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Newcastle United's form this season has been something of a roller-coaster. Just last season, the Magpies managed to secure a Champions League place for the first time since the 2002/03 season.

It was a feat which at the start of the campaign was deemed unreachable, but Eddie Howe managed to prove his doubters wrong and achieve a fourth-placed finish with his squad.

The next closest team were Liverpool, who found themselves just four points shy of a fourth-placed finish.

This achievement allowed Newcastle to sign players such as Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes. However, despite these new additions ramping up the depth of the squad, The Magpies are still yet to find their form from last season.

Indeed, this is largely due to the injuries that the side have sustained, but even with the players they have available, they should be doing better. They currently find themselves in ninth place, 11 points adrift of the top four spots.

Although there is an abundance of players within the Newcastle squad that have performed below par this season, there are two names in particular which stand out ahead of the rest.

Those players are Miguel Almiron and Dan Burn. The pair were essential to last season's success at the club but neither have performed as well as fans expect them to.

According to Sofascore's player ratings algorithm, Burn was the worst player on the pitch on Saturday against Luton Town in the 4-4 draw and only managed to garner a rating of 5.4. Almiron wasn't far off him either, with the Paraguay international only amassing a rating of 6.8.

Why Miguel Almiron should be benched

According to Transfermarkt, the 2022/23 season was the most prolific of Almiron's career since the 2017/18 season when he still played for Atalanta in MLS.

During this season, he managed to contribute to a total of 26 goals in just 38 games. However, his 2023/24 campaign has started off much worse than what Howe expected of him.

So far, the attacker has only contributed to seven goals. When compared to Sean Longstaff who is, by trade, a midfielder, the 26-year-old has managed to garner one extra goal contribution, making his total eight.

This outlines how lacklustre Almiron has been thus far and his performance against Luton did him no favours. The attacker was taken off the field in the 63rd minute after failing to register a dribble or even a shot on target, as per Sofascore.

Whereas, despite not having the best of games himself, Jacob Murphy still managed to successfully dribble past an opponent twice. The performance was summed up aptly by Lee Ryder of the Chronicle, who handed the South American a 4/10 match rating while writing: 'Never looked happy from the offset. Taken off after ineffective display.'

Minutes played

63

Touches

39

Accurate passes

29/34 (85%)

Shots

0

Expected assists (xA)

0.03

Key passes

1

Possession lost

7x

In order to keep his starting spot in the team, the Paraguay international will seriously have to buck his ideas up.

The regression of Dan Burn

Although Almiron was among the worst players on the pitch, he wasn't the worst. This accolade goes to Burn who had yet another defensive calamity.

Much like Almiron, last season was one of the best of the towering defender's career. He was one of the first names on the team sheet for Howe and was arguably the best player in Newcastle's lineup, a point backed up by the fact he didn't miss a single league fixture in 2022/23.

However, after yet another horrendous display against Luton Town in which he lost possession of the ball 16 times and was dribbled past a total of four times, he was also taken off the pitch in the 63rd minute. He was notably at fault for giving away a penalty in the second half.

Comparing those statistics with the rest of The Magpies' starting defence makes Burns' display look even worse, as, none of the other defenders were dribbled past even once.

It feels as if rather than being one of Newcastle's best defenders, he has now become a liability.

MatériaMais Notícias

O início de temporada reservou o maior duelo entre Flamengo e Palmeiras nesta era em que ambos são os principais polos do futebol e brigam pela hegemonia nacional. E, pela Supercopa do Brasil, teve de tudo em um jogo elétrico e histórico, marcado pelo título do Flamengo conquistado através dos pênaltis, após empate em 2 a 2 – com gols de Raphael Veiga (2), Gabigol e Arrascaeta – no tempo regulamentar. O placar das penalidades foi de 6 a 5, após nada mais nada menos que 18 cobranças. Um roteiro impecável para os amantes do futebol.

Assim, o Flamengo se torna o primeiro bicampeão da Supercopa do Brasil. Nas penalidades, cabe destacar que Diego Alves brilhou, com três defesas.

