ذا أثلتيك تكشف كواليس مثيرة حول رحيل أرنولد عن ليفربول.. وموقف غريب من سلوت

كشفت تقارير صحفية تفاصيل مثيرة فيما يخص رحيل ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد عن صفوف ليفربول، بعدما أعلن اللاعب قراره بالرحيل، صباح يوم الإثنين.

ومن المعروف أن العقد الحالي للظهير الإنجليزي مع ليفربول سينتهي في يونيو المقبل.

وانتشرت تكهنات في الفترة الأخيرة حول عدم رغبة أرنولد في توقيع عقد جديد مع ليفربول، على العكس من زميليه محمد صلاح وفيرجيل فان دايك، خاصة مع رغبة ريال مدريد في ضمه.

وأعلن ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، صباح يوم الإثنين، أنه ينوي مغادرة صفوف ليفربول الصيف القادم، بعد 20 عامًا في “الأنفيلد”.

وحسبما ذكرت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية، فإن المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، كان على علم بقرار ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد منذ شهر مارس الماضي.

وأوضحت أنه خلال فترة التوقف الدولي في شهر مارس الماضي، ذهب أرنولد لرؤية آرني سلوت في مكتبه في مجمع كيركبي للتدريب، خاصة وأن اللاعب لم يكن يتواجد مع منتخب بلاده في المعسكر الدولي بسبب إصابة الكاحل.

وأفادت بأن أرنولد أبلغ سلوت بقراره بمغادرة ليفربول عند انتهاء عقده في الصيف، وكشف عن رغبته في خوض تحدِ جديد في تلك المرحلة من مسيرته المهنية.

وأعرب سلوت عن خيبة أمله، لكنه قال إنه يحترم قرار نائب قائده، وقال له سلوت: “أنت جزء لا يتجزأ من هذا الفريق، ولننهي مسيرتنا سويًا بشكل جيد”.

وأكدت أن سلوت حرص على طمأنة أرنولد باستمراره في المشاركة بشكل طبيعي مع الفريق بمجرد تعافيه، مع اقتراب ليفربول آنذاك من حسم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث رد الظهير: “لن يتغير تفكيري والتزامي، سأواصل بذل قصارى جهدي من أجل هذا النادي حتى اليوم الأخير”.

ووفقًا للشبكة نفسها، أن ممثل أرنولد في نفس الوقت تقريبًا في شهر مارس أبلغ مسؤولي ليفربول، وعلى رأسهم المدير الرياضي ريتشارد هيوز، بشكل رسمي أن اللاعب لن يوقع عقدًا جديدًا.

وأشارت إلى أنه لم يكن هناك أي شعور بالدهشة في أروقة ليفربول، حيث انتهت محادثات التمديد في وقت سابق من الشهر نفسه، واستغرق أرنولد بعض الوقت لاتخاذ القرار النهائي.

ورغب أرنولد في إبقاء الخبر المتعلق بقرار مصيره طي الكتمان حتى بعد الفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي، الأسبوع الماضي، لتجنب أي تشتيت غير مرغوب فيه للفريق.

واحترامًا لـ ليفربول وحقيقة أنه لم يوقع عقده بعد مع ريال مدريد، لم يؤكد أرنولد وجهته المقبلة، ولكن من المقرر أن ينضم إلى النادي الملكي بمجرد انتهاء عقده بشكل رسمي مع النادي الإنجليزي.

كما كشفت الشبكة نفسها أن أرنولد لم يوافق على عرض ليفربول لتجديد عقده رغم أنه كان سيصبح بمقتضاه أغلى ظهير من حيث الراتب، في الدوري الإنجليزي، وأحد أعلى اللاعبين أجرًا في عالم كرة القدم.

ولكن أرنولد شعر أنه حقق كل شيء في ليفربول، ورأى أن الوقت قد حان لاختبار نفسه في بيئة جديدة، في سن السادسة والعشرين، إلى جانب رغبته الحثيثة في الفوز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية، والتي كشف عنها في تصريح سابق.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كافو: محمد صلاح ورافينها فقط من يستحقان الكرة الذهبية 2025

إلى جانب ذلك، يريد أرنولد تجربة العيش واللعب في مدريد وإثبات جدارته من جديد، خاصة وأن صداقته الوثيقة مع جود بيلينجهام ستساعده على التأقلم.

