All posts by h716a5.icu

Liverpool scrambled back from the fear of a Premier League upset on Sunday afternoon to extend their lead at the summit to eight points, following Manchester City’s shock defeat against Tottenham Hotspur the day before.

Things couldn’t be going better for Arne Slot’s side, who are the clear favourites for the title even at a point of the campaign when many observers would scoff at claims of title contention.

They say to judge the league table after Christmas, but it would take a dramatic nosedive in form for Liverpool to plummet below first place in that timeframe.

Anyway. The Merseysiders are not only competing in the top flight. Indeed, Slot’s squad sit atop the newly-formatted, 36-team Champions League group at the midpoint, but now face Real Madrid, who are in solemn need of three points at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

Liverpool's recent record vs Real Madrid

Liverpool’s recent record against Real Madrid has left plenty to be desired. In fact, it’s left everything. Two Champions League final defeats, two knockout stage exits and one beaten-twice group stage struggle, under Brendan Rodgers in 2014/15, have shaped the Spaniards into Liverpool’s most despised foe.

It’s going to be tough, and while the stakes aren’t quite as high as in recent years, there is still a burning desire to score payback and reinforce Slot’s incredible start to life as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

This is as good a time as ever to defeat Los Blancos, though. Vinicius Junior’s false dawn in the Ballon d’Or does not detract from the Brazilian being one of the deadliest forwards in the world, and it is fortuitous for the Anfield side that he has picked up a hamstring injury that will rule him out this week.

Of course, the flip side is that Kylian Mbappe will get his wish and move into his favoured left-flanking role. Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to training but may not be fit, meaning Conor Bradley may deputise once again.

Real have an awe-inspiring team of galacticos, but it’s not an infallible construction. In fact, Liverpool have some stars of their own would could walk right into the La Liga giants’ 11.

Mohamed Salah being one, for the 32-year-old is probably the best forward in the world right now, with 12 goals and ten assists from 18 matches in all competitions and an insatiable hunger for the biggest prizes.

He’s not the only one, though, with Ryan Gravenberch enjoying a spectacular season. Believe it or not, the Dutchman might just have hit the level that would see him establish a nailed-down starting berth at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Liverpool star who'd be perfect for Carlo's Real Madrid

Liverpool signed Bayern Munich’s Gravenberch for a £34m fee in August 2023 in what proved to be Klopp’s final transfer move as the Anfield side’s manager.

He only managed 13 Premier League starts last season but has gone from strength to strength under Slot’s wing, levelling up and maturing a skillset that was blessed with patent quality but lacking in temperament and direction.

Yet to miss a minute in the top flight this term, the many-faceted qualities of this burgeoning midfielder have seen him rise to the fore, and he might just be the perfect piece for this Real Madrid team. After all, he’s actually outshining the La Liga side’s first-choice middleman Aurelien Tchouameni.

Matches (starts)

12 (12)

10 (10)

Goals

0

0

Assists

1

0

Touches*

76.3

76.6

Pass completion

89%

93%

Key passes*

0.6

0.3

Dribbles*

1.1

0.3

Ball recoveries*

5.7

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

3.7

4.3

Total duels (won)*

5.8 (65%)

4.9 (63%)

The respective anchors are both clearly at the top of their game, but Gravenberch, praised by Steve Nicol for his “sensational” form, is proving to be more active, mobile and combative, on the whole.

Tchouameni yields a slightly higher average in regard to his tackling and intercepting numbers, while he is also the crisper passer, but this latter metric is upheld through the ceding of creativity, something that Gravenberch excels in, with double the key pass creation rate and a far superior ball-carrying average.

Ancelotti’s tactical identity is steeped in ball retention but also fast transitional play and flexibility. It’s a well-known fact that, in a world of tactical sagaciousness, Don Carlo employs a looser, less scripted style.

Gravenberch has demonstrated his dynamism and then some this season, slotting into a deeper-sitting, more defence-focused midfield role that has seen him breaking away from the confines of up-and-down prospect to superstar. Football scout Miguel Ruiz has recently pronounced the Dutchman as “the linchpin” of Liverpool’s engine room.

Not only is Gravenberch outstripping Tchouameni, but statistical analysis conducted by FBref has seen him likened to the versatile Federico Valverde too, only deepening the claim that this might be the perfect midfielder for Ancelotti’s Real team.

