وأوضح أسامة أن ناصر منسي، مهاجم الفريق، أصيب بكدمة قوية في عظام الأنف خلال مواجهة المصري الأخيرة في الدوري المصري الممتاز، وأنه سيتم تقييم حالته بشكل مستمر حتى موعد لقاء البنك الأهلي المقبل، لتحديد إمكانية مشاركته.
وأشار أسامة إلى أن محمود جهاد، لاعب وسط الفريق، يواصل تنفيذ برنامجه التأهيلي، نتيجة معاناته من آلام أسفل الظهر والعضلة الخلفية.
كما أكد أن محمود عبد الرازق “شيكابالا”، قائد الفريق، يقترب من إنهاء برنامجه التأهيلي، في ظل تعافيه من إصابة في الركبة.
ويستعد الزمالك لملاقاة البنك الأهلي، يوم الإثنين المقبل، على استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من المرحلة النهائية لـ الدوري المصري الممتاز.
Sibley unbeaten on 142 before Lancashire duo stage unbroken opening partnership of 127
Paul Edwards06-May-2022
Luke Wells gets forward during his half-century•Getty Images
In Season 1, Episode 20 of Leo McGarry, the White House chief of staff, is determined to expose the hypocrisy of Congressmen regarding drug-enforcement. “We play the full nine innings at this level, Stuart,” he informs a senator’s PA, “Tell your friends.” If we overlook, for the moment, the dreadful faux pas of placing a baseball reference in a report on a cricket match, a comparable resolve has informed Lancashire’s cricket in the first month of this season.The games against Kent and Gloucestershire were only won deep in their final sessions but Lancashire’s players stuck to their task until the job was done, and Dane Vilas’s team has already shown similar tenacity against Warwickshire. Near the end of the first day the visitors were well placed on 240 for 4, only for a dog-tired seam attack to take three wickets with the new ball before the close. This morning Lancashire’s bowlers may have admired the application of Dom Sibley, who finished unbeaten on 142, but they dismissed the visitors for 315 and then took their ease as Luke Wells and Keaton Jennings celebrated their maiden opening partnership by putting on an unbroken 127 in the increasing gloom with Wells stroking the ball around particularly felicitously for his 70 not out.And perhaps some bad light was perversely appropriate. As these words are being written, a large number of Lancashire cricketers and some old players are gathering in the pavilion for a dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the county’s famous Gillette Cup semi-final victory over Gloucestershire in which David Hughes defied light that gets worse with every passing year to hit the off-spinner John Mortimore for 24 runs in an over. The anniversary of that famous game actually occurred on July 28 last year but the dinner had to be postponed because of Covid.No matter. The folk attending that dinner will ignore the rain that is pelting down outside and they will tell tales of the days when Annie Walker ruled The Rover’s Return, old footballers served in pubs and women wore hats in church. Some of the yarns they exchange may even be true although one would not be shocked to hear it asserted that they don’t make bad light like they used to.That semi-final victory against Gloucestershire has become as much a part of Lancashire folklore as Francis Thompson’s run-stealers, Reggie Spooner’s style and Jack Simmons’ appetite. Yet some of those dining in the pavilion will also have watched today’s cricket and they should be full of admiration for Wells, whose drives through the off-side tortured every Warwickshire seamer with the exception of Olly Hannon-Dalby, who bowled 11 overs for 13 runs.Related
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Both Wells and Jennings are 6ft 4in left-handers but they complemented each other perfectly on this Friday afternoon and the only pity was that our day’s cricket was shortened by 35 overs, first by bad light, and then by drizzle, which became so heavy that Matt Merchant and his team had the square covered long before play was abandoned at 5.20. “I can’t stand the rain,” sang a Lancashire steward, although, heaven help us, he’s hardly had any of the stuff to dislike this spring.Instead, staff and supporters have been able to appreciate the honest toil of bowlers like Hasan Ali, who took two of the three wickets to fall this morning, and the strokeplay of Wells who hit Craig Miles for three fours before lunch and Nathan McAndrew for three more in the long hour when the members were digesting their lunches and the Vice-Presidents were getting stuck into the Grand Marnier. Wells reached his fifty off 90 balls with a square-driven four off Danny Briggs. In most of his dozen boundaries there was a minimum of effort but a maximum of return, although that could not be said of the fifth ball of the 42nd over, which was bowled by Rob Yates and clouted to the boundary over mid-on. Inspired by this cleanly-hit stroke, the umpires decided the light was not up to snuff and took the