Trio will interview the candidates in line for a place in the new selection panel for men’s cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-2022The BCCI has set up a Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising former India players Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik to interview the candidates in line for a place in the new selection panel for men’s cricket.The old one remains in place but only as a temporary measure. All of its members were effectively sacked by the BCCI in the aftermath of India’s T20 World Cup exit. However, it is learnt that the chief Chetan Sharma has once again put his name up for consideration.Related
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The CAC was last in action to appoint Rahul Dravid as the India head coach a year ago. Madan Lal (chief), Naik and RP Singh had been appointed in that CAC in January 2020 for an initial one year term. Their work began with the appointment of a selection committee as well. But Lal turned 70 last year and had to leave his position because as per the BCCI constitution those over 70 cannot be part of any committee. RP Singh then left the committee because he joined the Mumbai Indians set-up as a talent scout.Malhotra, who will turn 66 in January, was the president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association until October 2022 and was succeeded by Aunshuman Gaekwad. Malhotra, a former middle-order batter, played seven Tests and 20 ODIs from 1982 to 1986 and had coached the Bengal team in domestic cricket from 2013 to 2015.Paranjape, 50, played four ODIs for India in 1998 and was himself in the selection panel which he now has to pick, until early 2017.Naik, 44, was a wicketkeeper-batter who played two Tests, 46 ODIs, and 31 T20Is from 2002 to 2013.The first CAC was appointed in 2015 and had three high-profile names in Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. They were to be consulted on all major decisions in Indian cricket, such as appointing the head coach and team director. In 2019, they were all served notices for alleged conflict of interest for for serving as IPL franchises’ support staff members as well as being on the CAC.Once they quit, Kapil Dev became the next high-profile name to take over the CAC, along with Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy. But those three also stepped down after being served notices for alleged conflict of interest by the BCCI ethics officer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their first Premier League win of the season yesterday, defeating Southampton 2-0 at Molineux.
Goals from Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha secured the win for Gary O’Neil’s side, putting them just a point off safety after their dismal start in recent weeks.
It gives the 41-year-old an excellent platform to build from going into the third international break of the campaign, potentially being the start of a revival in the West Midlands.
There’s no denying that Brazilian attacker Cunha stole the show in the victory, with his thunderbolt securing all three points – but the same can’t be said for a variety of his teammates despite the win.
It could leave the boss with some crucial calls to make after the international break with one player doing extremely well to retain his place in the starting lineup after his display.
Mario Lemina’s stats against Southampton
Midfielder Mario Lemina started at the heart of O’Neil’s side, lining up alongside Joao Gomes and taking the armband in the process.
However, despite the faith shown in him by the Wolves boss, he was unable to produce an impressive performance, often looking lacklustre and negative in possession.
The 31-year-old Gabonese international may have registered the assist for Cunha’s goal, but it was an all-round afternoon to forget – with Andre needing to be knocking on the door for a start as a result.
Lemina only completed 16 passes at a completion rate of 76%, opting to play three long passes in the process, but was unable to find a teammate with two of those attempts.
He also was dribbled past twice, making just one interception and losing four of the seven duels he entered during the victory.
However, that being said, there was one other Wolves player who failed to impress against Russell Martin’s side – with O’Neil desperately
needing to drop the ace upon the return to action in a couple of weeks.
The Wolves ace who was worse than Lemina
Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen started his 11th consecutive Premier League match after his summer arrival on loan from Spanish outfit Celta Vigo.
He’s registered four goals so far this campaign, only being outscored by Cunha, looking to be an excellent addition and offering the outlet the club have been lacking in recent years.
However, yesterday he struggled massively during the win, featuring for 73 minutes, achieving a tally of just 15 touches – an average of one touch nearly every five minutes.
During his display, he only registered a total of six passes, committing two fouls and winning just one duel – losing a whopping 84% of the duels that he contested.
