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It's not been the brightest of starts to the season for Everton, who have lost each of their three Premier League fixtures, the last of which stung keenly, letting a late two-goal lead slip.

Indeed, despite winning 2-0 at home to Bournemouth, having played with confidence and style, Everton inexplicably capitulated and the Cherries lashed in three strikes to send the atmosphere at Goodison Park spiralling through the floor.

It cast a black blanket over an already disappointed fanbase, having lost 3-0 and 4-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur previously, but there were positives to take from last weekend's result.

Sean Dyche and his Toffees team have been mired in the trenches before, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit and firing, they might just have the firepower to shoot away from the relegation fodder this season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's resurgence

Calvert-Lewin, of course, will need to stay fit, something that he has not done with consistency over the past several years.

2024/25

3 (3)

1

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2023/24

32 (26)

7

2

2022/23

17 (15)

2

1

2021/22

17 (15)

5

2

2020/21

33 (32)

16

1

2019/20

36 (30)

13

1

2018/19

35 (19)

6

2

2017/18

32 (18)

4

5

2016/17

11 (5)

1

0

Not including the current fledgling campaign, Calvert-Lewin has only started over half the fixtures in the Premier League season on three of eight attempts.

But when he's on top, he's on top. The 11-cap England international has scored 55 goals across 216 Premier League appearances and is regarded for his physicality and quality as the focal frontman.

Last season, he enjoyed a revival that saw him feature across 32 top-flight fixtures, lacking his former prolificness but finding his feet toward the end, posting four goals and an assist across the final seven fixtures as Dyche's outfit clicked into gear.

It's important to put things in perspective. Four matches into the 2023/24 season, Everton had lost their opening three top-flight fixtures while defeating Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup, identical to present results.

Everton also finished comfortably in 15th place, and had they not suffered an eight-point deduction, they would have finished 12th.

Calvert-Lewin's late-season resurgence proved vital in hitting a winning patch of form and steering away from the dreaded drop zone. The Athletic's Patrick Boyland even remarked that he looked "like the DCL of old" following a commanding display against Liverpool.

Everton have bolstered their No. 9 spot by signing Armando Broja on loan from Chelsea with the option to make the deal permanent for £30m next summer, but Calvert-Lewin's early-season form, scoring a goal and an assist apiece already, suggests that he could take some shifting from the starting spearhead spot.

He will need to juggle the workload, however, for an extended layoff could prove to be ruinous for Dyche and his plans. Everton could do with another dynamic attacking presence – Broja, aged 22, is talented but scored only two goals across 27 matches last year.

Casting our mind back, Everton could definitely make good use of two former players, namely Anthony Gordon and Ademola Lookman, who have both shot to the upper echelon of the world's pantheon of players.

The latter, in particular, might just be the biggest regret when it comes to player departures.

How Gordon compared to Lookman in 2023/24

Atalanta superstar Lookman once plied his trade in Merseyside blue, signing from Charlton Athletic for a fee rising to £11m way back in January 2017.

A versatile winger with a love for scoring, he's one of Everton's brightest attacking talents of the past decade, with Gordon another to have carried high potential throughout his early days at the club before being sold and since realising his potential elsewhere.

Gordon was sold to Newcastle United for £45m in January 2023, and while the England international has since gone from strength to strength and been the subject of interest from Liverpool, who eyed a £75m deal this summer, Lookman would give him a good run for his money in claiming the tag of the player at the higher point.

It's quite simple really; after all, Gordon isn't on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, is he? He also posted 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season for the Toon, winning their Player of the Year award. But alas, Lookman trumped him – and won gold during his continental campaign besides.

Indeed, Lookman's tally of 32 goals for the Bergamo-based outfit to date is more than Gordon has achieved in his entire senior career, with the Englishman netting just 21 times for the Toffees and the Magpies, respectively.

Still only 26 years old, the Nigerian forward has plenty yet to give but has recently hit the pinnacle of his career, scoring an emphatic hat-trick against previously invincible Bayer Leverkusen in last term's Europa League final to hand the Serie A side their first-ever European title.

He joined as a teenager, and this 19-year-old prospect carried exciting qualities under both Ronald Koeman and then Sam Allardyce but failed to bring it together on English shores, despite scoring on his debut against Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

Indeed, in total, four goals across 48 matches were registered for the Blues, but his talent was recognised by Germany's RB Leipzig, who signed him for £22.5m in July 2019 during Marco Silva's time at the helm, after enjoying his performances on loan in 2017/18 – where he scored five goals and added four assists across just 11 outings in the Bundesliga.

