When Leeds signed Djed Spence on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, the initial plan was for him to stay at Elland Road for the entirety of the season. However, early in the January transfer window, the decision was taken to cut the loan short and send him back to North London early.

Manager Daniel Farke appeared to hint that disciplinary concerns were at play when asked about the matter in a press conference, implying that he'd fallen short of "expectations" when it came to "professionalism" and "workload". While he may feel that parting with Spence will be good for the atmosphere within the camp in that respect, he does still need to find a replacement at full-back for the remainder of the campaign to ensure he's not caught short.

It appears that Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest has been identified as a potential solution. Williams made his first-team breakthrough at Liverpool, but after a six-month spell on loan at Fulham in the first half of 2022, he made a permanent switch to Forest for around £17m.

He's racked up 49 games for the club so far, including 13 this season, and was finding game time hard to come by before Steve Cooper was sacked. Williams started just three Premier League games, and appeared in eight, under his compatriot, but has been involved in all three of Nuno's matches, starting one.

Phil Hay update on Neco Williams interest

Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast, journalist Phil Hay says "a few people have been telling" him that Leeds "like" Williams, but he stressed that it would be a tricky deal to execute. That's because, right now, it doesn't look like "there is any scope for Forest letting him out", with Williams seemingly "well in the plans of Nuno".

Williams may well have grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities so far this season, and that may mean he's open to the possibility of dropping down a tier to play more regularly. To further smooth things over on the player side, Leeds already have a relationship with his agents, who represent Crysencio Summerville. The challenge comes in convincing Forest.

Williams would be perfect for Leeds

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has called Williams an "amazing talent" who "will have a bright future no matter what", and perhaps the best demonstration of that came when he got a taste of the Championship with Fulham. As the table below shows, he ranked inside the league's top six defenders (minimum ten games played) for completed dribbles, accurate final-third passes, accurate crosses and shots per game

Successful dribbles

1.36

6th

Accurate final-third passes

13.21

3rd

Accurate crosses

1.21

6th

Total shots

1.36

1st

He was a potent offensive threat in the full-back positions and someone who's also capable of the spectacular – one of his four direct goal contributions for the Cottagers was a goal-of-the-month nominated strike against Swansea.

This, then, would be a perfect signing for promotion-chasing Leeds given that Williams has proven how effective he can be in the second tier. They may, however, have to see how things pan out for Williams over the course of this month, and hope for a late change of heart from his club.

Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales reportedly tried to send UEFA funds the way of Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique during the COVID pandemic.

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Rubiales spoke with Messi and Pique during pandemicPlayers concerned about finances due to pay cutsDiscussions also involved UEFA president Aleksander CeferinWHAT HAPPENED?

Rubiales held video conferences with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Barcelona stars Messi and Pique over a period of three months to discuss the possibility of diverting funds to players affected financially by the pandemic in 2020, according to . It was proposed that four percent of broadcasting rights for UEFA matches could be used to help players who had been forced to take pay-cuts because of the pandemic. Messi is said to have highlighted the need for confidentiality during the talks as he feared a backlash if the discussions ever came to light.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The pandemic saw football cancelled across the globe due to lockdown measures and many players take salary reductions. Messi confirmed at the time that Barcelona players would take 70% paycuts in a bid to help the club cut losses due to the pandemic. reports that leaked messages and audio have revealed Rubiales suggested redirecting funds to players whose salaries had been affected to Ceferin. The four men then held a four-hour video call to discuss the issue and subsequently exchanged several messages.

WHAT WAS SAID

As reported by , Rubiales allegedly told Ceferin: "I say it is important for us to have Messi and the rest with us. There is no need to spend money. We just change where the funds go."

Rubiales also suggested Pique and Messi send a signed Barcelona shirt to Ceferin "as a token of gratitude".

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GettyWHAT HAPPENED NEXT

The conversations between Rubiales and the Barcelona stars took place during April and May of 2020, with the Catalan giants finally returning to action in La Liga in June. However, Barcelona ended the financial year by announcing financial losses of €97 million (£88m/$114m) due to COVID, while Messi ended up leaving the club a year later for PSG as they could not afford to hand the superstar a new contract.

Michael Beale will hope Sunderland can get back to winning ways after a demoralising loss to Ipswich Town last game has been left to linger in the air on Wearside, disrupting any positive green shoots the ex-Rangers boss was helping to cultivate at the Stadium of Light to date.

