All posts by h716a5.icu

In recent years, Arsenal have seemingly taken Liverpool's place as the Premier League's nearly team as they finished just behind Manchester City for the second season running this year.

However, while the end result was the same, Mikel Arteta's men did improve in 2023/24, and it now feels more like when, rather than if, the North Londoners finally get their hands on the title.

In fact, that could happen next season, as one of the latest players touted for a move to the Emirates could be the perfect Kai Havertz upgrade – he even scored more league goals than Erling Haaland.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a report from German publication BILD late last week, Arsenal are among several clubs interested in signing VfB Stuttgart's star striker, Serhou Guirassy, this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report named Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan as the other sides keen on securing the 28-year-old's services.

Interestingly, he would be available for a fee in the region of €18m to €20m, which is just £15m to £17m.

Dortmund, Chelsea, and Milan may make this transfer complicated to get over the line, but for the bargain price Guirassy is said to be available for, this looks like a deal too good to be missed for Edu Gaspar and Co.

How Guirassy compares to Havertz and Haaland

Before looking at how Guirassy compares to Havertz, let's compare his league record to Erling Haaland's this year – it might surprise you. In just 28 Bundesliga games last season, the Stuttgart ace scored 28 goals and provided two assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 0.93 games.

In comparison, the City superstar scored 27 goals and provided five assists in 31 games, meaning he not only scored fewer goals in more games than the Guinean but also had an ever-so-slightly worse average of a goal involvement every 0.96 games.

With that said, how does the 28-year-old stack up to the Gunners' current first-choice striker, Havertz? Well, considering he just enjoyed a more prolific league campaign than City's Norwegian goal machine, he also comfortably outscored the German, who managed a haul of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 league games – an average of a goal involvement every 1.85 games.

Appearances

28

31

37

Goals

28

27

13

Assists

2

5

7

Goals per Match

1.00

0.87

0.35

Goal Involvements per Match

1.07

1.03

0.54

Moreover, it's not just raw output where the "outrageous" Bundesliga star shines, as dubbed by journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, as his striker-relevant underlying numbers are also more impressive than the German's.

For example, he produced a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, scored more non-penalty goals, took more shots and shots on target and scored more goals from his shots and shots on target, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.99

0.54

Non-Penalty Goals

0.98

0.41

Shots

3.59

2.32

Goals per Shot

0.27

0.18

Shots on Target

1.63

0.92

Goals per Shot on Target

0.60

0.44

Ultimately, the "insane" Guirassy, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has shown himself to be a genuinely elite goalscorer this season, and his underlying numbers suggest it wasn't a fluke.

Therefore, Edu and Co must do what they can to bring the incredible forward to North London this summer – he could be the bargain of the decade.

He's at Euro 2024: Arsenal make contact to sign Ozil 2.0

The incredible talent could be transformational at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2024

A look at six of the best ODI innings by Mushfiqur

Mohammad Isam06-Mar-2025Mushfiqur Rahim called time on his ODI career on Wednesday, finishing as Bangladesh’s second-highest run-getter in the format. He is one of Bangladesh’s giants in the format, having played multiple match-winning knocks over the years. Here’s a look at six of his best ODI innings.Showing maturity beyond his ageImagine the pressure. A 19-year-old Mushfiqur, with just 11 ODIs under his belt, replaces Khaled Mashud, Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketer in the 2007 World Cup squad. It leaves cricket fans outraged, but the Bangladesh team management has a bigger surprise in store.They send Mushfiqur to bat at No. 3 against India, where he plays the anchor role in the tricky 192-run chase, allowing Tamim Iqbal to go bonkers. He then adds 84 runs for the fourth wicket with Shakib Al Hasan. All three future Bangladesh stars make fifties, with Mushfiqur hitting the winning runs in a famous victory.Related

