كسر فينسنت كومباني، مدرب نادي بايرن ميونخ صمته وعلق على إمكانية عودة هاري كين إلى صفوف توتنهام هوتسبير خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي العام المقبل.
كين سوف ينتهي عقده مع نادي بايرن ميونخ بنهاية الموسم المقبل، ولم يتم توقيع عقد جديد بين اللاعب والفريق البافاري حتى هذه اللحظة.
وورد أن نادي توتنهام يمتلك خيار إعادة شراء كين من جديد، وذلك في العقد الموقع مع بايرن ميونخ.
وكان مدرب توتنهام ، توماس فرانك، رحب بفكرة عودة كين إلى السبيرز من جديد وأنه سوف يكون سعيدًا إذا عمل مع ابن الـ32 عامًا.
أقرأ أيضًا .. رئيس جالطة سراي يتحدي ليفربول: سنهدي جماهيرنا فوزًا عظيمًا
وأشار كومباني في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “مترو” إلى أن كين يجب أن يكون واضحًا مع إدارة بايرن ميونخ إذا أراد العودة إلى توتنهام.
وقال كومباني: “إنه يمر بمرحلة ممتازة، وآخر ما أريد فعله هو فتح الباب أمام نقاش مختلف حول فكرة رحيله عن بايرن ميونخ”.
وأضاف كومباني في حديثه عن كين: ”الشيء الوحيد الذي أراه دائمًا مع هاري هو رغبته في الفوز بالألقاب وهو قادر على ذلك في بايرن ميونخ، هذا هو التركيز الوحيد”.
ثم أوضح المدير الرياضي لبايرن ميونخ، ماكس إيبرل عن مصير كين: “أعتقد أنه في سنه لا يزال يحرز تقدمًا كبيرًا كشخصية على أرض الملعب”.
وأردف: ”في توتنهام بالطبع كنا نعرفه جميعًا من خلال تسجيله للأهداف، لكنني أعتقد أن أسلوب لعبه الحالي في هذا الفريق، ليس فقط من حيث تسجيل الأهداف بل كلاعب وقائد في الملعب والتضحية بنفسه من أجل الفريق وهذا يظهر ما كنت أقوله”.
وتابع: ”إنه في سن يسمح له باتخاذ قراراته بنفسه سواء كان لديه بند في عقده أم لا، إذا قال أريد اتخاذ قرار كما فعل في توتنهام، فسيتخذه، لكننا نتمنى بالطبع أن نحقق معه موسمًا ناجحًا للغاية وفي المستقبل”.
As Alexander Isak edges closer to the exit door, Newcastle United are beginning to map out life without their talismanic striker.
The Swede’s choice to skip Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and instead train at former club Real Sociedad has only heightened speculation about his future.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
While Liverpool lodged a bid to secure his signature, the Magpies are already working on contingency plans. In Benjamin Šeško, Newcastle believe they have identified an heir to Isak’s throne.
A towering presence at 1.94m, the 22-year-old is equally capable of leading the line with intelligence and intensity.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal
Despite the club’s willingness to meet RB Leipzig’s valuation, the Slovenian appears to prefer a move to Manchester United – even in the absence of European football.
This has left the door open for alternatives.
One name is emerging as a serious contender – a raw but high-ceilinged talent who combines power, pace and composure in front of goal.
Newcastle looking at Europe's next powerhouse forward
According to TEAMTalk, Newcastle and Aston Villa are among five Premier League clubs interested in Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.
FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal
The 21-year-old Spanish-Nigerian powerhouse has taken Europe by storm since joining Porto from Atlético Madrid for around £15m last summer.
Aghehowa has scored 27 goals in 45 games, including six in the Europa League and two against Manchester United, evidence of his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
As per the report, sources close to the player suggest he is keen on a move to the Premier League, drawn by its competitiveness and global appeal. However, Porto’s valuation, a steep £70 million, partly due to Atlético Madrid’s 50% sell-on clause, may complicate matters.
Nevertheless, it’s believed a lower fee could be negotiated, with £50m-£60m having been suggested.
Why Samu Aghehowa Might Be the Next Šeško — Or Better
Standing at 1.93m, Aghehowa fits the same physical profile as Šeško. Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson described Omorodion as an “absolute powerhouse”, while also noting that he is the “real deal”.
Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto.
Crucially, he’s already proven capable of shouldering a club’s attacking burden, an attractive quality for both Newcastle and Villa, especially with the latter facing uncertainty over Ollie Watkins’ future.
Should Newcastle miss out on Šeško, Aghehowa represents a similarly ambitious gamble, albeit one with a potentially higher ceiling.
Benjamin Sesko
In truth, comparisons between the pair are as inevitable as both are towering, physically dominant forwards.
What’s more, both are under the age of 23 and represent the archetype of the modern target man: capable of bullying defenders whilst also possessing the technique to play in dynamic, high-tempo systems.
According to data from FBref, his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) stood at 8.4, with 11 goals scored in open play, and he averaged 2.5 shots per 90 minutes. But as promising as those numbers are, Aghehowa’s hold up well in comparison.
In the Liga Portugal, the Porto man scored 19 league goals and added three assists. Across all competitions, he notched 27.
The same data shows he ranks in the 75th percentile for non-penalty xG per 90 (0.43) and the 86th percentile for total shots per 90 (3.10).
In terms of pass completion, he’s even more efficient than Šeško, ranking in the 96th percentile (77.8%), demonstrating his ability to play quick link-up football.
Additionally, the former Atleti starlet is an active presence in the box.
Sesko vs Samu
He ranks in the 86th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (5.45), and, surprisingly for a striker, in the 73rd percentile for interceptions – testament to his defensive work rate.
Šeško, for all his finishing prowess, has a more passive off-ball profile. With Isak increasingly detached, training independently at Real Sociedad and unlikely to return without resolution, Newcastle’s hierarchy must make a call.
Wait for a Šeško U-turn, or invest in the next rising star before the market catches up?
Aghehowa might not be a household name yet, but neither was Haaland before his Salzburg breakout, nor Šeško before Leipzig.
The traits are all there: size, speed, hunger, and a fearless eye for goal. In the end, signing him wouldn’t just be a response to Isak’s departure, it could be a defining statement of ambition for the years ahead.
Gordon's new Isak: Newcastle leading the race for £50m Sesko alternative
Newcastle are faced with the unenviable position of finding an Isak replacement this summer.
أعلنت منذ قليل هوية الفائز بجائزة ياشين لعام 2025، والتي تمنح لأفضل حارس مرمى في العالم، والمقدمة من مجلة “فرانس فوتبول”.
ويُقام اليوم الإثنين، حفل جائزة الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور” في العاصمة الفرنسية باريس، ويشهد توزيع جوائز الأفضل، وعلى رأسها أفضل لاعب في العالم.
وتوج الإيطالي جيانلويجي دوناروما، حارس مرمى مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، بجائزة ياشين لأفضل حارس مرمى للعام 2025.
وفاز دوناروما بالجائزة عن الأداء المميز مع فريقه السابق باريس سان جيرمان، والذي توج معه بالدوري الفرنسي ودوري أبطال أوروبا، وكأس فرنسا، وكأس الأبطال الفرنسي.
وتم ترشيح 10 حراس مرمى للفوز بجائزة ياشين، أليسون بيكر(ليفربول، منتخب البرازيل)، ياسين بونو (الهلال السعودي، منتخب المغرب)، لوكاس شوفالييه (ليل الفرنسي سابقًا باريس سان جيرمان حاليًا، منتخب فرنسا).
اقرأ أيضًا | رسميًا | لامين يامال يفوز بجائزة كوبا لـ أفضل لاعب شاب 2025
وكذلك، تيبو كورتوا (ريال مدريد، منتخب بلجيكا)، جيانلويجي دوناروما (باريس سان جيرمان سابقًا ومانشستر سيتي حاليًا، منتخب إيطاليا)، إيميليانو مارتينيز(أستون فيلا، منتخب الأرجنتين).
إلى جانب يان أوبلاك (أتليتكو مدريد، منتخب سلوفينيا)، ديفيد رايا (آرسنال، منتخب إسبانيا)، ماتز سيلس (نوتنجهام فورست، منتخب بلجيكا)، يان سومر (إنتر ميلان، منتخب سويسرا).
وكان الأرجنتيني إيمليانو مارتينيز، حارس مرمى أستون فيلا الإنجليزي، هو الفائز بالنسخة الماضية من جائزة ياشين، عن أدائه في العام 2024.
