The 31-year-old, who recently completed a ban for corruption, is weighing up his options including a long-term cricketing future in the USA

Umar Farooq04-Oct-2021

Umar Akmal is playing for California Zalmi in the ongoing season of the Premier C league•Getty Images

Umar Akmal has left Pakistan mid-season to try and explore opportunities playing league cricket in the USA. He has signed a short-term contract with the Northern California Cricket Association but is open to weighing up his options including a long-term deal severing his allegiances with Pakistan cricket. He is representing California Zalmi in the ongoing season of the Premier C league.Akmal was recently reintegrated into cricket after completing his ban for breaching the PCB’s anti-corruption code, but ESPNcricinfo understands his comeback wasn’t well-received within the circuit. The PCB helped him follow his rehabilitation program, but his selection for the top domestic teams remained on hold. He was asked to play for a second XI team instead of a first XI team, and therefore hasn’t been involved in the ongoing National T20 Cup, which clashed with his expectation that he would come back where he left off, at the top level. After scoring 0, 14, 7, 16 and 29 for the Central Punjab Second XI in the PCB Cricket Associations T20 tournament, he decided to move away from domestic cricket – at least for the time being.Related

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It isn’t clear if Akmal will miss the entire season, with the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy set to start from October 20 and the One-Day Cup from February 25. But with his future uncertain and no buyers among the six provincial associations, he has decided to pursue his ambitions elsewhere. His family has confirmed he has left for the USA, but maintain that his older brother Kamran – three of the Akmal siblings have played Test cricket for Pakistan – was not involved in his decision-making.One family member expressed the view that Umar Akmal had been subject to biased treatment. “There are a few others who were banned with bigger charges but given unprecedented support to make a comeback. The system was never fair to Umar. There were blatant compromises made to select a few players with poor fitness, but the benchmark was made tighter for him [Umar] to make sure keep him out.”The family member didn’t name the players but it has understood that PCB had relaxed its fitness criteria to accommodate Azam Khan, Sohaib Maqsood and Sharjeel Khan in the national set up. The comparison with Akmal’s case isn’t quite apt, however, in light of his troubled past with nearly every head coach that has taken the national team’s reins in the last 10 years, with Waqar Younis once writing in his report that sacrificing “one Umar Akmal will allow us to develop other players who can truly and proudly wear the star on their chest and represent Pakistan.” He urged PCB to make Umar realise the worth of playing for Pakistan and re-earn his place by playing domestic cricket.A comeback to Pakistan’s white-ball team in 2019 proved short-lived•Getty Images

Akmal, 31, has coughed up plenty of fines over his career but the recent ban has hit him the hardest. After a lengthy legal battle with the PCB, his 18-month ban was slashed by six months by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), making him eligible for an early return to representative cricket. He had originally been banned for three years for not reporting spot-fixing approaches made to him before the start of the 2020 PSL. He admitted a part of the charges but never accepted the length of the sanction, with lawyer citing similar cases from the past to build a case that others facing similar charges had been banned for less time. Following two appeals, one before the PCB arbitrator and one with the CAS, his ban was first cut down to a year-and-a-half and later by another six months.Akmal’s career has been beset by several discipline issues, which have often overshadowed his cricket. He burst onto the international arena in 2009 as 19-year-old with huge promise, scoring 129 and 75 on Test debut in New Zealand. He also scored a century in only his third ODI and became a hot commodity overnight, with Pakistan seemingly blessed with an all-format middle-order batter with all the talent in the world. But his inconsistency and his troubled relationship with the PCB and the team management gradually led his career to slump. After 16 Tests from 2009 to 2011, he never wore Pakistan’s whites again, and though he went on to play 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is, his career seemingly ground to a halt in 2017, with a comeback in 2019 – following Misbah-ul-Haq’s takeover as Pakistan coach – proving brief.Then, in February 2020, hours before the opening match of the PSL season, he was suspended and his career was truly in the wilderness.Akmal’s move to California could be the start of an exploration into longer-term opportunities in the USA. USA Cricket, together with its commercial partner ACE (American Cricket Enterprises) has ramped up efforts to bring in overseas professionals for its Minor and Major Cricket League set-up, pulling in former internationals on a three-year residency path to switching allegiances and representing the USA. The former Pakistan opener Sami Aslam is one of many players from various countries to take up the deal and move to the USA, and there are dozens of other cricketers in Pakistan who are open to taking up the chance if offered. It has been confirmed that Umar hasn’t received an offer yet, but his initial stint in California could go on to define his career path.

