O Corinthians conquistou uma vitória importantíssima nesta quarta-feira ao bater o Coritiba por 1 a 0, no Couto Pereira, pela 23ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020. E um dos grandes personagens do time foi Gabriel, que vem crescendo de produção com Vagner Mancini e recuperou a condição de titular. Na saída de campo, ele exaltou o triunfo desta noite com “a cara do Corinthians”.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBrasileirãoCorinthians vai bem no 1º tempo, bate o Coritiba por 1 a 0 e se afasta do Z4Brasileirão25/11/2020CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Fabio Santos resolve para o Corinthians; Gabriel também se destacaCorinthians25/11/2020
TABELA > Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui
Eleito o melhor em campo pela transmissão da TV Globo, o volante, que vinha sendo alvo de críticas por parte da torcida do Timão, preferiu não dar uma resposta para isso e optou por manter a cabeça no lugar diante de algo que ele classifica natural no meio em que vive, jogando futebol no alto nível.
-Críticas no nosso meio são normais, jogador de time grande, de alto nível, convive com críticas e elogios. Manter a cabeça no lugar, com confiança no nosso trabalho, que sempre será valorizado em campo – afirmou o camisa 5.
Apesar de fazer um segundo tempo abaixo do que foi o primeiro, quando abriu o placar com um pênalti convertido por Fábio Santos, o Corinthians se sustentou e segurou o resultado para garantir três pontos importantes para o campeonato. Por essas e outras, Gabriel disse ter sido uma vitória com a cara do clube, que agora se afasta da incômoda ameaça da zona de rebaixamento.
-Feliz pelo jogo, pela vitória, vitória com cara de Corinthians, não só hoje, contra o Grêmio fizemos um grande jogo com dois homens a menos, e acredito que hoje no segundo tempo o nível caiu um pouquinho, a parte física do jogo passado pesou, mas agradecer a todos pelo apoio de sempre Agora é descansar, temos um jogo bem competitivo com o Fortaleza fora de casa.
O Timão terá uma semana até enfrentar o Fortaleza, na próxima quarta-feira, fora de casa, pela 24ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020. Agora, o Alvinegro soma 29 pontos e subiu para a nona posição na tabela, cinco à frente do Z4.
Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with Liverpool's start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, but he will know that there is plenty of work still to be done to ensure that a satisfying conclusion is reached.
Having picked up 20 points from their opening nine league matches, the Reds are looking to keep on the tail of table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur, who have a six-point advantage having played an additional match ahead of Liverpool's upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest.
But at this stage of the campaign, such frivolous matters are yet to truly reach Klopp's concern, who will ensure his team are focussed only on the forthcoming fixture.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The central point at this stage is sustaining the renewed intensity and cohesion that had disappeared last term, when Liverpool trudged to a fifth-placed finish and received a season-long rebuke from journalists and critics for their substandard performances.
The midfield has been restored after an emphatic summer of transfer activity, but such occurred at the expense of defensive reinforcements, despite much discourse surrounding the need for bolstering at the back.
With that being said, 2024 looks to be a year of further action in the market for the Anfield side, with several targets earmarked to strengthen the rearguard.
Liverpool's transfer targets
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool and heated rivals Manchester United have both registered an interest in French side Lille's 17-year-old defender Leny Yoro, with the precocious centre-back considered one of the finest talents in Ligue 1 right now.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are also intrigued, while Chelsea have held a long-time admiration for the France native, but Liverpool's emergence as a suitor highlights Klopp's desire to improve the backline with a prodigious addition.
The competition is thick, however, but given that Liverpool are pursuing the signature of another rising star in Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio, perhaps priority could be shifted to the touted talent.
As per BILD, Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit following Manchester United's alleged withdrawal from the race, citing difficulties in meeting his £52m release clause.
Why Liverpool are interested in Goncalo Inacio
Inacio is a very distinctive defender with attributes that make him a custom-made fit for outfits chasing illustrious success, with analyst Raj Chohan stating: "Gonçalo Inácio is the perfect counter-weight to Konaté. Inacio-VVD-Konaté: Build-up conductor. Leader/aerial dominator/switches of play. Immense recovery speed & coverage of space."
