a time, so that has helped make my body very flexible, and helped me recover so many times from injury.Are fast cars still a passion?
Not only cars, I used to ride motorcycles very fast, too. But I have stopped doing both since Manzarul Islam Rana died in 2007.Is it true that Dav Whatmore, the former Bangladesh coach, wasn’t too keen on sitting alongside you while you were driving?
[] Yes, that was the day I was getting married. Dav was one of the invited guests and I picked him up from the Jessore airport. I was driving a Toyota Corolla-G. I put him in the front seat and just took off. I think he was scared, but he didn’t say much!Bangladesh’s most popular bachelor, Shakib Al Hasan, got married recently. As a married man yourself, what is one piece of advice you would like to give to him?
There’s a life outside cricket which is much bigger, so I hope he takes this opportunity to have the benefit of this new phase in his life.Tell us about one wicket you enjoyed planning and taking.

It has to be the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar in 2004, which was also the only time I got him out in Test cricket. I had him leg-before off the first ball of the second day. He was in good form after scoring a double-hundred in the first Test in Dhaka, so I just wanted to bowl as straight as possible, stump to stump. The ball moved in and I trapped him.The wicket of Rahul Dravid in the first Test, where I had him bowled, was also one I enjoyed taking, because I had planned it.What is the fastest you have ever bowled?

It was on my first tour with Bangladesh, in New Zealand in 2001. I bowled very quick at the time. I was clocked at 145-146kph.Is there a fast bowler you would like to learn one skill from?
My idol is Courtney Walsh, for his personality on and off the field and his greatness as a bowler, but one thing that I have always loved is Glenn McGrath’s line and length. In every condition, he knew where to bowl, and invariably it was the right area. I just admired his consistency, where he always bowled in one place.What is one thing a tourist should never do on the streets of Dhaka?
He cannot be careless about his moneybag and mobile phone.Tell us about a sledge you cannot forget.
I tried to get on Damien Martyn’s nerves during the Fatullah Test of 2006. He wasn’t having the best time with the bat and I kept needling him about getting dropped. He replied a few times but I kept saying things. In the end I think I had him confused with the way our conversation was going!Have you ever done anything on the field for which you got a rap on the knuckles?
During the first over of the Asia Cup final [2012], Mohammad Hafeez was having some issues with his helmet and he kept me waiting a few times. It got on my nerves and I gave away ten runs, I remember. I was quite ticked off, and had I said what I had in mind, I would have been in trouble.What has been the most high-pressure moment of your cricketing career?

I have never really had such a moment, but every time I got out injured and felt helpless because I couldn’t play, it was very stressful. That is when I was under pressure. When a player gets dropped, he can bat or bowl his way back into the team, but I have had ten major operations on my leg and every time I had a layoff, it was a long one.Is there a match from the past where you wanted to be the player who turned the game on its head?

I missed the Multan Test in 2003. I so wish, even today, I had bowled in the Pakistan second innings, especially the closing stages of that game. We were closing in on a great victory against Pakistan but we ultimately lost by one wicket. I still wonder what would have happened if I was given the ball when we needed that last wicket we never got.Tell us something we do not know about you.

I think I would have to say it is my adaptability when it comes to being comfortable with my surroundings. If you tell me to sleep in a cow shed, I think I can sleep well there. I have slept in the best of hotels, but I can adapt better than others.

Mumbai came close with Tim David’s 18-ball 46, but fell short, and are now favourites to finish with the wooden spoon

Sidharth Monga17-May-20224:40

Shastri: Central contract straightaway for Malik

Sunrisers Hyderabad kept their campaign alive, but only just, with a three-run win over Mumbai Indians in a rollercoaster finish. Now joint-sixth with 12 points from 13 matches, Sunrisers are now left needing a win in their last game and a number of other results to go their way. Mumbai, meanwhile, are now the favourites to finish bottom of the table, two points behind Chennai Super Kings with a match each to go.On a five-match losing streak, Sunrisers finally dropped Kane Williamson down the order, which brought immediate dividends with Priyam Garg, his replacement at the top of the order, and Rahul Tripathi bossing the first 16 overs with help from Nicholas Pooran. Despite the sensational pace of Umran Malik, Mumbai’s inexperienced batting line-up stayed alive till the end of the 18th over, which went for four sixes from Tim David. With 19 required off 13, though, David ran himself out and Bhuvneshwar Kumar closed it out with a wicket-maiden in the 19th.A refreshing change at the top

