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Arsenal are now reportedly tracking one of Europe’s leading young talents in an attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move and deal their Premier League rivals a frustrating blow.

Whilst Arsenal will have been disappointed to see their clean sheet streak go against Sunderland as well as their recent winning run in a last-gasp 2-2 draw, they have plenty of reason to be positive.

Arsenal leading race to sign "explosive" gem ahead of interest from Barcelona

He’s a man in demand.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 10, 2025

Heading into the November international break, the Gunners sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League and on course to end their wait for glory under Mikel Arteta.

They’re doing it their way, too. Arteta is no longer simply a disciple to Pep Guardiola. His Arsenal side are far more pragmatic and could have one of the best defensive records that English football has ever seen come May. Meanwhile, in what is a reflection of Premier League football in 2025, Arsenal are benefitting from their position as set piece kings.

When you’re on top, however, it’s all about staying there and it’s no surprise that Andrea Berta is already eyeing potential incomings as a result. The champions-elect are reportedly interested in signing Malick Fofana from Lyon in an attempt to strengthen their left-hand side.

Both Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have competed for the role this season but with the former becoming inconsistent and the latter now 30 years old, there’s certainly room for another option to arrive.

Reports have even claimed that Arsenal are leading the race to sign Fofana ahead of 2026 in what would be another intelligent move from new sporting director Berta.

After Fofana, he may still welcome other options too. The Gunners have also been linked with a move to sign an impressive attacking midfielder ahead of Chelsea.

Arsenal eyeing Nico Paz hijack

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now tracking Nico Paz in what could see them hijack Chelsea’s move in unexpected fashion. The Como attacker is one of the best young players in European football and has attracted interest from the Premier League as well as Inter Milan as a result.

So long as Real Madrid don’t trigger their bargain buy-back options worth less than £10m in the next two years then the race to sign the 21-year-old will swing wide open. And that’s when Arsenal could swoop in.

If the Gunners are looking to find out more about the Argentine, meanwhile, then all they have to do is ask Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal midfielder is currently the manager of Como and has benefitted more than most from Paz’s brilliance.

With four goals and four assists in 12 games this season, the former Real Madrid star is undoubtedly the standout player under Fabregas, who could now make up for his transfer antics as a player by answering Arsenal’s potential call about his midfield sensation.

Arsenal "monster" is becoming the new Xhaka and he's not even a midfielder

Sunday’s League Cup semi-final was always going to be an unmissable event, but this latest Old Firm derby is even more intriguing than usual.

Both Glasgow giants have changed managers in recent weeks, with this only Danny Röhl’s fourth match in charge of Rangers, while Martin O’Neill is back in the Celtic hot seat on an interim basis, following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation on Monday.

For Röhl, it feels as though momentum is starting to build in Glasgow’s West End, following back-to-back Premiership victories over Kilmarnock and Hibs so far this week.

Nevertheless, there is nothing quite like an Old Firm derby to set the zeitgeist, so victory at the national stadium on Sunday would only enhance Röhl’s hero status among the Rangers support, but what lineup should he select against their fierce rivals?

Rangers team news vs Celtic

First and foremost, it has transpired this week that midfielder Connor Barron is suspended.

The £14k-per-week star has been cautioned during both League Cup ties so far this season, victories over Alloa Athletic and Hibernian at Ibrox, so will serve a one-match ban at Hampden.

Given that Barron started the mid-week win at Easter Road, at least one change to the lineup will be required, but a few more are forecast.

Elsewhere, Dujon Sterling remains sidelined long-term due to an achilles injury, still yet to feature this season, but attacker Oliver Antman could return, having missed the last two matches due to illness, which would be a boost.

In total, four changes are forecast when compared to the lineup that left Leith with all three points on Wednesday, but will this team have enough to defeat Celtic?

Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic

As Danny Röhl seeks to figure out which players he can count on, one man whose spot is not up for debate is Jack Butland.

He was the Gers’ hero against Hibs in mid-week, saving a late Jamie McGrath spot-kick, thereby preserving the club’s first clean sheet away from Ibrox since December last year, a sequence of 25 matches that broke the club-record set in Victorian times.