'I always gave my 100%' – Mushfiqur Rahim retires from ODIs

Ruining Tendulkar’s partyBangladesh were chasing 290 runs against India in the Asia Cup in Dhaka, but the headlines were already written for posterity. Earlier in the afternoon, Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score 100 international hundreds. But Bangladesh were not deterred and worked on chasing down the steep total.They needed 66 runs in the last eight overs when Mushfiqur, Bangladesh captain by now, stepped out at the bustling Shere Bangla National Stadium. He struck three sixes in his 25-ball unbeaten 46, taking Bangladesh home in the final over. The pop when Mahmudullah hit the winning runs was one of the greatest in the stadium’s history.Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah helped Bangladesh notch a famous win in Adelaide•Getty ImagesThe brothers-in-law in armsBangladesh had recovered from a poor start against England in their 2015 World Cup game in Adelaide when they again lost two quick wickets.Mahmudullah was batting on 48 but he needed support from his brother-in-law Mushfiqur. The pair added 141 runs for the fifth wicket, with Mahmudullah reaching a memorable century. Mushfiqur’s 89 off 77 balls, including eight fours and a six, was a masterclass of a support act. Later he went on to take four catches in Bangladesh’s memorable 15-run win.A special home seriesBangladesh’s first assignment after their quarter-final finish in the 2015 World Cup was an ODI series at home against Pakistan. In the first ODI, Tamim and Mushfiqur put on 178 runs for the third wicket, with both hitting centuries. Tamim top-scored with 132 but Mushfiqur was named the Player of the Match for his attacking 106. He struck 13 fours and two sixes in the 77-ball knock, an innings so dominant that Pakistan were struggling even when Mushfiqur got out in the 48th over. They ended up beating Pakistan in an ODI for the first time in 16 years. Mushfiqur hit 65 and an unbeaten 49 in the following matches to help Bangladesh seal the series 3-0.Mushfiqur Rahim had some support from Mohammad Mithun in the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka, but very little thereafter•Getty ImagesA one-man showIn their first game of the 2018 Asia Cup, Bangladesh got off to one of the most chaotic starts. Litton Das and Shakib were gone in the first over and Tamim broke his hand soon after. Mushfiqur sees all of this unfold, but then adds 131 runs for the third wicket with Mohammad Mithun. Despite any significant support after that, Mushfiqur soldiered on, adding crucial runs with the tail. When the ninth wicket fell, Tamim walked out with bat in one hand, and a huge strapping on the broken wrist on the other. An inspired Mushfiqur slammed three sixes and as many fours in their 42-run stand to take Bangladesh to 261. Mushfiqur made 144 and Bangladesh went on to win by a whopping 137 runs.The fastest ODI hundred for BangladeshAmong the many feathers in his cap, a big one was his whirlwind century against Ireland in 2023. In a match that was eventually washed out, Mushfiqur crashed a ton off 60 balls, the fastest for Bangladesh, beating Shakib’s 63-ball record.He struck 14 fours and two sixes and took Bangladesh to 349 for 6, their highest total in ODIs. Mushfiqur started off with pull shots against spinners before hammering the seamers over mid-off, extra cover and wide of point. He reached his fifty off 33 balls before going even harder in the last seven overs. He also reached 7000 ODI runs during this knock, before completing his century off the last ball of the innings.

