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Pakistan’s high-risk, high-reward tactics finally bore fruit after two failed attempts as the Salman Agha-led side stormed to a nine-wicket victory against New Zealand in an enthralling battle that saw 411 runs being amassed at Eden Park. Hasan Nawaz’s maiden T20I century outplayed Mark Chapman’s 94 as Pakistan chased down 205 in just 16 overs and kept the five-match series alive at 1-2.Pakistan backed their new openers Nawaz and Mohammed Haris in the post Mohammed Rizwan-Babar Azam era and they repaid the faith by putting up a 74-run opening stand off just 35 balls to lay the perfect foundation for the chase. Salman capitalised on the flying start to score 51 not out and was involved in an unbroken 133-run second-wicket stand. Nawaz, who was coming off two successive ducks, blazed away the fastest hundred by a Pakistan batter in T20Is, off just 44 balls, in a sensational chase.

Chapman powers New Zealand

Chapman’s blistering knock off just 44 balls set New Zealand up for what seemed like an above-par total at the innings break. After losing Finn Allen for a three-ball duck in the first over by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tim Seifert (19 off nine) and Chapman pushed New Zealand past early jitters. Seifert fell to Haris Rauf in the fifth over but Chapman didn’t slow down.He pulled and hooked the short balls, brought out beautiful cover drives against seamers and punished loose deliveries from Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan. He brought up his fourth half-century against Pakistan off 29 balls. This was also his first T20I fifty in almost a year.Mark Chapman kept up his stunning form against Pakistan•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan got the much-needed breakthrough in the tenth over when Daryl Mitchell (17 off 11) chased a wide delivery of Shadab and miscued to Rauf. Chapman kept finding boundaries, however, even when Pakistan captain Agha brought himself on and leaked 13 runs off his only over.His strong bottom-hand and exceptional placement saw him smash 11 fours and four sixes. He was eventually deceived by an Afridi slower ball in the 13th over.Pakistan fought back with quick wickets including two double-wicket overs from Rauf and Abrar but Michael Bracewell’s 31 off 18 ensured New Zealand crossed 200.

Pakistan’s blazing start to chase

After two disappointing outings, Haris and Nawaz gave the visitors a dream start. Haris began with two sixes off Kyle Jamieson’s first over of the innings and followed it up with two fours against Jacob Duffy. Nawaz had a tough time early on with his timing but still found boundaries through streaky edges. Pakistan reached their joint-fastest team fifty in men’s T20Is, in four overs.Duffy removed Haris for a 20-ball 41 with a bouncer in the sixth over and Pakistan ended the phase with 75 for 1, their highest powerplay total in men’s T20Is, moving past the 73 they scored against England in 2016.

Nawaz takes off, Agha supports

Nawaz rode his luck but made sure to hang around. He was not particularly convincing against short balls early on but he was able to see the balls more clearly as the innings progressed. Though he started the chase playing second fiddle to Haris, Nawaz took charge after the powerplay.His first confident strike came against Ish Sodhi in the seventh over, when he picked a loopy googly and clubbed it over long-on for a six. He brought up his maiden T20I fifty off 26 balls in the ninth over and propelled Pakistan to 124 for 1 at the halfway stage.Nawaz was dropped on 68 by Sodhi off Ben Sears’ bowling but New Zealand couldn’t do much on a batting-friendly pitch with dew also making the task hard for the bowlers. Nawaz eventually hammered ten fours and seven sixes in his 45-ball stay.Unlike Nawaz, Agha was precise and clever in his batting that fetched him six fours and two sixes. The duo scored 65 runs in the last four overs of the chase to take the team home early.Nawaz brought up his century off the penultimate ball, before Pakistan completed the fastest 200-plus chase in men’s T20Is.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos tem Fábio Carille como plano A para assumir o clube na saída de Odair Hellmann. Porém, o profissional, que dirigiu o Peixe entre o fim de 2021 e início de 2022, está trabalhando no futebol japonês. O treinador está à frente do V-Varen Nagasaki, com quem tem contrato até o fim do ano que vem e também possui uma multa rescisória considerada alta.