Now playing for Atalanta, he's positively exploded. Last year, Lookman bagged 17 goals and ten assists across 45 matches in all competitions to outshine Gordon's return, now honoured with a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

And why not? On top of his extraordinary performance on one of the biggest nights in Atalanta's storied history, he has maintained a fierce threat throughout, ranking among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Such a meteoric rise has even earned the £38k-per-week talent a summer of interest from high-profile suitors such as Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, though Italian sources' suggestions that Atalanta were looking for a €70m (£59m) figure appears to have dissuaded the interested parties.

This transfer price means that Lookman is worth more than any of Everton's forwards. Calvert-Lewin was pursued by Newcastle United in the summer but the Magpies were put off by Everton's demands of £40m earlier in the summer.

Of course, Lookman's post-Toffees career has been cardinal for his development; remaining on Merseyside, he may not have found the gusto to propel him to the 2024 Ballon d'Or candidate list or hit such a value, having now become an undoubted "superstar", as per 90min's Sean Walsh.

But one can't help but rue the failure of Silva and Co to keep a hold of him and ignite his career. Given that the likes of PSG and Arsenal hold a vested interest, it's clear that quite the pretty penny could have been fetched.

Everton have hit the jackpot on "monster" who's worth more than Broja

The Chelsea forward has joined on loan with an option to buy for £30m…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 4, 2024

Manchester United were latest team to fall victim to the Gunners' set-piece prowess, which could give them an edge in the title race

Arsenal are the set-piece kings of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's men cemented that standing on Wednesday as Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both scored from corner routines to wrap up a hard-fought 2-0 home win over Manchester United, which saw them close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the table to seven points.

For the first 50 minutes of the game, United stifled the Gunners while sticking to new manager Ruben Amorim's compact 3-4-3 formation, and the atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium fell flat. But Arsenal always have a Plan B to fall back on.

Once the dead-ball deliveries started raining down, United were left completely overwhelmed, and in the end, they were fortunate not to lose by a far wider margin. They are not the first side to buckle under that pressure, though, and won't be the last.

No other team in Europe can match Arsenal's total of 22 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season; it's a unique strength that ensures they are never out of a game. But some consider the approach to be a form of anti-football.

"Arsenal is the new Stoke City, right?" Dimitar Berbatov said while covering the game as a pundit for . "Depending on set-pieces to give you the win." They were, however, bitter and unfair words from an ex-United striker.

Arsenal should not be written off as one-dimensional; Arteta is simply covering all bases to try and deliver the club's first league title in 20 years.

Getty Images Sport'Impossible to defend'

Every time Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka walked over to the corner flag, you could sense the fear among the United squad. The routine always starts the same way: four or five of Arsenal's most physically imposing players line up on the far side of the six-yard area, before crowding around the opposition goalkeeper like bees being drawn to honey as the ball is swung in.

Andre Onana was completely helpless on both Arsenal goals, with Timber nodding home the first at the United keeper's front post, and Saliba turning the ball into the net for their second after a deep corner from Saka found Thomas Partey. The Gunners constantly mixed it up with their delivery, and put blockers in place that made it very difficult for United to win first and second balls.

Amorim tried a zonal marking system to combat the threat, which backfired. But plenty of other teams have opted to go man-for-man, and the result has been the same.

"As coaches, when we prepare these strategies, you know what the opposition are going to do," Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, who previously managed in the Premier League at Wigan and Everton, said on the panel. "The uniqueness of Arsenal's work is that they always find a little trick that makes things impossible to defend if the delivery is right."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNothing on Stoke

Over the last two seasons, 25 percent of Arsenal's 119 Premier League goals have come from set-pieces – as per . However, that record is still inferior to Tony Pulis' Stoke, whose ratio reached a staggering 43% between 2008 and 2013.

The Potters were masters at maximising every corner and free-kick opportunity, but their main weapon was Rory Delap – who became known as the ultimate long-throw-in specialist. It was rare for Stoke to try and score from open play; they relied purely on physicality to accumulate points.

Arteta does not want his Arsenal to be tarred with the same brush. “We want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play,” he said after the United win. “Last year we scored the most goals in the history of this football club, not because of only set-pieces but because of a lot of things that we have. We want to create individual and magic moments, too.”

Getty'Most annoying bloke in football'

Set-pieces should be considered part of Arsenal's "magic". The Gunners are getting so much success because of the countless hours spent refining their process on the training ground, with set-piece coach Nico Jover having an especially profound impact on Rice, who set up Timber's goal against United.

"When you go up for a corner it's a chance to score a goal, so to score both of them from corners, Nico will be buzzing and I'm so happy," Rice said. "Seeing clips, I know the weight I need to put on the ball and it's just about repetition. I put a few good balls in and could've had a couple of assists, so it was nice to get one."

