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ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2024

Warwickshire captain Alex Davies made fifty as Worcestershire chipped away•Getty Images

Warwickshire captain Alex Davies became the first player to score 1,000 runs in Division One of the Vitality County Championship this summer on a severely truncated second day against local rivals Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.The 30-year-old began his innings needing a further 34 and turned Logan van Beek square of the wicket for a boundary to reach the milestone during the morning session.Surrey batter Rory Burns started the day as Davies’ nearest challenger but he was dismissed for 21 against Somerset with his total on 974.It was the second time Davies had completed 1,000 runs in a campaign after, in 2017, becoming the first Lancashire wicket-keeper to achieve the feat.He moved to Warwickshire for the 2022 season and the first two years at Edgbaston produced first class returns of 649 at 28.21 and 437 at 25.70.This summer he has struck four centuries and averages 56.88.He eventually fell to Ethan Brookes who delivered an impressive nine-over spell which yielded two wickets before bad light and rain ended play for the day at 2.15pm after 37 overs were possible.Those spectators who waited until the play was officially called off were entertained via the club PA to a series of weather anthems including ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ and ‘It’s Raining Men.’Warwickshire needed only four overs to polish off the Worcestershire first innings but not before the home side had secured a second batting point.Jack Home, who was making his Championship debut, pulled Chris Rushworth for successive boundaries to bring up the 300.But then Rushworth struck twice in the space of three balls.He ended a stand of 65 between Tom Taylor and Home by trapping the latter lbw for 29 and then knocked out the off stump of on loan Surrey spinner Amar Virdi.It left Taylor unbeaten on 36 from 49 balls.Taylor then took the new ball but only five balls were possible before bad light stopped play with Warwickshire 6-0.When play resumed after a short delay, Taylor made the first breakthrough when Rob Yates tried to work the ball on the leg side and was caught off a leading edge at mid on by Virdi.Taylor bowled an excellent opening spell and constantly beat the bat.Davies went to his four-figure milestone in spectacular fashion against Logan van Beek during his first over.He twice hit the New Zealander for sixes backward of square and then a square drive to the boundary took him past 1,000 in an over costing 16 runs.Davies completed a 59-ball half-century with three sixes and six fours as Warwickshire reached 76 for 1 off 20 overs by lunch.But former Warwickshire all-rounder Ethan Brookes struck with the first delivery after the resumption when Will Rhodes aimed to work to leg and inside edged through to keeper Gareth Roderick moving away to his right.There was more joy for Brookes with the prized scalp of Davies (58) who went for a drive but took his one hand off the bat and inside-edged onto his stumps at 91 for 3.Van Beek switched ends and claimed his first scalp when Sam Hain (11) tried to turn a delivery on the on-side and was bowled shortly before the players left the field for the final time.

تعاقد الفريق الأول لكرة اليد رجال بالنادي الأهلي، مع لاعب جديد، استعدادًا لخوض بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، والتي تنطلق خلال الشهر الجاري.

وتقام بطولة كأس العالم للأندية لكرة اليد في مصر، للمرة الثانية على التوالي، خلال الفترة من 26 سبتمبر حتى 2 أكتوبر المقبل، على صالة نادي النادي بالعاصمة الإدارية الجديدة.

وعلم بطولات أن الأهلي تعاقد مع الدولي التشيكي ستانيسلاف كاشباريك لتدعيم صفوف فريق اليد في بطولتي كأس العالم للأندية وبطولة إفريقيا في المغرب.

طالع أيضاً.. مجموعة الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية لكرة اليد 2025

وتنص لوائح البطولة على أن يتأهل إلى نصف النهائي متصدر كل مجموعة، بالإضافة إلى أفضل فريق يحتل المركز الثاني، بينما تخوض الفرق الخمسة الأخرى مباريات لتحديد المراكز من الخامس إلى التاسع.

ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية من البطولة رفقة فيزبريم المجري وسيدني الأسترالي.

وكان الأهلي حسم تأهله إلى بطولة كأس العالم للأندية بعد فوزه بلقب كأس السوبر الإفريقي على حساب الترجي التونسي، بينما سيشارك الزمالك، بصفته الفريق المنظم لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية التي تقام في مصر.