Goncalo Inacio: Similar Players (Football Transfers)
#
Player
Club
1
Piero Hincapie
Bayer Leverkusen
2
Jonathan Tah
Bayer Leverkusen
3
Harry Maguire
Manchester United
4
Chancel Mbemba
Marseille
5
Davinson Sanchez
Galatasaray
The four-cap Portugal star has made 134 appearances for his homeland outfit, posting 11 goals and eight assists, and has attracted attention from multiple European giants since rising to the fore, with Newcastle United also withdrawing from the race recently.
A left-footed and dynamic centre-back, Inacio, aged 22, fits the bill; Klopp is searching for such a defender to improve the defence and ease the burden on captain Virgil van Dijk, who is right-footed but has long occupied the left side of the central defence in the absence of a natural alternative.
having been described as a "complete" player by knowledgable talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, it's no wonder that the Reds are hoping to land the star, who could be the missing piece of the puzzle to restore the club's stature at the forefront.
An "immense" distributor
With positive similarities to some of Europe's finest ball-playing defenders, Inacio has the world at his feet and could bloom into one of the game's finest in his position over the coming years, with Fabrizio Romano even going as far as to hail his "very rare" qualities.
Indeed, as per FBref, the 6 foot 1 titan ranks among the top 2% of centre-backs across leagues similar to the Portuguese Primeira Liga for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.
He is one of the most mobile and creative defenders in the game, and with his left-footed inclination aligning with the kind of centre-half Klopp covets to complete his team, it really could be a match made in heaven.
His ball-playing ability is so significant that he even eclipses Trent Alexander-Arnold across several metrics, with the progression of his passing quite simply belying the conventions of the role in the central defence.
Inacio vs Alexander-Arnold: Creativity
Metric (per 90)
Inacio
TAA
Assists
0.11
0.35
Shot-creating actions
1.90
3.73
Passes attempted
86.70
86.13
Progressive passes
8.91
6.69
Progressive carries
2.05
1.46
Statistics sourced via FBref
The £180k-per-week Liverpool vice-captain has been a prominent figure in European football since breaking into Klopp's first-team as a youngster, and having supplied 74 assists from 282 appearances for the Merseyside outfit, he truly is a "genius" – as was claimed by journalist Neil Jones.
Given his free-roaming placement on the right flank of the pitch, one would assume that Alexander-Arnold would have a license to produce a greater output than a player of Inacio's ilk, but he really is shadowed in some regards by the power of Inacio's creativity.
Despite this, the 25-year-old still ranks among the top 2% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive passes per 90, emphasising his skill and importance within Klopp's side.
Inacio doesn't create direct chances in the final third with the regularity of Alexander-Arnold, but this is due to his position rather than a failure to pick the apt passes.
Signing the maestro at the back would only be a recipe for success at Anfield, creating a gushing flow of support to cascade down the lanes and into the danger areas, allowing the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister (and Alexander-Arnold), to feed the deadly frontline.
Just imagine the duality of supplementation that could be unlocked across the alternating channels by securing Inacio's signature, with the Sporting sensation exactly what Liverpool needs to continue the budding renaissance and cement a spot at the very top of the European game once again.
West Ham United boss David Moyes is reportedly keen to strengthen his squad in January and could have a plausible opportunity to bolster one key position, according to reports.
West Ham updates: Paqueta latest, Soucek talks, Antonio on Ward-Prowse
According to a West Ham contract update on Lucas Paqueta from TEAMtalk, the Hammers are believed to be keen to offer midfielder Lucas Paqueta a new deal to try and stave off interest from Manchester City in his services. Paqueta has been extensively linked with a move to Manchester City over the last few months and had a release clause of £85 million included in his current terms. On the other hand, England international Kalvin Phillips has been touted with a potential switch in the opposite direction and a swap deal involving both players hasn't been ruled out as a possibility by the outlet.
Football Insider have shared a Tomas Soucek transfer update, claiming that the in-form West Ham midfielder is a target for Inter Milan; however, the Hammers are believed to be trying to step up talks to tie the Czechia international to a new contract. Moyes is a huge fan of Soucek and views him as an important member of his squad at the London Stadium. As per the report, the 28-year-old is likely to ask for a wage hike that would align him with the top earners in east London moving forward.