Stuart Broad leads the line with three wickets in rare county outing

George Dobell16-Apr-2021Nottinghamshire have given themselves an excellent opportunity to secure their first win in first-class cricket for almost three years by dominating the second day of the Championship match against Warwickshire.Notts have gone 27 Championship matches without a win – it’s 28 if you include all first-class games – with the most recent victory coming in June 2018.But at the halfway stage of the match against Warwickshire, they lead by 200 runs with eight wickets in hand. On a surface offering just a little bit of variable bounce, batting fourth could prove challenging.To make matters worse for Warwickshire, they look set to be without Dom Sibley for the rest of the game. Sibley was diagnosed with a small fracture of a finger on his right hand after dropping a chance at slip on the first day and was unable to bat in the first innings. While Warwickshire have not ruled out his further involvement, it does seem highly unlikely – not least as they will be reluctant to risk further damage to that finger.While the injury is not thought to be serious – he should have recovered long before the Test series against New Zealand – he is likely to miss the next few rounds of games. With that in mind, there might be more thought given to playing Pieter Malan and Hanuma Vihari in the same side. Malan, who now has his visa, is expected to be available from May 6.The short-term loss of Sibley is significant, though. He averages 205.50 against Nottinghamshire in first-class cricket – albeit over a sample size of just three games – with a lowest score of 87. The last time these teams met, in 2019, he made an unbeaten 215 in the first innings and 109 more in the second.If Nottinghamshire do go on to win, they will be grateful for the contribution of Stuart Broad. In claiming three of Warwickshire’s top four – albeit one of them a nightwatchman – Broad gave his side a grip on the game which they show no sign of relenting.It was typical modern Broad, really. Threatening the stumps relentlessly, he struck with the second ball of the day – the left-handed Will Rhodes edging one which demanded a stroke from round the wicket – and returned to dismiss the stubborn Danny Briggs with one that held its line.Stuart Broad picked up valuable wickets in Warwickshire’s first innings•Getty ImagesThat Briggs wicket took Broad to something of a milestone: his 150th first-class wicket for Nottinghamshire. The fact that it has taken Broad so long to reach the figure – he made his first-class debut for the side in 2008 – is a reflection of the modern game. England duty has dominated ever since he made his Test debut that same year. His more-than-respectable average of 23.88 confirms his commitment on the occasions he has been available.It bears reiterating that it was Broad’s choice to play in this game. The England management originally had him scheduled to take another week off. But such is his enthusiasm to play, he asked to return early and has led the attack with authority.”It’s great to be training and playing here again,” he said afterwards. “Even without the crowds there is an aura about the place and it is always easy for me to feel at home again when I come back.”I pride myself on trying to set the tone so it was nice for me to get wickets early in my spells. I thought as a bowling unit the pressure we created all day was pretty strong and we almost deserved a little bit more, but we put a few chances down.”This was a satisfying day for Nottinghamshire. As well as seeing their seam attack combine well, they watched a couple of their talented young batters, Joe Clarke and Haseeb Hameed, batted with assurance and fluency in reaching half-centuries in the second innings.Hameed’s forcing strokes off the back foot – reminiscent of Mike Atherton – were pleasing, but Clarke’s back-foot drive for four off Olly Stone was the shot of the day; a thing of real beauty. Given the depth of talent in this squad, it really is hard to fathom that they have gone winless for so long.It’s wasn’t perfect, though. Warwickshire’s batsmen had three reprieves within the space of a few minutes in the morning session, with Sam Hain (on 24) and Briggs (on 19) both surviving edges to the slip cordon where Lyndon James was unable to cling on. The unfortunate bowler on both occasions, Dane Patterson, also had Briggs (still on 19) caught and bowled, only to learn that he had delivered a no-ball.Related

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Dom Sibley, Hanuma Vihari reminded of humbling powers of sport with Warwickshire

Essex's Fortress under siege as Durham close in on famous Chelmsford victory

Mohammad Abbas hat-trick and six-for leaves Middlesex feeling abashed

Patterson won belated rewards at the end of the innings. He claimed Warwickshire’s final three wickets without conceding a run. Figures of 3 for 61 will feel much better than 0 for 61.In Sibley’s absence, only Hain mounted meaningful resistance in recording his highest first-class score since September 2019. This is a big year for Hain. While his long-term first-class record is respectable – he averages 35.90 – he hasn’t quite lived up to early expectations. He made his debut for Australia U19 as a 16-year-old, after all, and, as an 18-year-old, broke Ian Bell’s record to become Warwickshire’s youngest first-class centurion. Not long afterwards, he became the club’s youngest double-centurion, too. There were six centuries in his first 18 first-class games up to July 2015.But there have only been four more since. And while his List A record remains phenomenal – at 59.78, he has the highest average in history of anyone with a minimum of 50 innings – he averaged only 18.25 in first-class cricket in 2020 and has slipped some way down the reckoning for a Test place. That red ball, nipping around laterally far more than its white counterpart, tends to expose technical flaws.You can see why the selectors might have some reservations. His predilection for the leg side renders him something of a leg-before candidate – invariably bowlers have their hands to their heads even while the ball is skipping over the square-leg boundary – while the limitations of his front-foot approach were demonstrated when the distinctly sharp Zak Chappell persuaded one to lift sharply from just back of a good length. Hain, unable to move out of the way, was fortunate to see the ball fly just out of reach off the shoulder of the bat.The talent is obvious, though. Leaving well outside off, he invites bowlers to straighten their line and is then merciless off his legs. In partnership with the admirably determined Briggs, he added 73 for Warwickshire’s fourth wicket and, while he was there, gave his side hopes of parity. It was something of a surprise when he missed a straight one from Liam Patterson-White.It may be the dismissal of Tim Bresnan that most concerns Warwickshire, though. He was caught off the glove by one that reared off the surface and ballooned to point. It was not an encouraging sight for a team likely to be chasing a demanding target in the fourth innings.

As of right now, Mykhaylo Mudryk’s signature at Chelsea could go down as one of the biggest blunders in recent Premier League history.

Over a year ago, Todd Boehly spent an insane £89m to secure the Ukrainian forward, but his return has been uninspiring.

