تعرض منتخب الأرجنتين لخسارة مريرة فجر اليوم الأربعاء أمام نظيره الإكوادور بهدف مقابل لا شيء، وذلك لحساب منافسات تصفيات قارة أمريكا الجنوبية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.
وأجرى مدرب منتخب الأرجنيتن، ليونيل سكالوني، تعديلات على تشكيلة فريقه الأساسية، وأبرزها استبعاد الأسطورة نجم إنتر ميامي، ليونيل ميسي، للراحة.
وأعطى ميسي القميص رقم 10 في لقاء الإكوادور لنجم ريال مدريد الشاب، فرانكو ماستانتونو، حيث كان الأخير بديلًا اليوم.
طالع.. فيديو | البرازيل تسقط أمام بوليفيا بهدف في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026
وفي ظل غياب ميسي ومع ضمان الأرجنتين تأهلها سلفًا إلى كأس العالم، كان لاعبو الإكوادور أكثر رغبة في تحقيق الانتصار من التانجو في لقاء اليوم.
وساعد الإكوادور كثيرًا الطرد الذي تعرض له مدافع الأرجنتين ونادي بنفيكا، نيكولاس أوتاميندي في الدقيقة 31، بعدما أعاق إينر فالنسيا، مهاجم الإكوادور على حدود منطقة الجزاء.
وأسفر الضغط الذي مارسه لاعبو الإكوادور عن هدف في الدقيقة الثالثة عشر من الوقت بدل الضائع من الشوط الأول عن طريق فالنسيا من ركلة جزاء عجز حارس الأرجنتين وأستون فيلا، إيميليانو مارتينيز عن التصدي لها.
واستمرت سلسلة البطاقات الحمراء في شوط اللقاء الثاني، حيث تعرض نجم تشيلسي والإكوادور، مويسيس كايسيدو، للطرد في الدقيقة 50، عقب احتكاك قوي بدون كرة مع جناح أتلتيكو مدريد والأرجنتين، نيكولاس جونزاليس، ليخرج لاعب برايتون السابق مباشرًة من أرض الملعب.
ولم يعق هذا الطرد الإكوادور عن تحقيق الانتصار الذي رفع رصيدهم إلى 29 نقطة في المركز الثاني، بينما تجمد رصيد الأرجنتين عند 38 نقطة في المركز الأول.
من علامة الجزاء.. فالينسيا يسجل أول الأهداف للإكوادور ⚽️🔥
Grace Scrivens half-century sets hosts up before Aussies dampen Spirit
ECB Media07-Aug-2024
Alana King picked up three crucial wickets for the Rockets•PA Images/Getty
Aussie duo Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King spun Trent Rockets to a much-needed 31-run win over London Spirit at Trent Bridge.Gardner and King combined for six wickets as a star-studded Spirit line-up never threatened to chase down 158 for 5.Young gun Grace Scrivens struck 55 from 43 balls for the hosts, although she had to walk off the field in the second innings when she was struck in the face attempting a catch.It meant Rockets ended a three-game losing streak and was made all the more impressive as Nat Sciver-Brunt, the women’s competition’s leading run-scorer, had a comparatively quiet match with 21 from 12 balls.Former England Under-19s skipper Scrivens played arguably her best innings of The Hundred sharing a 74-run opening stand with Bryony Smith that set the tone for a performance that will have caught the attention of the other teams.Scrivens hit nine boundaries and her opening stand with Smith, who crashed 34 from 22 balls, was only ended in misfortunate when Charlie Dean got a finger on the ball before it crashed into the stumps with Smith unable to recover her ground after backing up.India star Deepti Sharma claimed the big wickets of Sciver-Brunt and Gardner, but Heather Graham’s unbeaten 22 from 12 balls ensured a fast finish.Spirit’s chase was immediately undermined when Gardner removed Georgia Redmayne and Cordelia Griffith from successive balls before King had former Australia captain Meg Lanning caught by Kirstie Gordon at mid-on.Gardner trapped Dani Gibson lbw and when England and Spirit skipper Heather Knight’s sweep at King landed in the hands of Smith, after hitting 29 from 20, the game was up.Gardner and King both finished with identical figures of 3 for 23 from 20 balls as Spirit closed on 127 for 7.Meerkat match Hero, Gardner, said: “It was huge (win for us). It was probably the first game we put all three facets of the game together. The openers did a fantastic job giving us the start that they did, that was the best we’ve been with the ball and we were pretty clean in the field. It was a pretty perfect performance.”
Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have their eyes on an Arsenal star this summer, and could offer the Gunners a record-breaking amount of cash for his signature.
Arsenal enter "decisive" talks for "elite" young player, personal terms agreed
Mikel Arteta’s side are chasing their next signing.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 5, 2025
Much has been made of Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta bringing in elite-level players to follow the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to N5, but Arsenal may soon find themselves needing to balance their books.
Kepa (£5m), Zubimendi (£56m) and Norgaard (£15m) have already set the north Londoners back around £76 million, if certain add-ons are met for the latter, with Arsenal also believed to be in talks with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has a £68.5 million release clause.
Arteta’s side wish to sign a left-winger too, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke among their targets for that position. Alongside their ongoing pursuit of a new striker, which looks reportedly likely to be Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, business could get very expensive.
One of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli would need to be sold if Arsenal do sign another left-winger, or potentially before. This is backed up by multiple reliable media sources as well, so supporters may have to wait a little longer for Berta to secure a star wide player.
"They've always wanted to strengthen on the left wing, but they've got Gabriel Martinelli, a very fine player, there already,” said journalist David Ornstein on The Athletic FC podcast."If he were to leave, then you can see them bringing in a top left-sided winger. If he's not to leave, then I don't think so. We've talked and reported on Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon. I think that's if Martinelli leaves. I don't necessarily think that's if he were to stay."Luckily for the Premier League title hopefuls, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr may now assist them in that regard. Al-Nassr plot £73 million bid for Gabriel Martinelli
According to talkSPORT and journalist Ben Jacobs, Al-Nassr are considering a mammoth £73 million bid for Martinelli – which would more than double their record £35 million sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellireacts
While Arsenal are not exactly clamoring to sell the Brazilian, and have yet to receive contact from the Saudis, an offer like this could be too good to ignore. It could also help them fund a move for the likes of Rodrygo, who’s been described as a “dream” target for Arteta, even if the Spaniard has praised Martinelli as a “leader” in his squad.
“When you look at the consistency shown over the last few years, the amount of goals he has scored at his age and the contribution to a big club like Arsenal, it’s not easy at all,” said Arteta about Martinelli in April.
“So I think he’s on the right path. He’s a fantastic player to work with. His work ethic, his understanding, his desire to play every minute of every competition. That’s the kind of characters and leaders that we want in the team. And I’m very, very happy with him.”
TalkSPORT state that Arteta wants to freshen up his squad, and Al-Nassr’s potential offer would be impossible not to at least consider, especially given the amount of cash that Arsenal are already poised to spend this summer, with PSR requiring consideration too.
Sheffield United are on the lookout for reinforcements to put themselves in a position to claim promotion and two Tottenham Hotspur stars are now said to be on their radar.
Sheffield United close to finalising Chris Wilder's replacement
Despite achieving 92 points last season, the Blades are set to relieve Chris Wilder of his duties, and the search for his replacement is firmly in the works at Bramall Lane.
Wasting no time, Sheffield United are in advanced talks with Ruben Selles, and he is expected to become the new man in charge following his spell at fellow EFL Championship outfit Hull City.
Showing his frustration at events, BBC reporter Andy Giddings believes sacking Wilder is a decision that shows ‘naivety’ in light of his respectable points tally and record across two spells in Yorkshire.
He explained: “The delay in holding these talks over his future and the time it’s taken to resolve the situation shows a lack of respect to Wilder, in my opinion, a lack of clarity at the top of the club, and a naivety in offering him a new three-year deal in January, when it was known significant changes to the club’s methods of recruitment were coming.”
With their managerial vacancy set to be filled, the Blades will now turn their attention to potential incoming after a heartbreaking playoff final loss to Sunderland.
Chris Wilder’s record in charge at Sheffield United
Matches in charge
305
Wins
140
Draws
57
Losses
108
Trophies/promotions
EFL League One title in 2016/17 EFL Championship runners-up in 2018/19
Looking to the division below, Sheffield United have reportedly made contact with Leyton Orient over Ethan Galbraith, and his versatility could offer a sense of variation for Selles, given he can feature at right-back, in midfield or on either flank.