Meanwhile, in conversation with The Footballer’s Football Podcast cited via The Evening Standard, West Ham striker Michail Antonio is still baffled over James Ward Prowse's omission from the England squad by Gareth Southgate. Antonio said:
"I am upset with Southgate. The stats say that Ward-Prowse is doing everything week in week out to play for England so it is mad he has not been picked. I think that when you are playing at your best you should be rewarded and for me that is England. He has been unbelievable. I understand managers like to pick players they trust, but he has got players in there who are not even playing. I do not like that."
James Ward-Prowse statistics 2023/24 – all competitions
Appearances: 10
Goals: 2
Assists: 7
Ward-Prowse's performance breakdown and key statistics: 2023/24 (WhoScored)
Shots per Premier League game: 1.3
Key passes per Premier League game: 2.1
Pass success rate in the Premier League: 90.6%
West Ham transfer update – Guilherme Arana
According to a West Ham transfer update from Spain, Atletico Mineiro left-back Guilherme Arana is someone the Hammers are now determined to formalize their interest in come January after initial reports emerged of a scouting trip over the weekend by Irons' chiefs. They must have liked what they saw because they are reportedly now ready to proceed forward to try and land the Brazil international, who would be allowed to depart from his current employers if they received a suitable offer for his services.
In 2023, Arana has made 20 appearances across all competitions for Atletico Mineiro, registering one assist in the process (Arana statistics – Transfermarkt).
Labelled "spectacular" by former Brazil Under-23 coach Andre Jardine, Arana could help to ease the workload handled by Emerson Palmieri and Aaron Cresswell on the left-hand side of defence if the Hammers can strike a deal to sign the full-back.
ScorecardLife may never be as uncomplicated again for Dom Bess as that magical day at Headingley little more than a week ago when he took his first Test wickets, England forced a victory against Pakistan to draw the series and everything he turned his hand to was an occasion to relish.As The Cure had it, at that moment there was nowhere else in the world he would rather be – it really couldn’t get any better than this. But the strawberry kiss of Headingley was nowhere to be seen as his beloved Taunton, no longer the spin bowler’s paradise of last season, blew him a raspberry.Now Bess’ cricketing life is demanding, pressurised even, as he comes to terms with his new-found status. Zestful and innocent one moment, he now carries the onus of responsibility the next. Initially at least, every ball says: “I Am An England Cricketer.” The shift in reputation must be difficult to block out of his mind. Things are not coming easily for him.Bess did not suffer alone. Somerset’s decision to enforce the follow-on after ousting Notts for 134 on first innings, a lead of 258, consigned all-comers to a slog in favourable batting conditions on the third day. There was no swing this time, as the sky turned pristine blue, and only gentle turn. By closing at 468 for 8, and making 356 runs in the day, Notts held a slightly disturbing lead of 210.In the first innings, there were five ducks in their top eight; this time there were four fifties and a maiden hundred for Tom Moores who overcome a sticky start to play with great freedom. His father, Peter, the Nottinghamshire coach, allowed himself a liberty of a paternal pat on the back at the close.Bess was into his fifth spell of the day when he finally found reward: two wickets which quietly shifted the match back towards Somerset, if not with certainty. His first over back had conceded ten, his figures distinctly unflattering: 0 for 113 in 25 overs. A possible Test against India in August must have been far from his thoughts; his priority was merely to get it to the other end, to create something positive to cling to.Then an innocuous delivery bowled Billy Root, perhaps off a slight bottom edge, as he tried to cut. He struck again with what became the last ball of the day: Moores, with 103 from 117 balls, covering up against a low full toss which in another situation he might have struck out of the ground, and falling lbw. Moores had gradually won his battle with Bess in the final session as the offspinner was heartened by the chance to bowl at two left-handers and would have been frustrated by his demise.Even then the Taunton scorecard, which gets a bit cramped, made it look as if he had taken 2 for 8,115.Another Somerset spinner fared rather better. Not Jack Leach, Bess’ normal spin bowling partner, whose injury presented him with his Test debut, and who hopes to return against Surrey later this month, but Roelof van der Merwe, who looks stocky and battle-hardened enough to be a bouncer who might refuse the young Bess entry to a nightclub.After 43 probing overs, delivered with sagacity at less than three an over, his exertions brought four wickets. Steven Mullaney, six short of a century, Samit Patel and Riki Wessels all fell lbw – Mullaney gesturing that he had hit it, Wessels defeated on the lap – and Ross Taylor was bowled as he searched for his favourite cut shot.He would have claimed his first five-wicket haul if Matt Renshaw, on his knees at first slip, had not dropped Chris Nash, on 40, who was the Notts batsman most in need of sustenance and who went on to his first Championship half-century of the season before Josh Davey bowled him with one that held its line. “I’ve never taken five wickets so that is something to aim for tomorrow,” he said. “Knowing Dom, I expect he will take the last two!”Moores, with a previous best first-class score of 43, understandably punched the air in delight upon reaching his hundred. Bess must have remembered when life seemed so straightforward. Then he thumped Moores on the pad and went into the pavilion reassured that things were still turning his way.
