Edu signing who was "like Saka" must never play for Arsenal again

da poker: Arsenal may still be in the Champions League, awaiting a daunting quarter-final tie with Real Madrid, but any ambitions they harboured on the domestic scene are surely now over.

da 888: The Gunners sit 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool and as a result, attentions must turn towards the summer window.

Whatever happens, incoming sporting director Andrea Berta needs to sign a new striker. If he doesn’t, he will already be on thin ice with supporters at the Emirates Stadium.

Alexander Isak is the number one target for a lot of clubs around Europe while Benjamin Sesko remains a long-term option for Arsenal. It’s also reported that Berta is a fan of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

Before then, however, Arsenal may need a summer clearout. Here’s who could depart the Emirates…

Arsenal's big summer clearout

With Arteta’s men sat second in the title and in the last eight of Europe, a clearout perhaps seems a bit excessive.

However, the hierarchy need to raise the floor of the squad and they will only do that by getting rid of some of the deadwood.

So, let’s take a look at the wage bill. One of the prime candidates to be moved on this summer would have been Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian is the second-highest earner at the club behind Kai Havertz on £265k-per-week but his season-ending ACL injury has ended any hopes Arsenal had of potentially cashing in. Of course, we wish him a speedy recovery.

That aside, midfield duo Thomas Partey and Jorginho are likely to depart north London when their contracts expire in the summer. They won’t make the club any money but Oleksandr Zinchenko may do.

The Ukrainian has become a bit-part member of the first-team squad and having been linked with Borussia Dortmund in January, looks like he could be on his way out.

Another defender in Jakub Kiwior could also leave. He was touted with a return to Italy in the winter and has seen his game time decrease this season.

In the attacking department, Leandro Trossard could also be shelved. The Belgian has only scored six times this term and it’s alleged that there is interest from Saudi Arabia in the former Brighton star.

He’s not the only attacker who should be on the chopping block, however.

Edu's Brazilian acquisition will never play for Arsenal again

While Trossard’s future is very much up in the air, the future of winger Marquinhos looks a lot more clear-cut. Remember him? Just about, right?

The Brazilian talent signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2022 for just £3m, with Edu and Co hoping to repeat the success story of Gabriel Martinelli’s introduction to English football.

Marquinhos initially made quite a big impression, notably scoring on his debut in September 2022, finding the back of the net in a Europa League tie with FC Zurich.

Possessing a dangerous left foot and causing havoc from the right-hand side, it drew comparisons to a certain Bukayo Saka. Speaking after that goal, Martin Keown commented that “it was like Saka in that position, it’s almost a copycat performance.”

Sadly, since that night in Switzerland, the young forward hasn’t really taken his game to a strong level.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

He ended his debut campaign in England by appearing in six games and remarkably hasn’t been seen in Arsenal colours again, last appearing for the senior side in January 2023, an FA Cup tie with Oxford United.

Since his first year in England, Marquinhos has endured loan spells at Norwich City, Nantes, Fluminense and Cruzeiro.

Marquinhos’ senior career

Club

Games

Goals

Assists

Sao Paulo

42

4

3

Fluminense

29

2

2

Norwich

11

1

1

Cruziero

10

1

0

Nantes

7

0

0

Arsenal

6

1

1

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Looking at the numbers, it’s safe to say that the 21-year-old has struggled big time to find form. He’s still young but it looks as though his immediate career is back in his homeland of Brazil.

He’s now playing for Cruzeiro having signed on loan in January and won’t return until December, that’s providing they don’t utilise their option to buy.

Either way, this is a player who is destined never to play for the club again. He’s gone from looking like a Saka regen to a player lacking end product.

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Havertz answer: Arsenal must rue losing "goal machine" who’s like Marmoush

This season has felt like a real slog for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have had to deal with a drop in form, questionable officiating, and a mountain of injuries, which have eviscerated their frontline.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are all out injured, with the last two not set to return until next season, which makes the decision not to sign anyone last month look utterly absurd.