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Ainda assim, a diretoria santista avalia o nome na expectativa de que ele esteja interessado em voltar a trabalhar no Brasil. A direção do clube alvinegro fez contato com o estafe do profissional e aguarda os primeiros sinais para saber se é possível avançar para negociação. A tendência, no entanto, é que não haja prosseguimento, já que o Peixe só deve oferecer contrato até o fim do ano, quando se encerra a gestão atual, tempo menor do que Carille já tem garantido na equipe japonesa.

+ Até 70% OFF em produtos do Peixe para os torcedores fanáticos!

Carille foi demitido do Santos em fevereiro do ano passado, após uma derrota para o Mirassol pelo Campeonato Paulista. Na época, as divergências com o então executivo de futebol Edu Dracena foram fundamentais para o desligamento do profissional. Hoje, o comitê gestor santista entende que a demissão naquela ocasião foi um erro, assim como a autonomia dada para Dracena, que pediu demissão ainda na temporada passada, mas em julho, após a eliminação santista na Copa Sul-Americana, ainda nas oitavas de final, para o Deportivo Táchira, da Venezuela.

+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

Diferentemente da relação com Edu Dracena, que não era das melhores, Fábio Carille tinha um ótimo relacionamento com o presidente Andres Rueda. O técnico também gostava bastante da cidade e das pessoas do clube. Esse lado afetivo pode ser usado pela diretoria santista para que o treinador retorne na missão de contornar o péssimo momento vivido pelo Alvinegro. Porém, as chances disso acontecer são consideradas bem pequenas.

Outro nome do radar, principalmente se a situação com Carille não evoluir, é o de Roger Machado. Disponível no mercado desde setembro do ano passado, quando foi desligado do Grêmio, o técnico também foi procurado e estaria disponível para dirigir o Santos mesmo com vínculo até o fim da temporada.

MatériaMais Notícias

Quando a fase em campo não é boa, a margem para outras coisas ruins é aberta. E no Corinthians isso está acontecendo. Na derrota do Timão sobre o Botafogo, na última quinta-feira (11), a bronca dos atacantes Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto no garoto Wesley após uma finalização errada ficou marcada. A torcida corintiana saiu em defesa do garoto.

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Três dias depois, após o empate em 1 a 1 do Timão com o São Paulo, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, Guedes explicou a situação e negou ter xingado a promessa corintiana para que a bola fosse tocada, mas, sim, porque entendeu que a finalização poderia ter sido feita antes. 

+ Decisivo, Róger Guedes marca e mantém tabu histórico do Corinthians contra o São Paulo na Neo Química Arena

–  Vão achar que é mentira. Realmente o Yuri cobrou ele para tocar a bola. A cobrança sempre vai existir. Eu mandei ele para aquele lugar para ele chutar no gol. E me dói ver que eu xinguei o moleque para tocar a bola. Eu xingo ele para chutar a bola na primeira que ele corta. Eu sou aquele cara chato que sempre vou levantar a mão para pedir a bola, mas nunca vou xingar o companheiro para tocar a bola para mim – disse o camisa 10 corintiano. 

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Róger também negou que não tenha um bom relacionamento com Yuri Alberto, situação que foi fomentada nos últimos dias. Guedes disse que o camisa 9 é uma das pessoas com quem ele mais conversa e que os fatos são levantados porque as coisas não estão acontecendo dentro de campo.

– Estão se alimentando de novo que eu e o Yuri estamos brigados. Tirando o Fábio e o Renato, ele é um dos caras que mais converso, sentamos do lado no vestiário. A gente tem que parar de ficar plantando que a gente tá brigado, é chato, ele mesmo não está feliz porque a gente se dá muito bem. A gente tenta tocar a bola um para o outro , mas porque a gente não tá conseguindo demonstrar um bom futebol a bola não chega, não consegue nos achar. Essas decisões dentro de campo. A gente é atacante e vai tomar a decisão em uma fração de segundos. É futebol. Espero que parem de achar coisas onde não tem – acrescentou Róger Guedes.

