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Sheffield Wednesday picked up their first win in the Championship since the opening day last time out, surprisingly beating West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in an action-packed affair at Hillsborough.

The Baggies remain at the top of the table despite this blow to their ego in South Yorkshire, as both Josh Windass and Anthony Musaba found the back of the net, alongside a slice of fortune from Darnell Furlong, to gift Danny Rohl’s men a much-needed three points.

The victory would have obviously pleased the German in the dug-out, but he could make a couple of tweaks to his lineup anyway when Wednesday face off against Bristol City later on, with Ike Ugbo in danger of being potentially axed.

Ugbo's performance vs West Brom

It has arguably been an underwhelming start back at Wednesday for Ugbo, who was a firm fan’s favourite last season as an exciting loanee, with the ex-Chelsea youngster helping himself to an impressive seven goals from 18 second tier games as the Owls beat the drop.

Now, however, the Canada international only has one goal and one assist from eight appearances on his return, with his showing against Carlos Corberan’s Baggies somewhat forgettable.

The below-par Wednesday number 12 was barely involved throughout, as other attacking stars such as the aforementioned Windass and Barry Bannan took centre stage over the quiet 26-year-old.

Ugbo would only muster up 12 touches of the ball throughout his flat 71 minutes on the pitch, with James Beadle in the Owls net even beating this amount of touches himself at 31.

Thankfully for Rohl’s side, Musaba would pop up with a crucial goal at the death away from Ugbo’s off-day, with the lacklustre 26-year-old also failing to even register a single shot at Alex Palmer’s net.

Ugbo was handed out a low 6/10 rating by Sheffield Star journalist Alex Miller after the game subsequently, with the potential now for the Owls boss to freshen things up top away from relying on their number 12 to come good.

The players who could replace Ugbo

The first shout that could replace Ugbo this Wednesday night is Michael Smith, who was substituted on in place of the Canada international late on versus West Brom.

Smith couldn’t really leave his mark on the contest, as Musaba ended up being the late goalscoring hero, but the experienced centre-forward did manage to throw himself about as a lively presence with all four of the aerial duels he went in for successfully won.

Smith’s numbers this season vs Ugbo’s

Player

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Smith

9

1

3

Ugbo

8

1

1

Sourced by Transfermarkt

The 32-year-old – who has been dubbed a “game-changer” by former boss Darren Moore – has actually bettered Ugbo’s numbers this season so far too, with two more goal contributions in all competitions, and could feel he’s worthy of a starting spot away at Ashton Gate consequently.

Smith also has three goals from nine games across his career when facing off against Bristol City, with the hope of adding another to his Wednesday goal tally this evening if he is selected over an underperforming Ugbo.

Jamal Lowe will also feel he’s in for a credible shout to start over the ex-Troyes attacker too, having impressed in spurts since joining the Owls in the summer, with a debut goal against a hapless Plymouth Argyle on the opening day sticking out.

Yet, he has had to make do with a spot just on the substitutes bench in the last two clashes, with a need perhaps for Rohl to freshen his side up in attack away from Ugbo.

The Owls manager will want his team to press on now and pick up another three points – away from who does end up leading the line – and with the Robins’ form this campaign so far very up-and-down, Wednesday will hope they can catch the hosts on a bad day.

Related Sheffield Wednesday dud who left for £0 is now outperforming Ugbo

Sheffield Wednesday dropped a clanger letting go of this former player when they did.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 12, 2024

Everton are not going to ignore Neal Maupay's recent behaviour poking fun at his parent club.

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Everton to act on Maupay digStriker knocked parent club on X Currently on loan at MarseilleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to trusted Everton source, Alan Myers, the Toffees are "aware" of of Maupay's post laughing at the club's struggles this season. With the Frenchman still under contract, despite being on loan at Marseille, they will address and deal with the matter "internally and privately".

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Maupay hit headlines on Sunday when he took to social media and said: "Whenever I'm having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile." It came after the Toffees, who signed the striker from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, had been beaten at home by Nottingham Forest to sit only three points above the relegation zone. He scored just once for Everton in 32 appearances, before spending last season on loan at former club Brentford, and then joining Marseille on loan in August 2024.