After a tough start to the season that saw them drop points against Leicester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United, there is now an undeniable air of positivity around Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have turned their fortunes around with four wins on the bounce, and following their emphatic away victory against Manchester United on Sunday, they look ready to take on anyone.

The game saw Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke continue their good form in front of goal, although as impressive as the pair have been in the last few weeks, they are being outscored by a former Spurs flop who was sold for a pittance in the summer.

Johnson and Solanke's impressive form

While the mood around Tottenham is a positive one at the moment, and for a good reason, it certainly wasn’t a couple of weeks ago when Johnson felt he had to deactivate his Instagram account due to the amount of abuse he was receiving from fans over his perceived lack of form.

It wasn’t a nice situation, but where many players would understandably crumple under pressure, the Welshman pushed ahead and has answered his critics on the pitch, scoring in four games on the bounce.

He hasn’t just scored the fourth in a 4-0 thrashing, either; he has scored important goals: the winner against Coventry City, the opener against Qarabağ when the team were down to ten men, and the opener at Old Trafford.

In short, the former Nottingham Forest ace has become one of the club’s most important players over the last fortnight or so and now looks as much, if not more, of a goal threat than the club’s £65m striker, Solanke.

That said, while the former Bournemouth star had a slow start to life in North London this season, failing to score in his first three games, like Johnson, he has found his footing in the last couple of weeks.

The Englishman opened his account with a goal against Brentford, followed that up with another against Qarabağ, and finally against United on Sunday.

Overall, while Johnson and Solanke endured tough starts to the season, they are on fire now, although they are being outscored by a player sold by the club in the summer.

Giovani Lo Celso's recent form

Yes, the former Spurs flop in question is Giovani Lo Celso, who initially joined the club on loan in the summer of 2019 before completing a permanent move the following summer, which cost the club around £42.3m, including his loan fee.

There was plenty of excitement around the Argentine when he arrived in England, but it would be fair to say that he ultimately underwhelmed in N17.

Indeed, he made just 108 appearances for the club, scoring ten goals, providing eight assists and going on loan to Villarreal for a season and a half between January 2022 and June 2023.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

After playing just 597 minutes last season, the two-time Copa América winner was finally sold on to former club Real Betis for a fee said to be as low as £8.4m, and since then, he has looked like a player reborn and would be the top goalscorer in Spurs’ squad had he stayed.

Lo Celso vs Johnson & Solanke in 24/25
Player	Lo Celso	Johnson	Solanke
Appearances	5	8	6
Minutes	361′	544′	505′
Goals	5	4	3
Assists	0	0	1
Goal Involvements per Match	1	0.50	0.66
Minutes per Goal Involvement	72.2′	136′	126.25′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

In just five appearances for Los Verdiblancos, the 28-year-old “leader”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored five goals, including a brace in his first start for the club against Getafe, and his underlying numbers are just as impressive.

Moreover, according to FBref, which compares players in similar roles across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the former Tottenham ace sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals, attempted passes, progressive passes and tackles, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for expected assists, all per 90.

Ultimately, given his lack of impact last season and his uptick in form this year, selling Lo Celso in the summer was probably the right decision for all parties involved. Still, there must be a part of Postecoglou wondering why he couldn’t have shown this goalscoring touch for him.

Spurs wanted to sign £55m star for Ange but ended up with Brennan Johnson

The North Londoners could have ended up with another winger entirely last summer.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 1, 2024

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze will miss Chelsea's League Cup semi-final against West Ham on Wednesday night due to a calf injury.