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Róger Guedes, Yuri Alberto e Wesley começaram jogando juntos pela primeira vez pelo Timão, no Majestoso deste fim de semana. A presença do trio, no entanto, não é garantido no próximo compromisso corintiano, que será nesta quarta-feira (17), contra o Atlético-MG, na Neo Química Arena, pelo jogo de ida das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil.

Supporters of Manchester United will be desperate for a sustained period of success after years of scattered trophies, something which would’ve been unthinkable years ago.

Sir Alex Ferguson made the Red Devils one of the biggest clubs in the world, unsurprisingly so given the Scotsman won 13 Premier League titles during his 26-year reign.

However, the club hasn’t won an English top-flight title since his retirement 12 years ago, often having to sit and watch rivals Liverpool and Manchester City share the glory.

The side have only won one FA Cup and one Carabao Cup since 2020, with Ruben Amorim the next manager to try his luck and transform their fortunes on the pitch.

If he is to be a success in the near future, he will need backing from the hierarchy in the market to make the additions he desires, with numerous players currently in his sights.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

In an attempt to push the side back up the league table, Amorim has made a push to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in an attempt to further his forward line.

The 29-year-old scored 16 goals in the Premier League last season – certainly providing the boss with what he wants – but he could cost a pretty penny given his current £60m valuation.

However, the other end of the pitch has also been an area the 40-year-old wants to strengthen, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a key target, according to journalist Marc Mechenoua.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made an enquiry to land the Italian international, but it’s unclear whether he would be interested in a move to England this summer.

Their pursuit of his signature could be aided, given his contract talks are stalling, currently having just one year left on his deal, with the Ligue 1 outfit also agreeing a deal to land Lucas Chevalier.

Why United’s latest target would be the most important signing since Bruno

Despite the club’s lack of success in recent years, midfielder Bruno Fernandes has often been a shining light and the man to provide the goods in key moments.

The Portuguese international joined the Red Devils back in January 2020, undoubtedly surpassing the expectations of all supporters in the five and a half years since his arrival.

He’s managed to score 98 times, whilst laying on 83 assists for his teammates within his 290 appearances for the club, figures which are truly staggering for a number ten in England’s top-flight.

However, he desperately needs similar-level quality players around him to help catapult the side back to their former glory, with Donnarumma potentially providing just that.

The Italian international has established himself as one of the best players in such a position, being named the best shot-stopper in the Champions League last season.

Given Andre Onana’s failures at Old Trafford in recent times, as seen by his tally of six errors leading to goals in 2024/25, Amorim must address such an issue during the current window.

When comparing the aforementioned duo’s stats from the recent term, Donnarumma has massively outperformed him, having the tools to solve the problems that have plagued United for the last few years.

How Donnarumma & Onana compare throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Donnarumma	Onana
Games played	24	34
Goals against per 90	1.08	1.29
Saves made	2.6	2.5
Save percentage	70%	68%
Pass accuracy	87%	72%
Defensive actions outside box	0.9	0.6
% of passes launched	13%	30%
Errors leading to goals	1	6
Stats via FBref

The 26-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti, conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst making more saves, offering an elite-level option between the sticks.

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer of his attempts to find his teammates going long – a couple of statistics that would aid any efforts to play out from the back.

However, the biggest positive over a deal for the former AC Milan star would be his reliability, registering fewer errors and undoubtedly being a huge upgrade on the Cameroonian.

There’s no denying that Bruno will be crucial to any success during the Amorim era, with a move for Donnrumma only enhancing the ambitions of the boss and the hierarchy.

World-class talents are desperately needed if they are to achieve their goal, resulting in any move for the goalkeeper’s signature being one of the most important in recent seasons.