Minutes played
73
Touches
15
Passes completed
6/9 (67%)
Fouls committed
2
Duels lost
5/6 (84%)
Shots taken
1
Dribbled past
3x
As a result, the 24-year-old was awarded a 6/10 match rating by Sky Sports, the joint-lowest of any player who started the game for O’Neil’s men during the victory.
Whilst Strand Larsen has been an excellent addition since his move, yesterday was by far his worst display – often looking isolated and out of the game for large periods.
Ultimately, he will be lucky to maintain his starting role when Wolves travel to face Fulham upon the return of club football in two weeks time.
Wolves targeted “Europe's most wanted” manager, they got Lopetegui & O'Neil
Premier League CEO Richard Masters is confident that the English top-flight will "survive" the impact of Manchester City's legal battle.
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Man City facing 115 charges Verdict could be announced soonMasters adamant that PL can weather the stormFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
City face more than 115 charges related to alleged breaches of financial regulations. The case, which has been dragging on for over two years, is expected to reach a critical verdict this spring, with an independent panel set to determine whether the club has broken the rules.
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An anonymous three-person panel has been tasked with overseeing the case, with their identities deliberately concealed—likely to protect them from public harassment and online abuse. However, even if a decision is reached soon, the saga is far from over.
If City are found guilty, the panel will not be responsible for determining the punishment. Instead, a separate process will be required to assess potential sanctions. Both Manchester City and the Premier League will have the right to appeal the ruling, extending the legal battle further.
WHAT MASTERS SAID
With such an intense case looming over the league, questions have been raised about the potential damage to the Premier League’s reputation. However, Masters remains adamant the league will emerge unscathed.
“There is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules," he told the "The Premier League will survive the impact of all of this and come through it.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Throughout the case, Masters has faced heavy criticism from fans. Football supporters regularly vent their frustrations online and via radio discussions. Even Oasis-famed Noel Gallagher, a well-known Manchester City supporter, has publicly called for his resignation. Addressing the intense scrutiny, Masters acknowledged the challenges, saying, “The flipside of the popularity of the Premier League . . . is that it’s heavily scrutinised and everyone has a view. You just have to accept it. I don’t enjoy it. You just have to let it pass through you and move on.”
A fine all-round display by Delray Rawlins, who followed a thunderous innings of 91 off just 62 balls with figures of 3 for 50, saw Sussex to victory over Gloucestershire by 51 runs in the Royal London One-Day Cup at Hove. In a strong group, in which both these teams had lost their opening game, this was an important result.Gloucestershire, who chose to bowl first, were set an unlikely target of 335. But on a true pitch with a fast outfield, they got closer than the eventual margin of victory would suggest.When captain Jack Taylor was fifth out at 146 in the 23rd over Gloucestershire’s slightly top-heavy batting side looked out of contention. But then a stand of 91 in 12 overs between James Bracey (87) and Zafar Gohar (53) gave them the platform for an improbable victory. Then Ari Karvelas returned to the attack and immediately had the battling Bracey caught at deep backward square-leg. But even when Gohar was seventh out at 261 Gloucestershire kept fighting and kept the run-rate just within reach.They wanted 86 off 13, 77 off 12 and 70 off the last ten overs before Rawlins, with the last delivery of his spell, had Josh Shaw ninth out, lbw, and Ollie Robinson finished the game when he had Tom Price caught behind for 25.Related
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The Sussex innings was dominated by Rawlins and two more artful half-centuries by Cheteshwar Pujara (63) and Danial Ibrahim (50). Both Rawlins and Ibraham, who added 104 for the sixth wicket in ten overs, achieved their best score in List A cricket.Earlier in their innings, Sussex must have been concerned by the number of batters who had got in and then got out before making a telling contribution. Harrison Ward (37) and Ali Orr (35) gave their side some early impetus with a stand of 58 in eight overs. Ward, in particular, looked in prime form as he scored 14 off three deliveries, driving Price for four and six before pulling him for another four.But then they got out, and with Tom Clark falling cheaply – to a fine leaping, left-handed catch at mid-off by Taylor – it was left to Pujara and Tom Alsop to restructure the innings.They put on 70 in 12 overs, but just as Alsop looked ready to cut loose he played on to the very impressive Dutch fast bowler Paul van Meekeren for a 35-ball 35. Sussex captain Pujara scored just two fours in his fifty but, with deft placement, he reached the landmark off only 57 balls. He too looked in the mood to accelerate and hit two more fours but was then stumped advancing down the wicket to Tom Smith.By now, though, Rawlins was striking the ball cleanly. He had been dropped off Smith when 18 – a sitter to long-on – but a lofted straight drive for six off Smith showed he was in the mood. There were four more sixes and seven fours and by the time he was eighth out at 330 this richly-talented but often frustrating cricketer had played an innings of true value.He was well supported by 17-year-old Ibrahim, who was dropped on 9 and 29 – off Shaw on both occasions – on a difficult day in the field for Gloucestershire.
