Arsenal could now accept a loan bid for one £120,000-per-week player, after he made one thing crystal clear to club chiefs behind the scenes.

Players who could be sold by Arsenal before August 30

Summer deadline day is in just over a month's time, and as Edu Gaspar's recruitment team look to add more fresh faces, there is also the possibility of other players leaving Arsenal – either on loan or permanently.

"Special" Arsenal player agrees to leave as West Ham chase quick deal

They want it done this week.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 18, 2024

Two notable senior players in Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares departed London Colney when their contracts expired on June 30, while both Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares sealed loan moves elsewhere.

Tavares joined Lazio on an initial season-loan, which includes a mandatory buy-clause set at £7.5 million. The Portuguese, with his permanent transfer a formality at the end of next season, put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Marco Baroni's side.

Lokonga was persuaded to join Sevilla on a temporary deal by former Leeds United director Victor Orta, and that deal also includes a rumoured buy-option set at around £10 million.

“I had some conversations with Victor,” said Lokonga on joining Sevilla.

“We had the opportunity to talk a long time ago and today it finally came true. For me the most convincing thing is the opportunity to return to Europe and win again. I want to be part of the team, be part of the history of the club and participate in everything I can."

Mikel Arteta is very likely to see a few other interesting names part company, which could include the likes of Thomas Partey, Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Tierney, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nkeitah and Emile Smith Rowe.

All the aforementioned players have been linked with moves away, but one player they're struggling to find a buyer for is £120,000-per-week second-choice keeper Ramsdale.

Arsenal may now accept loan bid for Ramsdale after clear message

The England international lost his place to David Raya last season, and the 25-year-old has made it clear to club chiefs that he won't be sitting on the bench all season again.

That is according to HITC, who also say Arsenal could now accept a loan bid for Ramsdale, due to the difficulty in finding permanent suitors. The north Londoners value him at around £40 million, and it is believed clubs are reluctant to pay such a sum for Ramsdale.

In any case, the former Bournemouth keeper is tipped to inevitably leave this summer, but a lot will depend on just how far sides are willing to go for him.

"It’s a matter of when Ramsdale leaves, not if," said reliable journalist Charles Watts. “The key thing for Arsenal is getting value for money. I saw an initial fee of £15 million mentioned in reports last week and that is quite frankly ridiculous. Arsenal signed Ramsdale for nearly £30m two years ago and he has developed into a far better keeper since then.

“He’s still young, he’s homegrown, an established England international and has a long-term contract. Yes, interested clubs will know that Arsenal’s stance in any negotiations will be weakened somewhat given he is now clearly behind David Raya in the pecking order, but that shouldn’t mean the club should basically give him away."

A week from now, Glasgow Rangers will be hoping to already have three precious Premiership points following an opening day league victory.

The Ibrox side travel to Edinburgh to play Hearts to begin the 2024/25 campaign. Philippe Clement’s side may not have endured the finest pre-season, but all that matters is taking three points and building some momentum.

So far, the Belgian has made eight signings during the current transfer window, but hopefully there will be more to come in the next few weeks.

Vaclav Cerny is the newest arrival. The Czech winger should slot straight into the starting XI and will offer some much-needed pace and an eye for goal on the flanks.

While experience is required, Clement could tap into the South American market in terms of bringing another talent to the club, thus repeating the club’s Alfredo Morelos masterstroke in the process.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics

The Colombian arrived at Rangers when the club were still trying to readjust to top-flight life following their spell in the lower leagues.

Pedro Caixinha was the manager who brought him to Glasgow (arguably the best thing he did) from HJK Helsinki, a club where he scored 46 goals in just 62 appearances.

Aged just 21 at the time of his arrival, Morelos was not expected to be the focal point of the rebuild which would eventually see the club reach the summit of Scottish football, but his strong start to life at Ibrox offered plenty of hope.

Indeed, a tally of 18 goals from 43 appearances in his maiden season really set the ball rolling, especially following the appointment of Steven Gerrard in May 2018.

The Colombian scored 30 goals during Gerrard’s first season before adding another 29 the season after, shining in Europe, most notably as the club reached the last 16 of the Europa League.

