Phil Parkinson has revealed the qualities that Wrexham transfer targets must have if they want to play for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
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"We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days."
These are the words of Irons chairman David Sullivan, speaking in May 2018 after the close of David Moyes' short-term contract.
The Scottish manager had kept the Hammers up but was not deemed the long-term choice for growth, and former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was appointed with an illustrious vision in mind.
Sacked after 19 months. And so returns Moyes. And so, unwittingly, begins that shiny chapter of the London club's history that reached its apotheosis last June, when the Irons won the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
One of Moyes' first ports of call following his comeback was to sign Hull City winger Jarrod Bowen in the 2019/20 January transfer market for £20m plus add-ons. Now, four years later, the 60-year-old is looking to repeat the feat.
West Ham eyeing Championship star
According to Football Insider, West Ham are looking to ship on first-team players Said Benrahma and Maxwel Cornet to facilitate a move for Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto this month.
The Premier League side are lacking in offensive depth in a quandary that has been exacerbated by the calf injury suffered by Lucas Paqueta, expected to keep the Brazilian out until mid-March.
Gnonto, aged 20, is struggling to earn a regular starting spot under Daniel Farke and could leave by the end of the month, with the Hammers favourites to land the Italy international.
Having been used sporadically this season, Gnonto's transfer valuation appears to have depreciated and reports from December suggest that he could exit Elland Road for just €15m (£13m).
Why West Ham want Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto has started just seven matches in the Championship this season – scoring one goal and providing one assist – with just one opportunity from the outset since October.
Farke has sought to set his team up for an instantaneous promotion from the second tier after relegation from the Premier League before the summer and has perhaps been a little ruthless in his treatment of Gnonto, but then with the Whites currently just four points away from automatic promotion, it's somewhat understandable.
But the young dynamo is undoubtedly a player of immense potential and showcased his qualities to emphatic effect last term, with pundit Tam McManus dubbing him a "pocket rocket" for his energy and fizz in offensive sequences.
In the Premier League last season, Gnonto posted four goals and four assists apiece and impressed with his overall play but was unable to prevent Leeds from slumping to relegation, with his exploits attracting Everton's attention in the summer, with a series of offers rejected despite the Italian's official transfer request.
The 13-cap Italy international also ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across divisions similar to the Championship over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 13% for pass completion, the top 20% for blocks and the top 16% for clearances per 90, as per FBref,
Hailed as an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gnonto perhaps needs a change of scenery to aid him in fully realising his potential in the Premier League, having demonstrated his innate quality for beleaguered-looking Leeds last year.
One of the bright sparks, West Ham have clearly done their homework and are adamant about Gnonto's future prosperity and now seek to guide him to the fore at the London Stadium.
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And in doing so, Moyes may well repeat that aforementioned deal to bring Bowen to east London, something that has proved an extraordinary piece of business.
How Wilfried Gnonto compares to Jarrod Bowen
Bowen is considered one of the Premier League's most dynamic forwards and has been one of the fulcrums of Moyes' success over recent years, even being heralded for his "unbelievable" performances by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Across 185 appearances, Bowen has scored 54 goals and supplied 36 assists for his teammates, scoring the winning goal as the Hammers won the Conference League last season.
#
Player
Club
No. of Goals
1.
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
14
1.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
14
3.
Dominic Solanke
Bournemouth
12
3.
Heung-min Son
Tottenham Hotspur
12
5.
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham United
11
Source: Premier League
Among the most clinical figures in English football right now having signed from the Championship – as Gnonto could himself – Bowen has netted 11 goals from 20 appearances in the top flight while posting 14 goals and five assists across all competitions.
As per FBref, the £120k-per-week ace ranks among the top 20% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 9% for interceptions and the top 11% for aerial battles won per 90.
Given that Gnonto and Bowen share a tenaciousness that allows them to thrive in defensive scenarios, aiding the backline, Moyes might just know what he's doing with this one.
The former is not earning regular minutes this term but this does not negate his skill set, comfortably one of the most athletic and exciting young wingers currently plying their trade on English soil.
Moyes also plucked Bowen from the second tier, so that's a trend that's worth continuing, and both players are natural wingers with a versatile edge to their respective games that allows them to find ample success when fielded in a focal role up front.
It's unlikely that Gnonto – despite his "electric" talent as described by pundit Sam Parkin – would cement a starring spot in the London Stadium side's team from the off but he has talents that make him a custom-made fit for Moyes' counter-attacking style and he could be a deadly weapon off the bench, with a goal to rising to a prominent standing over the coming years.