وقال دوناروما بعد التتويج واستلام الجائزة من مواطنه المخضرم جيانلويجي بوفون حارس مرمى إيطاليا ويوفنتوس السابق: “إنه لشرف لي أن أستلم هذه الجائزة، أنا سعيد للغاية بجميع النتائج التي حققتها الموسم الماضي، لقد كانت رائعة”.
مضيفًا: “أود أن أشكر الفريق بأكمله وزملائي السابقين، لقد كان موسمًا رائعًا، أركز الآن على مغامرتي الجديدة، أود أن أشكر مانشستر سيتي، لدينا الكثير من الأهداف التي نسعى لتحقيقها، آمل أن أتمكن من تحقيقها جميعًا وتحقيق العديد من الانتصارات معًا”.
وأتم: “شكرًا أيضًا لعائلتي بأكملها، في أسوأ الأوقات، كانوا دائمًا بجانبيـ شكرًا لوالديّ وإخوتي وزوجتي وابني، شكرًا لكم جميعًا، لأن بفضلكم أنا هنا الليلة”.
The half-centuries from Kamindu and Asalanka ended up as mere footnotes in the game as WI won with five balls to spare
Andrew Fidel Fernando13-Oct-2024
Evin Lewis and Brandon King scored 74 runs in the powerplay for West Indies•AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala
West Indies 180 for 5 (King 63, Lewis 50, Pathirana 2-27) beat Sri Lanka 179 for 7 (Asalanka 59, Kamindu 51, Shepherd 2-39) by five wicketsBrandon King and Evin Lewis crashed 107 off 55 balls at the top of the order, to set West Indies beautifully on course to their target of 180, in the first T20I against Sri Lanka. Although the hosts’ middle-overs bowlers slowed West Indies’ progress, they were never in serious trouble.They had plenty of batting to see the chase through, and Sherfane Rutherford finished it off with a four off the first ball of the final over.Shamar Joseph was the most economical of West Indies’ bowlers, conceding only 27 from his four overs. Though King and Lewis later outshone them, Sri Lanka had two half-centurions too, in Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka, whose 82-run stand was the most substantial of the innings.King, Lewis blast the powerplayLewis struck the first boundaries, launching Chamindu Wickramasinghe for a six and four at the end of the first over, but it was King who made the greatest impression while the fielding restrictions were in play. King’s standard move was to run at the bowlers and blast them down the ground. So good was his hand-eye coordination, that he did it twice against seamer Asitha Fernando in the second over, before taking aim at the spin of Maheesh Theekshana in the third over.By the end of the powerplay, King had eight fours (some of them edged, to be fair), and 39 runs off 20 balls. Lewis, who had blasted boundaries off Wickramasinghe almost exclusively, had 31 off 16 balls. And West Indies had 74 off the first six.They kept swinging, and by the end, Lewis made 50 off 28, and King 63 off 33. The requirement was fairly simple after their onslaught.Shamar Springer celebrates his maiden T20I wicket•AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala
WI quicks strike earlyBy contrast, Sri Lanka’s top order had failed to prosper on a helpful surface, thanks in part to sharp bowling from West Indies’ quicks. Romario Shepherd caught the edge of Pathum Nissanka’s bat three times, conceded fours behind the wicket and then had him caught by the keeper on the third occasion, to make West Indies’ first breakthrough. Kusal Perera was then bowled by Shamar Joseph early in the following over.When Kusal Mendis was also bowled by an excellent quicker delivery from Gudakesh Motie, leaving Sri Lanka at 58 for 3, it felt as if West Indies were about to carve open the game.Kamindu may be good at cricketBut then perhaps it’s time to admit that Kamindu appears to know what he is doing on a cricket field. Having recently become the fastest batter since 1950 to 1000 Test runs, he produced 50 off 41 here in the shortest format, outdone in his team only by Asalanka who clubbed 59 off 35, Kamindu would also bowl two overs for 14, switching arms when necessary. He took the wicket of the opposition’s top scorer, King, with his left-arm spin, and collected figures of 1 for 14.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made no secret of the fact that he would like to see the club bring in more attackers before the end of the summer transfer window.
At the time of writing, Lukas Nmecha is the only attacker signed by the Whites so far, having joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg early on in the window.