Since arriving, the winger has featured 58 times for the Blues, scoring only seven times and providing four assists, which simply isn’t good enough.

However, positive news is on the way for the number ten, with one Chelsea target having the potential to unleash the real Mudryk if he were to join.

Chelsea’s search for a new left-back

As per a report from GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea are eyeing a move for Premier League ace Milos Kerkez to replace Marc Cucurella or Ben Chilwell.

It’s mentioned that the Hungarian is a ‘priority target’ for the club, as they look to bolster the left-back position this summer.

However, Bournemouth won’t let him go on the cheap, as they’re set to demand a ‘big fee’ for their 2023 summer arrival.

That said, the positive for the Blues is that the number three is ‘keen on a move’ to Chelsea, as he views the club as an opportunity to progress his career.

How Kerkez could turn Mudryk into a monster

Considering he’s had to adapt to the Premier League quickly at just 20 years old, Kerkez had an impressive first season in England.

The Hungary international made 28 league appearances last campaign, starting 22 of those, operating in a Bournemouth team that conceded 1.8 goals per game.

His role at the Cherries was to mainly provide defensive security and focus on preventing the opposition, as shown by their 44.1% possession on average.

However, at Chelsea, it’s fair to say that Kerkez would thrive, even having the potential to turn Mudryk into a monster.

Goals

0.00

0.21

Assists

0.05

0.32

Shots

0.73

1.27

Touches (Att 3rd)

16.08

22.13

Passes completed

28.01

43.52

Tackles

2.15

1.38

Clearances

2.74

1.59

As you can see from the table, hardly any of Kerkez’s stats are absolutely amazing or standout, but it’s important to bring the environment into context when comparing performance levels.

It’s fair to say that at Bournemouth, Kerkez has been shackled into adopting a play style that doesn’t suit his game, as by nature, he’s a flying full-back.

The defender only registered one assist last campaign, and his overall in-possession statistics were rather poor, but his stats in the UEFA Europa Conference League when playing for AZ Alkmaar give an indication of his true ability, with football scout Jacek Kulig describing him as "magnificent" during his time at the club.

At any given opportunity, Kerkez will look to bomb forward and provide attacking support, whether that’s via an overlap or an underlap, as shown in the clip below.

This is the exact reason why he would help Mudryk increase his performance levels, as having an overload would create space for the number ten to work his magic, whereas right now, he’s rather isolated.

Kerkez also likes to progress the ball quickly, either via passing or carrying, and his speed alongside Mudryk’s would cause chaos on the counterattack.

The Hungarian is also used to playing further up the field for his nation, and he’ll be operating as a wing-back at the European Championships this summer, which further proves he’s capable of taking on attacking responsibilities.

Overall, the Premier League has yet to see the real Kerkez or Mudryk, but together, they could develop a partnership to dominate for years to come.

No Jackson, £226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea

Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.

ByTom Lever May 29, 2024

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has reacted to Manchester City's controversial injury-time winner as Pep Guardiola's side won 2-1 at Molineux.

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Man City beat Wolves after VAR dramaO'Neil wasn't confident about reviewSays 'not many' decisions go his team's wayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

John Stones scored in the fourth minute of injury time for City but the goal was initially ruled out by on-field referee Chris Kavanaugh for Bernardo Silva interfering with Jose Sa from an offside position. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) helped the referee review the decision as replays showed the Portuguese keeper had a clear line of sight and was not being hindered by his compatriot. O'Neil has now revealed that he 'wasn't confident' when Kavanaugh went to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.

AdvertisementWHAT O'NEIL SAID

Speaking to , O'Neil said: "I am trying to remain calm. I have been involved in a few of those and not had many go in our favour so was expecting that outcome. There is some grey area that can go either way and once it was like that I wasn't confident it would go our way."

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O'Neil also mentioned an incident from last season against West Ham when his side had a goal disallowed for Tawanda Chirewa blocking Lukasz Fabianski's view during a shot. However, the 41-year-old revealed he did not want to make excuses for the same.

"It was similar to a goal [Wolves had disallowed] against West Ham last season," he added. "We sent an image to referees showing with proof that the West Ham keeper could see the ball, but the reason were given was the player was in close proximity. The same argument could be said here but we just have to accept it.

"I would rather not discuss it because it will still sound like I am making excuses. Whatever decision they make, I respect. We don't want to cross that line, but it did feel like a harsh one. I am proud of the players though. An unbelievable effort and we gave ourselves a great chance. I am gutted for the players that we had to leave with nothing."