In front of him, Röhl is likely to stick with the back three deployed in both domestic matches so far.

This is good news for Nasser Djiga who, after high-profile mistakes against Dundee and Club Brugge in August, sent off in the former and rather gifting the Belgians a goal in the latter, found himself cast aside.

Nevertheless, the Wolves loanee will keep his place alongside Derek Cornelius and John Souttar.

At wing-back is where the first change will be made.

Having been introduced at half time in Edinburgh, James Tavernier will return, making his 43rd Old Firm appearance, but there is a question mark over who gets the nod on the other side.

The captain replaced Jayden Meghoma in the capital, with Max Aarons shifting across to left-wing-back, so it’s tough to forecast who Röhl will go for, but the teenager on loan from Brentford is the more natural option.

In the middle, given Barron’s suspension, Mohamed Diomandé is the obvious candidate to come in and partner Nicolas Raskin, the pair rekindling their partnership that was the most effective part of Rangers’ team last season.

In this system, Röhl needs two players who can cover a lot of ground, something that certainly is not Joe Rothwell’s forte.

Attack is, by a significant distance, the toughest area of the team to forecast, with seven players, realistically, vying for three spots.

Having scored in each of the last two matches, thereby on target in back-to-back Premiership appearances for the first time since December, Danilo is likely to keep his place, but could be the only member of Wednesday’s front three to do so.

After a generally anonymous performance in Leith, Mikey Moore is set to drop out, the Spurs loanee still yet to score for the Gers.

This would see Djeidi Gassama return to the forward line, having scored five times so far this season, albeit all of which have come in Europe, looking to change that at Hampden.

When he arrived, then-manager Russell Martin labelled the Frenchman “an exciting player who will get supporters on the edge of their seats”, and that has certainly proved to be the case so far.

To complete the forward line, Röhl seems to see something in Youssef Chermiti that supporters do not, the 21-year-old joining Rangers for £8m from Everton, a fee that could rise all the way to £10m, a club record in the post-liquidation era.

The big money signing has started two of the last three games, scoring his first goal for the club off the bench against Killie last Sunday.

However, deploying two centre-forwards against Celtic would be bold, which may well count against both Chermiti and Bojan Miovski, meaning Thelo Aasgaard is the most likely candidate to come in, chosen over Antman, given his recent bout of illness.

Röhl does have options and plenty of talent to work with, even if that certainly did not appear to be the case during Martin’s ill-fated tenure.

So, does this XI have enough quality to beat a depleted Celtic?

Only time will tell!

Chermiti upgrade: Rohl readying Rangers approach for "dangerous" £1m gem

As Danny Röhl seeks to strengthen his Rangers attacking options, should they sign a £1m rated gem who’s better than Youssef Chermiti?

By
Ben Gray

Oct 31, 2025

South Group leaders cruise to seventh win out of eight with room to spare in Cardiff