Article continues below

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• Lionesses star Bronze missed Aston Villa win on Sunday
• Will also be unavailable for League Cup semi-final
• Chelsea boss Bompastor also issues Fishel update

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bronze missed Sunday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the Women's Super League due to the calf issue, which Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor described as "small". However, it will rule her out for at least another game, with Bompastor confirming as much in her press conference on Tuesday.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea will also be without France international Sandy Baltimore again due to injury, after she joined Bronze on the sidelines for the clash with Villa. Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was the Blues' other new absentee at the weekend and it has since been announced that she is pregnant with her first child. The club signed Femke Liefting, a promising Netherlands youth international, on deadline day to add depth to that position.

• WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

  Speaking on Tuesday, Bompastor told reporters: "There were no new injuries from the game on Sunday. Sandy Baltimore and Lucy Bronze won't be available for the game tomorrow. We'll see if they can be available for the game this weekend, but they are not in the squad for tomorrow."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bompastor also provided an update on the recovery of Mia Fishel, the United States international forward who suffered a devastating ACL injury in February 2024. "Mia is doing well," she said. "She's not practicing fully with us yet but she's been with us [in] parts of training sessions. She's also progressing with our under-18 team. I think she's in a really good place, mentally and physically. It's really positive news from her, even if it's difficult for me to give you a really precise date for her return."

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A espera do Corinthians por um novo centroavante poder estar perto de acabar, mas enquanto isso não acontece a diretoria do clube segue cautelosa. A questão é que Diego Costa está oficialmente livre no mercado, após rescindir com o Atlético-MG, e Timão fez uma consulta oficial ao atleta.

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Ainda que internamente representantes corintianos sigam mantando o discurso de que não há proposta pelo atacante, as conversas que a direção do Alvinegro mantinha com o estave de Costa desde o fim do ano passado agora é considerada um posicionamento oficial de interesse, até com disposição de números e projeto esportivo feito apresentando às pessoas que cuidam da carreira do atacante.

> TABELA: Confira e simule os jogos do Timão no Campeonato Paulista 2022
> GALERIA:Timão ativo no mercado para “se livrar” de atletas fora dos planos

A ideia é que o Corinthians tenha Diego Costa por duas temporadas, pagando um salário que gira em torno de R$ 1,5 milhão, que será pago em parceria com o Grupo Taunsa, empresa de agronegócio que se tornou parceira do Timão no fim de 2022.

Os valores apresentados pela diretoria corintiana não são surreais, ainda que seja um dos mais altos no comparativo com o elenco, mas inicialmente as cifras não foram vistas como empecilho para a negociação evoluir, o que já é considerado uma vitória pelos corintianos, que temiam não chegar ao salário e premiações desejados por Diego Costa.

Contudo, o que o Timão já previa e realmente aconteceu é o desejo do centroavante voltar para a Europa. Até o momento apenas o Cádiz, da Espanha, fez, entre os clubes do Velho Continente, uma propostra por Diego, esta que foi sumariamente rejeitada. O jogador ainda acredita que um grande clube pode o procurar, e por isso pediu alguns dias para pensar.

Enquanto isso, o Timão segue cauteloso. Há um desejo grande de ter um grande ‘camisa 9’ até o início da fase de grupos da Libertadores, em abril, mas a cúpula corintiana crê que durante o Paulistão o clube pode achar esse nome para reforçar o elenco.

Contratado para ser uma das estrelas do Atlético-MG na última temporada, que foi imensamente vitoriosa para o Galo, com os títulos Mineiro, Brasileiro e da Copa do Brasil, os dois últimos já com Diego Costa no elenco, o atacante ficou ofuscado a outras estrelas do elenco atleticano como Hulk, Zaracho, Keno e Nacho Fernández, além de sofrer com recorrentes lesões.

Em 2021 foram 19 jogos disputados com a camisa do Galo, cinco gols e uma assistência.

With the MLS season kicking off in just over two weeks, here is a look at where teams stand entering 2025 campaign

Hello, 2025.