Despite having a striker of this magnitude, the Ibrox side failed to win a trophy during those seasons, something which would change during 2020/21.

While his scoring rate fell – scoring ‘only’ 17 goals – the Light Blues recorded an unbeaten league season to claim their first league crown in a decade. This should have been the start of a new era filled with success, but it proved to be a false dawn.

Morelos did score 18 times, but his season came to an end at the start of April following an injury suffered on international duty with Columbia, missing the Europa League and Scottish Cup finals in the process.

He wasn’t quite the same upon his return to first-team action during the 2022/23 season, recording his lowest goal tally during his Rangers career (12) as the club finished trophyless for the first time since 2020.

It became clear that he wasn’t keen on signing an extended contract, thus leaving for nothing when his deal expired in May 2023. He remains a cult figure at the club, becoming the top European scorer in the Light Blues’ history following a goal against Benfica in 2020.

Alas, all good things have to come to an end. Since his departure, the club are still looking for another striker of the same stature.

Clement could be eyeing another Morelos masterclass this summer as the Gers have been linked with a Colombian youngster as of late…

Rangers transfer news

According to reports earlier this week, Rangers are showing interest in right-back Edier Ocampo ahead of making a potential move for the Colombian.

Coach Pablo Repetto left him out of the previous match against Millonarios due to the interest expressed in the young defender, meaning he could be on his way out of South America sooner rather than later.

Rangers, Hellas Verona and French side Toulouse have tabled offers for him, according to the report. Interest also comes from the MLS, as Vancouver Whitecaps are keen to bring him north in the next few weeks.

A young Colombian making his mark for his club side is attracting interest from abroad. Where have the Ibrox faithful heard that before?

Bringing a young talent such as Ocampo to Glasgow will allow Clement the chance to offer the player opportunities in European football. This should see him reach his potential, meaning the club can secure a substantial profit after a few years.

Edier Ocampo’s career statistics

The 5 foot 8 defender won't turn 21 until October, but he has already racked up 58 senior appearances for Atlético Nacional, registering five goal contributions in the process.

Across 21 club matches in 2024, Ocampo has scored three goals and grabbed an assist, demonstrating his attacking abilities.

Further evidence comes from his statistics when compared to his teammates. Indeed, he ranks first for successful dribbles per game (1.3), second for goals and assists (four) and big chances created (two), along with finishing third for key passes per game (1.4); excellent numbers from the youngster.

Another bonus for Clement is that the 20-year-old can either operate as a right-back or a right-winger, positions which he is clearly looking to strengthen this summer.

After Cerny: Rangers table offer for "high potential" Tavernier replacement

Philippe Clement could be set to sign another South American talent…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 27, 2024

This positional flexibility could see him feature in more games should he join Rangers, especially if James Tavernier does leave the club amid recent interest in the current captain.

The league season is fast approaching, and the pre-season results haven’t shown the supporters that things can be different from last year.

Another few solid signings between now and the end of August could change morale, combined with a good start to the new season.

Will Ocampo be part of the Ibrox side in the coming weeks? Only time will tell.

MatériaMais Notícias

da brdice： O Ypiranga segue se preparando para o segundo jogo da final do Campeonato Gaúcho. A equipe, que acabou sendo derrotada pelo Grêmio por 1 a 0, no último fim de semana, em Erechim, precisa de um resultado positivo com dois tentos de vantagem, em Porto Alegre, para conquistar o título. Qualquer vitória por distância mínima leva a finalíssima para as penalidades máximas.

RelacionadasFortalezaFortaleza inicia preparação para Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino da Série A2Fortaleza29/03/2022Campeonato PaulistaAbel rasga elogios a Ceni antes de final: ‘Do outro lado do mundo eu já ouvia sobre o goleiro que fazia gols’Campeonato Paulista29/03/2022BotafogoBotafogo pretende fazer pré-temporada de 2023 nos Estados Unidos e Europa, garante John TextorBotafogo29/03/2022

da dobrowin： >Baixe e acompanhe os resultados pelo aplicativo do LANCE!

Fora do primeiro jogo da decisão por conta de suspensão, o atacante Matheus Santos será novamente opção para o Periquito no embate final e ele garante que, apesar do revés inicial, a disputa está plenamente aberta.

