All posts by h79snht.top

There is a big task ahead for Daniel Farke and the recruitment team at Leeds United after the 2024/25 season ended with promotion to the Premier League.

The Whites lifted the Championship trophy at Home Park after they beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on the final day of the campaign, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Manor Solomon.

They ended the season with a staggering 100 points on the board, beating Burnley to the title on goal difference, and can now prepare to play in the top-flight next term.

The three newly-promoted clubs have all been relegated from the Premier League in each of the last two seasons, which paints a picture of how difficult it is going to be for Leeds, and Burnley, next term.

They will need to nail their recruitment to build a squad that is capable of following in the footsteps of the six teams that have fallen before them, which makes the summer transfer window absolutely vital.

Leeds need to land top-quality players who can come in to make an instant impact in the first-team, as they did when they once splashed the cash on Rio Ferdinand.

Why Rio Ferdinand was a great signing for Leeds

Back in November 2000, the Whites swooped to sign the England international from West Ham United for a reported fee of £18m, which was a British record fee at the time.

Although Ferdinand was only 22 at the time of the move, Leeds knew that they were signing a quality operator at the heart of the defence because he had already played 155 times for the Hammers in their first-team.

The English colossus made 32 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Elland Road, including seven in the Champions League, before he hit his stride in his second year in West Yorkshire.

Ferdinand went on to play 41 times in all competitions in the 2001/02 campaign and was named in the PFA Team of the Year in the Premier League for his performances at centre-back, which speaks to how impressive his displays were.

His form for Leeds in those two seasons led to interest from elsewhere, and Manchester United swooped in to sign him for a British record £30m in the summer of 2002.

This shows that the defender was a great signing for Leeds because he was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in his second season, as shown by his inclusion in the Team of the Year, and they made a substantial profit on him within two years of his arrival.

Leeds could, now, find their next version of Rio Ferdinand by moving to sign a new central defender this summer, amid reported interest in a Ligue 1 star.

Leeds eyeing move for Ligue 1 star

According to The Sun on Sunday’s print edition (4 May, page 55), as relayed by MOTLeedsNews, Leeds have sent scouts to watch Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi in action this season.

The report claims that the West Yorkshire outfit have made the centre-back one of their top targets heading into the summer transfer window, following their promotion to the Premier League.

It states that Marseille are looking for a fee in the region of £20m for the 26-year-old defender, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are willing to pay that much money for him.

The outlet also reveals that the Argentina international, who currently plays under Roberto De Zerbi in France, would be interested in a move to England, which should come as a boost to Leeds in their pursuit of the £20m-rated star.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

It is now down to Leeds to enter talks with Marseille, if they decide to press ahead with their interest in the Argentine ace, to wrap up a deal for Balerdi before any other teams enter the race for his signature.

If the Whites can get a move over the line for the Ligue 1 colossus in the summer transfer window, the right-footed titan could be Rio Ferdinand 2.0 for the club.

Why Balerdi could be the next Ferdinand for Leeds

As aforementioned, part of what made Ferdinand such a great signing for Leeds was that he was already an experienced player at the top level who could slot straight into the side.

Balerdi has played 161 times for Marseille, 124 times in Ligue 1, and has been capped six times by Argentina at international level, which shows that he has plenty of experience at the top level.

This means that Leeds would not be signing a young player with little experience in Europe’s major leagues and taking a big gamble on a promising gem, they would be signing a star who is ready to make an instant impact in the Premier League.

Balerdi’s performances in Ligue 1 for Marseille this season suggest that he could come in as an instant upgrade on Joe Rodon, despite the Welsh star’s solid showings in the Championship.

24/25

Balerdi (Ligue 1)

Rodon (Championship)

Appearances

24

46

Tackles per game

2.0

0.9

Interceptions per game

1.3

0.6

Duels won per game

5.0

4.4

Aerial duel success rate

65%

60%

Ball recoveries per game

6.1

4.0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Argentina international has made more defensive actions – recoveries, tackles, duels won, interceptions – per game than Rodon has on average, whilst also being more dominant in the air.

These statistics suggest that he could make an instant impact at Elland Road because he has already outperformed the Wales international at a higher level, which suggests that he could be an upgrade on him.

In March, De Zerbi described him as an “extraordinary” player and hoped that “big European teams” forgot about him in the summer transfer window.

This suggests that Leeds would also be signing a player who could be on the radar of ‘big’ European sides in the future, which could see him sold on for a profit further down the line if he is a success in the Premier League.