Two wins and a draw after losing 3-0 to Coventry City in his debut match in charge showed signs that the 43-year-old manager was beginning to work his magic, just for all the growing optimism to evaporate in an instant with back-to-back defeats to Newcastle United and the Tractor Boys.

Beale could well look to sign this ex-Sunderland star to get the disgruntled Black Cats fanbase back on side, with the former player in question eager for a return to happen.

Surprise move for Sunderland

French outlet FootMercato have reported that ex-Black Cats defensive midfielder Yann M'Vila could potentially return back to Sunderland this transfer window, with the 33-year-old free agent a "top priority" for the Championship promotion chasers according to the report.

It's stated that discussions have taken place this winter, a statement backed up by journalist Santi Aouna who also confirmed that contact has taken place between Beale's side and the Frenchman regarding the experienced midfielder's agent, with a move potentially on the cards if everything goes to plan.

In December, M'Vila even spoke to Le Proges about his desire to return back to Sunderland despite the club now being outside of the Premier League – "There is only one club for which I would have agreed to return to the lower division for, it is Sunderland, to help them return to the Premier League. I had an extraordinary year there."

It could well be a free transfer deal that suits all parties therefore, with the Black Cats regaining a seasoned head who left a lasting impression on the Stadium of Light faithful with just one impactful season in a Sunderland strip before moving on.

Games

40

Goals

1

Assists

5

Yellow cards

1

Wins

10

Defeats

19

Tackles per game

2.7

Interceptions per game

2.3

Key passes per game

1.2

How Yann M'Vila would fit into the Sunderland team

Loaned out to the then Premier League side for one season during the 2015/16 campaign from Rubin Kazan, M'Vila became an instant fan favourite in Sunderland quarters.

Utilised as a combative presence in the centre of the park, the Frenchman's high energy and tenacity was also matched by a knack of contributing with goals and assists – helping himself to one goal and five assists during his brief time on Wearside, with this solitary strike being a sumptuous free-kick versus Aston Villa.

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Former Sunderland teammate Ola Toivonen described M'Vila as being a "quality player" at the time, with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal linked with a move for the imposing midfielder before a move to the Black Cats even happened.

6-foot M'Vila could well slot into the team next to Dan Neil seamlessly if Pierre Ekwah departs this January, offering the Black Cats an aggressive but forward-thinking midfielder to match their homegrown man.

Ekwah has been in top form for the Black Cats this term, notably making a bullish 1.5 tackles per game, the most of any central midfielder in the squad. His one interception per match is also more than any other midfielder. Losing such a player, therefore, would be a loss. However, the equally tough-tackling M'Vila could make up for that blow.

Since leaving the Stadium of Light after this bright one-year loan deal was up, the 22-time France international has succeeded elsewhere and was notably impressive for Olympiakos last season.

Despite now being 33 years of age, which would make him a veteran-style figure in a young and inexperienced Sunderland group if signed, M'Vila's approach on the pitch is still the same.

Against Panathinaikos in May last year – a hotly-contested derby match in Greece – the invaluable experience on M'Vila's side to not let big occasions faze him shone through with the ageing midfielder winning four of his six duels alongside even hitting the woodwork after firing an effort on goal in an eventual 1-0 win for his side.

In stark contrast, Ekwah had a howler against the Magpies in the Tyneside Derby with a costly error helping Newcastle comfortably win 3-0.

Able to land M'Vila on a free transfer this January if everything works out, it's a deal that could prove to be a fantastic bit of business and one that could see the popular ex-loanee roll back the years donning a Black Cats strip again.

A big European club have reportedly held talks with a "crucial" Leeds United player over a possible move, with a transfer potentially now going through next summer.

Leeds transfer news

The Whites continue to battle hard in the Championship promotion race, and while their 2-1 defeat away to Preston on Boxing Day was a disappointing result, they still find themselves in a strong position in fourth place. The January transfer window will give Leeds the opportunity to make more signings, should Daniel Farke feel that fresh faces could make all the difference in the second half of the season.

Larne youngster Jack Hastings is one player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, but the 17-year-old forward would be viewed as one for the future, rather than a player who is going to come in and make an immediate difference to the first team. Meanwhile, Celtic's Matt O'Riley may also been seen as a possible option again, having seen a bid for him turned down during the summer window.

It is also important that Leeds retain the services of the most influential players at the club, though, especially midway through the season, but a worrying exit rumour has emerged regarding one such hero.