– Estamos fazendo história. Conquistamos algo inédito com o Ypiranga, que foi chegar na final do estadual, e um possível título seria muito mais importante. Sabemos da dificuldade, mas independentemente de estarmos atrás do placar, vamos buscar reverter – exaltou.

O jogador, que atuou em 12 jogos e marcou um gol neste ano, ainda aproveitou para ressaltar a dedicação do elenco:

– Nesta temporada está acontecendo o que esperávamos. É a colheita de uma plantação com muito suor, trabalho e dor, tanto individualmente como em conjunto. E para fecharmos o primeiro campeonato do ano com chave de ouro, merecemos e vamos em busca deste título.

O jogo de volta da final acontece no próximo sábado (2), às 16h30 (de Brasília), na Arena do Grêmio.

After collecting his 300th Test wicket Dale Steyn was a content man but is more delighted with the team success than his own landmarks

Firdose Moonda05-Jan-2013Dale Steyn, South Africa’s latest admission to the 300-wicket club, acknowledged the speed of his success has been aided by the quality of bowlers around him. Alongside Makhaya Ntini at the start of his career and Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander in the last year, Steyn has been able to operate potently in small doses while his counterparts put in the hard yards.As South Africa’s firebrand frontman, Steyn had the tireless Ntini and hard-working Morkel and now the metronomic Philander do the bulk of the donkey work while he is saved to bowl when it matters. “I pick and choose the times when I need to force speed and force extended spells,” Steyn said.That much was evident as recently as the Newlands Test against New Zealand where Steyn was required to bowl an eight-over spell in the hour after lunch. Graeme Smith wanted to crack through the lower middle order after stubborn New Zealand resistance and he entrusted the responsibility to his senior man.Steyn moved through the gears, firing in a barrage of short balls to unnerve the already vulnerable New Zealanders. He operated at full throttle, steaming in, snorting and scary. Craig Cumming, the former New Zealander opener, said Steyn’s angry eyes get going when he was like that.When Steyn starts to behave irreverently, he bowls better. When he sulks, kicks the boundary rope, sits on the cooler box when he should be fielding and ignores the autograph hunters, he will deliver the ball faster and with more venom. But that side of him only comes out once a series, if that. It only comes when Smith decides South Africa need to pull the trigger.It sometimes leads to people questioning whether Steyn starts slowly or loses rhythm later on. According to him, it’s neither. It is just the difference when he cranks it up is so stark. “I always try to start like that especially as Graeme speaks about bowlers having to lead from the front,” he said. “I try and set the tone but it doesn’t always happen. When you know you can get two more days off in Cape Town, that’s when you try and do it.”It is also when he knows he will have time to recover from the extra exertion that Steyn is willing to extend himself. Having never picked up a serious bowling injury, Steyn is aware that his clean action and good run of luck has served him well and he wants to keep it that way. “I bowled after lunch for an hour-and-a-bit, and my legs are feeling it now. If I had to go back out there and bowl tomorrow, the chances of picking up an injury would be a lot higher.”It is identifying and managing situations like that that Steyn thinks has kept him fit and helped him get to 300 wickets as quickly as he has. His milestone was achieved in the same amount of time as Richard Hadlee and Malcolm Marshall making him joint third fastest in the world. Although Steyn is aware of and proud of the record it is not something he regards as overly important.”I play a lot of games for South Africa and bowl a lot of overs,” he said. “The way I see it, if you’re going to do that, and you stay fit, you will get wickets. For example, if I was a batter, like Hashim Amla, I would be scoring runs. But I was quite happy with the ball that got the 300th wicket.””I was stoked, it was awesome but I’ve got a lot more to offer in the game. I’ve got another Test match to play in Port Elizabeth a few days from now and I’ve got a few more years in cricket. I look forward to a couple more wickets. But 300 wickets is a lot of wickets so I can go to bed happy.”The number crunchers will predict that Steyn could become the quickest to another milestone – such as 400 or 500 wickets. But Steyn is not looking that far ahead and is just enjoying the now. “It’s awesome. A couple of years ago, I wanted to take wickets because of things like strike rates and leading the attack. But now, this attack is led by everyone. Morne Morkel is doing it; Vernon started playing as if he was doing it all the time. We’ve got such a great seam attack that we are able to play with the spinner. This team is an incredible team to be part of right now.”