Related Better signing than Solomon: Leeds lining up move for £25m "machine"

Leeds United could land an even better signing than Manor Solomon by signing this £25m star.

Posts ByDan Emery May 2, 2025

Balerdi could, therefore, arrive as Ferdinand 2.0 as a proven top-level centre-back who could hit the ground running before being sold to a huge club in the future for a profit on the £20m that could be spent on his services this summer.

Celtic: champions of Scotland again.

On Saturday, the Hoops demolished Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice, Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah both bagging braces, as they secured a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title, and a 13th in only 14 seasons.

So now, even with an Old Firm to come on Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ focus has already, somewhat, turned towards summer plans, so could he snap up a “quality” new wide-forward?

Celtic's winger target

According to a report by Bréhima Diakité of Africa Foot earlier this month, Celtic are ‘monitoring’ Ajaccio winger Moussa Soumano, with Brentford, Leicester City, Leeds United and Atalanta amongst those also interested.

Soumano is just 19-years-old, his 20th birthday is coming up this summer, and he plays for Ajaccio in Ligue 2, scoring four goals and providing two assists for L’ours this season, with the Corsica-based club down in 13th, despite being in France’s top-flight as recently as two seasons ago.

Thus, could Ajaccio be forced to sell their most-prized asset?

How Soumano compares to Celtic's current forwards

Scout Mathieu Duhamel describes Soumano as a “quality” winger, adding that he is “capable of dribbling” with both feet and is a “promising player” who “should leave Ajaccio this summer” in order to “take a step forward” in his development.

Avradeep Mukherjee of Sports Illustrated believes Soumano would be a ‘valuable’ squad member for Rodgers, considering he can play both out wide and as a centre-forward, while the original report notes that he is valued at around €3m (£2.5m).

So how does he compare to Celtic’s current forward options? Well, he’s unlikely to usurp Daizen Maeda in the depth chart, considering the Japanese forward has now scored 33 goals this season.

With four Premiership matches remaining, followed by the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen, Maeda is still on course to break a few records, as the table below highlights.

Celtic players to score 25+ goals in a season (2004-present)

Players

Season

Goals

John Hartson

2004/05

30

Scott McDonald

2007/08

31

Gary Hooper

2011/12

29

Gary Hooper

2012/13

31

Kris Commons

2013/14

32

Leigh Griffiths

2015/16

40

Moussa Dembélé

2016/17

32

Scott Sinclair

2016/17

25

Odsonne Édouard

2019/20

29**

Kyōgo Furuhashi

2022/23

34

Daizen Maeda

2024/25

33*

*season ongoing. **season curtailed by Covid-19.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As shown in the table, since Henrik Larsson’s 41-goal haul in 2003/04, only Leigh Griffiths nine years ago has broken the 40-goal mark in a single Celtic season, with Maeda requiring seven goals from the final five fixtures to match this; it’s very possible.

However, Maeda aside, the other two positions in Celtic’s attack are very much up for grabs.

Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold to Stade Rennais for £10m in January, while Jota, who rejoined the club from Rennes in the winter, is set to spend the next few months on the sidelines, after suffering a knee injury against Dundee United on Saturday, joining in the post-match celebrations at Tannadice on crutches.

Meantime, Kühn’s form has fallen off a cliff since the turn of the year, Yang Hyun-jun, who’s currently sidelined, is very hit-and-miss, while Adam Idah is also yet to establish himself as a regular starter.

Thus, these positions in Celtic’s attack are certainly up for grabs, and Soumano certainly appears to have the talent to come in and stake a claim.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Similar to Maeda, as already alluded to, Soumano is comfortable playing both as a striker and a winger, while his £2.5m valuation would be a bargain, just as the Japanese forward was, arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos for a reported £1.5m back in January 2022.

That deal has proven to be a masterstroke for those at Parkhead – perhaps this could be the next transfer coup?

Related Celtic set to lose "fantastic" player until 2025/26 after painful injury

The Bhoys will have to do without one of their star men.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Apr 28, 2025

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk peeled away after scoring the late winner against West Ham United at the weekend and kissed the badge, effectively confirming that his story on Merseyside will continue beyond the current campaign.

The captain’s contribution put the Reds within touching distance of lifting the Premier League title: should Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur be turned over in the fixtures to come, gold will be secured.

Van Dijk, 33, has been engaged in protracted contract discussions with FSG over the past several months, with a breakthrough seemingly found in the past week.

An announcement has yet to be confirmed, but a two-year extension for the awe-inspiring centre-back is, by all accounts, sealed.