Everton are eyeing up a move for a Serie A attacker as they look to bolster their ranks in January in a bid to stay in the Premier League.
Everton finding form after 2-0 win at Ipswich
Goals from Iliman NDiaye and Michael Keane ensured that Everton picked up a vital 2-0 win on the road against newly promoted Ipswich Town, lifting the Toffees further away from the relegation zone and making it four games unbeaten.
It follows a wretched start for Sean Dyche’s side, which saw them lose each of their opening four games and looking almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League.
However, they have shown signs of improvement in the weeks since and have now pulled clear of the drop zone, a trend that they hope continues in the weeks to come.
Everton have unearthed their biggest talent since Richarlison in 8/10 star
Everton have found their biggest talent since Richarlison in 8/10 star who won 100% of his dribbles.
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Speaking after the win, Dyche explained that he was “really pleased”. “I thought it was a good performance in many different ways and we were effective in attack. Three points takes us to eight from four games.
“I thought we controlled the game well, especially as these came up with a fantastic season last season but we have a more experienced group and that showed with how we managed the game.
“We’re showing signs again that we’re a good outfit. I never lack belief in the players and the staff. I didn’t think we were miles off at the start of the season, we had a couple of turn-arounds but we are learning from that”, the Toffees boss added.
The numbers behind Everton’s win over Ipswich
Everton
Ipswich Town
Possession
44.7%
55.3%
Shots
11
13
Shots on target
8
2
Expected goals
1.74
1.25
Yellow Cards
1
1
But in a bid to ensure they continue to find the net regularly, Everton are reportedly looking towards Serie A.
Everton plotting move for Chukwueze
That comes as Football Insider report that the Toffees are plotting a move for AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze as they look for more inventiveness in wide areas.
Chukwueze, valued at £12m, has been linked to Everton for some time and seemed to be struggling to feature for Paulo Fonseca’s side, with Serie A analyst Matteo Bonetti explaining that “Chukwueze’s work rate is outstanding but he’s still too wasteful in possession”.
However, he opened his account for the campaign in their most recent win over Udinese, and as a result, the report suggests that “a deal for the winger will be difficult to accomplish” in January, although Everton are “plotting a move” to lure him away from San Siro.
Bologna forward Santiago Castro is another option that they are monitoring, with Everton “expected to have cash to spend” should their takeover indeed go through as planned under the Friedkin Group.
Still just 20 years old, the Argentine has scored three times in eight appearances for Bologna, though he is also able to play Champions League football, something that Everton cannot offer. Though Everton are interested, that may prove a dealbreaker should Bologna still be in the competition come January, and Chukwueze appears to be the priority target at Milan.
