Tag Futebol

The Gangas have wanted to visit the land of their ancestors for years, and now they finally have, as a family

Nagraj Gollapudi19-Oct-2009″Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor…” Daren Ganga reels off the names, in that lovely Trinidad accent, of actors from Indian movies he and his family used to watch every Sunday afternoon when he was young. His father, Bahadur “Ramesh” Ganga, mother Seerajie “Jenno” Ganga, and younger brother Sherwin pitch in with their favourites.For now, the Gangas’ own story sounds a bit like a Bollywood script: an East Indian family returning to the land of their ancestors to take in some real Indian life as opposed to the reel version they were brought up on. Daren and Sherwin are part of the Trinidad & Tobago side participating in the Champions League Twenty20, while their parents are visiting India for the first time, primarily to support their boys but also to obtain a better understanding of where they came from.Ramesh, retired now, was a teacher, and his gentility is apparent in his sons, who are well groomed, disciplined and clear-headed.Daren readily agreed to assemble his family, at a half-hour’s notice, and he leads his folks into the hotel foyer at the appointed time. Sherwin is expected shortly as he has just returned from training. The Gangas are all smartly, and simply, dressed. The parents sit side by side on a sofa, Daren to their left, fiddling with his BlackBerry as he gives studious answers without ever seeming disinterested. He is clean-shaven, wearing an ironed purple t-shirt, hair Brylcreemed. Not for him and Sherwin the usual player attire of shorts and singlets.An articulate speaker, Daren, who is T&T’s captain, is studying law externally, since playing cricket doesn’t allow him the time to be resident at a university (that includes Cambridge, which at one point was reportedly interested in having him).The talk is still on Bollywood. “We grew up in a rural community and on a Sunday there would always be an Indian movie at mid-day and that was a natural thing to do, to look forward to watch the movies,” he says. His early concepts of India naturally involved images from those movies. “A favourite was policemen with moustaches. And when they shoot in that dramatic style, it would be fun. At one point we did think it was real,” Daren says as Jenno laughs.The real India has proved rather different. On a shopping trip a few days ago, as the family walked with their hands full of purchases, a group of “men dressed in “, pounced from nowhere. “They were like… all hands all over and loud in your face and demanding,” Sherwin exclaims. Daren points out that even if the crime rate in Trinidad is among the worst in the world, the locals are never intimidating.They’re quick to allow that it’s all part of experiencing the culture of the country – one that their ancestors left in the late 1880s when they went to the Caribbean as indentured labourers. “Knowing that they came from here, we feel a little nostalgic and we feel nice, and we would like to see how India is, compared to Trinidad,” Ramesh says.The most important common ground, of course, is the love for cricket, which is as much enjoyed and talked about in India as it is in Trinidad. “We were born into cricket,” Sherwin says. Every man in the family has played cricket at some level. Ramesh was part of the Apollo XI in the village of Barrackpore, a team Jenno and her friend would go to watch since her brother was part of the team. His three sons did better: Sheldon, the oldest, played club cricket, while Daren and Sherwin have played first-class and international cricket.”When I was seven or eight the entire family, including our uncles and their families, would drive from Barrackpore to Queens Park Oval to watch international cricket,” Daren recalls. “We would start at three in the morning and the drive was an hour-and-a half.” Jenno played her part, waking up before everyone else to make and and “wrap everything up neatly so that each one could have his own”. Ramesh would make sure the beers were nicely chilled in an ice box. Then they would line up to get tickets for the bleachers.Once they were at the ground, allegiance would be split depending on who West Indies were playing. Sherwin likes Australia, Daren prefers the “natural talent of the subcontinent, compared to the mechanical skills” of the other sides. For the parents it has always been West Indies, even against India.There are nine East Indians in the T&T squad touring India, including Daren and Sherwin, but it is the Gangas who seem most excited to be returning to what Sherwin refers to as the “motherland”. For Daren, who is on his second visit to India (he toured with the 2002-03 West Indies side), coming to India has always been an act of finding himself. “We studied history in school and understood exactly how East Indians came to the Caribbean, how they settled and developed their own culture and history. Culturally we are still strong with regards to what our great grandfathers brought with them.”Sherwin (centre), thinks of India as the motherland•AFPOn his first visit to India he could see the various things the cultures had in common. “It was rewarding and fulfilling to see the beginning of where my culture originated from. It was good to make that link between who I was as a person, who I am as a person, and linking it back to India, where my ancestors started. So there was a sense of fulfillment, sense of belonging, coming back,” Daren says.As if to prove their essential Indianness, as their sons began to grow up, the senior Gangas picked the professions each of the three would pursue. “We wanted an engineer, a lawyer a doctor,” Ramesh says. Those wishes have nearly all been fulfilled: Sheldon is a mechanical engineer, Daren is soon to be a lawyer, and Sherwin has a management degree. “Our daughter-in-law [Sheldon’s wife] is a doctor, so we have no complaints,” Jenno adds with a laugh.Daren believes a good upbringing and parental support have helped the brothers think beyond cricket. He recently started the Daren Ganga Foundation to help underprivileged kids and youth back home in Trindad.”Culturally, if you look at the East Indians, you would quickly associate [with them] humility and wanting to give back and hospitality – things that are part of us, the way I was brought up,” he explains. “My foundation is an attempt to ensure that kids and young people don’t have to endure the same challenges that I went through, and go on to achieve their full potential.”His parents have paid a visit to the Satya Sai Baba (a mystic whose followers include the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rohan Kanhai), and plan to go up north to visit the Taj Mahal, and also the sacred river they share their family name with. “The Hindus hold the Ganges in high regard and we would like to experience that,” Ramesh says.For now they are happy to be in the thick of one of India’s most popular festivals, one that is celebrated with as much vigour and excitement in T&T. “Happy Diwali”, Jenno and Ramesh wish with large smiles as they leave to visit an Indian family. It has been a good homecoming for the Gangas.

