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Glasgow Rangers made hard work of securing their first Premiership win of the season as Philippe Clement’s men began to falter during the second half.

The 2-1 win over Motherwell at Hampden Park was a very Jekyll and Hyde display; strong in the first half, lethargic and underwhelming during the second period.

A win is a win, but improvements will need to be made when Dynamo Kyiv travel to Glasgow on Tuesday evening for the second leg of their Champions League qualifier.

Vaclav Cerny looked sharp on his first start for the Light Blues, scoring a delightful curling effort, and this injection of quality is exactly why Clement brought him to the club in the first place.

A couple of players were off the pace, however, most notably Tom Lawrence, who was starting his third match in a row.

Tom Lawrence’s game in numbers vs Motherwell

It looks as though Lawrence is finally over his injury issues that plagued his first season at Ibrox, with Clement unleashing him as his number ten against Hearts, Dynamo Kyiv and Motherwell.

His display at Hampden on Saturday afternoon was lacking the dynamism required to unlock the Steelmen’s defence as he managed to take just 27 touches during his time on the pitch, seven fewer than Jack Butland, completing just 16 of his 20 attempted passes also.

Touches

27

Accurate passes

16/20

Key passes

0

Big chances created

0

Possession lost

7

Total duels (won)

7 (2)

Going forward, Lawrence failed to make a key pass, had zero shots on target and created zero big chances. The Welshman even struggled to dominate his one-on-one battles, winning just two of his seven total duels along with losing possession seven times in just under an hour.

He looked tired, and it was clear that Clement must go with someone else in this position against Kyiv in midweek. The question is, who could that be?

The player who could replace Tom Lawrence

Mohamed Diomande has formed a solid midfield duo alongside Connor Barron in the heart of the pitch across the first three games of the season, but is there scope for Clement to push him further forward against Kyiv?

Against Motherwell, Diomande showcased his attacking qualities. Not only did he make two key passes, including setting up the opener from Dessers, but he succeeded with two of his three dribble attempts and created one big chance.

This could give the Belgian plenty of licence to tweak his starting XI next week in a bid to add something extra to his attack.

A 1-1 draw puts the Gers in a solid position, but they will have to be better than what they were against Motherwell on Saturday afternoon, that’s for certain.

There are still a few weeks left of the summer transfer window in which Clement can bring in another few signings to bolster his squad.

Against Kyiv, Lawrence should be dropped in favour of Diomande as the latter man can offer something totally different going forward.

Rangers could drop Lawrence by sealing deal for "phenomenal" £7m maestro

The Light Blues have been linked with an interest in the midfield star this summer.

ByDan Emery Aug 8, 2024

كشفت تقارير صحفية، أن أولي جونار سولشاير، المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي بشيكتاش التركي، يرغب في ضم 5 لاعبين من مانشستر يونايتد.

سولشاير تمت اقالته من مانشستر يونايتد في نوفمبر 2021، بعد أن تولى قيادة النادي في ديسمبر 2018 خلفًا لـ جوزيه مورينيو.

ويسعى سولشاير لإعادة بشيكتاش للمنافسة على لقب الدوري التركي، حيث يتراجع عن جالطة سراي بفارق 20 نقطة، وهو ما يجعله يبحث عن تدعيم صفوفه.

طالع أيضًا | بعد غياب 4 سنوات.. سولشاير يعود للتدريب وينافس مورينيو في الدوري التركي

وحسب ما أفادت صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية، فإن سولشاير يستهدف التعاقد مع 5 لاعبين، وفي مقدمتهم المدافع السويدي فيكتور ليندلوف، الذي انضم للشياطين الحمر مقابل 31 مليون جنيه إسترليني قادمًا من بنفيكا البرتغالي، وشارك هذا الموسم في 5 مباريات فقط.

اللاعب الثاني، هو الدنماركي كريستيان إريكسن، في ظل الاعتماد على أوجارتي وكوبي ماينو، حيث ارتبط صاحب الـ32 عامًا بالرحيل إلى سيلتيك الأسكتلندي، لكن مكالمة سولشاير قد تغيّر من رأيه.