Glasgow Rangers have just over a week left to complete their remaining business before the summer transfer window officially slams shut next Friday.

The Light Blues have added Jefte, Hamza Igamane, Connor Barron, Mohammed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, Vaclav Cerny, Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala, and Liam Kelly to their squad so far.

There could be further additions to come before the deadline passes, though, after the Gers failed to qualify for the Champions League and failed to win on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season.

It appears as though Philippe Clement's side still needs more quality to come into the group and they are now reportedly eyeing up a new winger to bring it.

Rangers eyeing swoop for Serie A whiz

According to a reporter in Italy, the Scottish giants have enquired about a deal to sign Fiorentina winger Josip Brekalo before the end of the window.

The journalist claims that the Light Blues have 'asked' for information about the Croatia international, as they look to bolster their options out wide.

Rangers are seemingly eyeing a swoop for the 26-year-old star and this latest update reveals that the player could move on from Fiorentina in the coming days, which suggests that they have a chance to secure his services.

The £34k-per-week wizard has the potential to be an excellent partner for current Gers striker Cyriel Dessers in the final third this season if they can get a deal over the line this month.

Why Brekalo would be a dream for Dessers

The Croatian ace spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Hajduk Split in his home country and caught the eye with his impressive attacking displays.

After a return of one goal and zero assists in 11 outings in the Serie A in the first half of the season, Brekalo registered a sensational eight assists in 12 HNL starts for Hajduk Split.

The Fiorentina loanee, who was once hailed for his "lovely" technique by journalist Josh Bunting, completed 1.9 dribbles and made 2.6 key passes per game in the HNL, to go along with two goals.

James Tavernier

3.0

Borna Barisic

1.7

Todd Cantwell

1.7

Ridvan Yilmaz

1.5

John Lundstram

1.5

As you can see in the table above, no Rangers midfielder managed more than Todd Cantwell's 1.7 key passes per game in the Scottish Premiership last term, and three of those players – Cantwell, Borna Barisic, and John Lundstram – are not currently in the first-team squad.

This suggests that Brekalo could come in and be a huge creative presence for the Gers if he can translate his form in the HNL over to the Premiership.

Dessers, therefore, would love the winger as his statistics suggest that the Croatian wizard would create chances for the striker on a regular basis.

The Nigerian marksman scored 16 goals in the Premiership last season and has started the current campaign with three goals in five appearances in all competitions.

Rangers could forget about Hagi in swoop for "terrific" £3k-p/w gem

The Light Blues are in a difficult position with the Romania international this summer.

ByDan Emery Aug 20, 2024

Brekalo arriving at Ibrox (Hampden for now) would provide the centre-forward with another source of creativity to derive goals from in the coming months, which is why they could be an exciting pairing for the Light Blues.

West Ham have had an unbelievable transfer window so far under Tim Steidten, who was only appointed last July, and is currently carrying out what some fans believe is "the best transfer window in the league".

The Hammers have spent €144.40m (around £124m) this summer according to Transfermarkt, acquiring Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Guido Rodriguez, Wes Foderingham and Jean-Clair Tobdio.

But the Hammers could yet make more moves, with some outgoings also on the cards, in order to recoup some of their money invested this summer.

West Ham transfer news

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, via GIVEMESPORT, West Ham are considering a move for midfielder Carlos Soler.

Romano told the publication: "(Soler) is a concrete option for West Ham. It's true, he's one of the names they have on their shortlist. And now, obviously they will also need to assess all the possibilities and consider all the options. I think he could probably be the next one."

The deal is reported to cost around £17m, in order to bring the Spanish midfielder over to the London Stadium.

Despite suffering no injuries last season (according to Transfermarkt), Soler found himself on the fringes at PSG under new manager Luis Enrique, as other midfield options included Fabian Ruiz, Manuel Ugarte, Vitinha, Lee Kang-in and Warren Zaire-Emery.