رد الحكم محمد العتباني على قرار لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد المصري، بإيقافه على خلفية المقطع المصور المنتشر له خلال الساعات الماضية.

وكان بطولات قد أعلن عن قرار إيقاف العتباني بعد ما أشيع عنه خلال مباراة البنك الأهلي وبترول أسيوط في كأس مصر.

فيديو | أسامة فيصل يقود البنك الأهلي للفوز على بترول أسيوط في كأس مصر

وكتب العتباني عبر حسابه الرسمي بموقع التواصل الاجتماعي فيس بوك: “الحمد الله دائما وابدًا.. وحسبي الله ونعم الوكيل في من قال فينا ما ليس فينا وكفى به وکیلا .. وعند الله تجتمع الخصوم”.

وأضاف: “وقد جاء في وصية رسول الله لابن عباس رضي الله عنهما.. وإذا سألت فاسأل الله، وإذا استعنت فاستعن بالله واعلم أن الأمة لو اجتمعت على أن ينفعوك بشيء لم ينفعوك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله لك، وإن اجتمعوا على أن يضروك بشيء لم يضروك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله عليك، رفعت الأقلام وجفت الصحف رواه الترمذي وقال: حديث حسن صحيح”.

يذكر، أن الفيديو الذي تم تداوله على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، أظهر العتباني وهو يتحدث مع سامي الشيشيني، عضو الجهاز الفني لفريق البنك الأهلي، داخل ممر استاد القاهرة، حيث قال له “هيتحسبلك أي لعبة حتى لو 50٪- 50٪”.

وأدى هذا التسريب إلى حالة من الاستياء في الأوساط الرياضية، خاصة أن تصريحات العتباني أظهرت تلميحات بعدم حياديته في اتخاذ قرارات تحكيمية، ورغم أن الفيديو لم يُظهر تفاصيل كاملة عن سياق الحديث، إلا أن هذه الكلمات فُهمت على أنها تعبير عن إمكانية التأثير في سير المباراة بشكل غير قانوني.

الجدير بالذكر، أن المباراة قد انتهت بفوز البنك الأهلي بهدف دون رد، ليتأهل للدور الـ16 من البطولة، حيث سيواجه الفائز من المباراة التي ستجمع بين المصري البورسعيدي ووادي دجلة، ومن المقرر أن تُقام هذه المباراة يوم الثلاثاء الموافق 4 فبراير المُقبل.