Jover takes Arteta's place on the edge of the touchline whenever Arsenal win set-pieces high up the pitch, barking instructions to Rice and Saka as well as the runners in the penalty area. United legend Gary Neville described the Frenchman as "the most annoying bloke in football" during a watch-along special for 'The Overlap' podcast, which reflected the jealousy brewing throughout the whole league.

Arsenal now have an advantage over their rivals because of Jover's innovative methods, but Arteta is adamant that their collaboration does not centre solely around dead balls. "We share a very clear vision about how we want to put everything together," the Arsenal boss said at his pre-match press conference. "It's not about open play or set-pieces, it's how everything is connected, aligned and can work efficiently in our team."

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(C)Getty ImagesPerennial entertainers

Arsenal can hurt opponents in so many ways; set-pieces is just one of them. Arteta's side warmed up for United by thrashing Nottingham Forest, Sporting CP and West Ham, scoring 13 goals across those three games, and some of their football was a joy to behold.

When the likes of Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are firing on all cylinders, Arsenal are almost impossible to stop. There is a ferocious intensity to all of their work on and off the ball, while Arteta also encourages self-expression to open up defences.

"A lot of players can create their own goals," he said in midweek. "We can create goals from short counters and long counters, slow build-ups, restarts and the opportunity to open up the opposition. Every single phase of play let’s maximise it, keep working on it, keep improving."

Arsenal can outplay any team on their day, and are deservedly revered as English football's perennial entertainers. But that's not enough to win titles. Arteta knows that, which is why he has embraced a variety of different styles over the last two seasons.

Leeds United have less than a week to prepare for their opening day clash with Portsmouth in the Championship at Elland Road on Saturday.

They will be lining up without the league's reigning Player of the Year after Crysencio Summerville's transfer to West Ham United was officially confirmed on Saturday.

The Whites have cashed in on Archie Gray, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and Glen Kamara, who left to sign for Rennes, alongside the Dutch forward during the summer transfer window so far.

Daniel Farke has, however, been able to bring in Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle, and Joe Rothwell to bolster his squad across the pitch.

There is still a number of weeks left before the window slams shut for business and this means that Leeds could make further signings to improve the team, with the aim of building a side that is ready to compete for promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

The West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking to make another addition to their midfield ranks as they target a youngster from the top-flight.

Leeds register interest in Premier League teen

According to Football Insider, Leeds have registered a formal interest in Liverpool central midfielder Bobby Clark as they look to land the teenage starlet this summer.

The report claims that the Whites have made a move to sign the England U20 international on a season-long loan from the Premier League giants.

It states that Liverpool are more likely to sanction a loan exit from the talented whiz, rather than allowing him to leave permanently, amid interest from Austrian side RB Salzburg.

Football Insider adds that fellow Championship teams Sheffield United and Norwich City are also interested in signing Clark on a season-long loan.

Both clubs are said to be preparing formal offers to land the midfield whiz and it may come down to where Liverpool feel his development is best served.

However, it remains to be seen where the Reds would prefer him to go or where the player himself sees himself playing in the 2024/25 campaign.

This means that it is unclear as to how likely Leeds are to win the race for his services before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.

If the Whites can come out on top and bring the former Newcastle United youngster to Elland Road, though, then he could be Farke's own version of Mateusz Klich.

Why Mateusz Klich was a key player for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa's arrival in Yorkshire in the summer of 2018 was a blessing for the club and the players, none more so than the Polish central midfielder.

He had spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan with FC Utrecht in the Netherlands after mustering up just five Championship appearances in the first half.

Bielsa came through the door ahead of the 2018/19 season and clearly saw something he liked in Klich, as the midfield battler was immediately made a key player for him.

Starts

46

Goals

10

Assists

8

Big chances created

9

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.1

As you can see in the table above, the Polish ace started every single game in the regular season before the Whites missed out on promotion via the play-offs.

The right-footed maestro chipped in with 18 direct goal contributions along the way as he showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a midfield role.

Klich followed that up with six goals and five assists in 45 appearances as Leeds won the Championship title the following term, which shows that he remained an important member of the team during a promotion season.

It was then a question of whether or not he could handle the step up to the Premier League and the Poland international answered that in emphatic fashion, with four goals and five assists in 35 outings as the Whites landed a top-half finish in the division.

Overall, the central midfielder, who now plays for D.C United in the MLS, was a key player during the peak years of Bielsa's reign due to his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from midfield – providing a big attacking threat from that role.

Why Bobby Clark could be Mateusz Klich 2.0

Clark could come in as Farke's own version of Klich, as an attacking force from a midfield position, if he can enjoy a breakthrough season at first-team level after a smattering of senior appearances for Liverpool last term.

The 19-year-old star, who is reportedly valued at £12m by the Reds, has played 14 games for the Premier League giants and chipped in with one goal and two assists.