The Championship champions have still yet to replace Manor Solomon, who returned to Spurs at the end of his loan spell last season, with a new winger to bolster the squad.
However, Farke is reportedly on course to land a new option to pick from in the centre-forward position, in the form of free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that the former England international is set to undergo a medical before completing a switch to Elland Road.
It currently remains to be seen whether or not he will be signed in time to make his debut against his former club at Elland Road in the Premier League on Monday.
What Dominic Calvert-Lewin could bring to Leeds
Above all else, Calvert-Lewin is a proven Premier League striker who has been there and done it in the division over a number of years at Everton.
The 28-year-old star scored 71 goals in 273 matches in all competitions during his time with the Toffees, as per Transfermarkt, and will bring experience that Farke does not currently have in that position with Nmecha and Joel Piroe.
Even when he is not at his best from a technical perspective, the 6 foot 2 marksman will also provide a physical presence in the number nine position for Leeds. As per Sofascore, the forward won 3.3 aerial duels per game at a success rate of 51% in the top-flight last term, which shows that he can hold his own against towering defenders.
However, there may be some understandable concerns about his goalscoring record over the last four seasons or so, as he has been far from prolific of late.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League career
Season
Appearances
Goals
24/25
26
3
23/24
32
7
22/23
17
2
21/22
17
5
20/21
33
16
19/20
36
13
18/19
35
6
17/18
32
4
16/17
11
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin has not hit double figures for goals in the Premier League since the 2020/21 campaign, when fans were not allowed in grounds, and only scored three times last season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.
This suggests that Leeds will need plenty of creativity in their side to ensure that enough chances are created to boost the English striker’s output, and a fresh report suggests that they could be on course to add a big creative threat.
Leeds have held talks to sign Championship star
According to CaughtOffside, Leeds United have already held talks with the representatives of Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.
The report claims that the Whites have already offered contract terms to the Morocco international, with a £50k-per-week deal waiting for him at Elland Road if he opts to make the move.
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It adds that the number ten has a £24.5m release clause in his contract with the Championship side, and that the West Yorkshire outfit are willing to pay it to snap him up this summer.
CaughtOffside reveals, though, that Newcastle United, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the 21-year-old playmaker, which means that it will not be an easy deal for Leeds to get over the line.
It is now down to the Championship champions to convince El Khannouss that a move to Elland Road is the best next step for him, and this report suggests that is exactly what they are trying to do at this moment in time.
Why Calvert-Lewin would love El Khannouss
Signing the Leicester playmaker shortly after agreeing a deal to sign Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer could make a lot of sense, because they have the potential to strike up a partnership for the Whites in the upcoming season.
El Khannouss is an attacking midfielder who plays behind the striker, as a number ten in Farke’s 4-2-3-1 system, and this means that he would be directly behind the former Everton man and tasked with supplying him with chances to score.
Leicester City's BilalElKhannoussin action
As aforementioned, Calvert-Lewin has not been in the best of form in front of goal in recent seasons, which means that it is imperative that the Whites supply him with plenty of opportunities to get him back on the goal trail and back to his best.
El Khannouss may have been relegated from the Premier League with the Foxes in the 2024/25 campaign, but he was still able to showcase his quality at the top end of the pitch.
The 21-year-old talent delivered three goals and five assists in all competitions for Leicester, per Sofascore, but his underlying numbers in the Premier League were even more eye-catching.
24/25 Premier League
Bilal El Khannous per 90
Percentile rank vs AMs & wingers
xAG
0.19
Top 46%
Assists
0.12
Bottom 35%
Passes attempted
43.85
Top 15%
Progressive passes
5.28
Top 14%
Passes into the final third
3.67
Top 10%
Key passes
1.73
Top 37%
Through balls
0.45
Top 16%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, El Khannouss ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of creative metrics in the top-flight, but was not rewarded with the assists that his excellent play deserved.
These statistics show that the Moroccan youngster is an attacking midfielder who likes to find his teammates in dangerous positions in the final third, with progressive passes, key passes, and through balls to cut open opposition defences on a regular basis.
Leicester City's BilalElKhannoussin action with Crystal Palace's Chris Richards
His creative prowess was on display for Leicester in their opening game of the Championship season against Sheffield Wednesday, as he recorded two assists and created three ‘big chances’ in a 2-1 win for his side, per Sofascore.