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Jun-2025Somerset continued their remarkable form in the Vitality Blast, cruising to a six-wicket win against Glamorgan.After restricting Glamorgan to 130 for 9 courtesy of 4 for 21 from Australian overseas Riley Meredith, Somerset knocked off a sub-par total to remain top of the South Group and head into the mid-competition break with seven wins from eight while Glamorgan’s symmetrical win-loss record makes them likely to drop outside the all-important top four.Top-order contributions throughout the Somerset innings set up the run chase for the middle-order to wrap up risk-free. Dan Douthwaite caused trouble in taking 3 for 32 but it only gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.Somerset won the toss and opted to bowl after scoring in excess of 200 three times in their last four games. Kiran Carlson and Will Smale got off to an explosive start, bringing memories of their record-breaking win over Somerset in Cardiff last year, the captain scoring 135 on that occasion while Smale had a half-century of his own.On this occasion the flair was short-lived. Smale took Josh Davey’s first three balls for boundaries, which included a typical Smale ramp. However, 30 for no loss from 2.1 overs became 42 for 4 from seven with both openers outclassed by Matt Henry.Ben Kellaway fell for a duck after a T20 best last time out, slapping to Will Smeed at point, the extra pace of Meredith proving too much. Veterans Colin Ingram and Chris Cooke continued to struggle, undone by the ever-consistent Lewis Gregory, both falling attempting to glide to deep third; Ingram chopping on, Cooke only finding the wicketkeeper.In a familiar story, it fell to Asa Tribe and Douthwaite to drag Glamorgan back into a battle from 49 for 5. Tribe found a way to combine upping the rate with added stability, contributing 38 in a 49-run partnership before being bowled while attempting a ramp.Douthwaite then picked out the deep-midwicket fielder on the first ball of Merideth’s return.A couple of late boundaries from Imad Wasim and a top-edged six from Timm van der Gugten managed to avert total embarrassment for the hosts but at 130, they were still very much under-par.Somerset’s pursuit began briskly. Tom Banton and Will Smeed were watchful in the opening two overs before being proactive and typically brutal taking 41 from the next three. Smeed, the Blast’s second-highest run-scorer, hit a pick-up six over the leg side that was particularly eye-catching.While the chase wasn’t faultless, the visitors found their way with comfort – even though the entire top order made starts without kicking on. Smeed fel in the powerplay, Banton just after the restrictions were relaxed. Tom Abell was bogged down temporarily, scoring at just a-run-a-ball for his 10 before Douthwaite dismissed him in an impressive over conceding just one run.Somerset looked to get the job done quickly, Tom Kohler-Cadmore hitting five boundaries in 38 from 29 before being caught on the cover boundary, a third wicket for Douthwaite.Despite trickier spells from Douthwaite and former Somerset seamer Ned Leonard, who returned economical figures, the visitors knocked off victory in 16.4 overs.

Frank Lampard is set to swap Halloween for Hollywood this year. The Coventry City boss, known for his spooky season enthusiasm, will miss out on trick-or-treating with his kids after dressing as the Grim Reaper last year. Instead, he’ll be leading his high-flying Sky Blues into a Friday night clash with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s Wrexham under the lights.

Lampard looking forward to Coventry's Wrexham duel

Lampard’s Coventry City are set for a blockbuster Championship clash against Hollywood-owned Wrexham under the lights at the Racecourse Ground on Halloween night. The Sky Blues head into the fixture chasing a seventh consecutive league victory to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. A win would see Lampard’s side strengthen their grip on top spot in the table, continuing their early-season momentum.

However, the fixture means Lampard will have to skip his annual Halloween tradition — dressing up and trick-or-treating with his children around his London neighbourhood. The former Chelsea and England star is known to embrace the spooky season, having gone “full Grim Reaper” last year. But as he put it himself, work commitments come first this time around.

Despite missing out on family fun, Lampard made it clear he has no complaints about spending Halloween night in Wales. The ex-midfielder admitted he’ll miss the laughs at home, but with Coventry’s stunning form, the “sweet treat” of three points at Wrexham would be the perfect consolation.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLampard opens up on love for Halloween

“I normally dress up with my children and trick or treat locally, so they’re a bit disappointed that I’m not there. I’m missing out but they’ll be looked after and they’ll still do it with the rest of the family. It’s a shame to miss it but work is work,” Lampard said, smiling as he recalled his Halloween antics.

“As for what I usually dress up as, I was the Grim Reaper last year. I’m not sure what I was the year before, I was fully covered again and I think I was like a swamp monster or something, like a green thing. Yeah, the kids get scared, that’s the point, isn’t it,” he joked.

Lampard also reflected on how much he enjoys the anonymity Halloween offers: “I was completely Grim Reapered up, all masked up. I enjoy the anonymity of the evening. It’s something I do every year just around my local streets where it’s very popular. I loved Halloween as a kid — probably because I love sweets. I know the headline will be like, ‘I can’t believe I’m not the Grim Reaper this year,’ or something but I’m very happy to be going with Coventry to Wrexham. I’ll miss it for one year and I’ll possibly be back for it next year.”