He caught the eye with one goal and one assist in two Europa League outings for Jurgen Klopp, which showed that the quality is there for him to impact matches at a high level.

Clark, who was described as "exciting" by reporter Lee Ryder, has the ability to make things happen at the top end of the pitch from a midfield position, which is also evidenced by his superb form for Liverpool's academy teams.

Appearances

27

37

14

Goals

13

5

1

Assists

5

6

2

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds target racked up 18 goals and 11 assists for the club's U18 and U21 sides combined as a central midfielder.

This shows that he loves to get forward to make a difference in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals, just like Klich did for the Whites under Bielsa.

It would be a gamble of a move from Leeds, however, as Clark has yet to prove his quality on a consistent basis at first-team level to date, but Klopp handing him plenty of opportunities last term speaks to his potential – as the German boss clearly deemed him ready to play in the Premier League and the Europa League.

Imagine him & Rutter: Leeds eyeing swoop for "prolific" £5.9k-p/w star

The Whites are on the hunt to replace Crysencio Summerville this month.

ByDan Emery Aug 4, 2024

It is now down to the club and Farke to convince Liverpool and Clark that a move to Elland Road is the best next step in his development for the 2024/25 campaign.

Henriques and Peter Nevill put Victoria to the sword after Harry Conway’s career-best six-wicket haul for NSW

Alex Malcolm26-Feb-2021Moises Henriques has pressed further claims for Australia’s vacant Test No. 5 role with a third century of the Sheffield Shield summer to put New South Wales firmly in control against Victoria at Bankstown Oval.Henriques made a classy 141 in a 219-run partnership alongside Peter Nevill, who made 74, to help New South Wales build a significant lead after Harry Conway took career-best figures of 6 for 39 to bowl Victoria out for 190.Henriques showed why he was a candidate to return to Australia’s middle order for the South Africa Test tour prior to its cancellation and why he remains in the frame for the Ashes next summer. It was his third century of the Shield summer and his fifth in the last two seasons that has yielded 1061 runs at an average of 58.94.New South Wales had slumped to 4 for 54 in reply to Victoria’s 190. James Pattinson knocked over Daniel Hughes and Kurtis Pattinson while Nick Larkin was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Jake Fraser-McGurk at point. When Daniel Solway was adjudged lbw to Scott Boland a first-innings lead looked a long way away for the Blues.But Henriques stamped his class on the match with the help of Nevill. He cruised to a half-century, bringing it up in style with a lofted six of Jon Holland over long-off. He continued to score boundaries consistently throughout the day and reached his century off just 131 runs in the last over before tea. Nevill ground his way to a patient half-century providing the perfect foil for Henriques.The new ball brought a change of fortune for Victoria. Henriques finally fell chopping on against Scott Boland after Pattinson caused him some trouble. Nevill was pinned lbw by Mitch Perry late in the day and he also claimed Sean Abbott before bad light stopped play with the Blues 7 for 304.Earlier, Matt Short fell six runs short of a second first-class century as Conway picked his sixth five-wicket haul. Conway claimed wo wickets in the third over of the morning to leave Victoria 9 for 175 with Short on 84 with just Holland for company to try and reach a century.Short farmed to strike to reach 94 before gloving a ball off Conway down the leg side to end the innings.

The allrounder damaged his hand fielding off his own bowling against the Hurricanes

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2021

Daniel Sams has brought huge power to the Thunder’s middle order•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Sydney Thunder have suffered a blow in their bid to cement a spot in the BBL finals with allrounder Daniel Sams ruled out of the remainder of the regular season with a hand injury.Sams landed heavily on his right hand when fielding off his own bowling against Hobart Hurricanes in Canberra on Monday and though he was able to continue his spell after treatment subsequent scans have shown bone and ligament damage.It is hoped he will recover to play in the finals if the Thunder make it that far. They are currently well placed in third, but only four points separate the teams in second and seventh.”Daniel fell awkwardly onto his right hand and wrist while fielding off his own bowling,” said the Thunder’s physiotherapist Murray Ryan. “Scans completed yesterday have indicated a bone and ligament injury that has been reviewed by a hand specialist.”Dan has subsequently been ruled out of the final three Thunder round games. His timeline for a return to play will be determined by medical staff following these games.”Sams has had an impressive season so far, particularly with his rejuvenated batting where he has scored 199 runs at a strike-rate of 191.34 and has also collected 10 wickets in nine matches. He missed two games earlier in the tournament due to concussion.The Thunder’s group-stage campaign finishes with a match against leaders Sydney Sixers and two games against Adelaide Strikers. The top five teams move into the finals series with the sides finishing in the top two getting a second chance to reach the final on February 6

Ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is working tirelessly to improve his squad to try and bolster the Magpies’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League once again.