Related When can Liverpool win the Premier League title?

Liverpool’s crowning moment is surely only a matter of time.

Posts ByStephan Georgiou Mar 31, 2025

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah’s new deal has already been confirmed. The 32-year-old forward has been Liverpool’s driving force this season, surely a shoo-in for the division’s Player of the Year award.

Sadly, Liverpool have been luckless in trying to tie Trent Alexander-Arnold down to his boyhood club for the prime years of his career. The right-back has been sold on the dream of plying his trade for Real Madrid.

This is a terrible shame, one which will sit sour with the fanbase for a long time. However, Liverpool are already proving that they can overcome the painful setback.

How Liverpool are forgetting about Trent

Liverpool are planning to defend their incoming Premier League title by means of attack, attack, attack. This summer, the Reds are planning to throw down with the best of them and strengthen across a range of positions.

Getting Van Dijk and Salah’s deals done means such things can be prioritised, with several exciting signings – alongside the title – sure to ease the anguish over Alexander-Arnold’s departure.

Of course, Liverpool will need to sign a new right-back, but Conor Bradley has proved that he has what it takes to star as Liverpool’s first-choice.

Talented, athletic and more conventionally tailored to the positional berth than his English counterpart, Bradley, 21, is making headway, with The Liverpool Echo awarding him an 8/10 match rating for his performance against West Ham, completing 91% of his passes and winning six of eight contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Liverpool can cope with Alexander-Arnold’s exit; indeed, those in the Anfield offices may have been tacitly resigned to the outcome for many months at this stage.

Real Madrid are a greedy lot, though, and might not be content with just Liverpool’s Scouse-born sensation. Florentino Perez might actually have his sights set on another of Arne Slot’s prized members.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse Liverpool facing another Trent disaster

According to reports over in Spain, Real Madrid have their eye on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, billing him as an option ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report notes that he is ‘considered attractive to Real Madrid due to his quality’ and few would suggest he isn’t worthy of playing in the finest midfields around.

The shops might be shuttered right now, but Los Blancos are doing groundwork and might be buoyed in their intrigue after the player’s father publicly discussed the La Liga giants’ interest.

Given the magnitude of Liverpool’s transfer task this summer, it would be a detrimental blow to lose their midfield linchpin when some more punch needs to be added to the engine room anyway.

Why Liverpool can't lose Alexis Mac Allister

When Liverpool signed Brighton’s Mac Allister, they signed him for £35m. A recently-crowned World Cup winner and the midfield fulcrum behind the Seagulls’ fast rise to prominence, this was considered a bargain from those in the know.

An all-action, intelligent and technically gifted player, the 26-year-old was instrumental in steadying Jurgen Klopp’s ship last season, in returning to the Champions League, in lifting the Carabao Cup.

Now, in Slot’s system, he’s been the centrepiece of a looming Premier League triumph.

The Argentine has kept his level just so across his two campaigns in Liverpool colours, adapting to a different role under Slot’s wing while maintaining his quality.

Alexis Mac Allister in the Premier League for Liverpool

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

31 (28)

Goals

5

4

Assists

5

4

Touches*

74.2

57.6

Pass completion

88%

87%

Key passes*

1.4

1.2

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.3

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.3

Duels won*

5.9

5.0

Stats via Sofascore

Hailed as a “superstar” who “can play anywhere” by pundit Joe Cole, losing Mac Allister this summer would be tantamount to losing the glue that keeps Slot’s system ticking over.

Reporter Bence Bocsak has very neatly drawn attention to his far-reaching influence, having won the most tackles for the Merseysiders this term while also sparking more shot-creating actions than all but, you guessed it, Salah.

Liverpool have had ample time to prepare for Alexander-Arnold’s departure and indeed have a factory-built replacement waiting in the wings. However, no one plays the £150k-per-week Mac Allister’s role to the same degree.

He plays his football with an almighty fusion of combativeness and creativity, further evidenced through FBref’s data: Mac Allister ranks among the top 15% of Premier League midfielders for shot-creating actions, the top 14% for tackles and the top 4% for interceptions per 90.

Liverpool have much to get on with this summer, and though Mac Allister is highly valued – Transfermarkt record the player’s market price at about £78m right now – Slot and co will surely consider the drawbacks to cashing in on the central linchpin.

Make no mistake, losing Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid is going to be a bitter blow that will sting for a long time, but if the Spaniards swoop in for Mac Allister, it could unravel all the good work being put in at Anfield.