The Australians, including Steven Smith and David Warner for the first time in more than a year, had to scramble for a one-wicket victory against a New Zealand XI including just five of the World Cup squad after suffering a batting collapse on the first of three practice matches at Allan Border Field.Having earlier restricted the New Zealanders to 215 they stumbled from 2 for 122 to 9 for 205 leaving the final pair of Jason Behrendorff and Adam Zampa to edge them across the line as darkness fell and save the blushes of a middle order that produced some poor shot selection.For all the excitement at the end, the result of this match won’t be hugely significant in the bigger picture but it was the latest milestone in the comeback story of Warner and Smith, pulling on the Australian colours for the first time since the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. They are likely to face more hostile crowds over the next few months than the 1000-plus of friendly local support that gathered on a public holiday. “Welcome back, Smithy” came a lone voice as the Australians took the field in the morning and both were greeted by warm applause as they walked to the crease. In England, however, things are expected to be a bit different.One of the more intriguing aspects of the day was a small message in how Warner was used: it doesn’t matter how good your form is, you may have to take on a new position in the team as he was slotted in at No. 3 despite only once in 104 ODI innings having not opened.As it was, Warner arrived at the crease in the first over of the chase when Usman Khawaja was bowled by Matt Henry playing an expansive drive and, after an iffy start where he was dropped at gully before scoring, cantered his way to 39 off 43. Smith, who earlier took a terrific one-handed diving catch that will have given the troublesome elbow a good test, got himself settled before falling for 22 and the innings stuttered.Marcus Stoinis was caught behind from a loose drive, Shaun Marsh slashed to gully and Alex Carey nicked a wild shot to leave it to the bowlers. Nathan Coulter-Nile tried to muscle the Australians over the line but was lbw to Todd Astle with 11 still needed.David Warner takes the field•Getty Images
In the weeks leading up to Warner and Smith returning, Australia strung together eight consecutive ODI wins. One of the key parts of that was the success Khawaja and Aaron Finch had together at the top of the order. What the top order looks like at the World Cup remains one of the questions Australia need to answer. In all likelihood various combinations will be used during the three matches against New Zealand, and the odds still favour Warner opening come the tournament, but the fact he didn’t get first crack was a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted.Warner didn’t quite middle everything from the off, perhaps still adjusting to the change in conditions from the IPL to Brisbane. He almost spooned his first ball close to backward point then nearly offered a return catch to Henry, who should have had him in his next over when Daryl Mitchell spilled a chance at gully, but was soon dispatching deliveries to the boundary. He took a particularly liking to anything Doug Bracewell dropped short before trying something a little too inventive off Astle and top edged a reverse sweep.Smith had been given a tough net session by the Australian quicks yesterday but looked reasonably assured in the middle, one straight in particular standing out, until he was caught behind off Henry as Australia’s collapse was set in motion.The player who was a shining light for the men’s team during a difficult home summer, Pat Cummins, had got the day off to a lively start when he struck twice in the opening over to send back George Worker and Henry Nicholls.From there, the New Zealanders recovered impressively through a third-wicket stand of 137 between Will Young and Tom Blundell. Young, recently handed a central contract, is the next in line behind the incumbent batsmen while Blundell earned the final spot in the World Cup squad when he was preferred ahead of Tim Seifert as back-up wicketkeeper.After laying a foundation following the early losses both started to expand their strokeplay; Blundell launched Behrendorff into the grandstand over deep square and Young later peppered the same area. However, when Young clubbed Coulter-Nile to deep midwicket and Blundell fell four overs later and the innings went into a nosedive as the New Zealanders lost 8 for 78.Cummins, Behrendorff and Coulter-Nile each finished with three wickets while Adam Zampa nipped out Mitchell with a stumping. Kane Richardson, who is one of the standby pacemen for the World Cup along with Josh Hazlewood, and would be in line for a call-up if Jhye Richardson doesn’t recover from his dislocated shoulder, went wicketless and will hope for another chance in the next two matches. Australia will hope to bat better.
The wheels are seemingly starting to fall off for Arsenal, who have found themselves in a Premier League title race for the second season running. Just like the previous campaign, however, the Gunners could be set to suffer the heartbreak of failure, with consecutive defeats against West Ham United and Fulham making it a December to forget for Mikel Arteta.
Now that the January transfer window is open, those in North London do at least have the opportunity to solve the issues standing between them and silverware. And as they look to close the five-point gap on league leaders Liverpool, Arsenal could yet move to sign a forward who has starred for his current side this season.
Arsenal transfer news
Arsenal enjoyed a successful summer transfer window, signing Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, David Raya and Kai Havertz, but remain on course to fall short in their title pursuit. The January transfer window has made all the difference in previous seasons though, and this time it can more than play its part for the Gunners looking to finally find a clinical striker to lead the line. In that search, those at The Emirates have now turned towards a Feyenoord star.
According to The Times, Arsenal are considering a move to sign Santiago Gimenez in the January transfer window. Any deal for a forward likely rests on the future of Eddie Nketiah, but if Arsenal do show the striker the exit door, then Gimenez could arrive.
Arsenal rumoured striker targets for January
Latest update
Ivan Toney
1st January
Serhou Guirassy
19th December
Dominic Solanke
17th December
Boulaye Dia
16th December
Kylian Mbappe
15th December
Marcos Leonardo
14th December
Those at The Emirates would also be getting one over on North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been linked with a move for Gimenez in the past. An upgrade on both Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, the Mexican would certainly improve Arsenal's title chances if he made the move this month.
