تحدث حسام البدري المدير الفني للأهلي الأسبق، عن رغبته في ضم اللاعب محمد صلاح قبل رحلة احترافه للخارج، كما علق على مشادة أحمد حجازي وحسام حسن خلال مباراة مصر والرأس الأخضر في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا.
ونشبت مشادة بين أحمد حجازي وحسام حسن، تعود تفاصيلها إلى فترة ما بين شوطي المباراة عندما طالب حسام حسن، اللاعب بإجراء الإحماءات لكنه لم يدفع به.
وقال حسام البدري في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “عندما كنت مدرب في النادي الأهلي، محمد عامر كان المدير الفني للمقاولون العرب ومحمد رمضان كان مديرًا للكرة، تحدثت معهم وطلبت ضم محمد صلاح، ولكن إدارة نادي المقاولون العرب رفضت وأصرت على أحترافه في الخارج”.
طالع أيضاً.. خاص | تفاصيل مشادة أحمد حجازي مع حسام حسن خلال مباراة الرأس الأخضر
وفيما يخص مشادة أحمد حجازي وحسام حسن: “يوجد خطأ واقع على أحمد حجازي كان يجب عليه أن ينفذ تعليمات المدير الفني ويشارك، هو لاعب كبير وخبراته كبيرة”.
وأتم: “والخطأ الأخر واقع على الجهاز الفني لا يصح مناقشة التبديلات بقرب من اللاعبين، أنا شاهدت الفيديو عندما كان يتحدث طارق سليمان مع حسام حسن، يجب الحديث يكون بعيد عن اللاعب لكي لا تكون هناك مشكلة، يوجد خطأ من الجانبين اللاعب والجهاز الفني”.
It has been another abysmal campaign for Chelsea so far this season, and while they have a team full of young and promising players, they currently find themselves in 12th place in the Premier League and closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.
Mauricio Pochettino has endured a particularly bruising few weeks at the helm, witnessing his team get soundly beaten by Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle United in 15 days.
With no uptick in form on the horizon, the Blues might have to dip back into the transfer market this January in search of players that could help them turn their fortunes around.
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By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Dec 14, 2023
One of those players touted with a move is Club Brugge's Antonio Nusa, who the board will be hoping can replicate the performances of another exciting youngster who joined Chelsea from Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne.
Chelsea transfer news – Antonio Nusa
According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano (via Caught Offside), Chelsea hold an interest in and have been monitoring Brugge's 18-year-old sensation.
However, the Italian also confirmed that "there are something like ten top clubs following Nusa around Europe, not just Chelsea", which could pose an issue for Todd Boehly and co.
There has been little reliable reporting on a potential fee since the summer, but considering the young Norwegian's contract is set to run until summer 2027, you can be sure it'll be suitably pricey.
That said, for a youngster that football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "something very special", he might prove worth whatever Brugge demands.
Antonio Nusa could deliver Chelsea De Bruyne-esque performances
The first thing to say is that De Bruyne is one of the best – if not the best – midfielders to have ever played in the Premier League, and to expect Nusa to reach his level would be frankly absurd. However, his awe-inspiring performances in Belgium indicate that he could get close if he signed for Chelsea.
For example, FBref, which compares players in similar positions across the world's next 14 competitions, has the young "star", as described by U23 Scout Antonio Mango, in the top 1% for shots, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the opposition penalty area, and the top 4% for shot-creating actions, per 90.
His individual per 90 numbers are just as impressive as he has racked up 0.59 non-penalty expected goals and assists, 7.58 progressive carries, 3.23 progressive passes, and perhaps most impressive, he makes five successful take-ons per 90.
That kind of raw attacking talent – which has seen him post two goals and two assists in 11 league games this season – could go a long way in helping Pochettino stop the rot at Stamford Bridge, even if there will inevitably be elements of his game that need work, given his age.