players off.Actually it had been getting gloomy for some time and ten minutes later it was raining. The spectators went home and one hopes they appreciated the fine batting they had seen. For his part, Wells is delighted to play for Lancashire now, but he was born in Eastbourne and it was strangely moving to watch a cricketer raised in Sussex bat so beautifully on what would have been Alan Ross’s hundredth birthday.Perhaps only one person in Emirates Old Trafford was aware that this was the centenary of one of the finest cricket writers and prose stylists that ever composed a sentence. But maybe we should let that pass on this soaking Mancunian evening. The members are returning and soon they will be shawled in their memories. Meanwhile, a member of the catering staff is laying the table in preparation for the festivities. On a whim, she turns to her mate: “But, tell me,” she says, “Who is this David Hughes, anyway? Has he been on Strictly?”
We might not even be halfway through the season yet, but it’s starting to feel like things are slipping away from Arsenal.
Instead of battling at the very top of the Premier League table, as they have in the previous campaigns, Mikel Arteta’s side currently find themselves six points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Now, the Gunners have had to deal with injuries, suspensions and a general drop in form across the board, but the area of the pitch that has been the most disappointing has been in attack and, specifically, off the left.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been incredibly ineffective so far this term, but based on reports from the last month, the club could sign the perfect player to get them firing again.
Martinelli & Trossard's disappointing season
So, it would be fair to say that Martinelli has underwhelmed ever since his sensational 22/23 campaign, in which he racked up 15 goals and six assists in 46 appearances.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates after Newcastle United's Fabian Schar scores an own goal and Arsenal's second
For example, in 44 games last year, he could only muster up a meagre haul of eight goals and five assists, while this season looks to be much of the same, with four goals and two assists to his name in 22 appearances so far.
However, it’s not just his output that is starting to concern fans; it’s also his general attacking play, as he now seems incredibly reluctant to take full-backs on, and when he does find himself in dangerous positions, he either plays the wrong ball or fluffs his lines.
While the Brazilian’s poor form has carried over from last year, Trossard’s is completely new, as in 46 games last season, he scored 17 goals, provided two assists, and was generally one of the club’s most effective attackers.
However, this year, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has looked like a different player entirely, someone unable to consistently impact games, someone unable to hit the target and, worst of all, someone who makes the wrong decisions and comes off as too selfish.
In all, the 30-year-old has scored just four goals and provided two assists in 22 games, which is a monumental drop-off in form from last year, but the good news is that a player linked with the club this month could be the ideal signing to revive both the Belgian and the Brazilian.
The transfer target to revive Martinelli & Trossard
So, to get straight to the point, the player in question is none other than Bayern Munich superstar Alphonso Davies.
According to a report from The Athletic earlier this month, Arsenal are one of several clubs ‘monitoring’ the Canadian international before his contract expires in the summer, which means he could agree to a pre-contract with the club next month.
Not only would the Gunners be getting someone USMNT legend Alexi Lalas dubbed “the best left back in the world,” but they’d be getting him for free.
With that said, why would he, of all people, be able to get the best back out of Martinelli and Trossard? Well, the simple answer is his sensational attacking talent and output.
For example, in 215 appearances for FC Hollywood, the “future legend,” as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, has scored 11 goals and provided 33 assists, equating to a seriously impressive average – for a full-back – of a goal involvement every 4.88 games.
Alphonso’s Bayern Munich record
Appearances
215
Minutes
15923′
Goals
11
Assists
33
Goal Involvements per Match
0.20
Minutes per Goal Involvement
361.88′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Moreover, according to FBref, the 24-year-old sits in the top 1% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 3% for pass completion, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for touches in the penalty area, all per 90.