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Maupay is still technically an Everton player, with a contract that runs to 2026. But his Marseille loan includes an obligation to buy that will make the move a permanent one come summer. Reports have suggested the fee could be as low as £3 million ($3.8m), but may rise to £10m ($12.5m) dependent on variables throughout the season.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

Maupay, a regular starter for Marseille since the start of November, will have to wait for Everton's assessment of the situation, although given his willingness to publicly attack the club he may not be all that worried. The terms of his loan mean he won't return to Everton at the end of the season, so for all intents and purposes the relationship is already broken and likely can't be fixed.

A significant transfer update on Matt O'Riley has reportedly emerged at Celtic, with the Hoops' current stance on the matter being made perfectly clear.

Celtic transfer news

Brendan Rodgers is likely to be content with the squad at his disposal, but that's not to say that there won't be more new faces brought in before the end of the summer transfer window.

Versatile Crystal Palace ace Jeffrey Schlupp has been linked with a move to Parkhead, with contact said to have been made with the 31-year-old. He is now a hugely experienced figure, making 268 appearances in the Premier League, as well as scoring 22 goals and registering 15 assists for good measure.

Celtic are also reportedly interested in making moves for Liverpool pair Bobby Clark and Ben Doak, with loan switches the more likely outcomes considering that the Reds won't want to lose two promising young talents permanently. Hoops legend Kenny Dalglish is certainly a fan of the latter, saying of Doak: "The wee man has done brilliant at Liverpool. He's got good vision, he can go past players and he's not selfish. He's always looking for teammates."

Away from signings coming in at Parkhead this summer, there is also a constant battle to retain the services of certain key players, not least O'Riley. Now, another key update has emerged regarding his future.

Celtic reject fresh £20m bid for player

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Celtic have rejected an offer of £20m from Atalanta for O'Riley, which is the reigning Europa League champions' fourth attempt to snap him up, following previous bids of £14m, £14.3m and £15m.

The report states that Brighton and Chelsea also remain potential suitors among others for the 23-year-old, adding that he "will not be leaving Celtic on the cheap this summer", with the club demanding more for his services.

It does feel as though Celtic are going to find it hard to keep hold of O'Riley beyond the summer, but it is encouraging to see them digging their heels in as they appear to wait for the perfect offer to come along.

The Dane is a priceless figure for the Hoops considering how hard his creativity and general end product could be to replace, with 18 goals and 13 assists in the Scottish Premiership last season testament to that. Rodgers knows very well his importance to his team, too, saying earlier this year:

"He is very humble, there is nothing flash about him. His peers recognise the work he puts in and the mentality that he has. They know when they sit beside him in the changing room, this is a guy that puts in absolutely everything for the team and that is obviously very much respected."

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It will be interesting to see if Atalanta come in with a fifth attempt to sign O'Riley or if another club look to trump them, but the ideal outcome would be to see him stay put for another season.

يرى المدير الفني الإيطالي، روبرتو دي ماتيو، أن نادي ليفربول يمتلك لاعبًا مميزًا قد يستطيع خلافة النجم المصري محمد صلاح، في مركزه، حال رحيل الأخير عن الفريق الصيف المقبل.

ومن المقرر أن ينتهي العقد الحالي للنجم المصري مع ليفربول في صيف 2025، أي نهاية ذلك الموسم.

وصرّح محمد صلاح أكثر من مرة، بشكل علني هذا الموسم أمام وسائل الإعلام، بعدم وجود أي جديد يخص ملف مستقبله مع ليفربول.

وبدأ البعض يفكر فيمن يستطيع خلافة محمد صلاح في صفوف ليفربول حال رحيله، ولكن روبرتو دي ماتيو يرى أن النادي يمتلك لاعبًا بالفعل ربما يستطيع ملء فراغ صاحب الـ32 عامًا.

