All posts by h79snht.top

Pakistan seamer will take up overseas slot at Trent Bridge alongside Colin Munro

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Mar-2023

Shaheen Shah Afridi led Lahore Qalandars to victory in the PSL•PCB

Nottinghamshire have signed Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for their 2023 Vitality Blast campaign. Afridi will join Colin Munro as one of the club’s two T20 overseas players.Last season, Nottinghamshire missed out on qualification for the knockout stages of the Blast for the first time since 2015, and head coach, Peter Moores, hailed Afridi as a “box-office player” who could help reinvigorate the club, T20 champions in 2017 and 2020.”In Shaheen, we’ve got a world class player – which is really exciting – and a player with a point of difference with the ball, which is crucial when we are looking to recruit,” Moores said.”We are building from a strong platform, with a lot of very talented lads hungry to play T20, and Shaheen adds star quality and a different angle to that group. He has proven himself on big stages; he is fiercely passionate in the way he plays his cricket, and he’ll be hugely engaging for everyone to watch for that reason.Related

Hampshire get the band back together for T20 Blast title defence

Shaheen, Rizwan and Rossouw in PSL team of the tournament

Moeen Ali named as Birmingham Bears captain for Blast campaign

Hussey hopes Welsh Fire's 'gamble' on Shaheen, Rauf will have 'huge pay-off'

“We want to bounce back from last year’s campaign, and this signing invigorates the club; he makes impacts in big games, and is a box office player. Alongside Munro, who is one of the top run-scorers in the history of the format, we’ve got two very unique talents, both of whom will play a big role for us as we look to bring back silverware.”Afridi, 22, recently captained Lahore Qalandars to the second of back-to-back PSL titles. He has had previous spells in county cricket with Middlesex and Hampshire, and was signed last week by Welsh Fire to appear in the Hundred.”Notts play an aggressive brand of cricket, which suits me well,” Afridi said. “They’ve had great success in recent years and the likes of Alex Hales, Colin Munro and Joe Clarke are players I have faced up against in recent years and been impressed by.”The goal is obviously to influence games to make the team as successful as possible. Having played at Trent Bridge, I know it is a fast-scoring ground and as a bowler you need to get your line and lengths right, but you also get the rewards when you do that.”It’s definitely an exciting move for me, and one I’m looking forward to.”

Nottinghamshire let first-day dominance slip with collapse on second morning

ECB Reporters Network26-Jun-2023

George Bartlett roars in celebration as he brings up his hundred•Getty Images

Matt Henry’s six-wicket haul and an eighth first class century from George Bartlett saw Somerset storm back on the second day of the LV= Insurance County Championship match with Nottinghamshire at Taunton.New Zealand seamer Henry transformed the game with a superb seven-over spell from the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion End at the start of the morning session, which saw him take 4 for 26 as the visitors collapsed from an overnight 145 for 4 to 186 all out.Having taken two wickets on day one, Henry finished with 6 for 59 and Notts had to be settle for a first innings lead of just 23 runs, their last six wickets falling in the space of 14.4 overs. Craig Overton claimed 2 for 46.Somerset then gained further momentum with the bat, Bartlett (109 not out) and Tom Lammonby (73) sharing a third-wicket stand of 119 as they closed on 268 for four, 245 ahead. Bartlett’s chanceless ton, occupying 203 balls and including 11 fours and a six, was reward for four hours of sustained concentration.The day had begun with Notts just 18 runs behind Somerset’s first innings total with six wickets in hand and looking to build a substantial lead.It never looked like happening from the moment visiting skipper Steven Mullaney edged a low catch to Kasey Aldridge at second slip off Overton, having added only six to his overnight score of 23.The lively Henry had already struck Ben Slater, unbeaten on 67 at the start of play, a blow on the helmet with a short ball when dismissing him for 70, Overton accepting another chance to second slip.Soon the inspired Kiwi was uprooting Brett Hutton’s middle stump before also clean bowling Matt Carter between bat and pad and having Tom Moores caught at extra cover by Tom Kohler-Cadmore.Related