His side were plagued with injuries during the previous season, missing out on European football altogether after Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph against Manchester City at Wembley at the end of May.

However, it will give the Magpies a great opportunity to return to their best with a more manageable fixture congestion that could prevent a repeat of any injury problems the club were ruined by over the last 12 months.

The lack of squad depth on Tyneside was desperately highlighted, often relying on youngsters Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley to fill the voids left by the injured first-team stars.

One particular area Howe needs reinforcements in is the forward line, with Miguel Almiron potentially moving to Saudi Arabia leaving the Magpies even shorter in attacking areas.

Newcastle’s attempts to sign a new attacker this summer

The club have scouted far and wide to find a suitable player who can make an instant impact on the first team at St James’ Park, but are yet to have any breakthrough in their attempts.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed the club still have multiple players on their shortlist, with West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Elanga both on Howe’s radar for this summer transfer window.

The Magpies previously attempted to secure a deal with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in a swap deal for the departed Anderson in an attempt to prevent a PSR punishment from the Premier League this season.

However, Forest rejected the offer, but the club still remain interested in a move for the former Manchester United attacker, who only cost the Reds £15m last summer.

A deal for Bowen would undoubtedly be a more expensive one, with Julen Lopetegui’s side holding out for a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the 27-year-old.

Howe’s side have previously been credited with interest in one other attacker, who would be a much cheaper alternative to the aforementioned pair, whilst also providing more quality and increasing the club’s chances of securing a Champions League spot.

A better option than Elanga & Bowen

A couple of years ago, Italian winger Federico Chiesa lit up the Euros, starring as his nation broke English hearts at Wembley.

However, fast forward three years, and the 26-year-old has struggled to regain his form following his serious knee injury, with new boss Thiago Motta making the attacker free to leave should anyone pay £21m for his services.

A couple of months ago, he was linked with a move to Tyneside, with Howe needing to reignite interest in the forward given his stats in Serie A during 2023/24.

When comparing the “world-class” Chiesa, as described by journalist Zach Lowy, to Bowen and Elanga, it’s clear the Juventus talent would be a better addition, especially when factoring in his bargain price tag.

Whilst contributing with fewer combined goals and assists in 2023/24, he’s dominated the pair in numerous other key areas that would improve Howe’s side.

Games

33

34

36

Goals + assists

11

22

14

Shots per 90

3

2.5

2

Progressive carries

111

90

98

Progressive passes

70

52

49

Successful take-ons

35

34

28

The Italian ace has averaged more shots per 90, whilst also completing more progressive carries and passes, demonstrating his ability to drive with the ball and find a key pass that could allow players such as Alexander Isak to reach the next level.

He’s also completed more take-ons, showcasing his ability and desire to beat the opposition, something which Bowen and Elanga simply can’t match.

Given Newcastle’s recent scare with the Premier League’s PSR rules, they will have to continue operating in a shrewd manner to prevent a potential breach next season.

Chiesa would allow the club to do just that, providing a cheaper alternative to the other transfer targets in the final third, whilst adding needed flair and quality to Howe’s forward line.

Imagine him & Gordon: Newcastle battling Bayern Munich to sign £42m talent

The attacker could prove to be the final piece in Howe’s attacking puzzle.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 4, 2024

Glasgow Rangers head coach Philippe Clement has already made his first addition of the summer transfer window, which officially opens for business later this month.

Brazilian left-back Jefte has agreed to join the club on a permanent deal from Fluminense and will compete with Ridvan Yilmaz for a starting spot next season, after Borna Barisic's exit on a free transfer.

The Light Blues recently confirmed that the Croatia international is one of a number of players moving on from Ibrox this summer; alongside Jon McLaughlin, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, and Ryan Jack.

Loanee Fabio Silva, who scored four goals in 18 league games, has also returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers after his short spell in Glasgow.

This means that there is plenty for Clement and head of recruitment Nils Koppen to do between now and the end of the window to replace those who have departed and strengthen the squad to ensure that they can compete with Celtic to win the Scottish Premiership next term.

A new striker appears to be on the agenda for the Light Blues after Roofe's departure and Cyriel Dessers' mixed success in his first season with the club, as they are reportedly targeting a signing in that position.

Rangers' interest in signing £6.8m marksman

Earlier this month, Romanian outlet Digi Sport reported that Rangers are interested in a summer swoop to sign FC Rapid București marksman Albion Rrahmani.

The report claimed that Czech giants Slavia Prague are also keen on a deal to snap up the 23-year-old centre-forward and have already submitted an offer of €3m (£2.5m) to secure his signature.