He's just like Zirkzee: Man Utd preparing move for £40m Sesko alternative

Manchester United have turned their attention to another striker alongside Benjamin Sesko.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 1, 2025

Tony de Zorzi has also been rested for the second ODI vs Ireland after hurting his knee during the first ODI

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2024Nandre Burger has been ruled out of remainder of the three-match ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi as well as the upcoming Test series in Bangladesh following “a lumbar stress reaction”.Burger “experienced discomfort in his lower back, and subsequent scans revealed the injury,” CSA said in a statement on Friday, not long before the start of the second ODI, adding that Burger “will return home and undergo further assessments”.There was no update about a replacement for the third ODI of the series, which South Africa are leading 1-0 after a 139-run win in the first game, but CSA said a replacement for the Tests in Dhaka and Chattogram would be “announced in due course”. That squad has Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder as the fast-bowling options.Also missing the second ODI against Ireland is Tony de Zorzi. CSA said de Zorzi had picked up “a soft tissue injury of his right knee” and was being rested from the game as a precaution.He hurt his knee attempting to slide and field the ball in the deep on the sand-based outfield in Abu Dhabi in the first ODI on Wednesday, and immediately left the field and was seen walking gingerly on the sidelines. He didn’t return to field, and underwent MRI scans on Thursday, which revealed the injury.De Zorzi is also in the squad for the Tests in Bangladesh, and is the likely opening partner for Aiden Markram there. The squad doesn’t have another opening batter, with Tristan Stubbs, captain Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham and one of Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne, the wicketkeeper-batters, likely to form the middle-order, with the uncapped Matthew Breetzke around as back-up.

Voll top-scored with 71, but it was a 60-run stand for the ninth wicket that took Australia A past 200

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Aug-2024Spinners Minnu Mani and Priya Mishra shared nine wickets between them to help India A bundle out Australia A for 212 on the opening day of the four-day match in Gold Coast.After opting to bat, Australia A were reduced to 144 for 8 before a 60-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Kate Peterson and Grace Parsons helped them past 200. In reply, India A finished the day on 100 for 2 with opener Shweta Sehrawat unbeaten on 40 with Tejal Hasabnis keeping her company with 31 not out.Australia A started on the right note through openers Emma de Broughe and Georgia Voll, who faced little trouble from seamers Sayali Satghare and Shubha Satheesh. Legspinner Mishra, who was the fifth bowler introduced in the 13th over, struck in her second over when she bowled de Broughe with a wrong’un. Mani then got into the act and had Australia A captain Charlie Knott jabbing one to short leg. Mishra then had Nicole Faltum miscue one to cover to have the home team on 68 for 3.File photo: Minnu Mani picked up five wickets to bundle out Australia A•BCBVoll played a fluent innings at the top, scoring 71 off 95 balls and hitting 12 fours. However, she was caught behind in an attempt to cut left-arm spinner Mannat Kashyap.With Mishra and Mani bowling disciplined spells, Australia A lost regular wickets on a surface that was not as slow and spin-friendly as the one in Mackay for the third one-dayer. Peterson and Parsons, though, showed patience and used the crease well against spin.Mani finally broke the stubborn stand by trapping Parsons lbw from around the wicket before Mishra’s wrong’un did Peterson in.India A’s reply started on a slightly shaky note when Priya Punia was hurried on by a short one from Maitlan Brown. She was a tad late on the pull and was caught at midwicket. Shubha sped up the scoring and looked at ease against the fast bowlers. She was particularly severe on the offspin duo of Knott and Lilly Mills before being trapped lbw by Peterson.Sehrawat was slow to start off but looked at home as the innings went along. By stumps, she and Hasabnis had added 53 in an unbroken third-wicket stand.

Bangladesh 106 (Shakib 17, Kami 2-10, Lamichhane 2-17, Paudel 2-20, airee 2-22) beat A fiery opening spell from Tanzim Hasan Sakib powered Bangladesh to a slightly tense win over Nepal, sealing their progress to the Super Eight stage. For the second game in a row Nepal had a Full Member side on the ropes with their bowling performance in Kingstown, but their batting order was blown away by Bangladesh’s fast bowlers.A win, let alone a comfortable one, looked like a tricky prospect for Bangladesh after they were bundled for 106. Having come within two runs of chasing down a slightly bigger target against South Africa, Nepal would have fancied their chances of bagging their first win against a Full Member team, but Tanzim scythed through their top order with stunning figures of 4-2-7-4 that reduced Nepal to 26 for 5.While the low asking rate meant Nepal could still keep their chances alive, Mustafizur Rahman put on a death bowling masterclass when Nepal needed 30 off 24 to help Bangladesh pull off the lowest successful defence in a men’s T20 World Cup.