Nevertheless, the club’s hierarchy could actually be set to raid the Premier League for two rising stars amid recent developments.
Sheffield United want to sign Tottenham Hotspur duo
According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United want to sign Tottenham due Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine to help their promotion push next campaign.
Defender Phillips spent last season on loan at Stoke City and made 39 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the latter racked up six strikes and a solitary assist in 32 outings in midfield for K.V.C Westerlo in Belgium.
Sheffield United want to make "excellent" free agent their first summer signing
Sheffield United are now in a race to sign a Championship striker on a free transfer.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025
Labelled “outstanding” by former Port Vale boss Andy Crosby, Devine is highly rated within the corridors of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they may feel a move to Yorkshire could be advantageous regarding his development.
In the case of Phillips, it isn’t explicitly clear whether any move for him would be a loan agreement or on a permanent basis. Either way, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson are the only senior central defenders on the books at Bramall Lane right now, signifying a need for cover.
Whilst the focus has been on upgrading Ruben Amorim’s attacking options so far this summer, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a £30m+ midfielder.
Man Utd face toughest Premier League start
After finishing 15th in a miserable campaign last time out, the last thing that Manchester United need is to be thrown into the deep end in the opening weeks of next season. Yet, with the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures released, Amorim is set to find out very quickly whether his side can finally swim or if they’ll sink once again under pressure.
After opening their campaign with the visit of Arsenal, Manchester United will then be forced to navigate a nine-game period which features games against Manchester City, Chelsea and champions Liverpool. If they were looking to ease their way into the season then, simply put, they may have to rethink their approach.
Of course, by the time that August arrives, those at Old Trafford will hope to have built a squad capable of navigating that difficult opening run. Already, INEOS have secured the arrival of Matheus Cunha and reports have claimed that they’re also confident about signing Bryan Mbeumo despite competition from Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur.
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo
Both additions would go a long way towards transforming Manchester United’s attack, but Amorim will be well aware that his midfield also needs fixing. On that front, once again it seems as though INEOS are prepared to spend amid reports that United have joined the race to sign a want-away Serie A midfield this summer.
Man Utd battling to sign Davide Frattesi
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now battling to sign Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan this summer. The Italian giants reportedly value their midfielder at more than €35m (£30m) in what is an affordable price tag for INEOS to match in the coming months.
What should make any deal easier, meanwhile, is reports that Frattesi has expressed his desire to leave Inter this summer after starting just nine Serie A games last season. Whether that opens the door for the Red Devils to secure a cheaper deal is a question that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is likely to ask if Manchester United push on with their move to sign the midfielder.
League stats P90 24/25 (via FBref)
Davide Frattesi
Casemiro
Minutes
1,158
1,494
Progressive Carries
1.78
0.24
Tackles Won
0.62
0.31
Goals (total)
5
1
Described as “brilliant” by scout Antonio Mango, Frattesi would hand Manchester United another added boost going forward. The midfielder also has a knack for scoring goals in big games, having scored the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final and then the winner again in extra-time in the semi-final against Barcelona.
Amorim's next Amad: Wilcox considering Man Utd bid for "special" £38m star
Manchester United could be about to land a star who can emulate Amad Diallo’s success.
1
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For around £30m, Frattesi could prove to be quite the bargain for Manchester United, who would be landing an underrated midfielder with plenty of experience, including currently at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Arsenal are set to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, who’s poised to become Andrea Berta’s third deal of the summer, but they could yet add another midfielder to Mikel Arteta’s ranks before deadline day.
The looming exit of veteran first-team star Thomas Partey, following botched discussions over a new contract, quickly made the signing of another defensive midfield achor vital for Arteta.
Mikel Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign £94m forward this summer
They know the costs of what would be a marquee deal.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jun 25, 2025
Partey made over 50 appearances for Arsenal last term, in what was his best-ever campaign at the club, but talks over the Ghanaian’s potential extension hit a roadblock – meaning he’s now set to leave the Emirates as a free agent past June 30.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
This potentially accelerated Arsenal’s move for Norgaard, with the Gunners swiftly agreeing a deal to make him their latest new addition after Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who also signed for the club recently.
