One day after Deepak Chahar was bought by Chennai Super Kings for INR 14 crore (USD 1.8m approx.), making him the highest-paid Indian bowler at an IPL auction, he has said that he always knew he would return to the four-time champions under MS Dhoni.He told Star Sports on Sunday that in 2018, franchise owner N Srinivasan had told him that he would have a long association with the franchise, and since then, Chahar said, he had never broached the topic of retention or auction plans with the team.He also said that he “could not imagine” playing for any other franchise. “I’ve never spoken about all this to Mahi [captain MS Dhoni] or CSK management,” Chahar said. “In 2018, I had met Srinivasan sir, and he has said, ‘you will play in yellow always’. So I took his word that day and since then I have never spoken about retention. I knew CSK would bid [for me].”We [India’s T20I squad] were travelling from Ahmedabad to Kolkata, and the whole team was watching the auction. Everyone was saying (what’s the bid price?) and all that.”I wanted to play for CSK because I haven’t imagined myself playing in other colour than yellow. At one point, I thought it [the bid price] was too much. As a CSK player, I also want to build a good team. So after they spent 13 crore, I actually wanted the bidding to stop so I can go to CSK quickly and then we can buy some other players [with the money saved].Chahar will represent the Super Kings for a fifth season in a row, having been bought by the franchise before IPL 2018 for INR 80 lakh. Before that, he had worked with some of the Super Kings personnel at the Rising Pune Supergiant franchise, where he played between 2016 and 2017 alongside Dhoni and current Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming as the Super Kings sat out their suspension in the aftermath of the spot-fixing scandal of 2013.Chahar also said that despite batting rather low in the Super Kings line-up in previous seasons, he hopes to score more runs in the upcoming IPL edition. Over the last 12 months, he has shown his usefulness with the bat for the Indian ODI side, with his unbeaten 69 in Colombo taking India over the line, a 54 against South Africa last month to almost rescue the team, and an important 38 against West Indies in Ahmedabad last week.However, Chahar does have one regret, and that is not having his cousin Rahul Chahar in the same franchise as him. The duo did share the dressing room at Pune, but never played together.”In Pune, I played first game, he played second, I played third, and he played fourth, but we never played together. I was thinking this auction we might play together, but may be some other time. I’ll ask Rahul to come from Punjab for next year (laughs).”
Harvey Elliott is "angry and frustrated" with his lack of Liverpool playing time as the midfielder opened up on "very honest" talks with Arne Slot.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Elliott emerged as the super sub in the UCLScored the winner against PSG in the last-16Aggrieved due to fringe role in Liverpool squadFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Elliott, 21, made a decisive impact in Liverpool’s Champions League round-of-16 first-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Introduced in the 85th minute in place of Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah, he scored the winning goal with his first touch, sealing a crucial 1-0 victory at the Parc des Princes.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Elliott has made 18 appearances this campaign but has started just four matches. His opportunities have been further limited this season due to an injury setback as the midfielder fractured his foot while on international duty in September, disrupting his momentum.
WHAT ELLIOTT SAID
After his match-winning performance in Paris, Elliott revealed that he has held conversations with Slot regarding his limited minutes.
"Very honest conversations and open conversations," he said. "It's down to me to put the work in, to be honest, and show him everything that he's told me. I'm trying to work on it, I'm trying to improve and I'm trying to get in this team.
"At the same time, I feel like I can't get too angry and frustrated because quite frankly the team is doing amazing. As I said, it's a team game. It's just not about me. I just need to make sure that I'm ready in moments like tonight where I can contribute. Just make sure I'm in the right mind frame to come on and influence the game.
"There are periods of time where I want to be playing and it's not happening. But moments like tonight, it keeps me motivated and the hunger is still within me to go out and show what I can do and influence the game as much as I can. I think not only myself, but any football player would want to play each and every game. It's just not humanly possible, you just need to wait for your moments. And nights like tonight, just enjoy it and take the opportunity."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
DID YOU KNOW?
Elliott also highlighted how his experience at a young age has helped him navigate these challenges, having already played 150 games for Liverpool since joining from Fulham in 2019.
"I'm still young, it's a hard thing to understand in my head really. I've played 150 games for Liverpool, and I feel like I'm very experienced in terms of that aspect," he said.
