Following the departure of Hamza Igamane, Rangers have reportedly entered advanced talks to sign an instant replacement for their star man before the deadline.
Latest on Rangers' transfer targets
It’s been an incredibly frustrating start for Russell Martin at Ibrox and the former Southampton boss only had his misery compiled by Igamane’s exit earlier this week. After the forward refused to come from the bench for the Gers in their draw against St Mirren, his departure seemed inevitable and that proved to be the case when LOSC Lille came swooping in.
Finding a replacement for Igamane will not be a routine task, but it is one that the Gers must complete before Monday’s deadline. Just who emerges as the ideal candidate is the big question.
Already, names like Youssef Chermiti have been mentioned and he looks set to make the move to Glasgow. At 21 years old, the Portuguese forward is full of potential even after a difficult run at Everton. And, as we’ve seen all summer, Martin is often keen to welcome reinforcements from English football.
Of course, whoever comes in must hit the ground running. The last thing that Martin needs is another struggling star given how the pressure is already mounting.
After a 9-1 humiliation across two legs against Club Brugge and a difficult start in the Scottish Premiership, questions are already being asked of Martin and ones that he’d have liked to avoid so early into his tenure.
He told reporters after exiting the Champions League on an evening to forget: “To the fans, I have nothing but an apology. I’m very sorry they had to witness that. It’s humiliating and it’s painful. There’s disappointment and hurt that they’ve had to go through that.”
Rangers in advanced talks to sign Diakite
As reported by Afrik-Foot, Rangers are now in advanced talks to sign Oumar Diakite from Stade Reims. The 21-year-old forward could be an addition with Chermiti and a replacement for Igamane. Like the Everton forward, however, the Ivory Coast ace is a player who is yet to reach his full potential and may not hit the ground running at Ibrox.
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The Stade Reims attacker managed just four goals in all competitions in the last campaign and would be filling the role of Igamane, who managed as many as 16 goals for Rangers in all competitions. Replacing that quality has already been an issue for Martin, but there’s no guarantee that Diakite would be the solution for that problem.
Minutes
1,628
1,976
Goals
4
12
Assists
1
1
With the Igamane money to spend, the chance is certainly there for the 49ers to welcome a key addition before Monday’s deadline. But they must spend it wisely. Martin needs a proven, consistent goalscorer and not a gamble. Nonetheless, if reports are anything to go by, then Diakite could be an unexpected option to reignite Rangers’ frontline this summer.
Leeds United’s Championship hoodoo is finally over.
After slipping up in the second-tier playoff final to Southampton at the close of the 2023/24 season, the Whites had to dust themselves down and go again, and they did just that, with 100 points successfully accumulated last campaign as the Championship title came to Elland Road.
The best possible start to life back in the big time has also just greeted Daniel Farke’s men, with new recruit Lukas Nmecha the difference maker from the penalty spot to hand Leeds a narrow 1-0 win over Everton.
There will be no resting on their laurels, however, as the Premier League newcomers look to add even more exciting signings while the busy transfer window remains open.
Leeds lead race for £43m sensation
After all, the dust has barely settled on that Monday night success, and yet Leeds are very near to completing signing number nine of a full-on summer.
As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via X, Leeds are set to announce the signing of AC Milan winger Noah Okafor for a fee around the £18m ballpark.
This capture really should boost a Leeds attack that did manage to register 21 shots on goal against the Toffees, only to be thankfully bailed out by Nmecha’s calm approach from the penalty spot.
A new striker addition could also be on the cards in the form of FC Nantes ace Matthis Albine, with Caught Offside revealing that Leeds are among the frontrunners for the Frenchman’s services, having already held talks with the 22-year-old, who is also keen on moving to West Yorkshire.
Nantes' Matthis Abline shoots against Brest.
Despite stealing a vast majority of headlines after the Everton game, Nmecha could well find he’s been upgraded on if the €50m (£43m) striker does seal a switch to England shortly, on top of Joel Piroe also feeling less secure about his first-team minutes moving forward.