Related Gerrard 2.0: Liverpool step up £86m move for 'one of the world's best CMs'

Liverpool could soon land a midfield star who possesses shades of Steven Gerrard’s celebrated game.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 12, 2025

It might not feel like it at the moment, but the future is bright for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou may be overseeing a dreadful domestic campaign this season, which has seen them lose more games than they’ve won in the Premier League, but his squad is bursting with young talent.

For example, the sensational Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert look primed to battle it out to be Son Heung-min’s successor; Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel could be fighting to lead the line next season, and Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence and the tremendously exciting Luka Vušković could become defensive stalwarts in the coming years.

Finally, the North Londoners’ midfield could become truly special, with one of its future stars already having won comparisons to Jude Bellingham.

Spurs' future midfield

So, before getting to the player in question, it’s worth examining the two other Spurs players we reckon will be starting alongside him in midfield in the coming years.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

Now, assuming the team will still be playing a three-man midfield, the most defensive of them will undoubtedly be Archie Gray.

The former Leeds United gem joined the North Londoners for around £30m last summer and, despite just turning 19, has played a surprisingly significant role this season, primarily in defence.

In all, he’s made 19 appearances at centre-back, seven at right-back, five at left-back, three in defensive midfield and another five so short as not to make it entirely clear where he was playing.

However, while most of his game time has come in a back four, he is a midfielder by trade and with how incredibly well he’s adapted to what has been needed of him this year, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him become the “future £100m cm” analyst Ben Mattinson has claimed he’ll be.

Just ahead of the Durham-born gem should be Dejan Kulusevski, as while he initially joined the club as a winger, he’s since spent much of this season as an attacking midfielder and thrived.

For example, eight of his 20 goal involvements have come from just 16 appearances across attacking and central midfield.

Moreover, as he’s still just 24 years old, the Stockholm-born monster has time to get even better before reaching the age that most attacking midfielders peak, which, according to The Athletic, is 26.

That leaves one more starting spot in the middle of the park, a place for someone who’s been touted for a lofty valuation and has been compared to Bellingham.

The Spurs star compared to Bellingham

There are a few other talented midfielders we have yet to mention, like James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr, but in this instance, we are talking about Lucas Bergvall.

The young Swede has been seriously impressive since moving to Spurs in the summer, making 40 first-team appearances, and it’s he whom Mattinson described as “similar to Bellingham” in November 2023.

At the time, he claimed their similarity stemmed from the fact that the teenager “has the raw & technical ability to adapt to any role” in the middle of the park, something we have seen this season.

Bergvall’s versatility

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Central Midfield

24

1

3

Defensive Midfield

5

0

0

Attacking Midfield

4

0

0

Left Midfield

1

0

0

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, of his 40 appearances, 24 have come in central areas, five in defensive midfield, four in attacking midfield and even one in left midfield, helping to prove he’s the “uber-complete” talent Mattinson claimed he was over a year ago.

Moreover, on top of his five-goal involvements, the Stockholm-born gem has some brilliant underlying numbers from the last year, demonstrating his ability to do it all, akin to the Real Madrid star.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 2% for penalties won, the top 4% for tackles in the attacking third, the top 7% for tackles plus interceptions, the top 11% for carries into the final third and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, the Swedish phenomenon looks destined to develop into a world-class central midfielder and someone who could even blow past the future “£80m” price tag Mattinson predicted for him back in 2023.

Related Ange could soon unleash a "freak" Romero replacement at Spurs

The sensational teenager could be a game-changer for Spurs.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 8, 2025

A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope against New Zealand’s tired attack

Shashank Kishore05-Dec-2025

Shai Hope scored his fourth Test hundred•Getty Images

A depleted New Zealand attack – effectively reduced to just two-and-a-half frontline bowlers – was made to toil as a defiant West Indies rearguard stretched the contest into a fifth day on an increasingly docile Hagley Oval surface.Forced off the field on day three by an eye infection, Shai Hope returned with sunglasses under his helmet to compile an unbeaten 116. It followed his first-innings 56 and marked his second century in three innings, a seamless extension of the defiance he showed while stonewalling India for long periods in New Delhi in October.If Hope was the fulcrum, Justin Greaves was the anchor beside him. He reined in his instincts to play a composed, almost uncharacteristically restrained hand to finish 55 not out off 143 balls. His unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Hope was worth 140 as New Zealand’s attack toiled under the blazing Christchurch sun.Related

Blundell, Smith, Henry sustain injuries in Christchurch; Jamieson returns to Plunket Shield