The £24.5m-rated talent would be a dream for Calvert-Lewin, therefore, because he has the creativity, the passing quality, and the Premier League experience to be a dream number ten for the striker to play ahead of.
Mark Viduka 2.0: Leeds have growing interest in "relentless" £21m star
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ByDan Emery Aug 13, 2025
Whilst it will then be down to the forward to make the most of those chances, the former Everton man will be delighted to have a player who can consistently tee him up for shots at goal.
استقر يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، على التشكيل الذي سيخوض مباراة الأهلي، مساء اليوم الإثنين، والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.
طالع | تشكيل الزمالك أمام الأهلي اليوم في الدوري المصري.. ثلاثي هجومي
ومن المقرر أن يتواجه الزمالك مع الأهلي، على استاد القاهرة الدولي، في إطار الجولة التاسعة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، إذ تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
طالع بعد ارتباطه بـ الأهلي.. رئيس بوجون البولندي يحسم الجدل حول التعاقد مع توماس توماسبيرج
ويتصدر فريق الزمالك، جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 17 نقطة، من الفوز في 5 مباريات والتعادل في لقائين والخسارة في لقاء.
وعلى الجانب الآخر، يدخل الأهلي اللقاء وهو في المركز الثامن في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 12 نقطة، من الفوز في 3 مباريات والتعادل في مثلها والخسارة في لقاء.
ويشهد تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام الأهلي، وفقًا للتدريبات الختامية للفارس الأبيض، تواجد محمد إسماعيل في الدفاع وعودة خوان بيزيرا بعد الغياب عن مباراة الجونة الماضية للإيقاف. تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام الأهلي
حراسة المرمى: محمد صبحي
خط الدفاع: محمود بنتايج وحسام عبد المجيد ومحمد إسماعيل وعمر جابر
خط الوسط: نبيل دونجا وعبد الله السعيد وناصر ماهر وخوان بيزيرا وشيكو بانزا أو “أدم كايد”.
Não raramente, costumamos definir o jogo de futebol como um duelo de ’11 contra 11′, como se as individualidades fossem o fator mais importante para definir o vencedor de uma partida. Vanderlei Luxemburgo, técnico do Corinthians, é adepto dessa tese e defende que o jogador deve solucionar problemas em campo sozinho, através do improviso.
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A derrota do Timão por 3 a 0 para o Botafogo, porém, deixa uma importante lição para o técnico, que sofre neste início de trabalho à frente da equipe. Diante de um time cujo ataque se baseia em movimentos coletivos, como a equipe de Luis Castro, a defesa corintiana sofreu e passou a sensação de passividade. O buraco, no entanto, é mais embaixo.
+ ATUAÇÕES: Cássio comete pênalti infantil, Corinthians sofre na criação e é amassado pelo Botafogo
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Marcando por encaixes individuais, o popular ‘cada um pega o seu’, a defesa corintiana foi facilmente envolvida pela saída de bola do Botafogo, que montou uma armadilha simples e eficiente para superar o 4-1-4-1 de Luxemburgo: atrair a marcação e passar a bola no espaço vazio.
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O Botafogo construía seus ataques com zagueiros e laterais praticamente alinhados, além de um primeiro volante como opção de passe mais à frente. O segundo volante, se posicionava atrás da marcação de Yuri Alberto, que apenas fazia ‘sombra’. Gabriel Pires e Marlon Freitas se alternavam na função, o que também confundiu a marcação alvinegra.
A ideia era atrair a marcação ‘individual’ de Maycon ou Matheus Araújo com o segundo volante, que aproximava da bola como uma ‘isca’. O passe seria colocado pelos zagueiros e laterais no espaço deixado pelo marcador corintiano, para o primeiro volante que se deslocava para o ataque.
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A sensação de passividade na defesa não foi a causa da desorganização, e sim consequência: o meio-campo, que deveria estar postado, sempre encontrava um espaço provocado pelos volantes do Botafogo. Até identificar e cobrir esse buraco, o time adversário já infiltrava com o primeiro volante recebendo o passe à frente. Não tinha como corrigir isso dentro de campo, de maneira ’empírica’, como Luxemburgo prega.