Bad light ended play early, but hosts were 81 ahead, recovering despite an early burst from Kagiso Rabada

Mohammad Isam23-Oct-2024

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s fifty took Bangladesh into the lead•AFP/Getty Images

Bad light forced the third day’s play of the Dhaka Test to be called off at 4pm local time, an hour before the scheduled end of the day. Bangladesh fought back in the game and now lead by 81 runs, with South Africa still short of three wickets. The hosts ended the day on 283 for 7, thanks mainly to half-centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and the debutant Jaker Ali.Play was stopped at 3.17pm after 17 minutes of play under floodlights at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. There was earlier a 78-minute stoppage due to rain from 1.42pm onwards. This is unseasonal rain in Bangladesh due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, which is forecast to turn into a cyclone on Wednesday.Mehidy was Bangladesh’s saviour on the day with his fourth half-century this year, once again saving the team’s blushes from a difficult position. They were 112 for 6, from where Mehidy and Jaker added 138 runs for the seventh wicket. It is Bangladesh’s third century stand from the seventh wicket in their last five Tests.Mehidy struck nine fours and a six in his 171-ball stay on the third day, batting confidently enough to pass some of that confidence to Jaker, who had got only 2 in the first innings. But the day had started horribly for Bangladesh, who lost three wickets in the first 30 minutes of play, with a Test to save.Kagiso Rabada had removed both of Bangladesh’s overnight batters Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim by the fourth over of the day. Mahmudul edged a wide one, giving first slip an easy catch after making 40. Rabada then blew away Mushfiqur’s middle stump later in the over with a delivery that was similar to his dismissal of the same batter in the first innings; while Mushfiqur lost two stumps on the first day, this time it was the middle pole which came off.When Litton Das was caught behind off Keshav Maharaj shortly afterwards, Bangladesh slipped to 112 for 6, and were in danger of an innings defeat on the third day. Mehidy and Jaker then stepped in, battling through a tough first session, and helping Bangladesh go past South Africa’s 202-run first-innings lead.Jaker, who played second fiddle to Mehidy, struck the ball nicely through the covers. He pinched two fours through fine leg too, one of them getting him to a half-century. Jaker hammered Rabada with a confident pull shot too. He also took three fours off Rabada, twice through the off side and once through a pull.Mehidy, meanwhile, was mainly effective against Maharaj, hitting him for four boundaries through the covers – sometimes even lofted ones, but mostly along the ground. He generally handled spin well, as Bangladesh got within one run of South Africa’s lead at lunch.An hour into the second session, rain stopped play for 78 minutes. Before the rain break, Jaker reached had his maiden Test fifty. He fell lbw to Maharaj after getting beaten trying to turn the ball on the leg side. The umpire gave it out despite a casual appeal from the visitors, but replays showed it was the correct decision. Jaker struck seven fours in his 111-ball stay.

Aston Villa are on the verge of signing their first major signing of the transfer window with OGC Nice’s Evann Guessand. The deal is expected to be worth around £26m, plus more than £4m in add-ons.

Guessand has been with Ligue 1 side Nice since 2014 and rose through their academy to become a first-team player and earn himself a place in the Ivorian national team. Manager Unai Emery will be hoping that the goals and assists Guessand brings to the team will ensure they don’t have an end-of-season drop-off this time around, after the sale of Jhon Duran depleted their depth in the number nine position last term.

It won’t take long from Guessand’s debut for his versatility to be on full display for Villa fans. Last season, under Franck Haise, Guessand was utilised both as a centre forward and a winger. This fluidity in attack is similar to what Emery implemented in the latter half of last season with loan players Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.

However, with the previously mentioned loanees returning to their respective parent clubs, Villa are still somewhat shorthanded up front. Due to this, Emery has identified a new striker target to help rectify the situation.

Emery "eager" to reunite with Jackson

Caught Offside have reported that Aston Villa have identified Chelsea and Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson as an ideal target. Jackson previously worked with the Villa boss while the pair were at Villarreal.

With the departure of Duran and an exit for Ollie Watkins still on the cards this window, Villa need to strengthen their attack, and Jackson is seen as a possible solution. Caught Offside’s source stated that “Villa are among the clubs most keen on Jackson. Unai Emery is eager to work with him again after their time together at Villarreal”.