Tanzim runs through Nepal

Nepal found themselves in big trouble early when Tanzim struck twice in his second over – the third of the innings. Kushal Bhurtel missed a low full toss that swung away late to clip the off stump before Anil Sah toe-ended his effort to mid-off.Taskin Ahmed created a couple of chances in the next over, and Tanzim reaped the rewards of the pressure built, with Rohit Paudel slapping a short and wide delivery straight to backward point. Tanzim nearly struck again in the over, but a leading edge from Sundeep Jora fell short of the bowler.Mustafizur then had Aasif Sheikh caught at cover to complete an excellent powerplay for Bangladesh.Tanzim bowled out in the seventh over, and picked up his fourth wicket when he had Jora caught at gully. He bowled a double-wicket maiden and a wicket maiden, and his 21 dot balls were the most by a bowler in a men’s T20 World Cup match.From the start of the eighth over, there was a 23-ball boundary drought, with legspinner Rishad Hossain especially getting sharp turn. Dipendra Singh Airee finally swept Rishad for four off the last ball of the 11th over that helped Nepal reach 50 in the next over.Malla and Airee consolidated for Nepal, shifting gears in the 16th over when Malla slog-swept Mahmudullah for Nepal’s first six of the innings. One ball later, he nudged him fine on the leg side for a four to bring up the fifty partnership. They were left with 30 to win off the last four.

Mustafizur closes it out for Bangladesh

Sandeep Lamichhane picked up two tickets•ICC/Getty Images

Two of those four overs were to be bowled by Mustafizur, and he broke the burgeoning stand with a back-of-length cutter that was skied over mid-off. Najmul Hossain Shanto did well to settle under it running back and holding on to a tricky chance. Just the one run came off the over.Nepal attacked Taskin when Airee slapped a six over point but the bowler gave away only one more run in the next five balls and also sent Gulsan Jha back. Mustafizur then bowled five dots on the trot as Airee kept swinging and failing to make contact. Airee looked to knock the last ball of the over for a single, but ended up edging behind to make the penultimate over a wicket maiden.Shakib Al Hasan, wicketless in the tournament before the game, picked the last two wickets to complete a team hat-trick. This also made it the first time Bangladesh won three games in a T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh top order flops again

Sompal Kami struck first ball for Nepal, who opted to bowl, as Tanzid Hasan top-edged a short ball for a return catch to the fast bowler. Shanto was next to go, as Airee went through the Bangladesh captain’s defence in the next over.Given a third over on the trot, Kami then got Litton top-edging a pull off a short ball that wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh settled under. It meant a poor run of form for Bangladesh’s top order, who have only contributed 122 runs in their four group stage matches.Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh’s best batter in the competition, hit two fours but top-edged an attempted slog sweep off Paudel to leave Bangladesh stuttering at 31 for 4 at the end of the powerplay.

Nepal spinners do the rest

Mahmudullah looked to regroup for Bangladesh along with Shakib, hitting two crisp boundaries off Sandeep Lamichhane, but was called for a run that was never there and ended up being run out at the non-striker’s end in the ninth over.Shakib and Jaker Ali tried to consolidate, but Paudel got another breakthrough by dismissing Shakib, before Lamichhane bowled Tanzim and Jake with wrong’uns to put Bangladesh under threat of being bowled out under 100.But Rishad Hossain and Taskin helped Bangladesh add 31 runs for the last two wickets that took them to 106.

Liverpool typically sought to strengthen with untapped potential when under the wing of Jurgen Klopp. But Klopp has left his long-held manager’s post last year, and things feel different at Anfield.

That’s not to discredit the German’s dynasty, taking the reins on Merseyside when the Reds were a pale shadow, reduced to a colourless, rudderless state. Klopp made Liverpool whole again, winning a fair amount of silverware along the way.

However, FSG have undergone a refurb and are now looking to strengthen Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad with some of the finest that Europe has to offer.