وأثنى روبرتو دي ماتيو على اللاعب فيديريكو كييزا، رغم أن الأخير لم يحصل على فرصته كاملة في ليفربول.

وانضم كييزا إلى ليفربول، الصيف الماضي قادمًا من يوفنتوس، مقابل 10 ملايين جنيه إسترليني.

وظهر كييزا مع ليفربول في 8 مباريات فقط، وبدأ كأساسي في لقاء واحد، حيث تأثرت مشاركاته بكثرة إصاباته والمرض والصراع مع لاعبين آخرين في مركزه، على رأسهم محمد صلاح.

اقرأ أيضًا.. آلان شيرر يختار ثلاثي ليفربول في التشكيل المثالي للجولة 23 من الدوري الإنجليزي

وقال روبرتو دي ماتيو، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ليفربول إيكو” الإنجليزية: “أعتقد أن ليفربول لديه لاعبا من الطراز الأول بين يديه وهو كييزا”.

وأضاف: “إنه يتمتع بالعديد من الصفات التي تحتاجها للقيام بعمل جيد حقًا في الدوري الإنجليزي، إنه سريع، ويمكنه تجاوز المدافع ويعرف أين يسدد، أعتقد أنه يمكن أن يكون ناجحًا، إنه أحد أفضل اللاعبين الإيطاليين، كانت الإصابات هي نقطة ضعفه الوحيدة”.

وواصل: “لقد عانى دائمًا من بعض الإصابات في مسيرته، إذا استطاع استعادة لياقته البدنية الكاملة والبقاء في حالة بدنية جيدة ولعب المباريات، فهو لاعب رائع، أستطيع أن أرى سبب توقيع ليفربول معه”.

وأوضح: “إنها خطوة رائعة، الذهاب إلى ليفربول، نادٍ رائع ومميز، تحديات في الدوري الإنجليزي ودوري أبطال أوروبا، لكن سلوت قال إنه يواجه منافسة جيدة من اللاعبين، محمد صلاح ولويس دياز وغيرهم، لذلك ليس من السهل الانضمام إلى التشكيل”.

واسترسل: “أعتقد أنه سيكون إضافة لهم في النصف الثاني من الموسم، إنه يبدو أفضل الآن، لقد لعب بضع مباريات، هو لاعب رائع إذا كان بإمكانه الحفاظ على لياقته”.

وتابع: “من يستطيع ملء الفراغ الذي سيتركه محمد صلاح؟ إنها مهمة كبيرة، أليس كذلك؟ لقد كانت له مسيرة رائعة وأرقامه مذهلة، لست متأكدًا من أنه (كييزا) يمكنه ملء مكان محمد صلاح، لكنه يستطيع تقديم مساهمة كبيرة للفريق، يمكنه بالتأكيد أن يكون لاعبًا جيدًا لهم”.

وأوضح: “من الجميع أن يكون كافة لاعبيك لائقين، عندما يحين النصف الثاني من الموسم، نأمل أن يكون كييزا في حالة جيدة عندما يتعين على ليفربول التناوب، لأنهم يشاركون في الدوري الإنجليزي والأبطال والكأسين، هناك الكثير من المباريات للعب”.

واختتم مدرب تشيلسي السابق: “لست متأكدًا من مقدار ما يعرفه المشجعون الإنجليز عن كييزا، لكنني أحبه حقًا”.

Liverpool start their 2024/25 season on Saturday as they travel down to Suffolk to take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road in the Premier League.

The Reds will have a new manager in the dugout for the first time since Jurgen Klopp's arrival in 2015, with Arne Slot set for his managerial debut in England.

Klopp was replaced by the Dutch head coach, who was at Feyenoord last term, this summer and the supporters will get the chance to watch his style of football in action for the first time in a competitive setting this weekend.

However, at the time of writing, it does not appear as though there will be any new signings for fans to get excited to see against the Tractor Boys.

Liverpool have not made a single addition to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, which officially slams shut at the end of the month.

That is not through a lack of trying, however, as it has been well-documented that the club have been in the market to add a new defensive midfield option to their ranks this month, with no luck.