Aston Villa don’t have a clear run at Jackson presently, with Newcastle United having held “informal talks” with Jackson’s representatives and Juventus monitoring the situation in the event they sell Dusan Vlahovic.

An even bigger hurdle for Villa will be finances, with owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens potentially needing to sell to buy, according to the same report. If Villa can navigate the PSR hurdles and retain Watkins however, they could have a very dangerous attack on their hands.

Emery’s Potential Striker Options

2024/25 Stats

Watkins

Jackson

Guessand

Games Played

38

30

33

Goals

16

10

12

Assists

8

5

8

Xg per 90

0.53

0.5

0.32

Goals Per 90

0.55

0.41

0.42

Stats via: FBREF

All three players are averaging close to a goal every other game. Watkins is the best in this regard, but he is the oldest and most developed player; there is still plenty of time for Jackson and Guessand to match him.

While it may look like Jackson is massively underperforming against his Xg compared to the others, there is an explanation for this. When evaluating Jackson as a Manchester United target, The Athletic’s JJ Bull explained how Jackson’s Xg underperformance has been misinterpreted as him missing a lot of goals he should score, when in reality it’s distorted by him taking a lot of shots he shouldn’t take and often shooting too early.

These three players, alongside the other attacking options they have in the squad, could see Villa push for Champions League football once again and help the club away from its financial issues.

أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” عن حكم مباراة منتخب مصر تحت 20 عامًا ضد نظيره الياباني، التي تقام ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للشباب.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العالم للشباب، التي تقام في تشيلي خلال الفترة من 27 سبتمبر حتى 20 أكتوبر المقبل.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من البطولة بجانب منتخبات تشيلي واليابان ونيوزيلندا.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع اليابان، غدًا السبت في تمام الساعة 11 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من منافسات المجموعة الأولى لبطولة كأس العالم للشباب.

طالع | رسالة تحفيزية من عضو اتحاد الكرة لـ منتخب مصر للشباب قبل انطلاق كأس العالم حكم مباراة مصر واليابان في كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا

ويقود مباراة مصر واليابان، في كأس العالم للشباب، الأرجنتيني داريو هيريرا، ويعاونه كل من نافارو كريستيان كمساعد أول، وسافوراني خوسيه كمساعد ثان، بالإضافة إلى بينهيرو جواو كحكم رابع.

The Mumbai captain says Shaw needs to “figure out himself” how to get things back on track

Himanshu Agrawal16-Dec-2024

Prithvi Shaw wasn’t picked at the recent IPL auction•Associated Press

That Prithvi Shaw is a gifted player was there for all to see when he scored a hundred on Test debut just before turning 19 in late 2018. He has since played only 11 international games in six years and if he wants to reach the peak of his game again, he needs to get his “work ethics right,” his Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer has said.Shaw was recently dropped from the Mumbai side during the first leg of the Ranji Trophy because of fitness issues and he has since returned to the T20 side during their victorious 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign, where Mumbai beat Madhya Pradesh in the final on Sunday in Bengaluru. Shaw batted in all of Mumbai’s nine games for 197 runs at a strike rate of 156.34 while averaging a shade under 22, and his five impressive cameos were otherwise interspersed with four low scores.”He needs to get his work ethics right, and if he does that, the sky is the limit for him,” Iyer said.Related

Prithvi Shaw joins Maharashtra ahead of 2025-26 domestic season

Prithvi Shaw dropped from Mumbai squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Chappell to Shaw: 'Visualise the cricketer and person you want to become'

Shedge, Suryakumar power Mumbai to Mushtaq Ali Trophy title

Earlier this year, Shaw was also dropped by his IPL side Delhi Capitals before being released by them and going unsold in the recent IPL 2025 auction.”We can’t babysit anyone, right? Every professional who is playing at this level, they need to know what they should be doing,” Iyer said. “And he has also done it in the past; it’s not that he hasn’t. He has to focus, he has to sit back, [and] put a thinking cap on, and then figure out himself. He will get the answer by himself.”Last month, former Australia captain Greg Chappell wrote a letter to Shaw, where he insisted that the India batter should embark on a “journey of self-reflection”. But Iyer said that “no one can force” Shaw to do anything, given he “has played so much of cricket, and everyone has given him inputs”.Iyer impressed with Mumbai’s ‘fearless’ youngstersThe victorious Mumbai team with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy•PTI