All of this shows that the former Vancouver gem is an extremely effective attacking full-back, and with someone like him behind and overlapping with Trossard and Martinelli, it seems almost impossible that their own attacking numbers wouldn’t improve, be that through assists for him or goals supplied by him.
Ultimately, Arsenal need to address their ineffective left-hand side as soon as possible, and while it might seem punchy, securing someone as sensationally gifted as Davies would be the perfect way to do so.
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The incredible attacker would make Arsenal far more dangerous.
Things keep going from bad to worse for West Ham, as they lost yet again in the Premier League, losing 3-1 to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Despite having more of the ball (61% possession), more shots (31 shots), and higher xG generated in the game (3.10) it was the Foxes who swiped all three points.
West Ham now have just one win in their last five games, conceding 11 goals in those five games, and only scoring five. They are just six points off the drop now, sitting in 14th place, as they prepare to face Wolves next at The London Stadium.
Wolves sit 19th in the Premier League with just nine points, and a loss for Julen Lopetegui could spell the end of his West Ham reign, with the Hammers already compiling a shortlist of possible replacements, should they decide to act upon it.
West Ham considering 4-3-3 manager
According to reports from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, former Denmark manager, Kasper Hjulmand, is one of the candidates West Ham are considering should they decide to sack Lopetegui. The 52-year-old is currently out of a job, and is reportedly “ready for a new challenge”.
Hjulmand is a coach who has often preferred a 4-3-3, but he has shown with Denmark his adaptability with formations and ways of setting up his side, deploying plenty of three at the back shapes (3-4-2-1, 3-5-2), and has also deployed a 4-2-3-1.
In his 54 matches in charge of Denmark between 2020-2024, Hjulmand managed a points-per-match average of 1.93, the highest of his career so far. Other clubs he has managed before include Nordsjaelland (on several separate occasions) and FSV Mainz.
Kasper Hjulmand
In fact, Hjulmand is even familiar with one of West Ham’s star players from his time at Nordsjaelland, managing Mohamed Kudus back in 2019, who made 57 appearances for the Danish club, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists, before earning his move to Ajax.
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Mohammed Kudus under Hjulmand
This appointment could be perfect for Kudus in order to rediscover his best form which he arrived from Ajax with last season at West Ham. In his debut Premier League year, the attacker made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists.
So far this season, the 24-year-old has only scored twice and assisted once in his 11 appearances, struggling to have the same impact on this West Ham side, starting many games from the left-wing, rather than his preferred right side.
Mohammed Kudus 23/24 vs 24/25 comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)
23/24
24/25
Goals
0.37
0.23
Assists
0.17
0.12
xG
0.25
0.37
xAG
0.15
0.13
Progressive Carries
4.07
4.63
Progressive Passes
2.94
3.17
Shots Total
2.52
3.60
Key Passes
1.18
1.10
Shot-Creating Actions
3.62
4.02
Successful Take-Ons
4.04
4.15
Stats taken from FBref
When comparing Kudus’s metrics from last 2023/24 to 2024/25, it actually turns out many of his numbers have improved, but instead of seeing an increase in his output, it has actually resulted in a decrease.
Much of this could be put down to his position under Lopetegui, having to play on the left, and therefore not arriving in his best zones of action, where he thrived last campaign, cutting inside on his left foot to unleash that deadly shot of his. Instead, this time around, the Ghanaian often finds himself either arriving at the back post on his weaker foot or taking unfavourable angles on his stronger left.
Hjulmand being appointed, and knowing the sheer quality of Kudus, therefore, could be a perfect combination to get the best out of him, returning him to his favoured right, and unlocking that ability to cut inside on a more frequent basis.
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Lopetegui’s time at West Ham could be up with an appointment even better than Potter
تعثر الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي آرسنال بتعادل محبط بنتيجة 1-1 أمام مضيفه إيفرتون ضمن مباريات الجولة الحادية والثلاثين من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وأقيمت مباراة آرسنال وإيفرتون على ملعب الأخير “جوديسون بارك” بقيادة الحكم، ديفيد إنجلاند، بحضور جماهيري قارب على 40 ألف متفرج.