Ranking among the top 6% of Champions League midfielders this season for pass completion and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90 (FBref), the £150k-per-week talent could truly be the difference-maker, controlling and nullifying Liverpool’s opponents.

Naturally, his performances for the Reds this season have led to rogue transfer rumours surfacing that the Spaniards are interested in completing a deal in 2025, but you’d have to say that FSG would demand astronomical figures.

In any case, he’ll be one to watch under the European lights.

He's like Saka: Liverpool looking to sign incredible £85m Salah replacement

Mohamed Salah appears to be pushing for a new contract at Liverpool, but FSG have a replacement in the works.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 26, 2024

Bayern Munich's 125-year anniversary celebrations were spoiled by Bochum, who completed a sensational comeback to win 3-2 at the Allianz Arena.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Kompany makes 10 changes from midweekPahlinha red card undoes momentum of Gueirrero braceBochum win away at Bayern for first time in 33 yearsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE

Vincent Kompany had one eye on Tuesday's Champions League til against title rivals Bayer Leverkusen, making 10 changes for the visit of relegation-battling Bochum.

That decision looked sensible enough after 28 minutes, as Raphael Gueirrero scored twice either side of a Serge Gnabry miss from the penalty spot. The Portuguese rifled home a loose ball in the opposition box to open the scoring on 14 minutes, before doubling the lead in the 28th with a headed finish. Gnabry, covering for usual penalty taker Harry Kane, struck the woodwork from 12 yards out.

Bochum forced their way back into the game within three minutes. Jakov Medic marked his first Bundesliga with a thunderous effort. The momentum was firmly with the visitors as Joao Palhinha was dismissed for a studs up challenge minutes before the break.

Ibrahima Sissoko nodded the game level in the 51st minute and the visitors completed their stunning comeback 20 minutes later when Matus Bero slid a cool finish past the debuting Jonas Urbig in the Bayern goal. Kompany called on the cavalry, sending superstars like Kane and Jamal Musiala into the fray. Even with their best attackers on the field, the Bavarian giants couldn't break Die Unabsteigbaren's rearguard action.

AdvertisementDID YOU KNOW?

This is Bochum's first win away at Bayern since the 1991-92 season. Gnabry's penalty miss is Bayern's first miss from 12 yards out this season. Their previous 12 spot kicks were taken and scored by Kane.

AFPTHE MVP

Timo Horn, Bochum's keeper, made three saves on the day, but he gets the nod for one parry in particular. Musiala's point-blank header in the 79th-minute seemed destined to find the net, until Horn's hand tipped the effort onto the crossbar.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPTHE BIG LOSER

It's hard to look past Palhinha. The midfielder has struggled for form and fitness since finally making the move to Bavaria this summer. In just his 12th appearance of the season, his reckless challenge will do little to move him up the pecking order in Bayern's engine room.

Arsenal are set to enjoy a quick turnaround after Sunday's taxing clash with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as they now face cup action with a trip to Brentford.

Although on paper it marks another gruelling outing for Mikel Arteta's men to face, their task has been made slightly easier by Everton of all teams, who showcased the fragility of Thomas Frank's team with a battling win at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday. Given they were a side who lost just two home games in the whole of last season, perhaps they will not be so unbeatable again this year.

However, this is a notion that the Gunners will have to work for, with the Bees always willing to provide a workmanlike challenge to whomever they face.

Fortunately, a bright start to the new campaign for the visitors suggests they will rise to the challenge, as they find themselves fifth in the Premier League table having yet to taste defeat. Then, as they kickstarted a new Champions League term, they would run riot as the Emirates played host to the 4-0 demolition of PSV Eindhoven.

With their Spanish manager surely seeking to win every competition available, it is unlikely that he will dismiss the EFL Cup. So, with changes expected, the side will still remain strong.

Who could start for Arsenal vs Brentford?

The only issue that arises regarding Arteta's potential squad selection is the speed with which they have been asked to prepare for the latest game, with tonight's clash marking their third fixture in just seven days' time.

As such, some of their stars simply must be rested, whilst there are also numerous injuries to contend with.