Antonio Nusa's Underlying Numbers
Stat (per 90)
Nusa
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.59
Progressive Carries
7.58
Progressive Passes
3.23
Shots on Target
1.46
Shot-Creating Actions
6.65
Goal-Creating Actions
1.30
Successful Take-Ons
5.00
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season
Ultimately, Chelsea need some new and effective attacking players this season, and while the 5 foot 11 Nusa probably isn't going to have quite the career that De Bruyne has, he gives the Blues a second run at keeping an incredibly talented player from the Belgian league at the club.
The west Londoners ultimately let De Bruyne slip from their grasp after poaching him Genk as a 20-year-old back in 2012, although they could well atone for that error by snapping up another exciting gem from the Pro League.
Liverpool supporters have a hold on cautious optimism that the Premier League title can be fought for this season, with Jurgen Klopp's summer transfer work steering the club back on course after a turbulent 2022/23 campaign.
Some might look at the league table and cry, 'Liverpool are third, just two points behind first-placed Arsenal; the sole defeat came in the most contentious circumstances against Tottenham Hotspur – of course we can challenge for the title.'
Of course, this is true, but with only 13 matches gone so far, there is much work to be done and plenty more football to be played before a more crystallised league ladder materialises.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The notorious winter period will unleash an onslaught of obstacles for teams to weave their way through, and Klopp will understand the importance of remaining grounded until the new year paints a clearer picture.
The new year will also open the winter transfer window's shutter, and while Liverpool have impressed over the past several months, it would be wise to invest to ensure that the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City do not pull away.
Liverpool transfer news – Douglas Luiz
The player seemingly on the radar of all these aforementioned Premier League title challengers is Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz, who has been at the heart of Unai Emery's revolution.
According to 90min, high-flying Villa are determined to ward off interest from Arsenal, City and Liverpool for their Brazilian midfielder, who has certainly been among the standouts in English football this year.
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Pep Guardiola sold the 25-year-old to the Villans for £15m in 2019, while Arsenal failed with three bids in 2022; Liverpool's intrigue is more nebulous, though the Reds have made it clear that they will enter the race if Emery's side alter their stance.
Douglas Luiz's season in numbers
After just 13 matches in the Premier League, Luiz has scored five goals and supplied two assists; this is a stunning return for a holding midfielder, and an illustration of his growth into "the complete player", as has been said by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell.
Player
Club
Goals
Darwin Nunez
Liverpool
4
Julian Alvarez
Manchester City
4
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
4
Diogo Jota
Liverpool
4
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United
3
Luis Diaz
Liverpool
3
Phil Foden
Manchester City
3
*Sourced via premierleague.com
Of course, goals and assists are not the touchstone of peak performance for one of Luiz's role, but it's a pretty neat bonus that he has weaved impressive attacking intent into his skill set, having once been lauded for his "ridiculous" ability by journalist Sam Tighe.
As per FBref, the £75k-per-week machine actually ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 16% for assists and the top 195 for shot-creating actions per 90.
However, the ten-cap Brazil international has certainly not shirked away from his defensive duties while seeking to contribute to the attack, completing 89% of his passes in the Premier League, averaging 2.3 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries and winning 59% of his contested duels.
Why Liverpool should sign Douglas Luiz
Liverpool have been performing admirably this season and will surely compete for the Premier League title if their seasonal form so far is sustained, but to achieve this it is crucial that a player of Luiz's ilk is signed in January.
It might be tricky, with Villa pushing for Champions League qualification this term and under no obligation to sell, but if Liverpool were to meet the £60m valuation that has purportedly been placed on his signature to swat away suitors then it's possible that Emery and co could acquiesce.
Leon-bailey-jhon-duran-douglas-luiz-aston-villa
Klopp welcomed four midfield additions in the summer and has successfully re-energised the ranks, but this could be the move to truly rekindle the Anfield side's position of power as one of Europe's most threatening and ferocious outfits – capable of fighting for the biggest honours around.
While the Reds have enjoyed an exciting new-look engine room, Fabinho hasn't really been replaced after his summer sale and creative star Alexis Mac Allister has been utilised in an unnatural deep-lying role to compensate.