Gabriel Jesus

ACL

22/11/2025

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Knee Surgery

06/10/2025

Kai Havertz

Hamstring

21/07/2025

Gabriel Martinelli

Hamstring

01/04/2025

Bukayo Saka

Hamstring

16/03/2025

Following the loss of Havertz earlier this month, we reckon the manager would love to have one of his former forward options back in the squad, especially as he’s won comparisons to Manchester City’s new addition, Omar Marmoush.

Havertz's pre-injury form

It would be fair to say that Havertz is a centre-forward who divides opinion.

After all, the former Chelsea ace was initially signed as a midfielder to replace Granit Xhaka in the summer of 2023.

However, while the criticisms of his finishing ability certainly hold true, as evidenced by Understat revealing he’s underperformed his expected goals by 2.76 this season, he’s been more effective than people have perhaps given him credit for this year.

Appearances

34

Minutes

2776′

Goals

15

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.8

For example, in 34 appearances before his injury, totalling 2776 minutes, the 25-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by writer Jake Entwistle, managed to rack up a pretty decent haul of 15 goals and five assists.

That means the Aachen-born forward was averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 138.8 minutes, which not only makes him the Gunners’ top scorer this year but also demonstrates why his absence from the starting lineup for the rest of the campaign is such a significant concern.

It’s a problem that Arteta will have to find a solution for as soon as possible, and while he likely will, we can’t help thinking about how useful it’d be to have one of his former stars back in the team, especially as they’ve won comparisons to Marmoush of all people this year.

The former Arsenal star compared to Marmoush

Arsenal have had some brilliant strikers play for them in recent history, such as Olivier Giroud and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but perhaps one of their most underrated number nines in the modern era was Alexandre Lacazette.

The French poacher joined the Gunners in the window before Aubameyang arrived, so his efforts in attack were often, understandably, underappreciated, as while he could be profligate and even sluggish at times, the Lyon-born star had a pretty decent record.

When he left the Emirates for free in the summer of 2023, the 33-year-old did so with 71 goals and 32 assists to his name in 206 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every other game, and considering he’s since racked up a haul of 63 goals and 12 assists in 103 appearances for Lyon, it would be fair to say he would’ve been the ideal solution to Havertz’s recent injury.

On top of his raw output, the French “goal machine,” as former teammate Sokratis described him, has been likened to one of the most exciting players in Europe this season: Marmoush.

The comparison stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, has concluded that the Egyptian is the second most similar forward to the Lyon star.

Progressive Passes Received

7.52

7.52

Penalty Kicks

0.14

0.10

Goals per Shot

0.15

0.18

Passing Accuracy

70.6%

71.2%

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.45

1.44

Passes into the Final Third

1.66

1.78

Expected Assists

0.26

0.24

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive passes received, penalty kicks, goals per shot, expected assists, passing accuracy, passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, there can be no doubt over the fact that following Havertz’s injury, Arsenal are in the midst of a crisis in attack, and while moving Lacazette on over two years ago was probably the right move, we can’t help but imagine Arteta would be feeling much better about the situation with him in his squad.

Arsenal lost a "top talent" for £0, now he's similar to Isak & Havertz

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موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وتيرول الودية اليوم

يستعد فريق ريال مدريد لكرة القدم، بقيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، لخوض مباراة ودية مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في ختام الاستعدادات التحضيرية للموسم الجديد المرتقب، 2025/26.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد مع خصمه فريق تيرول النمساوي على ملعب “تيفولي” مساء اليوم، في مباراة ودية.

وسبق أن خاض ريال مدريد مباراة ودية واحدة هذا الصيف، خلف الأبواب المغلقة، صباح يوم الجمعة الماضي حيث فاز على ليجانيس بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف.

واكتفى ريال مدريد بالمشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية ذلك الصيف، في أمريكا، حيث خرج من دور نصف النهائي على يد باريس سان جيرمان.