Gabriel Martinelli missed the weekend's north London derby due to a hamstring complaint, but it was noted that he was touch and go in the run-up. Although the Brazilian could be fit, it is unlikely he will be risked.

Another absentee from that match was Leandro Trossard, who "felt a muscle tightness" in training before, as Arteta noted. Again, he is one unlikely to be risked.

Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka actually started the game but had to be withdrawn due to separate injuries. Their manager would even suggest that the latter could miss their match with AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, noting: "He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field, which is never a good sign as well. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session."

22/23 – Brighton and Hove Albion

Third

1-3

21/22 – Liverpool

Semi-Finals

0-0 & 0-2

20/21 – Manchester City

Quarter Finals

1-4

19/20 – Liverpool

Fourth

5-5 (9-10 pens)

18/19 – Tottenham Hotspur

Quarter Finals

0-2

With a true selection headache to contend with, as well as a floodlit ground synonymous with statement victories over the last 12 months, Arsenal will not have it easy as they seek to kickstart a cup run.

How good has Bukayo Saka been this season?

That absence of Saka could prove to be a true hammer blow for the Gunners, who have relied heavily on the exploits of the England international this season.

In fact, such is his importance and ever-presence within the side, their draw with Spurs marked the 86th consecutive league appearance for the 22-year-old, a club record.

And it should come as no surprise to note why, given last term saw him finish on 14 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League alone, with his dynamic exploits down the right flank very nearly spearheading them to a first title since 2004.

Despite falling painfully short, he is set to emulate such blistering form again this year, having already scored four and assisted four across eight games in all competitions, even marking his Champions League debut with a goal and an assist.

There is little Saka cannot do, and as such the winger has been lauded by many. Arteta has been particularly effusive in his praise for a man who lives his life devoted to winning: "He sets himself new targets and new demands year by year. He seems to complete those because he is extremely hungry and willing to learn and improve.

"He wants to be the player that decides games every three days. He's a very focused boy and does everything right – the way he prepares himself, the way he trains, the way he lives his life."

To potentially be without such an outstanding star marks a tough challenge for the staff to contend with, but fortunately in Reiss Nelson, they have an alternative who is more than capable of stepping up in moments of need.

How good is Reiss Nelson?

After all, some of the club's brightest moments last campaign came courtesy of the 23-year-old, with captain Martin Odegaard even naming his late winner at home to AFC Bournemouth as the Norwegian's best memory in an Arsenal shirt thus far.

Although chances were limited throughout that term, with the £100k-per-week livewire failing to make a single league start, when handed an opportunity he often took it.

For example, as Saka was forced off in last season's win over Nottingham Forest, the Hale End graduate filled his boots with ease, scoring twice and assisting another to complete the 5-0 rout.

A former teammate of his, Alex Iwobi, actually sought to praise the mindset that allows the former Feyenoord loanee to thrive despite a lack of starting opportunities: "He was a joke in training,” the Nigeria midfielder told The Beautiful Game Podcast. “He used to do bare tricks, sometimes they’d say to him ‘Reiss it’s only three touch’ and he’d still be twisting up man but still creating a chance.

"I think before we played them and he wasn’t even playing, he was just chilling, and I have to respect that, every time he’s come on to play he’s delivered, I think he’s been the most impactful sub this season, so I have to give it to him.

“For someone to be able to do that and not be playing regularly, to have that elite mindset to know that you’re going into a game and I’m going to do my thing and make sure I help the team win, I have to rate it.”

Now surely set to be handed a chance to shine by Arteta, the 5 foot 9 maverick could stamp a true first-team claim by starring in the absence of all of their key figures.

The former Pakistan legspinner signed a one-month contract with Cricket West Indies, after which he is likely to return as head coach at the NCA in Lahore