Liverpool's failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi

Sky Sports reported that Liverpool had identified Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi as a player who could have made a big impact in the middle of the park at Anfield.

The outlet added that the Reds believed that the Spain international, who won the European Championship with his country in Germany this summer, was set to move on from his boyhood club before the end of the window.

Instead, the 25-year-old midfielder has opted to remain with Real Sociedad after an offer of a contract extension with increased wages, which has convinced him to extend his stay with the Spanish side.

Sky Sports claimed that Zubimendi, who has a £51m release clause in his current contract, has decided to reject a move to Liverpool, in a blow to Richard Hughes' recruitment plans.

Their failure to tempt the Spaniard into making the move to England does not have to be a major disaster, though, as Slot could forget about him by landing another one of the club's reported targets.

The Mirror recently claimed that the Dutch boss added free agent Adrien Rabiot to his list of possible number six targets, as he believes that the France international could provide his young squad with valuable experience and quality.

He is available on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus expired at the end of last season and that could make him an ideal target for the club now that they have missed out on Zubimendi, as they would not have to negotiate a fee with a selling team.

What Liverpool missed out on with Martin Zubimendi

It is easy to see why the Reds were keen to sign the Euros winner to bolster their midfield options for the 2024/25 campaign when you consider his form for Real Sociedad last term.

The 25-year-old ace made 31 appearances in LaLiga for his club and showcased his quality in and out of possession at the base of the midfield.

His progressive passing from a number six position was one of his biggest strengths. In fact, he ranked within the top 26% of midfielders in LaLiga for progressive passes (5.15) per 90, and the top 21% for pass accuracy (85.7%).

This shows that he was one of the best players in his position in the division when it came to being reliable and progressive on the ball, as the £51m-rated talent rarely gave possession away and constantly looked to play forward.

Appearances

31

29

Pass accuracy

86%

88%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.8

2.4

Ball recoveries per game

5.5

3.7

Ground duel success rate

52%

41%

Aerial duel success rate

61%

53%

As you can see in the table above, Zubimendi also caught the eye with his work off the ball, outperforming current Liverpool number six Wataru Endo in a host of key defensive statistics.

The Spanish brute won the majority of his physical battles, notably in the air, and made more tackles, interceptions, and recoveries per match on average.

Whilst, on paper, it appears as though the Sociedad star would have been a fantastic addition to the squad, there are alternatives out there and Rabiot is one who could make Slot forget all about Zubimendi.

Why Liverpool should sign Adrien Rabiot

Firstly, the France international being available as a free agent could make him an ideal target as it would alleviate the need for the club to go out and splash millions on a number six, which could then free up those funds to be used in other positions.

Rabiot's form for the Old Lady in the 2023/24 campaign suggests that he has the quality to make up for the Reds missing out on the Real Sociedad star.

Firstly Zubimendi produced four goals and one assist in LaLiga last term, whilst Rabiot racked up five goals and three assists in 31 outings in the Serie A for Juventus, which suggests that the free agent could make a greater impact in the final third.

The 6 foot 4 Frenchman also ranked within the top 49% of midfielders in the Serie A for progressive passes per 90 (4.07) and the top 13% for progressive carries per 90 (2.44) – illustrating his ability to drive his team forward in possession.

Appearances

31

31

Pass accuracy

84%

86%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

2.8

Ball recoveries per game

4.8

5.5

Ground duel success rate

56%

52%

Aerial duel success rate

58%

61%

As you can see in the table above, Rabiot and Zubimendi's defensive statistics in their respective leagues were very similar, with the Spanish ace slightly shading it in a few areas.

This suggests that Liverpool would be bringing in a midfielder with similar attributes to the Real Sociedad ace by signing the former Juventus star, who was once hailed as "incredible" and described as a "proper wardrobe" by the legendary Gigi Buffon.

Therefore, Slot could forget all about the club's failure to sign Zubimendi by landing the experienced Rabiot on a free transfer, due to his quality in and out of possession in a number six role.