"Sensational" Gimenez would be a major upgrade on Nketiah
The one standout weakness in this current Arsenal side comes in their frontline, with their lack of out-and-out goalscorer a growing issue. As good as Jesus is from a tactical standpoint in Arsenal's system, whether it be at Manchester City or in North London, he has never been a classic number nine.
Meanwhile, although Nketiah is more of an old-fashioned forward, he does not impact the game enough to warrant a permanent starting place. So, that leaves the door open for a fresh option for Arteta. And Gimenez's stats, outscoring Nketiah and Jesus combined, prove exactly why he should be that option.
Player
Goals
Assists
Progressive Passes
Expected Goals
Santiago Gimenez
18
4
22
14.2
Gabriel Jesus
5
1
15
4.1
Eddie Nketiah
3
1
28
4.8
It's no surprise, given the numbers, that Gimenez has been at the centre of praise this season, including from journalist Graeme Bailey. Bailey told the Talking Transfers Podcast, via The Boot Room: “Santiago Gimenez looks sensational by the way, he looks so good. He looks amazing to me. Teams have been watching Feyenoord, of which there is a few, they are the best team in Holland, we know Arsenal and Tottenham have been watching Gimenez as of late.”
Newcastle United's talks with an "exceptional" with £150,000-a-week player are now believed to be advancing, according to a fresh transfer update.
Newcastle want Tonali replacement
The Magpies have had to battle through adversity for much of this season, with endless injuries making it hard for them to replicate last year's form. The addition of Champions League football has arguably taken its toll on the squad, with many players being sidelined with fitness issues amid the uptick in matches.
Newcastle have also suffered the major setback of Sandro Tonali being banned for 10 months for betting offences, meaning he won't be back until early next season. That has heightened the need for a new midfielder to arrive during the January transfer window, with the Toon arguably looking a little short in that area currently.
Kalvin Phillips has arguably emerged as the frontrunner to head to St James' Park, having fallen completely out of favour at Manchester City. He knows that he needs regular minutes to feature prominently for England at Euro 2024, and he could be a regular for the Magpies.
Newcastle in advanced talks with Kalvin Phillips
According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Newcastle's talks with Phillips are now believed to be advancing as they look to get a deal over the line.
The report said: "Manchester City are in talks with both Newcastle United and Juventus regarding sending Kalvin Phillips out on loan, TEAMtalk can reveal. Eddie Howe is keen to add players to his Newcastle United squad in the January transfer window as his side battle for a place in Europe again to prevent their season fading into disappointment.
"One major source of frustration has been record signing Sandro Tonali receiving a lengthy ban. The Italian international is out for 10 months due to breaches of gambling rules whilst he was still at AC Milan.
"Newcastle are in advanced talks with Manchester City over the potential signing of the midfielder, with talks between the clubs moving in a positive direction. However, Juventus are also in the mix."
This is an exciting Newcastle transfer update, with the Magpies and Phillips feeling like a match made in heaven in terms of how they could suit each other's needs.
As mentioned, the £150,000-a-week 28-year-old will be desperate for a fresh challenge instead of warming the substitutes' bench every week, and he could provide Eddie Howe with the energy and quality that he so craves without Tonali around.
While Pep Guardiola appears happy to see Phillips leave City next month, the legendary Spaniard has still spoken highly of him in the past, saying:
"Kalvin is exceptional in many things. Why he doesn't play? Rodri is key for us. Never, ever makes one action against mates that play or trains bad. I'd love to give him as much minutes as possible."
Newcastle eyeing move to sign "fantastic" gem ahead of PL rivals for Howe
The Magpies could win the race ahead of Chelsea…
ByTom Cunningham Dec 22, 2023
At this point, it would be a surprise if Phillips didn't end up joining Newcastle, and he could make such a positive difference in their top-four push in the Premier League.
It's reported this week that a player has been "practically sold to West Ham", but manager David Moyes appears unlikely to benefit from it.
West Ham tipped for busy January
Moyes' side are tipped to be one of the busier clubs when January comes around, with the transfer window's reopening on the horizon next month.
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Steidten could need to replace West Ham’s full-backs soon.
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Reliable media sources, like famous journalist Fabrizio Romano, expect West Ham to be very active in the winter market as technical chief Tim Steidten and the club's board plot to strengthen key areas.
“I expect West Ham to be busy in January as they’re looking at opportunities around," said Romano to Caught Offside. "Though it’s still too early to say anything about specific names. Nothing is advanced, but the owners and directors are working on it.”
The rumour mill is well and truly spinning ahead of January, with reports suggest that West Ham are eyeing a new striker. As per recent reports, Steidten could also make multiple signings for Moyes next month as the club look to strengthen numerous key areas of the squad.
Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)
TEAMtalk
Hugo Ekitike (PSG)
Football Insider
Adam Hlozek (Leverkusen)
TEAMtalk
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Football Insider
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
90min
A new defender is in the offing, as West Ham hold a keen interest in Kyle Walker-Peters among others as Moyes seeks to bolster his back line. According to a new report this week, the Irons could even be closing in on a new player already, but West Ham's manager is unlikely to benefit from it.