Umar Farooq08-May-2018Former Pakistan legspinner Mushtaq Ahmed has signed a one-month contract as West Indies’ spin-bowling coach.Mushtaq’s contract with the PCB as the National Cricket Academy head coach ended last month and the extension takes effect from July, allowing him to take up the role with Cricket West Indies.”It’s a privilege to work with the West Indies cricket team,” Mushtaq told ESPNcricinfo. “They have produced many greatest cricketers and I have wonderful memories playing against a few in the 90s. They probably are not the same force in the world cricket at this stage but they still have a consistent pipeline of exceptional cricketers coming in the system. It’s a short contract but still a month-long deal is ample enough for me to create a difference.”Mushtaq, 47, had also spent 18 months with Pakistan as bowling coach between 2016 and 2017. Azhar Mahmood, who was recently appointed Pakistan’s bowling coach, had first been brought on as a temporary replacement for Mushtaq for the Asia Cup in February 2016. He then worked along with Mushtaq at the World T20.Mushtaq had also worked with England as a spin-bowling consultant in the past.ESPNcricinfo understands that Mushtaq’s contract renewal with PCB remained uncertain until last week, because the board was contemplating roping in former Pakistan offspinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Amid this, Mushtaq was considered by Sri Lanka for the position of spin-bowling coach but then signed with West Indies after Sri Lanka went with a local coach.He is likely to resume working at the NCA after this short assignment.

It's fair to say that Arsenal weren't scared to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, welcoming the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in big-money moves.

So far, it has paid off for Mikel Arteta and co, too, who have remained unbeaten in four Premier League games, with their biggest win coming most-recently against Manchester United.

The Gunners will be hoping to go one better than last season by winning the league title in the current campaign, and after securing much-needed reinforcements in the summer window, they have already turned their attention towards January moves, according to reports. Reports suggest that the North London side have placed one particular player at the top of their priority list.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

In total, during the summer, Arsenal spent a reported €235m (£201m) on incomings, hoping to avoid wasting what could be a golden next few years under Arteta. The Gunners came so close to the ultimate glory, only to be pipped to the post by a treble-winning Manchester City side. As things stand, too, Pep Guardiola's side are on course to become the first side in history to win four consecutive Premier League titles, sitting top after four games.

Attempting to bridge that gap in quality, Arsenal have already turned their attention towards the January window. According to reports in Spain, the North London club have placed Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi at the top of their wishlist, and are considering the option of triggering his €60m (£59m) release clause in the winter transfer window.

After splashing out to sign Rice for a reported £105m in the summer window, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Arteta and co push on and sign Zubimendi in January, in what could be the final piece to the title-winning puzzle in the Premier League.

Should Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi?

Even though they signed Rice in the summer, as mentioned, you can never have too much quality in the Premier League, especially when you're competing in the Champions League on top of that.

Possible title rivals Liverpool have already shown the Gunners how a January arrival can push them onto that next level to catch City too, signing Virgil van Dijk in the winter window. From Arsenal's perspective, they'll just be hoping that, if they pursue the signature of Zubimendi, he goes onto have a similar impact.

At his best for Sociedad, the 24-year-old has earned plenty of praise, including from Barcelona manager Xavi, who said, via Sportskeeda: "He is more physical and faster than Busi, who is better technically. But it’s not just Zubimendi, it’s all the players in midfield."

Statistically speaking, it's clear that Zumimendi would be a solid acquisition at The Emirates. According to FBref, the Spaniard is in the top 83 percentile for clearances per 90, and the top 85 percentile for aerial duels won per 90, perhaps handing Arsenal a more combative midfielder than current options.

When January comes around, Arsenal look set to be a side to keep an eye on, as they hope to improve even further under Arteta.

One returning franchise is already dominating the conversation this IPL, and now it’s time for the other to come up on stage and say what’s up