ولم يكن المال حافزًا بالنسبة لـ أرنولد، حسب الشبكة نفسها، حيث أنه تلقى بالفعل عروضًا من جميع أنحاء أوروبا ودرس اهتمامًا من الدوري الإنجليزي، بدءًا من يناير الماضي.

كما أن عرض ليفربول من الناحية المالية لم يكن مهمًا، حيث أن زيادة 5 ملايين جنيه إسترليني سنويًا لم تكن لتغير شيئًا في قناعات أرنولد، الذي كان قد استقر على الرحيل.

وأصرت الشبكة على عدم وجود أي مشاعر استياء بين مسؤولي ليفربول وأرنولد، حيث هناك احترام متبادل، وكانت المفاوضات المطولة ودية وبناءة، ولكن اتضح بشكل متزايد استحالة الوصول إلى اتفاق، حيث لم يتمكن النادي من منحه ما يريده، أي تحدِ جديد.

Vico fala sobre a intensidade nos jogos do CRB

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos principais nomes do CRB no primeiro semestre e em evolução no clube, o atacante Vico quer a equipe focada em manter a intensidade máxima na Série B após o bom jogo contra o Vasco na estreia do Galo na disputa. Segundo o jogador, a meta é fazer uma boa sequência na competição nacional.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

‘Fizemos um grande jogo contra o Vasco na estreia e isso deixa o grupo motivado, confiante, para a sequência da Série B. Vamos trabalhar muito para crescer e para fazer uma boa sequência na competição. Temos que ter intensidade máxima para conquistarmos nossos objetivos’, afirmou.

Para Vico, o desejo do grupo, agora, é vencer a Ponte Preta, sábado, fora de casa.

‘Agora é foco total no jogo com a Ponte Preta. Vamos trabalhar muito para fazer uma grande partida para buscarmos a primeira vitória na disputa. O grupo está muito concentrado para que isso aconteça’.

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He’s just like Zubimendi: Liverpool chasing £50m "big talent" in 2025

Liverpool are flying high this term, and are looking like serious candidates to win the Premier League at this stage. Arne Slot’s men sit at the top of the tree at Christmas, with 39 points to their name and a game in hand.

Their star man this term has, of course, been Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star has scored 18 times and has 15 assists to his name in 24 games across all competitions. He has been exceptional. Ryan Gravenberch has also thrived this term, in a new role as a number six. Peter Crouch explained he has been “first class all season” as a deeper midfielder.

To complement the Dutchman, Liverpool are eyeing up a new addition in midfield as they continue their title charge.

Liverpool’s midfield target

The player in question here is Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez. It has been an impressive season so far for the midfielder in Portugal, and he has now been linked with a move away from the club.

According to a report from Anfield Watch, Liverpool scouts have been ‘have been completely blown away’ by the 22-year-old midfielder. The report explains it was assumed that the Reds went to watch his teammate, Alan Varela, but Gonzalez has caught the eye.

Originally a graduate of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, there is a buyback clause in his deal for the La Liga giants. That fee is believed to be around £50m, and it could cost Liverpool a similar fee if they wish to pry him away from Porto themselves.

Described as a “big talent” and the “heir to Busquets” by Spanish football expert Domagoj Kostanjšak, the Reds would be getting a crafty player here.

Why Gonzalez would be a good signing

Upon hearing that Gonzalez is a La Masia graduate, that may well pique Liverpool fan’s interest in the player.

It is no secret that the talent to come out of Barca’s academy is other-worldly. He also comes from a prestigious footballing family. His father, Fran Gonzalez, is a Deportiva La Coruna legend, playing 559 times for the club in some of their best years.

nico-gonzalez

Moving the focus back to the 22-year-old, his talent is undeniable, and he is having a fantastic season for Porto. A versatile midfielder, he has played 24 times, scoring five goals and grabbing a handful of assists too.

Gonzalez is a high-energy player who can play in multiple positions as a midfielder. One of his best traits is his pressing ability. The Spaniard will not stop running and pressuring the opponents, something which led to his goal against Arouca earlier in the season.