Robert Renan "practically sold" to West Ham
Indeed, that is according to journalist Joao Batista Filho, who's shared a pretty promising update on Zenit Saint Petersburg defender Robert Renan.
It's believed Renan is "practically sold" to West Ham, but there's a twist, as the transfer won't happen until mid-2024. This comes amid claims that Moyes is unlikely to stay to be offered a new contract, with the Scotsman's current deal expiring next summer.
The Brazilian would come with a glowing reputation, as written by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig on his website.
"A left-footed center back with remarkable ball playing prowess in addition to being very solid defensively," wrote Kulig.
"Robert excels technically, physically and has equally outstanding mental traits. The 19-year-old offers exceptional class and composure on the ball with a great first touch. Standing at 6’1, he is not exceedingly tall in comparison to other players in his position. As a result has not yet mastered getting the most of his height, successful in 37% of his contested challenges in the air but with time and experience I have no doubt that he will improve drastically in this regard.
"Anyhow, he makes up for it on the turf, coming out on top in around 62% of his ground duels with an average 2.1 won per 90 in large part because of his lanky legs and long reach."
Amid what has been a largely dismal and depressing decade for Manchester United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, one beacon of hope has often been the young talent that has made the breakthrough from the academy set-up into the first-team ranks.
Among the current crop, former boy wonder Marcus Rashford has been the undoubted success story of modern times having now scored 125 goals and registered 72 assists in 376 games in all competitions, following his debut bow back in February 2016.
While far less glamorous, Scott McTominay has also cemented a place for himself as a solid squad presence under a succession of managers at Old Trafford, the Scotland international now a mainstay under Erik ten Hag despite previously looking destined for an exit over the summer.
One other midfielder who will now be looking to emulate and eclipse the 26-year-old's efforts is emerging sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, with the 18-year-old already earning rave reviews amid an exciting start to life at senior level.
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ByMatt Dawson Nov 26, 2023
Likened to Paul Pogba by ex-teammate Anthony Elanga, the Stockport native shone on his full Premier League debut against Everton at the weekend, with club legend Gary Neville stating that the teenager looked "more composed than anyone" amid the raucous Goodison atmosphere.
While still early days, the signs are that the Red Devils could have their next poster boy at the Theatre of Dreams, with anticipation building as to what young Mainoo can go on to achieve in the years to come.
Kobbie Mainoo's market value
Having racked up just three senior appearances last term, the former FA Youth Cup winner had looked set to kick on this time around following an impressive impact in pre-season, notably being dubbed "a great player" by captain Bruno Fernandes following his standout showing against Arsenal.
While a cruel injury picked up against Real Madrid during the summer tour halted the Englishman's start to the campaign, his patience has well and truly paid off, having thrust his way back into the limelight on Merseyside on Sunday.
Given the nod from the start in the absence of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen, Mainoo was coolness personified as he floated around the pitch in his relaxed, assured manner, regularly dropping deep to pick the ball up off the centre-backs in a way that belied his age.
From his 61 touches against the Toffees, the youngster notably completed two of his three attempted dribbles and won five duels in total, with his tally of 13 balls lost seemingly explained by his willingness to try and pick out his teammates.
Of course, supporters should not be getting ahead of themselves just yet – particularly for a player who is valued at just €800k, (£700k), as per Transfermarkt – but on the early evidence, Ten Hag has a figure who he could potentially build his midfield around moving forward.
The hope will be that Mainoo's promotion to the senior set-up will be the start of a wave of academy talents making the step up, with the former Ajax boss having a wealth of starlets to assess, including a certain Shole Shoretire.
Shole Shoretire's Man Utd record
At present, it is the likes of Dan Gore, Omari Forson and Joe Hugill who have joined Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in and around the first-team squad, with Ten Hag seeking to bolster his options amid the ongoing injury crisis that has engulfed his side.
Could there be a world, however, in which one-time wonderkid, Shoretire, also gets another final chance to impress?
Still only 19, the Newcastle-born playmaker first came to wider attention after starting a UEFA Youth League tie for the club at the age of just 14 back in 2018, becoming the youngest player to ever feature in the competition's history.
The expectation likely would have been that the teen superstar would go on to establish himself as a regular first-team presence over the next few years, particularly having been the subject of immense praise from former youth coach David Ballantyne, who stated in 2021:
"There's always one or two you just think 'Wow, yeah – he's got a real chance of being a player' and Shola was one of them," Ballantyne told Chronicle Live. "I can count on one hand how many I've said that about. To me, Shola was like a young Micah Richards at seven and eight, he was athletic, so quick and just so strong.
"He was like a ready-made athlete. He was phenomenal and just so quick. That stood out – he just had that natural speed. But no one could get him off the ball as well, he had that strength, and he was light, quickness of feet, light on his feet."
Despite all that early hype, Shoretire has since gone on to make just five senior appearances for United to date, with his future looking somewhat uncertain with just over six months left to run on his existing deal.