One of those targets is Florian Wirtz, 22, whose playmaking quality knows no bounds. Bayer Leverkusen’s talisman will fetch a considerable figure this summer, but Liverpool are very much intent on staying in the race.

Why Liverpool want Florian Wirtz

At the start of the season, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes claimed Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world,” with his vision, awareness, and magic touch proving invaluable for Xabi Alonso’s side over the past few years.

He might not have hit the same stratospheric heights of last year, but Wirtz has retained his world-class level across the 2024/25 campaign, outperforming Liverpool’s positionally similar players.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid when his contract expires, Liverpool are going to need to find a new way to maintain their matchless creative flair in the Premier League.

As you can see below, no English team has created more than Liverpool across the past five campaigns. Trent played a defining role in achieving this.

24/25*

Liverpool

105

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool/Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Liverpool want to reinforce their successful season by bringing in new signings, and Slot’s aiming for the best. Though it would require another significant outlay, the Reds are also planning to move for a new name at number nine.

With Darwin Nunez set to be sold, this is one to start getting excited about.

Liverpool make contact to sign prolific striker

Liverpool desperately need a more reliable marksman. Nunez is consistently inconsistent, while Diogo Jota’s long injury issues have finally seeped into his game this year.

FSG are ready to move incisively. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have opened contacts with Sporting Lisbon regarding the potential transfer of Viktor Gyokeres, though Arsenal are favourites in the race.

It’s felt the Gunners are closing on a £9m-a-year agreement with the Sweden striker, but that Liverpool – and Manchester United – have shown strong interest and are ready to pounce on any opportunity, should Mikel Arteta’s side fumble.

Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the past several years, and Sporting are looking to fetch £60m for his sale.

Why Viktor Gyokeres could be a great signing for Liverpool

When Sporting signed Gyokeres from Coventry City for £20m after a failed promotion push to the Premier League, it was felt that English football had lost an interesting attacking profile capable of playing at the top level.

Two years later, the 25-year-old may return to English soil as “one of the best strikers in Europe,” as he has been described by Fabrizio Romano.

Across 100 matches for Os Leões, the one-time Brighton prospect has scored 95 goals and laid on 28 assists. Powerful and athletic, he’s surely tailor-made for a role at one of the Premier League’s top competitors.

The £62k-per-week star has bagged 52 goals from 50 matches in all competitions this season alone, meaning he’s significantly outscoring Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Isak is an incredible goalscorer and very much on Liverpool’s shopping list, but with a £150m price tag, it’s hrd to argue that he, with 27 goals from 41 games in 2024/25, would be the more prudent signing at an outlay some £90m more than Gyokeres. Liverpool have work to do across a number of positions, after all.

Only a few weeks ago, Gyokeres netted four goals in a single game for the Liga Portugal champions, who are level in first place with Benfica, superior goal difference owing largely to the centre-forward’s clinical shooting.

Given that he’s scored 57 league goals across his two terms in the Iberian division, Gyokeres has proven himself capable of leading the line at Liverpool, for sure. And when you consider he’s missed only 34 big chances in that timeframe, as per Sofascore, the argument only strengthens.

As per FBref, Gyokeres ranks among the top 1% of forwards this season in divisions similar to the Portuguese top flight for goals scored, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for assists per 90. Not bad at all.

Now think of all this, think of how efficient and deadly and “insane” all this is, as the 6 foot 2 striker has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Now imagine all that with Wirtz in behind him.

The fusion of skill sets could take a Premier League-winning Liverpool team to a whole ‘nother level entirely. Indeed, with Wirtz’s remarkable supply line finding Gyokeres, whose movements and intelligence get him in perfect positions from which he can let his predatory instinct take over, would allow Slot to challenge for the biggest trophies once again.

There was a decided lack of impetus across tournamental fronts this season: in the FA Cup, a rotated Liverpool fell to Plymouth Argyle, who have just been relegated from the Championship; after a dominant Champions League group phase, PSG got the better over two legs in the last 16; Liverpool did reach the Carabao Cup final, but were turned over by Newcastle.