"So there are moments within the season where I am getting angry, I am getting frustrated because I want to play, but at the same time I need to respect the situation, I need to respect the manager's decisions. Some games I'm needed, some games I'm not. That's just how football is. That's why I feel like we're in the position that we are in this season so far because of his decisions."
During the three-day quarantine, everyone who is part of the bubble will need to do in-room testing, with each test being 24-hours apart
Nagraj Gollapudi03-Mar-2022A three-day hard quarantine in the hotel room followed by a negative test on the fourth day will be mandatory before teams can enter the IPL bubble, according to the quarantine protocol distributed by IPL to the franchises on Thursday.During the three-day quarantine, everyone who is part of the bubble will need to do in-room testing, with each test being 24-hours apart. All participants will need to continue doing the daily test for the next three days (until day six). “After the completion of three days (72 hours) of quarantine, the test will be done on fourth day and once the negative report comes, the participant can enter the bubble,” the IPL protocol document states.That rule, though, would not apply for all those coming into the IPL bubble from another bubble – bilateral series, franchise preparatory camp, domestic tournament, national camp – as long as participants commute on a charter flight or by road. Several players are scheduled to join the IPL bubble directly after participating in various bilateral series in March-April, including India’s tour of Sri Lanka, Australia’s tour of Pakistan, England’s tour of West Indies and Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa.Related
IPL 2022 FAQs: Seven-day isolation for positive tests, 25% stadium attendance, two reviews per team
IPL 2022: New man on strike even if batters cross when a catch is taken
Gujarat Titans sign Rahmanullah Gurbaz as Jason Roy's replacement
South Africa players face 'litmus test of loyalty' ahead of IPL 2022
Mumbai and Pune to host league phase of IPL 2022
In case the participants break out from the previous bubble, they would then need to do three-day quarantine and clear the test on day four before joining the IPL bubble. All participants in India will also need to undergo twin tests in the preceding 48 hours before they enter the quarantine. In the case of overseas participants, it would be two tests in the preceding 72 hours.All the ten teams are busy getting ready to start their own bubble as they commence their preparatory camps, most of which will be in Mumbai where the bulk of the league phase – 55 out of 70 matches – will be played. Teams like Chennai Super Kings will train in Surat and Ahmedabad Titans will have a short camp in Ahmedabad before heading to Mumbai where the IPL has organised multiple venues for training in addition to the three that will host the tournament – the Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Sports Academy.”If the teams are holding any camp prior to arrival in Mumbai, then the same quarantine protocols will apply,” the document said. “While traveling to Mumbai, bubble to bubble transfer is possible by charter flights or road travel, such that the bubble is maintained at all times. On arrival test will be done in Mumbai and till the time results comes out the participants to be quarantined in their respective rooms. If the bubble to bubble transfer is not carried out or pre-camp quarantine as above is not done then on arrival in Mumbai, all the participants will have to undergo quarantine as per the protocols. There should be zero contact at the airport.”
Arsenal have taken the “first steps” in their pursuit of a forward as Mikel Arteta’s side enter “early negotiations” over his signing, according to a report this week.
Arsenal prepare for Fulham after trip
Their nightmare period from mid-October to mid-November, where they went without a single win in the Premier League, appears to be well behind Arteta and co – who have now won their last four games in all competitions.
Arsenal will look to sell "high level" ace who "could play at Real Madrid"
He’s apparently good enough for a slot in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 7, 2024
Imperious victories over Nottingham Forest, Sporting CP, West Ham and Manchester United have put Arsenal in very good stead and rejuvenated hopes of a first domestic crown in more than two decades, with Fulham awaiting the north Londoners at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Arsenal could be without Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been central to their dominance from set plays with three headed goals this season, and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori for their trip across the English capital.
Fulham (away)
December 8
Everton (home)
December 14
Crystal Palace (away)
December 21
Ipswich Town (home)
December 27
Brentford (away)
January 1
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta also revelled in the club’s tag as England’s corner kings. “We want to be the kings of everything – at set pieces, the best in the world, at high press, the best in the world, attacking open spaces, the best in the world,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s set-piece success.
“We want the best atmosphere in the stadium, and be the best at everything. Before it was about we didn’t score enough, we were so defensive in our mentality, we were not physical enough and could not challenge the top teams and going 22, 17, 20 years without winning away from home in big matches.
“We want to be the best at everything, we want to have the best academy, the best individual development for players, recruit the best players and have the best coaches. That’s the aim and now we have to go and do something else.”