The Preview by Alagappan Muthu08-Apr-20184:11

Agarkar: Sunrisers need Pandey, Pathan, Hooda to step up

Big pictureOne returning franchise is already dominating the conversation this IPL, and now it’s time for the other to come up on stage and say what’s up. But before all that, Rajasthan Royals might just want to check that Chennai Super Kings haven’t used up all of the re-beginners’ luck. The only player they retained ahead of the auction is no longer available. Their biggest buy – worth USD 1.9 million – is nursing a back injury. And their new captain is a bit of a rookie.Of course, Steven Smith’s loss is more than compensated by the fact that their opposition Sunrisers Hyderabad can’t play David Warner. Ben Stokes forgets pain when his team needs him; two weeks ago, he batted for longer than the length of a full T20 game. And Ajinkya Rahane has been India’s vice-captain for a good while. He is also intimately familiar with the Royals system. So they should be feeling pretty good about themselves. At least until Rashid Khan does his thing. He shattered the record for fastest to 100 ODI wickets recently and considering an unknown wristspinner is already making headlines, expect more magic. Bowling has always been Sunrisers’ strength in the IPL. This season, it it looks all the more important.Rashid Khan has bowled a total of 39 balls to Royals’ batsmen, but has dismissed them thrice while conceding less than a run a ball•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe likely XIsSunrisers Hyderabad: 1 Alex Hales, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Deepak Hooda, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Siddarth Kaul, 11 Sandeep SharmaRajasthan Royals: 1 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 2 Rahul Tripathi, 3 Sanju Samson (wk), 4 Heinrich Klaasen, 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler, 7 Stuart Binny, 8 Ankit Sharma/K Gowtham, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Dhawal Kulkarni, 11 Jaydev UnadkatStrategy punt Sunrisers should forget about the theory of not bowling into a left-hander’s hitting arc and use Rashid against Stokes. The head-to-head in T20 cricket reads seven balls, nine runs and two wickets. 1:49

Power-packed batting, plenty of death bowlers

Stats that matter Rahane will be wary of the bowlers Sunrisers have. He has only made 191 runs off 208 balls against them. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, in particular, has taken him out six times – three times more than anyone else in the IPL. Kane Williamson has a T20 strike rate of 192 against the bowlers in the Royals roster. He’s made 73 runs off 38 balls, losing his wicket only once. Forty-two of them have come off Stokes, at a strike-rate of 210. Alex Hales has lost his wicket to spinners 20 times in 41 innings for England. He’s especially vulnerable to the left-arm orthodox variety – 12 dismissals. Ankit Sharma might want to pass that on to the Royals think tank. Between Bhuvneshwar, Rashid and Shakib, Sunrisers can count on 12 good overs. And in Bhuvneshwar, they have an excellent death bowler – 43 wickets in 71.1 overs. But who will partner him? Shakib, Rashid and Sandeep Sharma have been conceding at least nine an over in this stage of an innings since IPL 2015. Siddharth Kaul might be asked to strap on that headband again (economy rate 8.3, including 11 wickets in 10.4 overs) Fantasy picks Try the new kid. The cult of Jofra Archer has grown past English shores even though he’s not played a single game of senior international cricket. The 23-year-old fast bowler is impressive at any stage of the innings, with a T20 economy-rate of 8 in the Powerplay (1-6), 7.05 in the middle overs (7-15) and 8.42 at the death (16-20) Rashid Khan. Gives instant satisfaction. A Powerplay expert with 12 wickets, he also gives away only 6.5 runs per over in this stage of an IPL innings. Quotes”He’s exciting, 23 years of age, 6 foot 8, can bowl up to 150. He’s a real exciting talent. I was thrilled to be able to pick him up at the auction because one of the things in T20 cricket is having something different.”

There's simply no stopping this Manchester City side these days, after conquering the Premier League for the third consecutive time last season, before finally making their mark on European football by winning the Champions League for the first time in their history.

To stay at the top, the very best teams in the world are often ruthless on and off the pitch. And City have been no different, bidding farewell to the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan, and Aymeric Laport during the summer transfer window, whilst welcoming upgrades such as Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, and Jeremy Doku.

Not even Pep Guardiola always gets what he wants, however, and that could lead to the exit of one of his star players, with Manchester City reportedly set to delay contract talks.

What's the latest Manchester City news?

It comes as little surprise that City are the only side in England's top flight to keep their 100% record with five games played. Those at The Etihad, whilst looking slightly nervous in victories over Burnley, Newcastle United, and Sheffield United, look on course to become the first-ever side to win four Premier League titles on the bounce.

What's even more impressive is the fact that they've kept their run intact without star man Kevin de Bruyne, who suffered yet another injury blow against Burnley on the opening night, which could reportedly see him miss the rest of the calendar year.

With that said, according to The Daily Star, Manchester City have delayed opening contract talks with De Bruyne whilst he recovers from injury. This comes despite the suggestion that Guardiola is desperate to keep the Belgian, whose current deal comes to an end in the summer of 2025. This means that, unless he receives a new deal, De Bruyne will be free to negotiate his exit from January of 2025.

Should Manchester City offer Kevin de Bruyne a new deal?