Norgaard has been given permission to undergo his Arsenal medical, so barring any late disasters, the Denmark international will come in to replace Partey. Going by Brentford fan writer Ian Westbrook’s verdict on the 31-year-old, Arsenal have made a quality purchase.
“Norgaard has played a vital role in almost six years at the club, making nearly 200 appearances in all competitions and being named captain in the summer of 2023,” said Westbrook to the BBC.
“His importance to the side can be shown by the fact we failed to win any of the four Premier League games he missed last season, and had two victories in the seven in which he was absent during the last campaign.
“He is the glue that holds the side together in his defensive midfield role, protecting the defence, winning tackles and setting up attacks. This season he has also become a more regular goalscorer – with his six in all competitions (five in the Premier League) nearly half of his entire total of 13 for the club. We are a much weaker team without him.”
Arsenal approach Corinthians midfielder Breno BidonDespite Arsenal's agreement for Norgaard, Brazilian news outlet UOL (via Sport Witness) has reported that sporting director Andrea Berta is keen on Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon.
The 20-year-old isn’t a traditional defensive anchor like Norgaard, and is more like captain Martin Odegaard in the sense he plays both as a CAM and in a traditional centre-midfield role, so their interest makes sense.
UOL state that Corinthians are under pressure to sell at least one player to balance their books this summer, and Bidon is the “most likely” candidate to be shipped off as Arsenal, Brighton and Wolves all make contact.
With Arsenal said to have approached Bidon over joining Arteta’s side, Corinthians are also selling the player for a fee way below his £85 million release clause – which could be as low as £13 million.
Liverpool could only wonder what it would be like to sit back at the top before Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers way back when.
But the strong desire for greater success has since been realised, in full colour, over a sustained period of success that has returned every shape of silverware to Anfield’s trophy cabinet.
And when Arne Slot replaced the German last summer after he had ‘run out of energy’, in his own words, many thought that was it, that was the end of an illustrious period that would be remembered for years and years.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
That hasn’t proved the case. Most rivals expected the Reds to fall by the wayside, or at least stumble, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, but Liverpool are Premier League champions, deserving winners, dominant winners.
Multiple threads connect the two eras, but that all-important piece of twine, central to everything good on the red half of Merseyside across recent years, is Mohamed Salah.
And he’s set to continue his iconic journey.
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future
Liverpool ended months of anxious speculation in April, extending Salah’s contract at Liverpool for an additional two years. His £350k-per-week deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season.
He’s no longer a spring chicken, but Salah is very much still reflecting his greatness on the field. Last term, he spearheaded Slot’s Premier League title charge, notching 47 goal contributions across the league campaign (an all-time record for a 38-game season).
His vicious blend of deadly shooting and intelligent playmaking have established him as one of the finest forwards of his generation, indeed hailed by Liverpool podcaster Lewis Aspinall as “the best right winger in Premier League history”.
Salah is now 33 years old, but he has all the tools to forge another successful season for himself and his team. With someone like Florian Wirtz, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m fee, supplying him, is there really any doubt?
Moreover, Liverpool are hoping to sign a centre-forward to replace Darwin Nunez, and he could be perfect for the Egyptian King.
Liverpool hold talks for new striker
As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool remain interested in signing Hugo Ekitike this summer and have been in contact regarding the player, though they face stiff competition from Newcastle United.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Chelsea have also shown interest this summer, but their recent £60m acquisition of Joao Pedro will have tempered their desire.
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is among the most coveted players on the market, but he’s valued at £85m, and this has dissuaded suitors from making concrete moves.
Nonetheless, if Liverpool bank sums from Nunez (with Luis Diaz attracting intrigue from Bayern Munich and Barcelona too), they will have the means and the focus to push ahead and sign a frontman who has what it takes to become a superstar.
Why Liverpool want Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike was recognised as an exciting attacking talent from his days as a fledgling on the professional stage, with talent scout Jacek Kulig saying, “he could reach world-class striker levels”.