ويبدأ ريال مدريد مشواره في الموسم الجديد من الدوري الإسباني، يوم الثلاثاء 19 أغسطس الجاري، ضد أوساسونا، بعدما فشلت كافة محاولاته لتأجيل ذلك اللقاء. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وتيرول الودية اليوم

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وتيرول الودية اليوم

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة ريال مدريد الرسمية، بشبكة الإنترنت، في حين لم تعلن أي قناة عربية حصولها على حقوق إذاعة ذلك اللقاء، وسيتم التحديث حال ورود أي جديد.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

Knight Riders and Sunrisers look to keep their playoffs hopes alive

Both sides have struggled with their opening combinations and will be looking to address it sooner than later

Shashank Kishore03-May-2023Big picture – Can Brook rekindle Eden memories?Two misfiring teams that currently make up the bottom half of the points table clash to keep their IPL campaigns alive. Kolkata Knight Riders need to win every game from here on to get to 16 points, which is generally considered a safe number. Sunrisers Hyderabad also have just six points at this stage but they have the cushion of an extra game in hand and the home advantage to boot for Thursday’s game.Another thing that’s common is that both sides have struggled with their opening combinations. KKR have tried six pairs so far, the most among all teams, while Sunrisers have shunted Harry Brook and Abhishek Sharma up and down based on conditions and match-ups.Brook, though, will have happy memories of hitting a hundred against KKR when they met at Eden Gardens earlier in the season. It was a high-scoring game that Sunrisers pulled off. It’s all the more significant for Brook given he has contributed precious little with the bat since. Abhishek came good as an opener in the previous game against Delhi Capitals, so he’s likely to continue there, and Brook in the middle order.Related

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KKR are yearning for a good start from their openers. Jason Roy missed the Gujarat Titans game with a back niggle; his return could inject some positivity as he had scored two sprightly half-centuries in two games before that. Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh and Nitish Rana have been doing the heavy lifting in the middle order but Andre Russell has shown only glimpses of the destructive force he can is known to be.When two sides that have very little to lose compete, there’s often an inherent sense of freedom. And that could make this a compelling contest.Form guideSunrisers Hyderabad: WLLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
Kolkata Knight Riders: LWLLLTeam news – Shardul available, Umesh to miss out againBoth sides have had players troubled by hamstrings injuries. Umesh Yadav will continue to sit out for KKR. Sunrisers haven’t replaced Washington Sundar, who is off to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to nurse his hamstring injury. But don’t have any other injury concerns. KKR have called up West Indies’ Johnson Charles to replace Litton Das.Impact Player strategySunrisers will possibly stick to what they did in the previous game – using T Natarajan as an additional seamer and swapping him with Abdul Samad in the batting innings.Sunrisers Hyderabad (probable XII): 1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Rahul Tripathi, 4 Aiden Markram (capt), 5 Harry Brook, 6 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 7 , 8 Akeal Hosein, 9 Mayank Markande, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Umran Malik, 12 Jason Roy is set to return for KKR•AFP/Getty ImagesRoy should slot back in to open with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who is likely to take over the wicketkeeping gloves from N Jagadeesan. Jagadeesan may be subbed out for either Harshit Rana or Vaibhav Arora when they bowl.Kolkata Knight Riders (probable XII): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 , 4 Venkatesh Iyer, 5 Nitish Rana, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Sunil Narine, 10 , 11 Varun Chakravarthy, 12 Vaibhav AroraStats that matter – should Russell bat higher up? Rahul Tripathi once shared the KKR dressing room with him but has now faced the second-most balls (48) without being dismissed by Sunil Narine in T20s. Tripathi has scored 71 runs off those balls at a strike rate of 147.91. Russell vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar in T20s has so far been a no-contest. Russell has walloped him for 72 off 34 balls for two dismissals. His strike rate of 211.76 is the second-best to Rishabh Pant’s 239.39 among those who have faced a minimum of 25 balls from Bhuvneshwar . Bhuvneshwar, however, has had the wood over Roy, having dismissed him three times in 11 innings while conceding just 64 off 70 balls. That could make KKR consider using Roy in the middle order, as they did against Chennai Super Kings when he made a bruising 26-ball 61 in a chase of 236. Since IPL 2022, Russell has performed better when has come in before the 13th over, scoring 348 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 171 with six scores of 30 and above. This is against the 129 he has made in ten innings at 152 when he has walked in after the 13th over. Maybe then, there’s a case to promote him a spot higher?Pitch conditionsHyderabad has been lashed by intermittent showers over the past three days. Cloudy skies are expected on Thursday. That means the surface, which has been under the covers for much of the build-up to the game, may have some moisture that fast bowlers could exploit. As such, spinners have been slightly more successful at this venue this season: an economy of 7.70 and strike rate of 19.3, compared to 8.18 and 19.7 respectively for fast bowlers.The big question