On the evidence of his current form for the youth side's, however, it could well be a mistake if the first-team outcast is shown the door in the near future.
Shola Shoretire's market value
Fresh off the back of a solid stint on loan at Bolton Wanderers last season, in which he recorded three goal involvements in just 16 outings, the "superb" talent – as once hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has been in sparkling form this season for United's U21s.
The versatile asset – who can feature centrally or on the flanks – has chipped in with six goals and three assists in just ten games in all competitions, including registering seven goals and assists in just seven Premier League 2 appearances.
The forgotten figure also netted twice against Salford City in the EFL Trophy at the end of October, with that showing against senior opposition seeing Shoretire also record one key pass and win ten ground duels, showcasing his ability to muck in defensively.
90 minutes played
2 goals
1 key pass
3/3 long balls completed
87% pass accuracy rate
10/16 ground duels won
4 fouls won
17x possession lost
8.88 match rating
Stats via Sofascore
Now with 29 goals and 19 assists to his name in 69 appearances for the Red Devils at U21 level, the teen is no doubt deserving of a chance to prove himself in senior football, either away from or at Old Trafford.
While an exit does appear the more likely scenario amid his contract status, to lose a player who is actually worth more than Mainoo – having been valued at €4m (£3.5m), as per Transfermarkt – would be a crying shame as far as Ten Hag and co is concerned.
With time running out before his deal does expire in the summer, giving Shoretire one final opportunity to sparkle would not be the worst idea for the Dutch tactician.
Sri Lanka catching has been woeful over the past two years, particularly in limited-overs cricket
Andrew Fidel Fernando in Colombo27-Oct-20181:39
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The 10-ball period in which Sri Lanka dropped three catches – all of them off England top-scorer Jason Roy – was when the hosts lost the one-off T20I in Colombo, according to captain Thisara Perera. Roy was spilled in the deep three times, and the first two chances off the bowling of Lakshan Sandakan were particularly straightforward. He would make 34 runs off 11 balls after that first reprieve.Although in the recent ODI series, Sri Lanka had been half-decent in the field, they have in general caught woefully over the past two years, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Three different head coaches – Graham Ford, Nic Pothas and now Chandika Hathurusingha – have attempted to turn Sri Lanka’s fielding around, but have not been decisive in correcting the malaise.”It’s hard to keep saying every time that when we drop catches, we lose the game. But that was the most important thing in today’s game also,” said Thisara. “That was a bad patch for us. It’s the batsmen that scored the most runs for them whom we reprieved. We could have kept them to under 160 if we took those three or four catches.”The other definitive period of the game, for Thisara, was the first three overs of Sri Lanka’s chase, when Joe Denly dismissed both the openers, and had the hosts 16 for 2.”We also gave away two wickets in the first few overs, and lost a lot of momentum there. If we had kept those wickets in hand, we might have been able to chase 188, especially given the outfield was a little greasy.”Later in the chase, Adil Rashid would effectively seal the match for England, with a four-over spell that claimed three wickets and conceded only 11 runs. Though Thisara is not a part of the Test set-up, he felt Rashid was hitting ominous form just ahead of the Tests.”Moeen Ali and Rashid are bowling really well. They are bowling good lengths, which is the main thing. It will be really difficult for us in the matches coming up as well. They are going well in Asia.”
سلطت الصحف الإسبانية الضوء على فوز منتخب مصر الأولمبي على نظيره منتخب إسبانيا، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في أولمبياد باريس 2024.
وتلاقى المنتخبان في الجولة الثالثة من منافسات كرة القدم، في الأولمبياد، حيث فازت مصر بهدفين لهدف (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).
وتألق إبراهيم عادل في تلك المباراة حيث تمكن من تسجيل هدفي منتخب مصر الأولمبي، وارتفع رصيد منتخب مصر الأولمبي إلى 7 نقاط في صدارة المجموعة الثالثة.
ماركا: إسبانيا تدفع ثمنًا باهظًا أمام مصر
وكتبت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية تقريرًا عنيفًا ضد منتخب إسبانيا الأولمبي، حيث جاء عنوانه: “إسبانيا تدفع ثمنًا باهظًا للقيلولة”.
وقالت من خلاله: “في عمل من أعمال الكرم والدبلوماسية، قدمت إسبانيا لمصر احتفالًا وطنيًا في كرة القدم، إسبانيا دفعت ثمن كسلها حيث خسرت الصدارة قبل ربع النهائي، المصريون، دون إنشاء هرم، خططوا وأقاموا نظامهم لتحقيق المفاجأة، كونك بطل أوروبا يفرض عليك أن تكون المتصدر في كل شيء”.
وأضافت: “اللعب في الساعة الثالثة بعد الظهر في الصيف هو إشارة إلى اللاوعي الطفولي، إنه أيضًا وقت الذروة لأخذ قيلولة تستمر حتى الخريف، بالنسبة لإسبانيا كانت المباراة مزعجة”.