In the Bundesliga this season, Wirtz might not have succeeded in defending Leverkusen’s title, but he has given a stellar account of himself once again. As per Sofascore, he’s hit 22 goal contributions from only 24 starts, creating 17 big chances and averaging 2.7 dribbles and 5.3 successful duels per game.

Last season’s Bundesliga Player of the Year knows his stuff, all right, and still so young in his career, he’s got the world at his feet.

The prolific performances of Gyokeres alongside Wirtz’s creative mind would surely spark the kind of success Slot is searching for next season, allowing Liverpool to take their fantastic campaign and shape it into a period of sustained, trophy-winning success.

He'd be amazing with Wirtz: Liverpool enter race for "magical" £100m star

Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have “invited” a manager to hold discussions over potentially replacing Ange Postecoglou, with the tactician also responding to this approach behind-the-scenes.

Ange Postecoglou future uncertain despite Europa League campaign

Spurs booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday after a very hard-fought 1-0 win away to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Tottenham: Thierry Henry-like striker facing exit with Spurs ready to bid

The Lilywhites want to take full advantage.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

Dominic Solanke’s cooly-taken penalty was enough to hand Postecoglou a precious win and keep his hopes of winning silverware alive, following a torrid Premier League campaign where Spurs are on course for their worst ever finish.

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

However, some reports suggest that Postecoglou could be sacked regardless of what happens in Europe, so the Australian’s future still very much hangs in the balance amid repeated links to other managers.

Chairman Daniel Levy’s shortlist of potential replacements for the 59-year-old includes names like Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, according to recent rumours.

Iraola has been tipped as Tottenham’s top target to succeed Postecoglou, but Bournemouth won’t make it easy for the Lilywhites after his impressive campaign in the Cherries dugout.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley wants to extend Iraola’s deal and is working to do so, having hailed his boss as “excellent”, meaning Silva has emerged as an alternative frontrunner for the Tottenham job (talkSPORT).

The Telegraph also reported this week that Iraola is more inclined to remain at Bournemouth, despite the £10 million release clause in his contract, and this is echoed by journalist Duncan Castles.

Tottenham invite Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola for talks

Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Castles reports that Tottenham have approached Iraola over the manager’s job, inviting him for discussions, but the 42-year-old has seemingly rejected their advances in favour of staying on the south coast.

“Interestingly, my guidance on this is that Tottenham’s approaches to Iraola have been rebuffed by the manager,” said Castles.

“He has been invited and told to speak to them about that position, and has actually declined to do so.

“And instead, he has been having conversations with Bournemouth, informal conversations with Bournemouth for several weeks now, about not only continuing on his current contract, but signing a new contract to extend there.”

With a move for Iraola looking less and less likely by the day, perhaps Glasner could be an excellent option. The Austrian, lauded for his “exciting” approach by Steve Parish, has guided Palace to an FA Cup semi-final and earned plaudits for his work at Selhurst Park since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Glasner also boasts a Europa League winner’s medal on his CV, having won the competition with Eintracht in 2022, with pundit John Wenham also calling the 50-year-old a “far more exciting” appointment than Iraola.

“He is far more exciting than most names that have been linked,” said Wenham to Tottenham News, “He is someone I would be happy for Tottenham to appoint. I think with better players he would excel, and I find him more exciting than Marco Silva or Thomas Frank, to be honest.”

Glasgow Rangers return to Premiership action this weekend after their midweek heroics in the Europa League.

This has become something of a recurring theme for the Ibrox side over the previous few seasons, as they have reached the last 16 of the competition every season except one since 2019/20. Although they did compete in the Champions League during the 2022/23 season.

The tie against Aberdeen is effectively a dead rubber for the Light Blues, as they will finish second in the table regardless of what happens this weekend.

All eyes will be on the return leg against Athletic Bilbao in Spain on Thursday evening. A 0-0 result during the first leg, which saw Robin Propper sent off after 12 minutes, along with Liam Kelly saving a penalty, means the Gers have a fighting chance of making it to the semi-finals.

There were a few poor performers during the first leg, however, and this should force Barry Ferguson into making a change or two, especially with the return tie in mind.