اقرأ أيضًا.. فان دايك يثير حيرة جمهور ليفربول بشأن مستقبله
وتقدم آرسنال عن طريق لياندرو تروسار في الدقيقة 34 من زمن الشوط الأول. شاهد هدف تروسار أمام إيفرتون في الدوري الإنجليزي
GOAL!@LTrossard opens the scoring and silences Goodison Park!
لكن في الشوط الثاني، أدرك إيفرتون التعادل عن طريق، إيليمان نداي، من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 49.
وانتهت النتيجة على هذا الحال 1-1 ليفقد آرسنال نقطتين جديدتين في صراعه على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي ويقرب ليفربول أكثر من البطولة. شاهد هدف نداي في مباراة آرسنال وإيفرتون
Newcastle United haven’t won across any of their past four Premier League matches, and Eddie Howe will be well aware that improvements are needed as the winter period approaches.
The goal is to reclaim a place in the Champions League. Newcastle exceeded expectations in 2022/23, beating off competition from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea to deservedly record a top-four finish, but damning injuries last season pulled the club away from prominence.
Though the ninth-place Magpies have become goal-shy this season, forming the crux of their issues, they have still been strong in defence, with the eight goals conceded from as many Premier League matches bettered only by Nottingham Forest (six) and table-topping Liverpool (three).
Even so, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon yet to hit their stride this year, there’s hope that the Midas touch will be rediscovered. Albeit, creativity’s at a low point, with just 14 big chances created leaving them 13th in that chart. A stark drop-off from last year.
1.
Liverpool
102
2.
Manchester City
97
2=
Newcastle United
97
4.
Tottenham Hotspur
90
5.
Arsenal
87
5=
Chelsea
87
It’s amazing what one player can do to a team, re-energising and restoring the verve. Sven Botman might not be a striker, but his absence is being keenly felt at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle are missing Sven Botman
Howe has always believed that Botman can become one of the modern game’s great centre-backs. Newcastle signed the Netherlands native from Lille in a deal worth £35m in July 2022, and he played a fundamental role in skyrocketing toward the Champions League.
jean-clair-todibo-sven-botman-newcastle-opinion
His muscular frame and loose-limbed approach to defending spoke of an athleticism that set him apart from other defenders, and indeed this was discernible from the offing with the Toon, for he offered something different to both Fabian Schar and the recently recruited Dan Burn.
It definitely paid off. Not just Champions League qualifiers that year, Newcastle also finished the term with the joint-best defence in the division, alongside title winners Manchester City.
Botman’s composure and distribution also make him one of the finest centre-halves in the Premier League, not least because of his crisp ball-playing, leadership and intelligence on the field.
Sadly, this season and last have presented towering hurdles for the 24-year-old, having missed October through to December in 2023/24 due to a knee injury before rupturing his ACL in March, a setback that he has not yet recovered from.
Newcastle defender Sven Botman limps off injured
Newcastle need to sign a new defender to help bolster their backline, so why not look to repeat the signing that gave them the finest in the Premier League?
Howe wants to sign his next Sven Botman
Newcastle have dipped into the French transfer pool on several occasions, and they could be set to return, having identified RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.
According to French sources – as reported over the weekend – the Uzbekistan international, aged 20, has attracted the Magpies’ attention following his excellent performances in Ligue 1, with Everton also in the race.
Valued at €30m (£25m), he wouldn’t come cheap, but Khusanov has been described as a “monster” by his club teammates and might be one to snap up before the larger sharks start circling.
How Abdukodir Khusanov would fit in at Newcastle
Botman was brought in from a French club when he was still only breaking away from the fledgling phase of his career, and now Howe can repeat his trick by signing Khusanov, who has cemented his starting presence after featuring 11 times for the outfit last year.