Nathan Smith did not come out to bat and spent the entire innings off the field with a side strain. When Matt Henry left the field after the 35th over – later heading to hospital next door for scans – with West Indies 92 for 4, New Zealand may have hoped to finish off the game quickly.But with his bowling resources rapidly thinning, Tom Latham – already standing in with the gloves due to Tom Blundell’s torn hamstring that ruled him out of not just this Test but the next – was left to lean heavily on Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell’s part-time spin around pacer Jacob Duffy. On a surface that only got easier to bat on against the old ball, Hope and Greaves settled in and applied themselves admirably.Having begun with positive intent, Hope was tested periodically with the short ball, Duffy setting a square leg halfway to the rope along with a short leg and fine leg for the pull. Hope mostly swayed and ducked out of harm’s way, and on the rare occasions he was tempted into the shot, he did well to keep it down. He brought up his fourth Test century off 139 deliveries.Duffy employed a similar plan to Greaves, whose natural game is far more instinctive. But to his credit, Greaves appeared to take a cue from Hope, choosing restraint instead. He played only when the ball was at his body, using his height to ride the bounce and fend safely. While he was a lot more enterprising against spin, the fundamental of his knock was crease occupation.Justin Greaves played a composed knock of 55 not out off 143 balls•Getty Images

Hope and Greaves laid down the template for those who perished prior to their arrival. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell were put through a stern new ball test by Foulkes and Henry as they repeatedly tested both their edges in an engaging first spell. Chanderpaul’s propensity to shuffle across got him into trouble more often than not, and was out to a short ball that he inside-edged to the keeper for 6 off 45 balls.Campbell – out an over earlier – was taken out by Foulkes as he jabbed at an away-swinger with no feet movement as Bracewell took a superb low catch at second slip. In the overs prior to his dismissal, Campbell wore a blow on his boot as he smashed one back off an inside-edge, making him groan in discomfort. This may have eventually had a hand in his dismissal.Alick Athanaze never got going, and the frustration of being unable to score had him attempt a pull, only to be rushed into the stroke by Bracewell. He only managed to toe-end a pull to mid-on. And when Roston Chase fell in eerily similar fashion to his dismissal in the first innings – nibbling at a Henry away-swinger while being rooted to the crease – West Indies were collapsing swiftly and were 72 for 4.A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope even as New Zealand’s tired attack wheeled away in the hope of a mistake. That wasn’t to come, as West Indies took the fight into the final day even though hopes of scaling down the 531-run target they were set seem just a pipe dream for now.Earlier in the morning, New Zealand surprised many by choosing to bat on. Perhaps this was to give their bowlers more rest on a placid surface, considering the slew of injuries. Kemar Roach picked up three of the four wickets to fall, finishing with figures of 5 for 78 to take his wickets tally to 290.

Chelsea striker Liam Delap sung the praises of a Stamford Bridge teenager after the 3-0 rout of Barcelona, describing him as “so raw” but “so exciting”.

Blues breeze to victory against Barcelona in the Champions League

The Blues made a major statement by defeating Barca 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, leaving goalkeeper Robert Sanchez optimistic they can go all the way and win Europe’s elite competition for the third time.

Delap scored his first goal since making the move to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town in the summer, capping off what was a fantastic all-round display against the reigning La Liga champions, and the centre-forward was left impressed by how they executed the game plan.

The Englishman could be in line for a start on Sunday, courtesy of scoring after replacing Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, potentially alongside Estevao, who bagged the second goal in the 3-0 victory.

Indeed, the 11-cap Brazil international once again caught the eye, also creating one big chance, making three key passes and completing two successful dribbles.

Speaking after the game, Delap took the time to praise his teammate, who has now established himself as a key player for the Blues.

Estevao draws Messi comparisons after remarkable solo goal

It would be fair to say Enzo Maresca was also left very impressed with the Brazilian’s performance, taking the time to praise his fantastic solo goal, saying: “The goal Estevao scored reminded me of the one [Lionel Messi] scored against us in the Club World Cup. It’s very similar, the same action.”

With Sanchez of the belief Chelsea are the favourites to win the Champions League this season, the 18-year-old could be key to their success, having already scored three goals in the competition, which is more than any of his teammates.

Not only has the starlet been impressing at club level, but he has also continued to impress for Brazil, having scored four goals in his last four matches, which bodes well for the Seleção Canarinho as we edge closer to the 2026 World Cup.