Soler made 28 appearances in all competitions for PSG last season, scoring two goals, providing four assists, and totalling 1,277 minutes.

Soler and Edson Alvarez partnership

Alvarez, a defensive midfielder signed by the Hammers last summer after Declan Rice's exit, made 42 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring two goals, providing two assists, and contributing to nine clean sheets in his 3,155 minutes played.

With the signings PSG have made, bringing Joao Neves from Benfica for a big fee, and Gabriel Moscardo, who signed in January, finishing the season on loan with Corinthians, this could be West Ham's chance to form a formidable partnership with Alvarez, by obtaining Soler on a cheap.

Goals

0.14

0.06

Assists

0.28

0.06

Progressive Carries

1.23

0.78

Progressive Passes

6.07

3.53

Key Passes

1.64

0.41

Shots Total

1.13

0.66

Tackles

1.23

2.91

Blocks

0.82

2.16

Interceptions

0.56

1.55

Aerials Won

0.49

1.16

At the age of 23, Soler was described as a "great talent" by Spanish legend, Gaizka-Mendieta, eventually earning himself a big move to PSG in 2022. Despite his "magnificent" talent – as it was further described by journalist Sid Lowe – the midfielder never really became a regular starter, only playing 1,773 minutes in his first season at the club.

But the creativity and progression in midfield from Soler, paired with the defensive and physical qualities of Alvarez, could provide West Ham with a perfectly balanced midfield, offering a bit of everything.

Their metrics clearly show the pairs' qualities lie in different categories, Soler averaging nearly double the number of progressive passes per 90, nearly quadruple the number of key passes per 90, and over quadruple the number of assists per 90.

Having said that, Alvarez averages more than double the number of tackles per 90, more than double the number of blocks, nearly triple the number of interceptions, and more than double the number of aerials won.

This pair would make a solid duo, containing the perfect mixture of ball recovery, aerial ability, progressive passing, and playmaking.

West Ham could launch a move for surprise CF who's better than Fullkrug

West Ham could make another striker addition to compete with Fullkrug

ByConnor Holden Aug 12, 2024

da wazamba： We've been here before, or is it different this time? Two years ago, as Liverpool's transfer window trundled into the final few days, there were glaring issues surrounding the centre of the park.

da bet7： Arthur Melo was signed on loan in what can now only be perceived as a panic buy, with injuries aplenty in midfield. Federico Chiesa, however, joins with a different air about him, having been riddled with setbacks in recent years but joining a sizeable attacking line of significant quality.

We haven't been here before, not quite. Liverpool now have an attack that has depth and destructive power to achieve Arne Slot's lofty goals, but there's still work that's needed in other areas – will FSG get it done?

Liverpool transfer news

Liverpool lost Joel Matip at the end of his contract this summer, Sepp van den Berg has been sold to Brentford for £25m and Virgil van Dijk has stepped into the final year of his £220k-per-week deal.

As such, there might just be something in Sky Germany's claims that Liverpool have enquired about RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan, who has a €70m (£60m) release clause.

The 24-year-old is mooted to leave before the deadline, and what's more, the Bundesliga side are working on signing the highly-touted Antonio Silva from Benfica.

What Mohamed Simakan would bring to Liverpool

Hailed as a "phenomenon" by Strasbourg reserves manager Francois Keller, whom he cut his teeth working for as he made strides toward the professional game, Simakan is the real deal.

He offers athletic superiority and a sharp technical game besides, and Liverpool could make fine use of his qualities, for he ranks among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, hammering that point home.

The 24-year-old's physique and gas tank allow him to operate across the backline, evidenced by his spread-out positional deployment throughout his career. He's even found a place as a sitting midfielder once or twice, with his composure and ball-carrying ability even suggesting that he could replicate one of the Premier League's finest titans in William Saliba.

Mohamed Simakan: Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Centre-back

105

4

5

Right-back

49

4

7

Defensive midfield

2

0

1

Right midfield

2

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Arsenal's star centre-half is one of the most composed in the game, utterly mesmerising in the effortless manner of his performances. Strikers are discouraged when forced into his path, and he has even been hailed as "the best CB in the world" with "perfect" defensive timing by one prominent content creator.