How Abline compares to Piroe & Nmecha
It might well feel cut-throat to insinuate that Piroe and Nmecha will fade into the background if Abline were to arrive at Elland Road imminently.
Indeed, the German has just got Leeds up and running in the unforgiving terrain of the Premier League, while his Dutch counterpart collected the Championship golden boot accolade last campaign when firing home a clinical 19 strikes.
However, both do display some worrying deficiencies in their attacking games that could hold them back from being the lethal heroes Leeds need to help survival be reached, compared to their new French target, who scored stunning strikes like this last season in Ligue 1 with ease.
Despite powering home those 19 strikes, Piroe would still manage to squander 13 big chances in the Championship – as per Sofascore – which could prove to be costly in a fight against the drop. He’s already shown signs of rust at the intimidating level, too, with an unmemorable 27 touches of the ball registered against Everton, before being taken off by Farke.
Moreover, Nmecha is just fresh off a season that was riddled with injuries at Wolfsburg, culminating in just three efforts being powered home when he was fit enough to line up for 19 Bundesliga clashes.
Away from Piroe and Nmecha displaying many downsides, however, Abline will be raring for the challenge of the Premier League if a pricey move gets off the ground before September’s deadline, having fired home a career-best total across the 2024/25 campaign for Nantes.
Games
34
Goals
9
Big chances missed
6
Assists
2
Big chances created
6
Key passes*
0.8
Last campaign saw Abline fire home a large chunk of his overall 16 goals for Nantes, with 11 strikes tallied up as Luis Castro’s men survived comfortably in the French top-flight in 13th spot.
The “unstoppable” forward – as he has been hailed by journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos – could well grow into even more of a lethal attacker performing for the relegation-threatened Whites, therefore, knowing now what it takes to be a dependable hero in a battle against relegation.
Throwing Abline into the mix would give Farke plenty of options in attack, with the “instinctive” finisher – as he has also been lauded by analyst Ben Mattinson – no doubt craving the tag of being Leeds’ main man week in week out, at the expense of both Piroe and Nmecha.
Based on all the evidence noted, he will certainly have a persuasive case on his side to be the Whites’ starter up top.
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Arsenal's new signings caught the eye as the Gunners bounced back from defeat at Anfield to spoil Ange Postecoglou's return
Arsenal's new recruits were in sparkling form as the Gunners thumped Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Emirates Stadium, emphatically recovering from their defeat to Liverpool before the international break.
Man of the match Noni Madueke was electric in place of the injured Bukayo Saka, while Martin Zubimendi scored twice – including a stunning volley to open the scoring in the first half. The goal was no more than Arsenal deserved at that point in the contest and things got even better straight after the restart, with Victor Gyokeres doubling the lead after just 46 seconds when he turned home Eberechi Eze's excellent ball in.
Zubimendi's header, from substitute Leandro Trossard's cross, made it 3-0 with 11 minutes to go and rounded off a hugely promising afternoon for Mikel Arteta, who will have been delighted with the impact made by his summer arrivals. It was a tough welcome back to the Premier League for Ange Postecoglou, however, who clearly has a big job on his hands to turn things around at Forest.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (8/10):
Barely called into action but made one superb save when he just got his fingertips to a Chris Wood effort and pushed it onto the bar.
Jurrien Timber (7/10):
Solid as always. Had a chance early in the first half which he headed over.
Cristhian Mosquera (8/10):
Continues to look a fine addition. The fact Arsenal did not look like they missed William Saliba at all is the biggest compliment you can give the summer signing from Valencia.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Missed a great chance from a corner early on. Other than that, he looked in complete control.
Riccardo Calafiori (8/10):
Another fine showing from the Italian, who has had an excellent start to the season. Started the move that led to Gyokeres' goal with a fine pass for Eze.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Martin Zubimendi (9/10):
What a goal to open the scoring. Yes it took a slight deflection, but the strike and technique were sensational. Great strike and he added a second after the interval with a smart header. Fine display.