Veja os destaques da decisão:

APITOU… GOL DO PALMEIRAS

Esperávamos um jogo a 220 volts. E a carga atingiu o aguardado já no primeiro lance de ataque. O Palmeiras abafou a saída do Flamengo, e, após ganhar a bola alçada por Diego Alves, teve em Rafael Veiga um protagonista de um gol de placa. O meia girou diante do Arão após tocar a bola estando de costas; frente a frente ao goleiro, bateu de trivela e não perdoou: 1×0 com 1′.

TODOS OS TEMPEROS DE DECISÃO

O jogo não deu oportunidades para o torcedor pegar um água. Almoçar, então, esqueça. O ritmo acelerado foi a tônica dos dois times, que, tensos e esbravejando com a arbitragem a cada instante, conseguiram criar chances até em uma quantidade atípica para uma final.

Aliás, todos os temperos de decisão estavam no mise en place. Expulsão? Teve: Abel Ferreira foi expulso quando o jogo estava empatado por reclamação. Polêmica com VAR? Teve: Isla cometeu falta próximo da área, em lance que, a princípio, Leandro Vuaden apitou falta dentro da área, mas recuou depois de alerta. Lance memorável? Teve: Diego tirou a bola em cima da linha, e de letra (!), em tentativa deBreno Lopes, que chegou a driblar Diego Alves.

Emoção não faltou. Não mesmo!

VIRADA AINDA NO 1ºT

O Flamengo empatou e virou ainda no primeiro tempo. O gol de empate surgiu num período em que o Palmeiras travava a saída do rival com faltas em profusão. Filipe Luís fez a diferença em jogada individual, entrou rabiscando a zaga e acertou a trave; no rebote, gol do Gabigol, o 74º do agora artilheiro isolado do clube no século XXI.

A partida seguia aberta, franca. O reativo Verdão não deixou de incomodar Diego Alves. Mas o Flamengo, que não conseguia desenvolver o seu jogo impositivo, arrumou um espaço com o talento de Arrascaeta. O uruguaio cortou para dentro, da meia-lua, e finalizou com visão e classe: sem chance para Weverton. A virada ocorreu aos 48 minutos do intenso primeiro tempo.

PALMEIRAS ENSAIOU, ENSAIOU… E EMPATOU

O Palmeiras não titubeou. Veio para a etapa final com duas alterações, ambas na cabeça de área (Menino e Danilo entraram nas vagas de Felipe Melo e Zé Rafael). O time credenciado via Copa do Brasil passou a encurralar o Fla e a encontrar boas soluções para chegar à área e incomodar Diego Alves.

De tanto martelar, chegando por diversas caminhos e encontrando um Fla com o meio num mau dia, Rony sofreu pênalti cometido por Rodrigo Caio (puxão) e permitiu que Veiga empatasse o então justo marcador: 2×2.

PENAIS PELA TAÇA (QUE JOGO!)

O jogo permaneceu elétrico e destinou dois lances inacreditáveis envolvendo Weverton e linha de sua meta, ambas na reta final: uma em chute de Vitinho, a bola beijou a trave, e o goleiro beijou a bola (sim, literalmente); depois, praticamente na jogada derradeira, Gabigol chutou e a bola desfilou sobre a linha, mas o arqueiro foi buscar (VAR chegou a analisar). Nada… Os penais tiveram que decidir o memorável confronto.

DEPOIS DE 18 COBRANÇAS, DEU FLA!

Nas cobranças, que não ocorreram sem antes de uma confusão entre as delegações fora de campo, o Flamengo levou o título pela segunda vez consecutiva tendo Rodrigo Caio na cobrança final. Diego Alves ainda defendeu três pênaltis, brilhou e terminou como protagonista.

INVENCIBILIDADE MANTIDA

Antes de a bola rolar, o Palmeiras não vencia o Flamengo desdenovembro de 2017 – eram seis confrontos, com três vitórias rubro-negras e três empates. E seguiu sem vencer. O Flamengo ampliou a respeitável sequência invicta, desta vez com um duelo emocionante e de imensa magnitude.