Their own Gyokeres: Spurs showing big interest in signing "incredible" CF

Tottenham Hotspur will be wanting to right the wrongs of this season’s failure in the Premier League, which saw the club finish just one place above the relegation zone.

Despite winning the Europa League, it was the Lilywhites’ lowly league standing that spelled the end for Ange Postecoglou in North London, subsequently being sacked after two years in the role.

Daniel Levy wasted no time in appointing Thomas Frank from fellow top-flight side Brentford, but it’s crucial that the Dane is handed time to transform the side next campaign.

Alongside the players currently on the books, additions are also needed during the current window to help the 51-year-old in his quest for success during his tenure in charge.

Work appears to be conducted behind the scenes to help the new manager in the market, which could see moves made for various targets this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

In recent days, Spurs have appeared to be stepping up their efforts to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo this summer, after it was confirmed the club are set to make a bid for his services.

He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand another option under consideration ahead of Frank’s debut campaign at the helm.

Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth

However, another name has now entered the mix, with one Spanish outlet claiming that the Lilywhites hold serious interest in a move for Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel.

The report claims that the 29-year-old’s agent is aware of interest in the forward after he scored a tremendous solo effort against German champions Bayern Munich at the ongoing Club World Cup.

It also states that no formal offer has yet been made, but the hierarchy are monitoring a move for the Uruguayan, who has netted 43 goals in the last three campaigns.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Gyokeres

Spitting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most sought after talents throughout this summer window, looking almost certain to leave the Portuguese outfit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick

Various sides across the globe have been touted with a move for the 27-year-old’s signature and, unsurprisingly so given his record of 54 goals in his 52 outings this season.

Manchester United appeared to be the most likely destination given his previous stint under Ruben Amorim, but it now looks as though the Swede is pushing for a move to join North London rivals Arsenal.

Such a move will likely hand Mikel Arteta’s side an added attacking threat next season, with Spurs needing to make a move to land their own talisman this window.

Frank could land his own version of Gyokeres in the form of Merentiel, with the Boca talisman labelled as a similar player to the goalscoring sensation, according to FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Uruguayan has managed to match or better the Swede in various key areas, looking to be a shrewd addition for the Lilywhites this summer.

Merentiel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Johannes Skiba, has matched the Sporting star for goals per shot on target, but bettered him for shot-on-target accuracy – taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way.

Games played

22

33

Goals & assists

10

46

Shot-on-target accuracy

62%

52%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Passes into final third

1.7

0.5

Take-on success

60%

45%

Carries into final third

1.6

1.3

Progressive passes made

3.2

2.1

He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more passes into the final third, having the all-round ability to provide those around him rather than relying on teammates creating chances for him in the final third.

The Boca star’s talents are further demonstrated with his take-on success and carries into the final third, showcasing his desire to take the ball forward at any given opportunity – therefore handing Frank’s side an added threat.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 29-year-old would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive in the Premier League.

If he can add further goals to his game in North London, he would be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their quest to be competitive in Europe and England’s top flight next campaign.