Mikel Merino (8/10):
No surprise that he looked full of confidence after his heroics for Spain. Some lovely flicks and link-up play. Saw one good early chance saved.
Martin Odegaard (N/A):
Forced off early with a shoulder injury for the second home game in succession. So unlucky.
Getty Images SportAttack
Noni Madueke (9/10):
Such a bright spark. Caused Forest problems every time he got the ball. Excellent performance and got a deserved standing ovation from the crowd. Electric.
Victor Gyokeres (7/10):
Didn't really get a sniff of a chance before the break, but produced the perfect run and finish to make it 2-0 straight after the interval. Almost scored again when he smashed one against the post.
Eberechi Eze (8/10):
Struggled to get into the game in the first half as almost every Arsenal attack went down the right, but came alive in the second. Lovely assist for Gyokeres' goal.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Ethan Nwaneri (7/10):
Replaced the injured Odegaard early on. Got into the game straight away, showed some nice touches.
Declan Rice (6/10):
Inches away from making it 3-0 but he couldn't quite connect with Timber's cross.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):
Replaced Calafiori soon after he'd been booked. Slotted in well.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Set up Zubimendi's second as soon as he got on the pitch with a fantastic ball in.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Replaced the electric Madueke but couldn't really get into the game.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
He will be delighted. Started Eze and Merino and both produced. He has an embarrassment of riches to play with this season and is already showing promising signs of using his squad more.
Sunderland have made an initial £13m bid to sign a “goal machine”, with those at the Stadium of Light wanting a transfer done as soon as possible.
Le Bris makes Sunderland transfer comments after Hearts defeat
Regis Le Bris and his new-look Sunderland side suffered a 3-0 pre-season defeat in Scotland against Hearts on Saturday. New big-money signings Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra all featured at Tynecastle, with the new Premier League season just around the corner.
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Talking after the loss to Hearts, Le Bris spoke to the media and was asked for the latest on potential signings following rumours of a move to sign Granit Xhaka. The manager admitted the club “have to reinforce this squad to be stronger” and described the window as “unpredictable”.
A new centre-forward to rival Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor appears to be on the to-do list, with Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia of interest. Now, a new update has emerged regarding a deal with those at the Bernabeu.
Sunderland make £13m bid to sign Gonzalo Garcia
According to reports in Spain, Sunderland have now submitted an offer to sign Garcia from Real Madrid worth an initial €15m (£13m).
The total package includes another €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons and a 30% sell-on clause, with the Black Cats wanting ‘to close the deal quickly’. Alongside the bid, Sunderland are also giving Real Madrid the chance to re-sign Garcia for €30m between now and 2027, should the Spanish giants give the green light to the proposal.
Garcia recently starred at the Club World Cup, scoring four goals and providing one assist in six games for Real in the USA, being dubbed a “goal machine” in “monstrous” form in the media.
The 21-year-old is capable of playing anywhere across the front three and has broken through into Madrid’s first team after starring for Real Castilla.
A move looks like it could be one to keep an eye on following Sunderland’s bid, especially with the buy-back clause, sell-on clause and add-ons.
Paul Gascoigne is one of the geatest players in Glasgow Rangers history and undoubtedbly one of the most entertaining footballers of all time.
‘Gazza’ joined the Gers from Lazio in 1995 and won the lot in his debut campaign at Ibrox, lifting the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup while being crowned the SFWA Player of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
Perhaps his finest moment in a Blue shirt came against Aberdeen in that 1995-96 campaign, as a hat-trick at Ibrox which included a stunning solo goal sealed the league title.
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The following year is remembered for Gascoigne’s masterclass in the Scottish League Cup final against Hearts, as he scored twice in a 4-3 victory, and Ally McCoist recalls an argument with the match-winner that day: “The half-time whistle goes and we’re up the tunnel and we’re still at it the two of us, we’re in the dressing room and we’re still at it, so Walter Smith comes in and says: ‘Right, everybody shut up and calm down’.