FICHA TÉCNICA
FLAMENGO 2(6)X(5)2 PALMEIRAS – SUPERCOPA DO BRASIL
Estádio: Mané Garrincha, em Brasília (DF)
Data e hora: 11 de abril de 2021, às 11h
Árbitro: Leandro Pedro Vuaden (RS)
Assistentes: Rafael da Silva Alves (Fifa/RS) e Jorge Eduardo Bernardi (RS)
Árbitro de vídeo: Wagner Reway (PB)
Gramado: bom
Cartões amarelos: Isla, Rodrigo Caio, Willian Arão, Rogério Ceni (FLA) / Felipe Melo, Wesley, Abel Ferreira, Luan, Mayke (PAL)
Cartões vermelhos:Abel Ferreira (PAL)

GOLS:Raphael Veiga, 1’/1ºT (0-1); Gabigol, 23’/1ºT (1-1); Arrascaeta,48’/1ºT (2-1); Raphael Veiga,28’/2ºT (2-2)

PÊNALTIS

Palmeiras
Raphael Veiga (gol), Gustavo Gómez (gol),Gustavo Scarpa (gol),Luan (perdeu), Danilo (perdeu),Matías Viña (gol), Pepê (gol),Gabriel Veron (gol), Mayke (perdeu).

Flamengo
Arrascaeta (gol),Filipe Luís (perdeu), Matheuzinho (perdeu), Vitinho (gol), Gabigol (gol), João Gomes (gol), Pepê (perdeu), Michael (gol), Rodrigo Caio (gol)

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Rogério Ceni)
Diego Alves; Isla (Matheuzinho, 17’/2ºT), Willian Arão, Rodrigo Caio e Filipe Luís; Diego (João Gomes, 17’/2ºT), Gerson (Pepê, 42’/2ºT), Everton Ribeiro (Vitinho, 33’/2ºT) e Arrascaeta; Bruno Henrique (Michael, 42’/2ºT)e Gabigol.

PALMEIRAS (Técnico: Abel Ferreira)
Weverton; Marcos Rocha (Mayke, 14’/2ºT), Luan, Gustavo Gómez e Matías Viña; Felipe Melo (Gabriel Menino, intervalo), Zé Rafael (Danilo, intervalo), Raphael Veiga, Breno Lopes e Wesley (Gabriel Veron, 14’/2ºT); Rony (Gustavo Scarpa, 45’/2ºT).

Manchester United will be desperate to make up for their poor start in the second half of the season.

Erik ten Hag’s team has an opportunity to do so on Sunday as they host Spurs in the Premier League.

With the Red Devils eighth in the table after 20 games, the former Ajax boss will look to bolster his squad in January.

Man Utd transfers latest – Youssouf Fofana

According to reports in Spain, Man United are interested in signing Youssouf Fofana.

The 25-year-old midfielder is viewed as the perfect replacement for Sofyan Amrabat, who has struggled to adapt this season.

However, a move for Fofana is unlikely this winter due to United’s strict financial fair play guidelines unless notable sales can be made, amid his estimated £26m value – as per CIES Football Observatory –

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ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 Youssouf Fofana’s style of play

A 19-year-old Anthony Martial introduced himself to United fans with a goal against fierce rivals Liverpool on debut in 2015.

Despite struggling with injuries throughout his time in Manchester, there is no doubt that he has been an excellent player when available over the years. The France forward has scored 90 goals and registered 55 assists in 317 games in a United shirt.

Martial famously came from France via Monaco for around £50m including bonuses, but that money certainly hasn’t gone down the drain, and the Old Trafford outfit will look to repeat their Martial masterclass by signing Fofana, who could also follow the 28-year-old's path from Stade Louis II to the Premier League.

The Ligue 1 engine has become a key player at Monaco, featuring in 16 matches and even contributing to four goals in the process. Fofana is a versatile midfielder who is extremely complete, and his signature would enhance United’s performance levels massively, as according to football writer Ben Mattinson, he is a “game changer."

The table below showcases his profile by displaying statistics from the last year across the top European leagues.

Progressive carries

2.37

Top 16%

Progressive passes

7.83

Top 9%

Passes into final third

5.97

Top 16%

Passes completed

47.59

Top 32%

Interceptions

1.76

Top 6%

Ball recoveries

8.28

Top 4%

Fofana is a physically dominant midfielder who can cover ground without breaking a sweat, yet he is just as strong with the ball at his feet as he is when undertaking defensive tasks. In short, the France ace is extremely technically secure, and he loves to influence the game in the buildup phase, as highlighted by his passing and bally carrying stats.