PSG could sign Pascal Struijk

According to a fresh update from L'Equipe, PSG have held talks to sign Leeds ace Pascal Struijk and could yet sign him next summer. The Ligue 1 giants are thought to be keen on the idea of signing a left-footed centre-back and have targeted the Whites man as someone who could be a key addition in that area.

However, Leeds have made it clear that they don't want to part ways with Struijk, seemingly driving up his price tag and holding firm, so PSG certainly won't have it all their own way with negotiations, with the 49ers Enterprises clearly meaning business. PSG have moved on to Sao Paulo's Lucas Beraldo as a more immediate addition in January, the report adds.

The Dutchman has become such an important player for the Whites down the years, and he could be key to his side's chances of earning promotion this season, already making 22 starts in the Championship. The stats also below also outline the influence he has enjoyed:

Pascal Struijk's Championship stats this season	Total
Appearances	23
Goals	3
Clearances per game	3.1
Aerial duel wins per game	2.0
Tackles per game	1.3

Meanwhile, Farke clearly sees him as a valuable figure moving forward, with the Leeds manager saying of him recently:

"He adapted well to my demands and he’s played a crucial part. We don’t have to talk about his skills with the ball. I’m very pleased with his development."

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The lure of playing for a prestigious club in PSG could be something that turns Struijk's head, however, especially if Leeds don't get out of the Championship, but it is good to see the 49ers standing firm and not buckling at the pressure of dealing with a European giant such as PSG.

Newcastle United are now ready to make an offer to sign an "extraordinary" player in the near future, according to a new transfer update.

Newcastle could sign new attacker

Eddie Howe's side have not been without their problems this season, with constant injury problems threatening to derail their campaign at times.

Newcastle are already out of the Champions League after failing to get past the group stage, and they didn't even go into the Europa League play-offs as a result of their 4th-placed finish.

Meanwhile, they lost on penalties to Chelsea in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night and have plenty of work to do to repeat last season's fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

However, the January transfer window will afford Howe the opportunity to make new signings, and it could be that they will target a new attacking player.

Both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have found themselves in and out of the team through injury this season, and added firepower could potentially make a big difference between now and the end of the campaign.

VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy has been linked with a move to Newcastle, with the 27-year-old enjoying a stunning season that has seen him score 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances, 12 of which have been starts.

It looks as though the Magpies could be eyeing another attacking player, however, following a new report that has emerged regarding their possible January transfer business.

Newcastle want Joshua Zirkzee

According to Milan Web [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are keen on signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the Magpies willing to battle AC Milan for his signature.

The report claims that they are "ready to put" as much as €50m (£43.3m) on the table for the 22-year-old forward, and PIF would "guarantee a mega salary" for him, which could turn his head.

Zirkzee is a hugely exciting player who is impressing so much for Bologna at the moment, so the idea of him in a Newcastle shirt is mouthwatering. This season, the Dutchman has scored seven times and registered two assists in 15 Serie A starts, while Bologna coach Thiago Motta recently lauded him after a goalscoring performance against Sassuolo, saying:

"It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it."

Bringing in Zirkzee could make such a difference to Newcastle's attack in the coming months, and with Wilson now 31 years of age, he could even be viewed as a long-term partner for Isak, not to mention someone who can provide stiff competition should Howe only play one striker in some games.

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At 22, he would be a long-term signing rather than a quick fix, and his 6 foot 4 stature makes him an imposing striker, but who is also strong technically, with WhoScored picking out dribbling and passing as two of the Magpies transfer target's main strengths.

Despite already welcoming Fabio Silva earlier this month, Rangers are reportedly working on a deal to sign another forward before the end of January, with the impending sale of Ridvan Yilmaz going a long way to funding that arrival.

Rangers still want another forward

After swapping Sam Lammers for Silva, sending the former on loan to Dutch side Utrecht, it seems as though Rangers still want to add to Philippe Clement's attacking options in the Scottish Premiership. This has seen them linked with moves for in-form Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland as well as for former Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi, although the latter is thought to have collapsed.

It remains to be seen just who will arrive at Ibrox, but the sale of Yilmaz could play a crucial part in any deal. Rangers recently rejected a loan to buy offer from Galatasaray worth €4m (£3m), but reports in Turkey believe a deal is now close for Yilmaz to join Gala. The left-back has struggled to make the role his own since arriving at Rangers in 2022, and whilst Borna Barisic's departure when his contract expires this summer is also looming, it seems the 22 year-old is on his way out.