Tottenham are now real favourites to sign a "very versatile" young attacker after making him a contract offer, and they're attempting to seal his signing ahead of January.

Postecoglou eyeing young stars for Spurs

According to Sky Sports, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and club chiefs are keen to bring in fresh faces of a certain age range – and ones who could fit into the Australian's long-term project.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are prioritising the signing of younger players in January as they chase a new centre-back, midfielder and forward for Postecoglou.

Spurs in pre-January dialogue over signing big club's "very quick" forward

There’s been contact ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023

This fits in with their links to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who is 23 years old, while other rumoured Spurs centre-back transfer targets like Genoa star Radu Dragusin (21) and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (21) are also on the younger side.

Meanwhile, further forward, Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, are also being chased by Tottenham as we approach January.

The Lilywhites appear to be building something special for the future, with these reports indicating they have full faith in Postecoglou to take them forward.

Tottenham's head coach, speaking to the English press recently, has also confirmed that Spurs are actively pursuing new signings as they plot early window moves.

"I wrote my letter to Santa! Like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get, mate," Postecoglou jokingly told Standard Sport.

"It is challenging, [but] the reason [we want to do business early] is obviously where we're at injury-wise and the players we're going to miss. We've got some significant games in January and signing somebody late in the month could mean they haven't been able to make an impact in those games.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree. Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January.

"It is a challenge, I get that, but everyone at the club is working hard to get the best outcomes for us and we’ll see how it goes.”

Postecoglou's aim to sign young stars, and in quick fashion, is now backed by Belgian football specialist and reporter Kevin Sauvage.

Spurs favourites to sign Idumbo after contract offer

According to the journalist, writing for DH Sports, Tottenham are the "most concrete path" for Ajax starlet Stanis Idumbo.

The 18-year-old attacker has been offered a four-year deal in north London already, and they "would like to secure his services" pretty quickly.

It's added that this wouldn't be an academy signing, and he would be integrated right into Postecoglou's first team. If Idumbo fails to make a significant impact, he'd then be loaned out in the summer to further his development.

A decision from the teenager is expected "in the coming days", with Monaco also named as suitors.

Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels, taking to X, claimed he is a "very versatile" player – which could be useful for Postecoglou.

West Ham United and manager David Moyes are said to be keeping tabs on "extraordinary" striker as Michail Antonio's future remains up in the air.

Who could West Ham sign next?

It was a productive summer transfer window for sporting director Mark Noble and technical transfer chief Tim Steidten, who managed to bring in James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus for a total of around £134 million. Ward-Prowse in particular has gone to impress under Moyes, but the state of West Ham's current squad means they may need to dip back into the market.

Tomas Soucek, Pablo Fornals, Ben Johnson, Vladimir Coufal, Antonio, Conor Coventry, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and Angelo Ogbonna are all out of contract next year as things stand (Transfermarkt), while there is some uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma. As a result, West Ham are believed to be eyeing up a new defender, with Bayer Levekusen's Edmond Tapsoba and Man United centre-back Harry Maguire linked most recently.

The need for a new striker is also pretty prevalent, as Antonio's age and contract situation don't exactly make him a prime candidate to lead the line for Moyes in future seasons. There is also little faith in alternative option Danny Ings, who has played just 37 minutes in the Premier League so far this term.

Will West Ham replace Michail Antonio?

Reports suggest that West Ham could opt to replace Antonio soon, with Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy among the prime candidates. The Guinea striker, before his recent hamstring injury, started the Bundesliga season in scintillating form; scoring 14 goals in eight German top flight matches. However, he isn't the only option, as Dean Jones writes for TEAMtalk.

Sharing an Adam Hlozek transfer update, the reporter claims that Bayer Leverkusen's striker has found his way on to the West Ham target list as a possible Antonio replacement. It is believed Moyes and co are weighing up the possibility of signing a new forward, as Antonio's future is indeed in doubt. They did attempt to bring in the likes of Hugo Ekitike from PSG and Yuri Alberto from Corinthians in the summer, only for those prospective moves to fall through.

West Ham do have the option to extend Antonio's stay by another 12 months, but may need to consider the future, and we think Hlozek is an interesting option. The Czech Republic international, who would join a Czech contingent at West Ham made up of Coufal and Soucek (if they don't leave next year), has notched a goal and assist in the extremely limited game time he's had this season.