This is what makes him particularly attractive to United, as they struggle to control the game in the middle of the park, as proven by Scott McTominay ranking in the bottom 9% for passes attempted in the Premier League, as per FBref.

The former Strasbourg player is also extremely intelligent and can read the game extremely well. This allows him to intercept the ball frequently and react first to pick up any loose balls, which would not only give Ten Hag’s team more control but also make them less vulnerable to counterattacks.

Overall, Fofana is the perfect fit for United, and he could just be the player to fix a handful of their problems, with the club needing pluck another star from Monaco.

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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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

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.

With IPL rules only allowing replacements for injured players, Chennai have to do without one for David Willey

Saurabh Somani in Chennai30-Mar-2019Scott Kuggeleijn, the New Zealand bowling allrounder, will replace Lungi Ngidi in Chennai Super Kings’ squad for IPL 2019. Kuggeleijn will strengthen the Super Kings overseas contingent, which was hit first by Ngidi’s withdrawal through injury, and then by David Willey opting out because of personal reasons.In the IPL, replacements can only be sought for players who are injured, meaning Super Kings can’t get anyone to make up for Willey’s absence.”We can’t replace David Willey, and David’s got a personal issue at home that he’s dealing with. We’ve supported him and we’ll continue to support him, contrary to some of the statements that have come out,” Stephen Fleming, the Chennai Super Kings coach, said at M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai a day before the team’s match against Rajasthan Royals.”We can’t replace David Willey no matter what happens, so it’s just about us supporting him and his family as they go through some issues at home. So that’s the end of the story.”

We haven’t got a tall, bounce bowler that Ngidi was. Kuggeleijn has got pace and the velocity, which is something differentSTEPHEN FLEMING

But Ngidi, who had opted out with a side strain, has now been replaced by Kuggeleijn, perhaps not as accomplished a bowler, but a better batting option in the lower middle-order.”For Lungi, we’ve been a bit more selective. It’s obviously a different level of replacement player based on price, and we’ve gone with Scott Kuggeleijn, who’s a New Zealand international who bowls quick and bats well,” Fleming explained. “So we’ve looked for an allrounder, who has good pace and good variations. He’ll be joining us next week.”Kuggeleijn made his T20I debut during India’s tour of New Zealand in February, and has played four T20Is and two ODIs to date.Though his international career is still young, it hasn’t been without controversy, with protests by spectators at stadia during the India series – the 27-year-old had faced charges of rape in 2015, but was found not guilty two years ago.In his brief time on the international stage, Kuggeleijn has proven himself to be a powerful striker of the ball down the order and has bowled at brisk pace. He had middling returns in New Zealand’s Super Smash, the domestic T20 league, playing for runners-up Northern Districts. He took 13 wickets in nine games, giving up runs at 8.14 per over. He didn’t have much to do with the bat, facing only 20 balls across six innings – four of which he remained not out in.For Super Kings, Kuggeleijn will be the only overseas quick, though he isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Ngidi. Fleming, however, said he was satisfied with the strength of the Super Kings pace attack.”We value all the players in the squad,” Fleming said. “We’ve got some good talent. Mohit Sharma is yet to play and he’s getting back from a fitness injury. We haven’t got a tall, bounce bowler that Ngidi was. Kuggeleijn has got pace and the velocity, which is something different.”The way the pitch is going here (in Chennai) and the way our spinners are playing, I don’t think pace is necessarily the key. The bounce is probably what interests us more. But you can’t be everything, and we certainly back the players we’ve got. That’s why we don’t make hasty decisions about what type of player we want. We think we’ve got enough cover, and players that are in form waiting for an opportunity.”

Sunderland's hunt for a new manager continues, Tony Mowbray was dismissed by the Black Cats on Monday after a forgettable 1-1 draw with Millwall last match was considered the final straw.

The decision to axe Mowbray was far more than just an on-the-pitch situation going sour however, Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus wanting to go in a new bold direction with the next manager in at the Stadium of Light to move away from the departing 60-year-old's safe and understated approach.