Even though De Bruyne missed nine games through injury last season, and has already suffered another blow in the current campaign, his world-class ability makes him an invaluable option at The Etihad.

Last season, despite being forced to watch from the sidelines for nine games, the former Wolfsburg man was involved in a sensational 41 goals in all competitions, with 10 goals and 31 assists. City may have been able to replace Mahrez, Laporte, and Gundogan in the summer, but what De Bruyne offers is arguably something that money cannot currently buy.

Full of praise for his star player after he scored four goals in one game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Guardiola said, via TNT Sports: “He has been our key man in this part of the season. It is not just what he creates and the goals and everything. He helps us a lot. I am happy because Kevin is so generous and always thinking the best for the team but this year is also the most prolific for him.”

With that said, the question as to whether or not City should offer De Bruyne a new contract should perhaps not even exist, even with his injury issues.

After the batsman hit his first Test century in more than three years and one of his finest, the quick took three wickets to hurt Australia further on the third day in Port Elizabeth

The Report by Brydon Coverdale11-Mar-20183:18

Katich: De Villiers just too good for Australia

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsOn the third day in Port Elizabeth, AB de Villiers scored one of the finest hundreds of his Test career and Kagiso Rabada put in another excellent bowling performance. If those two men alone could keep up this form throughout the series, Australia would be hard pressed not to lose their first series in South Africa since readmission. But as the players walked off St George’s Park at stumps on day three, they knew that something could be about to change, for Rabada was set to face a Code of Conduct hearing that could rule him out of the rest of the series.Whatever the case, Rabada had helped put South Africa in a powerful position, claiming three key wickets that left Australia needing a significant lower-order bailout in order to post a competitive target. At stumps, Australia had turned their 139-run first-innings deficit into a 41-run advantage, but the loss of Usman Khawaja to Rabada for 75 late in the day was a major blow. Mitchell Marsh remained at the crease on 39, alongside Tim Paine on 5, and Australia had 180 for 5 and a huge amount of work to do.After early wickets, Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh had led an Australian fightback with their 87-run partnership. Mitchell Marsh was solid in defence and Khawaja had swept and reverse-swept effectively, also driving handsomely through the off side when given the chance. As a qualified airline pilot, Khawaja could be expected to travel well, but his form away from home has always been a major question mark. Before this innings, his previous nine efforts in Tests outside Australia had produced 26, 18, 11, 0, 1, 1, 14, 6 and 4. Adding 75 to that was good, but Australia needed more.Khawaja fell in the penultimate over of the day when Rabada angled one in from around the wicket and rapped him on the back leg, dead in front. It was so certainly out that Khawaja, the set batsman with two reviews up his sleeve, had little hesitation in walking off. It capped another fine day for Rabada, who had earlier bowled David Warner for 13 with a superb delivery that nipped in through the gate, and also had Shaun Marsh caught behind wafting aimlessly outside off for 1.Wickets came from other sources, too. On 24, Cameron Bancroft chopped one on off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi to leave Australia wobbling, and Steven Smith’s struggles against left-arm orthodox spin continued when he tickled one behind off Keshav Maharaj on 11. It was the third time from four innings in this series that Smith had been out to left-arm fingerspin, and South Africa will hope they have found a rare weakness in his game.Getty ImagesEarlier in the day, de Villiers seemed to have no weaknesses whatsoever. The 22nd hundred of his Test career and his first in more than three years was also one of his best. In Durban, he had looked in ominous touch but ran out of partners before he could do too much damage; in Port Elizabeth, the lower order stuck with him long enough to get South Africa a healthy lead.The day had started with South Africa 20 runs in front with three wickets in hand. De Villiers batted brilliantly with the lower order, forging an 84-run stand with Vernon Philander, then a 58-run partnership with Maharaj, and finally a 13-run stand with Ngidi to cap the innings. He finished unbeaten on 126 and has been dismissed only once in this series, when he was run out for a duck in the second innings in Durban, following his 71 not out in the first.Much as a crafty politician answers not the question asked but the question they wish was asked, de Villiers seemed to face not the ball that was delivered but the ball he wanted to have been delivered. In other words, he was able to score runs from anywhere to anywhere, and struck 20 fours and one six during his 146-ball stay.His century came from his 117th delivery with a typically inventive stroke, gliding Pat Cummins over the cordon for a boundary. The support that he had was invaluable. Philander made a calm 36 before he was brilliantly snapped up by Bancroft at short leg off Cummins.Maharaj almost threw his innings away early when he slogged Nathan Lyon over midwicket and Khawaja tried a juggling take, throwing the ball back in as he landed over the rope. Maharaj looked set to walk off, with de Villiers clearly frustrated by his shot selection, but replays showed Khawaja had failed to let go of the ball before his foot was grounded over the rope, and it was ruled a six.If Maharaj learnt his lesson it was only briefly, for in Lyon’s next over he clubbed another six over the leg side, and his 30 off 24 balls proved to be a very handy cameo. In the end, another attempted slog brought his downfall as he was bowled by Josh Hazlewood. Ngidi was the last man out, run out attempting to get de Villiers back on strike. South Africa were all out for 382, with a lead of 139. And de Villiers had played what will likely be the innings that turns the match, if not the series.