Related Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"

Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Estevao for Enzo Maresca.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Perhaps Chelsea’s toughest game so far this season is penciled in for this weekend, as they take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but if Estevao is firing on all cylinders, Maresca’s side certainly stand a chance of defeating their London rivals and closing the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just three points.

Zimbabwe took a 233-run lead, and then prised out one Afghanistan wicket before stumps

Ekanth21-Oct-2025

Ben Curran notched up a gritty ton in 217 balls•Zimbabwe Cricket

Zimbabwe scored 229 runs and lost eight wickets. Afghanistan scored 34 and lost one. On paper, day two was a day of shared honours. In reality though, the hosts were left holding all aces after having bundled out Afghanistan for 127 on day one, and then converting a three-run lead to a 233-run lead, thanks mainly to a gritty, layered 121 from Ben Curran and a calculated (if not slick) 65 from Sikandar Raza.Ziaur Rahman’s 7 for 97 was a dreamy career-best on Test debut. He became the first bowler to take seven or more wickets via bowled or lbw in a Test innings since Imran Khan in 1982. Afghanistan batted for 12 overs before stumps and lost opener Abdul Malik to Richard Ngarava. Ibrahim Zadran got off to a start and was unbeaten on 25.On a day tailor-made for pacers, the proactivity of Brendan Taylor and the experience of Craig Ervine were no match for the reveries of a Harare pitch offering up-and-down as well as sideways movement. Taylor got an edged boundary through gully (over 41.2) and a chipped four through mid-on (43.3).Despite being decisive and even picking up a boundary to third from a semi-educated edge off a flashing cut and looking solid in defence, the right-handed Taylor fell to a vicious inducker from Ziaur, who then used his allies – low bounce and seam in – to trap the left-handed Craig Ervine lbw.Curran, at the other end, grew into a natural rhythm. One undeterred by being beaten and edging. Raza came in with his problem-solver hat on, walking down the pitch and shuffling sideways against the pace of Ismat Alam and Ziaur. He had nervy moments – like a chip to cover off Alam (50.2) – but overcame them while disregarding the threats posed by the conditions and some skillful bowling.Yamin Ahmadzai’s accuracy and consistency in a six-over collection, split across two spells between overs 38 and 56, saw two maidens, just 11 runs but no wickets. The Morne Morkel-esque Ziaur didn’t face a case of pretty figures. Alam created more nervy moments, especially against Raza, but also conceded more boundaries.Curran and Raza built their 99-run stand in 160 balls with Curran scoring 33 despite facing a healthy share of 72 balls. The clear roles and the duo’s commitment ground down Afghanistan, who had an upbeat presence at the start – with chatter and buzz from the keeper and cordons. Zimbabwe went into lunch on 214 for 4, with Curran on 79* and Raza 37*.The older ball, tiring bowlers and the fewer challenges posed by Hashmatullah Shahidi’s part-time bowling and Khalil Gurbaz’s awkward action, helped the two batters consolidate.Curran brought up his 217-ball ton off Shahidi’s flick and virtually levitated with open arms, a bat in one hand and helmet in the other, in celebration.Ziaur Rahman picked up a five-for on Test debut•Zimbabwe Cricket

Raza hit three fours off Sharafuddin Ashraf between overs 69 and 72, but then fell on 75.3, looking for the fourth, after top-edging a slog sweep to Yamin Ahmadzai running around from deep square leg to take the catch.Afghanistan took the new ball one ball after it was available and got it changed 3.5 overs later. Meanwhile, Curran hit three fours in the space of four balls that he faced. There were immediately more threats after the second ball change.Ahmadzai and Ziaur went back to what they did earlier in the day to first threaten edges and dry up scoring, and then Ahmadzai took Curran’s wicket on the stroke of tea. Low bounce and seam in was a culprit again as Curran was hit on the back leg and was out plumb lbw for a 256-ball 121 across 423 minutes.Zimbabwe slumped from 302 for 6 to 359 all out after tea. Ziaur came into his own against a helpless lower-middle and lower order as the final three batters fell for single figures. The carnage began with Tafadzwa Tsiga and Ngarava being lbw in successive balls.Ahmadzai missed the chance to run Blessing Muzarabani out. Perhaps that was because the bowling division of the cricket Gods wanted to watch Ziaur send Muzarabani cartwheeling its way back halfway to the keeper. Evans pulled through against spread-out fields and took Zimbabwe past 350 before Chivanga fell to Ziaur, thus wrapping up the innings.Muzarabani juggled jaffas with the odd bouncer to make Afghan opener Malik’s short stay a scarring one. There were two close shaves in the third over where the ball nearly took the edge – one against each batter.When Ngarava went after Malik with a less attacking plan of bowling short from around the wicket, an attempt to break the shackles was made and an aerial pull went into Muzarabani’s hands at deep-backward square leg.Amid lightmeter readings and some fiery pace bowling, Ibrahim seasoned a crafty little knock while Rahmanullah Gurbaz batted through to stumps. With the visitors still being in the deficit by 198 runs, an innings-win for the hosts is on the cards.