Harmer takes six in the day as Warwickshire face heavy defeat

Daniel Bell-Drummond 271*, Tawanda Muyeye 179 as Kent flatten Northamptonshire

Hutton bags fourth five-for of the season as 14 wickets fall at Taunton

Moores had edged Notts in front with a four and a pulled six off Overton, who struck back by having last man Dane Paterson caught behind. Somerset could hardly have dared hope for better as only 41 runs were added to the visitors’ overnight score.It might have been an even better morning for Somerset as they moved to 41 without loss in their second innings before Sean Dickson was pinned lbw by Paterson for 26.But on the brink of lunch Tom Abell inexplicably ran himself out for a duck, attempting a third run after Lammonby had played a delivery from Jake Ball towards the third man boundary. Joe Clarke’s throw scored a direct hit at the wicketkeeper’s end, catching Somerset’s red-faced captain well out of his ground, with the scoreboard reading 43 for 2.If Notts thought they had wrestled back the initiative, Lammonby and Bartlett had other ideas, showing just the required degree of patience to bat through the afternoon session, which saw them add 112.Lammonby had been dropped on six by Hutton at third slip off Ball, who was unlucky enough to see the left-hander spilled again on 52, this time by Carter at second slip.They were rare blemishes as Lammonby reached fifty off 88 balls, with six fours, three of them the result of sumptuous on-drives. Bartlett also hit six boundaries in a 110-ball half-century, the hundred stand occupying 32.1 overs.Tom Lammonby helped lead a Somerset fightback with the bat•Getty Images

At tea, the score was 155 for 2. With only seven added, Lammonby was bowled by offspinner Carter aiming a back-foot forcing shot through the leg side.Somerset’s lead was 139 and they needed another partnership. Bartlett and Kohler-Cadmore provided it, adding 69 for the fourth wicket without undue risk against a Notts attack sticking to their task without any great penetration.Kohler-Cadmore reined himself in to begin with and was just starting to adopt his normal aggressive approach when, on 33, he launched Ball towards the mid-wicket boundary where Haseeb Hammed took a good juggling catch, narrowly avoiding stepping on the rope.All the while, Bartlett was steadily accumulating in exactly the manner his side required. He reached his second Championship ton of the season in style, dispatching Carter over long-on for six and immediately clenching his fists in celebration.James Rew provided typically solid support in the closing overs and, with two days to go, Somerset have plenty of time to build a winning lead.

Following this hike, players in the top experience bracket (40-plus first-class caps) stand to earn INR 120,000 per day

Shashank Kishore24-Mar-2024

Mumbai celebrate their 42nd Ranji Trophy win•PTI

In a move that could potentially pave way for the others to follow suit, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has agreed to incentivise its senior men’s team with a 100% pay raise from the 2024-25 season.A recommendation for the state association to match players’ BCCI earnings from the domestic circuit has been approved at the MCA’s apex council meeting. This effectively doubles a player’s earnings through the season.The BCCI currently pays players at the senior men’s level across three slabs. Players with over 40 first-class caps earn INR 60,000 a day, while those who have played 21-40 games take home INR 50,000 a day, and those who have featured in fewer than 20 games earn INR 40,000 a day.Related

Hanuma Vihari commits to Andhra after 'full assurance' from minister

BCCI mulls two-phase Ranji Trophy to minimise weather disruptions

Gavaskar to BCCI: 'Double or triple' Ranji fees to 'look after the feeder system'