Having been described as a “beast” by football writer Matt Spiro several years ago, Botman clearly made a significant impact throughout his time in France. Newcastle must now emulate their successful signing by landing Khusanov, with the rising star already starting to demonstrate such skills.
Matches (starts)
25 (25)
8 (6)
Goals
3
0
Touches*
72.0
48.4
Pass completion
88%
89%
Ball recoveries*
4.5
4.0
Tackles + interceptions*
2.0
3.1
Clearances*
4.5
4.3
Total duels won
4.0 (66%)
3.4 (60%)
As you can see, the transfer target is at a similar level to that of Botman, whose metrics across his final campaign in France, when he was 22, are not too dissimilar to that of Khusanov, already confident and accurate in the duel, winning an impressive number of tackles and interceptions too.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig, above, hailed the Uzbekistani as a “future legend” in what points toward a prosperous future. He’s certainly proving himself to have the faculty for a high-profile career.
As per FBref, Khusanov ranks among the top 11% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 1% for interceptions and the top 8% for blocks made per 90. Hence, it’s clear that he’s on the fast track toward becoming one of the toughest and most tenacious defenders across the continent.
There are aspects of the young titan’s game that need refining, but that’s only natural given that he’s aged 20, and Newcastle have also shown that they are willing to invest in the younger generation.
Abdukodir Khusanov in international action
This summer, Howe welcomed William Osula to Tyneside after purchasing the 20-year-old striker from Sheffield United for a reported £15m fee. He’s only played a bit-part role so far but has plenty of potential and is one to keep an eye on.
Currently, the big hitters in the Premier League haven’t registered their interest in this talented young defender. All the more reason for Howe to complete his backline with the perfect long-term partner for Botman, one who can absorb the fruits of his labour over the coming years.
Newcastle must regret deal for £15m flop who's now worth millions less
Newcastle must surely regret the move for the flop.
American business tycoon John Textor – who heads the ownership of Botafogo, Lyon, Crystal Palace and Molenbeek – has now lifted the lid on West Ham United transfer talks to sign a “dynamic” player as he makes an interview admission.
West Ham scouring market for new striker amid Fullkrug worries
Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug arrived to shore up the under-fire Julen Lopetegui’s striking options, with West Ham spending £27 million to sign the 31-year-old from Borussia Dortmund after his 16-goal haul in all competitions across 2023/2024.
How Lopetegui is frustrating crucial West Ham figures and creating problems
The Spaniard is hanging by a thread.
ByEmilio Galantini Nov 7, 2024
However, it’s been a nightmare start for the German, who was sidelined with a persistent Achilles tendon injury back in September. West Ham are getting compensation from FIFA for Fullkrug’s injury, considering his problem arose on international duty, and Lopetegui is yet to welcome back the forward.
Instead, the Irons have been forced to rely on the aging strike force of Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, two players who are out of contract next summer, with reports suggesting that technical director Tim Steidten could look to solve this problem in the transfer market.
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#12
02/11/2024
Nottingham Forest (A)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#11
27/10/2024
Man United (H)
Premier League
2-1 win
#10
19/10/2024
Tottenham (A)
Premier League
4-1 loss
#9
05/10/2024
Ipswich (H)
Premier League
4-1 win
#8
28/09/2024
Brentford (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#7
25/09/2024
Liverpool (A)
Carabao Cup
5-1 loss
#6
21/09/2024
Chelsea (H)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#5
14/09/2024
Fulham (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#4
31/08/2024
Man City (H)
Premier League
3-1 loss
#3
28/08/2024
Bournemouth (H)
Carabao Cup
1-0 win
#2
24/08/2024
Crystal Palace (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#1
17/08/2024
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
2-1 loss
There are even claims that West Ham may try to cut their losses on Fullkrug in January, though we think this may be a tad premature.
In any case, the prospect of a new West Ham striker in the winter has been heavily mooted by sections of the press. Indeed, there are a few interesting options who Steidten is reportedly considering.
Ex-West Ham recruitment chief Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider recently, claimed Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis is still in their thinking. The Benfica star’s brace at Wembley last month helped secure his nation their first-ever win over England, and it is believed West Ham could remain keen on him.