Asked to bat first, Sunrisers came out with a new opening pair. Even though they lost Abhishek Sharma early, Tripathi and Garg counterattacked towards the end of the powerplay. It looked like a dry pitch, but the duo hit hard enough for even slight mis-hits to clear the small Wankhede boundaries. That said, they nailed their hitting almost all the time.It started with Tripathi taking on Jasprit Bumrah in the fifth over, hitting him for six, four and four, before Garg put a short ball from Daniel Sams on to the top tier of the stands at deep square-leg. Often teams maximise the powerplay and slow down as the field spreads, but these two kept going. Garg took the lead against the spinners, hitting a six off left-armer Sanjay Yadav before taking two fours in one Mayank Markande over. When Garg fell for 42 off 26 in the tenth over, he had made sure Sunrisers had their highest ten-over score this IPL: 97.Nicholas Pooran was all intent and big hits from the moment he walked out•BCCI

The wicket didn’t slow down Tripathi at all, and Pooran walked in as if coming from a net and used to the pace of the pitch. The second ball he faced, Pooran glanced Bumrah for four. He then lofted Riley Meredith for a six over long-off and then swept him for another over square leg. Tripathi wasn’t to be left behind, taking three fours off the 16th over, bowled by Sams.Mumbai survive death overs
At 164 in 16 overs, with eight wickets in hand and two set batters looking dangerous, Sunrisers looked set for a massive total. However, in the next two overs, every big shot they tried resulted in a wicket. Sams was too full for a flick from Pooran, and Ramandeep Singh too short for slogs from Tripathi and Aiden Markram. These wickets hurt Sunrisers as only two boundaries and 29 runs came off the last four overs.Rohit, Kishan set the platform

With Suryakumar Yadav out injured, Mumbai’s top order had some heavy lifting to do. They managed to mix aggression and pragmatism in the early exchanges, pouncing on their opportunities without taking wild risks. Rohit Sharma showed more intent, Ishan Kishan was more effective. But from 45 for no loss in five overs, they sort of slowed down to 61 in eight overs.Umran Malik was at it again, this time bouncing out Tilak Varma and Daniel Sams•BCCI

Umran Malik. Pace like fire

When Malik began the ninth over, familiar questions over his control started cropping up. However, even after three extra deliveries and 14 runs in his first over, Malik had clearly unsettled the batters. Rohit was hit flush in the helmet, which went for four leg-byes. Kishan was hit on the bat even before he could get into position to pull, the top-edge going for a six.However, it was Washington Sundar, who brought the first breakthrough. It was a match-up that has worked for Washington in the past. Before this match, he had bowled 19 balls to Rohit for 17 runs and two wickets. So Sunrisers were not shy of bowling him at Rohit. Eventually, he saw Rohit give him the charge, shortened the length, and had him caught at deep midwicket.The door ajar, Malik burst through. He made life difficult for Kishan, Tilak Verma and pinch-hitter Sams. Each of them was late on the ball, unable to come to terms with the pace and the bounce. Malik was now only three wickets behind the table-topper, but more tellingly, had conceded most not-in-control runs this IPL, drawing, on an average, a staggering ten false responses in each four-over spell. Malik’s burst left Mumbai needing 67 off the last five.Tim David hammered a flurry of fours and sixes in the last phase of the Mumbai innings•BCCI

David causes a flutter

In the closing stages of the match, Sunrisers preferred T Natarajan, who is having a nightmare tournament, to the inexperienced Malik. Natarajan frequently missed his yorker, bowling low full tosses that David hit for two fours and four sixes, including a 114-metre monster. Now they needed just 19 off 13. Off the last ball of the 18th over, David wanted a single off a deflection from Natarajan but didn’t see that the ball had hardly gone anywhere. He left himself no chance of making it, and the non-striker Sanjay Yadav was too stunned to hold his ground to keep the near end safe and sacrifice himself once David had made it to that end.The Bhuvneshwar show

Bhuvneshwar has been overshadowed of late by pacier, younger bowlers, but he has hardly missed a step himself. This 19th was a perfect example. He nailed the yorker again and again, mixing it up with a slower short ball that got Sanjay out. The wicket-maiden left Ramandeep too much to do in the final over, which Fazalhaq Farooqi closed out effectively.