The centre of midfield was a position Liverpool were hoping to strengthen in Slot’s first summer transfer window. They were chasing another Spanish midfielder over the summer, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. However, the player decided to stay where he was and rejected the offer.

Now, it seems the Reds are turning their attention to his countryman Gonzalez. Whilst the Porto man is a lot more versatile and enjoys getting forward more, they are not too dissimilar statistically, consequently noted as ‘similar players’ by FBref in last term’s Champions League.

Numerical comparisons can be drawn from their numbers in that prestigious competition. Firstly, tackles and interceptions are something Zubimendi slightly edges, with 3.16 per game compared to 2.4 for Gonzalez.

The Real Sociedad man also made slightly more progressive passes per game on average, with 5.44 compared to 2.8 for the Porto number 16. However, he created slightly more chances, with 1.6 on average. In contrast, Zubimendi created 0.63 chances per game.

Tackles and interceptions

2.4

3.16

Ball recoveries

3.6

6.71

Aerial duels won

2

1.77

Progressive passes

2.8

5.44

Chances created

1.6

0.63

Certainly, the similarities are there between the two players. If the Reds make a move for Gonzalez, it would be reminiscent of the attempt at signing Zubimendi last summer and shows their intent at strengthening in midfield.

However, you can argue due to his versatility, it is actually a better deal for the Merseysiders. He will allow Slot to have far more tactical flexibility, with Gonzalez, who thrives as an eight, able to fill in as a six or even a 10 as well.

Regardless, for around £50m this could be a great move for the Reds. Gonzalez was described as a “pure joy to watch” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and this move could be the thing Liverpool needs to help them get over the line in the title race.

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مدافع إنتر ميلان: لا أعرف كيف نتعامل مع خطورة لامين يامال.. ويمكننا التغلب على أي فريق

تحدث مدافع إنتر ميلان، أليساندرو باستوني عن المواجهة المرتقبة أمام برشلونة في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتأهل إنتر ميلان على حساب بايرن ميونخ للدور نصف النهائي، فيما تأهل برشلونة أمام بوروسيا دورتموند.

وقال باستوني في تصريحات نشرها موقع “فوتبول إيطاليا”: “كان الأدرينالين في ذروته، لكن هذه الليالي التي سهرتها تمضي طواعية، لم يكن هناك الكثير لأحلم به، الواقع جميل بما فيه الكفاية بالفعل”.

وأضاف: “كانت واحدة من أفضل خمس ليالٍ عشتها مع إنتر، قبل المباراة، اعتقد الجميع أن بايرن ميونخ سيتأهل بسهولة؛ اعتبروهم المرشح الأوفر حظًا، لكن إقصائهم يعني أننا فريق رائع”.

وأردف: “لطالما آمنتُ بأننا سننجح، كنا مُتحمسين للغاية لإثبات للعالم أننا لم نصل إلى هناك بالصدفة، دخلنا الملعب بهذه العقلية، مُدركين تمامًا قدرتنا على التأهل”.

وأشار: “لم يُضغط علينا أحدٌ مثل بايرن ميونخ في السنوات الأخيرة، لكننا قدمنا ​​أداءً قويًا في مباراتي الذهاب والإياب، مُسببين مشاكل لفريق استثنائي”.

وأردف: “هناك رغبة في المعاناة معًا، بما في ذلك المهاجمون، وفي الوقت نفسه نلعب كرة قدم جيدة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | إنزاجي: لحسن الحظ لن أواجه برشلونة من المدرجات.. وهدفنا واضح في دوري الأبطال

خسر باستوني نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام مانشستر سيتي في عام 2023، وأفاد: “نعم، مسيرتنا المهنية ليست بلا حدود، ومن يدري كم فرصة سنحصل عليها للعب في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا مرة أخرى، إنها فرصة علينا استغلالها”.

وواصل: “نريد أن نشعر بمشاعر إسطنبول مجددًا، هذه المرة في الجانب الآخر، سنبذل قصارى جهدنا لتحقيق ذلك، بدأ الناس يعتبرون هذا أمرًا مسلمًا به، لكن لا ينبغي لهم ذلك”.

وأستطرد: “ليس من الشائع رؤية فريق إيطالي يصل إلى هذا الحد، لقد عملنا بلا توقف لمدة أربع سنوات، عطلة صيفية لمدة 20 يومًا لا تُعتبر عطلة حقيقية”.