Luxa ainda chegou a afirmar na coletiva que não há problema com a defesa corintiana, já que dois gols sofridos foram de bola parada e um foi em transição ofensiva.
O discurso do treinador, fora da realidade, expõe a falta de planejamento da diretoria e evidencia a crise física, tática e mental da equipe, que vê a luta contra o rebaixamento no Brasileirão cada vez mais real.
Both sides unchanged after England’s emphatic eight-wicket win in opening Test at Christchurch
Andrew Miller05-Dec-20242:14
Why is Brydon Carse like Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2?
Big picture: The Basin revisitedTwenty-one months later, there’s still so much to unpack from that last extraordinary contest between New Zealand and England at Wellington. A packed crowd at the Basin Reserve had been invited in for free to witness one of the most extraordinary finishes in Test history – one that left even the vanquished James Anderson smiling at the absurdity of it all, after he gloved another bumper from the indefatigable Neil Wagner to traipse off to a defeat by the barest of all margins.It was the best of Bazball, but arguably the worst of Bazball too… utter commitment on the one hand to the cause of entertaining, engaging Test cricket, but – after enforcing a needless follow-on that loosened their grip on the game – the first example, too, of Brendon McCullum’s charges going “too far” in their exploration of the limits of attacking cricket. “We look at the bigger picture of what everyone’s enjoyed and seen here today,” Ben Stokes said after that loss. “It’s probably bigger than the disappointment at the moment.”Do they dare feel quite so flippant about Test setbacks anymore? That loss was followed soon afterwards by two further defeats from winning positions in the 2023 Ashes, and until their victory in last week’s first Test at Christchurch, England had won seven, lost seven in 14 previous matches in 2024. Seeing as Stokes had launched that match with another apology to his team for losing his cool during their 2-1 series loss in Pakistan, it’s clear that something has hardened in the interim. Now, he’s reserving his rattiness for the ICC’s over-rate adjudicators, which probably won’t get him very far on the WTC front, but it might just be a more galvanising outlet for his frustrations.And yet, what might have been had New Zealand held their chances in Christchurch? An extraordinary eight drops in England’s first innings mean the teams are probably all-square in the generosity stakes now – and given that five of those came off the bat of the “jammy” Harry Brook, it’s little wonder the rest of that match was one-way traffic.Brook’s 171 was a formidable knock in spite of the let-offs – and it hoisted his record in New Zealand to precisely 500 runs at 100.00. Now, however, he’s back at the scene of, quite possibly, his most domineering knock of all. His first-innings 186 back in 2023 began, much like last week’s effort, with England on the ropes, at 21 for 3 after Matt Henry and Tim Southee ripped out the top-order in the space of 40 balls. But for the rest of a truncated opening day, it was one-way traffic. Had the weather not lopped off 25 of the day’s overs while he was sitting pretty on 184, Brook would surely have surged past his double-century there and then, and – who knows – maybe that Multan triple-century wouldn’t have been his first either.New Zealand bounced back then, as they can now – and Kane Williamson’s ominous form on his return from a groin strain was hugely encouraging in that regard. But their flaws at Christchurch extended beyond their fielding lapses. Despite Devon Conway’s important contributions to that epic series win in India, he is averaging 21.10 across the past 12 months, while Tom Blundell’s form is of even greater concern. He’s managed one fifty in 25 innings since that epic Wellington win, when his vital 90 was instrumental in turning the tide.And then there’s the question of Tim Southee, into the final approach of his magnificent Test career, but so visibly the weak link in Christchurch as Brook and Ben Duckett took turns to take him down. Nevertheless, he still had his moments, particularly in that window of opportunity, early in England’s first innings, when the clouds had rolled over and the ball was talking loudly. England’s flaws against the moving ball, be it spin in Asia or seam and swing elsewhere, have not been adequately disproved in their uneven displays this year. If there’s a way back into the series for New Zealand, it’s surely to be found on a good length, and nipping back through the gate.Harry Brook gives the thumbs-up on his return to the Basin Reserve•Getty Images