He has demonstrated as such in the Bundesliga over the past year, scoring 22 goals and supplying 12 assists across all competitions last season. He had spent a half-season on loan with Die Adler previously, warming himself up to a senior role away from the bloatedness of Paris Saint-Germain’s fringes.
And what a decision it was to forge his own path away from the French capital. The data is certainly kind to Ekitike, for he ranked among the top 16% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal involvements, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.
That latter metric is interesting. Ekitike is a man of mobility and swiftness. He gets things done himself, scarce one to linger in wait of deliveries posted onto his doorstep.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
This is especially important for the continued success of Salah, for the Liverpool legend is indeed getting on a bit, and a robust and reliable centre-forward such as Ekitike will aid him in conserving his energy for the critical moments.
The Frenchman might not be on the same prolific level as Salah, but he’s got a similarly varied approach to his attacking play, and this could bear dividends for Liverpool’s offensive fluency next season.
It’s important to remember that Ekitike isn’t the finished product yet, but then he’s already been hailed as “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, with his progress a rising thing over the past several seasons.
He would certainly prove an upgrade on Nunez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli this summer.
Goals scored
0.53
0.40
Assists
0.28
0.16
Shots taken
4.00
2.70
Shot-creating actions
3.55
2.46
Touches (att pen)
6.88
5.88
Progressive passes
1.86
2.14
Progressive carries
3.27
1.83
Successful take-ons
1.83
0.64
Ball recoveries
3.06
3.26
Tackles + interceptions
0.81
1.99
Nunez has been known for his connection with Salah, having assisted the right-winger 11 times across his Liverpool career. Can you imagine how a more refined and established forward like Ekitike would play with him, in turn providing a far superior goal threat?
Moreover, the forward is blessed with a certain instinctiveness that will allow him to latch right onto Salah’s inventive passes, his whipped crosses and deft lay-offs.
This “incredible” young prospect, as described by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, is on the fast track to the top of the game, and Liverpool must do all they can to ensure he winds up at Anfield this summer.
He might even be the perfect partner for Salah over the next couple of years, bringing an energy and dynamism to feed off the 33-year-old’s technical brilliance.
Huijsen 2.0: Liverpool enquire to sign one of the 'most complete teen CBs'
Liverpool could be set to target their next centre-back sensation, in the mould of Dean Huijsen
Liverpool are marching their way through the summer transfer window, picking up any number of talented recruits to add to Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad.
With Milos Kerkez’s £40m move from Bournemouth to Anfield now sealed, sporting director Richard Hughes may well take a breather and ponder whether to target any final brush-ups so Liverpool can remain competitive at the very highest level once again.
With Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong brought over from Bayer Leverkusen, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving to replace Caoimhin Kelleher, you’d think that this might be the case.
Let’s not forget, though, the Reds have had to swallow some degree of setback, with Trent Alexander-Arnold opting against renewing his contract and instead signing for Real Madrid at the end of his contract.
Moreover, interest in Luis Diaz’s signature is rife, and FSG may have to consider signing a replacement this summer.
The latest on Luis Diaz's future
While The Athletic’s David Ornstein has stressed that Liverpool are willing to keep onto Diaz, 28, even if it means running down his contract, Barcelona and further suitors in Saudi Arabia are keen, and the latter might be willing to pay a handsome figure.
Coming off the back of his best season in a Liverpool shirt, the versatile Diaz has proved invaluable for Slot’s side, scoring 17 goals and supplying eight assists across the past campaign.
But he’s not without his flaws, and the Anfield side has lined up long-term target Anthony Gordon as a potential replacement, although he has been priced in the £75m ballpark.
Anthony Gordon for Newcastle
Gordon, to be sure, is a good winger, but Newcastle would want silly money for his sale and an exciting alternative may well have been earmarked by Hughes and co.
Liverpool enquire for Gordon alternative
As per BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Liverpool are one of the clubs to have lodged an official enquiry for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, who is anticipated to be leaving East London this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking on the Latte Firm Arsenal podcast, he said: “My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.
“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there [from Arsenal] and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six.”
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
The Ghanaian star struggled to find his finest form throughout a turbulent season for the Hammers, and, as such, it would not be a huge surprise to see West Ham accept a reduced fee, although the exact figure is undetermined.
While Arsenal have been reported to have had a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old, if Diaz does go, Kudus could be a great fit.