“But Gascoigne is still raging and I can see Walter getting angrier and angrier. I’ve known Walter long enough by this point to just keep my mouth shut, but Gascoigne keeps going.
“Eventually Walter picks him up by the scruff of the neck and hangs him up on the peg where you put your coats and he says: ‘Paul, I will not tell you again to shut up!’”
He continued: “Eventually when it calmed down Gazza got up, went out of the dressing room and straight into the director’s room – in his gear by the way! – and had a whiskey.
“He threw it down his neck, came back into the dressing room, sat down, Walter did his team talk, he walked out for the second half and he scored two goals. He was unbelievable.”
McCoist and Gascoigne played with some incredible names during that era – perhaps no surprise given they won nine straight league titles – from Richard Gough to Brian Laudrup, and Gazza has revealed it was the Dane who blew teammates away in training.
Gascoigne: Laudrup was 'one of the best players in the world'
Speaking about his greatest teammates, Gascoigne named EURO 1992 winner Laudrup as a ‘match-winner’ who was ‘virtually untouchable’ both in games and on the training ground.
Laudrup won three titles in four seasons at Glasgow, while both he and his brother are widely regarded as two of Denmark’s greatest ever players.
Laudrup at Rangers
Games
Goals
1994/95
49
16
1995/96
40
10
1996/97
48
23
1997/98
42
7
Even in a team stacked full of big names, his elegance, quick feet and creativity stood out like a sore thumb.
Crystal Palace could make an approach for a defender imminently, as they are very interested in securing his signature, according to reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
Palace looking to bolster defensive options
There is still a great deal of doubt over Marc Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park, with Newcastle United and Liverpool set to battle it out for the centre-back, who has made it clear he is unwilling to sign a new deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Romano said: “Also, I can tell you that Marc Guehi is not going to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace. It’s a big opportunity for Palace to sell the player this summer and not to lose him on a free in 2026; and for Liverpool there’s a chance to attack the situation and get the player for a good transfer fee.”
As such, Oliver Glasner is looking to bring in a replacement for his captain, and there is a great deal of interest in Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, with a £47m deal for the 21-year-old believed to be in the works.
Sporting CP'sOusmaneDiomandereacts
Not only is a new centre-back of interest, but the Eagles are also looking to bolster their options at left-back, with Borna Sosa now believed to be on the verge of arriving from Ajax, having been given permission to move to Selhurst Park.
According to Di Marzio (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace are very interested in signing Davide Calabria too, with the right-back now a free agent after his AC Milan contract expired at the end of June.
Palace could make a move for Calabria very soon, with the defender available on a free transfer, as there could be heavy competition for his signature – Celta Vigo, Real Betis and Mallorca are also named as potential suitors.
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The Eagles are looking at making a double signing, having scouted two players at the U21 European Championships.
ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025 Calabria could be solid signing for Crystal Palace
While the report states the right-back received criticism during the latter stages of his Milan career, he is said to have played a key role in Bologna’s surprise Coppa Italia triumph, which secured the Serie A side qualification for the Europa League.
Not only that, but the Italian has put in some impressive displays for Milan in the past, perhaps most notably receiving praise from Zach Lowy for the job he did nullifying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the Georgian forward’s time with Napoli.
Having also chalked up a combined 36 appearances in the Champions League and Europa League, Calabria’s experience could be of great use to a Palace side hoping to embark on a European adventure next season.
An “incredible” £60m player wants to join Manchester United ahead of rival suitors Arsenal this summer, with talks over a deal now set to be opened, according to reporter David Ornstein.
Man Utd eyeing new forward despite Cunha and Bruno boosts
Man United endured a torrid 2024-25 campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League, but Bruno Fernandes was one of their shining lights, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions.
Bruno Fernandes 24/25
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League
36
8
11
Europa League
17
7
4
EFL Cup
3
2
1
FA Cup
3
2
2
Despite Fernandes’ impressive performances throughout the season, there have been some suggestions that United should cash-in on the attacking midfielder this summer, with Paul Scholes saying: “They are talking about £100m for him, Man United cannot say no to that. I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, what is his position?”