Form guideNew Zealand LWWWL England WLLWLIn the spotlight – Brydon Carse and Will O’RourkeBrydon Carse’s ten-wicket haul at Christchurch confirmed what we had already gleaned from his formidable displays in Pakistan: England have found themselves a real contender here. His pace and aggression was once again unstinting, while his accuracy was barely less of a factor in his penetrative displays across both innings. His match haul of 10 for 106 emulated that of Ryan Sidebottom at Hamilton in 2008, the last England seamer to claim ten wickets in an overseas Test, and caps a remarkable resurgence following the betting ban in the summer that prevented his debut from occurring any sooner. His three-month sidelining may have been a blessing in disguise, given that he’s hit these winter tours with a freshness that Gus Atkinson is arguably lacking after his summer’s exertions, but the challenge of backing up last week’s efforts will be a significant one all the same.With a little more luck on his side, Will O’Rourke might have delivered figures to rival those of Carse. He’s not quite as tall as the much-missed Kyle Jamieson, currently sidelined for a year with another stress fracture, but he used his 6ft4 frame to wonderful effect at Christchurch, generating speeds in excess of 145kph to hassle England’s batters to a far greater extent than his match haul of 2 for 165 would suggest. Three of those eight first-innings catches went down off his bowling, and even with 104 to defend second-time around, he struck with his first ball to dislodge a rampant Ben Duckett, then came within a whisker of delivering Joe Root’s first Test pair. No-one was ever entirely comfortable with his sharp pace and bounce, even when the runs were pouring in the victory charge. A blank slate and a fair wind at Wellington is the least he deserves.Team news: Both sides unchangedNew Zealand have a few worries, and not simply their catching. A stronger all-round batting contribution, bolstered by big scores from Conway and/or Blundell wouldn’t go a miss, nor would Southee getting fully into his groove. Nevertheless, the hosts have opted for an unchanged side for this second Test, in keeping with captain Tom Latham’s assessment post-defeat in Christchurch that no major overhaul of their approach was required.New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham (capt), 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Glenn Phillips, 8 Nathan Smith, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Will O’RourkeOllie Robinson (the Durham version) has arrived in New Zealand as a wicketkeeping replacement for Jordan Cox, but it looks like it will have been a futile search for a valid passport. England named an unchanged XI two days out from the toss, with Ollie Pope having proved more than adequate behind the stumps – just as he did in similarly emergency circumstances against Pakistan in 2022. Factor in his vital 77 from No.6, and Jacob Bethell’s precocious debut at No.3, and England seem to found a handy balance in adversity. England have opted against rotating their seamers, while Stokes is expected to be fit to bowl after sustaining a mid-over back niggle in New Zealand’s second innings.England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Jacob Bethell, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ollie Pope (wk), 7 Ben Stokes (capt), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Gus Atkinson, 10 Brydon Carse, 11 Shoaib BashirPitch and conditions: Another run-fest in store?England may be forewarned after the placid conditions they faced on day one in Christchurch, having won the toss and bowled on an apparent greentop. This Wellington deck “is green, but I’m not sure if it’s as green as what last week was,” said Chris Woakes, two days out from the Test. With a brown tinge in places, it looks set to dry out further and is likely to prove full of runs, if the events of England’s last visit to Wellington are any guide. Speaking on match eve, Latham didn’t expect the pitch to turn, based on first-class games played this year.Stats and trivia New Zealand have won 23 and lost 21 of their previous 68 Tests at the Basin Reserve, with 24 draws. Six of those wins, however, have come in their last eight Tests at the venue since 2017, with one draw against Sri Lanka in 2018, and a loss in their most recent outing against Australia in February. Tim Southee, who has a maximum of two Tests left in his career, needs five more sixes to reach 100 in Tests, having struck two in defeat in Christchurch. Southee also needs 13 wickets to reach 400 in Tests, although that is as many as he has claimed in nine Tests this year. The Test will feature four of the top-five batters in the ICC’s rankings, with Joe Root and Harry Brook occupying positions 1 and 2, with Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell at 3 and 5.Quotes”Looking at the surface here, looking at the games that have been played here this year, we saw last year that the wicket took a little bit of spin which surprised us a little bit. Going by the games here, the Wellington first-class games, I think the balance that we’ve gone in with is the right balance for this wicket. We obviously have some spin options in that top seven anyway. We think it’s the right fit and the guys are looking forward to the challenge.” “”I don’t regret doing it. It ended up being a good game and we were only ever one run away from winning. It would be nice to be in that situation this time, and scratching my head wondering whether we enforce the follow on or not.”