WHAT NEXT FOR WOLVES?

O'Neil's side have struggled this season as they have lost seven games and drawn once so far in the Premier League. Wolves will now take on Brighton on Saturday, October 26.

Things didn’t quite go to plan, however, as Bangladesh’s old-fashioned crease occupation and spin bowling had the last laugh

Danyal Rasool25-Aug-2024With its network of surveillance cameras, airtight security, and heavy police and military presence, it can feel like there is no hiding place in Rawalpindi. This was felt particularly keenly on Thursday, when a combination of the Bangladesh cricket team’s presence and political rallies made any kind of commute an impossibility, with shipping containers, sniffer dogs and armed security men overwhelming the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Equally, there was no hiding place at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, partially because, alarmed by very few spectators on the first two days of the first Test against Bangladesh, the PCB announced free entry to the stadium over the weekend. What a larger crowd that turned up on the last two days saw from their side, however, might have left them feeling shortchanged.

****

Pakistan just couldn’t stop talking about the pitch. What they wanted to do with it, who they had hired to take care of it, how it would come of age over the next five days. Close-up, high-definition shots of a surface laced with grass were shared excitedly by the PCB, with experienced curator Tony Hemming’s arrival announced equally prominently. They announced, more than a day out from the game, that an all-pace attack would line up for the first game.Related

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The surprise that awaited Bangladesh fans in Rawalpindi

After three days of cricket where Pindi played as Pindi usually plays, Pakistan’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, who grew up and learned his trade in this city, said the behaviour of the surface had totally taken his side by surprise. He epitomised the confusion with this memorable line: “We didn’t read the pitch wrong, it just didn’t do what we expected it to.”Things seemed to go well at first. With the pitch at its conventional day-two flattest, Pakistan cruising at 448 for six, and Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 171, Shan Masood called his side back, presumably to make hay of all that pace-friendly goodness Bangladesh had spent 113 overs mostly failing to extract. It was the optically aggressive move – all the overs lost to the weather on day one may have also played a part – and Masood is an optically aggressive captain.Masood admitted Pakistan would have “liked another 50 to 100 runs”. But it wasn’t long before shades of the Shan-ball brand appeared. “We were the ones that were very proactive. We were trying to take decisions. We declared quite early. We scored at a quicker rate.”Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred while Pakistan chose not to field a frontline spinner•Associated PressBangladesh were making no such concessions to entertainment. On the day Mahmood wondered why the pitch didn’t behave as he thought it would, Bangladesh’s run rate scarcely tiptoed above three an over. The following day, when a frustrated Naseem Shah called for an overhaul in the way Pakistan should look to exploit home advantage, his frustration partly stemmed from the fact Bangladesh had kept him and his team-mates out for the best part of 170 overs.The seventh-wicket pair put on 196 runs, but there was never any hint of a declaration, Bangladesh ensuring Pakistan squeezed every last drop of effort from their four-man pace attack in searing August heat in Pindi. Mahmood expressed mild frustration at Bangladesh’s indolence in a TV interview later, upset that it deprived Pakistan of the chance to prevent a draw. If only the opposition would play the way Pakistan wanted them to.