To be honest, it's hard to argue that it's not working given Liverpool's position in the Premier League, but replacing the former starring member has got to be high on the agenda for the Liverpool bosses.
Fabinho's Liverpool career
It was a poignant way to bow out. Fabinho had been instrumental to Klopp's Liverpool side for years, signing from Monaco in a £44m transfer in 2018, threading the team together from the centre of the park to resounding success.
Over 219 matches for Klopp's side, Fabinho posted 11 goals and ten assists and won the full sweep of silverware under the German's guidance, with the 29-cap Brazil international even dubbed "the best" holding midfielder in the world by Gary Neville in 2019.
The 30-year-old had undoubtedly declined last season and was even branded as "awful" by commentator Jamie Carragher for his insipid displays.
Unfortunately, he appeared to have run out of gas and his spluttering efforts typified Liverpool's woes as they foundered and finished fifth, missing out on Champions League football this year.
Having been so important for so long, Fabinho will have been disappointed not to end on a high. However, he can proudly state that he played a central role – literally and figuratively – in one of the most illustrious spells in Liverpool's modern history.
When Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad came calling and presented a £40m proposal in July, it seemed a no-brainer for all parties, and he made the move with the adulation of Merseyside's sea of red.
Liverpool have managed in his absence thus far, sure, but Mac Allister will fall asleep dreaming of the halcyon days in his favoured No. 8 role, and a move for Fabinho's compatriot Luiz could mark a natural continuation of the club's development.
Luiz is not quite a carbon copy, arguably more complete and refined in the ever-evolving modern game, and while Fabinho's defensive industriousness probably edges the Aston Villa star's, he could make a massive impact at Anfield as the perfect successor.
A desorganização do Palmeiras diante do Flamengo, nesta quinta-feira (21), no Estádio Mané Garrincha, foi pauta da entrevista na saída do gramado. Segundo o goleiro Weverton, um principais destaque do Palmeiras na atual temporada, o Verdão não soube aproveitar as chances criadas e esbarrou na dificuldade de enfrentar uma equipe qualificada.
> Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro
– Foi um jogo difícil, truncado. São dois concorrentes pelo título. Criamos as oportunidades primeiro, mas não conseguimos fazer. O Flamengo foi mais feliz, em uma infelicidade nossa. Aí, quem toma gol primeiro acaba correndo mais, se desorganizando mais – analisou.
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Além de destacar a eficácia da equipe de Rogério Ceni, o camisa 21 falou sobre a maratona de jogos do Palmeiras para justificar o desempenho aquém em Brasília.
– A gente vem em uma maratona e correr mais e correr errado é sempre mais difícil. Mas vamos continuar nosso trabalho, que está sendo muito bem feito.
Por fim, Weverton deixou claro que a derrota não pode ter influência no moral do Palmeiras, já que está classificado para duas finais.
– Estamos no caminho certo, é uma derrota que não pode nos abater. É continuar nosso trabalho, que temos muita coisa grande pela frente. Então, é ter tranquilidade, saber administrar bem e pensar no próximo adversário – finalizou.
O penúltimo compromisso do Verdão antes de enfrentar o Santos, pela finalíssima da Copa Libertadores da América, é diante do Ceará. A partida está prevista para este domingo (24), às 16 horas (de Brasília), no Castelão.