This has been a memorable offseason. Genuinely, it has been record-breaking in every sense — incoming and outgoing transfers, record fees for clubs across the league, blockbuster intra-league trades, and more.

It has been a rollercoaster, and we're still over two weeks away from competitive MLS action, too, meaning there is still so much more that could happen ahead of the start of the campaign.

Over the past two months, though, there has been one common trait shared across the league — ambition, at least by most teams.

The San Jose Earthquakes are the perfect example, as are the New England Revolution. Both teams are set to field relatively unrecognizable teams on opening day due to roster turnover. Then, there's a step further as shown with Atlanta United. The smashed the MLS transfer record for $22M striker Emmanuel Latte-Lath while also bringing back former club star Miguel Almiron from Newcastle United.

On the other end, other teams like Toronto FC have yet to even open up their wallet.

With just weeks away from kickoff, it's now time to start seriously evaluating where clubs stand. It's a brand-new season, with lots of new rules, including continental competition participation. The 2024 MLS Cup champions in the LA Galaxy remain on top of the list in preseason at least, while Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are still recovering from their shocking Round 1 Playoff exit last November.

Which club leads the pack, and who is falling short of expectations? GOAL presents the first edition of 2025 MLS Power Rankings.

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Getty30Toronto FC

Someway, somehow, Lorenzo Insigne is still a TFC player. They haven't used an offseason buyout, and they didn't transfer him away from the club in January. This ultimately has to mean they're planning around him in 2025 — which does not feel like a smart choice.

Factor in their incredibly poor campaign last season, and their lack of transfer business this offseason, and there is just nothing to be excited about.

The club brought in Robin Fraser to lead their touchline as their new manager after the departure of John Herdman in November, and even then, it just doesn't move the needle.

Advertisement29D.C. United

D.C. offloaded Matai Akinmboni to Bournemouth in the Premier League, which is a brilliant move for both the club and the U.S. youth international. However, when the only positive around your club over the offseason is selling a player abroad, that's not great.

The club also, someway, somehow, managed to offload DP Mateusz Klich to Atlanta United on a season-long loan, but they're still paying his salary in a scenario that does not make any sense whatsoever for them.

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Reports surfaced earlier this week that they're also moving on from bright homegrown prospect Ted Ku-DiPietro, who was a fan favorite.

Not the best outlook for a storied franchise.

28FC Dallas

FC Dallas had a selling offseason. They made a lot of money in that sense, which is great from a club standpoint. Offloading Alan Velasco, Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola for nearly $15 million is stellar business — however, there's a rule in sports where if you get rid of players, you should probably replace them.

And, well, FCD have yet to do that.

They brought in Anderson Julio from RSL, and that's a rather similar body to Arriola, so we can give them that — but not much else has happened. It's going to be incredibly hard to compete if they don't find replacements for Ferreira and Velasco soon, while star forward Petar Musa's production will likely go down too without support as well.

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Getty Images Sport27Philadelphia Union

Getting rid of Jim Curtin still feels like a very, very poor move.

Since his departure, Philly has appointed former St. Louis CITY SC manager Bradley Carnell, but they've relatively failed to bolster their roster after an incredibly poor 2024.

They signed Serbian midfielder Jovan Lukic to a multi-year contract and brought in defender Ian Glavinovich on a season-long loan, but other than that, their under-performing XI from 2024 is set to return in a few weeks time.

Factor in the club also sold U.S. international Jack McGlynn to the Houston Dynamo, and they're down another body. The positive spin, though, is they earned up to $3.4M for his services, which is brilliant considering it's pure profit due to his Homegrown status.

Still looking to take Manchester United back to their best, Sir Jim Ratcliffe now reportedly wants to tap into a new market to sign an exciting future star for the Red Devils.

Man Utd transfer news

Despite so many positives in the summer transfer window, Manchester United’s season has been full to the brim with moments to forget ever since the market slammed shut. Even after arrivals such as Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte, Erik ten Hag has still failed to get the right tune out of his side, who have made the worst start to the season in the club’s Premier League history.