The Gunners are widely expected to dismantle Fulham and maintain their excellent form, but in the background, interim sporting director Jason Ayto and Arsenal are planning to sign a new forward to further back Arteta.
Arsenal in "early" negotiations to sign Wolves forward Matheus Cunha
Earlier this week, reports claimed that Arsenal hold a serious interest in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian’s seven goals and three assists this season have turned heads across the Premier League. north London rivals Tottenham are also believed to be preparing talks with Cunha’s representatives, despite Gary O’Neil categorically ruling out a January transfer.
Other media sources believe that Arsenal have already made contact over Cunha, with a Spanish report now providing its own update on the situation.
Cunha
It states that Arsenal are in “early” negotiations over a move for Cunha, and those within the Emirates Stadium regard the £44 million Wolves signing as a “perfect complement” to their already potent attacking line.
The ex-Atletico Madrid star can also play a variety of roles, having featured out wide, as a central attacking midfielder, second-striker and traditional centre-forward at Molineux this season.
Aston Villa’s poor run of form continued after a 0-0 draw at Villa Park against Juventus on Wednesday night. Unai Emery’s side faced heartbreak at the death, with a late goal ruled out. The Villans are now without a win in seven games, as their concerning spell goes on.
It was Morgan Rogers’ strike that was ruled out right before the final whistle. Youri Tielemans’ freekick was dropped by Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Rogers simply picked up the loose ball and fired home, and thought he had won it for the Villans. However, after a VAR check, Diego Carlos was deemed to have fouled the Juve shot stopper and the goal was ruled out.
Statistically, both sides were relatively even. According to Sofascore, the Old Lady slightly dominated possession, with 56% to the home side’s 44%. The Villans did have more shots, with 11 compared to Juve’s eight, and created a higher expected goals total, 1.23xG to 0.44xG.
It was a frustrating night for the Villans, who are desperate to end their lean run of form and thought they had done as much before VAR intervened. There were some disappointing performances from those in Claret and Blue, with Rogers one of the players who struggled.
Rogers’ stats vs. Juventus
It is perhaps no coincidence that Villa’s poor run of form has coincided with a tough spell for Rogers. He has been a talismanic figure under Emery this season but has managed just one goal involvement in Villa’s winless run.
It was another tough night for the attacking midfielder against Juventus. Against a well-drilled Juve side coached by Thiago Motta, there was little room for him to get on the ball, and he had little impact on the game.
The England international, who made his senior debut this month, earned a post-match rating of 4/10 from GOAL journalist Harry Sherlock. He explained the attacker ‘struggled against Juve’s physicality in midfield’ although did praise his effort, explaining he ‘kept plugging away’ against the Old Lady.
Indeed, the Manchester City academy graduate did not have the best stats from the game, either. He had 48 touches of the ball, completing 75% of his passes and losing the ball 19 times. Off the ball, the Villa number 27 won just two from ten ground duels.
Rogers was not the only Villa attacker who disappointed against the Old Lady, however, with Leon Bailey also having a tough night.
Leon Bailey’s stats vs. Juventus
Like his fellow attacker Rogers, Bailey had a really frustrating time of things against Juventus. He also struggled to have any impact on the game in an attacking sense, although not for a lack of effort.
Again, Motta’s well-drilled defensive set-up meant Bailey could not really have any impact in the final third, and although he was persistent, there was simply no way past such a resilient Juve defence. The winger was also wasteful in possession at times.
His stats from the game certainly reflect the tough night for the Jamaican. He had 43 touches of the ball and a pass accuracy of just 70%. The former Bayer Leverkusen man lost the ball 16 times, and completed only two out of four dribbles. It was not an easy night for the winger.
Stat
Number
Pass accuracy
70%
Touches
43
Passes completed
16/23
Number of times possession lost
16
Ground duels won
5/11
Dribbles completed
2/4
Tackles won
0/1
He also received a 4/10 rating from Sherlock for his efforts against the Turin side. The journalist explained that try as he might to breach the Juve defence, Bailey simply ‘couldn’t get beyond them’ at all.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
It was another really difficult evening for the Villans, who now face a tough assignment at Stamford Bridge against high-flying Chelsea, as they desperately look for a win to break this wretched run.
On the evidence of yesterday’s outing, Bailey should find himself among the substitutes for the trip to west London.
Aston Villa and Monchi eyeing move to sign int'l player in £8m+ transfer
Aston Villa chiefs are keeping a close eye on a player who has many potential suitors.