However, it now appears as though the Portugal international could be staying put, with Fabrizio Romano taking to X to provide a new update on his future.
Fernandes may be set to remain at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils still remain keen on bringing in additional attacking firepower this summer, winning the race to sign Brazil forward Matheus Cunha despite interest from Arsenal, who of course have the bonus of being able to offer Champions League football.
Cunha stats
And Ornstein has now revealed they’re not finished there, as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo “wants to join Man Utd” this summer. Mbeumo has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but he would prefer to join United if a deal can be agreed, with talks now set to be opened.
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Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been left impressed by the forward in recent times, lauding him as “incredible”, and it is clear to see why, with the Cameroonian reaching the 20-goal mark in the Premier League, while also providing eight assists.
In the past, United have perhaps made the mistake of taking risks on players unproven in England, with Rasmus Hojlund failing to deliver after arriving from Atalanta, so it makes sense to pursue a new forward with a track record of success in the Premier League.
A deal for the France-born forward will not be cheap, with reports from elsewhere revealing Brentford could look to hold out for £60m, but his recent exploits for Brentford indicate he could be a fantastic addition to a Man United squad in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee netted just 17 goals between them in all competitions last season, a figure Mbeumo eclipsed by himself, despite not playing in Europe.
This season has been an undeniably strange one for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side are a game away from potentially making it to only their second Champions League final ever, but they have also completely fallen away in the Premier League.
One of the Gunners’ obvious weaknesses this year has been a lack of clinical finishing up top, but arguably, a lack of creativity has been just as much of a problem; Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all creating more big chances in the league.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetareacts
Fortunately, the club seem to be well aware of this problem as well, and, based on recent reports, could be set to sign an incredibly creative attacker from the continent, who could be their own Bruno Fernandes.
Arsenal's transfer targets
With it clear that Arsenal want to add more creativity to the team this summer, it’s worth looking at a couple of their other targets, such as Rayan Cherki and Nico Williams.
Rayan Cherki
The former could be available for around £30m, which would be a bargain, as in just 41 appearances, totalling 2894 minutes, the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists.
Williams, on the other hand, would cost significantly more, at £50m, but he too has enjoyed a great campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 44 games.
Transfer Focus
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However, recent reports have now touted another creative attacker for a move to the Emirates: Francisco Trincão.
According to a recent report from the Portuguese newspaper Record, as relayed by the Metro, Arsenal are one of three Premier League sides to have begun talks with Sporting CP for the dynamo.
Manchester United are reportedly one of the other teams incredibly interested in the Portuguese international, who has a release clause in his current deal worth around £66.5m.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Trincão’s immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s own Fernandes.
Why Trincão could be Arsenal's own Fernandes
So, if Arsenal can beat the Red Devils to Trincão’s signature this summer, what is it that could make him like their Fernandes?
Well, to start with, there are several more surface-level similarities between the pair, such as them both being Portuguese, both coming from Sporting CP, moving to one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ and doing so at 25 years old.
However, there is another far more significant similarity between the two players, one that transcends their positional differences: their creativity.
For all the criticism that has been levelled at Fernandes in recent years, one thing that hasn’t been questioned is his technique and ability to either produce assist after assist or score goals himself.
For example, in 285 appearances for United, he has scored 98 goals and provided 85 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.55 games.
Appearances
50
28
Goals
9
15
Assists
18
14
Goal Involvements per Match
0.54
1.03
Moreover, in his final half-campaign with Sporting, the 30-year-old scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 28 appearances, which was an average of 1.03 goal involvements every game.
Now, while the incredibly “exciting” Trincão, as dubbed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers technical director Scott Sellars, hasn’t quite hit those heights this term, he’s still seriously impressed, scoring nine goals and, more importantly, providing 18 assists in 50 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.85 games.
Just imagine if Arsenal had a player that creative in the team this season; there is a real chance that they’d have at least been in the Premier League title fight for a little while longer.