While showering praise on his team-mates, Iyer said that “each and every individual stepped up at the right time” for Mumbai in their title-winning run at SMAT. It was Mumbai’s second title across formats since the last domestic season, when they had won the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy.Iyer was particularly pleased with the younger crop of players who performed in Mumbai’s triumph this season, and said “the way they showcase their talent is simply phenomenal”.”You should see their character and their approach outside the dressing room and also on the field,” he said. “They’re fearless in their approach, and this is the kind of players we need to back going up. And for me, personally, whenever I go out there, I want to win each and every game. It doesn’t matter who we play; winning is something that makes me feel happy, and it is everything for me.”Although Mumbai had an experienced top five of Ajinkya Rahane, Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Iyer – all of whom have played for India – they lacked in exposure in their bowling line-up. Allrounder Suryansh Shedge made his T20 debut in this tournament, while five of Royston Dias’ nine career T20 matches came this season.Others like Atharva Ankolekar, Mohit Avasthi and Tanush Kotian entered the tournament with 12, 20 and 24 games, respectively. Shardul Thakur was Mumbai’s only bowler who had played plenty of T20 cricket, including 25 for India.”If you see, in our bowling line-up, there are hardly any Indian players,” Iyer said. “We struggled a bit right from match one [where they conceded 224 against Goa], but the way they showed their skills in the last two games, I think they stepped up at the right time when the team needed them. Conceding around 170 on such a wicket [in the final, in Bengaluru], where you know the wicket tends to get better when the lights are on, it’s easy for the batters to come and bat.”I think [it was] a commendable performance from them. All in all, I would say it’s fun to be having such a great squad.”

Manchester United’s activity within the transfer market over recent years has been questionable to say the least, wasting a whole host of money in the process.

Erik ten Hag’s tenure was arguably one of the worst for the club, with the hierarchy providing the Dutchman with over £600m worth of funds to improve the first-team squad.

However, his highest finish in the Premier League at Old Trafford was third place, but ultimately his additions failed to make the desired impact – which led to his dismissal in October last year.

The Red Devils’ failures in the transfer market have made Ruben Amorim’s task in the role a tad harder, having to work with the players already at the club – which has seen him notch a measly 40% win rate.

That could all be about to change this summer, with the hierarchy already backing the new boss, whilst also preparing other offers for additional signings before the transfer deadline.

Man Utd targeting Bruno Fernandes midfield partner

The midfield department is next on the agenda for United, with Fermin Lopez one of the players in their sights, according to some of the latest updates on the 22-year-old’s future.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils have already made a £69m offer for the Barcelona star, with the player himself keen on a switch to the Premier League this summer.

However, he’s not the only player currently being considered by the club’s hierarchy, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba also firmly in their sights, according to David Ornstein.

Speaking on the Sports Agenda podcast, the journalist claimed that the 21-year-old is now Amorim’s top target this summer, after securing a move for Benjamin Sesko last week.

He also confirmed that talks have already been held with the players over a switch to Old Trafford, but it could prove to be a mammoth addition, given his current £100m asking price.

Why United’s latest target will be the best signing since Bruno

Despite United struggling over recent years, Bruno Fernandes has been the club’s captain and still managed to provide some incredible numbers in the process.

He registered a total of 37 combined goals and assists last season, helping the Red Devils reach the Europa League final and undoubtedly preventing the side from finishing further down the table.

However, other big-money additions haven’t been as successful, with Rasmus Hojlund unable to make the desired impact after his £72m move from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023.

The Dane has only scored 26 times in his 95 outings to date, subsequently being strongly linked with a cut-price departure to join Italian giants AC Milan this window.

Undoubtedly, there will be hope that some of the big-money additions from the current summer will have more of a positive impact – with Baleba potentially falling into that category.

The Cameroonian international has all the tools to be the perfect ball-winner at the heart of the squad, that’s if he can replicate his stats from the recent campaign at the AMEX.