Indian players stand to earn INR 45-60 lakhs per Test

Opening batter Bhupen Lalwani, for example, who featured in all 10 games Mumbai played in Ranji Trophy 2023-24, would have earned INR 17.2 lakhs as match fees. Had this rule come into effect from this season, he would have stood to earn INR 34.4 lakh.Lalwani has played just 14 first-class matches, which means his base earnings from the Ranji Trophy stand at INR 40,000 a day at the moment. The overall earnings for someone who has featured in over 40 first-class games could be significantly higher.Earlier in the month, the MCA announced prize money of INR 5 crores for its players. This was over and above the prize money offered by the BCCI to Mumbai for winning the Ranji Trophy. The move to match earnings is especially bound to benefit those who don’t have an IPL contract.”We felt that the player should earn more, especially those who play Ranji Trophy cricket,” MCA president Amol Kale said. “For us red-ball cricket matters the most as the Ranji Trophy holds a special place for everyone in Mumbai.”There has been a growing chorus among former players to prioritise domestic cricket, particularly in the wake of the BCCI’s decision to introduce a Test Incentive scheme to its centrally contracted men’s players for prioritising red-ball cricket. Under this scheme, a player’s match fees will go up by 300% if he features in more than 75% of Tests in a particular season.Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, voiced his support for extending a similar scheme to first-class cricketers. He had asked the board to consider doubling or tripling existing match fees to “encourage players and look after the feeder system.””If the Ranji Trophy fee can be doubled or tripled, certainly there will be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, [and a] lot less pullouts,” Gavaskar had said. “They will all be wanting to play with the slab system – [if] every ten first-class matches you get that much more – so I would request the BCCI to look at that aspect as well.”This isn’t the first time the MCA has contemplated such a move. In 2022-23, the MCA had proposed annual contracts, and had even set up a three-member committee to propose a structure. That move, proposed by former president Vijay Patil, wasn’t passed by the Apex Council. The MCA soon conducted elections and Patil was replaced by Kale, the current president.

Saker was under contract for next season but Renegades are set to search for a new coach after another disappointing BBL season

Alex Malcolm29-Apr-2024

David Saker is set to be moved on as Melbourne Renegades coach•Getty Images

Melbourne Renegades are set to part ways with BBL coach David Saker despite him having a year to run on his contract after another dismal season where they finished seventh.Saker, 57, was contracted to coach the Renegades for the 2024-25 season, which would have been his fourth in charge after taking over in 2021. But following a disappointing season where Renegades finished second last and won just two games, and also axed their captain Nic Maddinson, it is understood Renegades will seek a fresh start yet again with Saker’s tenure set to end early.Renegades have been the poorest performing club in the BBL since Andrew McDonald coached them to their inaugural title in 2018-19. McDonald left the role immediately after claiming that title when he joined the Australian team as an assistant before eventually becoming the national head coach in 2022.Related

Johan Botha appointed new Brisbane Heat and Queensland coach

Seccombe and McKay join Renegades and Stars as high performance managers

Josh Brown joins Melbourne Renegades in BBL coup

Finch announces BBL retirement; likely to end his T20 career

Shaun Marsh announces retirement while still winning games

Michael Klinger took over as Renegades coach for the 2019-20 season but lasted just two summers as Renegades finished bottom of the BBL for two seasons running. Klinger departed to take up an administrative role with Cricket New South Wales.Saker was brought in for 2021-22 but Renegades finished last for a third straight year before bouncing back to finish third in 2022-23, winning seven games and hosting the Knockout where they were beaten by eventual finalists Brisbane Heat.But 2023-24 saw Renegades regress again. They were winless in their first five games and only managed to win two of their last five. They experienced a high turnover of players, with Maddinson axed as captain while Aaron Finch was in and out of the side before eventually calling time on his BBL career. Shaun Marsh also only managed five games due to injury issues before announcing his retirement.Renegades have made some list changes already in the off-season signing Brisbane Heat opener Josh Brown in the hopes he can form a dynamic opening duo with Jake Fraser-McGurk.Renegades are also seeking to appoint a new high performance manager who will oversee the cricket program. Melbourne Stars have advertised for a similar role. Cricket Victoria created the two roles to try and build a better link between the Victoria men’s program and the two Victoria BBL clubs, given they have been run as three separate entities without much connection in recent years.