وواصلت “لقد فهمت مصر، مع النني المسؤول عن العمليات في وسط الملعب، أنه ضد إسبانيا في أي فئة عليك الانتظار حتى يحدث خطأ، باستثناء تسديدة بعيدة من بوبيل إلى القائم، وقع رجال سانتي دينيا في الكمين مرارًا وتكرارًا”.
واستطردت: “كان التشكيل بمثابة تنفيذًا للخطة ب، مع العديد من عمليات التدوير حتى يتمكن لاعبون مثل فيرمين لوبيز أو أليكس باينا، أبطال يورو، من الراحة، بهذا الشكل سرق المصريون الكرة وانطلقوا مثل الصاروخ، إذا سقطت الكرة أمام عادل، الفنان المرتكز على اليسار والذي يلعب في بيراميدز، فإن الهمهمات تنتشر عبر المدرجات في بوردو”.
واسترسلت: “في واحدة من تلك، على مقربة من نهاية الشوط الأول، اخترقت كرة طويلة الدفاع الإسباني وسددها عادل من خارج منطقة الجزاء ليسجل هدفًا عاليًا في مرمى إيتوربي، لم يكن الأمر غير عادل لأنه كان رد فعل لخطة مُنفذة جيدًا، لقد ابتعدت إسبانيا كثيرًا عن المباراة لدرجة أنه لم يعد معروفًا ما إذا كانت في بوردو أو في ملعب آخر”.
وتابعت: “وقبل أن يخاف المصريون من تغييرات إسبانيا، وصلت حقيبة أخرى من الحلوى، فقد أهدر باتشيكو الكرة بشكل سيء ومرة أخرى، سجل إبراهيم عادل، بمغناطيس، في مرمى إيتوربي”.
واختتمت: “أزعجت الهزيمة إسبانيا، التي كانت تحتضن الأمل في بعض اللعب الفردي، مثل ضربة رأس من كاميلو ضد القائم، كانت مصر هي التي استمتعت بنفسها على أرض الملعب، قلصت ضربة رأس من سامو المسافة وخلقت الأمل الضئيل، ولكن الآوان قد فات، ساعدت إسبانيا في جعل حفلة مصر لا تُنسى، القيلولة مكلفة في أي فئة، هناك وقت للتعلم”.
آس: إبراهيم عادل يضرب معنويات إسبانيا
وكتبت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “تعرض الفريق الأولمبي للرجال لضربة قاسية وغير متوقعة في بوردو ضد مصر (1-2)، التي احتلت المركز الأول في المجموعة الرابعة، الهدفان اللذان سجلهما إبراهيم عادل، مهاجم بيراميدز غير المعروف، أرسلا ضربة إلى إسبانيا غير المعروفة، سواء فيما يتعلق بطريقتها على أرض الملعب أو التشكيل غير المسبوق لـ سانتي دينيا، الذي سيواجه اليابان في ربع النهائي متصدر المجموعة الرابعة باستثناء مفاجأة كبرى في ليون الجمعة المقبل 2 أغسطس”.
وأضافت: “يجب أن تكون النكسة بمثابة درس للمنتخب الوطني في المستقبل، لا يوجد مجال للاسترخاء، التفوق الفني والفردي لا يضمن الفوز أبدًا، خاصة في الألعاب الأولمبية حيث يلعب كل فريق بدافع إضافي”.
وواصلت: “كانت أولوية سانتي دينيا، حتى أكثر من الصدارة، هي تقليل الإرهاق المتراكم لدى لاعبيه الأساسيين، ولهذا السبب طلب من فيفا واللجنة الأولمبية الدولية الإذن بضم الاحتياطيين الأربعة ومنح الراحة، سواء على مقاعد البدلاء أو في المدرجات، لفريقه بأكمله تقريبًا”.
وأردفت: “جاء الهدف الأول عن طريق القدم اليمنى القوية لـ إبراهيم عادل، ولكن تسديدته محت الانطباع بأن حارس إسبانيا الذي كان متقدمًا إلى حد ما، كان بإمكانه فعل شيء أكثر”.
واسترسلت: “وعندما بدا أن التعادل يقترب، حدث خطأ ترك عادل وحيدًا أمام إيتوربي، الذي لم يكن بإمكانه فعل الكثير لتجنب النتيجة 2-0، حارس المرمى، بتصديه المذهل لفرصتين في الدقيقة 73، تجنب كارثة كان من شأنها أن تقوض بشكل نهائي معنويات المنتخب الوطني قبل ربع النهائي”.
وتابعت: “في الدقائق الأخيرة، وبينما كانت مصر محاصرة بالفعل في منطقتها، أظهر المنتخب الوطني بصمته، عرضية كاميلو من الزاوية اليمنى أرسلها سامو برأسه وهذه المرة على المرمى، الهدف في الدقيقة 90، بالإضافة إلى عشر دقائق من الوقت المحتسب بدل الضائع، أعطى حياة إضافية للمنتخب الإسباني الذي آمن بالتعادل حتى النهاية، لكن إهدار الفريق المصري للوقت بشكل لا نهاية له أدى إلى عدم حدوث ذلك”.