“From what I know the likes of West Ham are looking for a striker, and have looked at him before,” said Brown.
“I’ve also heard that that interest could still be there and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see their name in the running if he is to move again.”
West Ham hold talks to sign Igor Jesus
Speaking to Brazilian news outlet O Dia, via Sport Witness, Botofogo chief Textor has now admitted that West Ham have held talks over signing Igor Jesus.
“I spoke to West Ham, I spoke to four other Premier League teams, two from La Liga and a German team. But I told them that he (Igor Jesus) is focused on the championship,” said Textor.
Igor Jesus for Brazil.
“He is the prototype of the perfect striker, he turns, moves, is dynamic, runs, has finishing. He impressed many people.”
The 23-year-old earned his first ever caps for Brazil last month, scoring on his international debut against Chile, and then notching an assist in their 4-0 win over Peru just days later. While he is focused on his current surroundings, a move to the Premier League could be tempting in the near future.
It’s been quite the start to life at the helm for Arne Slot, who has inherited Jurgen Klopp’s squad at Liverpool and recorded 11 victories in 12 matches across all competitions thus far – a club record.
The Premier League’s table toppers, who have also won each of their three opening Champions League contests, boast one of the most formidable frontlines across Europe, with Slot’s system also reviving Virgil van Dijk’s defence to redoubtable status.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
But there’s an elephant in the room, and it’s starting to become a noisy one. Skipper Van Dijk, homegrown vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and all-powerful talisman Mohamed Salah are just over two months away from being free to negotiate with suitors overseas for a pre-contract agreement.
The superstars’ Liverpool deals are firmly into their final year, and though it’s unthinkable, contingency plans must be taken. The £350k-per-week Salah is the highest-paid player on the books, and, understandably, FSG are looking at long-term successors.
Liverpool weighing up move for Salah heir
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Arda Güler in action and will pounce if anything changes in the prodigious talent’s situation at Real Madrid.
The Turkey international, 19, signed for Los Blancos in July 2023 for a reported €20m (£17m) fee, but he’s struggling to find space in Carlo Ancelotti’s superteam and may move for pastures new if the situation does not improve.
Newcastle United were interested earlier in 2024 and Spanish sources claimed that a bid of €80m (£67m) would convince Real to sell, though this exorbitant valuation might deter suitors such as thrifty Liverpool.
Arda Güler's talent in numbers
Replacing Salah with a teenager might feel like a foolish move, but Güler is a remarkable player and has already showcased his ability to step up in big moments, as he did for his nation at Euro 2024 this summer.
And he’s hardly flattered to deceive when blessed with football on the prestigious Santiago Bernabeu pitch, having scored six goals from just 23 appearances, of which only eight have come from the outset.
Güler, let’s be clear, is jockeying for the agency of success against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior – de facto Ballon d’Or winner – and Rodrygo, with Endrick and Brahim Diaz also pushing for minutes of their own.
Spurs transfer target Arda Guler in action for Real Madrid.
His lack of action is by no means a negation of the stunning skillset that impelled Florentino Perez and his transfer team to fork out funds for his signature, right at the fledgling phase.
As per FBref, despite his lack of minutes, Güler ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 6% for pass completion and the top 10% for tackles won per 90.
Examine Güler’s statistics from another angle. As per Sofascore, the winger has only started three La Liga games this term but has created three big chances, completed 88% of his passes, averaged 1.3 key passes per outing and won 61% of his ground duels.
Van Dijk, by comparison, has only won 50% of his ground duels in the Premier League under Slot’s management – though there’s no need to worry about that one.
Güler’s metrics point toward worth, such worth, that will have convinced Liverpool bosses, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, that this is a player worth investing in.
Of course, the only way that the £83k-per-week talent would be signed by Liverpool is if Salah does indeed leave at the end of the term, but if he does, this might just be the perfect young buck to keep Slot’s attack purring.
Why Arda Güler could succeed Salah
Salah might turn 33 next summer but there’s little notion that this supreme athlete is set to suffer a nosedive in performance any time soon.