Baleba, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, managed to win 2.7 tackles per 90 and make 1.6 interceptions per 90 last season via FBref.

Carlos Baleba’s stats for Brighton in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

34

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

87%

Progressive passes

4.1

Tackles made

2.7

Interceptions made

1.6

Blocks made

1.6

Clearances made

1.5

Take-on success

58%

Stats via FBref

Such numbers could see him add the needed presence in the middle of the park, but he has also showcased he has the tools to provide others with chances around him.

He completed 87% of the passes he attempted in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, 4.1 of which per 90 were progressive – able to give the new additions in the final third the opportunity to succeed.

As seen by the recent reports, it’s clear that the staff behind the scenes rate him highly, subsequently making him the next key target in their overhaul of the squad.

If Baleba can have the success Bruno has endured since his own big-money move to Old Trafford, it would be a deal worth every penny despite the massive transfer fee.

Related Bigger talent than Baleba: INEOS chasing "phenomenal" £100m CM for Man Utd

Manchester United are making another huge move in the transfer market this summer.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 13, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos destaques do Botafogo na vitória por 3 a 2 sobre o Flamengo, neste domingo (30), o goleiro Lucas Perri celebrou sua nova boa atuação. Em entrevista na zona mista do Maracanã (veja no vídeo acima) após o clássico válido pela terceira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, o camisa 12 exaltou:

– Muito feliz com essa atuação, com a vitória da equipe. Não consigo escolher alguma atuação. Ano passado, a final do Pernambucano foi muito importante para mim. Fico feliz por ajudar o Botafogo. Nossa equipe está numa crescente muito legal e temos muitas coisas grandes para conquistar ainda este ano.

+ VÍDEO: Os melhores momentos da vitória do Botafogo sobre o Flamengo

Perri também detalhou sua dedicação na meta botafoguense.

– Trabalho muito para, quando tiver as oportunidades, conseguir fazer o meu papel: o de ajudar o Botafogo, que é o mais importante independentemente de quem esteja jogando. Só tenho a glorificar a Deus, agradecer a Deus pelo momento que estou vivendo e seguir trabalhando, pois a gente está no começo do campeonato. Estamos vivos nas três competições no ano, nosso objetivo e estamos firmes nisso.

+Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoApós vitória sobre o Flamengo, Botafogo ironiza seguidores comprados pelos rivaisFora de Campo30/04/2023BotafogoVÍDEO: Adryelson celebra vitória do Botafogo no clássico e exige equipe concentrada para buscar títulosBotafogo30/04/2023Fora de CampoDa França, Pedro Certezas alfineta Flamengo após derrota para o Botafogo: ‘O coisa ruim voltou?’Fora de Campo30/04/2023

O goleiro também destacou o fato do Alvinegro ter saído de campo com uma vitória em um clássico.

– Vencer um clássico é muito bom, da mesma forma que vencemos o Fluminense no início do ano. A comemoração é muito especial. Mas estamos tranquilos, pois temos muitos objetivos no ano. Temos muitos jogos. Temos 13 jogos nas próximas seis semanas. Temos de descansar focar e jogar da melhor maneira possível – disse.

Em seguida, exaltou o que tem sido crucial para o Glorioso crescer na temporada.

– A gente passou por um período difícil no Campeonato Carioca, mas acredito que a forma como as coisas aconteceram uniu ainda mais o nosso grupo e com certeza ajudou a gente para viver esse momento. E, sem dúvida, dar continuidade ao que a gente espera esse ano – afirmou.

Lucas Perri também projetou a sequência da temporada alvinegra.

– Todos os momentos a gente está em busca da vitória. Ela dá muita confiança para a gente seguir no campeonato. Estamos numa sequência muito boa e, com certeza, isso tem ajudado muito a gente. Sabemos que não vamos ganhar todos os jogos daqui até o final do ano, mas que temos de manter nossa regularidade.

حصد الفريق الأول لكرة اليد بنادي الزمالك، المركز الخامس في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية “السوبر جلوب”، المقامة حاليًا في مصر، بعد التعادل مع الشارقة الإماراتي بنتيجة 28-28 في لقاء تحديد المراكز.