****

Bangladesh never uttered a peep in complaint about the surface – a member of the camp even privately expressed a desire for the opportunity to play on similar strips back home. Having watched Pakistan go spinner-less, they played the conditions like a fiddle, perfectly clear on how to go about pushing for a result in these conditions. They had a big lead, an early overnight scalp, and a day to make Pakistan pay.By this stage, Pakistan were as convinced about the flatness of the pitch as they had been a few days earlier of its spice. Still not flat enough, as it turned out, for embattled captain Masood, or his equally beleaguered predecessor Babar Azam, to put any runs of consequence on the board. Masood threw his bat at one, ironically ending up undone by extra pace and bounce. Babar, meanwhile, squandered the fortune of avoiding a king pair by throwing his bat at a wide half-volley with no foot movement, unable to execute his trademark cover drive as resplendent bails danced behind him.Having made mistakes throughout the game – as Masood would acknowledge post-match – Pakistan were in no mood to stop just now. Saud Shakeel, whose predisposition towards conservatism would have been welcome now, skipped down the pitch to counter spin that there had been little sign of up till now, allowing Shakib Al Hasan to slide one past his edge as Litton Das whipped off the bails. Abdullah Shafique, whose 37 off 85 was doing its bit to neuter Bangladeshi interest, suddenly found himself down the pitch, too, only for backward point to nestle underneath the top edge. Salman Ali Agha nicked a straight one first up off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and – who knew? – spin was finding a way of making its mark on the final day of a Pindi Test. Pakistan had made clear all Test they didn’t want a draw, but it wasn’t always obvious they were this keen to avoid one.A dejected Abdullah Shafique walks back after skewing a top edge towards backward point•Associated PressSince the start of this Test, Pakistan had been vocal about the wisdom of going in all-pace. We were told if the seamers weren’t getting any assistance, neither were the spinners. That Pakistan were so confident of getting 20 wickets this way that they might do it against England in October, too. That Salman Ali Agha was bowling so well he was effectively a specialist spinner. Around the same time, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s only real attacking frontline spinner, took four wickets for Pakistan A against their Bangaldeshi counterparts in the same city.All while Bangladesh kept Pakistan out on the field for so long they would be forced to bowl 50 overs of Agha and makeshift spin themselves, getting a single wicket for those efforts. Bangladesh’s own spinners were responsible for seven of the nine wickets that fell on the final day. Quality spin bowling, as it turns out, has a way of scrambling minds even without a great deal of assistance from the surface, with high-quality slower bowlers as lethal with the straight one as the ones that turn.They can toy with batters’ crease positions, test their patience, and awaken all the psychological demons that players work hours putting to bed. Shakib and Mehidy have spent a career establishing reputations that give opposition batters’ such pause; merely rocking up and attempting to lump Agha in the same category is unlikely to have a similar effect.That the game ended with Zakir Hasan sweeping Agha, whom Masood had turned to just four overs into Bangladesh’s nominal chase, was perhaps a fitting way to seal a result both sides deserved. Pakistan had made clear all Test how much they’d hate a pitch that gave them a draw. On that note, at least, Rawalpindi’s surface found a way to avoid disappointing them.

After undergoing back surgery after Copa America, Tyler Adams is now back to fitness and available for selection, Bournemouth have confirmed.

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Tyler Adams is back for BournemouthHas had horrid injury luck past 18 monthsCould make first appearance of 2024-25 vs ArsenalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

U.S. men's national team midfielder Tyler Adams is officially back and available for selection for the first time this 2024-25 season, AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola confirmed in a press conference Friday.

After featuring for the USMNT at Copa America 2024, playing in all three Group Stage matches, Adams opted to undergo back surgery to fix a back spasms problem he had suffered toward the latter stages of the 2023-24 Premier League season for

He's been sidelined since, but after starting first-team training shortly before the start of the October international break, he is now ready to take the pitch this weekend.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Adams has been struggling with injuries since Spring 2023, and has only made one start for Iraola since arriving via transfer from Leeds United that summer.

During the 2023-24 campaign, Adams made just four-total appearances for , accumulating 148 minutes of competitive play due to different injuries and an additional surgery. Three of those appearances were in the Premier League, while one was a substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup.

If he appears Saturday, it will be his first appearance for Bournemouth since May 11, where he made a nine-minute cameo off the bench in a 2-1 loss to Brentford.

DID YOU KNOW?

Adams only start for Bournemouth since his arrival was a 2-1 win over Everton, where he was named Man of the Match for his performance. His heatmap for the match went viral after the conclusion of the match, and Iraola himself even praised his efforts.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS?

The 26-year-old U.S. international will look to make his first appearance of the season Saturday when the Cherries host the Gunners in Premier League action. Bournemouth will be searching for their first Premier League victory over Arsenal since Jan. 14, 2018 – a 2-1 victory.

Another week, another dollar for Liverpool. Up next is an Anfield clash against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, and Arne Slot knows he has to win this one.

That should go without saying, of course, but the fact of the matter is that Liverpool have lost eight of their past 11 matches across all competitions, and two of their past three at Anfield.

A big response is needed, and curiously, it feels like there’s a good chance that will be delivered against the Dutch side. Whether it will be sustained is another matter, though, and Slot needs to find and instil a formula that can be carried back over to the Premier League, with West Ham United waiting in London on Sunday.

The Reds have to overcome their current malaise, and maybe they need to start Alexander Isak once again.

Why Isak should start vs PSV

Hugo Ekitike is waiting in the wings, and having been Liverpool’s most efficient forward this season, may well be disheartened by being benched once again here, especially after his side and Isak produced a staggeringly bad performance at the weekend against Nottingham Forest.