O lateral-direito Moreira, de apenas 17 anos, pode ser uma das grandes opções de Rogério Ceni para ocupar a posição na partida do São Paulo contra o Mirassol, no próximo domingo (13), às 16h.
RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo arrecadou mais de R$ 2,6 milhões em bilheteria nos clássicos disputados no MorumbiSão Paulo11/03/2022São PauloA conta pesou! Após disputar todos os jogos do São Paulo na temporada, Gabriel Sara sai lesionadoSão Paulo11/03/2022São PauloANÁLISE: Após primeiro tempo ruim, São Paulo melhora no segundo e esbarra em sistema defensivo rivalSão Paulo11/03/2022
Rafinha foi expulso no último jogo disputado pelo Tricolor paulista, contra o Palmeiras. Já Igor Vinícius está lesionado. Com isso, Moreira pode encontrar um espaço como titular na equipe na próxima partida.
O atleta fez sua estreia como profissional no jogo contra o Água Santa, também válido pelo Campeonato Paulista, e se destacou, sendo alvo de elogios de Ceni durante a coletiva de imprensa pós jogo.
TABELA >Veja a situação do São Paulo no Paulistão 2022
Moreira chegou ao São Paulo em 2017. Com cidadania portuguesa, já atuou também com a camisa da Seleção do país europeu, em torneios Sub-20. Além dele, Nathan também pode ser uma opção para o treinador do São Paulo.
Porém, Nathan ainda não teve oportunidades de atuar na equipe de Rogério Ceni, que começa com a preparação do time para a próxima rodada do Paulistão nesta sexta-feira, às 16h. Além da expulsão de Rafinha, Gabriel Sara também se tornou um desfalque recente devido à uma lesão no tornozelo, sofrida no clássico contra o Alviverde.
Jack Grealish has been a “huge success” at Manchester City, says Richard Dunne, despite questions being asked of value for money in a £100m transfer.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Moved to the Etihad Stadium in 2021
Won the Treble in second season with City
End product has been in short supply
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
The England international forward became the most expensive player in British football when moving to the Etihad Stadium from boyhood club Aston Villa in 2021. He now has three Premier League titles to his name and formed part of a historic Treble triumph in 2022-23.
Advertisement
Getty/GOAL
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Grealish has, however, faced accusations of changing his game under Pep Guardiola – with the 29-year-old seemingly reluctant to carry the ball as much as he did at Villa. His end product has also dried up since swapping the West Midlands for the North West.
DID YOU KNOW?
Just 16 goals have been registered for City through 151 appearances, with his last effort in the English top-flight coming over 14 months ago on December 16, 2023. As many headlines have been made off the field of late as on it.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
WHAT RICHARD DUNNE SAID
Quizzed on whether Grealish has justified his nine-figure price tag, former City captain Dunne – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “The price tag is what it is, that’s the business of Premier League football at the moment.
“If you look at any player that is involved in a Treble-winning team, they have justified their reasons for being there. Jack was a huge part of that Treble-winning side, so I don’t think anyone can doubt that he has been a success at Man City. He has been a huge success.
“He has probably not had the goals and assists that everyone wants to look at and see, but his performances and what he’s brought to the club and the team have been exceptional. If he was to leave in the summer, I don’t think people would say it has been a failed move. He’s had a really successful time and hopefully it will continue for more years, rather than thinking that’s the end this summer.”
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke will surely be content with his side’s start to the season as they sit third in the table after 15 Championship matches.
The Whites have not been faultless, by any means, but they have only lost two of their league matches and are two points behind first-placed Sunderland and Sheffield United in second.
Farke’s men have also only conceded nine goals, the third-best defence in the division, and this has given them a solid platform to build from in matches.
Of course, they are still outside of the automatic promotion places and they will need to pick up more points than the Black Cats and the Blades over the coming months to ensure that they go straight up to the Premier League, rather than competing in the play-offs again.
The German boss may look to the January transfer window to bolster his side but the winter market is also an opportunity for the club to cash in on players, and there are at least three members of the squad who should be moved on, as it stands.
1
Patrick Bamford
The first player who should be ruthlessly binned from Elland Road is centre-forward Patrick Bamford, who has not done enough to warrant his reported wage of £70k-per-week.