سيواجه إنتر برشلونة في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، وسيلتقي آرسنال وباريس سان جيرمان في نصف النهائي الآخر.

وعلّق: “على المستوى الفردي، لسنا بقوة الفرق الثلاثة الأخرى المتأهلة إلى نصف النهائي، ولكن كفريق، يمكننا التغلب على أي منهم”.

وأكد: “الأمر يسير في الاتجاه المعاكس أيضًا، إذا توقفنا عن العمل معًا، فإننا نخاطر بالغرق”.

وقارن باستوني بين إنتر ميلان تحت قيادة جوزيه مورينيو، الذي حقق الثلاثية في عام 2010، والفريق الحالي.

وأفاد: “ما يوحدنا هو الرغبة في المعاناة، أتذكر صامويل إيتو يلعب كظهير، الآن يفعل تورام ولاوتارو الشيء نفسه، لدينا نفس القدرة على التماسك في اللحظات الصعبة والهجوم في الوقت المناسب”.

وعن كيفية استعداده لمواجهة نجم برشلونة لامين يامال وإيقافه، رد: “لا أعرف، لأن آخر مرة في اليورو لم تكن الأمور على ما يرام (في مواجهة إيطاليا وإسبانيا)، برشلونة لديه هوية واضحة، قد يتركون بعض المساحات، لكن علينا الدفاع كفريق واحد ضدهم”.

وأستمر: “لقد واجهنا بالفعل أجنحةً من الطراز الرفيع، مثل أوليز وساني مع بايرن وآرسنال خلال مرحلة الدوري، نحتاج إلى تركيز كامل ولياقة بدنية كاملة إذا أردنا التسبب لهم بمشاكل”.

وأكمل: “ربما، كان بإمكاننا احتلال المركز الثاني في جميع المسابقات الثلاث، ولكن في بداية الموسم، كنا قد تعاقدنا على تصدر جدول الترتيب والتأهل إلى نصف نهائي كأس إيطاليا ودوري أبطال أوروبا، نشعر بالإرهاق، ولكن كما قلنا في بداية العام، نريد أن ننافس بكل قوة”.

وعن المنافسة على لقب الدوري الإيطالي مع نابولي بقيادة كونتي، علّق باستوني مبتسمًا: “هل تعتقد أن كونتي كان يحتفل في ساحة الكاتدرائية؟”.

وأشار: “أنا أمزح، أنا مدينٌ بالكثير لكونتي، إنه يفعل ما يجب عليه فعله، حتى في طريقة تواصله، ربما يحاول التخفي ليضعنا تحت الضغط، لكننا هادئون حيال ذلك، قوتنا تكمن في التركيز على أنفسنا، حتى مع تعرضنا للانتقادات”.

وشدد: “نريد الفوز بالسكوديتو، لكننا نعلم أن نابولي سيقاتل حتى النهاية، لذا لا يمكننا تحمّل خسارة النقاط”.

وأخيرًا، أشاد المدافع الإيطالي بمدربه، سيموني إنزاجي: “إنه حقًا واحد منا، عندما تراه ينزل إلى الملعب وهو يصرخ، ترى إشارات قوية تساعدنا، وهو يُظهر ذلك كل يوم في التدريبات أيضًا، شغفه وعزيمته مُعديان، عندما نشعر بالتعب أو الإحباط، يُلقي علينا نكتة تُخفف من حدة التوتر”.

Wolves now plotting to sign £4.1m-a-year ace who is a free agent in 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing a “reliable” and experienced defender with 49 caps for his country, according to a new report. The Midlands side finally picked up their first win of the Premier League season last weekend, as they beat Southampton 2-0 to lift them off the bottom of the table.

£90k-p/w Wolves forward keen to leave Molineux in January window

A Wolves player who has hardly featured under Gary O’Neil is keen to leave when January arrives.

By
Brett Worthington

Nov 12, 2024

Wolves transfer news

Gary O’Neil will hope that result can be a springboard for their season, but he will always know there is still a lot of work needed to be done if they are to move away from the relegation places.