تحدث الإسباني، تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عن مباراة فريقه أمام أتلتيك بلباو ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراة قوية أمام نظيره أتلتيك بلباو ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ 19 المقدمة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، غدًا الأربعاء.

وقال ألونسو، في المؤتمر الصحفي والذي نقلته صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “إنها مباراة دوري كلاسيكية، ودائمًا ما تكون الأجواء رائعة، علينا أن نلعب بطاقة كبيرة وتركيز كبير، حان وقت التدريب الآن، ثم سنسافر”.

وعن الأمور التي يجب أن تتحسن: “تحدثنا عن كرة القدم، وعن الوحدة، وعما يجب تحسينه لنكون أكثر ثباتًا، هذا ما يهمنا، نريد كسر سلسلة هزائمنا خارج أرضنا ومباراة الغد فرصة رائعة”.

وحول كلمات كروس الأخيرة: “هو يتمتع بخبرة واسعة، وقد مر بجميع أنواع المواقف هنا، يعرف النادي جيدًا ومتطلباته، ويدرك أن هناك إجراءات ومراحل مختلفة، المهم هو كيفية التعامل معها، لدي ثقة كاملة بالفريق، وأركز على المدى القريب وهو الغد”.

وحول تراجع مستوى بيلينجهام: “أنا أراه يُبلي بلاءً حسنًا يومًا بعد يوم وهو مُتحمس، يُشارك الجميع شعورهم بعدم السعادة لعدم الفوز لكن هذا جزء من الضغط فهو يُريد مساعدتنا جميعًا ونريد مساعدته أيضًا”.

وحول الحديث عن رحيل لاعبين أو التعاقد مع آخرين: “أركز على الغد فقط، أركز على إعداد الفريق، لا يزال الطريق طويلاً فقد بقى أكثر من ثلث الموسم، وكل شيء قريب جدًا، وما زال أمامنا الكثير لنقطعه، هذا قد يتغير كثيرًا، نجد صعوبة في الفوز خارج أرضنا لكننا قادرون على ذلك غدًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | توني كروس يشيد بـ فينيسيوس جونيور ويؤكد: لا تترددوا في انتقادي

وأردف: “عدم ثقة الجمهور بي؟ نحن في مكاننا الحالي سواءً في الترتيب أو في كل شيء آخر نعيش تحت الضغط، ونركز على ما يمكننا تغييره، لقد تحدثت مع الرئيس (بيريز) أمس وكان في حال جيد”.

حول طبيعة كرة القدم التي يلعبها الفريق: “في كرة القدم، نبذل قصارى جهدنا لكن بعض المباريات لم تكن جيدة وهذا ما نريد تصحيحه”.

وعن سبب سوء أداء لاعبي خط الوسط: “بعد مباراة الكلاسيكو أو فالنسيا، من لديه هذه الشكوك لم يكن ليسأل هذا السؤال، لقد فقد الفريق ككل بعضًا من جودة لعبه ونشاطه لكننا جميعًا نلعب معًا مجددًا”.

وأردف: “تراجع مستوى اللاعبين في الضغط؟ اللاعبون يدركون ما نريد فعله وكيف يمكننا تحسينه، بدون تنظيم، يستحيل تحقيق ذلك وعلينا العمل على ذلك بالطبع، في المباراة الأخيرة، تحسن أداؤنا في الشوط الثاني، ولهذا السبب سنحت لنا فرص أكثر”.

وعن عدم مشاركة جونزالو جارسيا باستمرار: “كان أداؤه في كأس العالم مذهلًا، قد لا يلعب كل الدقائق التي يستحقها لكنه ذكي للغاية، ويعرف دوره جيدًا، ومستعد دائمًا”.

واستطرد: “الطريق أمامنا شاق على الجميع والحفاظ على كامل طاقتنا أمر صعب لكن يجب أن نركز على الثبات والتقدم خطوة للأمام وهذا يأتي من الشعور الإيجابي عندما يسير الفريق بسلاسة، يكون الوضع أفضل”.