Albie Morkel opens up to ESPNcricinfo about his plans for an international comeback, dealing with depression, and the difficulty of switching IPL teams every season
Arun Venugopal19-Apr-2015Albie Morkel has admitted that the World T20 in India next year is on his “radar”, should he produce strong performances in the domestic circuit this summer to catch the selectors’ eye.”Definitely, that’s on my radar if I can perform really strongly back home this summer,” Morkel told ESPNcricinfo. “Then I know I will have a chance, and I’ll really like to play in another T20 World Cup.”Morkel, who has played 58 ODIs and 49 T20Is apart from a lone Test against Australia, last put on a South Africa shirt during the World T20 in Bangladesh in 2014, where his team lost to India in the semi-final. He was picked primarily for his finishing skills with the bat, but he fared poorly, scoring 33 runs in four innings.There wasn’t much to show for with the ball either, as he picked up one wicket from five matches at an economy-rate of 9.20.While Morkel missed the South African domestic T20 tournament last season with an ankle injury, he played a pivotal role in guiding Titans to the Momentum One-Day Cup title. Morkel aggregated 280 runs in six innings at an average of 93.33, including an unbeaten 134 in the final against Cape Cobras. His seam-bowling also reaped five wickets in the tournament at less than four runs an over.Morkel had said two years ago that he didn’t see himself playing for South Africa again, a statement, he said, was misunderstood. “When I said, ‘I don’t think I will play for South Africa again,’ it’s not that I said ‘I don’t like to.’ I am just being realistic.”Also I am at an age where the South Africa selectors are building for the future. That doesn’t necessarily mean I have no desire to play for South Africa. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to try or train harder or stay motivated. I think it was written about a couple of years, just flew a little out of what I actually meant.”Morkel has been an IPL regular, having represented Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past. Turning out for Delhi Daredevils this year, Morkel’s counter-punching unbeaten 73 off 54 balls nearly got his team over the line against Super Kings. He hasn’t played another game since, having had to make way for Angelo Mathews.Morkel said it was a challenge to get used to different teams, given the limited time players spend with one another during the IPL. “Obviously I have spent time with Chennai so you get used to how things work with the team. And then RCB, it’s difficult to do it in one year. With the IPL being in Dubai and India [last year], it was a bit disruptive.”This time I have really had a good three weeks in Delhi in the training camp prior to the IPL. That helped us get to know everyone as a person and build relationships. And also I think Gary Kirsten and the support staff have done an outstanding job to create a cricket environment.”Daredevils had a familiarly worrying start, suffering two last-ball defeats, but have since reeled two successive wins on the road. Morkel said the positive vibes in the team had impacted the performance.”Delhi has had two bad seasons where I think they have lost 10 games [11] in a row. It’s always challenging to step into an environment like that, but as players you can either just carry on like you have been carrying on or you can try and make a difference.”Every single guy that’s part of Delhi this year has made the decision to turn the ship around. I am sure you have seen in the performances you are getting to see a different Delhi side this year, they are upfront.”As someone who has played across the world, Morkel admitted life as a professional cricketer could be lonely at times, one that could seed depression.”I went through that phase when I reached the burnout stage. That was a case of overdoing it. I played the domestic season, I played in the IPL, Champions League, I played county cricket in England, and I played the Caribbean [Premier] League so it was just too much for me.”I think the key is just to find a balance between playing enough cricket and also having time for yourself and your family. If you are just playing cricket day in and day out there will come a stage where normally the first thing you see is a change in the attitude, body language and then the performance.””I am at an age where the South Africa selectors are building for the future, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I have no desire to play for South Africa”•AFPMorkel spoke of the importance of family structures and the strong bond he shared with his brother Morne. “We have got a very close relationship, myself and Morne. Earlier in our careers, we shared a house with AB de Villiers, so you know, we were always there for each other.”I don’t think we have ever competed against each other. We grew up in a house that obviously had a lot of sport with dad being a cricketer. [But] there was no pressure on us to do well in sport. That’s the way we were brought up. We started to realise at about 17 or 18 that we could possibly make a career out of it.”According to Morkel, being outside the framework of the national team for lengthy periods has never been a deterrent in motivating himself. “To get out to play to the cheer of the crowd, that’s the most honest thing, and that keeps us going. The personal pride and the adrenaline you get when you’re playing as a professional cricketer. You can’t replace that.””I also really enjoy chatting about the game with the younger guys. The young guys think so much differently than we thought about the game 10 years ago, so I think the roles are reversed. The older guys learn from the younger players.”T20 cricket has really lifted the standard of all formats. And as a cricketer if you don’t grow your game you will stay behind. It’s just trying to add something to my game every time I train.”Morkel is aware he is inching towards the end of his career, but retirement, he said, could be a while away yet. “I will take it year by year now. I said two years ago two years and my body still holds up,” he said. “For me it’s all about the enjoyment factor. Let’s give it two more years.”Morkel said there wasn’t much he could have done differently in his career. “When you are looking back you will always find things you will do differently in hindsight. Sometimes I wish I knew stuff that I know now, but I know that’s not possible. I played for some successful teams and have some great memories.”