Eddie Howe and Newcastle United have had a relatively quiet summer so far, given the investment the club have had in previous seasons. The Magpies have brought five players into the club, although one of those was John Ruddy on a free transfer and the other was Lewis Hall, who made his 2023/24 loan deal from Chelsea a permanent move.

Indeed, with just a few days left of the transfer window, the Magpies seem likely to pursue new signings, with their chase for Marc Guehi ongoing. However, if they fail to sign the Crystal Palace man, they could turn to another option.

Newcastle target Bundesliga defender

The player in question here is Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba. According to a report from The Athletic, ‘dialogue was initiated’ between the Magpies and the 25-year-old’s representatives over a potential transfer.

His name, along with Chelsea’s French defender Axel Disasi ‘have been floated as potential alternatives’ to Guehi, who could now stay at Selhurst Park beyond this summer. Tapsoba is valued at £29.8m by Football Transfers.

Why Tapsoba would be a good signing

Last season, the Burkina Faso international was crucial to Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, as they won’t on an unbeaten domestic run, winning the DFB Pokal and the Bundesliga title. He played 46 games in all competitions, although he did miss a short period of time due to national team commitments for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Should the Magpies get a deal for the Burkinabe centre-back over the line this summer, he could prove to be the dream partner for Dutchman Sven Botman. Frustratingly, the former Lille defender has been sidelined with an aggravation of an anterior cruciate ligament injury that he picked up in March, and will not be back until October.

However, the 24-year-old has been a key player for Howe throughout his time at the club, despite his injury issues. He featured 36 times in the Premier League during his debut season in 2022/23 and played 17 top-flight games last term, missing two spells thanks to his injury problems.

Together, Taposoba and Botman could certainly become a top-class centre-back duo. They are both an ideal age profile, at just 25 and will be around for many years to come. Not only that, the Leverkusen centre-back is right-footed, with Newcastle’s number four preferring his left foot, the ideal balance for two centre-backs.

Indeed, their FBref stats also suggest the two defenders would definitely make a complimentary pairing. It is important to note that, for this comparison, Taposoba’s stats from 2023/24 have been used, whilst stats from Botman’s 2022/23 season have been under consideration.

The pair averaged a high amount of ball recoveries per 90 minutes, with the Burkinabe defender completing 7.54 and Newcastle’s Dutch defender slightly less, with 5.24. Indeed, the Leverkusen man also ranked highly for combined tackles and interceptions, with 2.5 compared to Botman’s 2.07.

On the ball, Tapsoba is simply mesmerising. The 25-year-old averages 7.07 progressive passes and 2.11 progressive passes per game. In contrast, Newcastle’s number four averaged 2.51 progressive passes and just 0.23 progressive carries, although carrying out from the back is not something Howe instructs his centre-backs to do.

Tapsoba is a “complete and dominant” centre-back, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, and that is certainly reflected in the stats.

Should Newcastle get this deal over the line – instead of targeting Guehi – he could be the dream partner for Botman in the present and future.

Newcastle line up late move for £40m Wilson upgrade

Eddie Howe faces a busy few days ahead

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 27, 2024

They do say that old habits die hard…

Liverpool supporters roared in triumph as Arne Slot got off to a winning start in the Premier League, taking on the impossible job of replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.

But a lackadaisical, disjointed first half left plenty to be desired for the Reds, who had travelled to Portman Road to clash against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, who were worth their salt as they outworked and outbattled the visitors.

That all changed after the break, however, with Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah doing the damage as fans witnessed the heady brand of football take shape.

Old habits, ay. Klopp might be gone but the spirit of the 12:30 kick-off rules eternal for the Merseysiders, who carried over some negative energy that plagued the 2023/24 campaign.

A tale of two halves

Poor opening, revivified after the break? That doesn't sound like Liverpool. Post-match, Slot repeatedly referenced the polarity in performance between the opening half and the final 45, stressing that he has inherited a first-class squad but that the unhurried nature of the opening must be eradicated.

No Premier League side recovered more points from losing positions (28) than Liverpool last season, bearing testament to their character but carrying an undercurrent that proved unsustainable in the end, evidenced by April's catastrophic slump in form.

Welcome to Liverpool, Arn'. Slow starts are something that the Dutchman will want to shake as the campaign gets going, for Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to complete imperious seasons once again and will likely establish unrecoverable distance if so.

But Slot is a "control freak" (self-professed), and his brutal decision to substitute Jarell Quansah for Ibrahima Konate at half-time offers a glimpse into the mindset of the man tasked with leading Liverpool to post-Klopp glory.