Getty Images SportLampard talks about facing off against Parkinson's Wrexham

While Halloween may be off the cards, Lampard’s enthusiasm for Friday’s match is unmistakable. Coventry’s trip to Wrexham pits the Championship’s early pace-setters against one of the most high-profile clubs in world football, backed by Hollywood actors Reynolds and Mac. For Lampard, though, the focus is purely on maintaining momentum and keeping his players grounded after a superb run of form.

The 46-year-old praised his players’ work ethic and adaptability, pointing out that Wrexham’s direct, physical style, led by Welsh striker Kieffer Moore, will demand another disciplined defensive display. “It’s a great part of the job,” he explained in his pre-match press conference. “When you decide to be a coach, if you want to be a proper coach on the pitch in terms of analysis and how you set your team up, that’s the challenge you have to buy into.”

Lampard added that he relishes tactical battles like the one ahead. “You learn a lot in this job, much more than as a player, and I like to prepare the players as best I can for whatever challenge we’re getting. That’s me doing my job properly and also giving the opposition problems if we can. So it’s something I really enjoy.”

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Coventry travel to Wrexham on Halloween

Coventry now travel to North Wales to face off against Wrexham on Friday, aiming to extend their unbeaten league start and claim a seventh straight victory. A win would not only solidify their status as promotion contenders but also highlight Lampard’s growing influence at the club. 

For Wrexham, meanwhile, the fixture marks another test of their credentials as they look to prove they can compete with established second-tier sides. The Red Dragons will be eager to dent Coventry’s unbeaten run and remind everyone they’re not just a celebrity project.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has announced the sacking of former Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert from his role as head coach. The decision follows Indonesia’s 1-0 loss to Iraq, which saw them finish bottom of their World Cup qualifying group and eliminated from contention for next year's competition. Kluivert stepped into the role in January, but has been sacked alongside the rest of his coaching staff.

Indonesia confirm Kluivert sacking

In an official statement, the PSSI announced the sacking of their entire coaching staff. This includes senior team coach Kluivert, along with his assistants Alex Pastoor and Danny Landzaat. The statement also confirmed the dismissal of Dutch nationals Gerald Vanenburg, coach of the Indonesia U-23 squad, and Frank van Kempen, coach of the Indonesia U-20 team. The coaching staff had signed two-year contracts in January, but Indonesia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup led to their premature dismissal in a strategic decision. 

AdvertisementAFPEx-striker fails to qualify for World Cup

Indonesia were placed in a group in the Asian World Cup qualifiers alongside Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with each team playing the others once. They lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabia, while Iraq beat them 1-0. As a result, Indonesia finished bottom of the group, with Saudi Arabia qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup and Iraq advancing to the play-offs. Under Kluivert, Indonesia played eight games, recording three wins, one draw and four losses.

Ex-striker's playing days and coaching career

A member of Ajax’s golden generation in the 1990s, Kluivert won the Eredivisie and Champions League in the 1994-95 season under manager Louis van Gaal. He later joined Barcelona, forming a lethal partnership with Rivaldo and helping the club retain the 1998-99 La Liga title. After spells with Newcastle United and PSV, he retired at Lille. Kluivert also served as assistant coach at Australian side Brisbane Roar under Ange Postecoglou and later with the Netherlands national team under Van Gaal in 2014. In 2025, he replaced South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Indonesian national team.

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Getty Images SportWhat next?

Kluivert will look to put the setback of his Indonesian sacking behind him and aims to return to the dugout as soon as possible.

Jaiswal should have tried to bat on, says Mark Boucher, because he got out at “the tipping edge of a significant knock”

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Apr-20251:06

What should we make of Jaiswal’s 40-ball fifty?