Minutes played

68′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

14

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

5/7 (71%)

Possession lost

7x

Chances created

1

Dribbles

0/1

Tackles won

0/0

Duels won

0/7

The Sweden striker, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee on transfer deadline day this summer, has not yet scored in the Premier League, his only goal coming against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

The 26-year-old is one of the best strikers in the world and a proven behemoth in England. But it’s not worked out thus far, and Slot has to find some answers – quickly.

Liverpool cannot allow this rut to devolve into something more permanent. Already, chatter concerning the boss’s future is rising, and he needs to prove he can rewire his team to overcome their many problems.

The free-scoring success of Isak will be essential in righting the wrongs of recent months.

If Isak is to be handed another chance to develop his fitness levels under the European lights on Wednesday, Slot should also consider handing another rarely-seen star a role from the opening.

Slot must unleash Liverpool's Semenyo-esque talent

While Cody Gakpo has played many minutes off the left wing this season, there is a sense that Liverpool need a contrasting profile. Someone like Luis Diaz.

But, with Diaz sold to Bayern Munich, rumours are rising regarding Liverpool’s interest in Antoine Semenyo, who has been in fine fettle for Bournemouth this season.

Semenyo, 25, has notched six goals and three assists from 11 Premier League matches this season, and he has been hailed as a “world-class” forward by his teammate Justin Kluivert.

He’s available in January, his £65m release clause then becoming active, but whether Liverpool should strike a deal for the Ghanaian when they have a talent like Rio Ngumoha in their ranks remains to be seen.

Ngumoha, 17, announced himself and then some earlier this season when scoring a last-gasp winner away at Newcastle in August, but Slot has since proved reluctant to hand him minutes on the biggest stage.

Given that Liverpool opted against paying out for a direct Diaz heir to keep a pathway open for the England U19 star, whose five Premier League cameos this term combine for a total of 42 minutes of action, this is questionable.

Now, while Liverpool need to win against PSV, Ngumoha could be handed a significant show of faith by starting in the Champions League, with his pace and potency and willingness to be direct potentially perfect for Isak. Just look at the connection the Swede forged with Anthony Gordon over the past few years on Tyneside.

Described as a “generational talent” by journalist Kevin Fernandes, Ngumoha was given 12 minutes off the bench at the weekend, and while he was unable to turn the tide against the Tricky Trees, he certainly offered more than Gakpo, with Sofascore recording that he completed all three attempted dribbles and won three duels.

This could be a move that not only bears dividends for Isak and Ngumoha, but also rekindle the belief in Slot’s vision. Liverpool fans are passionate, and the rise of a homegrown hero could project the kind of shining light Slot needs to prove he has what it takes to lead this club forward in the long run.

After all, Ngumoha has already demonstrated this season his capacity to succeed in the Premier League, and that winner at St. James’ Park established him as one of the competition’s youngest goalscorers of all time.

#

Player

Age

1

James Vaughan

16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days

2

James Milner

16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days

3

Wayne Rooney

16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days

4

Rio Ngumoha

16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days

5

Cesc Fabregas

17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

He might be a raw and unpolished prospect, but Ngumoha is the real deal, and while we are not advocating for him to start every single match, it might be worthwhile to enforce a degree of rotation here ahead of Sunday’s must-win Premier League match at West Ham.

It would also help stabilise Isak, providing a presence to dart forward and stretch lines, playing into the record striker’s fast-running and line-breaking style of play.

The rumours concerning Liverpool’s interest in Semenyo are only going to intensify as the winter transfer window draws nearer.

But Liverpool already have a prodigious talent whose talent left FSG and Hughes opting against sourcing a direct Diaz replacement. Now it is time to unleash him.

Mac Allister upgrade: Liverpool set to launch bid for £140m superstar

Liverpool could win a big upgrade on Alexis Mac Allister by landing this £140m superstar.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 24, 2025

Cricket operations chairman Akram Khan makes claim after Shakib hits out at criticism