Therefore, O’Neil may have his eye on one or two players he would like to add to his squad when January arrives. One player Wolves have an interest in is Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, as he is looking for a possible move away from Anfield, becoming unhappy with his game time this season. Endo is valued between £12-14 million, and he could be an ideal addition for Wolves as they look to bring in a bit more experience.

But while O’Neil may have his eye on additions, they also face the prospect of losing one or two players in January. One player who could leave is Goncalo Guedes, as he is keen to leave Molineux in January amid interest from La Liga side Villarreal. The forward spent last season on loan at the Spanish side, and given he hasn’t featured on a regular basis in this campaign, Wolves may be looking to get him off their books.

Guedes’ possible departure in the New Year could allow Wolves to add an experienced international to their ranks, who will likely cost a lot in wages.

Wolves plotting to sign £4.1m-a-year ace who is a free agent in 2025

According to TBR Football, Wolves are keeping an eye on Eric Dier’s situation at Bayern Munich ahead of a possible transfer. The Englishman joined the German giants first on loan in January of this year, and then that deal was made permanent in the summer when he joined on a free transfer.

Dier, who earns 5 million euros a year, which is roughly £4.1 million, only signed a one-year contract with Munich in the summer, meaning his future is up in the air. Munich are under new management with Vincent Kompany and Dier has been affected by that, as he’s not been as regular in the starting XI like he was under Thomas Tuchel.

The 30-year-old, who was labelled as “reliable” under Antonio Conte during his Tottenham days, has started just once in his six appearances in all competitions this season and now his future looks to lie away from Munich, with Wolves, Brighton and Brentford keeping an eye on his situation.

Eric Dier’s Bayern Munich stats

Apps

26

Goals

0

Assists

0

Dier does still have hope that he can get a new contract at the German side, and Bayern are happy with his professionalism and are “open” to talks over a new contract, but there will be no guarantees of increased game time. Therefore, a move away in January could be on the cards or a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer next summer for the 49-cap Englishman.

Bring back Paul Mullin & Ollie Palmer! Misfiring Wrexham register just ONE shot on target as Red Dragons drop more points in League One promotion battle after dismal Bolton borefest

Wrexham blew a chance to go level on points with Wycombe Wanderers as poor finishing cost the Red Dragons two points in a 0-0 draw with Bolton.

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Wrexham blow chance to win in 0-0 drawO'Connor blazes over while Longman impressesBirmingham beat Wycombe in other Saturday gameFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE

The Red Dragons were without Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer, both of them dropped from a League One matchday squad yet again, as they hosted Bolton in a game devoid of any clinical finishing. Both sides had chances to take the lead in the opening stages, with January signing Sam Smith coming closest for the Red Dragons after 24 minutes but the forward’s downward header bounced and looped over the bar. The Wrexham pressure appeared to have broken the deadlock seven minutes before the break when Eoghan O'Connell struck but the celebrations were cut short immediately after the referee blew for a foul in the build-up.

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was then given a fright by former Arsenal academy team-mate Jordi Osei-Tutu when the left-midfielder rattled the bar from a tight angle. After a scrappy but entertaining first-half, neither side were able to register a shot on target, let alone a breakthrough, with improvement needed.

Wrexham started the second period brightly and pressed the visitors high up the pitch although it was Bolton who found the net through Josh Sheehan, only for an offside flag to save the Red Dragons. The disallowed goal sparked life into the home fans and players and a deep Sebastian Revan cross was met by an impressive header back across goal from Ryan Longman to Thomas O'Connor who, from two yards out, inexplicably spooned his effort over the bar.

The game opened up in the latter stages, Osei-Tutu again threatened down the Bolton left and pulled back to Carlos Mendes-Gomes who blazed his effort over the Wrexham net. Jack Marriott was sent clean through before the end but could only drag his effort 10 yards wide and Okonkwo was then the hero for Wrexham as he denied James Collins with a smart stop down to his right. A late O'Connor free-kick caused a few murmurs but went wide with the last kick of the game and it all ended square.

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Wrexham will take heart from their promotion rival's misfortune as Wycombe Wanderers lost to league leaders Birmingham. While the Blues grow increasingly out-of-sight, the Red Dragons will now be set on chasing down the second automatic promotion spot. Phil Parkinson's side are just two points off Wycombe after Saturday's results.