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 67 runs. Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS). If you hadn’t watched the IPL 2025 game on Saturday night, you would think Sanju Samson was a soothsayer for saying “when he [Jaiswal] performs, he will be winning the games”. Except that it was the slowest half-century of Jaiswal’s IPL career, off 40 balls, and “it didn’t look like he was finding his form”, as Wasim Jaffer put it.”He was still looking to hit the ball really hard. He hit five sixes and three fours, so that’s a high boundary rate, but still played a lot of dot balls,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. There were 12 dot balls in Jaiswal’s 45-ball 67. Perhaps not a massive number for someone still looking to settle into IPL 2025.Mark Boucher was in agreement with Jaffer.Related

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“Getting to fifty, I think he faced close to 40 balls. Then the next five balls after that, he was at an incredible strike rate,” Boucher said, referring to the 17 he scored in the five balls he lasted after getting to the landmark – he hit a six the ball after he got to fifty, and went 1, 6, 4 off the next three before getting out.”It’s almost like he just needed to be there for another two or three overs in order for him to have that match-winning innings that we all know he is very capable of, and he has done in the past. He’ll be quite disappointed to get out when he did actually get out. It was at that point where it was the tipping edge for him [to play] a very significant knock.”Jaiswal had been a point of discussion over the past few days for two reasons. First, his poor returns with the bat – 1, 29 and 4 before this game. And second, the move from Mumbai to Goa in the Indian domestic circuit. Goa won the Ranji Trophy plate title last season and will play in the elite group in 2025-26.

“He shouldn’t be looking to play Ranji Trophy. For somebody like him, he should be playing for India in all three formats. That should be his focus”Wasim Jaffer on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s move to Goa

Jaffer, a giant of Mumbai and Indian domestic cricket, said he was “surprised and shocked” with the decision.”No matter what Goa was offering him. You don’t leave Mumbai, especially at this age [Jaiswal is 23],” Jaffer said. “It’s okay if somebody is 34-35 then you want to go out.”There have been unconfirmed murmurs about differences with the Mumbai team management, and Jaffer acknowledged that.1:55

Jaffer: Jaiswal’s move from Mumbai to Goa ‘shocking’

“That must have prompted him to take this decision, but I think leaving Mumbai is a shocking decision,” Jaffer said. “He’s a powerhouse. Somebody who has played from Under-14s to now, for Mumbai, and Goa being a plate-group team that has just come into the elite group – for him to go and play there, whatever time he will spend on first-class cricket, I am surprised he’s taken that decision so soon.”As such, India’s international cricketers rarely have – or make – time for domestic cricket. There was a directive from the BCCI recently asking India players who were not gainfully occupied elsewhere or battling fitness issues to return to domestic cricket. This was following India’s Test series loss in Australia. Some of the biggest names in the game did pay heed. Jaiswal was among them, and he played Mumbai’s Ranji game against Jammu & Kashmir in late January, scoring 4 and 26 in a defeat.”But he shouldn’t be looking to play Ranji Trophy,” Jaffer said. “For somebody like him, he should be playing for India in all three formats. That should be his focus.”I’m sure it [the move] is playing on his mind. Because that has been happening in this week or two. But yes, runs from him is very, very vital for Rajasthan Royals. He’s looking a little bit off-colour; trying too hard, trying too hard, too early.”

Glasgow Rangers supporters were hit with a surprise on Saturday when it was revealed that the club had pulled out of a deal to sign versatile defender Nobel Mendy.

RangersReview reported that the Light Blues have pulled out of a £2m deal to sign the Real Betis centre-back, who can also play at left-back, after discussions collapsed in recent days.

The 20-year-old titan had looked set for a move to Ibrox to bolster Russell Martin’s options at the back, but is now set to remain at Real Betis, or move elsewhere before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why Rangers may have dodged a blunder with Nobel Mendy

Pulling out of a move for the Senegalese defender may turn out to be a blunder dodged by the Gers, as there is little evidence to suggest that he would have been a significant signing for the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Whilst Mendy, who is only 20, may turn out to be a fantastic player in the future, and could have turned out to be a quality addition for Rangers, there is little in the here and now to suggest that he would have hit the ground running.

The versatile defender has only played six senior games for Real Betis. He also struggled for the B team in the 2024/25 campaign, losing 59% of his duels across 13 league games for the reserve side, per Sofascore.

Rangers could forget about Mendy by swooping for a player who is more likely to make an immediate impact at Ibrox this season – Kassoum Ouattara.