However, that is significantly lower than the €8m (£6.8m) that the Romanian side are seeking in order to allow their prized asset to walk away from the club ahead of next season.

It added that Rangers are currently willing to offer €6m (£5.1m) for Rrahmani but it remains to be seen whether or not common ground can be found between that €6m and the €8m asking price.

Digi Sport also claimed that Koppen has already held talks with the player's representatives at the recent TransferRoom summit in Mexico, which suggests that progress has been made in their pursuit of the forward.

Rangers appear to be in the driving seat, ahead of Sparta Prague, but it still remains to be seen if they can reach an agreement with Rapid before the end of the window.

If they can, however, then they could land a lethal partner for Todd Cantwell at the top end of the pitch, as they could form an exciting relationship for the Scottish giants.

Todd Cantwell's attacking potential for Rangers

Despite having been at Ibrox for around 18 months already, Rangers may not have seen the best of the English attacking midfielder as of yet.

This is because he has yet to play with a consistent and excellent centre-forward who can help to get the best out of the former Norwich City star.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Dessers was the main number nine ahead of the Englishman and the 29-year-old forward left a lot to be desired with his performances.

The Nigeria international scored 16 goals from 21.72 xG in the Premiership, an underperformance of -5.72. No Rangers player underperformed against their xG by more and he missed a staggering 18 more 'big chances' (27) than any other forward in the squad.

Meanwhile, Cantwell scored seven goals from 5.49 xG and only Rabbi Matondo (five from 2.93 xG) overperformed his expected tally by more than the attacking midfielder.

23/24 Premiership	Todd Cantwell
Appearances	30
Goals	7
Assists	5
Big chances created	7
Key passes	51
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old magician also only recorded five assists from 51 key passes and seven 'big chances' created in 30 appearances in the Premiership.

This suggests that his teammates did not make the most of his creativity in the final third, which is backed up by Dessers' significant underperformance as a finisher in the top-flight.

Clement could unlock Cantwell's full potential in a Light Blues shirt by bringing in a striker who is more likely to finish the chances that are created for him, whilst also being able to create opportunities for the midfielder to showcase his efficient and impressive finishing more often.

Why Rangers should sign Albion Rrahmani

This is why the Scottish giants should push ahead and beat Sparta Prague to the signing of Rrahmani from Rapid as he has the potential to be a big upgrade on Dessers and a lethal partner for the midfield maestro.

The 23-year-old whiz, who has scored an incredible 51 goals in 95 career games at club level to date, was in fantastic goalscoring form this season and could offer more than the Nigerian liability as a finisher.

23/24 season	Albion Rrahmani (Superliga)	Cyriel Dessers (Premiership)
Appearances	25	35
Goals	17	16
Big chances missed	18	27
Conversion rate	22%	16%
Minutes per goal	125	143
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Rrahmani scored more goals despite missing nine fewer 'big chances' and had a far better conversion rate and minutes per goal ratio at league level.

The Kosovo international, who Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson dubbed "powerful", appears to be a striker who would be more likely to make the most of Cantwell's creativity than Dessers, who was incredibly wasteful in front of goal, did this season.

Along with his ability to potentially finish chances that the attacking midfielder creates, the £6.8m-rated marksman could also help the ex-Canaries whiz to flourish as a goalscorer.

Rrahmani created an eye-catching 13 'big chances' for his teammates and made 2.0 key passes per game across his 25 Superliga appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.

Whereas, Dessers created eight 'big chances' and made 1.4 key passes per match in his 35 Premiership outings for Rangers, which suggests that the Kosovan star could provide far more creativity alongside being a better finisher.

Rangers want to sign "exciting" 5 ft 10 replacement for Ryan Jack

The Light Blues recently confirmed that a number of first-team stars will be moving on this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 6, 2024

This is another reason why he would be a lethal partner for Cantwell as the 23-year-old ace could create opportunities for the English ace to showcase his excellent finishing, and vice versa, which is why Clement and Koppen should look to get a deal over the line for him.

The Gunners centre-back took his club form onto the international stage as the sloppy visitors recovered to climb the World Cup qualification table

Brazil defeated Chile 2-1 on Thursday as an 89th-minute winner sealed all three points and moved the Selecao up to fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, leapfrogging both Ecuador and Bolivia in the process.

The three points will come as a welcome relief to head coach Dorival Junior but it was a poor showing from Brazil, who began the match flat-footed and conceded after just two minutes – a sensational headed effort from veteran attacker Eduardo Vargas looping over Ederson and into the net.

However, just before the half-time break, Selecao striker Igor Jesus headed home to draw the visitors level, with a pinpoint cross from Manchester City winger Savinho putting the ball on a plate for the Botafogo forward.