Making unwanted records, the pressure is on Ten Hag to turn things around after the international break when his side square off against Brentford at Old Trafford and then travel to face Jose Mourinho and Fred’s Fenerbahce in a narrative that all but writes itself.

Survive those games and the Dutchman may just get the chance to turn his attention towards 2025 and welcoming further reinforcements and turn things around once and for all at Old Trafford. Whether it’s Ten Hag or another name, meanwhile, INEOS look set to shift their focus to a new area of the market.

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United could have had their next great Carrington midfielder

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 18, 2024

According to Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, Ratcliffe now wants to tap into the South American market to sign Kaua Elias from Fluminense ahead of Fulham and Everton in 2025. The Brazilian side reportedly value their young striker at €30m plus add ons (£25m+) in what could be the only stumbling block between a move to Old Trafford and staying put at Fluminense.

Elias would follow a long list of South American talent to complete a move to the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli, Alexis Mac Allister, Murillo and more over the years.

"Fantastic" Elias could become Hoijlund partner

There’s no doubt that Manchester United needed to add some youthful exuberance to their frontline for some time, with the likes of Anthony Martial beginning to become detrimental to Ten Hag’s side more than anything. And Ratcliffe seemed well aware of that in the summer, welcoming Joshua Zirkzee to partner the already-signed Rasmus Hoijlund, who enjoyed a promising debut campaign.

Now, the new owner can continue that trend by signing Elias and completing a fresh attacking trio at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old has already been making his mark on senior football too, scoring six goals and assisting another two for Fluminense this season to earn the praise of South American football expert Nathan Joyes, who dubbed the teenager “fantastic”.

Tapping into a new market and one that has brought so much success around the Premier League, Manchester United look set to continue their positive strides away from the disappointing action taking place on the pitch during Ten Hag’s tenure.

Southee-Boult strike with the ball, Williamson-Conway see the chase through as New Zealand enter semifinals

Andrew Fidel Fernando07-Nov-20212:34

Agarkar: New Zealand bowlers almost intimidated the Afghanistan batters

New Zealand were clinical. As they have now made the semi finals of four World Cups in a row (including ODI World Cups), this is perhaps not surprising.Needing a win to ensure themselves a place in the final four, they produced what turned out to be a match-winning powerplay. Kane Williamson cycled his three quicks – Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Adam Milne – through the first six overs, giving them two apiece. They each claimed a wicket, and helped keep Afghanistan to less than four an over while the fielding restrictions were in operation.Watch cricket live on ESPN+

Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from the Men’s T20 World Cup live in the USA. Match highlights of Afghanistan vs New Zealand is available in English, and in Hindi (USA only).

Afghanistan recovered slightly, through a Najibullah Zadran half-century, but apart from one 19-run over against Mitchell Santner, never really managed to find momentum after that awful start. They spluttered their way to 124 for 8, and were always going to struggle to defend it.In response, New Zealand strode to 45 for 1 at the end of their powerplay, and then Kane Williamson and Devon Conway came together to stroll to the finish – their unbeaten 68-run stand taking up 56 balls, even as the side won with 11 balls to spare.With this win they have not only ended Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes, but also those of India, whom they had beaten earlier in the tournament.Kane Williamson and Devon Conway’s unbeaten 68-run stand took New Zealand home•AFP/Getty ImagesNew Zealand quicks scythe through Afghanistan’s top order
Afghanistan banked on their attack when they chose to bat first, with mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman back in the lineup after recovering from injury. They needed a decent batting Powerplay, though, and could hardly have done any worse. Mohammad Shahzad was the first to go, trying to larrup an Adam Milne bouncer over third man, and managing only to send an edge through to wicketkeeper Conway (who did excellently to get a glove behind it, and complete the catch on the second rebound), in the third over. Trent Boult then had Hazratullah Zazai caught at short midwicket. Soon after, Tim Southee had Rahmanullah Gurbaz lbw. After six overs, Afghanistan were 23 for 3, and had struck just three boundaries – one of which was an unintentional top edge.Afghanistan fizzle at the death
Despite the start, Afghanistan did recover slightly through the middle period, through a 37-run stand between Najibullah Zadran and Gulbadin Naib, then a 59-run partnership between Najibullah and Mohammad Nabi. But they could not fire at the death.In the last six overs, Afghanistan managed just 37 runs, as they lost four wickets. Trent Boult picked up two dismissals in his final over to end with the game’s best figures, of 3 for 17.New Zealand ace the chase
It didn’t need much chasing, really. At no point did New Zealand seem rushed. Mujeeb struck at the start of the fourth over, when a carrom ball that didn’t really turn caught Daryl Mitchell’s outside edge, but Afghanistan really needed a couple more wickets in the Powerplay if they were really going to challenge New Zealand.Instead, Kane Williamson came out and played an ice-cool innings, almost never taking a risk, working the singles, striking only the occasional boundary, as he strolled to 40 not out off 42. Conway’s stay was not quite as assured, but despite having nicked a ball early in his innings (Afghanistan barely appealed), made his way to 36 not out off 32.The whole thing was drama-free.