This isn't the first time Moyes has been considering a move for him, either, as 2021 reports claimed West Ham had held lengthy talks over signing him from Sparta Prague (90min).

"Adam is an extraordinary player," said agent Pavel Paska two years ago.

"Despite the injury he had an excellent season, he was able to make his mark even in matches at the European level. That's why I didn't really understand why he wasn't nominated for the match against Denmark, I can't think of any explanation for that decision."

Glamorgan will go into the final day at Swansea with a lead of 122 on a surface that is offering turn

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2018

Usman Khawaja plays a fine reverse sweep•Getty Images

ScorecardGlamorgan will go into the final day at Swansea with a lead of 122, and if they are able to extend that lead to anything over 250, Derbyshire will not find batting last an easy proposition on a St Helen’s pitch that is responding to spin.The home team were in trouble at 48 for 3, but Usman Khawaja and Kiran Carlson, with an aggressive unbeaten partnership of 153 have put the home team in a healthy position with seven wickets in hand.Khawaja is nearing his second successive Championship century, while Carlson, who missed the last game and nearly all the Royal London Cup games because of university examinations, played with ease and assurance and is unbeaten on 69.Derbyshire were dismissed in their first innings for 362, a lead of 79, but they lost the opportunity of a much bigger lead by losing their last five wickets for five runs in 29 deliveries.Alex Hughes had earlier scored his first Championship century of the summer, before he was run out for 103 after Billy Godleman was lbw to Andrew Salter.There then followed a stand of 92 between Gary Wilson and Matt Critchley, with both batsmen playing watchfully against the spinners, Salter and the 19-year-old debutant Prem Sisodiya.There was no hint of a collapse when Wilson was run out, attempting a second run from an overthrow that ricocheted from the stumps, and Critchley’s fifty passed largely unnoticed.The Derbyshire allrounder scored only four more runs as the lower order succumbed to spin. Tony Palladino missed a straight ball from Sisodiya, and after Salter had dismissed Hamidullah Qadri and Duanne Olivier in quick succession, Sisodiya ended the innings by having Ravi Rampaul caught at slip, and ending with creditable figures of 3 for 54 from 21.5 overs of controlled spin.Nick Selman and Jack Murphy shared a useful opening partnership of 44 in Glamorgan’s second innings before Murphy was out to leg before to Qadri in the penultimate over before tea. Murphy appeared unhappy with the decision, as did Selman when, shortly after the interval, he suffered the same fate against Critchley.When Owen Morgan was bowled by Qadri, Glamorgan had lost three wickets for four runs, but Khawaja soon made his intentions clear by striking Critchley out of the ground.Carlson, small in stature, used his feet effectively and both reached fifty in quick time. Khawaja was the first to the target from 70 balls, with a six and nine fours, while his junior partner was eight balls quicker.The hundred partnership came up in 21.2 overs, when Carlson struck Qadri to the cover boundary for his seventh four, Glamorgan had extended their lead to over 100 runs.

Leeds United have been handed a boost after learning that one of their first-team stars has returned to training, according to a key figure.

Leeds injury news

The Whites currently have Stuart Dallas, Sam Byram, Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda out on the sidelines with their own respective problems as it stands, so the club will have to continue trying to pick up positive results without having them at their disposal.

Daniel Farke’s side are set to host Coventry City for this afternoon’s encounter in the Championship, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm UK time, and while the manager will be missing several absentees, there has been some positive fitness news that has emerged regarding another player.

Piroe misses out in Leeds predicted lineup vs Coventry

The possible line-up that Daniel Farke could select to take to action on Saturday.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 15, 2023

Left-back Junior Firpo has recently been in the treatment room trying to rectify a hamstring problem, and having suffered with a collateral ligament tear in the early stages of the new season, the defender has been extremely limited when it comes to receiving regular game time.

The Dominican Republic’s former international has made just one start and two substitute appearances over the course of the current campaign (WhoScored – Firpo statistics), but following a promising update, the 27-year-old is soon expected to return to the matchday squad, even though it won’t be happening today.