What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool
West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for around £38m in August 2023, and he has since posted 19 goals and 13 assists from 80 matches. Despite his incredible quality, however, Kudus has suffered from second-season syndrome.
Five goals and three assists in the Premier League last season hardly denote elite-level output, but then Kudus’ skill set is an incredible thing, boasting power and movement that most wingers can only dream of.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
He would need to make prolific improvements next year, but then he surely would in Liverpool’s team, playing alongside Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest.
Given that Gordon only scored six top-flight goals, laying on five more assists, there’s certainly no guarantee that the England international would prove the tonic for which the hole left by Diaz’s absence could be healed.
Curiously, both Kudus and Gordon dipped somewhat in 2024/25 after previously thriving in the Premier League. Both are talented and proven wingers, dynamic and versatile, explosive and electric.
Let’s have a look at their statistics across 2023/24 and how they compare when both are firing on all cylinders.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
33 (27)
Goals
11
8
Assists
10
6
Touches*
2.3 (0.9)
2.0 (0.5)
Pass completion
82%
84%
Key passes*
1.6
0.8
Big chances created
16
5
Dribbles*
1.5
3.8
Ball recoveries*
3.6
6.4
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
2.3
Duels
5.3
8.5
Gordon certainly has the advantage in terms of output, and he’s more refined in his underlying playmaking too.
However, Kudus’ fleet-footedness and strength have turned him into something of a duel monster, outfoxing his opponents with blistering speed and sharp shimmies to drive the ball into the danger area.
Is it any wonder journalist Gary Al-Smith has hailed him a “generational talent”? Indeed, even though he flattered to deceive at times in 2024/25, Kudus still recorded the second-highest dribble count across the Premier League term, behind only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.
Just imagine this kind of explosiveness in Slot’s system. Diaz, while blessed with such suitable properties, ranked only among the top 39% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Gordon, meanwhile, ranked among the top 22% and 46% for the same metrics. What about the Irons speedster? He ranked among the top 3% for successful take-ons, and a glance up at his dribble average across his first Premier League term tells you all you need to know about his capacity as a ball carrier.
If any coach across Europe is capable of getting a tune out of the African sensation’s clinical potential, it’s Slot. Moreover, the Dutch tactician will know exactly how to best utilise Kudus’ talents on the athletic front, using them in conjunction with the creative artistry of the aforementioned Liverpool stars.
It’s a different kind of profile, more unrelenting and chaotic than Diaz’s and indeed Gordon’s.
Given the finances involved in pulling Gordon away from St. James’ Park, Liverpool might want to invest their energy into signing Kudus, especially as he is set to be available for a reduced fee.
He'd be Wirtz 2.0: Liverpool stand a "chance" of signing the "next Mbappe"
Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.
Friday’s clash with Warwickshire will be at Edgbaston, with New Road hosting a Sri Lanka tour match
ECB Reporters Network14-Aug-2024Worcestershire’s cricketers secured a home-quarter-final against Warwickshire – albeit at Edgbaston with New Road hosting England Lions versus Sri Lanka – in the Metro-Bank One-Day Cup despite losing to Lancashire by three runs in their last Group A game at Emirates Old Trafford.Although they restricted their hosts to 237, Worcestershire struggled on a pitch where run-scoring rarely looked easy and were indebted to skipper Jake Libby, whose innings of 83 ensured their overall run rate did not suffer.Tom Hinley’s 17-ball 24 had even looked to give them a chance of a dramatic victory but Venkatesh Iyer dismissed Hinley and Harry Darley with successive deliveries to grab a dramatic winFor Lancashire, this victory came as a boost after a miserable 50-over campaign. Josh Bohannon made a fine 87 and slow left-armer Charlie Barnard took three List A wickets for the first time in a disciplined bowling performance.But Worcestershire’s quicker bowlers had ensured that Lancashire made yet another indifferent start to a 50-over innings. Tom Taylor had Kesh Fonseka caught behind with the third ball of the innings and the next two wickets fell to the impressive Harry Darley, who bowled George Bell for seven and induced Rocky Flintoff to nick another catch to Gareth Roderick when the 16-year-old had made nine.That left Lancashire on 50 for 3 in