Jason Sangha’s 142 and 62 in vain, as South Australia chased down 326 to win first Shield game in over two years
Alex Malcolm26-Mar-2022Nathan McSweeney and Jake Lehmann orchestrated a stunning final-day chase to run down 326 in the fourth innings and give South Australia their first Sheffield Shield win in over two years against New South Wales at the Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.McSweeney made 99* while Lehmann smashed 94 off 89 deliveries, as South Australia mowed down New South Wales’ target of 326 in 76 overs with five wickets in hand and six overs to spare. McSweeney also took 4 for 89 with the ball in the second innings in a brilliant all-round display. He batted superbly and deserved a century but struck a four with a pull shot forward of square to bring up the winning runs and finish one short of a century.He shared a 151-run partnership with Lehmann after the pair came together at 3 for 89 with victory a long way away. Lehmann smoked 14 boundaries, scoring 94 in the stand before picking out square leg with a sweep shot. At that stage,South Australia still needed another 86 to win, and lost Thomas Kelly shortly after.But McSweeney and Harry Nielsen guided them home, with Nielsen finishing on 34* to go with his half-century in the first innings. New South Wales’ five bowlers each picked up a wicket, but none could get a run on with successive breakthroughs to put South Australia’s batting under pressure.Earlier, McSweeney and Nathan McAndrew combined with the ball to set South Australia’s chase up, taking seven wickets between them in New South Wales’ second innings. The latter had begun the day four down with a lead of 252, as McAndrew castled Jack Edwards for 38.Lachlan Hearne become the fourth New South Wales batter to pass fifty in their second innings, but was bowled by McSweeney for 65. Baxter Holt and Chris Tremain also fell cheaply, leaving skipper Jason Sangha to declare at 8 for 304, and set South Australia 326 to win off 82 overs. And although his team lost, Sangha finished as the Player of the Match for scores of 142 and 62.South Australia had not won a Sheffield Shield game since February 2020, breaking a 16-match streak without victory over a two-year stretch. It was their first Shield win under coach Jason Gillespie after two seasons in charge.
علّق ميكيل أرتيتا، المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال، على التقارير الصحفية التي تشير إلى إمكانية رحيل ويليام ساليبا عن ملعب “الإمارات” نهاية الموسم الحالي، في ظل اهتمام ريال مدريد بضمه.
ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى تعزيز صفوف الفريق في موسم الانتقالات الصيفي المقبل، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد 2025/26.
وذكرت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، في الأيام القليلة الماضية، أن ويليام ساليبا يعد أبرز أهداف ريال مدريد لتدعيم مركز الدفاع في الموسم المقبل.
اقرأ أيضًا.. أرتيتا عن تتويج ليفربول بـ الدوري الإنجليزي: أمر مؤلم ولقب مستحق
وأفادت التقارير نفسها أن ريال مدريد بدأ بالفعل محادثاته مع اللاعب الذي سينتهي عقده في آرسنال بعد عامين.
وعندما سُئل عن تلك التقارير، رد أرتيتا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” الإنجليزية: “هذا النوع من الأشياء من اختصاص المدير الرياضي، أندريا، والنادي للحديث عنه”.