He’s scored seven goals and added seven more assists across just 12 matches so far in 2024/25, starting 11 times. Pundit Gary Neville recently hailed the prolific winger as a “superstar” and the praise couldn’t be more apt.
With each passing season, never falling off, Salah is proving that he’s indeed one of the finest to ply their art on English soil, and his efforts under Slot’s leadership might just hold sway in the pursuit of the biggest silver prizes.
Mohamed Salah
12 (11)
7
7
Luis Diaz
11 (7)
5
1
Diogo Jota
10 (9)
4
2
Cody Gakpo
12 (5)
2
2
Darwin Nunez
9 (4)
2
1
Federico Chiesa
3 (1)
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Salah’s ball-striking ability has foiled incalculable defences, but in Güler, FSG might just find the second coming, especially since he’s been hailed as a “magician with a wand of a left foot” by one scout.
Though the Egyptian’s absurd consistency in front of goal is something that simply cannot be replicated, Real’s teenage talent has showcased a clinical edge and carries the full package besides.
160 goals for Liverpool in the Premier League (plus two for Chelsea) leave him joint-ninth in the all-time scoring charts, with just 16 goals required to leapfrog Chelsea legend Frank Lampard into sixth place.
Replacing him is a daunting task indeed, and even if Salah does pen fresh terms, extending his time at the club by a couple more years, prudently bringing in an heir would be a good call.
Mohamed Salah against Ipswich Town
Who better than Güler? Though Real Madrid will view the Turk in their long-term plans, he might not find regular minutes coming his way for several seasons yet, and Liverpool can be sure to put together a compelling case to move to Anfield.
A magician of a young player, this would be a statement of intent to send waves of excitement rippling across Merseyside.
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Mumbai’s big-hitters have suffered a form slump while Kings are struggling to fix their team combination
Shashank Kishore27-Sep-20211:30
Chopra, Steyn bat for Lynn’s inclusion for Mumbai Indians
Big PictureTime is running out for both sides. Mumbai Indians have lost three on the bounce and need to win every single game to get to 16 points, largely considered a safe zone. Punjab Kings are also on the same boat, but with the confidence of having notched up a tight win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a low-scoring contest in Sharjah two nights ago.Mumbai’s go-to batters in recent times, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, have suffered a form slump. Kishan’s strike rate of 86 is the lowest for a player who has made a minimum of 50 runs this season. As for Yadav, he has managed just single-digit scores in the last four matches.Watch IPL on ESPN+ (US only)
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Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s workload is being managed to such an extent that he isn’t a shoo-in as an allrounder, which is hampering team balance. Krunal Pandya has bowled his full quota in just one of the three games so far in UAE, while his batting form hasn’t been noteworthy yet. This has meant there’s simply way too much pressure on Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock and Kieron Pollard in the batting department.Kings have tried to fix things that aren’t broken. They dropped Chris Gayle for the first game of phase two, only to bring him back for the next two. They signed Aiden Markram to lend all-round depth, but the South African hasn’t bowled a single over so far. They signed Adil Rashid despite having two impressive legspinners in Ravi Bishnoi and M Ashwin, both of whom have turned in match-winning performances. Ishan Porel, a benchwarmer for a better part of two seasons, was back on the bench after a lone outing.The batting hinges heavily on Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul, the bowling on Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami. Such has been their shuffling of personnel and batting order that Harpreet Brar, who turned in a magical match-winning performance earlier in the season, neither has a fixed batting spot nor is considered a frontline spin option. Shahrukh Khan, a big-ticket uncapped signing, can’t seem to get a game. It’s time the Kings find a combination and stick by it.Given all this, by the end of the contest, one team will be left searching for their calculators.Punjab Kings’ batting hinges heavily on Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul•BCCI