Why Rangers should sign Kassoum Ouattara

The Light Blues have been linked with loan interest in the Monaco left-back, who is valued at £13m by his club, and they should be pushing to get a deal done for the 20-year-old star.

Despite being the same age as Mendy, Ouattara has played 55 times at senior level, including 33 times for Monaco, per Transfermarkt, and is more established in first-team football.

The French whiz may not seem like an obvious alternative, given that he plays at left-back mainly instead of centre-back, but the Gers could allow Emmanuel Fernandez and John Souttar to battle it out for a place next to Nasser Djiga, and bring Ouattara in to cover the left-back role that Mendy would have offered cover in.

As you can see in the table above, the Monaco talent’s output in Ligue 1 last season even suggests that he could be an upgrade on the departing Jefte, who is set to sign for Palmeiras, from an offensive perspective.

Ouattara, who writer Kai Watson described as a “very offensive” full-back, could excite supporters with his front-footed performances at left-back, as he is clearly a defender who likes to get forward to put crosses and passes into the final third to create chances for his teammates.

The £13m-rated talent may make more sense for what Rangers need in their backline, with Ridvan Yilmaz out of the picture and Jefte set to depart, than Mendy would, which is why it could make more sense to pursue the Monaco starlet.

So instead of signing a centre-back who could play left-back, in Mendy, the Gers could sign a talented left-back, who may have the potential to cover at left centre-back should Martin decide he would suit that role.

Dream Dessers replacement: Rangers have "lethal" £5m star on shortlist

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be a dream signing to replace Cyriel Dessers.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 16, 2025

This is why Rangers could forget all about this collapsed deal for Mendy because the signing of Ouattara could make more sense for the team, and make a greater impact on the pitch.

Journalist Mike McGrath reports Birmingham City have submitted a bid for a “very interesting” attacking player, with a rival Championship club also in the mix to sign him.

Davies delighted ahead of Birmingham's next test

The Blues have made a positive start to the season, drawing 1-1 at home to Ipswich Town in their league opener last week, largely outplaying last year’s Premier League side. Birmingham then knocked Sheffield United out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening, winning 2-1, and manager Chris Davies was delighted with what he saw from his players.

“There was some excellent football, really fluid, we moved the ball well and gave them a problem either through our possession play or through our pressing – and we should have been out of sight.

“You saw that last season, when it’s 1-0 there’s always a chance, but they didn’t create chances, they didn’t have those moments, but what they did have was a goal that shouldn’t have been a goal. But I thought the reaction was fantastic.

“What you can do is control what you can do, which is your performance, and we reacted really well and got the goal. We know what it’s like, it’s going to be really hard this season. Sheffield United were in the play-off final last year, we are talking about a team that was twenty minutes away from the Premier League. To beat a team like that is a big, big test. A big challenge, and we did it tonight.”

Next up for Birmingham is a trip to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, with potential new signings being looked at away from on-pitch matters.

Birmingham make offer for international attacker

According to McGrath on X, Birmingham have submitted an offer for £5m-rated Queens Park Rangers attacker Koki Saito, with Derby County also interested in signing him.

Saito could be exactly what Birmingham are after this summer, with the three-cap Japan international adding extra depth and quality in the final, having proven himself in the Championship.

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The fan favourite will be sorely missed…

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The 24-year-old is a versatile player, invariably taking up a left-sided role but also being able to shine as a centre forward, and scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “very interesting” player in the past.

The lure of Birmingham is hopefully greater than the other clubs linked with signing Saito, with the club in an exciting period in their history, and the QPR man can help take them in the right direction.