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Ryan Longman was the standout performer for the Red Dragons. A constant threat down the Wrexham right-flank, the wing-back put in a series of dangerous crosses and should have provided a match-winning assist. He was surprsingly subbed after 73 minutes.

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Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER

Thomas O'Connor will be having nightmares tonight about his missed chance. The defender found himself alone, just metres out, and was unable to convert Longman's header back across goal. O'Connor, leaning back when he struck the effort, will not want to watch that golden chance again.

0 duels won: West Ham’s "ineffective" ace was even worse than Alvarez

Just when it looked like West Ham United were back on track following their victory over Manchester United last week, they came crashing back down to earth on Saturday afternoon.

Julen Lopetegui would have seen the win against the Red Devils as a potential turning point in their season, but a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest will see him head straight back to the drawing board.

West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui

The Spaniard wasn’t helped by his side going down to ten men before the halftime whistle, as Edson Alvarez received two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes.

Edson Alvarez let West Ham down vs Forest

The midfielder was making just his fifth Premier League start of the season as Lopetegui added him into a midfield partnership alongside Guido Rodriguez, with Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville ahead of them.

During his time on the pitch, Alvarez took 29 touches, completed only 64% of his passes, and won four of his seven total duels contested.

After 39 minutes, he was booked after foolishly tugging Murillo’s shirt, before sliding in to foul Anthony Elanga minutes before the whistle blew for the interval, resulting in him being given his marching orders.

Already trailing by a goal to nil, it was going to be harder than ever for the Irons to recover as they duly conceded twice in the second half to lose 3-0 and suffer another damaging defeat.

Despite the Mexican being sent off, he wasn’t the worst performer in the West Ham side on Saturday afternoon. That honour belongs to Rodriguez.

Guido Rodriguez’s game in numbers vs Forest

When Lopetegui signed the Argentinian World Cup winner for free in the summer, it was looked upon as a shrewd piece of business.

After nine Premier League starts, the midfielder had yet to demonstrate his class, despite arriving with a solid reputation.

Touches

26

Passes (completed)

17 (23)

Tackles

0

Possession lost

7

Total duels (won)

3 (0)

Key passes

0

Via Sofascore

He was hooked at halftime after a turgid display in the first half where he won zero duels, completed just 17 passes, failed to succeed with any of his four long ball attempts, and lost possession seven times.

Rodriguez even committed a foul – resulting in a booking – was dribbled past once and made zero tackles during his woeful 45 minutes on the pitch.

Guido Rodriguez

Tom Rennie, editor of talkSPORT, criticised the South American for his display, as he described him as “ineffective” due to his lack of qualities in midfield.

It now remains to be seen whether Lopetegui will continue to persist with him in the centre of his midfield, after such a poor first-half display from the summer signing, who joined from Real Betis on a free transfer.

The Spaniard is a man under pressure. With a clash against Everton up next, anything other than a positive result could see his position become untenable, which is why he will need to be careful with his team selection and could immediately ditch Rodriguez from the starting XI.

Ipswich wanted to re-sign "monstrous" £18m ace, they ended up with Phillips

Ipswich Town have enjoyed a meteoric rise under the guidance of Kieran McKenna over the last couple of years after the Northern Irishman took the club from League One to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions.

However, despite his success at Portman Road, the 38-year-old will face his toughest task yet in management by trying to keep the Tractor Boys in the top flight beyond this season.

This year will live long in the memories of the fanbase, spending their first season in England’s top division for the first time in 22 years.

Meetings with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United will ignite the supporters’ hopes of sustaining their Premier League status and ensuring that they don’t go another two decades without top-flight football.

As a result of their shock rise over the last two seasons, heavy investment was needed during the off-season, which led to the club signing one player with bags of Premier League experience.

Kalvin Phillips’ move to join Ipswich Town

After a failed loan move to West Ham United that saw the midfielder feature just ten times in all competitions, Kalvin Phillips had a huge choice over his next move to help ignite his once-promising career.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a successful spell with Leeds United, featuring 234 times for his boyhood club, before joining Manchester City in a £45m deal during the summer of 2022.

However, the move has been a disaster for the former England international, featuring just 31 times and failing to dislodge Rodri from his starting role in defensive midfield.