Crystal Palace are believed to be monitoring the situation of a versatile defensive midfielder with a £16.5m price tag, according to a new transfer report.

Glasner battling to save Crystal Palace job

It’s fair to say that life at Selhurst Park is not going too positively for Oliver Glasner and his players currently, with the Eagles suffering a dire start to the new Premier League season.

Just three points have been picked up from eight league matches, with Monday’s 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest further cranking up the pressure on manager Glasner. The Austrian’s stock has fallen significantly, having impressed so much when he first took over earlier this year, and improved results and performances are required immediately, starting at home to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

In terms of possible replacements for the current Palace boss, David Moyes has been linked with the job, having been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season. It has even been claimed that he would be open to a move to Selhurst Park, should the chance arise.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has also emerged as a reported target for the Eagles, although he has made it clear that he is keen on a break after his excursions with the England team over the past eight years.

Crystal Palace eyeing move for £16.5m player

According to Haber 61 [via Sport Witness], Crystal Palace are monitoring Trabzonspor defender Batista Mendy, with Nottingham Forest also emerging as potential suitors.

The Turkish club would be willing to listen to £16.5m offers for the 24-year-old, but a move wouldn’t be able to happen until next summer, rather than the January transfer window. No bids have been made yet, however, but there is also interest from Italian, French and Russian clubs.

Mendy stands out as an astute option for Palace next year, not least because his versatility allows him to excel as both a centre-back and a midfielder. This season, the Frenchman has been primarily used as a central defender, averaging 1.8 clearances per game in the Turkish Super Lig, starting seven matches in the competition and also appearing once as a substitute.

Mendy has also clearly been a big talent since his teenage years, considering he has been capped by France across four different youth age groups, winning a combined 24 caps in the process.

France Under-19s

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France Under-18s

3

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France Under-17s

7

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France Under-16s

10

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Palace’s squad has clearly been hurt by the exits of some key players this summer, not least Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise, and bringing in Mendy could help fill the void left by the former, who has been such a big miss since opting to join Fulham permanently.

Crystal Palace could sack Glasner and appoint "outstanding" coach

Crystal Palace could sack Glasner to appoint a new candidate with Premier League experience.

ByConnor Holden Oct 24, 2024

At 24, the Trabzonspor man is still a relatively young player, too, so Glasner or whoever else is in charge would be bringing in a long-term acquisition with plenty of potential.

Big picture

South Africa and West Indies will hope the worst is out of the way after poor batting displays saw them lose their tournament openers. South Africa’s under-par 118 for 9 came first on Saturday, to end a winning streak which lasted seven matches and dates back to the last time they played West Indies, in July. South Africa won that series 3-2 in a decider, which may give them an advantage going into this match especially after the way West Indies performed in their first game.Related

• Bravo is reinventing himself in T20, age be damned

• Simmons: West Indies batters will 'continue to be aggressive' but shot-selection should improve 'tenfold'