Leeds United comfortably endured one of the most tumultuous summers of those within the Championship, but have come out the other side with a squad certainly capable of challenging at the top of the table…
Who did Leeds nearly sign?
Daniel Farke operated well despite all the turmoil he had inherited, as whilst he made nine key additions, these signings were marred by the 15 departures, many of which had previously been first-team regulars.
Phil Hay put it best on social media when he wrote: “At one point in the summer, a senior figure at Leeds was heard to say that “everyone wants to leave” – which was pretty much how it was.”
So, to be stood in early September with a team largely filled with quality that has featured at a level above their current one should mark a success worth championing, even if they have only won once in their opening five league games.
Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…
However, Saturday did mark a crushing realisation that they probably did miss a trick with one failed signing, as they did reportedly hold an interest in former Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer at various points throughout the summer without acting.
Therefore, it was Sheffield United who eventually won the race for his signature, with his showing against Everton enough to start paying back that lofty £18m price tag.
How good is Cameron Archer?
Whilst many were well aware of the 21-year-old’s goalscoring pedigree well before this weekend, his consistent quality and the threat he posed to the Toffees showcased his talents at a much higher level than he had previously thrived in.
cameron-archer
Having fallen behind, the Blades hit back as Archer’s arrowed finish on 33 minutes drew them level. Then, as they pushed for another, he unleashed a splendid curling effort which rebounded off the right post, struck Jordan Pickford and found the back of the net. Although not his goal, it was wholly of his creation.
His involvement in both of their only goals for the day outlined the budding importance he is set to enjoy at Bramall Lane, as he seeks to build on an outstanding loan spell last season where he scored 11 and assisted six in 20 Championship games for Middlesbrough.
It is no surprise that renowned scout Jacek Kulig lauded him as “incredibly prolific” throughout that spell, a trait that Farke would love to transfer onto his current crop of players.
What makes his particularly impressive display even more frustrating is the profligate one endured at Elland Road just after Sheffield United were held to a 2-2 draw, as the Whites failed to find the net against newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday at home.
Deploying Joel Piroe in a deeper role, despite having been signed as their new star forward, he was not there to score the countless chances they forged. In fact, having enjoyed 67% of the ball and rained down 16 shots, they missed all of the three big chances they created, via Sofascore.
Considering two of those were squandered by Georginio Rutter, who has admittedly struggled since making his club-record move in January, it seems that the Englishman would have marked far greater business.
The French youngster has scored just once across 18 games for the club, and yesterday posted a 6.5 Sofascore rating that was the worst of any of Leeds' starters.
Their failure to capture such a lethal finisher like Archer was exposed brutally yesterday, as he thrived in front of goal whilst Farke’s side pushed to break the deadlock in their game, with no success.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have created a formidable squad that has plundered illustrious success for several years now, with the astute work plied in the transfer market providing the German manager with apt tools to craft a dynasty.
The fruits of his labour have eclipsed anything the Reds could have dreamed of, with the whole gamut of silverware secured since his appointment in 2015 – barring the Europa League, which Liverpool will certainly be eyeing up this term.