وأضاف: “الشيء الذي أنا متأكد منه أن ساليبا سعيد للغاية هنا، لأنني أجريث محادثة معه، إنه يريد الاستمرار معنا”.
واختتم: “ما سيحدث معه في مفاوضاتنا المستقبلية، سيتطلب وقت وجهد ودقة، ولكنني واثق تمامًا من أن ويليام سعيد جدًا هنا، هذا هو المكان الذي يطمح إليه”.
Isn’t it funny to think that were it not for Nottingham Forest, Liverpool would boast a flawless record across three competitions heading into the third month of the 2024/25 campaign?
Liverpool have won their opening game in the Champions League, against AC Milan at the San Siro, while also thumping West Ham United at Anfield in the Carabao Cup second round.
Losing on Merseyside against Forest in the Premier League was a shock, like being thrown into a blizzard having lounged on a Caribbean beach. Still, Arne Slot’s Reds are flying, and have won all five of their other top-flight matches, thus perching atop the table six games in.
Now, Bologna travel to Liverpool in the second game of the Champions League. The Italians drew 0-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk in their opener but will face a different beast later today.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Let’s not forget that Liverpool lost their last home fixture in European competition – and against Serie A opposition too. Slot will need to be wary.
Despite this, he should probably consider dropping Luis Diaz, imperious as he has been this season.
Why Slot should drop Luis Diaz
Liverpool resisted caving into the sugar rush that would have come with signing Anthony Gordon this summer, offered as they were to sign the Newcastle United star amid PSR concerns.
What would be the point? Diaz might not have hit the degree of goalscoring success desired last season but he certainly produced excellent performances.
Moreover, he looks to be a factory-build fit for a ‘Slot system’, ranking among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 10% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his technical skill.
As the table below shows you, though his goalscoring numbers have shot up, he’s not really raised the underlying metrics, which speaks volumes of his importance within the starting line-up.
Matches (starts)
37 (32)
6 (6)
Goals
8
5
Assists
5
1
Touches*
43.8
41.8
Shots (on target)
2.5 (0.9)
2.3 (1.3)
Pass completion
85%
89%
Key passes*
1.8
1.5
Ball recoveries*
3.4
3.7
Dribbles (completed)*
1.8
1.7
Tackles + interceptions*
1.0
1.5
Total Duels won*
4.6
4.0
He’s scored five goals from six Premier League matches, which is quite a thing given that Diaz only bagged eight across the entirety of last season, 37 fixtures played. He’s been more effective with his time, more economical in his offensive movements.
He didn’t, however, produce his finest performance against Wolves last time out, blanking and failing to offer all that much in attack for Slot’s side, which failed to really get going but still managed to claim a much-needed victory.
Luis Diaz for Liverpool
Indeed, as per Sofascore, the 27-year-old lost 84% of his contested duels, ceded possession ten times and failed to complete his one attempted dribble, also being dribbled past twice and taking just one blocked shot.
It was a performance that sat on more middling ground, with The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle awarding the Colombian a 6/10 match rating, acknowledging his threat on the left flank but admitting that he ’caused panic’ for the travelling side after a couple of iffy moments in the defensive third.
Diaz has spoken of his adoration of his new head coach and is showcasing his new-found love on the pitch. However, he must not be unleashed across every single one of Liverpool’s matches, lest he suffer a damaging injury.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The best replacement for Diaz at Liverpool
Luckily, Liverpool aren’t overly reliant on Diaz, who has been one of the club’s best players over the first few months but, thankfully, competes with the brilliant Cody Gakpo for a starting berth.
Slot’s found a neat way of doing things on the left side of his frontline. It’s quite simple, really: Diaz operates on Premier League days, while Gakpo takes the reins during midweek competitions.
Liverpool players congratulate Cody Gakpo
That’s how things have been carried out thus far, and though it won’t remain that way throughout the campaign and beyond, Liverpool are reaping the rewards of owning two talented wingers jostling for top spot.