the fourteenth over but Bohannon and Iyer repaired the innings with a stand of 63 before Iyer was caught behind off Ethan Brookes for 25. By then, though, Bohannon had reached his fifty off 74 balls with a six over midwicket off Tom Hinley’s left-arm wrist spin and the run-rate quickened when he and George Balderson put on 80 in 13 overs.But having been dropped twice off Hinley in the 80s, Bohannon was caught by Rob Jones off the same bowler for 87 and the spinner continued to frustrate Lancashire’s hopes of reaching 250 by having Balderson caught by Roderick for 50 and then accepting a return catch off Tom Bailey.Harry Singh tried to supply some acceleration in the latter stages of the innings with a 24-ball 21 but Lancashire were dismissed in exactly 50 overs for 237. Hinley recovered from his earlier mauling to take three for 58 but Taylor was the pick of the Worcestershire attack with 2 for 25 from ten overs.The start of Worcestershire’s innings was marginally less impressive than Lancashire’s had been. Having made 13, Ed Pollock hooked Josh Boyden to Charlie Barnard at long leg and two overs later the same bowler bowled Gareth Roderick for nine when the Worcestershire opener chopped the ball into his stumps.When Jones skied a pull off Barnard’s left-arm spin to Will Williams running round from mid-on, Worcestershire were 45 for 3 in the 13th over and in need of a recovery similar to Lancashire’s.Instead, though, Ethan Brookes was lbw when attempting to sweep Barnard for 19 and the same bowler took a comfortable catch at mid-off when Josh Cobb tried to drive Harry Singh.Cobb’s departure for eight left Worcestershire on 106 for five in the 28th over but Libby and Taylor mixed sensible strike rotation with a few big hits in an 89-run stand that left their side 43 runs short of victory.However, Libby’s dismissal, bowled by Barnard for 83, was crucial. Fateh Singh lasted only three balls and Libby was bowled by Wiliams for 41 to leave the Rapids needing 40 off 28 balls. It looked unlikely until Hinley took a hand but Iyer had the final word.
In an attempt to continue their summer spending after signing El Hadji Malick Diouf, West Ham United are reportedly racing to hijack Inter Milan’s move to sign an impressive Serie A defender this summer.
Diouf "happy" to realise Premier League dream
On paper, selling Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur will be seen as a major blow for West Ham, but that £50m+ transfer fee has sparked the Hammers into life in the transfer market. Graham Potter desperately needed to mark his own stamp on his side following a difficult start to life at the London Stadium and Kudus’ exit handed him the chance to do exactly that.
Almost instantly, the Hammers turned towards signing Diouf from Slavia Prague in a deal worth around £19m and one that finally kickstarts their summer business. The 20-year-old will join up with Potter’s pre-season training camp in Germany this week, where he will hope to provide the squad with an instant boost.
After putting pen to paper to become West Ham’s second signing of the window following Daniel Cummings’ earlier arrival, Diouf told the club’s official website when asked about the success that Senegal players have had in England: “I think it’s about the dream. Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it was a dream for everyone.
“When they are here, they want to make everything good. I think they also have the personality to play here and if you are young, you want to continue your progression.”
Even "better" than Declan Rice: West Ham make offer for £138k-p/w "engine"
West Ham might finally have found their Rice replacement
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The defender may not be the last player that the Hammers welcome into the Premier League for the first time, either, as they look to once again splash the cash made from the Kudus sale.
West Ham plotting Koni de Winter hijack
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham are now racing to hijack Inter Milan’s move for Koni de Winter, who is valued at just €25m (£22m) by Genoa this summer.
Koni De Winter for Genoa.
They are not alone in the race to sign the defender ahead of the Italian giants, however, with London rivals Tottenham also eyeing a summer swoop to welcome De Winter ahead of next season. Given that the Lilywhites have already dealt West Ham a blow by signing Kudus, the Hammers will be keen to get one over on their rivals this time around.
Since being described as a “gifted footballer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, De Winter has only come on leaps and bounds. Now, a move back towards the top seemingly awaits.
Although reports suggest that the Belgian has decided to join Inter this summer, the Italians’ current hesitation has handed West Ham a golden opportunity that they must take full advantage of ahead of Tottenham.