Brazil then made it 2-1 after 89 minutes with what was only their second big chance of the evening, as another Botafogo player, Luiz Henrique, drilled a low-driven effort into the bottom-left corner.

It was a disappointing showing from Dorival Junior's men, who failed to hit top form without star man Vinicius Junior, and the pressure on the manager is now only likely to increase after such a disjointed performance.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos…

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Ederson (6/10):

Hard to blame him for the opener. Solid and reliable throughout.

Abner (6/10):

An unfamiliar face in the Selecao backline. He didn't put a foot wrong but didn't stand out either.

Gabriel (8/10):

Their best player on the night. Ran the show defensively and was calm playing out from the back. Constantly the one they relied on to get the ball moving forward.

Marquinhos (6/10):

Reliable as ever. Solid performance at the back.

Danilo (6/10):

Defensively sound but could've done more to get forward and support attacks.

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Lucas Paqueta (4/10):

Subbed off at half-time after being deployed as a deep-lying midfielder. The experiment did not work, at all.

Andre (5/10):

Removed at half-time. His pivot with Paqueta was woeful, and Dorival saw change was needed immediately.

AFPAttack

Savinho (7/10):

Brilliant assist for Jesus' strike and showed some neat footwork as well. A great performance.

Igor Jesus (8/10):

Took his opportunity and scored a top header. Didn't threaten too much, but made use of space nicely.

Rodrygo (6/10):

Struggled in a striker role once again. Hard to blame him when Dorival insists he plays there for the national team.

Raphinha (6/10):

Struggled to integrate himself into the match. Did not look comfortable alongside Jesus and Savinho.

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Bruno Guimaraes (6/10):

Brought on at half-time. A sense of composure and calmness arrived in the centre of the park as a result of his introduction.

Gerson (5/10):

Didn't do an awful lot to make his mark but didn't look out of place, either.

Luiz Henrique (8/10):

Brought on for Savinho with 22 minutes to spare and scored the winner. He likely should not have had as much time to get the shot off, but he'll take it. Top finish.

Endrick (N/A):

Introduced in the 78th minute, which was 20-30 minutes too late.

Gabriel Martinelli (N/A):

Brought on with five minutes to spare

Dorival Junior (3/10):

Disastrous tactics. His midfield pairing were removed at half-time amid their struggles to keep possession. Even with the three points, Dorival is on thin ice; and it's already started cracking.

Aston Villa have not yet completed their first signing of the summer but it's clear that Ross Barkley will be plying his trade at Villa Park next season, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal's on the cusp of completion.

Barkley made 24 appearances for Dean Smith's Villa during the 2020/21 campaign, on loan from Chelsea, scoring three times and placing one assist, but failed to really nail down a spot and departed at the end of the term.

Since, the 30-year-old has aged like fine wine, producing a cultured and resurgent campaign with Luton Town over the past year, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson even claiming he was "not far off Player of the Season" for his efforts in the Premier League.

Unai Emery and Monchi have made a shrewd move here, and they look keen to swiftly repeat the trick with another former loanee.

Aston Villa lining up another former loan star

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have been put on alert after AS Roma transfer-listed Tammy Abraham for £40m, with the Serie A side scrambling to meet financial rules and revamp their squad under Daniele De Rossi, who succeeded Jose Mourinho in January.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are both named as suitors for a player who has proven himself a top-class goalscorer in the past, blighted this season by a ruinous ACL injury.

Villa will hope their past affinity with the England international holds sway in the proceedings to come, though whether any interested parties would meet the above-mentioned price tag is questionable.

Why Tammy Abraham would thrive with Ross Barkley

Abraham might have only played eight times this season, starting twice and scoring once, but he's certainly enjoyed success in Italy, winning the Europa Conference League in his first season after scoring 27 goals in all competitions. Having enjoyed such fine feats, Abraham was predicted to become "one of the best in the world" by Roma skipper Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Indeed, Abraham remarked that Mourinho had turned him into a "monster", bagging nine times in the Conference League and demonstrating his dynamic style in the league, averaging one key pass and dribble and 5.2 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

He'd previously spent a few seasons as Chelsea's talisman before completing his £34m switch to Italy's metropolis, but the first understanding of his prolific skill set emerged during his short-term stint at Villa Park, where his youthful exuberance fired the Lions back into the Premier League.

Languishing in the Championship for the second year, Abraham's contribution proved pivotal, scoring 26 goals from 40 Championship matches. With such an impressive track record across multiple nations, both domestically and in European competition, it's no surprise that Abraham has been dubbed a "goal machine" by ex-Manchester City striker Stephen Elliott.