Chris Sutton admits he is “not sure what has happened” to an “excellent” Celtic player, following the weekend defeat away to St Johnstone.

Celtic suffer disappointing Scottish Premiership loss

Brendan Rodgers’ side produced a strangely below-par display on Sunday afternoon, losing 1-0 away to their bottom-of-the-table counterparts, in a result that few saw coming. The manager himself was livid at what he saw, sharing his unhappy comments after the game and making it clear his players had been read the riot act.

“There’s definitely anger. I’m trying to control it. And listen, I look at my own self first and foremost. I’m proud of my career and how I teach players and how I inspire them and how I motivate them. Am I doing the very best job I possibly can to inspire these and motivate these to get over the line? So that’s my first look.

“But I just think there’s a comfort there I don’t like. And it doesn’t matter if you’re 13 points or three points ahead. It’s not enough. We have to be much better than where we were in our ambition in the game.”

Rodgers sets high standards at Celtic and it is good to see him lambast his players, rather than go easy on them because of the state of the Scottish Premiership title race. The Hoops may be 13 points clear of Rangers, but it is clear that the 52-year-old is taking nothing for granted, not enjoying seeing his players perform with complacency.

Sutton bemused by "excellent" Celtic player's form

Taking to X after Celtic’s loss to St Johnstone, Sutton gave an assessment of the form of winger Nicolas Kuhn, among others, admitting he doesn’t know what has happened to him.

Sutton has every right to question the form of Kuhn, who made such a bright start to life at Parkhead, being lauded by Rodgers upon his arrival: “We believe he is a dynamic player who has an excellent level of quality and all the attributes to fit well into our style of play He has the profile we are looking for, he has a real attacking intent, a player with great pace and ideas, the ability to create and score goals and a player with a great energy and work ethic.”

Related Worse than Kuhn: Celtic must axe star who lost the ball every 4 touches

Celtic slipped to a shock defeat to bottom side St Johnstone on Sunday afternoon

Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 6, 2025

The German, thought to be on around £12,000 a week at Parkhead, has only scored twice since early January though, coming in 14 appearances, with a couple of assists also coming his way in that time. A long campaign may simply have caught up with him, but it is clear that he isn’t the force he was.

Everton are close to the beginning of their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now look to beat one of Europe’s elite to the signing of a talented forward, per reports.

Everton set to kickstart an exciting summer under David Moyes

Goodison Park will play host to just three more fixtures before David Moyes begins to plan for the future on Merseyside, and there is plenty of anticipation over potential arrivals.

In an unexpected turn of events, Everton could make Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah one of their first summer signings as he nears the exit door at Anfield. Newcastle United, Brentford, Bournemouth and Borussia Dortmund are also in pursuit of the Three Lions international.

Finally, the Toffees appear to be in a position of stability on and off the pitch following years of close shaves with relegation. With their Premier League status all but guaranteed, there is every reason to look forward with optimism on the blue half of Merseyside.

Reports suggest Everton could land Evan Ferguson for £45 million from Brighton & Hove Albion, which could offer a clue regarding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s potential replacement in attack.

Moyes also has to deal with a rising tide of expiring contracts and loan deals, so there is every reason to expect mass personnel changes during the off-season.

Everton’s state of play ahead of the summer – action set to be taken

Players out of contract this summer

8 players out of contract (most notably Calvert-Lewin and captain Seamus Coleman).

Expiring loan deals

5 players set to see loan deals expire.

PSR regulations

Everton could also have to work creatively to avoid PSR conflict, like most clubs.

Addressing squad depth

Strength in numbers will be needed to avoid another bottom-half finish.

Now, another talented forward has cropped up on the Toffees’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window, per recent developments.