تمكن فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية، من تسجيل هدفين متتالين، أمام النادي الأهلي، في المباراة التي تجمع بين الفريقين، الأن، ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز، لتصبح النتيجة 3-2 للمارد الأحمر.
ويلتقي الأهلي مع نظيره فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية، في الجولة العاشرة من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز على ملعب المقاولون العرب.
وسجل محمد أوناجم هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الأول، في الدقيقة 57، وأضاف الهدف الثاني اللاعب عصام الفيومي في الدقيقة 68.
طالع.. لاعب الأهلي يغادر مباراة كهرباء الإسماعيلية مصابًا
وكان الأهلي تقدم بثلاثة أهداف، عن طريق أحمد نبيل كوكا وياسين مرعي ومحمد شريف. هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الأول أمام الأهلي
Everton felt the excitement as they waved goodbye to Goodison Park and geared up for a new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, led once again by David Moyes.
But that excitement has been tempered by a frustrating summer transfer window, with the Premier League season now up and running and Everton still in need of a few more faces.
The Toffees were defeated at Leeds United in their season opener, and while the likes of off-the-bench debutants Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry illustrated the start of a new-look Everton, there’s no question that the performance was flat, and that it’s imperative that something is done before the closure of the transfer window.
Everton hunting more signings
Everton’s one-goal defeat at Elland Road left a lot to be desired, and it’s clear that the club need more sparkle going forward.
Grealish will be billed as one of the principal providers in that regard, but the Blues could do with a few more signings to assist the England international.
Though Everton need right-siders and perhaps another forward too, Moyes is considering a move that would bolster his central ranks, and he’s peering over the edge of the Premier League and into the Championship.
Well, according to Football Insider, Everton are now working on a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, though they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace in the race for the 23-year-old.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough
A move to Ipswich Town has already fallen through for the English talent, with a £20m fee agreed between the clubs, but personal terms proving insurmountable at the negotiating table.
What Hayden Hackney would bring to Everton
Hackney has completed 116 appearances for Middlesbrough since graduating from the club’s youth academy, establishing himself as one of the maestros of England’s second tier.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough.
An all-action player, Hackney is calm and composed when against the ball and sharp and intelligent when in possession, with his natural-born creativity allowing him to influence from the deeper fathoms of the midfield.
Last season, he started 43 times in the Championship, completing 85% of his passes and averaging 1.5 key passes and 6.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Such vast ground-covering performances would add much to Moyes’ Everton side, and the Boro star might even prove the perfect midfield partner to restore Grealish to his one-time level, having been untouchable during that final year at Aston Villa in 2020/21.
Jack Grealish – Prem Stats 20/21
Stats (* per game)
#
Matches (starts)
26 (24)
Goals
6
Assists
10
Shots (on target)*
1.9 (0.7)
Big chances missed
4
Pass completion
83%
Big chances created
14
Key passes*
3.2
Dribbles*
2.5
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
Total duels (won)*
8.9 (61%)
Stats via Sofascore
It was a truly remarkable year from the Three Lions star, one that saw him earn his record-breaking move to Pep Guardiola’s brood. However, Grealish has lost his sparkle over the past few years in Manchester and could rekindle that flame on Merseyside.
Everton aren’t blessed with the same depth of technical quality as Man City, but the Birmingham-born forward should have greater freedom to roam and make things happen, and with Hackney playing in balls from behind, the chances of a fluent system are only increased.
Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match
As per data from FBref, Hackney ranked among the top 5% of midfielders in the Championship last season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90.
There’s no question that he bears the range of passing and the athleticism to add a dimension to Everton’s midfield, thus providing the fleet-footed Grealish with a constant supply line from which he can work his magic in and around the penalty area.
Hailed by former Boro boss Michael Carrick for his “immense” performance against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup during the 2023/24 season, Hackney has spent plenty of time developing his skills in the Championship and is surely now ready to take the leap forward into the Premier League.
His long, calculated passing puts him in a different category from Everton’s current midfield crop, and he would be the perfect kind of deep-lying playmaker to restore Grealish’s X-factor and ensure the Toffees make it a successful and exciting season.
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Everton still hope to make a few signings before the end of the summer transfer window.