Kieron Pollard’s men were dismissed for just 55 in a lacklustre display which may have made South Africa feel a little better about their showing. Even though West Indies’ form has been patchy leading up to the tournament, the magnitude and manner of their defeat to England was embarrassing, a word they themselves have used in assessment. West Indies have to get up, and get up quickly, and South Africa will know that. Temba Bavuma’s men will have to bear the brunt of an opposition’s desire for redemption and meet it with their own desperation to turn things around.It’s too early for either team to panic but whoever loses will be in a difficult position, especially with strong subcontinental opposition to come.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa LWWWW
West Indies LLWLW

In the spotlight

It’s hardly surprising that the batting on both sides will come under the microscope after their opening match blow-outs. With only one West Indian, Chris Gayle, getting into double-figures, all their players have points to prove, particularly when it comes to shot selection. Six of the West Indian top seven were dismissed playing loose, aerial strokes against England so a bit of tightening up may be in order. South Africa were less guilty of carelessness but undone by accuracy and pace from Australia’s quicks. A focus on footwork would not go amiss, especially in these conditions.South Africa beat West Indies 3-2 in a five-match T20I series in July•AFP/Getty Images

If any of the batters manage to get going it will be up to Keshav Maharaj and Akeal Hosein to keep them quiet, setting up an intriguing battle of the containers. Maharaj has become an almost-permanent fixture in the South African T20I XI, operating in the Powerplay and in the crucial middle overs. He doesn’t give much away and often picks up a wicket or two and will seek to frustrate West Indies’ big hitters. Hosein was given the new ball against England and did his bit to rattle their nerves, with two good catches off his bowling and a return of 2 for 24. South Africa are known to be hesitant against spinners and he may have an opportunity to poke holes in the line-up if their confidence is low.

Team news

With no middle-order batters on the bench, it’s difficult for South Africa to find a solution for David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen’s lack of form. The only thing they can do is insert top-order player Reeza Hendricks into the line-up, and potentially move Aiden Markram lower down to accommodate that. They may also re-look at the seam-bowling allrounder position and opt to leave one out completely, in favour of three quicks.South Africa: (probable) 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Temba Bavuma (capt), 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 David Miller, 6 Heinrich Klaasen/Reeza Hendricks, 7 Kagiso Rabada, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Lungi Ngidi, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Tabraiz ShamsiAlthough coach Phil Simmons did not go so far as to say he regretted leaving Roston Chase out, he indicated West Indies may consider including the offspin bowling-allrounder to balance their side. Chase’s inclusion would necessitate a change at the top of the order, with either Lendl Simmons sitting out and Chris Gayle opening with Evin Lewis or – someone call Curtly Ambrose – leaving Gayle out entirely.West Indies: (probable) 1 Lendl Simmons, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Shimron Hetmyer, 5 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Dwayne Bravo 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Obed McCoy, Ravi Rampaul

Pitch and conditions

Despite West Indies’ collapse on Saturday, the match between India and Pakistan showed that there are plenty of runs on offer in Dubai, provided batters apply themselves. As will be the case throughout the tournament, it will be hot and humid, with no risk of dew in the early game.

Stats and trivia

• South Africa and West Indies have faced each other three times at T20 World Cups, in 2007, 2009 and 2016 and West Indies have only won the last of those.
• West Indies lowest score in a T20I is 45, against England in March 2019. South Africa’s lowest score is 89, scored against Australia in February 2020.

Newcastle United haven’t won across any of their past four Premier League matches, and Eddie Howe will be well aware that improvements are needed as the winter period approaches.

The goal is to reclaim a place in the Champions League. Newcastle exceeded expectations in 2022/23, beating off competition from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea to deservedly record a top-four finish, but damning injuries last season pulled the club away from prominence.

Though the ninth-place Magpies have become goal-shy this season, forming the crux of their issues, they have still been strong in defence, with the eight goals conceded from as many Premier League matches bettered only by Nottingham Forest (six) and table-topping Liverpool (three).

Even so, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon yet to hit their stride this year, there’s hope that the Midas touch will be rediscovered. Albeit, creativity’s at a low point, with just 14 big chances created leaving them 13th in that chart. A stark drop-off from last year.