23/24

Ollie Watkins

53

27

22/23

Ollie Watkins

40

16

21/22

Ollie Watkins

36

11

20/21

Ollie Watkins

40

16

19/20

Jack Grealish

41

10

18/19

Tammy Abraham

42

26

By providing Villa Park with a goalscorer capable of rivalling Ollie Watkins – and one with such pedigree on the continent – Emery could score a real win, especially when considering the partnership that could be forged with Barkley.

As per FBref, the England international ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, and it is this assortment of skills that would make such an impact off the shadow of the imposing No. 9.

Indeed, Barkley's robust output and athletic prowess makes for a unique weapon, driving forward and beating opponents to unleash strikes and creative support both.

Given his creativity and willingness to advance into the danger area with such constancy, Abraham could find the perfect ammunition to rediscover his scoring touch back in his homeland.

Of course, Emery already yields one of the Premier League's finest forwards in Watkins, but then, the dynamic Three Lions star could make excellent use of a strike partner cut from a more traditional mould.

Aston Villa could sign their next Abraham in PL star who "causes panic"

This coveted target is likely to be sold this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 7, 2024

Stand of 178 sees Notts take control on day one against Lancashire

Paul Edwards at Trent Bridge15-Aug-2020

Ben Duckett presses out•Getty Images

From the moment Ben Slater cover drove his tenth ball of the day to the boundary it was plain that this would be a morning when batting came easy to him. Cricketers treasure such times and loathe wasting them. They know how easy it is to get out when the game is alien or the bowling barely playable. Slater made 471 runs in the County Championship last season, his first with Nottinghamshire after his move from Derbyshire, and a few people thought him a second-tier cricketer promoted above his station. Only a fortnight ago he was on loan at Leicestershire. And now the fours flowed like cream from a jug, ten of them in a 63-ball fifty, three in one Liam Hurt over, accustomed cover drives mixed with perfectly timed punches down the ground.Maybe the familiarity of the opponents helped a little; most certainly their generosity of length did. Thirteen days ago the on-loan Slater was making 172 against three members of this Lancashire attack at Worcester. He knew the disciplines required when facing Tom Bailey while the left-arm swing bowler Luke Wood was his colleague at Trent Bridge last season. And until lunchtime at least, each ball became little more than the context for the stroke he chose to play. Things were more difficult in the afternoon session; for one thing Dane Vilas’s bowlers offered fewer presents. So Slater was grateful for the assistance of Ben Duckett, whose sharp eye and quick hands helped him put on 178 for the second wicket on Nottinghamshire’s best day of this season like no other. Both men made hundreds and Duckett’s dismissal, leg before to Bailey for 116 three overs before the light closed in, has not altered the shape of the game.Having chosen to bowl first, Lancashire were in disarray before the shine had left the new ball. Nottinghamshire’s openers, Slater and Haseeb Hameed, had 50 runs on the board inside ten overs and the departure of the former Lancashire batsman Hameed, lbw for 22 when trying to work George Balderson to leg in no way disturbed Slater’s rhythm. Nottinghamshire took lunch with their score on 107 for 1 and must have known they already had an opportunity to dictate the course of this game.The cricket became a trifle scrappier in the early afternoon but perhaps it could scarcely have been otherwise. Duckett took the dominant role but his style his busier than the more classical Slater and he is more comfortable manufacturing glides and cuts off a subtly angled bat. Such an approach invites risk. It can even appear rash and the former Northamptonshire batsman had an escape on 27 when he edged Bailey through the left hand of Keaton Jennings at first slip. But mixed in with such scares were the typical small man’s pulls and sweeps and the offspinner Liam Livingstone became a frequent sufferer. Duckett reached his fifty off 69 balls and by tea he was 91, thereby trailing Slater by one run despite facing 47 balls fewer. Shortly after the resumption Duckett cover drove a Tom Hartley full toss to the boundary and overtook his partner.But Slater still got to his century first when a Bailey misfield at cover allowed him to scamper the run he needed. Four balls later Duckett whipped the same unfortunate cricketer to the square-leg boundary to reach his own hundred, his first for Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. Each batsman congratulated the other although there was no unseemly hugging, a fact which will have pleased James Whitaker, the match referee. Apparently Whitaker is something of a stickler when it comes to vectors of happiness and is as quick to suppress them as the Puritans were to shut the theatres.Lancashire’s players were similarly restrained when they finally took Duckett’s wicket, although since the total was 256 there is the alternative explanation that they simply couldn’t be arsed making much whoopee. They will, however, take a different view of matters in Hucknall and Welbeck, Sandiacre and Sherwood. There may have been one or two afternoons this season when Nottinghamshire’s supporters did not regret their enforced exclusion from Trent Bridge. But they will be sorry to have missed this one, and maybe Slater missed them, too, not least because it prevented him pondering whether one or two of those applauding his century were also doubting his worth less than a year ago.