One player who should be dropped against the Dons is Cyriel Dessers, who was dismal against the La Liga side.

Cyriel Dessers' game in numbers vs Bilbao

The 30-year-old was tasked with leading the line in place of Hamza Igamane, which was perhaps seen as a bit of a surprise given their contrasting form in the competition.

Nevertheless, Dessers had scored against Manchester United and Fenerbahçe, with hopes high that he could repeat the feat against Spanish opposition.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the best of games for the Light Blues. Typically, Dessers missed a big chance, while failing to even register a single shot on target during his 85 minutes on the pitch.

The striker managed to take just 18 touches, completed four of his ten passes and won only 40% of his total duels contested against Bilbao, offering next to nothing in the final third.

Despite his decent scoring record for the club – netting 45 goals in 102 appearances – he is always going to be a point of discussion among the fanbase.

Assistant manager Neil McCann said of the striker last week: “Cyriel Dessers will always divide opinion because he will miss chances, but this is the life of a striker. I was so proud of him after the game because he didn’t stop pushing and making runs – we need to create chances for him and that is what we are doing.”

That said, should he now be replaced?

Why Cyriel Dessers must be dropped by Rangers

In December, journalist Scott Bradley criticised the striker, saying: “I’ve had a lot of patience with Cyriel Dessers, but Rangers need to cut ties with him in January. He’s the most frustrating player I’ve watched at Ibrox. I’ve never seen a player quite like him, but it’s clear as day he’s not got the mentality to play for Rangers.”

Rangers didn’t move him on during the January transfer window, but it might be a possibility that he moves on in the summer, especially considering it could be the ideal time to cash in with two years left on his deal.

With changes expected ahead of the Aberdeen clash, Ferguson will be keen to give minutes to those who haven’t featured as often in the last few weeks.

Could this see Igamane return to the starting XI? He will need some minutes in the legs ahead of the second leg next Thursday. Igamane has already scored once against the Dons this season, netting in the comfortable 3-0 victory back in January.

Before his winner against Celtic midway through March, that was his last Premiership goal and there has been a slight downturn in his form in recent weeks, no doubt about that.

Hamza Igamane’s stats for Rangers this season

Metric

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

10

4

Assists

1

1

Shots per game

2.8

1.4

Goal conversion percentage

13%

31%

Big chances created

9

1

Via Sofascore

The overall feeling, however, is that his maiden season at Rangers has been an overwhelming success. Across 40 matches in all competitions for the club, the 22-year-old has scored 14 goals and grabbed three assists.

This works out as a goal contribution once every 2.3 matches. Given how poorly received he was on arrival last summer, he has proven plenty of his critics wrong.

In recent weeks. Ferguson has deployed Igamane on the left wing in order to cater for Dessers as his main option through the middle.

The Moroccan international is at his best when operating in a central role, especially as his hold-up play is far better than his senior teammate.

Indeed, journalist Joshua Barrie noted after the 0-0 result in midweek that Igamane had made nine successful passes/carries during his 15-minute cameo at Ibrox.

In comparison, Dessers only managed eight successful passes/carries across 85 minutes of action on the pitch. It is clear that the youngster is far better at linking up play, carrying the ball into the final third and is much more energetic.

Starting him against Aberdeen would allow the centre-forward to get some vital minutes in his legs ahead of the second leg against Bilbao, where he must start.

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A goal or two against the Pittodrie outfit would certainly bolster his confidence, that’s for sure.

Football Insider reported last month that Everton are looking to make a move for the African sensation when the summer transfer window opens up in a few months.

No fee has been mentioned as yet, but whoever arrives as the new permanent manager of Rangers will surely be looking at maximising the profit so that he has some funds to work with this summer.

And what about Dessers? Will the new boss retain his services? That will depend on his style of play and whether there is scope for him in the first-team squad next term.

Whatever happens, Igamane must be used to leading the line, especially against Bilbao next week. Replacing Dessers for the trip north this afternoon must be the one change that Ferguson has to make, especially if he wishes to lead the Ibrox side to their second European semi-final in just three years.

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Posts 1 ByRoss Kilvington Apr 11, 2025