Various names from all corners of the football world are being linked to the attractive Championship vacancy, with one name in particular gaining traction in recent days.

Sunderland manager latest

The manager in question on everyone's lips at the Stadium of Light is Kim Hellberg, the current IFK Värnamo boss is being tipped to leave Sweden behind for Sunderland very soon according to reports.

The Black Cats are plotting talks already to bring Hellberg into the building, with it being further revealed by Swedish football website Sportbladet that Sunderland are even sitting down with their chosen man this week to discuss the possibility of the 35-year-old taking over from Mowbray.

This would see Sunderland end their pursuit of Will Still and Kieran McKenna – two names who have also been mentioned, as has been reported in TEAMtalk – the second-tier outfit potentially going all in on the young Scandinavian head coach instead.

It's an appointment that would raise eyebrows, but it's a left-field managerial choice that could work.

Sunderland will hope that appointing Hellberg is a masterstroke, finding their very own Graham Potter if the 35-year-old succeeds with the club – the former Chelsea boss earned his stripes in Sweden with Östersunds FK at the start of his fledgling managerial career.

Kim Hellberg's managerial style

Often setting up his Värnamo side in a 4-3-3 formation, Hellberg's approach and style has seen the Swedish side pick up big wins recently to continue punching above their weight in 5th position in the Allsvenskan.

In the league recently, Hellberg's men have confidently beaten opponents IFK Göteborg and Kalmar by the same 3-1 scoreline – Gustav Engvall up top for Värnamo helping himself to two goals and an assist in these encounters, the 27-year-old attacker a star under his now in-demand manager with 11 goals for the season.

The Sunderland hierarchy will hope he can get the misfiring Black Cats attackers firing on all cylinders if he was appointed, the Championship club have been in desperate need of a talismanic figure to lead the line again ever since Ross Stewart left in the summer.

Hellberg's style could go hand-in-hand with the current personnel at the Black Cats, a 4-3-3 formation switch would see Jack Clarke pushed even further forward as a dangerman for the Durham-based club, which could help misfiring forwards such as Nazariy Rusyn not feel as isolated as he was in Mowbray's previous system.

Moving away from the previously familiar 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations under the last tenure could also see midfielders such as Pierre Ekwah feel less shackled by their defensive duties, Sunderland's number 39 has scored twice this season even when regularly featuring as an anchor helping out his back four.

Billed as an "extremely interesting" appointment by football journalist Josh Bunting if Sunderland can pull the move off, it will be fascinating to see if the second-tier promotion hopefuls do decide to appoint the unproven EFL entity or ultimately look elsewhere.

The Black Cats can look to the case of Potter as a reason to be optimistic, the Englishman having also been an unorthodox appointment by Swansea City when he arrived in Wales from Östersunds back in 2018, with the ex-Chelsea man then going on to have a celebrated career in England from the dug-out.

Hellberg will look at Potter's career trajectory and he'll want to replicate that, coming in hungry to prove a point and manage at the very top – hopefully with Sunderland.

MS Dhoni cannot be replaced, feels India head coach Ravi Shastri.”You can’t,” Shastri told Michael Vaughan in an interview published in the , when asked about the plans once Dhoni, now 37, retires. “Such players only come once in 30 or 40 years. That is what I tell Indians – enjoy it while it lasts. When he goes, you will see a void that will be very hard to fill. I know there is Rishabh Pant, but to be an ambassador for the sport for so long is amazing.”Dhoni is the oldest player in the India squad and, for the past year or so, his position in the team has been hotly debated with the explosive finishes that made him one of the most feared limited-overs batsmen drying up.

Shastri picks his World Cup favourites

Although he did not nominate one team as a standout favourite, Shastri indicated that three to four teams, including India and England, had a good chance.
“There will be three or four teams that can do it and it is how you start. If we gain momentum early then India are very dangerous because we have got a lot of crowd support and things backing us,” he said.
According to Shastri, England have an upper-hand not because they are the hosts, but because Eoin Morgan’s team has the depth in batting and is stacked with several allrounders.
“Absolutely,” Shastri agreed with Vaughan, who checked if England are covered in all facets of the ODI game. “This is the best England team I have seen. They have been focussed in picking players who are good in that format of the game and will take their chances from ball one to dictate terms to the opposition.
“You also have balance. We saw England last year in England and they had depth in batting and a lot of players who are multifaceted. They have five or six guys who can be called upon at any time to bowl and that is what you want.”