Firpo stages his comeback

Taking to X, BBC broadcaster Adam Pope shared an update from Farke’s pre-match press conference, where the boss confirmed that Firpo is back in training at Leeds and will likely feature after the Coventry clash.

“Daniel Farke says Junior Firpo (hamstring) has returned to training but he will be picking from the same squad for Coventry City.”

Farke handed boost over "aggressive" Firpo

Being a left-back, Firpo is naturally stronger in the defensive aspect of his game, where he currently ranks in the 93rd percentile for both tackles and interceptions, highlighting his desire to get stuck into challenges in order to try and win back possession for his team (FBRef – Firpo statistics).

The Santo Domingo native is also capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch having posted 25 contributions, 14 assists and 11 goals, since the start of his career, showing that he can use his pace to burst down the flank and create chances in the final third (Transfermarkt – Firpo statistics).

The left-footed ace is even a versatile operator having previously been deployed in five different positions over the pitch following his arrival on the professional scene, including everywhere across the backline and two roles in the midfield, so his ability to adapt makes him a wonderful option to have available.

Firpo is “aggressive” in all areas when on the pitch, as described by journalist Josh Bunting, and his return to full match fitness when that day does arrive will no doubt come as a huge boost to Farke, especially considering the issues the manager has had at left-back recently.

A "dangerous" Sheffield Wednesday player could now be on the verge of signing a new deal at the club, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Sheff Wed's relegation fight

The Owls find themselves rock bottom of the Championship currently, but despite a real threat of relegation back to League One this season looming, there is positivity in the air at Hillsborough.

That's because of the impact that new manager Danny Rohl is having at the club, having replaced the disappointing Xisco Munoz as boss earlier in the season. Granted, defeats have continued to arrive at a fairly rapid rate under the 34-year-old, but there have been clear improvements in the playing style, and Wednesday have picked up four points from their last two matches.

Last Saturday, the Owls won 3-1 at home to play-off-chasing Blackburn Rovers, in what was the latest sign that a miraculous escape act this season may not be out of the question from Rohl's side. They are still 10 points adrift of safety at the moment, but there is still such a long way to go in the campaign.

For that to happen, key players are going to have to hit their best form, though, and the squad depth is going to have to shine through. Now, a key update has emerged over the future of one current Hillsborough gem.

Cadamarteri could sign Sheff Wed deal

Taking to X, Crann claimed that Bailey Cadamarteri could sign a new deal with Sheffield Wednesday, following his crucial goal against Blackburn on Saturday, with talks underway.

"Understand that SWFC have opened up talks with Bailey Cadamarteri about an improved contract at Hillsborough. Discussions are ongoing."

In his report for The Sheffield Star, Crann also adds that Wednesday are looking to nail down the youngster's future "in order to try and secure Cadamarteri’s future at S6, planning ahead with regards to a player that has already been on the radar of a number of Premier League outfits."

This is something that needs to be seen as a priority for the Owls in the coming weeks, with Cadamarteri looking like a big young talent who could have a huge future in the game. His aforementioned strike at home to Blackburn was his first-ever goal for Wednesday, but he has shone in the youth teams, including scoring twice in five appearances for the Under-18s.

Sheffield Wednesday sign exciting new youngster on trial at Hillsborough

The Owls are looking to add some fresh faces to their youth ranks over the coming weeks.

ByChloe Chadwick Nov 30, 2023

At just 18 years of age, Cadamarteri is still clearly a work in progress, so it would be unfair to expect consistent fireworks from him this season, but Rohl has heaped praise on his player recently, saying of him:

"He came in and showed good things and this is what we want – it’s what we demand from them. He showed that he can run and he has pace. Also, he was always dangerous in the box and I like this, I like players who are brave to come in and show."

A new contract would be a great moment in a season that is threatening to become more positive, with Cadamarteri representing the future of the club, assuming the Owls can fight off interest from other clubs.

Liverpool have enjoyed a stellar resurgence this season compared to their stagnation during the 2022/23 campaign and this is down to Jurgen Klopp’s diligence in the transfer market.

With the German identifying that his midfield area needed baldy rejigged, out went the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita during the summer, and he utilised his skills to improve his squad.