In the newsHardik has returned to the XI after missing the first two games but didn’t bowl on Monday. The team management hasn’t explained the reason behind this but insist they’re merely managing his workload. Hardik has been named in India’s T20 World Cup squad as a genuine allrounder. Chief selector Chetan Sharma believes he should “bowl in every single game” at the tournament. Only time will tell if Hardik’s lack of bowling time will be a hindrance.The Kings have everyone fit and available for selection.Likely XIMumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Adam Milne/Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Trent BoultPunjab Kings: 1 KL Rahul (capt, wk), 2 Mayank Agarwal, 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Nicholas Pooran, 6 Deepak Hooda, 7 Harpreet Brar, 8 Ravi Bishnoi, 9 Nathan Ellis/Chris Jordan, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mohammed ShamiStrategy PuntJasprit Bumrah was brought back for a second over inside the powerplay against Royal Challengers specifically to dismiss Virat Kohli. Mumbai is heavy on match-ups, and perhaps they may have noticed Mayank Agarwal has been out to Bumrah twice in two games without scoring a run. Give him the first over.Nearly half of Gayle’s dismissals in T20s this year – 13 dismissals in 27 innings – have been to spin. His balls per dismissal against spin stands at 16.5, his worst in a calendar year. So, the mantra is simple: when he comes on, Mumbai will get their spinners on. One way to offset this is to surprise the opposition by opening with Gayle. That will mean Agarwal drops down to three, given Rahul has been prolific against Mumbai. His 51-ball 77 last season in the UAE helped Kings force their game into a Super Over before they prevailed against Mumbai.Stats that matter Mumbai Indians are one of only two teams to have a scoring rate of less than seven an over in the middle overs this season Rohit’s 163 runs against spin is the third-most for a player this season. He strikes against them at 135.Since IPL 2020, the Kings have lost six out of eight games where Rahul has been dismissed below 25.
Liverpool have been tipped to make a move as early as the January transfer window to replace stalwart defender Virgil van Dijk amid ongoing contract uncertainty surrounding the Reds skipper.
Van Dijk facing key Liverpool decision
As it stands, Virgil van Dijk will leave Liverpool as a free agent next summer, with the Dutchman into the final months of his contract at Anfield. The defender cast doubt on his future under Arne Slot ahead of the 24/25 Premier League campaign, but appears to have made his mind up to stay on for both club and country for now.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Speaking over the international break, he told the media: “At both teams, I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader, and I certainly want to remain that for the next two years.
"It is also about the confidence you get and you look at your own ability and ask whether you are still important enough. I am very much important, on and off the pitch. I don't like to say that about myself, but I am. The responsibility at the club and at the national team is still super big.”
Liverpool are almost certain to offer one of their best ever players a new deal, though he will head into the 2025/26 campaign having just turned 34 years old and a succession plan will be needed.
Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool record
Appearances
273
Goals scored
23
Major trophies
5
The Reds have already shown their flexibility in that regard this summer, agreeing a deal to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia before loaning him back to the Spanish club, with the plan eventually that the Georgian will replace Alisson at Anfield.
They may wish to do something similar with Van Dijk, with no backup even at the club following the departure of Joel Matip at the end of last season. And, according to one report, they could move as soon as January.
Liverpool chasing "fantastic" defender
That comes courtesy of a report from Spain, which names Liverpool as one of three clubs chasing 24-year-old defender Loic Bade. The report claims that the Reds are up against European giants PSG and Bayern Munich for his signature, with Bade having impressed in the south of Spain for Sevilla.
Dubbed a "fantastic" talent on X by talent scout Jacek Kulig back during his time in Ligue 1, an ill-fated spell at Nottingham Forest tempered expectations but he is now showing glimpses of his true potential.
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Though he signed a new contract earlier this year, the report points to a 60m euro (£50.1m) release clause in his deal, which clubs can activate from January, though his £68,000 a week deal runs until 2029 which means that anything less is unlikely to be considered.
All three sides "see him as a key piece" of their future defences, and that Liverpool "consider him a serious option to replace Virgil Van Dijk" and an "ideal candidate" for their backline.
Of course, Van Dijk will not be leaving the club in January, but should Liverpool be serious about their interest they may wish to get ahead of their rivals and secure his replacement even before his eventual departure.