As a result, Phillips accepted a proposal to join Ipswich on a season-long loan during the transfer window, with his top-flight experience vital to McKenna’s squad.

The midfielder has made 77 appearances in the competition to date, with his skill set hopefully giving the Tractor Boys that cutting edge in those cagey affairs.

However, they are yet to see the best of the one-time £45m signing, with the 28-year-old only on the pitch for 303 minutes in the league as he looks to regain his full fitness.

Whilst he undoubtedly has the quality to be a monster hit at Portman Road, the club may have been better off pursuing a deal to re-sign a player who’s previously thrived in East Anglia.

The man who Ipswich missed out on this summer

Ipswich’s hunt for new additions took them all over Europe, but they also targeted numerous players close to home, including former Tractor Boy, Flynn Downes.

McKenna’s side made an attempt to sign the 25-year-old after he helped Southampton secure promotion back to the Premier League after their play-off final victory over Leeds United at Wembley.

However, they missed out on a permanent deal to re-sign the midfielder, with Downes securing a £18m move to join Russell Martin’s side – with Ipswich moving onto other targets including Phillips.

Games played

7

4

Pass accuracy

91%

79%

Progressive carries per 90

1.7

0.6

Passes leading to shots per 90

1.9

1.2

Tackles won per 90

1

0.9

Aerials won

70%

33%

When delving into the pair’s respective stats from the current campaign, it’s clear that the current Southampton man has outperformed the Ipswich loanee, potentially seeing McKenna’s side regret not pushing harder for his signature.

The “monstrous” Saints star, as described by his current boss, has excelled in possession, achieving a much higher pass completion rate, whilst also averaging more progressive carries per 90.

Out of possession, Downes also has the upper hand, winning more tackles per 90 whilst winning more aerial battles – demonstrating the qualities he would’ve added in regaining the ball for McKenna’s side.

Undoubtedly, Phillips will provide a solid short-term option for the club, but with the long-term also in mind, Downes would’ve certainly been a better addition for the Tractor Boys.

His quality is evident, as demonstrated by his figures this season, potentially handing the East Anglian that added edge in their battle to avoid relegation this season.

Left for £5m: Ipswich hit gold offloading star who's now without a club

Ipswich Town cashed in at the best possible time when this former star left Portman Road.

1 ByKelan Sarson Oct 8, 2024

Liverpool player ratings vs Tottenham: Sign them up! Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk lead Reds to Wembley with Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai also on target to set up Carabao Cup final against Newcastle

The two talismen proved their worth once again by netting in a 4-0 rout of Spurs that gives Arne Slot a chance to lift a trophy next month

There's a rumour doing the rounds on Merseyside right now that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have agreed new contracts with Liverpool. The fans are praying that's the case, as both men underlined their astronomical value to the club in Wednesday night's 4-0 rout of Tottenham, which saw the Reds progress to the Carabao Cup final 4-1 on aggregate.

The currently unstoppable Salah created the game's opening goal for Cody Gakpo and scored the second himself from the penalty spot, after Darwin Nunez had been felled by Tottenham's atrocious new goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky.

The impressive Dominik Szoboszlai made it 3-0 after taking a clever pass from Conor Bradley in his stride before Van Dijk capped a fantastic win for the hosts with a towering header reminiscent of his winner in last year's final.

GOAL rates all of the Liverpool players on show as the reigning champions set up an intriguing Wembley showdown with Newcastle United on March 16…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (6.5/10):

A deserved start for Alisson's wonderfully reliable No.2 and he couldn't have hoped for an easier clean sheet. Truth be told, he probably would have liked a little more to do. Son Heung-min did hit the bar at one point but the Irishman didn't actually have a save to make!

Conor Bradley (8/10):

As expected, replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and the England international would have been proud of the first-time through-ball that Bradley played into Szoboszlai. One superb sliding challenge on Son also evoked memories of the right-back's 'reducer' on Kylian Mbappe a couple of months back.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

Little was asked of the France defender but he impressed with his aggression and anticipation.

Virgil van Dijk (8/10):

Really enjoyed his duel with Richarlison before the Brazilian was forced off injured. Coasted through the rest of the game before emphatically heading home the fourth.