It made a convincing comment on his innate tactical understanding and willingness to make tough decisions for the good of the team. Let's not get ahead of ourselves – we're one match in – but the Redmen look like they could mount an exciting drive toward the forefront of the Premier League pack, with depth in numbers to attack cup competitions with force too.

However, it was indeed a poor first half with The Athletic's James Pearce saying that Liverpool "looked vulnerable on the counter-attack," with "far too many sloppy errors in possession."

Liverpool's midfield, in particular, was unable to assert its authority as hoped, an issue that, before their second-half rampage, cast minds to the failed attempt to sign Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi this month.

Liverpool's never-ending midfield issue

Last season, Alexis Mac Allister performed as Liverpool's deep-lying midfielder on an ad hoc basis, spreading his wings and scurrying up the field across the second half of the term as Wataru Endo, a surprise £16m signing last summer, grew into his skin as the anchor.

The Japan international offered a tenacious and composed approach. Think of him as the flour to Klopp's cake: not the most exciting part of the recipe but very much essential for success in the Carabao Cup and results that secured a route back into the Champions League.

By all accounts, though, Slot isn't a fan, with Endo playing a bit-part role throughout pre-season and failing to lift from the bench in Suffolk. Signing a sitting midfielder has been the priority this summer but Zubimendi went back on his word and rejected the Anfield side at the start of the week.

The Spanish Euro 2024 champion has been hailed as "one of the best midfielders in the world" by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente and would have been a terrific addition, with his press resistance and mastery of the basics enabling the creative success and fluency of the Liverpool attack.

Sporting director Richard Hughes will pounce on an alternative if the right opportunity arises, but the performance of Ryan Gravenberch against Ipswich on Saturday might have proved that the Premier League giants can make do without.

Why Gravenberch could be a Zubimendi upgrade

Speaking plainly, Gravenberch has been on the periphery of supporters' attention in recent months, with few positing that the 22-year-old could be a shrewd internal solution to Liverpool's central (quite literally) issue.

Saved from a stodgy spell at Bayern Munich with a £34m transfer last summer, the Netherlands native showed flashes of brilliance but didn't nail down a regular starting berth, with 12 appearances from the outset in the top flight. Scarcely used in a deeper role last year, the multi-functional midfielder might just have found a new home at the club.

It was a cultured and combative display, with Slot's countryman showcasing an athletic and steely skillset that speaks of his dynamic functionality and could even allow him to perform the role to a higher standard than Zubimendi conceivably would have.

The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle even gushed over the effort and awarded him with an 8/10 match rating, writing: 'Some good moments on the ball and resisted press impressively but still learning when the best time to tackle. Began to enjoy himself more [sic] longer game progressed as spaces began to open up going forward. Really encouraging in deeper midfield.'

There was just so much promise about his season-opening performance, with the Dutchman's movement and fizz evidenced through his match statistics.

It's obviously difficult to draw conclusions after one match, but Gravenberch's combativeness and progressive quality can be discerned through such observations, especially when considering the scope of his technical ability when collated against Zubimendi's.

The Sociedad sensation – who makes his seasonal debut against Rayo Vallecano this evening – completed 86% of his passes in La Liga last year, averaging 0.5 key passes, 1.6 tackles, 4.0 successful duels and 5.5 ball recoveries per game.

While it's important to remember that Gravenberch operated in a different role and different system than his Basque-born counterpart, there's a clear advantage in passing and a more aggressive defensive game too.

What, exactly, does that mean? Well, Gravenberch basically has what it takes to perform Zubimendi's role. With a little more defensive discipline and a streamlined focus, a depletion in carries and take-ons could be met with a rise in ball recovery and tackling output.

Gravenberch will face tougher tests yet in midfield, but he proved that he has what it takes to succeed as the ball-playing deep-sitter in Slot's midfield, stroking ranged balls forward and with energetic and intelligent mobility besides.

Zubimendi would have performed such a role with aplomb; there's a reason Liverpool threw the kitchen sink at landing his signature.

But the most effective solutions do not always come from afar in football, and Gravenberch has demonstrated some exciting pliability that could see Slot hammer him into shape as a holding player.

It was by no means a perfect performance from the £150k-per-week talent, who faced his boss's baying in the first half due to some errant positioning that led to a slick Ipswich counter slicing through Liverpool's line, but there's something, something, there.