Peter Handscomb was immediately in the runs in the BBL while Sandeep Lamichhane produced another fine display to help set up the Melbourne Stars’ first victory
The Report by Andrew McGlashan27-Dec-2018Different format, different conditions, different bowlers, but Peter Handscomb produced a thrilling response to his Test omission as he hammered a 22-ball half-century to power Melbourne Stars to their opening victory of the 2018 Big Bash campaign.The Stars were chasing a modest 131 and Handscomb’s innings made it a long way short of competitive as he tore into pace and spin alike on an SCG surface where all other batsmen had found timing the ball hard work.Sydney Sixers limped to 9 for 130 against a Stars attack well suited to the conditions. The spinners, led by the ebullient Sandeep Lamichhane, took 4 for 62 from 11 overs between them and the slower-ball variations of Jackson Coleman and Dwayne Bravo, who both struck with their first deliveries, bagged five wickets.The result lifted the Stars off the bottom of the embryonic table and left the Sixers with two defeats following their opening-match victory against the Scorchers which had raised expectations.Peter Handscomb struck a rapid half-century•Getty ImagesSixers’ top-order worriesIt has not been a great start to the BBL for the Sixers’ top four, among whom Joe Denly, Jack Edwards and Moises Henriques are yet to reach 30 runs for the tournament in three innings. They got away with it against the Scorchers when a stand of 124 between Daniel Hughes and Jordan Silk provided a match-winning total. But, against Sydney Thunder, they slid to 6 for 56 which couldn’t be saved, despite the efforts of Tom Curran, and this time they were 6 for 70 before the last four wickets forged 60.That was largely due to Silk’s 41 off 37 balls. There was not much more he could do than try to see out the innings and he managed just two boundaries – one of them off the final ball – but he is the Sixers’ highest scorer so far. There could well be a case for moving him up the order.Another star turnLamichhane has made a terrific start to the campaign and now sits jointly at the top of the early wicket-taking chart. He was fortunate to gain Curran’s wicket as replays showed the ball was comfortably missing leg when Curran tried the reverse sweep, but the first strike to remove Henriques was all his own skill. A perfectly-pitched googly spun past the inside edge and slammed into the front pad to continue Henriques lean start to the competition.With each success – and plenty of moments in between – came a huge smile from Lamichhane. He is having the time of his life. As was the case in Canberra in the Stars’ opening match, there was a group of Nepal fans cheering on every move of his at the SCG. They even brought large cutouts of their hero. When Lamichhane went back to the boundary, he saw these giant versions of himself, gave another huge smile and an appreciative clap to the fans.Sandeep Lamichhane leaps into the arms of Glenn Maxwell•Getty ImagesHandy night for HandscombHandscomb was quickly released from Australia’s Test squad after his Boxing Day omission so he could play the BBL. A very sensible decision for all concerned. And he did not waste time making an impact for his T20 team. His evening started well with a superb piece of glovework to stump Edwards. Beaten by Adam Zampa’s second-ball leg-break, Edwards lifted his foot out of the crease and Handscomb timed his move perfectly to break the stumps before the toe was grounded.Then, with the bat, it all looked somewhat different to his Test struggles. He was making a far more positive forward movement into the ball, albeit against a very different attack than the one he faced in Adelaide or Perth. Still, it was a show of mental strength that he could move on from the recent disappointments and come out swinging – maybe it was even cathartic.Handscomb’s off-the-mark shot was a pull for six and he used swift footwork against the spinners. He plundered 14 off Curran’s first over, also tore into Greg West and was largely responsible for overs six, seven and nine going for a combined 52 runs. None of it meant the Australia selectors had made a mistake (although those who booed Mitchell Marsh may disagree), but it was a reminder of the side of Handscomb’s game that gets so many people excited.
Raheem Sterling and Liverpool. It was a brilliant marriage of talent and institution that ended on such jarring terms. With a difficult relationship with Brendan Rodgers, the club missing out on the Premier League title in 2014, and rival clubs circling – the Reds had to loosen their grasp on Sterling in July 2015.
The star winger had turned down a lucrative contract. Following that, he had an unsanctioned BBC interview. Then, he withdrew from preseason which drew criticism from legends Steven Gerrard and Graeme Souness. It was truly time to go.
The £44m five-year-deal, with £5m worth of add-ons, was one of few positives in selling a great player to a rival in Manchester City. Yet despite the then-British transfer record being smashed; Liverpool seemed to hold out hope for one youngster that could relight the metaphorical torch that Sterling had thrown (rather than passed) down on his semi-disgraced departure.