Shamar Joseph is unfit and Alzarri Joseph has chosen the ILT20 over the Test series in Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2024Trinidad & Tobago batter Amir Jangoo has earned a maiden call-up to the West Indies Test squad for the two-match series against Pakistan, which begins on January 16 in Karachi. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the side, having missed the two Tests against Bangladesh at home last month as he was playing at the inaugural Global Super League in Providence.Motie will be leading West Indies’ spin-bowling contingent, which also has Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican.Jangoo and Motie replace the fast-bowling duo of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. While Shamar is suffering from shin splints which forced him to miss the ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this month, Alzarri is unavailable because of a clash with the ILT20 in the UAE, where he will be turning out for MI Emirates, which CWI termed as “other engagements” in their release.Jangoo was rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic four-day competition in 2023-24, when he scored 500 runs in five matches at an average of 63.50, with two centuries and a fifty, to be Trinidad & Tobago’s highest run-getter. Jangoo also recently smashed a century on ODI debut against Bangladesh to help West Indies ace their third-highest chase in the format.”Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in regional cricket, as well as his demonstrated high level of competency against spin bowling,” West Indies head coach Andre Coley said. “For the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025, the focus is on building on what we have done well, and transforming the learnings from 2024 into tangible results.”The rest of the squad remains on expected lines. Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the side, with wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva as his deputy. Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty and Justin Greaves will form the crux of the batting unit.On the fast-bowling front, Kemar Roach will lead the attack, and will have Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip for company.Next year’s tour of Pakistan will be West Indies’ first Test series there in more than 18 years. They had last played Tests in Pakistan in November 2006, although they did play Pakistan in a Test series in the UAE in October 2016.The 15-member West Indies squad will depart on January 2, and arrive in Islamabad on January 6. The first Test will run from January 16-20 in Karachi, before the teams depart for Multan, where the second Test will be played from January 24-28.West Indies squad for Pakistan TestsKraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

أثنى تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني لنادي ريال مدريد، على لاعبي فريقه، وذلك عقب الانتصار على ليفانتي يوم أمس الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

ريال مدريد استمر في صدارته لبطولة الدوري الإسباني، وذلك عقب انتصاره العريض على ليفانتي بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد، ضمن الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ووجه ألونسو في مؤتمره الصحفي عقب نهاية المباراة والذي نقلته صحيفة الموندو ديبورتيفو، التحية بشكل خاص إلى فينيسيوس جونيور، موضحًا أن الأخير كان حاسمًا ضد ليفانتي.

فينيسيوس سجل هدفًا ولعب مباراة رائعة ضد ليفانتي، حيث حصل ابن ال24 عامًا على جائزة رجل المباراة.

وقال ألونسو: ”انتهينا للتو من المباراة وكنت أفكر فقط في مباراة اليوم، ابتداءً من الغد سنركز على الديربي (ضد أتلتيكو مدريد يوم السبت المقبل)، أعتقد أنها كانت مباراة متكاملة وأعتقد أن فينيسيوس قدم أداءًا حاسمًا”.

أقرأ أيضًا .. فينيسيوس: اعتدت التسجيل أمام ليفانتي.. ومودريتش له الفضل في هدفي اليوم

وأضاف ألونسو في حديثه: “نعمل منذ 51 يومًا فقط ونحن في مرحلة البناء، نبني أساسًا متينًا ويشعر العديد من لاعبي الفريق بالترابط وهذا مهم ليس فقط للنتائج بل لأسلوب عملنا”.

وأوضح المدرب الإسباني: “وجود لاعبين متميزين يسهل الأمر كثيرًا علينا في تغيير خطة اللعب، نريد لاعبين مرنين لا لاعبين ثابتين على أسلوب معين، واليوم كنا نعتقد أن هذا هو الخيار الصحيح بالدفع بتلك التشكيلة، مع ذلك لا ينبغي أن نتهاون كثيرًا ونحن على الطريق الصحيح وعلينا المواصلة”.

وعن مشاركة إدواردو كامافينجا اليوم، واصل ألونسو: “أنا سعيد جدًا لأنني لم أتمكن من العمل معه منذ انضمامي إلى النادي وسنرى إن كان سيلعب معي كلاعب رقم 8 أو كلاعب وسط مدافع، لكن الحقيقة هي أنه لاعب متعدد المهارات”.

واختتم: “كان بإمكاننا اليوم تسجيل الهدفين الثالث والرابع قبل نهاية الشوط الأول، لكننا لم ننجح في ذلك، لا أعرف كم انتظرنا لنجعل النتيجة 3-1 لكن ليفانتي لم يظهر أي رد فعل يذكر”.