Press-resistant and technically proficient, Gravenberch has the apt properties for a sustainable position at No. 6. If he can use his display against the Tractor Boys as a launchpad, Zubimendi's rejection could become a faded bygone memory.

Forget Zubimendi: Liverpool could sign an "elite" £51m alternative

Arne Slot needs a deep-lying midfielder to suit his system…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 17, 2024

Rajasthan’s fast bowler Pankaj Singh on the desperation to represent India, and the pain of being ignored by national selectors despite consistently strong performances

Nagraj Gollapudi02-Jan-2014With 39 scalps, Pankaj Singh is the leading wicket-taker in the top tiers of the Ranji Trophy this season•ESPNcricinfo LtdOn Wednesday, immediately after the day’s play, you walked into the box where Roger Binny, the national selector, was watching the match from. Why did you do that and, though Binny had already left, was it the first time you had done something like that?It was the first time I had wanted to go and talk directly to a selector. I knew this was Rajasthan’s last match of our Ranji season, and so I knew we would not be able to meet anywhere else. I wanted to know what are the things I should do (to get picked for the national squad), what is going wrong with me. That was because I wanted to get an answer as to what else I could do to get there because I want to be there (in the Indian team).How tough is it to keep performing and yet not get to know what exactly the selectors are thinking?Ultimately I want to play for the country, a dream, a goal virtually every domestic player aspires to at some point. Now steadily as my age is increasing, I have started to doubt whether I would be able to reach that dream. Also the criteria which are needed to make the India team, which I have been achieving in domestic cricket in the last four years, and still if the selection is not happening then I would obviously like to know what more I should do.The other option is to keep silent and continue playing which I have been doing. But my intention was to understand exactly why I am being sidelined or if they have given up on me. Then if that is the case I do not need to fight within myself or with people/things, then I can just calm down and plan my future. And if the selectors say that we have seen enough of you and we are not going to select you then I don’t need to put myself under pressure each time hoping my name would be included every time a selection meeting happens.I know that every year I cannot perform the way I have in the last four years. I am going to turn 29 so the age is going to soon turn against me. I know I can still play for four to five more years. And if I am just left to play domestic cricket, then my goals would not be that strong. And without goals I would not be able to put in this kind of effort, hard work and perform.But in 2010-11, when Rajasthan won their first Ranji Trophy I was 26. I had taken 53 wickets that first-class season. I had many expectations considering India were going to tour many places like West Indies and England. So many other fast bowlers were picked and replaced others who were injured or unfit. But I never was included. So now I have reached a stage where I have started to think: (if not now then maybe never). If it is (end) then maybe I could even leave playing cricket possibly in two years. So these were the questions I wanted to ask.Was it a mix of fear and anger that drove you to take that call to meet the selector?Possibly. The Indian selection system has predominantly never given chances to a bowler over 30. Since four years I have waited (My chance would come. It has not come). So even if I speak to someone it might not come and the selector might even get angry, or someone might inform me the areas I am falling short of. At least this way I could improve or at least I would tell myself that I did my best and only then I left.Were you optimistic about a call-up for the New Zealand tour?Definitely. Not just this time, but last year when we were playing in Kolkata against Bengal in our Ranji season opener, I picked nine wickets. A national selector, who was present, walked upto me and said I had bowled really well. I was expecting a call-up for the home Test series against England but I did not get included. Till now I have no idea where I fell short. Even the selector appreciated my performance. Then in Mohali, against Punjab, the same selector said I was doing well. Even this season I started slow but started to get wickets steadily. At the start of this season I did not believe my name would be discussed. I knew I was not being counted in the top 10 fast bowlers in the country considering I had not been called for any A tour or Emerging Trophy series or even a national camp for fast bowlers.But the selector might have just said that to encourage you?I know that is not bad. But if a selector is encouraging me, I am doing well, and I am (still) nowhere. These are the people who are going to pick you in the team, make your career. Even this season, in Chennai against Tamil Nadu I took a five-for, all top-order wickets. Sandeep Patil (national selection panel chairman) while taking a walk said, “very well bowled. Good bowling.” I did not say anything. As a player I can only perform and that I am doing from the last four years.