Everton position themselves to sign Albert Gudmundsson

According to TEAMtalk, Everton want to sign Fiorentina loanee Albert Gudmundsson this summer should circumstances pan out in their favour.

The Serie A outfit have an option to buy the Iceland international from parent club Genoa for a £17 million fee, inclusive of add-ons. Should they pass up the opportunity, Everton may be in with a chance of landing his services at around the £20 million mark.

Related Everton battling Real Madrid to sign £15m ace who's outscored Calvert-Lewin

His versatility could be a big asset for David Moyes.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Apr 14, 2025

Inter Milan are also seriously contemplating a swoop for the 27-year-old, who has registered eight goals and two assists in 27 appearances this term, playing mostly as a second striker or winger.

Labelled a “devastating player and also an exemplary professional” by Kevin Strootman, the man in question has also shown his ingenuity, creating ten chances and completing 12 dribbles on league duty.

Competition for his signature will likely be fierce this summer. Everton will need to construct a proposal that exceeds the appeal of playing for a side that may be Serie A and Champions League holders once the window opens.

Nevertheless, a new dawn on Merseyside may be the perfect launchpad for Moyes to make a statement in the market as the Toffees build for the future.

There are only four games left of the Premier League season for Arsenal, and while the team and fans will be focusing on the Champions League, the club will be preparing for the summer.

In fact, it was only this month that Mikel Arteta told the media that the upcoming transfer window is set to be seismic, which is undoubtedly needed considering how poorly things have gone on the domestic front.

For example, on top of silly suspensions and some truly unlucky injuries, too many players have underwhelmed this season, such as Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian might have stepped it up a bit in recent weeks, but it could be too little too late, as recent reports have linked the club to a superstar who could be the perfect upgrade.

Arsenal transfer news

With it looking set to be a mega summer for Arsenal, it’s worth going over some of the other stars who have been touted for moves to the club in recent weeks, such as Rafael Leao.

The AC Milan monster will supposedly be available for around £86m, which is probably a fair enough fee, as in 46 games this season, he’s scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists.

Another target who’d cost at least as much is Desire Doue.

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

The Paris Saint-Germain gem has been linked with several Premier League sides, including the Gunners, and it’s not hard to see why, as at just 19 years old, he has produced 25 goal involvements in 46 games this year.

However, in this instance, the player in question is someone the Gunners have already faced off against this season: Rodrygo.

According to reports from Spain, Arsenal ‘have set their sights’ on a few Real Madrid stars, including the Brazilian international.

Now, the report does say it would be a difficult deal to get done, but not impossible, although per reports from late last year, Los Blancos might demand up to £123m for their star.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his incredible ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream Martinelli upgrade.

How Rodrygo compares to Martinelli

So, the first thing to say is that while Rodrygo has made more appearances off the right in his career, he’s no stranger to playing off the left, and with Bukayo Saka in the squad, he’d almost certainly be tasked with playing there.

Therefore, his biggest competitor for game time would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, in terms of raw output, it’s a comfortable win for the Real star, who Carlo Ancelotti described as one of “the best players in the world” just last year.

For example, he’s racked up 13 goals and ten assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3245 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.13 games, or every 141.08 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3068 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every three games or every 204.53 minutes.

Rodrygo vs Martinelli

Statistics per 90

Rodrygo

Martinelli

Non-Penalty G+As

0.61

0.41

Progressive Passes

4.68

1.94

Progressive Carries

5.06

4.77

Shots

2.67

2.03

Shots on Target

1.03

0.88

Passing Accuracy

85.7%

71.5%

Key Passes

2.08

1.64

Shot-Creating Actions

4.56

2.87

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.26

Tackles Won

0.84

0.56

Successful Take-Ons

2.15

1.51

All Stats via FBref for 24/25

Then, when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, it’s another comfortable victory for the Los Blancos star.

For example, he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy and key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he would cost Arsenal a fortune, it’s clear that Rodrygo would be a massive upgrade on Martinelli, and therefore they should go all out to sign him.