Speaking about Yilmaz's future recently, Clement said via The Daily Record: “Ridvan is here and he started the game. We will see [what happens]. Players also need to show they really want to be here in the next couple of months. We need to be prepared for everything, for every position also and make sure that we have solutions. That is one position [left back] that we have two players.

"One is [nearing the] end of contract, the other one there is a lot of rumours around. So it’s clear that we need to be ready for that position. We cannot go on in three competitions with one left-back. That is correct. And in other positions it is the same.”

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Ibrox chiefs could now use Yilmaz's potential sale to fund a new forward. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are working on a deal to sign another forward this month and could use the left-back's potential sale to fund that fresh face in Clement's frontline. Injuries to Danilo and Kemar Roofe on top of Lammers' loan departure have left the Gers short on options going forward, perhaps forcing their hand to pursue an additional attacker. Eight points adrift of Celtic with two games in hand, Rangers could certainly do with the added firepower.

New striker the key for Rangers' title hopes

After seeing all of their hard work become undone in an Old Firm derby defeat, Rangers once again find themselves behind in the Scottish Premiership title race, though this month could yet swing the tide back in their favour. Rumours previously linking the title challengers to Batshuayi are particularly interesting, given the Belgian's experience as a Premier League-winning striker – it at least shows the club are extremely serious about giving Clement the firepower he needs.

As the transfer window goes on, the Gers could be one of the most interesting sides to watch, as Clement looks to make his mark in his first transfer window at Ibrox.

The Delhi Capitals coach isn’t too worried about the team’s recent propensity to collapse in the latter stages of run-chases

Sreshth Shah in Kolkata11-Apr-2019

Rishabh Pant loses his balance while attempting a shot•BCCI

While Ricky Ponting is mightily impressed by Rishabh Pant’s skills as a white-ball player, the Delhi Capitals coach believes his impatience can lead to his downfall.Speaking ahead of Capitals’ return fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Ponting was in praise of his three young top-order batsmen – Pant, Prithvi Shaw and the captain Shreyas Iyer – but said each of them had areas to work on, Pant in particular. Even so, he said he wouldn’t try to curb his natural style too much.”With Rishabh in white-ball cricket, the issue is that he’s such a competitor that sometimes that gets the better of him,” Ponting said. “He wants to get things done quickly in the white-ball game. In the Tests he doesn’t so much because there’s not as much scoring pressure in Tests.”But I’m not going to curb the way he plays, I’m not gonna tell him to slow down because if he plays his best he will win games for us. I want him to go out with pure freedom and with no other thought other than hitting the ball for a six. We saw in Mumbai. – when it comes off, we’re going to win. He made 77 facing just 28 balls. But he needs to understand we need him to bat in the last four overs. We need our best batsmen to stay till the last four overs, and we expect that from him.”Prithvi Shaw goes down the ground•BCCI

Ponting also expected Shaw to end up as one of the top run-getters in the tournament if he continued his current form. Shaw’s most notable performance this season so far is his 99 against Knight Riders in Delhi, but Ponting also highlighted his 22-ball 28 in what eventually proved a tricky chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore.”Prithvi Shaw, I’ve seen him develop as a player,” Ponting said. “We took a punt on him as a young guy who hadn’t played any T20 cricket. And from the moment I saw him, I knew he was ready to play.”He showed that last year and has shown glimpses this season too. I was absolutely heartbroken for him when he was out for 99, he deserved to get a hundred. He’s got us off to some good starts. He single-handedly helped us win against Bangalore, with some aggressive batting in the Powerplay, although Shreyas played well. He’ll be one of the leading run-scorers if he plays like this by the end of the season.”This time last year, Iyer was shoved into the limelight when he took over the captaincy following Gautam Gambhir’s resignation. Ponting said he had big expectations from him as both batsman and captain. Despite the Capitals dugout including strong personalities such as himself and the advisor Sourav Ganguly, Ponting said Iyer was the team’s primary leader.Shreyas Iyer improvises•Sportzpics