Ultimately, while it would cost a lot, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Trincão this summer, as he would add some much-needed creativity to the team, and could even become their own Fernandes.
Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster
The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.
Last night was not the game or result Arsenal would’ve been hoping for ahead of their Champions League semi-final next week.
Mikel Arteta’s side lined up against Crystal Palace, who happen to have an FA Cup semi-final this weekend, and put in one of their most lacklustre and underwhelming performances of the entire season, which saw them pick up their 13th Premier League draw of the campaign – the second most in the competition.
From David Raya between the sticks to Raheem Sterling in attack, there were dire displays across the pitch for the Gunners.
However, there was at least one player who put in yet another impressive showing, a player who has made himself undroppable and is starting to resemble Granit Xhaka in certain ways.
The story of Xhaka's redemption at Arsenal
Arsenal paid Borussia Mönchengladbach around £30m for Xhaka in the summer of 2016, and while he wasn’t particularly poor, it would probably be fair to say he underwhelmed for the first few seasons of his career in North London.
However, it was clear from the get-go that he was a passionate player and that, combined with his seniority, saw him handed the captaincy by former manager Unai Emery in September 2019 following a vote from his teammates.
Unfortunately, the team’s results nosedived soon after and, following an unsavoury episode in which he swore and goaded a jeering Emirates before throwing the shirt and armband to the floor, he had the captaincy stripped from him less than two months after receiving it.
The Swiss international would later reveal that at that point, he was set on leaving the club but eventually decided to stay and fight for his reputation after being convinced to do so by the recently appointed Arteta.
While it took some time, the Basel-born titan eventually started to win the fans back onside, and finally, after three years of graft, he was handed the armband again by Arteta in the absence of Martin Odegaard away to Brentford in September 2022, a game that also saw the fans begin to sing his name again, much to his appreciation.
That season would be his best in red and white as he racked up a brilliant tally of nine goals – two of which came in his final game – and seven assists in 47 appearances from central midfield.
Xhaka left the club that summer, but instead of doing so under a cloud of controversy as it seemed he would just a few years earlier, he left as a cult hero and with a rapturous Emirates Stadium singing his name.
Now it looks like a player in the current squad could be crafting something of a cult status for himself this year.
Xhaka’s Arsenal career
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
Red Cards
16/17
46
4
3
2
17/18
48
3
8
0
18/19
40
4
5
0
19/20
41
1
2
0
20/21
45
1
2
1
21/22
30
1
2
2
22/23
47
9
7
0
All Stats via Transfermarkt
The current Arsenal star with shades of Xhaka
There are probably some of you thinking that the player in question is Mikel Merino, as, after all, the Spaniard is positionally similar to Xhaka and has seen his stock skyrocket among Arsenal fans in recent months, but you’d be wrong.
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Instead, the current Gunners star who is starting to have shades of the Swiss international about him is none other than Jakub Kiwior.
Okay, so we know the pair couldn’t be more different in terms of position and, therefore, playstyle, but where they play has practically nothing to do with this comparison, as it’s based on their standing within the fanbase more than anything else.
For example, just a few months ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find a fan who’d had a particularly strong feeling towards the Polish international, as while he’s stepped in here and there, he’s never really looked like a first-team quality player.
In fact, it was only in December that Arsenal podcaster Phil Costa branded the former Spezia ace “shocking,” claiming that “he hasn’t kicked on at all since joining” and that, at the end of the day, “he isn’t good enough.”
Now, in his defence, it wasn’t an uncommon opinion, with content creator and fan Alexander Moneypenny describing the international as “shakey” following his underwhelming performance vs Bayern Munich last season.
So, while there wasn’t the same vitriol that there was surrounding Xhaka’s fall, there was a similar desire from plenty of fans to move the Tychy-born star on and find someone better as soon as possible, which in turn led to some serious concern over how he’d cope covering for Gabriel Magalhães following the Brazilian’s hamstring surgery.
However, instead of becoming a weak spot in the team, the “extraordinary” defender, as dubbed by Robert Lewandowski, has stepped up in a massive way.