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Stats – Andre Russell tops JP Duminy, records quickest-ever CPL fifty

All the stats and records from a big win for the Jamaica Tallawahs over the St Lucia Kings

Sampath Bandarupalli27-Aug-202114 – The Jamaica Tallawahs’ Andre Russell recorded the fastest half-century in CPL history, in 14 balls, against the St Lucia Kings on Friday. The previous record was off 15 balls, by JP Duminy for the Barbados Tridents against the Trinbago Knight Riders in 2019.ESPNcricinfo Ltd255 for 5 – The Tallawahs’ total on Friday was the second-highest in CPL history. The Tallawahs were at the receiving end when the Knight Riders smashed 267 for 2 at Sabina Park in 2019. The previous highest total by the Tallawahs was 241 for 4, against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2019.49 – Runs scored by Russell in the last two overs of the Tallawahs’ innings, the joint-most by any batter across the 19th and 20th overs of a T20 innings (where ball-by-ball data is available). Umar Akmal also scored 49 runs in the last two overs during his unbeaten 115 in 2016.1 – Only previous instance of a batter walking in after 17 overs in a T20 innings and yet ending up with a fifty (where fall-of-wickets data is available) as Russell achieved today. Abhay Negi recorded the first such instance, having scored 50* off 15 balls for Meghalaya against Mizoram in 2019.120 – Margin of the Tallawahs’ win, the biggest in terms of runs in CPL history. The Patriots, by 119 runs, held the record, while defending their total of 199 against the Tallawahs in 2015.25 – The Tallawahs’ total included 25 extras, the highest in a CPL innings. The previous record was 24 by St Lucia Stars in 2017, against the Tallawahs, when they scored 176 in 19 overs. The seven no-balls by the Kings in the Tallawahs’ innings are the joint-most in a CPL innings.20.33 – Economy rate of Wahab Riaz during his three overs that cost 61 runs – the second-poorest economy for a bowler to have bowled a minimum of two overs in a CPL innings. In all T20s, only three players have conceded more than 61 runs while bowling three or fewer overs.

New-look Olivier carries same old threat for South Africa

Duanne Olivier may be slower, fuller and blonder than he was three years ago, but he remains just as effective to South Africa

Firdose Moonda03-Jan-2022Duanne Olivier is back. Or is he?The last time this bowler who calls himself Olivier played a Test at the Wanderers, in January 2019 against Pakistan, almost half of his deliveries were short of a good length and fewer than 10% were full. He was the quickest of South Africa’s four seamers and the most successful.Related