Mohammad Isam21-Mar-2021The BCB may reconsider the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for Shakib Al Hasan to play in this year’s IPL, according to Akram Khan, the board’s cricket operations chairman. The news comes less than 24 hours after Shakib had accused the BCB, and particularly Khan, of misrepresenting him about his decision to skip the Tests against Sri Lanka.Khan, who spoke shortly after a meeting at the BCB president Nazmul Hassan’s residence in Dhaka, said that discussions about Shakib’s NOC will be held in the next couple of days, after Shakib had said in an interview on Friday that he never wrote in his letter to the BCB that he didn’t want to play Tests.”I heard that he said that I didn’t read his letter,” Khan said. “Perhaps I misunderstood his letter. He wants to play Tests, from what he has said. In the next couple of days we will discuss about his NOC. If he has interest, he will play Tests in Sri Lanka. We will decide about the rest after hearing the whole interview.”Khan confirmed that he read Shakib’s letter where it was mentioned that he wanted to skip the Sri Lanka series to play in the IPL. “Shakib wrote in the letter that he wants to play the IPL instead of the Test series in Sri Lanka,” he said.Shakib said on Friday that Khan has continued to mention his desire not to play the Test series even though he wrote to the board that he wants to play in the IPL – where he has an Rs 3.2 crore ($438,000 approx) contract with Kolkata Knight Riders – to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Related

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Shakib hits out at BCB, saying they misrepresented him

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“Those who keep saying that I don’t want to play Tests, I am sure they didn’t read my letter,” he said. “I didn’t mention anywhere in my letter to the BCB that I don’t want to play Tests. I wrote that I want to play the IPL to prepare myself for the World Cup.”Akram especially has repeatedly said that I don’t want to play Tests. I think he said it again in an interview yesterday. I guess he never read the letter. People should have a clear idea that I wanted to play the IPL even if ODIs were scheduled during this time.”I want to take advantage of playing in the same grounds and against the same players who I will face in the World Cup T20 four months later. I can share the same experience with my Bangladesh team-mates,” Shakib said.Shakib also pointed the finger at the former cricketers who are in the BCB currently, and said that the BCB’s player development process, particularly the high performance programme, hasn’t produced enough good cricketers in the last five years.Naimur Rahman, the high performance programme’s chairman and a former Bangladesh captain, said that Shakib’s comments were surprising.”In the last five years, a number of our Under-19 cricketers have come through the HP to play for the senior team,” Rahman said. “They recently beat Ireland Wolves. So this is a surprising comment. I don’t know if there’s anything behind it.”Rahman added that Shakib’s point about respecting Bangladeshi cricketers was contradictory as he himself isn’t respecting the former cricketers in the board. “He also spoke about respecting players, so did he respect the former cricketers in the board?” he said.

MLB's hot stove cooked up a stunner during the winter meetings on Tuesday, as three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, who was being pursued by both the incumbent Mets and the defending champion Dodgers, chose to leave New York for Los Angeles on a three-year, $69 million contract. The deal set an average annual value record for a relief pitcher.

It was a major coup for the Dodgers, who, despite spending big on two relievers last offseason, never had a reliable closer emerge throughout the regular season.

But it was a big blow to the Mets, who seemingly did everything they could to bring back the talented reliever. New York's offer was reportedly $66 million over three years.

So why didn't Díaz return to Queens if the money was similar between the Mets' and Dodgers' offers?

Díaz miffed by Mets, Dodgers' recruitment aided by brother

Díaz was reportedly unhappy with the Mets' decision to part ways with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, according to Mike Puma of . While manager Carlos Mendoza's status was safe in the aftermath of New York's stunning collapse, Hefner was one of five coaches New York decided to let go in a coaching staff shakeup on Oct. 3. Evidently Díaz, who recorded the three lowest ERA marks and two highest strikeout rates of his career during the six seasons Hefner was with the club, was not pleased to see the coach heading out the door.

Plus, Los Angeles, already a desirable destination with the Dodgers coming off back-to-back World Series titles, had a secret weapon in its free agent recruitment of Díaz: Díaz's brother. Alexis Díaz, an All-Star in 2023, was acquired by Los Angeles in May of 2025 but he struggled to the tune of a 5.00 ERA in nine innings pitched for the Dodgers. Los Angeles in September of 2025 designated Díaz for assignment. But he still spoke glowingly of the Dodgers organization to his brother, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN and Puma.

Prior to Díaz's departure, the Mets signed free agent reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $50 million contract. According to Passan, Díaz was unhappy that Mets brass did not give him a heads up about the signing of Williams. New York president of baseball operations David Stearns, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, couldn't acknowledge the Díaz deal but seemed to indicate that the Williams signing impacted the club's desire to bring back Díaz.

“I'm not going to talk about any specific negotiation," Stearns said. "What I'll say is once you add to a certain part of our team that will change the calculus in how you look at your team in general.”