وبعيدًا عن اللاعبين الذين تنتهي عقودهم مثل ليندلوف وإريكسن، هناك رغبة قوية لدى سولشاير للتعاقد مع البرازيلي أنتوني الذي لم يجد نفسه في أولد ترافورد منذ انضمامه قادمًا من أياكس بأكثر من 90 مليون يورو، لكنه يواجه منافسة مع ريال بيتيس للتعاقد معه.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، هناك ماركوس راشفورد، الذي يرى سولشاير أنه من الصعب تلبية طلباته المادية، ولكن النرويجي يريد الاصطياد في الماء العكر وانقاذ الإنجليزي من جحيم أموريم الذي استبدعه من تشكيلته.

وأخيرًا، كاسيميرو، الذي ارتبط بالانتقال للدوري السعودي، ومن المرجح أن يرحل بنهاية الموسم الماضي، ورغم أنه لم يلعب تحت قيادة سولشاير من قبل، لكنه يرى النرويجي أن لاعب الوسط البرازيلي، سيمثل إضافة قوية لوسط ملعب النادي التركي.

Kylian Mbappe doesn't have any desire of playing for France as the Real Madrid star's relationship with Didier Deschamps reportedly turns sour.

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Mbappe left out of France squadForward doesn't want to return to ClairefontaineRelationship with Deschamps fracturedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe’s exclusion from the French national squad for the second consecutive time has ignited speculation over the Real Madrid forward’s future with Les Bleus. According to , his decision has been influenced by the ongoing tensions between him and Deschamps and the French forward has vowed not to return to Clairefontaine as his relationship with the manager is "fractious".

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In addressing his decision, Deschamps offered limited details but indicated that he had deliberated over the choice following several conversations with Mbappe. He said: "I had several exchanges with him. I thought about it and made this decision about this gathering. I think it's better like this. I'm not going to argue. What I can tell you, two things: Kylian wanted to come, and it is not the extra-sporting problems that come into play from the moment the presumption of innocence exists. It’s a one-off choice for this gathering with the two matches awaiting us."

Yet, reports from French sources suggest otherwise, stating that Mbappe may abstain from representing France altogether if the managerial situation does not change, signalling deeper issues behind the scenes that may not be easily resolved.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mbappe’s agent and mother, Fayza Lamari, is also reportedly disillusioned with how her son has been portrayed in the French media, with claims circulating that they feel targeted by a hostile press environment. This tension has seemingly led to an “us against the world” approach adopted by Mbappe and Lamari as they believe there is a coordinated effort within French media circles to damage Mbappe’s reputation.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

With the international break on the horizon, Mbappe now has a chance to recuperate and refocus. The week and a half off from national team duty could offer him an opportunity to work closely with Real Madrid’s coaching staff to refine his role within the squad and get back his best form as quickly as possible. However, before this respite, he will first take the field for Real Madrid in their La Liga clash against Osasuna at Santiago Bernabeu where he will look to reinforce his form and perhaps alleviate some of the frustrations he has been grappling with this season.

Jordan Pickford suffered agony for his nation once again, shipping twice as Spain overpowered a stuttering England side to win their fourth European Championship.

The shot-stopper will now return to Goodison Park, where he will ready himself for his eighth successive campaign as Everton's No. 1 between the sticks.

The Three Lions might have flattered to deceive when concerning playing style this summer but Pickford was exemplary throughout, with reporter Dominic King praising his contributions as "seismic".

He's one of the country's greatest goalkeepers, and while more people are starting to recognise this, the Toffees supporters need no reminder, having enjoyed his performances as one of the club's very best for many years.

He's rightly one of Everton's highest earners, but he's not the highest, with Abdoulaye Doucoure earning quite the pretty penny on the blue half of the River Mersey.

The Mali international has been a stalwart for Everton but he's on the decline, and given that he's stepping into the final year of his contract, it might be worth cashing in now.

Why Everton should ditch Abdoulaye Doucoure

Everton signed Doucoure from Watford in a £20m deal four years ago, with the attacking midfielder since completing 130 appearances, scoring 17 goals and adding 11 assists.