سبورت: البدلاء يفشلون أمام مصر وإسبانيا تعقد مشوارها في الأولمبياد
وكتبت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “كان التعادل كافيًا لـ إسبانيا، لكنها فشلت في مباراتها أمام مصر، وأنهت مشاركتها في مرحلة المجموعات من بطولة كرة القدم للرجال في الألعاب الأولمبية في المركز الثاني في المجموعة، اختار سانتي دينيا إحداث ثورة في التشكيلة الأساسية، فقام بتغيير عشرة لاعبين، أتيحت الفرصة لجميع البدلاء تقريبًا للعب دقائق وإظهار أنهم يمكن أن يكونوا مهمين في المباريات، لكن التجربة سارت بشكل خاطئ”.
وأضافت: “المباراة منذ اللحظة الأولى تحولت إلى سباق بين إسبانيا التي تحاول فرض سيطرتها ومصر التي تركض وتبحث عن مشاكل فريق دينيا في الهجمات المرتدة، حاصرهم دييجو لوبيز في بداية المباراة بتسديدة من على حدود منطقة الجزاء صدها القائم، وباتشيكو الذي خرج من ركلة ركنية برأسية مرت بجوار المرمى المصري”.
وواصلت: “كانت هناك فرص، نعم، ولكن سيطرة قليلة على المباراة، لأن مصر، الفريق المتماسك والحديدي الذي يتمتع بقوته الدفاعية، اعتمد على الهجمات المرتدة صانعًا الكثير من الخطورة، ووجه إنذارًا في الدقيقة 20 بتسديدة رائعة من زيزو تصدى لها إيتوربي، وهز الشباك في الدقيقة 40 بهجمة مرتدة أخرى مرر فيها زيزو نفسه إلى إبراهيم عادل الذي سدد في مرمى الحارس الإسباني ووضع الأفارقة في المقدمة”.
وأكدت: “الهدف كان ذهبيًا لخطة مصر، لم يكن أداء إسبانيا قويًا، ولم يرق لهم هدف المنتخب الأفريقي، فانتهى بهم الأمر إلى طلب استراحة لتجديد نشاط أرجلهم، وفوق كل ذلك لتجديد نشاطهم الذهني، والبدء في تحريك الأمور، لأنه بعد الاستراحة وقعت تغييرات ولكن لم يحدث تأثير لذلك، عكس المباراتين السابقتين”.
واستمرت: “الأمور لم تتغير كثيرًا، وإذا تغيرت، فقد كانت للأسوأ، لأنه بعد مرور خمسة عشر دقيقة من الشوط الثاني، ارتكب باتشيكو خطأً لا يمكن تفسيره حيث ترك عادل أمام إيتوربي، ولم يهدر اللاعب المصري صاحب الرقم 10 هذه الهدية بمفرده وسجل هدفه الشخصي الثاني”.
وتابعت: “لم يتبق سوى نصف ساعة ولم يكن أمام إسبانيا سوى بذل قصارى جهدها والثقة في الدفعة الأخيرة التي ستسمح لها بإنقاذ المركز الأول في المجموعة، وبدعم من إيتوربي الذي تصدى ببراعة لتسديدة مزدوجة منعت مصر من تسجيل الهدف الثالث، بدأ المنتخب المصري في غلق منطقته، من خلال الإصرار أكثر من اللعب، ودخلت إسبانيا المباراة بفضل ضربة رأس قوية من سامو أوموروديون بعد تمريرة عرضية جيدة من كاميلو، الأكثر إصرارا في فريق دينيا”.
واختتمت: “لم يقدم الفريق أي شيء قريب من أفضل نسخة له، وهو ما لم ينجح حتى على الرغم من حافز الهدف قبل عشر دقائق من النهاية، مع العلم إن إسبانيا ستواجه المنتخب الياباني يوم الجمعة المقبل”.
موندو ديبورتيفو: مصر تفاجئ إسبانيا التي تأهلت في المركز الثاني
وكتبت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “لقد أدخلت إسبانيا نفسها في حالة من الفوضى وحدها، بدت وكأنها مباراة غير مهمة ومع العمل المنجز، كان التعادل يستحق العناء وقرر سانتي دينيا إجراء 10 تغييرات على التشكيلة الأساسية، لكن الهزيمة غير المتوقعة أمام مصر (1-2) تركت المنتخب الوطني في المركز الثاني في المجموعة حيث سيضطر للعب في الدور ربع النهائي ضد اليابان”.
وأضافت: “لم يتبع روجيريو ميكالي نفس الإستراتيجية مع مصر، وقرر إخراج أفضل لاعبيه، بخبرة محمد النني في خط الوسط وخطورة إبراهيم عادل في نقطة الهجوم، كلاهما كانا أساسيين، خاصة الثاني الذي كان له ثنائية في شراكاته مع زيزو، وهو أحد اللاعبين الكبار في الفريق”.