“Why would I like to continue to play if I am not going to play for India. I am not going to play just for money. I have earned enough and invested in the right places. Every player has a reason to continue playing”

Say if a selector calls up and informs you that you are not part of our plans. What will you do?I will play maximum of one or two years then. Simple. Why would I like to continue to play if I am not going to play for India. I am not going to play just for money. I have earned enough and invested in the right places. Every player has a reason to continue playing. A good player does not hang in just to earn money. The main thing is dedication towards the job. Say if I had been picked and not performed then I would be angry to prove myself and play for another four or five years.Can you talk about the challenges a player like you goes through when not part from the Indian set-up?The biggest challenge is you are unable to decide what you should. You doubt whether your state association is weaker and not promoting you. Then sometimes you doubt if selectors are backing a player(s) from a particular zone. No player wants to think such questions. When you are performing you do not want to raise such doubts in your head. But if the same questions keep repeating in my mind then I am bound to doubt the system.So how do you motivate yourself?It because of the meeting my dream, the (stubbornness). Having come from a small place, Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, to this place where I am now, I do not want to give up.What are the things you have worked on in the interim?Many times I heard I was not quick, so I worked on my pace. But importantly started first by working on my fitness and strengthening to make sure I was bowling at lively pace. In the last two years even I felt I was bowling quick – consistently 135kph. Barring Umesh Yadav, show me one fast bowler in India who has bowled consistently over 140kph. I have tried to tick every checkbox a selector thinks with regard to a fast bowler.There is a feeling that your age was a factor, as you could not be picked for an A team where opportunities need to be given to youth primarily. But is it not unfair on you considering you are almost the same age as some players who have been on A tours in recent years?Yes. But right from when I was 26, I have never been considered or included. There are other players like Vinay Kumar and RP Singh, Dhawal Kulkarni who are around my age and still have played or been included in the squad. I am not nitpicking. Some of these guys have played more cricket than me, but my numbers show I am doing much better than many other fast bowlers.

Sunderland are set to complete another signing ahead of the transfer window slamming shut as the Black Cats have booked a medical ahead of a new arrival for Regis Le Bris' squad.

Sunderland set for busy day

Having seen Jack Clarke join Ipswich Town last week, Sunderland are set for a busy end to their summer, having welcomed just five new faces so far despite sitting top of the Championship with maximum points as it stands.

Wilson Isidore has headed that arrivals list, joining from Zenit St Petersburg on loan, while the Black Cats have also landed four other new faces on free transfers, with much of their transfer budget having been kept dry.

Le Bris has already hinted that deadline day will be busy for the northeast side, with as many as four new players potentially arriving at the Stadium of Light.

“We are working hard and I hope that at the end we have a more balanced team, more talented players and so on,” he said.

“We don't know exactly yet what the situation will be but I'm confident because I think we have a good team with a strong core – and if we can add some specific elements to this core I think that the balance will be better. We know that this league is very long with many three-game weeks, so in these situations to have maybe two or three elements more will be interesting for us."

Now, he seems set to get his wish as his side close in on a deal.

Sunderland agree loan move to sign defender

That comes amid a report from Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, which reveals that the Black Cats have agreed a loan move to sign Welsh international and Bournemouth centre-back Chris Mepham.

The 26-year-old defender has fallen down the pecking order on the south coast, making just 10 appearances in the Premier League last season, and he is yet to be named in a matchday squad for the Cherries so far this season, underlining that he is surplus to requirements for Andoni Iraola.

Now, he is set to swap the Vitality for the Stadium of Light, with a deal having been agreed for him to spend the 2024/25 campaign with Sunderland. Sky Sports add that there is no option or obligation to buy the player at the end of his spell, but he will be hoping to reignite his career.

He has been the subject of strong praise in the past, with former Cherries boss Scott Parker singling him out for plenty of praise after he helped them to a win over Coventry in 2022.

"He was fantastic. I constantly say you need to be ready for when your opportunity comes. Chris Mepham last week, if you’d had said he’ll be coming on for 20-odd, 30-odd minutes against Coventry, he probably would’ve laughed at you and thought 'absolutely no chance, I’m at the training ground on Saturday, not even being in the squad."

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Sunderland are on the verge of completing a signing before Friday’s deadline.

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Brett Worthington

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Still just 26, he has just one year left to run on his £35,000 a week deal at Bournemouth, which makes a return there unlikely in 12 months time, suggesting that he could become a free agent unless he is willing to pen a new contract before departing for the north east.

For Sunderland, it could be the first signing of what promises to be a busy deadline day for Le Bris and co, as they look to build a squad capable of sustaining a promotion charge.