The France international also completed 71% of his dribbles in the top-flight last season, averaging 0.3 per game. For a central defender, this is an impressive rate and indicative of his progressive nature.

Simakan, meanwhile, also offers a ball-carrying game of similar proportions, actually averaging 0.4 carries per Bundesliga match last year, at a success rate of 60%.

The Leipzig defender would have much to prove at Liverpool before he could safely say he's performing to a level resembling Saliba, but he has the suitable profile to achieve such success.

Moreover, his mobility and energy would prove to suit Van Dijk's game, with the Liverpool colossus universally regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation.

The Netherlands star only averaged 0.1 dribbles per game last year, however, and benefits from the more bouncing energy of Ibrahima Konate beside him, who can close gaps and cover ground to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to push up the pitch and unleash his creative might.

Konate's injury record and lapses in form have limited him to just 46 Premier League starts since signing from Leipzig for £36m just over three years ago, so Simakan truly could be the dream addition to ensure that Liverpool and Van Dijk fire on all cylinders for the year ahead.

Related Liverpool hit gold on Klopp signing worth nearly 5x more than Chiesa

He’s had his detractors but he sure is the real deal…

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 28, 2024

Kevin Pietersen began his career as an offspinner for Natal before giving up on South Africa and moving to England, forging what would become one of the most flamboyant, but also controversial, careers of recent times*