While the likes of Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, Gini Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane are just a few of the astute dealings to have turbo-charged an ascent to the forefront of the European game, the club's academy – which is by no means the most prolific in England – has also played its part.
Indeed, Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most devastating creative gems in the game and has been instrumental in the illustrious feats, having risen through the academy and now admirably standing as the club's vice-captain.
Curtis Jones has also been a burgeoning figure of late and just recently completed his 100th appearance for the club, having posted 11 goals and assists apiece.
The Anfield side have not really seen too many starring talents slip away, but, unknown to most, a certain Premier League star named Anthony Gordon once plied his formative years on the red half of Merseyside.
Did Anthony Gordon play for Liverpool?
Former Liverpool academy player Gordon has risen to prominence on the Premier League scene over the past several years, impressing for a struggling Everton side and forging 78 displays – scoring seven goals and supplying eight assists – before moving away earlier this year.
It all could have been so different; having been released from the Reds' youth ranks when he was only 11-years-old, Gordon was offered a place at Everton's Finch Farm academy and nurtured his precocious talents as a newfound blue.
Speaking to Everton's club website, Gordon revealed his thoughts on the heartbreak of receiving the chop at Liverpool, saying: "It was another chance for me to grow. But that was hard. It affected me mentally and dented my confidence. I had to pick myself up and go again.
“When I got to Everton, I never looked back.”
Former Everton winger Anthony Gordon
The 22-year-old is an electric player with scorching pace, and while his cutting edge still needs refining, he definitely boasts the attributes requisite for success at an ambitious outfit such as Liverpool, which is probably why high-flying Newcastle United decided to swoop for his signature.
How much is Anthony Gordon worth now?
With Everton toiling, Gordon decided that the allure of joining a fast-rising team such as Newcastle was an opportunity too enticing to turn down, and he forced his way out of his long-time club in January 2023, completing a £45m transfer to Tyneside.
The England U21 international – who has scored six goals from 16 appearances and won the Player of the Tournament at the 2023 U21 Euros this summer as England gleaned gold – has been praised for his "fearless attitude" by Premier League icon Alan Shearer.
And given that he now boasts a delightful blend of energy and athleticism, he's found a regular spot in the Magpies' starting XI this season, beginning all five fixtures in the English top-flight and scoring against, of course, Liverpool.
Why is Anthony Gordon worth that much?
While Gordon flattered to deceive for much of the 2022/23 campaign after making the move to Tyneside, taking until the final game of the season against Chelsea to break his duck, the wily winger's talents were evident, even if the confidence wasn't quite there at first.
The fleet-footed phenom was even branded "shambolic" by reporter Ryan Taylor for his substandard impact in the early days of his career with Newcastle, but his qualities were always there and now finding his feet, Gordon looks set to nurture his skills and continue to play an important role for Howe's side.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.
Now with a pre-season and starring role for the Young Lions behind him, the £60k-per-week star looks set for a role of significance for a Newcastle side that will play Champions League football this season, something that Klopp's Liverpool will have to do without after falling by the wayside last year.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles and the top 11% for blocks per 90 – illustrating his tenacity and application across the pitch, evident after dispossessing a languid Alexander-Arnold and dribbling into the box to score at St. James' Park earlier this season. Indeed, during that game, he rather had "Trent on toast", as per Statman Dave.
Having also demonstrated his creativity with a "brilliant ball in" – as was said by CBS Sports' Ben Jacobs, who was remarking over his assist for debutant Sandro Tonali as Newcastle wreaked havoc against Aston Villa in August, there is an all-encompassing skill set still yet to reach its peak.
Liverpool do boast the likes of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez as forwards capable of playing in Gordon's preferred left channel, but surrounded by a vibrant crop of talent at Anfield, there is no reason why the Liverpudlian's development might not have blossomed under Klopp's wing, amid so much world-class talent.
While Liverpool's attack is indeed burgeoning rapidly and looks as formidable as any across European football, Gordon's pace and directness would have been perfect as a youngster rising to the fore at Anfield.