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Now, an Olivier has turned up, in January 2022 against India, and while just over half his deliveries were short of a good length, almost 15% were full. He was the slowest of South Africa’s quartet, but could still count himself among the successful. Olivier took three wickets, including two in two balls that gave South Africa an early advantage after a meandering first hour of the second Test.He’s back, but he’s not the same Olivier that left, and that’s not just because of the blonde highlights. This is Olivier 2.0.On re-selection, Olivier promised he was less concerned with being an “enforcer” (code for wanting to threaten batters with body blows above the waist) and more interested in finding the best way to operate on each surface.At the Wanderers, historically a fast-bowlers’ paradise, while the instinct is to bowl short, it has been proven that fuller lengths are more likely to get wickets. Olivier knows this. Since returning to the South African domestic set-up, Olivier has joined Lions, who are based at the Wanderers. They’ve played three of their four first-class matches of the season, so far, at this ground and Olivier has taken 24 of his 28 wickets here. Most of them came from bowling fuller than he usually would. “It’s a bit of a risk and reward playoff,” he told ESPNcricinfo earlier in the season. “If you bowl a bit fuller, you might get hit for a few boundaries, but you’re testing the batter’s technique. You’re not just allowing him to leave and get himself in.”Still, Olivier could not resist starting with a bouncer as he marked his return to Test cricket. Mayank Agarwal ducked under it with ease. Olivier adjusted later in the over but overcompensated and bowled it too full. Agarwal cashed in with a cover drive that went for four and then sent a low full toss through mid-off. Olivier was back and finding his feet.In his next over, he got closer to the outside edge but could not tempt KL Rahul into playing. In the next one, he beat Rahul and even though he had dismissed him with movement away from off stump but the bat had flicked the pad as the ball carried through. And in the next over, to keep India’s openers guessing, Olivier sent a well-directed short ball in Rahul’s direction and Dean Elgar thought he may have broken through but the ball came off Rahul’s shoulder. That was the surprise delivery and Olivier went back to bowling full. Rahul found the boundary twice.It took Lungi Ngidi’s impressive opening spell to plant the seeds of doubt in the Indian batters’ minds. In his first 12 balls, Ngidi found Rahul’s outside edge once, but the chance fell short of third slip, and beat it four times. In his next over, he tested Agarwal, who left successfully against Ngidi but nicked off to Marco Jansen.Duanne Olivier is mobbed by his colleagues after picking up a wicket•AFP/Getty ImagesNgidi only bowled four overs, which cost just three runs before Olivier returned, with a plan. He kept Rahul on the back foot with an over of short balls, and tried the same against Cheteshwar Pujara, then mixed it up with a few fuller and then settled on his plan to use the bounce to prise out India’s struggling No.3. Pujara tried to defend a short ball but it ballooned off the shoulder of his bat to Temba Bavuma at point. His next delivery was fuller but still short of a good length and Ajinkya Rahane went fishing. He was caught at gully to give Olivier his 50th Test wicket, three years after his 48th.That makes Olivier the joint-third-quickest South African, in match terms, to reach 50 Test wickets. He is in his 11th Test; Vernon Philander took seven and Peter Pollock, nine. But in balls terms, Olivier is the second-best of all time. Philander bowled 1240 balls to take 50 wickets; Olivier has bowled 1486. That means he takes a wicket roughly every 30 balls, or once in five overs. As things stand, no Test bowler with at least a half-century of wickets is more incisive.In big-picture terms, it does not get much more impressive than that but Olivier was quick to point out that not everything about his performance was perfect. “Sometimes, I was a bit floaty,” he noted. “And it’s okay. As a person, you try to get better. There were certain patches which were very good and certain patches that weren’t very good.”There is also a question around his speed. Most of Olivier’s deliveries clocked in at around 130kph on the speed gun, at least 10kph lower than when he left and was hitting the 140kph regularly. “I don’t know what’s going on with the speed gun,” Olivier said, laughing.The answer is nothing. Enquiries were made earlier in the day when Olivier appeared to be bowling quicker to the naked eye even though the television graphics had him in the mid-120s. The same speed gun had the other bowlers in the 140s, but, even though he may have hinted at it, it doesn’t actually really bother Olivier. “I’ve never looked at the speed gun to see if I am hitting my straps or not,” he said.Instead, Olivier relies on the way he feels and Monday was particularly challenging in that regard. “It felt like a debut. I was very nervous today,” he said. “And I have a new skill: I’m trying to bowl fuller, so I am still trying to do that at pace.”He believes he will get quicker as the series goes on, but thinks the important thing is actually to get more consistent. And that applies to South Africa’s attack as a whole. Their lines were markedly better here than they were at Centurion, where 42% of balls bowled by the seamers were left alone in the first two sessions. At the Wanderers, India only left 33% of the time in the same period. “The message was simple: try and make them play more,” Olivier confirmed. “So we have improved and we want to improve more.”South Africa 2.0 (or are we at 6.0 or somewhere there now?) is also a work in progress but they’ve started 2022 on the right footing. They picked a team with the bowling personnel that suited the situation and they opened the door to someone who thought his international career had ended three years ago. So yes, Oliver is back. The new Olivier.

محمود الخطيب يوجه رسالة للجمعية العمومية لـ الأهلي

وجه محمود الخطيب، رئيس مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي، الشكر لأعضاء الجمعية العمومية على مشاركتهم الفاعلة اليوم في رسم مستقبل الأهلي، واختيار مجلس إدارة جديد يتولى قيادة الأهلي خلال السنوات الأربع المقبلة.