Andrew McGlashan19-Nov-2013July 2005 – The debutPietersen had made his international debut in Zimbabwe during the preceding winter and followed that with three hundreds in the ODI series in his homeland, South Africa, before dazzling in the NatWest Series shortly before the Ashes. So his Test bow at Lord’s came with huge expectations. He had been preferred to Graham Thorpe after not being selected to face Bangladesh and, with England in tatters against Glenn McGrath, took the attack to the Australians with a brace of half-centuries full of bravado. England lost the Test, but Pietersen (complete with skunk hairstyle) had shown that aggression was the way forward.September 2005 – The Ashes heroEngland could glimpse the Ashes urn for the first time in early 20 years, but it threatened to slip away on a fretful final day at The Oval as McGrath and Shane Warne did their best to level the series. Step forward Pietersen, dropped on 11 by Warne at slip, with an afternoon assault on Brett Lee that bordered on the reckless and kept a nation in emotions ranging from ecstasy to torment on his way to a phenomenal maiden Test hundred.May 2006 – Welcome the switch A player to push the boundaries of what was possible, Pietersen left cricket watchers gasping and Law makers pondering how to react when he brought out the switch hit for the first time in Test cricket during an audacious innings against Muttiah Muralitharan at Edgbaston. “It was the only place I could hit a boundary,” was his simple explanation for something that was, at the time, quite extraordinary.December 2006 – Alone on a burning deckHaving toyed with Warne at Adelaide during another 158, then to see England unravel excruciatingly on the final day, it was perhaps not a huge surprise to see Pietersen regress in the midst of a forgettable tour. Towards the end of the Perth Test, when Australia reclaimed the Ashes, he did not even try to protect England’s bowlers, as though to say “what more do you want?”May 2007 – The first doubleA freezing, damp May Test at Headingley. The West Indies didn’t want to be there. The bowling was woeful. Pietersen took them apart with 226 to cross the significant double-century barrier for the first time.March 2008 – Slow going, then a matchwinnerThere was not much flamboyance on show in Hamilton where Pietersen ground his way to 42 off 131 balls amid an England go-slow. Never one for half-measures, he then proclaimed it one of his of his best innings. A few weeks later, in Napier, he had a more decisive role as his 129 rescued England from 4 for 3 and helped set up a series-clinching victory.July 2008 – Perfect timingIn his first Test innings against South Africa, Pietersen hit 152 off 181 balls at Lord’s and, for the timing being at least, was feeling all the love in the world.England captain: it was a brief tenure, lasting three Tests•Getty ImagesAugust 2008 – Finding mid-onEngland were 1-0 down in the series, but had started to build a decent lead at Edgbaston with Pietersen at his domineering best as he took on all South Africa’s bowlers. Then, on 94, he skipped down the pitch to Paul Harris and failed to clear mid-on. Although Paul Collingwood made a career-saving hundred, Graeme Smith’s colossal innings – including the winning runs off Pietersen – secured the series.August 2008 – Captaincy comes callingThe next day Michael Vaughan tearfully resigned as England captain and the ECB, eager to try and have one captain across all formats, offered the job to Pietersen. He began with a hundred and a win at The Oval, but it was the start of a tumultuous few months for English cricket.December 2008 – The breaking pointPietersen led England back to India following the terrorist attack in Mumbai, but was powerless to stop Virender Sehwag in Chennai, where doubts about his tactical acumen began to grow – as well as the deeper-rooted issues which would shortly come to a head. He scored a hundred in Mohali but that was soon forgotten. Shortly after returning home the story emerged on New Year’s Eve that he had given the ECB an ultimatum over being unable to work with Peter Moores. A few days later, both men lost their jobs.February 2009 – Back in the ranksA patched up, and still brittle, England team were in the Caribbean with Pietersen among the cast. In his first Test innings since being sacked, Pietersen top-scored with 97 at Sabina Park but was then part of the watershed collapse for 51.July 2009 – Ashes injuryPietersen’s Ashes series was cut short after two Tests when he had to concede an Achilles injury, which he had first picked up running in the Caribbean, became too serious to continue. Complications after the surgery added to the problems and it was a lengthy road to recovery.December 2009 – Return to home soilHis Test comeback came, aptly, against South Africa at Centurion. A second-innings 81 helped England towards a draw, but a mix-up with Jonathan Trott caused a run-out sparking a collapse that almost wasted the effort until Graham Onions saw out the final over. The rest of the series was lean for Pietersen, who was still struggling to regain his mojo.December 2010 – Adelaide demons banishedIt had been 18 Tests between hundreds (his previous being in Trinidad) and the emotion was clear when he went to three figures. There was no stopping, either, as he scorched his way to a commanding double century which gave England a huge lead and also enough time to beat the weather to earn a series lead.July 2011 – Lording it against the No. 1sAnother double hundred, and the best of the three by some distance. He came in on an overcast first day with the ball seaming around, took 134 balls over his first fifty and 216 over his hundred. Then he began to cut loose; the last fifty required just 25 deliveries. It was a complete innings – in the 2000th Test.In Colombo, after a period where England were flummoxed by spin, Pietersen blitzed his way to 151•Associated PressJanuary 2012 – In a spinNone of England’s batsmen could consistently combat the threat of Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman. Pietersen’s Test series amounted to 67 runs in six innings.March 2012 – Show stopping in ColomboAfter four Test defeats in a row England were desperate. Pietersen’s response was an electrifying 151 which carried the game away from Sri Lanka. While it was not an attack including Muralitharan, England had been making any spinner appear unplayable but Pietersen broke the shackles in thrilling style.August 2012 – Headingley emotion innings followed by press conference. From straight driving Dale Steyn back over his head as though he was a club bowler, Pietersen then plunged English cricket into crisis as he revealed a deep split in the dressing after it emerged he had sent derogatory text messages about Andrew Strauss to the South Africans. Pietersen was dropped and, one Test later, Strauss retired.December 2012 – Mumbai magicBy now well into his reintegration process, Pietersen produced another innings to be ranked among his best. On a surface that was far from easy for batting, particularly against spin, he pulverised India’s attack to set up a series-levelling victory. Some of his batting on the third morning was dismissive.March 2013 – More painMissed the last Test in New Zealand due to a knee problem, sustained earlier in the tour, which ended up keeping him out of action until the start of the Ashes series.August 2013 – Ashes winner againScores a vital hundred at Old Trafford to ensure England avoid the follow-on and eat up enough time to retain the Ashes by the end of the third Test.January 2014 – The end is nighIt wasn’t known at the time, but when Pietersen was dismissed by Ryan Harris on the third (and final) day at the SCG it would be his last innings for England. Rumours soon started circulating about his future and at the start of February his ECB central contact was cancelled by the newly appointed managing director Paul Downton.*October 6, 2014: this story was first written to mark Pietersen’s 100th Test and has since been updated

أعلن الكرواتي كرونسلاف يورتشيتش، المدير الفني لنادي بيراميدز، تشكيل فريقه الرسمي لمواجهة الجيش الملكي المغربي، اليوم الثلاثاء، في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقي بيراميدز مع نظيره الجيش الملكي، ضمن مواجهة الإياب لدور ربع النهائي من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

طالع | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة بيراميدز والجيش الملكي اليوم في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. والمعلق

وكانت مباراة الذهاب التي أقيمت في القاهرة، انتهت لصالح بيراميدز بالفوز بنتيجة 4-1.