He is reportedly the highest earner at the club and that has not been reflected in his performances on the pitch at Championship level since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
The former Middlesbrough and Chelsea man has only made six appearances in the second tier so far this season, all as a substitute, and has failed to provide a single goal, assist, or ‘big chance’ created for his team.
Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe have both been preferred ahead of the former England international as a starter in the number nine role at different points this season.
The Leeds duo have combined for eight goals and five assists in the Championship for the Whites, which suggests that they are taking their opportunities to play ahead of Bamford.
23/24 Championship
Patrick Bamford
Appearances
33
xG
9.52
Goals
8
Big chances missed
9
Assists
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 31-year-old dud had plenty of chances to impress in the second tier during the 2023/24 campaign, with mixed success.
Bamford did score eight goals and provided one assist but also underperformed against his xG and missed nine ‘big chances’, which suggests that the Englishman was not a reliable goalscorer for Farke, hence why Joseph and Piroe have been preferred ahead of him.
Football Insider recently reported that the striker is planning to move on from Elland Road at the end of the season, due to a lack of game time this term, but the Whites should look to accelerate his departure and save his £70k-per-week wages by selling him in January.
2
Joe Gelhardt
Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt.
The second player who should be sold by the club in the upcoming January transfer window is the rarely-seen centre-forward Joe Gelhardt.
18-year-old academy graduate Charlie Crew is the only player to have played fewer minutes (four) than the English attacker (nine) in the Championship for Leeds so far this season.
Gelhardt has been an unused substitute on seven occasions and failed to make the matchday squad six times, with his nine minutes coming in two outings off the bench.
Celtic transfer target Joe Gelhardt in action for Leeds United.
This shows that Farke does not believe that the left-footed lightweight is ready to play regular football for the Whites at Championship level, which is concerning given that this is his second season under the German boss.
Gelhardt remained at Elland Road, instead of going out on loan, for the 2023/24 campaign, and only made ten appearances in the second tier, starting two of those games.
23/24 Championship
Joe Gelhardt
Appearances
10
Goals
0
Big chances created
0
Assists
0
Key passes per game
0.2
Duel success rate
35%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old dud did not do enough with his opportunities on the pitch to show the manager that he deserved more minutes.
Therefore, it is now time for Leeds and Farke to finally cash in on the £15k-per-week forward, who has not shown enough on the pitch to suggest that he is developing and likely to play an important role for the team moving forward.
3
Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo
Finally, and potentially most controversially, Junior Firpo should be moved on in the January transfer window if an agreement cannot be reached on a new contract.
The 28-year-old star’s deal is due to expire at the end of the season and the Whites will risk losing him for nothing if they have not resolved the situation by February.
He is the second highest earner in the squad, behind Bamford, on £60k-per-week and Leeds may not want to keep him on that level of wage on a longer-term deal, in case they fail to reach the Premier League.
If that is the case, all parties are in an awkward position, and cashing in on him, despite his quality, could be the best option for Leeds in January, to avoid losing a key player on a free transfer.
The West Yorkshire outfit were recently linked with an interest in Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin, and signing a player of his ability could make the decision to sell Firpo far easier.
24/25 Championship
Dennis Cirkin
Junior Firpo
Appearances
15
13
Goals + assists
3
4
Duels won per game
7.6
6.7
Tackles made per game
3.4
2.6
Interceptions per game
1.8
1.2
Duel success rate
56%
55%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Black Cats star has outperformed the Leeds man in pretty much every defensive statistic in the Championship this season, whilst offering a similar threat in attack.
Therefore, selling Firpo and swooping to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster could, potentially, improve Farke’s team, which is another reason why they should cash in on the 28-year-old.
Successfully and ruthlessly selling Bamford, Gelhardt, and Firpo would shift £135k-per-week in wages and that is money that could be used to bolster the team, possibly with the addition of Cirkin.
Leeds thought they had the next Luis Suarez, now he's in Spain's 4th tier
Leeds United may have had high hopes for the talented youngster when he arrived at Elland Road.
Liverpool stepped out to a roaring Anfield. It was a din, crashing, bouncing, shaking the pitch and speaking to the players that this was a showdown for the ages.
Manchester City were brushed aside, swept toward a chastening defeat by an unstoppable Red force. Virgil van Dijk rightly played down title talk in his post-match interview, but Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over the beleaguered champions has opened up a chasmic gulf, 11 points, that even City, usually so invincible, capable of clawing back from bruising setbacks, surely cannot bridge.
Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk celebrate for Liverpool
Arsenal (and Chelsea) sit nine points behind Liverpool in joint-second place, and while both outfits pose a threat, this was a performance for the ages, mere days after Real Madrid were put to the sword in the Champions League.
The Anfield crowd sang, and the squad met them with the most awe-inspiring of efforts. This is beyond the city’s wildest dreams. Jurgen Klopp is gone, Liverpool were heading into the gloomy bogland of an era ended – wasn’t that the narrative?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bows out
Only, Arne Slot is proving to be the architect of something special, something magical. He’s inherited a sparkling squad, and with Mohamed Salah at the front, all walks can be conquered before summer stretches down to Merseyside next year.
Mohamed Salah does his talking on the pitch
Salah has been vocal regarding his contractual situation of late, but that hasn’t stopped him from forging perhaps the most incredible individual campaign of his career to date – at this stage, in any case.
Mohamed Salah – G/A Record vs PL ‘Big Six’
Opponent
Apps
Goals
Assists
G/A
Man United
16
15
6
21
Man City
22
12
7
19
Tottenham
20
12
2
14
Arsenal
17
11
2
13
Chelsea
23
8
4
12
Stats via Transfermarkt (all comps)
The 32-year-old has now scored 13 goals and added 11 assists across 20 matches in all competitions for Slot’s Liverpool, seemingly operating with a feverish desire to claim the biggest prizes and continue an illustrious journey.
The ultimate big-game player, Salah came up with the goods once again on Sunday, savagely pouncing on the Citizens’ weaknesses to carve through a delivery for Cody Gakpo’s opener, before dispatching the penalty to seal the deal after the interval.
Fantastic. The stuff of titles, that. However, trophies are not lifted solely by the flashiness of a club’s superstars. Adversity must be overcome and those outside the limelight must come up trumps to guide their team through tough periods.
Mohamed Salah for Liverpool
The brilliant Ibrahima Konate picked up an injury against Real Madrid and may not feature again until the new year, but Joe Gomez made his first Premier League start of the season and proved himself (once again).
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
Arne Slot's real Liverpool hero against Man City
Konate, shoved to the ground by Endrick on an otherwise exultant Wednesday evening, has been cruelly sidelined while at the height of his powers, but Gomez isn’t exactly untested in the biggest, toughest situations for Liverpool.
Joe Gomez for Liverpool
He thrived. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle bestowed upon the 27-year-old an 8/10 match rating, writing: ‘Slotted into central defence with the minimum of fuss and covered the right flank when required. One good tackle on Haaland first half and so solid throughout.’
Erling Haaland was a shadow of his usual self, and this is largely down to Gomez’s almost innate partnership with Van Dijk, who he served alongside with regularity during triumphant Premier League and Champions League campaigns back in the dog days of Klopp’s tenure.
Van Dijk will take the spotlight, naturally, but we must tip our hat to this wonderfully dynamic player. He stepped in, he stood strong against the waves of City pressure. Albeit, soft, soft waves, really just lapping at Anfield’s toes. He was the most important player, in a sense, for he stood in for an irreplaceable Konate against the finest team of recent memory. He ran the show.
As per Sofascore, Gomez won both of his duels on the evening, also completing 88% of his passes and succeeding with four long balls, catching the eye with the gumption and accuracy of such balls, struck high and carried aloft through to the surging Luis Diaz, the charging Gakpo.
Luis Diaz battling for Liverpool
Stand up, Liverpool. You’ve scored a pair of brilliant victories this week, and the title’s yours to lose. There is, however, a long old road still to walk, and it’s filled with peril.
Good thing the Reds have Joe Gomez, ay?
Liverpool star who left under Rodgers is now on par with Mbappe & Haaland
A former Liverpool striker is still going strong in 2024…
Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement has seen his side win their last two games 6-0 and 3-0 respectively. It wasn’t just securing all three points that was important against Kilmarnock and Ross County, but the performances themselves were superb.
Indeed, across both matches, the Gers registered 47 shots, which resulted in nine goals being scored. The main difference was having Hamza Igamane supporting Danilo.
The starlet scored three times across both games, including a stunning long-range effort against County, but his link-up play with Danilo was equally impressive.
It is no secret that the club have struggled to find a consistent attacking threat on the left wing. Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo have both endured spells out injured this term, while Nedim Bajrami has filled in to decent effect, despite the Albanian favouring an attacking midfield role.