وكان قد انطلق ماراثون انتخابات الأهلي، صباح اليوم الجمعة، في تمام الساعة التاسعة صباحًا واستمر إلى ما يقارب 10 ساعات. 

طالع.. اكتمال النصاب القانوني للجمعية العمومية لـ الأهلي

وأكد محمود الخطيب أن الجمعية العمومية كانت اليوم كعادتها نموذجًا يحتذى في الانتماء والحرص على مصلحة النادي، ومثالًا للوعي والمسؤولية والمشاركة الإيجابية في صناعة القرار.

وأشار الخطيب إلى أنه خلال شهر واحد فقط عقدت جمعيتان عموميتان داخل الأهلي، الأولى خاصة بتوافق لائحة النادي مع قانون الرياضة، والثانية الجمعية العمومية العادية لإجراء الانتخابات، ورغم ذلك حرص أعضاء النادي على التواجد والمشاركة الفاعلة التي تعكس حرصهم على المشاركة والاضطلاع بالدور التاريخي للجمعية العمومية للأهلي.

ووجه رئيس النادي الشكر لمجلس الإدارة في دورة 2021-2025، مؤكدًا أن كل عضو أدى دوره بإخلاص وحرص شديد على خدمة الأهلي بدعم من الجمعية العمومية، كما خص بالشكر الأعضاء الذين لم تشملهم قائمته الانتخابية، وثمَّن تفهمهم لرؤية المرحلة المقبلة، رغم نجاحهم السابق، مؤكدًا أن الاختلاف في الرؤى لا يفسد وحدة الأهلي، وأن جميع أبناء النادي يجمعهم الإخلاص والانتماء.

واختتم الكابتن الخطيب تصريحاته قائلاً: “سيبقى الأهلي قويًّا بمشاركة أبنائه المخلصين، وبحضور الجمعية العمومية لبناء مستقبل النادي”.

Zimbabwe set to host Ireland for all-format series in February

Ireland name their squads for the series, with Morgan Topping and Gavin Hoey making it to the red-ball unit

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2025Zimbabwe are set to host Ireland for an all-format tour consisting of seven matches in February, the board announced on Friday. The tour will begin with a one-off Test match from February 6 to 10 in Bulawayo, before the white-ball leg in Harare. The teams will play three ODIs on February 14, 16 and 18 and as many T20Is on February 22, 23 and 25. Originally, this series was pencilled in for two Tests along with six white-ball games in the ICC men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP).Zimbabwe are currently in the final leg of their multi-format home series against Afghanistan, where they lost both T20I and ODI series 2-1 and 2-0 respectively and secured a draw in the high-scoring, rain-affected first Test. The tour concludes with the ongoing second Test, on January 6.Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni stressed on the significance of hosting back-to-back full tours.”We are delighted to welcome Ireland for what promises to be an exciting and competitive tour,” he said. “Hosting two full tours in quick succession is a testament to our commitment to providing our players with regular international cricket and to our efforts in growing the game in Zimbabwe.”

Ireland tour of Zimbabwe

  • One-off Test: Feb 6-10, Bulawayo

  • 1st ODI: Feb 14

  • 2nd ODI: Feb 16

  • 3rd ODI: Feb 18

  • 1st T20I: Feb 22

  • 2nd T20I: Feb 23

  • 3rd T20I: Feb 25

(Both ODIs and T20Is in Harare)

Zimbabwe and Ireland have played only Test against each other, in July 2024 in Belfast. The hosts Ireland won the match by four wickets. Zimbabwe last hosted Ireland in late 2023 for six white-ball fixtures. They lost the T20Is 2-1 and the ODIs 2-0.