1.

Liverpool

102

2.

Manchester City

97

2=

Newcastle United

97

4.

Tottenham Hotspur

90

5.

Arsenal

87

5=

Chelsea

87

It’s amazing what one player can do to a team, re-energising and restoring the verve. Sven Botman might not be a striker, but his absence is being keenly felt at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle are missing Sven Botman

Howe has always believed that Botman can become one of the modern game’s great centre-backs. Newcastle signed the Netherlands native from Lille in a deal worth £35m in July 2022, and he played a fundamental role in skyrocketing toward the Champions League.

His muscular frame and loose-limbed approach to defending spoke of an athleticism that set him apart from other defenders, and indeed this was discernible from the offing with the Toon, for he offered something different to both Fabian Schar and the recently recruited Dan Burn.

It definitely paid off. Not just Champions League qualifiers that year, Newcastle also finished the term with the joint-best defence in the division, alongside title winners Manchester City.

Botman’s composure and distribution also make him one of the finest centre-halves in the Premier League, not least because of his crisp ball-playing, leadership and intelligence on the field.

Sadly, this season and last have presented towering hurdles for the 24-year-old, having missed October through to December in 2023/24 due to a knee injury before rupturing his ACL in March, a setback that he has not yet recovered from.

Newcastle need to sign a new defender to help bolster their backline, so why not look to repeat the signing that gave them the finest in the Premier League?

Howe wants to sign his next Sven Botman

Newcastle have dipped into the French transfer pool on several occasions, and they could be set to return, having identified RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.

According to French sources – as reported over the weekend – the Uzbekistan international, aged 20, has attracted the Magpies’ attention following his excellent performances in Ligue 1, with Everton also in the race.

Valued at €30m (£25m), he wouldn’t come cheap, but Khusanov has been described as a “monster” by his club teammates and might be one to snap up before the larger sharks start circling.

How Abdukodir Khusanov would fit in at Newcastle

Botman was brought in from a French club when he was still only breaking away from the fledgling phase of his career, and now Howe can repeat his trick by signing Khusanov, who has cemented his starting presence after featuring 11 times for the outfit last year.

Having been described as a “beast” by football writer Matt Spiro several years ago, Botman clearly made a significant impact throughout his time in France. Newcastle must now emulate their successful signing by landing Khusanov, with the rising star already starting to demonstrate such skills.

Matches (starts)

25 (25)

8 (6)

Goals

3

0

Touches*

72.0

48.4

Pass completion

88%

89%

Ball recoveries*

4.5

4.0

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

3.1

Clearances*

4.5

4.3

Total duels won

4.0 (66%)

3.4 (60%)

As you can see, the transfer target is at a similar level to that of Botman, whose metrics across his final campaign in France, when he was 22, are not too dissimilar to that of Khusanov, already confident and accurate in the duel, winning an impressive number of tackles and interceptions too.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig, above, hailed the Uzbekistani as a “future legend” in what points toward a prosperous future. He’s certainly proving himself to have the faculty for a high-profile career.

As per FBref, Khusanov ranks among the top 11% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 1% for interceptions and the top 8% for blocks made per 90. Hence, it’s clear that he’s on the fast track toward becoming one of the toughest and most tenacious defenders across the continent.

There are aspects of the young titan’s game that need refining, but that’s only natural given that he’s aged 20, and Newcastle have also shown that they are willing to invest in the younger generation.

This summer, Howe welcomed William Osula to Tyneside after purchasing the 20-year-old striker from Sheffield United for a reported £15m fee. He’s only played a bit-part role so far but has plenty of potential and is one to keep an eye on.

Currently, the big hitters in the Premier League haven’t registered their interest in this talented young defender. All the more reason for Howe to complete his backline with the perfect long-term partner for Botman, one who can absorb the fruits of his labour over the coming years.

Newcastle must regret deal for £15m flop who's now worth millions less

Newcastle must surely regret the move for the flop.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 24, 2024