Igamane looked at ease in an unfamiliar setting, that’s for sure. Only time will tell if this could be a long-term solution to Clement’s problem, however.
How the Belgian tactician would love to call on someone like Ryan Kent in this Rangers side, especially when he was in his prime under Steven Gerrard.
Ryan Kent’s Rangers statistics
As in the past, the Light Blues relied heavily on the loan market ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, which was to be Gerrard’s first at the club.
Several players joined the Gers, but it was the loan signing of Kent which got heads turning, especially as he was developing nicely at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp.
“I think when the opportunity came around to join a club of this magnitude, it was a bit of a no-brainer,” said Kent regarding his move north of the border. With a former Liverpool icon in charge of the Light Blues, it was a move that could work out well for all parties.
Indeed, the winger enjoyed an excellent campaign in Scotland, scoring six goals while registering a further nine assists in all competitions, which led to calls for Gerrard to pursue a permanent deal for the starlet.
With the summer deadline ticking away, plenty of supporters were getting anxious about whether Kent would be returning to the club, but a deal worth around £7.5m – one of the biggest signings in the club’s history – was announced ahead of the transfer window closing.
He scored against Celtic in Rangers’ first win at Parkhead in nine years during the 2019/20 season, adding in another seven goals, but he couldn’t lead them to silverware.
The 2020/21 campaign proved to be his finest, registering 27 goal contributions – 13 goals and 14 assists – as the Gers won their first league title in a decade, going the whole season undefeated in the process.
Ryan Kent’s Rangers stats
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2022/23
44
3
10
2021/22
46
3
19
2020/21
52
13
14
2019/20
33
8
4
2018/19
43
6
9
Via Transfermarkt
This proved to be Kent’s pinnacle at the club. He would produce some moments of magic over the following two campaigns, but a return of just six goals proved that his heart certainly wasn’t in it anymore.
With just months left on his contract, it appeared as though the English winger was seeking to leave Scotland, and it came as no surprise in May 2023 when they announced that he was one of the five players who would be departing in the summer.
Since leaving, Kent has played a total of 19 games for Fenerbahçe before having his contract terminated.
Former Rangers forward Ryan Kent.
There is no doubt that between 2018 and 2021, Kent was one of the finest players in Scotland.
Does Clement have his own Kent-like figure in his current first-team squad? There’s another loan star lighting up Ibrox with every passing week…
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Rangers' new Ryan Kent
Like Kent, Cerny is on a season-long loan deal, yet his impressive performances of late have led to calls to make this a permanent one at the end of the season.
Across all competitions this season, the Czech sensation has scored nine goals while providing five assists for the Light Blues, cementing a spot on the right flank.
While Ross McCausland was preferred last term, it was evident that Clement required a player who could offer that cutting-edge in the final third and Cerny has worked his magic so far.
Domestically, the wide player has created three big chances, averaging 2.6 key passes and 1.5 successful dribbles per game, causing plenty of chaos to opposition defenders in the Premiership.
it is in the Europa League where Clement has seen the winger at his best, however. Not only has he notched up five goal contributions in as many games, but the 27-year-old has created two big chances, succeeded with 1.8 dribbles – a 60% success rate – along with averaging 1.8 key passes per game.
Furthermore, when compared to his peers in the Europa League, Cerny ranks in the top 5% for total shots (4.32), the top 16% for successful take-on percentage (60%) and in the top 19% for carries into the opposition penalty area per 90 (2.29), demonstrating just how effective he is in getting past defenders and into the penalty box.
Just before he signed, Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson heaped praise on the Wolfsburg attacker, saying: “The last time Vaclav Cernu played in a league similar to ours (Eredivisie) he had 27 goal contributions in 36 appearances. A left-footed right winger with bags of pace and ability on the ball, he would be a real statement signing.”
Vaclav Cerny
It may have taken a month or two to truly settle in, but the fans are now seeing the very best of Cerny. A winger who is not only able to get the better of their opposite number but who can cut in on his stronger foot and score plenty of goals.
He is certainly emerging as the club’s new Kent and a permanent deal will be looked at as the season progresses.
Whether Rangers can afford him is a different story. The board and manager will cross that bridge when they get to it. Firstly, there are trophies to be won.
Rangers v Celtic: 8 of the best Old Firm League Cup finals
The Glasgow rivals have shared a few cup final classics over the years.