“It’s 100 per cent Shreyas Iyer’s team,” Ponting said. “It’s not my team, it’s not the coach’s team, it’s Shreyas Iyer’s team. He’s the captain, and with captains of any team, once the game starts the captain is the coach. He’s a terrific young man, determined, very good player. He’s developing his leadership well. Halfway through last year, then he’s captained for Mumbai [in domestic cricket], and finally India A. It’s a high-pressure environment, the IPL, and I love working with him.”Capitals have tended to suffer collapses late in their chases this season. They slid to a scarcely believable defeat against Kings XI Punjab and nearly did the same against Royal Challengers too, but Ponting wasn’t too worried.”We can look at it in two ways,” Ponting said. “I was worried about the Kings XI run chase. We should’ve won that with an over to spare, but what didn’t worry me about the RCB game was that the boys were taking the opposition on. They were being ultra-aggressive, maybe recklessly.”But I don’t mind that, we need that mindset to win big games, but you must ensure you get across the line. We had the game won when the collapse happened in Bangalore. Collapses will happen if your best batsmen aren’t there at the end, which our batting group is now aware of.”

West Indies have lost to Bangladesh in both league games. Can they turn their fortunes in the grand finale?

The Preview by Mohammad Isam16-May-2019Big picture
Two big questions will be answered when Bangladesh take on West Indies in the tri-series final in Malahide on Friday. Can they win a tournament final, potentially without Shakib Al Hasan, who suffered a side strain in the previous game? Can West Indies beat Bangladesh’s consistency and resist their fightback from crucial positions?West Indies’ inability to get past Bangladesh in the league phase has been down to two factors. The Bangladesh bowlers have cut down their scoring as soon as the ball has gotten softer, and West Indies’ lack of discipline with the ball in the aftermath of a breakthrough.Add to it their fielding woes that has left Jason Holder fuming at times, like when Mohammad Mithun was reprieved despite being stranded halfway down the pitch at a vital moment. They also haven’t bowled to full potential in the Powerplays, especially against Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar.In the big finale, West Indies will now hope they don’t have to run into spin twins Shakib and Mehidy Hasan, who have effectively slowed down their scoring in the two games they’ve played in the league phase. Shai Hope has slipped to an anchor’s role, but the form Darren Bravo and the rest of the middle order will concern them. Bangladesh will want to expose this aspect of their game again, apart from also wanting Mithun, Sabbir Rahman to join the batting bandwagon.Form guide
West Indies: LWLWW (Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: WWWLLIn the spotlight
Shai Hope has been West Indies’ most consistent batsman in the last 12 months. He averages 72.06 in 20 matches during this period. In this tri-series, he has carried on that good form. He has three hundreds in his last eight outings against Bangladesh. Getting him out early will set the tone for them again.Mushfiqur Rahim batting at No. 4 ensures Bangladesh either build on a solid platform or arrest a wobble quickly. This series, he’s had scores of 35, 63 and 32 not out. He would however also be the first to tell you that he should have scored more in the last two games.Team news
A back injury has kept John Campbell away from the action since his 179 against Ireland in the series opener. West Indies are likely to bring back Shannon Gabriel in place of Raymon Reifer.West Indies (probable): 1 Sunil Ambris, 2 Shai Hope (wk), 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Roston Chase, 5 Jonathan Carter, 6 Jason Holder (capt), 7 Fabian Allen, 8 Ashley Nurse, 9 Kemar Roach, 10 Sheldon Cottrell, 11 Shannon GabrielIf they are thinking of a playing XI without Shakib – a decision on him will be taken on match day – Bangladesh have to make at least two adjustments. They would need a No 3, for which perhaps Liton Das may be the temporary answer. Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman may have to bowl more as Mahmudullah has a shoulder injury. Abu Jayed’s five-wicket haul also poses a different kind of selection headache for the team management.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Liton Das/Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mohammad Mithun, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Mohamad Saifuddin, 9 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 10 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditions
In the last five ODIs in Malahide, the average score batting first has been 259. Overall, only five out of 15 times have side won batting first. The weather meanwhile seems clear with a hint of rain in the forecast in the evening.Stats and trivia The last time West Indies won a series involving three or more teams was in Canada in 2008. Against Full Member nations, their last such triumph was at the Champions Trophy in 2004. During Bangladesh’s previous outing, Mushfiqur became the fifth wicketkeeper to reach 5000 ODI runs.

حدد مارسيل كولر المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، قائمة اللاعبين لمواجهة جورماهيا الكيني، المقررة بين الفريقين ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلاقي الأهلي فريق جورماهيا الكيني، يوم الأحد 15 سبتمبر، في إطار منافسات ذهاب دور الـ 32 من البطولة القارية.