Step forward a certain Jordon Ibe…
Where did Jordon Ibe start his career?
Ibe had been at Liverpool at the same time as Sterling. Arriving at the same time too, Ibe showed his EFL credentials like Sterling had with QPR. Ibe turned out for Wycombe Wanderers in the 2011/12 season – and a goal on his debut made himself the then-youngest Football League scorer ever just ten days shy of his 16th birthday.
This sole goal in 11 games placed a big 'buy me' sticker on his back too and amidst interest from Manchester United, Liverpool eventually signed Ibe for just over £500k (€600k).
How good was Jordon Ibe at Liverpool?
Fast forward from 2012 to 2015. Sterling of course left for the Etihad, and whilst much was demanded of Rodgers to get a replacement – many at the club believed the natural successor was Ibe. Liverpool icon John Aldridge once even went as far as saying:
"Raheem is obviously a hugely talented player but Liverpool have a top replacement in Jordan Ibe. I’ve been watching Jordan play since he was 15. He’s a terrific player and has bags of potential. In fact, I think he’s got as much if not more potential than Raheem and will go on to be a better player." (John Aldridge via Kicca and BT Sport, 2015)
Unfortunately for Aldridge, the Anfield faithful, and Ibe himself – the 19-year-old couldn't quite live up to Sterling's standards.
He started with loans after youth involvement, effectively breaking into Brendan Rodgers' first team plan after a successful 2014-15 loan to Derby County. A MOTM performance in February 2015's Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park looked like the start of something brilliant.
However, Ibe's Anfield move was perhaps premature. Competing with top-class players in attack like Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suárez, and Philippe Coutinho saw limited runs of consistency. When he was given a chance, there seemed no real improvement in terms of goal contributions.
After 58 all competition appearances, four goals, and seven assists – Jordon Ibe moved on to Bournemouth for £15m. There he found a solid spell from 2016-20 – scoring five times and assisting nine in 92 outings – before moving to Derby County but at the latter, personal struggles would find the winger reevaluating his path.
Where is Jordon Ibe now?
Ibe played just one league game for County before he found his contract terminated with mutual consent.
After this, a Turkish move to Adanaspor failed to really take flight and with the pandemic – mental health issues that he'd tried to combat at Bournemouth with rehabilitation, resurfaced. In 2021, the brave 25-year-old offered a statement on his Instagram:
After some time away, where Ibe admitted he "lost passion" for the game he loves, Ibe – now 27 years old – looks to restart his career in the fifth tier of English Football with National League Ebbsfleet United.
Upon signing, he said: “I feel like the time out was to humble myself and get my mind right. I was speaking to my missus on the way to the game on Saturday and I said I feel like a kid again, going to football, because it’s been a while since I’ve put on club attire and gone to a matchday.
"It feels new but it’s not new because I’ve done it in the Premier League, so it’s refreshing. Not everyone gets a second chance but I’m lucky and grateful. This could have never happened and I’d be waiting for another club.”
The hope is that he finds that raw love for the game again at Ebbsfleet. Everyone's behind him.
Liverpool are believed to be in direct contact over a high-profile transfer for 2024, according to a fresh transfer update.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds have really clicked of late, enjoying a promising start to the season and looking like a very different team to the one that struggled so much last time around. A huge reason for that has been Liverpool's revamped midfield, with Jurgen Klopp clearly aware that he needed younger, more energetic options there after the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson struggled so badly when it came to covering ground in 2022/23.
Bringing in the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch has transformed the Reds as a team, making them look like Premier League title contenders, but that's not to say that further signings in other positions aren't needed moving forward.
Liverpool have surprisingly been linked with several attacking players despite their depth up front, from Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala to Athletic Bilbao youngster Nico Williams, and it would be a surprise if they didn't at least consider delving into the transfer market once the January window opens in the New Year.
It looks as though progress could be being made regarding another Reds target, with an exciting update emerging.