Related Their next Rice: Arsenal line up move to sign Chelsea's £43m "monster"

Arsenal could sign a player from Chelsea this summer.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 25, 2025

Celtic are basking in the glory of becoming Scottish Premiership champions and could now have eyes on a bright starlet who has admitted he is dreaming of a move to Parkhead, per reports.

Celtic set to enjoy another productive transfer window

Brendan Rodgers leads his side into battle against Rangers this weekend and will hope they can lay down a marker after claiming their fourth successive league title against Dundee United.

The Irishman will also hope to become the first Celtic manager to deliver three trebles during his tenure in charge if the Bhoys can navigate past Aberdeen in next month’s Scottish Cup final, though it is reasonable to assume he will already have one eye on the summer window.

There is an expectation at Parkhead that some form of squad refresh could take place. New blood is expected, and James Wilson could be on his way to the Hoops after a breakout campaign at Heart of Midlothian.

Kieran Tierney is on his way back to Celtic on a free transfer once his contract at Arsenal comes to an end. AC Ajaccio forward Moussa Soumano could join the Scotland international to bolster Rodgers’ options across the final third.

Champions League league phase involvement isn’t guaranteed for the reigning Scottish champions next campaign, meaning they will need to adopt a laser-focused approach to recruitment amid a swift turnaround between the end of this term and 2025/26.

Related Worth more than Tierney: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "brilliant" star

Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth more than Kieran Tierney.

Posts ByDan Emery May 1, 2025

However, there is also time for Celtic to look to the future with long-term additions who can develop into stars of the future, and they may now have their next candidate after a surprise transfer admission.

Dylan Leonard admits his dream is to play for Celtic

Speaking to A Leagues, Western United youngster Dylan Leonard has admitted he wants to join Celtic in the future, claiming signing for the Scottish Premiership champions is his ‘ultimate dream’ in football.

He stated: “That’s probably one thing I want to achieve in football is play for Celtic. Win something with Celtic obviously, but that’s definitely the one thing I want to do, the one club I want to play for.”

Enjoying an impressive campaign in his homeland, the 17-year-old has registered a goal and an assist across 24 appearances in the Australian top-flight. Primarily a central defender, Leonard has also come out in 100 duels and made 28 tackles on league duty, illustrating his potential to grow into a solid presence at the back.

Celtic are always on the lookout for talent and the Carlton-born starlet definitely appears to be someone that would fit the bill, but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck between all parties.

Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises have now made a transfer decision over the future of a £90,000-a-week Everton player, according to a new report.

Leeds' plans for the Premier League are underway

The Whites secured the Championship title on Saturday in the final game of the league season, and now the focus will be turning towards next season, as they are once again back in the Premier League.

Related Leeds can seal stunning Solomon repeat by signing £30m Premier League star

Leeds United could look to replicate the success of their Manor Solomon deal by signing this attacking star.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson May 6, 2025

Signing a new striker appears to be high on the list of targets for Daniel Farke this summer, as Leeds have already held internal talks over signing Troy Parrott from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Parrott has been in fine form this season, and given his experience in the Premier League with Tottenham, Leeds are interested in a potential deal, which could cost them more than £20 million.

As well as looking at Parrott, the Championship title winners are keeping their options open, as they also hold an interest in two other strikers. TEAMtalk have reported that the Whites are pursuing a deal to sign Jamie Vardy, as he is set to become a free agent once he leaves Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Leeds are also seriously interested in signing Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town. The forward is said to have a relegation clause in his contract at Portman Road, but the Tractor Boys are hoping to get around £26-£30 million for his services, given they are heading back to the second tier.

Leeds make decision over Jack Harrison's Elland Road future

These potential arrivals may mean the Whites and the 49ers have to balance the books and move some players on, and according to a new update from Football Insider, Leeds have decided that Jack Harrison is unlikely to return to Elland Road should his stay at Everton not be extended.