حول أنباء اعتزال أراوخو لأسباب نفسية: “علينا احترام اللاعبين فهم ليسوا آلات، إنها مسؤوليتهم، إذا اتخذوا هذا القرار وكان لمصلحة اللاعب، فهو منطقي برأيي”.

وأتم: “سأعطي لكم مثالًا، لقد أمضى مبابي موسمًا كاملًا في مدريد، جميعكم تعلمون كيف غادر العام الماضي، كان أداؤه ممتازًا ولكن كما ذكرت سابقًا، لا يُمكن أن تكون الأهداف حكرًا على كيليان، فهو يُقدم أكثر من ذلك بكثير، القيادة والتأثير جزء كبير من العمل اليومي وهذا في غاية الأهمية”.

تعادل فريق نادي الزمالك مع نظيره كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي، بنتيجة 1-1 في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من عمر مرحلة المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

وأقيمت مباراة الزمالك وكايزر تشيفز، على ملعب الأخير بجنوب إفريقيا، ذلك ضمن مباريات المجموعة الرابعة للبطولة الإفريقية.

ويتواجد الزمالك في المجموعة الرابعة من كأس الكونفدرالية، بجانب كل من المصري وكايزر تشيفز وزيسكو الزامبي.

وكان الزمالك قد حقق الفوز على زيسكو في لقاء الجولة الأولي الذي أقيم في القاهرة، بهدف دون رد، بينما كايزر تشيفز خسر أمام المصري 2-1.

وانطلقت الجولة الثانية من المجموعة، أمس الجمعة، استطاع النادي المصري الفوز على زيسكو بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين في اللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب الفريق الزامبي. 

طالع.. فيديو | المصري يحقق فوزًا غاليًأ على زيسكو خارج الديار ويتصدر مجموعته في الكونفدرالية

وبعد نهاية مباريات الجولة الثانية من المجموعة الرابعة، يتصدر فريق المصري الترتيب برصيد 6 نقاط، يأتي الزمالك في المركز الثاني برصيد 4 نقاط. ترتيب مجموعة الزمالك والمصري في الكونفدرالية

1- المصري، 6 نقاط “مباراتين”.

2- الزمالك، 4 نقاط “مباراتين”.

3- كايزر تشيفز، نقطة “مباراتين”.

4- زيسكو، بدون نقاط “مباراتين”.

MatériaMais Notícias

A goleada por 4 a 0 do Corinthians sobre o Nacional-PAR, pela Sul-Americana, foi especial para Ángel Romero. Com os dois gols anotados, o paraguaio se tornou o maior artilheiro estrangeiro do clube e o jogador do Timão com mais gols na Neo Química Arena.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansRomero destaca raça paraguaia e manda recado para críticos após recordes pelo CorinthiansCorinthians09/04/2024CorinthiansCom Romero recordista, Corinthians goleia o Nacional-PAR pela Sul-AmericanaCorinthians09/04/2024CorinthiansRomero supera recordes no Corinthians e web vai à loucura: ‘É um fenômeno’Corinthians09/04/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! Corinthians no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Timão

Após a partida, Romero valorizou a postura do Corinthians e mandou um recado para torcedores que não acreditavam em seu futebol.

– Fico feliz pela vitória, a gente precisava depois do empate fora de casa. Jogamos bem no primeiro e no segundo tempo, tentamos sempre desnivelar o marcador. Feliz pela marca, trabalhamos para cumprir marcas, minha família está sempre acreditando no meu trabalho. Tem pessoas que não acreditam, mas tem que confiar em você mesmo, eu trabalho para melhorar todos os dias – disse o camisa 11 à ESPN.

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Romero não escondeu a felicidade por se tornar o estrangeiro com mais gols pelo Corinthians e citou as dificuldades vividas no Paraguai para valorizar o feito.

continua após a publicidade

– Feliz por ser o maior estrangeiro artilheiro, venho do Paraguai que é um país sem tantos habitantes, país difícil pela pobreza e por tudo que está acontecendo lá. Mas nós lutamos, sempre tem essa raça paraguaia, e hoje demonstramos isso.e sempre temos que batalhar pelas marcas. Fico feliz – concluiu o atacante.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas, horários dos jogos da Libertadores

O próximo compromisso do Corinthians será no domingo (14), contra o Atlético-MG, pela primeira rodada do Brasileirão, na Neo Química Arena, e Romero deverá ser titular.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansRomeroSul-Americana