Young talent such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have all arrived at Anfield, and they have each made an impressive impact so far, with the trio registering nine goal contributions – four goals and five assists – between them so far this season.

This new midfield trio has helped the Reds win seven of their first ten Premier League matches as they currently occupy fourth place in the table, while the club have also won all three of their Europa League matches so far this season.

Could this be another season where Klopp wins more silverware for the club? It is looking promising so far and with the January transfer window fast approaching, there could be another one or two additions to the squad.

Liverpool transfer news

While Klopp strengthened his midfield during the summer, the signing of Japanese international Wataro Endo was the most surprising out of them all, arriving from Stuttgart for a fee of around £16.2m.

The manager was keen on either signing Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia in order to replace the defensive duties of Fabinho, who departed during the summer, yet in the end, Endo was the player who ended up at Anfield.

It is clear that the 30-year-old is not a long-term solution to the defensive midfield role and this could lead Liverpool back into the transfer market in the coming months to finally land a more permanent option in that position.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Merseyside club are now showing interest in Royal Antwerp teenage sensation Arthur Vermeeren and the good news for Klopp is he could be signed for just €25m (£21.7m) and this could represent an excellent piece of transfer business.

Of course, it isn’t just the Reds who are chasing the youngster, as Barcelona have also been touted with making a potential move for the Belgian, while Manchester United are keeping tabs on him too and if he continues his excellent form, it won't be long before he moves on from Antwerp.

With Mac Allister operating in a more defensive role this season, the signing of Vermeeren could allow him to push into a more advanced role and the supporters could see his true talents.

Signing Arthur Vermeeren could unshackle Alexis Mac Allister

The Argentinian World Cup winner cost Liverpool just an initial £35m a few months ago and considering his form for Brighton and Hove Albion across the previous few years, it could turn out to be a wise investment.

For the Seagulls last term, he split his duties between defensive, central and attacking midfield and demonstrated his penchant for bursting forward often by scoring 12 times, while grabbing three assists and this is the type of form Klopp would love to see.

Due to Fabinho leaving and Thiago out injured, the World Cup winner has had to revert to dropping slightly deeper during his first few months at Liverpool and while the Argentine can still function fairly well, he clearly prefers a more advanced role.

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When compared to positional peers over the previous 12 months, the 24-year-old currently ranks in the top 3% for total shots per 90 (2.29) while also ranking in the top 13% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.41) and the top 14% for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.5), clearly highlighting how effective his attacking metrics are.

Across 12 matches in all competitions this term, he has managed to register just one assist and by signing Vermeeren to slot into a more defensive-minded position, Mac Allister could thrive by being deployed in a more advanced role under Klopp.

Arthur Vermeeren’s statistics at Royal Antwerp

The 18-year-old made his senior debut for the Belgian side last season and subsequently went on to make 34 appearances in all competitions as he helped the club win the league title and the Belgian Cup during his maiden season.

His talent was obvious from the very first match, and he demonstrated his defensive attributes as the youngster ranked second across the squad for tackles per game (2.5), along with ranking fourth for interceptions per game (1.3) and winning 4.2 ground duels per game as he made his mark in the first team.

Vermeeren has used this solid breakthrough term as a base for further improvement and having already played 19 matches for the club this season, scoring once and registering five assists, proving that not only is he capable of performing well defensively, but he can bring some attacking qualities to the table.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig branded him “one of the most complete young midfielders in Europe” just last month after he shone against Shakhtar Donetsk and Eupen and a move to Liverpool would allow him to take the next step in his development while exposing him to a better league.

The in-demand ace doesn’t turn 19 until February and still has a lot to learn, yet his performances have displayed a maturity which is rare among players of his age, as he is able to combine both his attacking and defensive skillset in order to excel in the engine room.

Klopp may certainly see him as a long-term heir to Fabinho, slotting into the heart of the Liverpool midfield where he can play alongside the likes of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai and allow the duo to push forward as often as possible in order to stimulate their creative juices.

For a fee of just £21.7m, the Merseysiders would be mad to not make a concrete offer when the January transfer window rolls around in just a couple of months, and it would give Klopp the final piece of his midfield jigsaw.