It's funny how quickly the mood changes in football, isn't it? Heading into Arsenal's lunchtime kick-off with Brighton on Saturday, home fans at the Emirates Stadium were buoyed by a perfect start to the season and the new signing of Raheem Sterling.

The Gunners know they have tough fixtures coming up but they can take on anyone with their strong crop of players. Ah, now there's always a catch, isn't there?

Declan Rice's peculiar sending-off turned the tide of the game as the Seagulls valiantly fought to earn a 1-1 draw on the road. His red card means he'll miss one of the most important matches of the season away at Spurs after the international break.

What makes this matter worse is the lack of replacements. Mikel Arteta will have to lean on Jorginho with Mikel Merino cruelly picking up a shoulder injury in his very first training session with the club. It's safe to say that Arsenal haven't had the best of luck over the last 72 hours or so.

All that being said, it wasn't just Rice and the officials they had to curse after dropping points to Brighton. They also have Joao Pedro to blame.

Joao Pedro's performance in numbers vs Arsenal

A matter of weeks ago reports emerged that suggested Edu and Arteta had been in discussions over a move for Pedro before Friday night's 11pm deadline. Well, they may well be cursing their luck that they didn't pursue a move.

The Brazilian continued his bright start to the season in north London on Saturday, putting in a particularly energetic performance against the Gunners.

Pedro was crowned the game's player of the match, an award he largely won thanks to his well-taken goal in the second half.

However, he wasn't just vibrant in the penalty box as he danced and jinked his way past a plethora of Arsenal players during his 90 minutes on the field.

It was a moment in the first half that will stick out for Fabian Hurzeler, as the 22-year-old body-feinted his way past Bukayo Saka, leaving him to huff and sigh in his wake.

Then, there was that controversial moment. We have to talk about it. While Rice was sent off for allegedly delaying the restart and kicking the ball away, no punishment followed for an incident where Pedro did the same, perhaps in a worse fashion. As the aforementioned Saka said post-game, some consistency would be nice.

That decision is unlikely to blow over anytime soon but Arsenal must lick their wounds and come back firing after the break for international fixtures. They will hope to do so with Gabriel Jesus back at their disposal.

Arsenal's answer to Joao Pedro

During pre-season, there was a spring in the step of Jesus again. Last season was a difficult one for the Brazilian who scored just four Premier League goals and spent 85 days on the treatment table.

Even when fit, the £45m signing rarely started with Kai Havertz's mesmerising form as a central striker pushing him to the top of the pecking order.

However, as Arsenal geared up for the new campaign, Jesus was fit. At long last. Arteta praised his striker, "you can see in his eyes that there’s a spark there," he said, hailing the attacker for returning back in "top condition."

Sadly, it didn't take long for the former Manchester City man to get injured again. Jesus had played just five minutes of their opening match of the season before he was subsequently ruled out of the encounter with Aston Villa. The manager cited that "he felt something in his groin."

Once up to speed again, the boss will have an opportunity to unleash his very own version of Pedro, the player who terrorised Arsenal this weekend.

Indeed, according to FBRef's catalogue of data, the Brighton sensation is the third-most similar striker in Europe's top five leagues to Jesus over the last year of action. The aforementioned piece of skill to advance beyond Saka shows the similarities in a nutshell. The way they move, the way they manipulate the ball are very alike. There is a reason analyst Ben Mattinson once hailed him as the "heir to Gabriel Jesus".

A threat on either foot, Pedro is a captivating talent and is sure to get the better of many a Premier League defence throughout the rest of the campaign.

Arsenal are one of the first teams to feel his powers this season and a look at the numbers demonstrates why he's being talked about so much right now.

So, while Pedro would appear to be the more progressive of the two, driving from deep, it doesn't mean that Jesus doesn't thrive in those areas either.

The two Brazilians attempt a similar number of take-ons and boast similar numbers for expected assists and key passes per 90, illuminating their skillset as not just goalscorers but providers of opportunities too. It's that attribute which made Jesus such a "monster" – as he was described by journalist Mark Douglas – throughout his first campaign in north London.

Since then, it's been a tale of woe for Arsenal's number 9, but there's still time to bounce back.

Less touches than Raya: Arsenal must look to bench 5/10 star after Brighton

Arsenal dropped their first points of the season on Saturday lunchtime.

By
Matt Dawson

Aug 31, 2024