For example, aside from a minor mistake early on in the first leg against Real Madrid, he was simply sensational. Moreover, after William Saliba’s mistake that led to a goal in the second leg, there is a strong argument that he was the better centre-back of the pair.
Then again, last night, while the Frenchman made a costly mistake, he was near-enough faultless, scoring a goal, making some impressive tackles and earning himself an 8/10 match rating from journalist Tom Canton, which was more than justified by his statistics.
For example, in 98 minutes of action, he scored, made six clearances, won 100% of his duels, blocked two shots, made one tackle, lost the ball just seven times despite taking 135 touches, completed 115 passes, was accurate with two of three long balls, and was even successful in 100% of his dribbles.
Kiwio’s game in numbers
Minutes
98′
Expected Goals
0.04
Goals
1
Clearances
6
Blocked Shos
2
Tackles
1
Dribbled Past
0
Duels (Won)
2 (2)
Lost Possession
7
Touches
135
Passing Accuracy
115/120 (96%)
Long Balls (Accurate)
3 (2)
Shots on Target
1
Dribbles (Successful)
1 (1)
Fouls
0
All Stats via Sofascore
Ultimately, Kiwior has transformed from a player fans were worried about starting into one who’s outshining Saliba and becoming an increasing fan favourite for the no-nonsense way he’s going about his job – if that doesn’t remind you of Xhaka’s transformation, we don’t know what will.
Worse than Saliba: 3/10 "passenger" must never start for Arsenal again
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Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum tried to protect their players, but it has left them exposed when it mattered most
Vithushan Ehantharajah07-Dec-20256:09
‘Australia have sat back, waited for England and pushed them over’
For all the fight shown by Ben Stokes and Will Jacks with the bat, there was an indignity to England coming out to bowl on day four. Somehow, an innings defeat at the Gabba might have been less embarrassing.The sun was setting, the floodlights in play. By virtue of the longest partnership by either side across the first two Tests, Stokes and Jacks had managed the situation in front of them, meaning that witching hour was England’s to exploit. Just as Australia had done on Saturday.They gave it a go, to be fair. Jofra Archer bowled like the wind. Gus Atkinson found his snap off the pitch. And Australia blazed to their target of 65.Related
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“Bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, champion,” was Steven Smith’s retort to Jofra Archer looking to start something. It was a sentiment many shared. Why bring this energy now? Where was this when it mattered? Smith may as well have been talking to England as a group. A pulled six off Archer and another off Atkinson sealed the match.Stokes looked bereft in his press conference. And why wouldn’t he be? Sunday brought us up to six days cricket in this Ashes series. Barely a week and yet a three-and-a-half-year project to make dreams for a lifetime is already being pulled apart before we have even got to the third Test. This was his Everest and they are somehow still at base camp tending to the frozen.It is true that England series in Australia have often gone this way, but this one was supposed to be different. The score at present is 15-0 to the hosts since England’s last successful venture in 2010-11, and somehow these two defeats carry the weight of the previous 13. Because it was from those that Bazball’s free spirit was forged. And it is here, under the Australian sun, that it is being broken down and held up to the baying masses.But the sweating, shame-ridden harshness of cricket in these parts cannot be blamed. England are solely at fault for their own catastrophe.Ben Stokes leads his beaten team from the field•Getty ImagesAt Brisbane, a first-innings collapse of 6 for 88 was followed by one of 5 for 38 two days later, sandwiching a truly woeful bowling performance. If the first Test in Perth could be chalked off as simply a team losing their footing in a downhill sprint race with Australia, this was England choosing to sprint again while the hosts decided to take the winding roads of sensible batting and straightforward bowling plans that were available to both sides.They will wonder how so little cricket can carry so many regrets.They flunked the opener against a Pat Cummins- and Josh Hazlewood-less Australia, and have now done the same in the second with Nathan Lyon thrown out of the mix.Even Australia’s bankers in the schedule had their edge blunted. The Perth Test was a month earlier than usual, taking place in a more amenable climate and at the Optus Stadium, rather than the furnace of the WACA ground, and the English skeletons that lie within, which sat dormant across the way. Likewise for Brisbane, which saw Australia roll their most-statistically dominant venue and format into one while dialling down the heat, given the day-night timings. Worse still, England won both tosses.It is also worth considering the waste. A chastening experience during the 2021-22 tour, blighted by Covid, triggered a more holistic approach: investment in people and roles within the team that now seem so blurry. Perhaps worst of all, Joe Root’s first hundred in Australia reduced to a footnote in the rot.