Topping earns maiden Test call-up for Ireland

Morgan Topping has earned a maiden call-up to the Test and ODI squads for this tour for Ireland. The right-hand batter represents Northern Knights and plays in the top order in domestic cricket.*Legspinner Gavin Hoey, after making his international debut against South Africa last October, has retained his place in the ODI squad and is also in line for a Test debut. Topping and Hoey are the only non-capped players in the Test squad.Fast bowlers Barry McCarthy, whose last international appearance was the Test against Zimbabwe last July, and Gareth Delany – who last played in a T20I in June last year – have returned from injuries. While McCarthy features in all the squads, Delany is included in the T20I squad.Andrew White, national men’s selector, said: “After a break since the series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi, it will be great to see us get back into action in a few weeks’ time. Since 2007, there has been some wonderful contests against Zimbabwe and this should be no different – and it’s exciting to have all three formats on this tour.”Morgan Topping gains his first international call up at senior level having recovered from injury which prevented him making his debut against South Africa last year. He has demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at international level over recent Wolves and Academy fixtures and we wish him well.”It’s going to be exciting to see our two young spinners and the likes of Ross Adair again in action alongside the experienced players and we do, of course, have the return of Josh Little who had a big impact the last time we were in Zimbabwe.”We also have Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy returning from injury, while Craig Young misses out in the T20 format on this occasion.”It promises to be a very busy cycle ahead – from 2026 to 2028 we will see three white-ball World Cups, however, we have 2025 free from ICC events to build towards this key period.”Ireland Test squad: Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine , Barry McCarthy, Peter Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.Ireland ODI squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig YoungIreland T20I squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White*

Joel Carli detalha nova função no Botafogo e garante: 'Estou feliz por seguir no clube que amo'

MatériaMais Notícias

da apostebet: O ex-zagueiro Joel Carli não esconde sua expectativa por se adaptar a nova rotina. Três meses após ter pendurado suas chuteiras, o argentino assumiu a função de Especialista de Formação e Transição dentro do Botafogo.

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da realsbet: Com a vivência de quem fez cursos técnicos e de gestão, Carli assegurou que está adaptado para ajudar o Glorioso de uma nova forma.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

  + Ação contra o Botafogo no STJD: organizada rechaça cunho nazista em frase que pode gerar punição ao Alvinegro; entidades israelitas se manifestam

– Estou passando por esta transição e estou feliz por continuar em casa, no clube que eu amo, e realmente estou gostando muito. Sempre me interessei nessa parte do extracampo já quando ainda estava como atleta e isso me facilita agora nessa adaptação para a nova função. Estamos trabalhando muito fortes e muito conscientes, Tomara que, a curto prazo, possamos nutrir cada vez mais nosso time profissional com atletas da base – detalhou o ex-defensor ao site oficial do Botafogo, destacando:

– O Botafogo está nesse caminho, tem melhorado muito no trabalho, claro que ainda falta para a perfeição que o clube precisa e merece. Estamos trabalhando muito forte e muito consciente, tomara que a curto prazo podemos conseguir nutrir cada vez mais nosso time profissional com atletas da base – completou.

Gerente de futebol do Alvinegro, Tiano Gomes exaltou a presença do argentino no processo das categorias de base.

– É muito bom ter o Carli, um ídolo do clube, desempenhando essa função, participando da transição para o futebol profissional com todos os atletas e trazendo toda a experiência que ele tem para todas as comissões técnicas e para que possamos qualificar ainda mais a nossa formação, nossos profissionais e jogadores, para que sejam entregues da melhor forma possível para o futebol profissional – afirmou.

Gerente técnico metodológico, João Paulo Costa falou sobre a função de Carli.

– Carli passa a atuar no desenvolvimento dos atletas da base a partir das suas experiências e percepções como jogador de futebol. Nesta primeira fase, temos o processo de observação, dentro e fora de campo, realizando intervenções em aspectos que precisam ser melhorados pelo atleta e sugerindo ações individuais para serem realizadas nos treinamentos e nos jogos. A partir disso, será construído um Plano de Desenvolvimento Individual para cada jogador, baseado naquilo que são os processos formativos que entendemos que os atletas devem ter ao longo da sua formação nas diferentes categorias – destacou.

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