ويلاقي المتأهل من مباراة بيراميدز والجيش الملكي، الفائز من مواجهة أورلاندو الجنوب إفريقي مع مولودية الجزائر في دور نصف النهائي من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا. تشكيل بيراميدز اليوم أمام الجيش الملكي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

حراسة المرمى: أحمد الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: محمد حمدي – علي جبر – محمود مرعي – محمد الشيبي.

خط الوسط: أحمد توفيق – مهند لاشين – مصطفى فتحي – وليد الكرتي – كريم حافظ.

خط الهجوم: فيستون ماييلي. بدلاء بيراميدز اليوم أمام الجيش الملكي

ويتواجد على مقاعد البدلاء: شريف إكرامي – أسامة جلال – أحمد سامي – يوسف أوباما – عبد الرحمن مجدي – دودو الجباس – محمود دونجا – مروان حمدي – أحمد عاطف قطة.

CSK’s captain lauded the “support staff and each and every individual” after a difficult 2020 IPL season

Alagappan Muthu11-Oct-20212:25

Stephen Fleming – ‘We stick with players longer than the rest’

Last year, when Chennai Super Kings crashed out of the IPL in the league stage for the very first time in their history, MS Dhoni told the fans that they would come back stronger. This year, they were the first to book a spot in the playoffs and now they’re in their 11th tournament final. Having got them there himself with a nail-biting victory over Delhi Capitals, Dhoni explained how the hurt from 2020 has helped them in 2021.”It’s the full team. Because it was tough,” Dhoni said. “Last year was the first time where we didn’t qualify so the emotions were quite high. What was important was whatever game was left we wanted to make sure that we made the most use of it. Forget what has happened in the tournament, but those four games or three games we wanted to make the most of it and I felt a lot of batters made the most of that and that’s the reason why we have come back strongly and also I think credit goes to the support staff and each and every individual because without their character you can’t really come back like this.”Watch the IPL on ESPN+

Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from the IPL live in the US. Match highlights of Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals is available here in English, and here in Hindi (US only).

Among the batters who have done so well is Ruturaj Gaikwad, 24, who is in the running for the top run-getter of the tournament and his captain has had a strong influence on his game.MS Dhoni – “Last year was the first time where we didn’t qualify so the emotions were quite high”•BCCI”Whenever we have a chat, it’s very plain and simple,” Dhoni said. “I ask what is going on, what you were thinking because it is very important to understand how well he has improved over the period. And also his gameplan, as to, he’s somebody who’s willing to bat 20 overs. One of the games I spoke to him about, if you’re an opener and if you get off to a good start, there’s nothing that says you can only bat 10 overs or 12 overs. Why can’t you bat 18, 19 or 20 overs? Right after that he did that. He batted 20 overs, which means that he is very eager to learn and I feel he is somebody who plays authentic shots and I think he has done really well for himself and I think he is a really good talent.”Gaikwad struck a fifty on Sunday and for long periods it looked like he would shepherd Super Kings to the final himself, but as it turned out, it needed a finishing kick from his mentor. At the end of the night, holding his Player-of-the-Match award, Gaikwad too opened up about how Dhoni has helped him become a better player.”With him, every time, even with Fleming and the support staff, it’s pretty same,” Gaikwad said. “Every time he tries to encourage me to keep going and to start fresh again, to start new. Just keep up the form, you know. Each and every game there’s something to learn. Two-three times I remember I got out and he came to me and he said you know try and finish the game. It will help you in the future and it is what separates a good player from a normal player.”Trophies tend to do that too and Gaikwad has a shot at winning one of them this Friday.