“Stokes has long taken it upon himself to set fields, believing bowlers should just concentrate on bowling. The result of that is when the team are under pressure in the field, they cannot think off the cuff”
Atkinson has dulled, the sharp metronome anointed as James Anderson replacement already adding 2.59 on the bowling average of 22.01 he arrived with, with just three wickets in 54 overs. Atkinson’s pull shot straight to Smith at midwicket was a shot to rival Harry Brook’s grim drive to the first ball he faced off Mitchell Starc in the first innings. Unbecoming of a Test vice-captain but worryingly in keeping with his recent work.Jamie Smith’s no-nonsense start to Test cricket has given way to a worrying meekness that speaks to the fact that keeping is taking its toll. Scores of 0 and 4 accompanied a drop off Travis Head that saw him the subject of sarcastic cheers for the vast majority of the 117.3 overs spent behind the stumps in Australia’s first innings. This is as tough as it gets and Smith is shrinking.Stokes has blame to take for this. His insulation of the team for their own good has resulted in group seemingly unable to learn from mistakes and consequence. Worst still is a lack of collective nous.The bowling attack is a particularly interesting case study. Stokes has long taken it upon himself to set fields, believing bowlers should just concentrate on bowling. The result of that is when the team are under pressure in the field, they cannot think off the cuff. And this week, with Mark Wood missing, the most inexperienced bowling attack Stokes has had to work with – Archer, the “veteran”, with 17 caps – were unable to correct themselves, particularly when wasting the first 21 overs of the new ball on day two, with Australia racing to 130 for 1 in response to the 334 that England had clawed for.At the same time, it is maddening at this juncture that the likes of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope have not lightened Stokes’ load. The pair have 124 caps between them but seemingly none of the experience that is supposed to come with that number.Stokes’ rearguard at the Gabba went in vain•PA Photos/Getty ImagesThen again, that’s not all their fault, nor Stokes’. There are coaches who should know better, who should be improving these players but end up hurting them with their public utterances.On Saturday, for instance, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick (charged with priming the batters) said they had not spoken about the perils of driving on the up after being found out in Perth. It was odd for two reasons.The first being that Stokes, ahead of England’s training session at Allan Border Field last Saturday, revealed the team had reflected behind closed doors about how they let that second day at the Optus Stadium slip from their grasp. And they did, as individuals, discuss the best ways to approach Starc. They even workshopped ideas to combat the pink ball under lights – both as batters and fielders in the lead-up to this Test. Stokes had taken it upon himself to disseminate bowling and batting information around the quirks day-night brings to each pack.The second, and more infuriating, part of Trescothick’s sugarcoated dead-batting was that he was actually trying to shield a group already wallowing in misery. Instead, he perpetuated the notion that they do not care. That they are free of consequence and devoid of true ambition.That was compounded on Sunday by Brendon McCullum’s assertion they trained too hard ahead of this match. A passionate English fanbase – many of whom truly believed in this group and what it was about – have never been more riled, now fully of the mind they are being gaslit.It didn’t have to be like this. But now, this group need to wise up and open their eyes to reality. Their walls are falling around them, and life is coming at them quick.This tour, genuinely the best opportunity since 2010-11 to win an overseas Ashes, and the most optimistic since 2013-14 after retaining the urn months earlier, may be the end of this chapter of English Test cricket.On paper, the remaining three Tests are a shot at redemption. But right now, it looks like it could break Stokes and the players he has taken it upon himself to protect.