The Indian team management, however, has continued to back Dhoni, and in the third ODI against Australia on Friday, the batsman repaid the faith with a second successive match-winning half-century to help clinch the series 2-1.Dhoni is likely to travel to the World Cup in England and Wales later this year as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, and according to Shastri, his contribution from behind the wicket has been vital to the team’s success. “That is because he has the best angle. He sees things. He is great with the guys, they all worship him. This entire team has been built by him because he was captain for ten years. To have that kind of respect in the dressing room and experience is massive,” Shastri said.ALSO READ: Chopra: What is Dhoni’s role in the India ODI side?Even when he isn’t in the team, Dhoni remains ever-present, Shastri said, giving the example of Pant, who was in constant touch with the senior man during the preceding Test series in Australia.”His [Pant] hero is MS. Every day he is on the phone to MS. I think during the Test series, he must have spoken more to MS than anyone else. It is great when you have that mutual respect. Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, the respect they have for each other is unbelievable, so it makes my job in the dressing room so much easier.”MS Dhoni plays a pull•Getty Images

Asked to describe his role as head coach, Shastri said he preferred tinkering with mindsets rather than techniques. “I am more into fine-tuning, mindsets, and how you play the game. Very rarely will I go and tinker with a player unless I think it is needed,” he said. “Yes, I will bang him on the head if I think he is a p**** or afraid of something. That is when I am at my nastiest. Then I’m not a coach, I am something else.”You have to be fearless if you want to play for this team. Fearless means trusting your instincts and clarity of thought. Once you have made up your mind, don’t be scared of what if. You would rather get out testing your instincts than being in two minds.”ALSO READ: Happy to bat anywhere in the middle order – DhoniShastri had earlier served as team director between 2014 and 2016. He returned as head coach in 2017 and has been a part of some heady wins, none bigger than the recent Test series win in Australia – the first Asian team to achieve the feat in 71 years.Shastri reiterated that for him, the triumph was bigger than India winning the World Cup in 1983, when he was one of the squad members. “Winning the World Cup in 1983 was big and also 1985, when we beat Pakistan in the final of the Benson & Hedges World Championship here in Melbourne. But this was the biggest I have been involved in because, for me, Test cricket is the purest format of the game. For 71 years, Asian teams have come here with great spinners and batsmen, and not won. So to do it after 71 years is something special.”As far as he is concerned, Shastri is clear about his target: build a successful unit of match-winners that will help India win overseas consistently.”It is about making a team culture. When I took this job, I knew India had brilliant individual players. But how often when we have toured overseas have we looked like a team? You are not here to fill in your own numbers. You have to think how are we going to win this Test,” Shastri said.”Who are the guys we are going to back who will play in that fashion for their country? Who is going to be like Australians, who play hard for their country? Be prepared for the battle out there in the middle. My coaching is on those lines.”

Former Ballon d'Or winner and Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

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Hegerberg extended Lyon staySigned a new three-year deal with clubBarcelona wanted to sign the forwardWHAT HAPPENED?

There were speculations over the 28-year-old's future with the French club with Barcelona reportedly interested in signing the forward in the summer but she has now put pen to paper on a new contract that keeps her at the club until 2027.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hegerberg joined Les Fenottes in 2014 and in the last nine seasons, she has won 23 trophies with the club which include eight Division 1 titles and six Women's Champions League trophies. The Norwegian bagged the prestigious Ballon d'Or in the inaugural season of the award – 2018.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

The official statement on the club's star player's contract extension read, "Norway and Olympique Lyonnais superstar Ada Hegerberg continues her adventure with the French giants. Hegerberg’s future has dominated the transfer windows over the years, as the saga of a potential move to FC Barcelona kept fans and media busy on numerous occasions. It is now sorted with the 28-year-old forward extending her stay at Lyon until 2027, in a major coup from the French club. Despite the change of ownership and intense courtship from some of the best teams in the world, Hegerberg, the first Ballon d’Or and top goalscorer in UWCL history, has opted for stability. The summer of 2024 will mark her tenth year anniversary with the club.'