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ByConnor Holden Aug 12, 2024

Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad among potential venues

Nagraj Gollapudi01-Mar-2021

Venues and dates for the 2021 IPL have yet to be confirmed•BCCI

The rising number of Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra is likely to rule out Mumbai as an IPL venue for the first time in the tournament’s history. Originally Mumbai, which is the home base of defending champions Mumbai Indians, was meant to be the central hub in hosting the 2021 IPL, but ESPNcricinfo understands the BCCI is thinking about staging the tournament outside of Maharashtra.Although a final decision remains to be taken it is understood Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Delhi have been tentatively earmarked as possible venues. A final decision is likely to be taken by the BCCI senior management along with the IPL governing council soon. The IPL will also finalise the tournament dates, which have not been announced yet but are likely to start anywhere between April 8-12 and stretch until end of May-early June period.Related

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At the IPL auction, held on February 18, franchises were informally told that the 2021 edition was likely to be largely based in Mumbai, along with Pune for the group phase and the play-offs in Ahmedabad.However, at a meeting last week in Ahmedabad during the third Test of the England series, top BCCI officials including board secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Arun Dhumal, IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel and interim board chief executive officer Hemang Amin, discussed the viability of Mumbai as a venue with concerns raised over the latest spike in coronavirus cases.As per the latest data published on the Indian government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website on Monday evening, Maharashtra had reported nearly half of coronavirus cases in India. Out of the nearly 169,000 cases in India, Maharashtra had 78,212. There were 4,478 new cases officially reported in the western state compared to Sunday, with 62 additional deaths.Last week’s meeting decided that the tournament could be played in multiple cities, but a final plan would only be arrived after the Election Commission of India announced the poll dates in various state including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, which will conducted during the league phase of the IPL. West Bengal elections will be conducted across eight phases between March 27 and April 29 with the votes counted between May 2-4. The election in Tamil Nadu will be a day-long affair on April 6 with results on May 5.Even though a question mark hangs over Mumbai, the IPL has not included Mohali and Jaipur in the list of tentative venues. It could not be confirmed exactly the reasons behind the omission. The uncertainty over venues as well as the delay in announcing the tournament dates has left franchises disgruntled. Several confirmed that they are yet to receive any update formally from the IPL on either front.Some, including Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, contacted Amin asking him to shine light on the venues. Senior officials at both the Kings and the Sunrisers confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that after reading reports in Indian media at the weekend about the omission of their home bases of Mohali and Hyderabad they were curious.Satish Menon, the chief executive officer at the Kings, said the franchise wanted to know on what grounds the IPL had shortlisted the potential venues and left Mohali out. “We have written to the IPL asking them to throw light on how they have decided on these venues and why also have they decided not to hold the IPL in Punjab,” Menon said.K Shanmugham, the CEO at Hyderabad, said he also had checked with the IPL whether Hyderabad was included as a potential venue or not.

قلص فريق بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي النتيجة أمام الزمالك، وسجل الهدف الأول، في المباراة الجارية بين الفريقين، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويلعب الزمالك ضد بلاك بولز، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

طالع | مباشر بالفيديو.. مباراة الزمالك وبلاك بولز في الكونفدرالية

وأحرز هدف بلاك بولز الأول، اللاعب إيفوني في الدقيقة 62 من عمر المباراة

وجاء هدف بلاك بولز الأول أمام الزمالك، بعد عرضية من الجانب الأيمن قابلها إيفوني في مرمى محمد عواد. هدف بلاك بولز الأول أمام الزمالك في الكونفدرالية

وكان الزمالك تقدم بهدفين متتاليين، عن طريق المهاجم حسام أشرف في الدقيقيتن 51 و53.

ويتواجد الزمالك وبلاك بولز، في المجموعة الرابعة من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، مع أندية المصري وإنيمبا النيجيري.

Manchester United reportedly considered triggering Fulham boss Marco Silva's £10 million release clause before landing on new manager Ruben Amorim.