While most of a Reds affiliation despise the former Everton star, it all could have been so different, and even if Klopp and co decided his future would have been best served away from Merseyside, to think they could have cashed in lucratively is a blow for a club that has done its transfer work so diligently over modern years.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could be about to get his hands on a replacement for Riyad Mahrez by signing one of Europe's most promising young wingers, according to reports.
Who is the Mahrez replacement going to be?
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given a crucial update in Manchester City's pursuit of Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, stating on X: "Man City, advancing on Jeremy Doku deal as new verbal proposal close to €55/60m package is being discussed with Rennes.
There’s competition but City hope to reach an agreement with Rennes this week — after green light on player side since beginning of August."
Sky Sports also confirm that Manchester City are in talks with Rennes over Doku as they look to bring in another offensive player at the Etihad Stadium following the departure of Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli for £30 million.
It is believed that the Belgium international has emerged as a 'leading contender' to succeed Mahrez at Manchester City. West Ham United have emerged as rival suitors for the £25k-a-week ace and had a bid rejected to try and bring him to the London Stadium earlier this month, though they are unlikely to win a race against the treble winners.
Football Insider claim that personal terms have already been agreed between Manchester City and Doku while a personal 'intervention' from Guardiola has brought the proposed deal 'very close' to full completion.
Doku found himself on the Rennes substitutes bench last week amid speculation surrounding his impending move to the Premier League champions, which looks like it is now edging closer to becoming a reality.
How good actually is Jeremy Doku?
Doku possesses plenty of flair and exciting attributes and is as highly recommended as they come, having previously been hailed as "incredibly quick" by none other than Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe in the past, cited by Get French Football News.
Bringing in an exciting young talent following a period of excellent service from Algeria international Mahrez will be one of Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain's biggest priorities in the remainder of the window and it now looks as if they are close to getting one of their main targets on board.
Belgium forward Jeremy Doku.
In his time at Ligue 1 side Rennes, Doku has made 92 appearances across all competitions, registering 12 goals and ten assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.
Of course, elite clubs pay a premium for potential in the modern day and it is easy to see what qualities the 21-year-old can bring to the table.
According to WhoScored, Doku evaded his opposition marker with regularity last term, completing 3.3 dribbles per fixture in the French top flight. He also gained an average match rating of 7.08/10 in Ligue 1, showing commendable consistency in his displays.
FBRef illustrate that the Borgerhout-born attacker has excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions concerning the art of progressive carries, managing 6.94 per 90 minutes in the last 365 days, putting him in the 99th percentile for this metric.
Under the tutelage of Guardiola and his coaching staff, Doku could go on to become a Premier League star with the correct guidance if he is to move to Manchester City.
Legspinner Kristen Beams has been omitted from the Australia squad for the day-night Women’s Ashes Test, which starts in Sydney from November 9, with the hosts picking Amanda-Jade Wellington as the sole legspinner in the 13-member squad. Beams’ exclusion was the only change from the 14-member team that won two of the three matches against England women in the preceding ODI series.
Beams, Australia’s highest wicket-taker at the Women’s World Cup earlier this year, was the 12th man in an Australian team that played a three-day pink-ball practice match against an ACT Invitational XI in Canberra recently. She had featured in only one match of the ODI series against England, taking 2 for 38 in the second match, after replacing Ashleigh Gardner, who had suffered a concussion. Another player from that practice match to miss out on the national squad was 19-year-old medium-pacer Belinda Vakarewa.National selector Shawn Flegler said both players were unfortunate to miss out on selection. “Belinda showed promising signs with the ball and is definitely a player of the future, and whilst she would be disappointed, it’s pleasing to see so many pace bowlers putting their hands up for selection. Kristen was also unlucky to miss out on selection, with the panel opting to go with just the one legspinner in the side.”Australia’s squad includes five players uncapped in Tests: Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Wellington, Beth Mooney and Lauren Cheatle. One of the pace bowlers who impressed in the practice match was McGrath – she dismissed Elyse Villani, Rachael Haynes and Ellyse Perry in the space of four balls on Sunday.”A win in this match could see Australia take an unassailable lead in the series and retain the Ashes, so it was important that the side was well-balanced and capable of taking 20 wickets,” Flegler added.Defending champions Australia lead the series 4-2, having defeated England in the first two fixtures of the ODI leg and a win in the Test would fetch them four points and take their tally to eight. The Test will be followed by a three-match T20I series, which starts from November 17. In the event of both teams finishing on eight points, Australia will retain the Ashes.