وواصلت: “بسبب التغييرات أو بسبب المنافس، لكن فكرة سانتي دينيا لم تنعكس على الملعب، وكانت البداية متفائلة، ويبدو أن الهدف الذي كان الأقرب للوصول هو هدف إسبانيا، بعدما سدد باتشيكو ضربة رأسية وكانت السيطرة واضحة على المباراة، لكن الفراعنة كرسوا أنفسهم لجعل المباراة بطيئة ومرهقة”.
وأوضحت: “كانت فكرته في البحث عن الشراكة بين عادل وزيزو واضحة وعملية، كان هناك بعض التهديد بالخطر الجسيم قبل تسجيل الهدف الأول، الذي كان من الممكن إيقافه لكن إيتوربي تراجع متأخرًا قليلًا”.
واستمرت: “بحث دينيا عن رد فعل بين الشوطين بإشراك سيرجيو جوميز وخوانلو، لكن النتيجة لم تكن كما يرغب، لعبت إسبانيا أسوأ دقائقها، وبعيدًا عن السيطرة على الكرة، عاشت مصر في راحة مطلقة وكان ذلك واضحًا على أرض الملعب، وسيطر النني، الذي شارك في أكثر من 100 مباراة مع منتخب بلاده، على خط الوسط والتمريرات الحاسمة، كما كان هناك نقص في الأداء الهجومي، خاصة مع سامو، الذي أظهر مرة أخرى أن الهدف كان صعبًا للغاية بالنسبة له عندما سمح لتسديدة لا تقبل المنافسة بالهروب من قلب المنطقة”.
وتابعت: “ثم جاء خطأ لا يمكن تصوره من باتشيكو، جعل مصر تضاعف النتيجة لصالحها حيث أراد قلب الدفاع اللعب لصالح حارس مرمى فريقه لكن التمريرة باءت بالفشل وتحولت إلى تمريرة حاسمة لعادل الذي تغلب على إيتوربي بمهارته، هدف قاد إسبانيا إلى أسوأ لحظاتها”.
وشددت: “وتركت النتيجة إسبانيا في المركز الثاني، وهو وضع غير مرغوب فيه، ورغم تسجيل هدف التقليص ولكن لم يساعد في شئ، كان هناك وقت ضائع، 10 دقائق، ولكن لم يتم لعبها جميعها، لأن من الواضح أن مصر لم تكن في عجلة من أمرها وأضاعت أكبر قدر ممكن، ومع الاندفاع فقدت إسبانيا جودة هجماتها واقترب عادل من تسجيل الهاتريك”.
The most prolific seamer in Tests attributed the Australian’s superiority to his ‘bounce, relentless accuracy, aggression and ability to move the ball.’
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Sep-20183:19
The ingredients behind Anderson’s 564 wickets
James Anderson, who surpassed Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563 Test wickets at The Oval to become the most prolific seamer in Tests, has rated the Australian as a “much better bowler” than himself.”I’ll tell you something about Glenn McGrath – he was a much better bowler than me. This is not false modesty,” Anderson wrote in a column on .Anderson attributed McGrath’s superiority to various factors that he felt made the Australian a complete bowler.”I may have gone past his wicket tally but I honestly believe McGrath’s bounce, relentless accuracy, aggression and ability to move the ball made him superior. He had everything. And it is not a random, top-of-the-head assessment, either. I’ve been studying all of the great fast bowlers since I was about eight years old.”ESPNcricinfo LtdWhile the top two wicket-takers among seamers have tormented batsmen with different skill sets, Anderson drew similarities between his attitude and McGrath’s.”I also loved McGrath’s attitude,” Anderson said. “He had plenty of a snarl on the field – a bit like me, I suppose – and was super-competitive. He hated giving away runs or not taking wickets.”Describing McGrath as a “cracking fellow” with whom he had shared the occasional beer, Anderson said listening to the Australian talk about the way he prepared for games had helped him. One of McGrath’s training methods that Anderson incorporated into his own preparations was bowling with an old ball, in order to equip himself to be able to succeed in unfavourable conditions.”I heard him say once that he practised for when the ball didn’t swing,” Anderson said. “So if it did swing, it was a bonus. That philosophy has been a big part of my development. You so often see bowlers pick out a lovely new ball from the bag at nets and it looks great when it swings in the air and nips off the seam with batsmen playing and missing. What about when the ball is 60 overs old, the sun is blazing down, the pitch is flat and there’s not a hint of movement? So, at practice, I often take an old ball that looks like it’s been chewed by a dog and work on variations and aiming for the top of off stump. That’s the quickest way to improve your skills.”At 36, Anderson is still eager to learn from his contemporaries and among the modern seamers, he felt Dale Steyn was better than him as well.”I’ve spent most of my life watching fast bowlers – initially as a kid on TV and later in the flesh when I started playing top-level cricket. Even now, on a day off, I’ll sit at home with the cricket on TV analysing the quick boys and trying to learn. How are they gripping the ball? What are they thinking? Why did they bowl a bouncer or yorker or slower ball? I don’t think I’ll ever stop being fascinated.”Of the modern era, I’d happily tip my hat towards Dale Steyn. With his express pace, control and swing, he’s better than me, too.”