Napoli strikerVictor Osimhen.
Liverpool in talks with Osimhen
The Reds have been strongly linked with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and while Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed rumours of a pre-agreement were false, a new report from Calciomercato says Liverpool are in "direct" talks with the Osimhen's representatives.
His contract situation at the Serie A champions is up in the air at the moment, but should he decide he wants a fresh challenge, it looks as though the Reds are the most advanced in their efforts to convince the player.
The idea of Osimhen in a Liverpool shirt is mouthwatering, considered he has been one of the standout attacking players in world football over the past 12 months or so, even being compared to Didier Drogba by Jose Mourinho.
The 24-year-old was arguably the key reason for Napoli winning their first Serie A title in 1990, with Osimhen's statistics standing out with 26 league goals en route to glory, not to mention netting five times in the Champions League. He has been hailed as a "world-class" player by Folarin Balogun, too.
Appearances
39
Goals
31
Assists
4
While the Napoli hero would be a sensational signing for Liverpool, given the pace, power and prolific goal threat he possesses, it is arguably difficult to see them making a move for him, considering the wealth of attacking options Klopp already has to choose from.
The Reds spent a lot of money on Darwin Nunez and surely see him as a player who will only get better and lead the line regularly eventually, while Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota also represent great options, not to mention Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz out wide.
Given how much Osimhen would likely cost, it would make more sense for Liverpool to use those funds on improving their defensive options or bringing in an out-and-out defensive midfielder, or even eye up a big-name long-term replacement for Salah.
David Raya has revealed that Arsenal have worked 'a lot' on penalties on the training ground this season.
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Raya the hero as Arsenal beat Porto
Gunners stopper reveals secret to success
Arteta's side through to UCL quarter-finals
Getty Images
WHAT HAPPENED?
And that practice appears to be paying off, with the Gunners edging out FC Porto on spot kicks to reach the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night. With the scores level at 1-1 on aggregate after extra time, penalties were required to separate the two sides. And Raya rose to the occasion, keeping out Wendell and Galeno's efforts from 12 yards to send Arsenal through.
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WHAT RAYA SAID
However, when speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Raya was not entirely satisfied. He revealed that he felt he could have kept out Marko Grujic's penalty, which he got a hand to, as well.
"I should have saved three, but I'm over the moon to save two," he said. "We played a really good game from the start. We dominated, created chances and it went down to penalties. We've worked a lot on penalties this year and all the hard work with the goalie coach and the team has paid off."
He added: "This means everything. You play football for these kind of things and I'm lucky to be playing for Arsenal, to be in the Champions League and to get through to the quarter-finals. We're just going to enjoy the night."
Getty
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Raya's match-winning performance is further vindication of Mikel Arteta's decision to sign him in the summer and make the 28-year-old his No.1 goalkeeper at the expense of Aaron Ramsdale. Aside from his penalty heroics, Raya made three saves in normal time.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Incredibly, Tuesday's game was the first Champions League knockout tie to be settled by penalties since the 2016 final between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed wants to continue batting at No. 4 in limited-overs cricket.Sarfraz kicked off his T20I career in 2010 batting at No. 8, and had floated around the middle order without much success; his first 400-odd runs came at an average of about 25. It didn’t take much for head coach Mickey Arthur to convince him to bat higher up earlier this year in T20s, a move that worked immediately. The emergence of allrounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf to provide cover down the order has also helped Pakistan and Sarfraz make this move. Steady performances at that position could encourage the team management to push him up the order in ODIs as well, ahead of the 2019 World Cup.”I have been continuously batting at No. 4 [of late] and I would like to continue there,” Sarfraz said, as Pakistan prepared for the T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe. “We are basically trying to build ahead of the World Cup. If you look at the ODI side, we haven’t made many changes. Fakhar Zaman, Shadab, Haris [Sohail] who is back in the side, Babar Azam at the top, [Mohammad] Hafeez and [Shoaib] Malik are around. So we are settling and it is good that the team is performing and we are going in the right direction with the right combination.”Pakistan, according to Sarfraz, were wary