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• Man Utd considered Silva
• His release clause was too much
• Opted for Sporting's Amorim

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  reports that Silva, an early contender for the United head coach job, would have cost the club £10 million ($13m) in compensation. The Portuguese tactician has done an excellent job in west London, solidifying Fulham as a strong mid-table Premier League outfit, and United's hierarchy have clearly been paying attention. According to the report, the Red Devils came close to triggering Silva's hefty release clause.

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  The Red Devils confirmed on Friday that highly-rated Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim will take over from Erik ten Hag following the under-performing Dutch coach's sacking on Monday. However, before reaching that decision United considered several other candidates including Amorim's compatriot Silva, who was also in charge of Portuguese side Sporting CP back in 2015-16.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report says Silva, Thomas Frank and Xavi were all seen as candidates to replace Ten Hag and that INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in favour of hiring a coach with Premier League experience. However, sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford preferred to go for Amorim.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM?

  Amorim faces a huge challenge at Old Trafford, with former player Phil Jones telling the BBC that he faces an "absolute mammoth of a job". He will not be in the dugout for the showdown with Chelsea this week as he will take charge on November 11.

Manchester United could make an audacious swoop to fill the Casemiro sized hole in their ranks this summer, it has been claimed, by signing a man likened to Arsenal star Declan Rice.

Mainoo the main man

There is no doubt that going forwards, Kobbie Mainoo will be the main man in Erik ten Hag's midfield. The talented teen is already a full England international and looks set for stardom, while he is one of just three Manchester United players not up for transfer ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

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But beyond him, there are question marks. Sofyan Amrabat's loan spell has come to an end, and he will return to Fiorentina as things stand, while Casemiro has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

There are few other alternatives for Ten Hag, with only Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay the options in the middle of the park.for the Dutchman to call upon. As a result, the club have turned to the transfer market, and are reportedly ready to make their move.

New midfielder in United's sights

Now, a fresh report has linked Manchester United with a move for Bayern Munich stalwart Leon Goretzka as they look to reinvent their midfield options. The German has been a mainstay in the Bayern side in recent seasons, but the emergence of Alexander Pavlovic has seen his importance diminish somewhat.

Goretzka drew plenty of praise from Bayern chief Christoph Freund, who labelled him a "top player" and "leader" less than 12 months ago.

"Leon is an absolute top player, which he has consistently proven at the highest level over many years. In the past few weeks, he has shown strong performances in various positions, playing with a broken hand – that shows his great mentality. Leon is a leader who always leads the way on the pitch and takes responsibility even in difficult situations.”

A no-nonsense midfielder, Goretzka grabbed six goals and seven assists in 30 Bundesliga outings last season, and statistically speaking is similar to Arsenal's Declan Rice (according to stat site fbref), who Manchester United were keen to sign before he made the move to north London.

Declan Rice vs Leon Goretzka (23/24 domestic season)
	Declan Rice	Leon Goretzka
Appearances	38	30
Goals + assists	15	13
Pass accuracy	88.9%	88.9%
Tackles and interceptions per 90	3.55	2.89
Progressive passes per 90	7.77	7.07
Aerial duels won %	47.6%	55.4%

The 29-year-old still has two years left to run on his £300,000 a week deal in Bavaria, but Football Transfers report that he has "been made available for a move this window" as Bayern look to freshen up their side under Vincent Kompany.

Goretzka himself may also be keen on a departure, having missed out on Germany's EURO 2024 squad and seemingly out of favour with the national side.

The report continues that Manchester United would be willing to offer around 40m euros (£34m) for his services this summer, which could prove a tempting offer for Kompany and co. if they are really keen to get rid of the German ahead of the new season.

United, meanwhile, would be getting an excellent addition to their midfield engine room who would certainly prove more mobile and physical than Casemiro, and may allow Mainoo to flourish further at Old Trafford.