Andy Robertson (7/10):

There were a few misplaced passes but the Scot kept Dejan Kulusevski quiet and also put over a couple of decent crosses. Robertson is definitely starting to look a little like his old self in the past few weeks.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Ryan Gravenberch (7.5/10):

Such a classy operator. As well as doing a fine job screening the back four, the Dutchman's distribution was excellent and his footwork fantastic. He's got this wonderful ability to jink past opponents and he was very unlucky not to get what would have been a deserved goal with a well-struck drive that hit the post.

Curtis Jones (7/10):

Came in for his first start since getting injured against Lille last month and performed with his characteristic energy and composure. Ran himself into the ground before being wisely replaced with 20 minutes to go.

Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10):

Offered a constant goal threat, going close twice to scoring before coolly slotting home the killer third. His relentless pressing also played a pivotal role in Tottenham having no time on the ball.

AFPAttack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

The man is on fire. Another goal-and-assist contribution from the Egyptian King, who is easily the most effective forward in world football right now. If he stays fit, anything is possible for the Reds this season.

Darwin Nunez (7/10):

No goal once again but the Uruguayan more than justified his inclusion with a dynamic display. His work-rate was exceptional and he created a number of chances for his team-mates before being taken off.

Cody Gakpo (8/10):

Causes constant chaos on the left wing with his ability to fly past his man and dig out a cross from the byline – or cut inside onto his favoured right foot. Took his goal really well, too, as it was not an easy shot to control and he's not netted 10 times in his past 10 appearances at Anfield.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Diogo Jota (6.5/10):

Took over up top from Nunez and had a couple of half-chances.

Alexis Mac Allister (6.5/10):

Replaced Jones in midfield and bagged a late assist with his corner for Van Dijk's goal.

Harvey Elliott (N/A):

Only came on with less than 10 minutes to go.

Luis Diaz (N/A):

Part of a late double substitution with Elliott.

Jarell Quansah (N/A):

Brought on just before the finish to give Van Dijk a deserved ovation from an adoring Anfield crowd.

Arne Slot (8/10):

Things couldn't have gone much better for the Dutchman, with both Jones and Nunez vindicating their recalls as Liverpool reached a cup final in his first season in charge. He's now got a glorious chance to lift a trophy before we even reach the business end of the season.

Can't always have intensity levels up in international cricket – Domingo

Bangladesh coach says loss in third T20I against New Zealand just a blip in a successful recent period

Mohammad Isam05-Sep-2021From the point Liton Das fell in the third over, in which he had already struck Cole McConchie for two fours, Bangladesh hit just one more boundary in the rest of their innings. By drying up the runs, the New Zealand bowlers picked up wickets regularly, resulting in a 52-run win in the third T20I.Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo felt that the home side’s downfall came through that moment, when they lost early wickets and it quickly devolved into a full-blown batting collapse. Bangladesh fell from 23 for no loss in the third over, to lose half their side for 43 runs in the tenth over, before getting bowled out for 76 in the 20th over.”I don’t think there was a problem in approach in batting,” Domingo said. “We want to try to stay ahead of the run-rate. Once you are behind, it gets difficult to catch up. We want to start positively. Unfortunately we lost a few early wickets, and then we lost wickets in clusters. It is very difficult for the new batsman to come in and start knocking the ball around. It was probably the issue. We got off to a good start, 20 runs in two overs, but we lost four or five wickets in the next four or five overs. It set us back massively.”Domingo admitted that they expected the pitch to play as it did in the previous game, where Mahmudullah described it as improving in the second half of the match. New Zealand lost the second game by four runs, and while they didn’t look too comfortable during the chase, it was felt that perhaps the dew played a part with how the spinners bowled.”[128] was probably par score. We were hoping it would skid on a little bit like it did the other night. The wicket didn’t get better, probably got worse. But having been 20 from two overs, needing another 110, I am disappointed with the way the game finished,” he said.But Domingo wasn’t going to lash out on his players, at least not in public, after only their third defeat in the last 11 T20Is since mid-July. “The boys have been fantastic. They have played a lot of cricket in the last couple of weeks. You expect in international level that you won’t always have your intensity where it needs to be.”I can’t fault the guys at the way they have gone about their business in the last two or three months. The energy has been great. The intensity with which they played has been fantastic,” he said.

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