If they do manage to sign him, Vermeeren could turn into a truly world-class player within just a few years, there is no doubt about that.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke was brought in ahead of the 2023/24 campaign to lead the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Whites were relegated from the top-flight at the end of last season and now have a squad full of players with top level experience and a great chance to compete for promotion back to the big time.

Who did Leeds sign this summer?

Although they were able to keep hold of the likes of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, Leeds did allow a host of first-team players to depart and this meant that new signings were needed to bolster the squad.

Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Joel Piroe, Glen Kamara, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ilia Gruev, Djed Spence, and Jaidon Anthony were all brought in to improve the depth and quality of Farke's options across the pitch.

Whilst Darlow was signed, from Newcastle United, to compete with Illan Meslier for a starting spot between the sticks, the ex-Hull City loanee has not been trusted in the Championship so far.

This could open the door for Leeds to sign a goalkeeper who has the quality to immediately replace the Frenchman between the sticks in January.

Were Leeds interested in Angus Gunn?

Phil Hay revealed, on The Square Ball podcast, during the summer transfer window that Norwich City colossus Angus Gunn was on the list of shot-stoppers that were appreciated by the Whites as they looked at their options.

That interest came two years on from the club's failed effort to land him in a £5m deal from Southampton ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, as the Canaries secured his signature amid late pressure from the Yorkshire-based side to snap him up.

However, their latest round of interest did not amount to anything as Darlow was brought in as a back-up to Meslier and they did not splash the cash on a new number one.

Football Insider had reported that Leeds were planning to sell the French shot-stopper during the summer transfer window but a move failed to materialise before the deadline passed.

The same outlet claimed that the club value him at a minimum of £20m and that Premier League sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur had both shown an interest in him, although they seemingly opted against a serious effort to sign him.

This suggests that the door could still be open for Meslier to depart in the upcoming January window if an attractive bid comes in for him, as the Whites were prepared to part ways with the former Lorient prospect ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Therefore, Farke must revive his interest in Gunn at the start of next year in order to finally ditch his current number one heading into the second half of the season.

How many clean sheets does Gunn have for Norwich?

The Norwich-born goalkeeper, who was twice-signed by Farke – in 2017 and 2021 – during their time together in Norfolk, has racked up 29 clean sheets in 106 competitive games for his current club.

He kept 15 shutouts in 45 matches on loan from Manchester City with Norwich during the 2017/18 campaign under the German head coach.

His form for the Yellows led to a permanent switch to Premier League side Southampton, where he only made 30 appearances and kept eight clean sheets in total before his move back to East Anglia two years ago.

Appearances

31

Goals conceded

65

Clean sheets

Six

How has Gunn performed for Norwich?

Since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Gunn has been an excellent performer at Championship level and established himself as a star for the Canaries since taking the number one duties from the experienced Tim Krul.

The Scotland international has been an outstanding shot-stopper in the second tier over the last 15 months or so, as he has consistently proven himself to be capable of pulling off superb saves to keep out excellent efforts against his goal.

Gunn has saved 7.5 more goals than the average goalkeeper would have been expected to based on the post-shot xG value of the strikes he has faced in the Championship for Norwich.

This, essentially, means that the ex-Manchester City man has been significantly above average as a shot-stopper for the Canaries since the start of last season.

He has also showcased his ability as a sweeper. Over the last 365 days, Gunn ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers among the Men's Next 14 Competitions for the average number of defensive actions outside of his box (1.98) and the average distance of his defensive actions from his own goal (18.6 yards) per 90, as per FBref.

How has Illan Meslier performed for Leeds?

Meslier, meanwhile, has been a below-average performer between the sticks in terms of his shot-stopping ability since the start of last season.

The French prospect, who was signed for £5m from Lorient in 2020, conceded a staggering 12.4 more goals than the average goalkeeper would have been expected to have let in from the post-shot xG value of the shots against him in the Premier League last term.

He has been unable to push himself over the line into being an above-average shot-stopper with the drop down to Championship football as the 23-year-old dud has conceded 0.8 more than expected over the first 11 games of the campaign.

This suggests that Gunn is a considerably better goalkeeper when it comes to keeping out quality shots against him, particularly in the second division.