The winger is currently coming to the end of his two-year loan deal at Everton, and David Moyes has yet to decide whether to keep Harrison on a permanent basis or not.

The 28-year-old, who earns a weekly wage of £90,000, has still got three years left on his contract at Elland Road, but that hasn’t changed the minds of the club chiefs, as if a permanent move to Everton doesn’t work out, he will have to look for a move elsewhere.

One reason for that is because the Whites are already stocked in the wide positions, and they are planning to add to those options with the addition of two new wingers.

Jack Harrison’s Everton stats

Apps

70

Goals

5

Assists

4

Harrison has played 31 times for the Toffees this season in the Premier League, 22 of which have come as a starter. However, he has struggled to make an impact in front of goal, netting just once and grabbing just one assist, which could be another reason why Everton may not be interested in a permanent deal and Leeds don’t want the player to come back to Elland Road.

Liverpool were given the guard of honour once again as they faced off against Arsenal, their closest title rivals, at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds quickly ran into an impressive 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, but second-half headers from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino meant that the game ended level.

Arne Slot opted to go with Conor Bradley from the start over the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold, which he confirmed before the weekend, and it was a match of mixed success for the young defender.

The big talking point from Liverpool vs Arsenal

It was a big chance for the Northern Ireland international to show the Anfield supporters what the future without Trent will look like down the right flank on Merseyside.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse

There were good and bad moments for the academy graduate, who won four of his five aerial battles. The highlight of his performance was a sensational last-ditch challenge on Martinelli when the Brazil international looked certain to be through on goal, covering in behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

However, Bradley also lost five of his nine ground duels and did not do enough to put pressure on Leandro Trossard, whose cross teed up Martinelli for Arsenal’s first goal.

Despite that moment, it was a game in which the full-back certainly took praise in light of Alexander-Arnold’s decision to move to Madrid.

While Bradley’s name was sung on Merseyside, Trent was given a chorus of boos by the supporters who certainly aren’t keen to see im on the team sheet next time out.

Speaking of which, who else perhaps doesn’t deserve a place in the team next time out? Well, it was Curtis Jones may well have proven he’s not quite read to be a regular yet.

Why Liverpool should drop Curtis Jones

Slot decided to give Alexis Mac Allister a rest from the start against the Gunners, which opened the door for the England international to play in midfield with Dominic Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.

Jones, an academy graduate, was even worse than Bradley, though, as he put in a distinctly average display. The midfielder had four fewer touches (41) than goalkeeper Alisson, created one chance, only won two duels, and was dribbled past once, which earned him a player rating of 5/10 from GOAL – lower than the right-back’s score of 6/10.

Slot must, therefore, drop him from the starting line-up next time out in order to bring his Argentine maestro back into the fold against his former team, Brighton, next time out.

With Gravenberch as the number six, Jones has to compete with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai for a place in the middle of the park and does not offer enough quality defensively or offensively to be a regular starter for the Reds.

24/25 Premier League

Jones

Mac Allister

Szoboszlai

Appearances

31

35

34

Goals

3

5

5

Big chances created

2

6

12

Assists

3

5

6

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.4

3.3

1.3

Duels won per game

2.8

4.9

2.8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Jones does not provide the goalscoring or creative quality that the Hungarian star, who brilliantly assisted Diaz’s goal against Arsenal, offers in midfield.

He also does not offer the same level of defensive quality or tenacity as Mac Allister, who wins far more duels, tackles, and interceptions per game in the Premier League.

This is why Jones should not be a starter moving forward, unless he improves to become a consistent performer at one end of the pitch or the other, because Liverpool’s other midfielders, simply, offer more to the team at this moment in time.

Related The end for Diaz: FSG plan bid for £42m star who wants to join Liverpool

Liverpool are planning a move for a star who could be the end of Luis Diaz.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery May 11, 2025