وتُقام جميع مباريات بطولة كأس العالم للأندية في الفترة من 26 سبتمبر إلى 2 أكتوبر 2025، على صالة العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة.

طالع | برشلونة يستعين برئيس جهاز العلاج الطبيعي في الزمالك

وكان الشوط الأول انتهى بتقدم الزمالك بنتيجة 18-12 قبل أن تنتهي المباراة بالتعادل بنتيجة 28-28.

وحصد الزمالك المركز الخامس مستفيدًا من الفوز السابق على المنافس بفارق 3 أهداف.

ويترأس جهاز كرة اليد في الزمالك، حسن يسري، ويقود الفريق فنيًا محمد عبدالسلام ريشة ويعاونه محمد رمضان هتلر مدربًا ومحيي صلاح مدربًا لحراس المرمى، وأحمد خشبة مديرًا إداريًا و الدكتور أشرف عز رئيسًا للجهاز الطبي والدكتور محمد أشرف طبيًا للفريق وأحمد صلاح مدربًا للأحمال وشريف حسين أخصائي تدليك و محمد علي مسؤولًا للمهمات.

It’s difficult to remember when the mood in the Arsenal fanbase has been this positive.

While there are several reasons why, the most significant factor is undoubtedly Eberechi Eze’s arrival.

The England international has been one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League for years, and just before their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur got their hands on him, the Gunners swooped in to bring him back to the Emirates.

Now with less than a week until the window closes, it looks like the club could be about to bring in another talented player in an Eze repeat.

Arsenal eye Eze repeat

While Arsenal have made a few signings from foreign leagues this summer, Andrea Berta and Co have made good use of the Premier League market as well.

Transfer Focus

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

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On top of Eze, the Italian oversaw deals to sign Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and then, staying in West London, a deal to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford.

In years gone by, that would be more than enough business for the Gunners, but now it looks like they could be going back to the Bees for another star in an Eze-esque deal.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Arsenal are interested in Nathan Collins.

The journalist has revealed that the Brentford captain has caught the eye of several top sides this summer, and alongside Spurs, the Gunners are one of them.

While the West Londoners do want to sell the 24-year-old, who they signed for just £23m a couple of seasons ago, there are still six days left until the window closes, and therefore every chance the Gunners could pull off an Eze repeat.

Why signing Collins would be an Eze repeat

While Eze and Collins obviously play in totally different positions on the pitch, there are plenty of reasons why Arsenal signing the latter would mirror their deal for the former.

The first reason, and then one their fans will likely enjoy the most, is that it could be yet another example of them hijacking a move for a player Spurs want to sign.

Baliey’s story makes it clear that one of the other sides currently most interested in the defender is the Lilywhites, and therefore, if the Gunners get in first, it’d give the fans yet more opportunity to gloat.

Another key similarity between the two is that both were, or are, in Collins’ case, key players for a fellow London-based Premier League side.

For example, although he doesn’t receive nearly as much media attention, the Irish titan is now Brentford’s captain and has made 80 appearances for the club.

Moreover, he’s not just earned the armband through his leadership skills, but also for the fact that he’s an immense centre-back.

In fact, journalist Mario Marra has gone as far as dubbing him “one of the best defenders in the Premier League,” and while that might sound somewhat hyperbolic, his underlying numbers suggest it might not be.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs in the Premier League last season for shots blocked, the top 3% for overall blocks, the top 4% for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

In other words, while he doesn’t attract many headlines, the Bees star is an accomplished defender who excels at the basics and is more than adept at the technical aspects of the game.

Collins’ Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

GCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.05

Top 1%

Shots Blocked

1.50

Top 1%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.05

Top 1%

Blocks

2.03

Top 3%

Touches (Att Pen)

1.82

Top 3%

Assists

0.08

Top 4%

npxG/Shot

0.15

Top 9%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.05

Top 9%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.21

Top 9%

GCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.03

Top 9%

Aerials Won

3.08

Top 11%

Fouls Drawn

0.82

Top 12%

Goals + Assists

0.13

Top 13%

All Stats via FBref

Ultimately, from beating Spurs to another player, the team he currently plays for, and his overall quality, signing Collins would be something of an Eze repeat for Arsenal.

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Andrea Berta has his eye on more than one defender.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Aug 27, 2025