Sohail Tanvir did his fair share of the damage too, as Multan Sultans skittled Quetta Gladiators for 102 and then chased down the target with ease

The Report by Danyal Rasool03-Mar-2018In stark contrast to Friday’s humdinger, Saturday’s early game was as damp a squib. Multan, the newest franchise, cruised to a nine-wicket victory thanks to an almighty collapse by Quetta Gladiators. They lost their last five wickets for one run. Sohail Tanvir took two wickets in two balls to expose the tail, before Imran Tahir ripped through the last three wickets with the second hat-trick of the season. The target was 103, and there were no twists to be had.Ahmed Shehzad and Kumar Sangakkara, the Multan openers, didn’t need to be explosive, and were experienced enough to know as much. Instead, they took the sting out of the game with a 66-run opening partnership. By that time, they required less than 40. At the end, Sangakkara, who reached yet another half-century, was there with Sohaib Maqsood, who hit the a six to seal the win.Where the match was wonSpectacular as the Quetta collapse was, it didn’t happen in a vacuum. Instead, it was borne of stifling, wily bowling by Mohammad Irfan and Junaid Khan in particular. No bowler allowed themselves to be a release valves, and as a result, even batsmen like Sarfraz Ahmed, who had occupied the crease for a while, never looked set. In the 15th over, with the run rate dropping and Quetta feeling the heat, Mohammad Nawaz, and then Sarfraz, looked to go after Tanvir. Both fell off consecutive deliveries, ripping out the middle order, and a total that looked like stagnating towards 135 was instead shot out for 102.The men that won itMohammad Irfan, who is having a good tournament, excelled again with a superb opening spell. Exploiting the bounce and the angle across the right-hander, he kept the batsman on a leash during the Powerplay, conceding a mere 27 runs in his four-over spell. He was also responsible for the wicket of Mahmudullah, who replaced Kevin Pietersen, and instrumental in squeezing the life out of the Quetta innings. The wickets may have ended up going to Tahir and Tanvir, but one would be amiss to discount Irfan’s part in them.The hat-trickSaturday produced the tournament’s third hat-trick and the second this season, both going to Multan. Tahir, already the leading wicket-taker, stepped up with Quetta seven down. Hasan Khan and John Hastings were clean bowled, before Rahat Ali was trapped plumb in front. He took a review, for no reason other than that it was there, but it merely delayed Tahir’s jaunty celebrations.Where they standMultan join Karachi at the top of the table with seven points, while Quetta, having won just two of their five games, drop down to fifth place and are stuck on four points.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke was backed by the board throughout the summer transfer window following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Who did Leeds sign in the summer?

The Whites were able to snap up nine new recruits to bolster their playing squad with the view to competing for an automatic return to the Premier League this season.

Joe Rodon

Loan

Jaidon Anthony

Loan

Djed Spence

Loan

Ilia Gruev

Permanent

Joel Piroe

Permanent

Sam Byram

Permanent

Ethan Ampadu

Permanent

Glen Kamara

Permanent

Karl Darlow

Permanent

Farke has attempted to improve his side with six permanent signings and three loan deals to counter the likes of Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Rodrigo, Max Wober, and Luis Sinisterra, among others, all moving on over the summer.

However, the German's team has also been added to by the players who were out on loan during the 2022/23 campaign returning to Elland Road; including Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell.