David Maddocks believes it is important for stability as the game battles the Covid-19 pandemic

Daniel Brettig22-Oct-2020

Earl Eddings has faced challenges dealing with the states over the winter•Getty Images

David Maddocks, the new Cricket Victoria chair, has declared that on his first impression there is a strong case for the Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings to be granted a second term when his current three-year stint expires next year, arguing that the game requires “stability in a period of great instability”, underlined by uncertainty about India’s port of arrival for this summer’s tour.A lawyer and governance expert, Maddocks cut his administrative teeth at the North Melbourne Cricket Club before it merged to form the Greenvale Kangaroos and as such has known Eddings, who is also a former president of North Melbourne, for decades. In a rocky year for CA, which has seen its chief executive Kevin Roberts moved on amid issues around Covid-19 and disputes with the states, the players association and most recently the free-to-air broadcaster Channel Seven, Maddocks argued that CA should consider the need for continuity when so much was changing around the game.”You often hear it said that board members by the time their period is about to expire, they’re really at their best, they’ve been around, they understand the issues, they understand the interrelationships and all those sorts of things,” Maddocks said. “I think at the moment in terms of CV and CA, there is a strong case for stability in a period of great instability. There are a number of issues CA’s dealing with, the upcoming Test series and so on. My personal view is I think Earl is doing a very good job and I think if there was potential for him to stay on, I think it’s something that ought to be considered.ALSO READ: Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings gains ally from Victoria board change”Do I agree with where CA is going and its vision? Yes, I do. In terms of my relationship with Earl, I know Earl very well through cricket circles going back a long time. But I understand my duty entirely as CV chair is I’ve got to exercise my own judgment on issues in the best interests of cricket in Victoria. I know Earl well enough, and I think this is a good thing, to tell him if I have concerns or what CV’s interests might be if there’s something that’s not consistent with where CA are heading.”Eddings’ predecessor David Peever attempted to continue for a second term and was re-elected as such at the CA AGM in late 2018, before the release of a cultural review following the Newlands scandal saw his resignation forced when New South Wales and its chairman John Knox withdrew support a matter of days later.Both Knox and the Queensland chairman Chris Simpson raised governance concerns at the AGMs of their respective states earlier this year, but Maddocks is of the view that structural change to the CA board – to have the direct representation of states on the board rather than state nominated independent directors – is not a path cricket should return to.”As I understand it, the fundamental concern about this old style is that decisions could be dominated more by self-interest and perhaps controlled by the larger, more powerful states, whereas decisions need to be made by CA for the best interests of cricket throughout Australia,” Maddocks said. “No problem with the dialogue, no problem with the discussion, but my personal view is the structure as it presently stands is overall a more appropriate style than that old school style”One positive side of it would be if the states understand more what’s happening, and the difficulties or issues that CA are confronting, we all might be able to contribute in a positive way to working towards solutions. The states shouldn’t just sit back and wait to be told what to do, and I don’t believe we are. I think under Earl there’s been very good communication to the states and there’s nothing to stop states from raising issues and getting more information from CA.Nevertheless, Maddocks emphasised the need for strong communication between boards, and saw no reason why CA directors should not be welcome at every CV board meeting, citing the example of Mel Jones who was Victoria’s nominee to the CA board in late 2019.”The first delegates meeting I chaired was last Monday and Mel attended, and Earl attended,” he said. “My understanding from talking to Mel is that she’s keen to attend every delegates meeting that takes place in Victoria, but also to be involved in the CV board meetings as well. Earl has also said that he is available at any time. That’s one thing I’ll be very much taking advantage of.”I accept there has been comment previously that there’s a feeling with that board-nominated person we could have more communication from them, and we will. When they are independently appointed, they’re there to make decisions in the best interest of cricket in Australia, but I don’t see how that in any way precludes them from coming back and attending any meetings to keep Cricket Victoria informed and that’s exactly what I’ll be encouraging.”Maddocks accepted, too, that there had been a high degree of criticism about CV’s cuts to community cricket earlier this year, and also acknowledged that one of his key tasks was to ensure unity across the state. “What I’d like to encourage is that we work together constructively,” he said. “A good example recently was that we’ve got a proper process for people to raise issues and vote directors in and out. We have elections, there’s always a potential for change. So, I’d really want to encourage a sense of working together and looking at solutions.”