طالع | تشكيل الأهلي الرسمي أمام جورماهيا في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. ظهور صفقة جديدة

ويستهدف الأهلي، الحفاظ على لقب دوري الأبطال ورفع رصيده من الألقاب إلى 13 بطولة، حيث توج بالنسخة الماضية على حساب الترجي الرياضي التونسي.

وشهدت قائمة الأهلي تواجد الثنائي يحيى عطية الله ويوسف أيمن الوافدين حديثا لصفوف القلعة الحمراء خلال الانتقالات الصيفية الأخيرة، بينما تغيب أشرف داري وعمر الساعي صفقتي الأهلي الجديدتين.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة العودة بين الأهلي وجورماهيا في القاهرة يوم 21 سبتمبر الجاري، في إياب دور الـ32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا قائمة الأهلي لمباراة جورماهيا الكيني في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي – مصطفى شوبير – حمزة علاء

خط الدفاع: محمد هاني – خالد عبد الفتاح – عمر كمال عبد الواحد – رامي ربيعة – يوسف أيمن – ياسر إبراهيم – يحيى عطية الله .

خط الوسط: أكرم توفيق – مروان عطية – إمام عاشور – أحمد نبيل كوكا – كريم نيدفيد – عمرو السولية – محمد مجدي أفشة .

وفي الهجوم: حسين الشحات – رضا سليم – طاهر محمد طاهر – محمود كهربا – بيرسي تاو – وسام أبو علي.

A stoic Dinesh Karthik said it was unfair to say Kolkata Knight Riders are over-dependent on Andre Russell after his side lost their fifth straight game, effectively making all of their last four games must-wins if they want to qualify for the playoffs.Knight Riders were 124 for 5 against Sunrisers Hyderabad when Russell joined Chris Lynn with 4.3 overs left in the innings. But, Lynn fell next over, leaving Russell in the company of the lower order. Although he’s done that task many times for Knight Riders, including specifically lifting them from being five down for much lower scores, Russell couldn’t keep his golden form running into Sunday and fell for a nine-ball 15.”I think that’s unfair to say,” Karthik said after the match. “Today I think 160 was par if we’d bowled well. Even though Andre only got 15 runs today, the rest of them batted really well and brought us to a score that was defendable. But the fact that we didn’t bowl as well, and the wicket got better under lights, and two good players came out all guns blazing made things look very easy.”On Friday, Russell had brought Knight Riders miraculously close to a win against Royal Challengers Bangalore after coming in with the asking rate at 16.53 and just over eight overs to go. His 65 off 25 had brought Knight Riders “two hits away” from victory – Russell’s words and they came ahead of a cheeky little suggestion.”I believe that [I should bat higher up the order],” Russell had said as he put a finger to his lips. “Honestly, you have to sometimes be flexible as a team. When you look at the make-up of our team, I don’t mind going to bat at No. 4.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Arguably this season’s most impactful player, Russell has come in with an average of 42 balls remaining every innings. Comparable to this are Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard’s entry points – an average of 33 and 38 balls remaining respectively. But the fact that Pandya and Pollard play for the same team means Mumbai Indians can hedge their bets on their batting positions. Knight Riders, on the other hand, have often relied on brisk innings around Russell as he singlehandedly pulverises bowling attacks.Karthik alluded to Russell’s comments while saying the West Indian has made no complaints about his batting position. “He had about five overs to face. When he came in, there were 27 balls and we’re looking to play him at a kind of slot where…I think he’s the kind of player even if he had played 10 balls, he’d have made an impact. The key is that we play that well at the top of the order that we set it up for him. There’s been no complaints from his side about the batting part of it. I think he’s been happy with the place where he’s going and he has a clear role in the team which he’s trying to achieve every time he goes out to bat. “Knight Riders are currently placed sixth and in the middle of a losing streak that forced them to drop franchise stalwarts such as Kuldeep Yadav and Robin Uthappa. Those big calls were made, Karthik said, because neither player had performed to the standards they had set themselves. But with four matches to go, and three of them against teams currently placed higher than them, they might just return to the XI in the next game.”It’s always part of the IPL,” Karthik said. “Once you get on a run where you’ve lost a match it puts pressure on the next match. When you win, you can always find ways to win and when you lose, you sometimes find ways to lose. I think these are all the challenges a team always faces in a tournament like this.”We’ve sat together and regrouped and things haven’t gone exactly to plan. Having said that, I have faith in the players I have. I believe there are genuine match winners out there and we need to find ways to find a spark for ourselves and do something special for us. “