Diaz has started every Premier League match, whereas Gakpo – who was kailed for his “special skill set” by Klopp’s former assistant manager Pep Lijnders – has yet to play from the outset in the top flight and has instead done so against West Ham and Milan. He’s been one of the best players on the pitch on both occasions and now deserves another shot.
Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa for Liverpool
The Netherlands international differs from Diaz in that he’s a little more dynamic and less of a touchline winger than Diaz, who, albeit, is proving that claim wrong by performing with a high goal output this year. It’s a testament to Slot’s system and its implementation that both players have hit the ground running.
Klopp, with no disrespect, didn’t figure out the best way to use Gakpo, who is so clearly, in hindsight, an out-and-out wide forward, where his pace and power and potency meld together to the greatest effect. Last term, he featured on the left across just 12 of his 53 outings, which points toward a degree of positional mismanagement.
The synergy must continue to be built up, and that’s talking about the Liverpool squad as a whole, not just Slot’s preferred 11 in the Premier League.
Diaz is in red-hot form and thus is unlikely to lose his starting berth any time soon, but the games come thick and fast for Liverpool and rotation is necessary across different competitions.
Slot’s already found a formula that’s bearing fruits for his team, and with Diaz placed on the bench for this one, Gakpo will have his chance to shine and deepen the bond that’s blossoming over on Merseyside.
Slot could finally drop Szoboszlai by unleashing "special" Liverpool ace
Statement issued on behalf of family says that “prognosis is unclear”
ESPNcricinfo staff10-May-2022
Graham Thorpe was recently named the head coach of Afghanistan•Getty Images
Graham Thorpe, the former England batter, is “seriously ill” in hospital, according to the Professional Cricketers’ Association.Thorpe, 52, played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, averaging 44.66 with 16 centuries. He was recently announced as the new head coach of Afghanistan following a decade of involvement within England’s coaching set-up, which came to an end after this winter’s 4-0 Ashes loss in Australia.A statement from the PCA, issued at the request of Thorpe’s family, read: “Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment. His prognosis is unclear at this stage and we ask for privacy for him and his family at this time. Our thoughts are with Graham and his family.”Thorpe’s former county Surrey, where he spent the whole of his 17-year first-class career, added: “The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Graham, his wife Amanda, and family at this time. He is an icon of the English game, known by millions of cricket fans and forever a favourite son of Surrey CCC.”After a century on debut against Australia at Trent Bridge, Thorpe soon established himself as one of the central figures of England’s Test team in the mid-1990s and early 2000s, with his selfless counterattacking style helping the team to emerge from the doldrums to become, by the time of his final Test against Bangladesh in June 2005, a side ready to compete on an equal footing with Ricky Ponting’s Australia in that summer’s legendary Ashes series.Thorpe’s own zenith came in the winter of 2000-01, when he was instrumental in England’s back-to-back series wins in Pakistan and Sri Lanka – to this day one of the team’s finest achievements.At Lahore in the first Test of that winter, he memorably compiled a century containing a solitary boundary, to lay the foundation for a 1-0 series win that he himself went on to seal in virtual darkness in Karachi later that tour.Then, three months later in the oppressive heat of Colombo, his twin innings of 113 not out and 32 not out carried England to a come-from-behind series victory against Sri Lanka, an achievement all the more impressive given they had succumbed to an innings defeat in the first Test in Galle.After retirement, he moved into coaching after a brief spell in the media, and after a stint with New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield in 2007, he joined the England set-up in 2010, initially as batting coach and later as assistant coach to Chris Silverwood, for whom he stepped in at Sydney this winter when Silverwood had to isolate following a Covid diagnosis.That role ended earlier this year when he, Silverwood and Ashley Giles, the former director of cricket, were all sacked in the wake of the Ashes loss. Thorpe’s own position had come under scrutiny after England’s defeat in the fifth Test, after the police were called in to break up an early-morning drinking session, involving several England and Australia players, at the team hotel in Hobart – allegedly after Thorpe had lit a cigar in an indoor space, which is against the law in Tasmania.