After signing the deal, Hegerberg said, "I’m glad we were able to make it happen. The story is yet to end. I firmly believe we have the team to win more trophies in the coming years, and the support we need to keep the team and the club at the highest level possible."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ADA HEGERBERG?

The player will be next seen in action on Saturday as Sonia Bompastor's side take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final clash.

رد روفين شرودر، المدير الرياضي لفريق لايبزيج الألماني، على الأنباء المتداولة بشأن مستقبل لاعب الفريق داني أولمو.

ويرتبط داني أولمو باهتمام نادي برشلونة الإسباني، حيث ذكرت تقارير صحفية أن لايبزيج تلقى عرضين للاعبه.

ويضغط فريق برشلونة من أجل الحصول على خدمات أولمو، لكن لايبزيج لن يسهل على المهاجم المغادرة.

وقال روفين شرودر، لشبكة “سكاي سبورتس”: “داني يتمتع بقيمة لا تصدق بالنسبة لنا، كلاعب وكشخص”.

وأضاف: “نحن لسنا تحت أي ضغط لبيعه، في ظل الوضع الحالي، نتوقع عودة داني إلينا بعد فترة راحته عقب بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا”.

وذكر الصحفي فابريزو رومانو أن برشلونة أجرى محادثات مع أولمو بشأن عقد لمدة 6 سنوات حتى 30 يونيو 2030 (طالع التفاصيل من هنا).

At the start of the season, Everton looked on a collision course for Premier League relegation. Defeats against the likes of Luton Town and Fulham left many in doubt of Sean Dyche's side's ability to avoid the drop. But the former Burnley man has since finally started turning things around at Goodison Park, picking up wins over West Ham United and Bournemouth, before holding Brighton & Hove Albion to a 1-1 draw.

Whilst the season is yet to even reach its second half too, the Toffees' form suggests that they are more than capable of avoiding the drop come the end of the campaign, which could leave them well placed to land an exciting midfield target.

Everton transfer news

As things get back on track on the pitch, Everton's issues have continued to build away from Goodison Park, with the Premier League's financial fair play investigation potentially resulting in a 12-point deduction or transfer sanctions. The consequences could deal those in Merseyside a major blow when it comes to keeping their top flight status intact and welcoming future reinforcements. Nonetheless, whilst they remain without a punishment, the Toffees have reportedly set their sights on a rising star from the Championship.

According to The Daily Mail, Everton are interested in Archie Gray, who has impressed for Leeds United in England's second tier this season. Those at Goodison Park would, however, have to fight off the interest of the likes of Merseyside rivals Liverpool, who are reportedly lining up a bid for the teenager, as well as Crystal Palace, if they want to land Gray's signature next summer.

It also remains to be seen whether Everton have the financial capabilities to land the Leeds youngster, given the reported £40m-£50m price-tag placed on the midfielder by the Yorkshire club. The investment of 777 Partners could help but, at this stage, Everton are not in a position to compete with Liverpool's spending.

Everton interested in "incredible" Gray

At just 17-years-old, Gray has featured in all but one game for Leeds this season, as he continues to establish himself as the Yorkshire club's brightest spark for the future. Given his talent, the Whites will face some battle to keep hold of the teenager during the summer transfer window, especially considering the fact that Gray's stats have more than kept up with Everton's current options.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Archie Gray

13

39

21

James Garner

13

30

15

Idrissa Gueye

14

25

11

It's no surprise that the academy graduate has been at the centre of praise this season, including from Jermaine Beckford, who told Sky Sports via Leeds Live: "I thought he was incredible. Watching him play, you forget about his age, you forget he's only 17 years old. When he first started training with the first-team, he was still doing his GCSEs.

"He played with such maturity, he was so confident on the ball. He didn't rush, he didn't panic at all. Everything about his game today was absolutely spot on, and if today is anything to go by, this kid has such a bright future ahead of him. He's in the right place to learn, he's got a little bit of everything in him. Phenomenal player, he did really well today."