of Australia – the third team in the tri-series – and the conditions in Zimbabwe, but remain confident of performing well. “Our preparation is good. We got a couple of days here (in Lahore) and three days there (in Zimbabwe) to train before the series,” he said. “We will definitely go with our best preparation, as in T20s no team is easy to beat.”We know Australia is a strong team and, although they have got many new players, they know exactly how to adapt themselves.”I have toured Zimbabwe twice, and on both occasions, the conditions were different. In 2013 it was grassy with some bounce and in 2015 it was slow with moisture. This time around, I’ve got to know that it will be colder and I feel the toss will be vital. So we need to assess the pitch to make our decisions. Overall, we are in a good position and hopeful of good results. But this tri-series is going to be tough and you can expect some competitive cricket.”Pakistan are currently ranked No. 1 in T20Is; Sarfraz said that did not add any additional pressure on them. “We actually don’t really think about being No. 1 or ratings. When we were not No. 1, we never thought about the rankings so all we have to do is to play naturally without getting into such details. I only urge the players to give their best and leave all other things aside.”The boys are backing each other and this is something that’s quite evident in the field. Even if someone fields well in the covers or at the boundaries, or has taken a good catch, they all respond to it and back each other up.”Following the T20I tri-series, Pakistan will play a five-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. Sarfraz admitted to being under pressure as an all-format captain, but said he tries to quell that with his on-field performances.”Obviously as a captain you are under pressure because you have to look around at a lot of things, but I always look to grab an opportunity to lead from the front. Whenever I get a chance, I try to win the game with my contribution. I am aware of my individual form and I’ve been working hard to contribute with both the bat and behind the wicket.”
West Ham United are now keeping close tabs on a "world-class footballing talent" ahead of a potential January transfer swoop, according to a report.
What's the latest West Ham transfer news?
West Ham are in the market for a new defensive midfielder in the January transfer window, with Football Insider reporting they are keeping close tabs on Celta Vigo's Fran Beltran, who is regarded as a specialist at pressing and defending midfield spaces.
There were indications the Hammers could also move for an attacking midfielder, with former player Jesse Lingard training at the club since August, however they have now ended their interest, and the Englishman is eyeing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
In terms of potential defensive targets, it has now been reported that David Moyes could swoop for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, but there may be stiff competition for his signature, with Arsenal also believed to be keen on the 19-year-old. Diomande is not the only player who West Ham and Arsenal share an interest in, with The Mirror reporting the two clubs could be set to go head-to-head for the signature of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen.
The winger only made his move to the Parc des Princes in the summer transfer window, but he has failed to find his feet in the French capital, after joining from Barcelona in a £50m deal, and there have been calls for him to be dropped from the starting XI.
Dembele has featured in all of PSG's last five matches, but he has so far failed to find the back of the net, meaning there is already speculation over his long-term future at the club, although he may be given a little while longer to prove himself.
The report states it is unlikely PSG would be willing to sanction a move so early into his career in France, but if he does become available, then the Hammers could make a move, with Moyes on the lookout for more attacking firepower in the January transfer window.
How good is Ousmane Dembele?
There are indications the France international could be a real upgrade for West Ham in attack, given that he has been lauded as a "world-class footballing talent", and a "magical creative winger who has few equals" by journalist Muhammad Butt.
The Vernon-born forward has experience playing for some of Europe's top clubs, namely Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and now PSG, and he put in some very solid performances for Barca last term, weighing in with five goals and seven assists in La Liga.
Soccer Football – World Cup – Group C – Denmark vs France – Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia – June 26, 2018 France’s Ousmane Dembele reacts during the match REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Not only that, but the former Dortmund man is also a very impressive dribbler of the ball, ranking in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, and the 96th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Dembele could help take West Ham to the next level, given the talent that he has at his disposal, and the Irons should continue to monitor his availability ahead of the January transfer window.