Meslier, who was once dubbed a "liability" by journalist David Kent, is also not as prevalent of a sweeper in comparison to the Norwich star as he does not rank inside the top 20% of goalkeepers in the Men's Next 14 Competitions for either of the aforementioned sweeping statistics over the last 365 days.

Therefore, Farke must now revive his interest in the 6 foot 5 EFL titan during the upcoming January transfer window as their respective statistics suggest that Gunn would come in as a big upgrade on the current number one.

The Scotland international is a proven Championship performer who has already worked with the German tactician and could, as a result, hit the ground running and take over from Meslier without being a liability between the sticks.

Somerset’s game resistance has given them every chance to save the match at Chelmsford and keep their own title challenge bubbling

Dan Norcross27-Jun-20181:57

Kent go top of Division Two

ScorecardThe best days at cricket are comprised of numerous moments. Singular moments, such as a wicket taken or a pleasingly creamed cover drive, and extended, even occasionally tantric moments; a battle royale, for example, between batsman and bowler, such as that enjoyed by Atherton and Donald at Trent Bridge.This match has been graced with too few moments; plenty of runs, plenty of toil, plenty of earnest endeavour but very few moments. The most significant today was a moment to forget; Westley dropping a sharp but eminently gettable chance above his head at slip when James Hildreth had just 16. Harmer, the bowler, would almost certainly have pouched it. He can’t, despite Theoretical Physics’ best efforts, be in two places at once though.Hildreth went on to produce the innings of the day but even his 75 was not garlanded with enough of those trademark Hildreth moments to make it an innings that will stay long in the memory. Neither the pitch nor the ball were conducive to his aesthetic.Running it a close second was the controversial catch that wasn’t. Harmer thought he’d clung on to a low chance at slip when Lewis Gregory had 11, and Somerset, on 322 for 6 still needed 46 to avoid the follow-on. The umpires consulted. The catch was not granted. Ryan ten Doeschate, returning after a two match ban and conscious of not wanting to incur further wrath, remonstrated as politely as any remonstrator has ever remonstrated, but Gregory survived.Neil Wagner produced the most entertaining moments. For the vast bulk of the 22 overs he bowled today (32 overall in the innings) he seemed intent on breaking Anthony Thornton’s record for walking backwards the longest distance in two days as he accompanied every bouncer, which was pretty much every ball, with a glare, a smile and fixed eyes on the batsmen as he made his way slowly back to his mark. The record, incidentally, is 95.4 miles, was set in 1989 in Minneapolis and still stands, but only just.He also produced the ball of the day to remove the most eye catching batsman of the day. Dom Bess arrived with Somerset in a spot of bother on 310 for 6 and five overs to go until tea. The new ball had just been taken and Porter had done for Peter Trego, taking the top of off stump.Bess counter attacked, saw off the new ball and his 35 from 38 balls was threatening to speed his side to the relative of safety of 368 and follow-on avoidance. Wagner bent his back that bit further, got one to rear at Bess’ throat (admittedly not a towering achievement) and caught the outside edge as Bess, fully off the ground, did his best Robin Smith impression of trying to evade a Curtly Ambrose snorter.Briefly the game was alive. Lewis Gregory’s miserable run with the bat (he now has 123 runs in 11 completed innings) continued with a hideous swipe that ended up at Third Man and seven were needed with just two wickets in hand. Wagner, unsurprisingly, peppered Overton with more bouncers. Overton survived, then flung the bat. The follow-on was averted.Eventually the innings was wrapped up in the softest of whimpers when Overton gently offered a catch to Bopara off Westley’s sixth and final ball. All out for 407 conceding a lead of just 110 and with only 9 overs to go on the third day the match looked as good as dead.
But just when we thought we’d have no more moments today, and in all likelihood tomorrow as well, Tom Westley, opening in place of Alastair Cook who is laid low with tonsillitis was trapped by Davey for a duck. The debutant Michael Pepper went next over to Gregory for 1. Suddenly it was 3 for 2. The slip cordon peaked at four. Momentarily nerves jangled but Browne and Bopara survived to the close with Essex leading by 127.The pitch is showing no signs of deterioration and it may require an improbably generous declaration to prevent the very real possibility of Essex slipping 39 points behind the leaders Surrey who have a game in hand. The grip on their title is loosening by the day.