How much was Charlie Cresswell worth in 2022?

The England U21 international spent last season on loan with Millwall in the Championship where Football Transfers placed his Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at just €2.1m (£1.8m) by the end of December 2022, the halfway point of his time at the Den.

Cresswell, whose heading ability was lauded as "powerful" by journalist Josh Bunting, ultimately ended up having a sublime year with the Lions as he produced consistently impressive performances at the heart of the defence and proved himself to be an excellent option at that level.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.13 across 28 Championship outings and caught the eye with 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match to go along with a duel success rate of 60%, which shows that the towering stopper won the majority of his battles and dominated opposition forwards.

The 21-year-old also provided an attacking threat with four goals and two assists for Gary Rowett's side, which shows that he can offer a threat from set-pieces as well as being a strong defender within his own box.

How much is Charlie Cresswell worth now?

At the time of writing, Cresswell has an xTV of €8.3m (£7.1m), as per FootballTransfers, which represents a staggering 295% increase on his valuation at the end of 2022.

This shows that the English defender's value has soared throughout 2023 so far and that Leeds have an excellent asset on their hands as his superb performances on the pitch have made him a valuable player for the club to have within the squad.

At the age of 21, the 6 foot 3 brute still has plenty of time on his side to continue his development and should he progress well, he could be Farke's next version of England international Ben Godfrey.

During their time together at Norwich, the German head coach was able to turn the central defender from an academy prospect into a Championship title-winner and a mega-money sale within the space of two years.

How much was Godfrey worth at Norwich?

At the start of the 2018/19 campaign, the central defender had an xTV of only €0.7m (£0.6m) after spending the previous year on loan at Shrewsbury Town in League One.

Farke, however, wasn't deterred by his youth and inexperience. Indeed, he placed his trust in the young defender ahead of experienced options like Grant Hanley and Timm Klose as the talented youngster ended up making 31 Championship appearances that season as Norwich won the league title and earned promotion to the Premier League.

Godfrey averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 over those games, which included 26 starts, and made 1.8 tackles and interceptions per game to go along with a duel success rate of 57%.

The former York prospect also showcased his ability to provide an attacking threat from centre-back with four goals and two assists for the Canaries.

The German head coach continued to trust Godfrey during their 2019/20 top-flight campaign as the English titan started 30 Premier League games, which earned him a big-money move to Everton.

Norwich reportedly raked in a significant transfer fee of £25m from the Toffees for the central defender. This is a significant improvement on the £600k he was valued at just two years prior to the move taking place and shows how much of an impact having a coach who believes in offering academy players a chance can have.

How good is Charlie Cresswell?

The current Leeds centre-back is a player who certainly has the potential to follow in Godfrey's footsteps, based on his impressive form for Millwall.

As shown in the aforementioned statistics, the Lions loanee averaged a higher Sofascore rating, made more defensive interventions per match, and won a higher percentage of his physical contests than the ex-Norwich defender did at that level for Farke.

The 21-year-old has already shown glimpses of being able to replicate that form for Leeds this season, none more so than during his excellent display against Birmingham.

Despite the team losing the match 1-0, Cresswell caught the eye with a strong performance at the heart of the defence. As per Sofascore, he made four clearances, two blocks, two interceptions, and one tackle.

He also won eight of his 11 duels, including six of his seven aerial contests, and was rewarded with a fantastic Sofascore rating of 7.2, the highest on the pitch for the Whites.

What does the future hold for Cresswell?

The more experienced Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk started ahead of him during the recent 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

However, Godfrey was in a similar position with Hanley, Klose, and Christoph Zimmermann ahead of him at the start of the 2018/19 season for Norwich before eventually breaking into the starting XI and making himself a regular starter as part of their promotion-winning side.

Cresswell, shown in the video above, must now be patient and wait for his opportunity to nail down a place in Farke's XI. The German boss has already proven himself to be willing to back young players, as evidenced by Godfrey as well as Archie Gray's emergence as a starter so far this season.

The former Millwall star's superb statistics last term and his soaring market value suggest that he is a talented prospect who is on his way up in the game, meaning that he could be a sublime future asset who may make the club millions in the same way that the now-Everton defender did under Farke's management.