West Indians 451 for 9 dec (Ambris 153, S Hope 110, Ferguson 5-67) and 53 for 2 lead New Zealand A 237 (Astle 68) by 267 runs ScorecardAfter a satisfactory batting performance on the first day in Lincoln, the West Indians produced a solid bowling effort to dismiss New Zealand A for 237 on the second. They used eight bowlers and all of them picked up at least one wicket, to earn a first-innings lead of 214.The visitors declared their first innings overnight on 451 for 9, and made good use of the early morning bowling conditions. Kemar Roach dismissed Test opener Jeet Raval for 1, and Jason Holder accounted for the other New Zealand Test opener, Tom Latham, for 24.New Zealand A slumped to 114 for 6, before Tom Blundell and Todd Astle put on 64 for the seventh wicket. Shannon Gabriel broke that stand with his only wicket of the innings. Astle top scored for the home side with 68 and they were eventually dismissed in 61.4 overs. Raymon Reifer took 2 for 27, while Roston Chase picked up 2 for 7.The West Indians lost two early wickets in their second innings, but Kraigg Brathwaite was unbeaten on 33 and had steered his side to 53 for 2 at stumps.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the running to sign Conor Gallagher from Premier League rivals, Chelsea, with the Englishman looking set for a departure from his current home.
What's the latest on Gallagher to Tottenham?
According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, the Lilywhites are set to fight it out with West Ham United for the signing of the 23-year-old, with the Blues believed to be open to moving on the former Crystal Palace loanee this summer.
Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "Chelsea are ready to sell Conor Gallagher despite his preseason appearances. It's a direct battle between Tottenham and West Ham for his signature. He'll cost around £35m with two years left on his Chelsea deal."
In his piece for the Evening Standard, Kinsella writes that the north Londoners are in need of homegrown players as well as a possible replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with the Danish maestro having asked to leave the club in order to join Atletico Madrid.
If Ange Postecoglou's side are keen to get their hands on Gallagher over the coming weeks they may well need to get a move on, with West Ham having already stolen a march by lodging a £40m bid, which has been rejected by those at Stamford Bridge.
Should Tottenham sign Conor Gallagher?
Postecoglou has already moved to strengthen his midfield ranks with the signing of James Maddison from Leicester City, although the playmaking ace – who finished tenth in the division for chances created last term – could well be aided by a relentless, "box-to-box" presence, as described by writer Zach Lowy, alongside him, such as Gallagher.
Heung-min Son
With Maddison typically being deployed in a right-sided midfield berth – or on the flanks – during his time with the Foxes, it is likely that the Chelsea man would slot in on the left of Postecoglou's three-man midfield, allowing him to strike up an exciting partnership with wing wizard, Heung-min Son down that side.
The latter man enjoyed a below-par season by his standards last time out after scoring 'just' ten league goals – having netted 23 times the previous campaign – although he could well be rejuvenated by the change in the dugout, having already been hailed as an "elite" talent by Postecoglou as a sign of the important role that he is set to play next term.
With the South Korean star undoubtedly a real "goal threat" – according to his manager – the aim will be to keep the 31-year-old operating at the top end of the pitch whenever possible, hence having a workmanlike presence behind him such as Gallagher to put in the hard yards defensively.
Previously lauded as a "sensation" by Lowy during his loan stint at Selhurst Park in 2021/22, the Epsom-born ace is a truly relentless presence in the centre of the pitch, with Chelsea legend Pat Nevin having recently stated:
'If you need someone to cover ground, go from box to box, make tackles, be a threat in the opposition box one minute and making superb defensive blocks in his own area the next, then Conor is your man.'
That ability to cover ground with ease should allow Son the freedom to wreak havoc in the final third, while Gallagher could also offer support to the long-serving Spurs ace when needed, with his desire to get forward showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 3% among midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area.
That all-action style will not only be beneficial to Postecoglou, but it could also ensure that Son is able to shine even brighter from the flanks next term.