He's been a valuable servant and has even been hailed as his side's "catalyst" in attack by his manager, Sean Dyche, but he's now 31 years old and lost his goalscoring touch – his principle quality – during the latter half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Indeed, while Doucoure bagged seven goals across 32 Premier League appearances last year as he bounced between central midfield and a makeshift striking role, he blanked across 15 of his final 16 outings, failing to maintain the impressive form of the first few months.

And energetic he may be, averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game (Sofascore), but he's also failed to showcase the kind of athletic robustness needed for true success in Dyche's system, winning a lowly 35% of his contested duels last term.

Which, of course, brings us round to that aforementioned point: Doucoure is earning quite the pretty pay packet at Everton. As you will see below, he's even earning more than Pickford, one of the outfit's best players and biggest leaders.

Everton: Highest Earners 24/25

Rank

Player

Weekly Salary

1.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

£130k-per-week

2.

Jordan Pickford

£120k-per-week

3.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

£100k-per-week

3.

James Tarkowski

£100k-per-week

5.

Idrissa Gueye

£80k-per-week

5.

Michael Keane

£80k-per-week

Sourced via Capology

Doucoure was actually attracting attention from the Saudi Pro League back in January, with Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq making a formal approach, so perhaps opening that window once again would be a good idea.

With Everton accelerating talks to sign Napoli attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom, Doucoure could find himself playing a more peripheral role next term, and considering the player's lofty earnings and the club's present financial situation, it might not be a half-bad idea to let him depart and usher in the new wave of talent.

The Premier League club already need to replace Amadou Onana, who is joining Aston Villa for a fee of £50m, but this will undoubtedly be taken care of in due course. With Lindstrom coming in and Dele Alli targetting a resurgence, Doucoure should be sold.

Related Everton preparing bid for £25m Philogene alternative

This “exceptional” winger would be a real asset to Sean Dyche’s team.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2024

Liverpool draped the curtain on life under Jurgen Klopp with the knowledge that sweeping changes were being made to the club's infrastructure and that moves needed to be made over the summer to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2024/25 season.

FSG have prodded at the transfer market with a stick but, as yet, nothing concrete. Arne Slot has been anointed as the club's new head coach and is presently figuring his squad out, inculcating his methods and shaping the team to his design.

Still, there is genuine interest in Leny Yoro – who is grudgingly expected to be a Real Madrid player before long – and there is an admiration held in Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, who was actually offered to the Reds last month as the Magpies fought to stave off the threat of PSR.

Now, though, Newcastle have sold peripheral players and do not need to sell their Player of the Season. Liverpool are well stocked at left wing but could certainly do with such a player if Luis Diaz, who has been persistently linked with a move away, is sold.

Maybe it won't be Gordon, but Liverpool have earmarked an exciting alternative.

Liverpool eyeing new winger

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are hoping to blow Barcelona away in the race to sign Spain's Euro 2024 star Nico Williams, with the winger added to their shortlist in the eventuality that Gordon stays put.

He has a £49m release clause in his contract but Liverpool could be tempted to place an offer exceeding that amount to ensure he moves to Merseyside.

Barcelona plus a host of Liverpool's Premier League rivals are also interested in the fleet-footed talent, and while cash-strapped Barca feel confident that they have funds to make a deal happen, the Reds hold financial superiority and could now pull some strings.

Barcelona have also been interested in signing Diaz this summer, who Liverpool value in excess of £50m and are not actively looking to sell. Savvy negotiating could see a series of blocks slot into place for the Anfield side.

What Nico Williams would bring to Liverpool

One of the most alluring things about Spain's performance level at the ongoing European Championship has stemmed from their formidable wide partnership: Williams and precocious Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal.

Yamal might carry the giddying potential of a generational talent, but Williams isn't half bad himself, having produced some masterful performances as his nation has stormed into the final four in Germany, disposing of the hosts in the quarter-finals with a last-gasp extra-time winner.

Praised by leading Spanish journalist Guillem Balague for "playing the best football of his career" over these past few weeks, Williams has been a sought-after prospect for some time now but the Athletic Bilbao star has now confirmed himself one of the most coveted options on the market.

Matches played

4

Matches started

4

Goals

1

Assists

1

Pass completion

92%

Shots per game

2

Key passes per game

2.3

Dribbles per game

2.8

Ball recoveries per game

3.3

Duels won per game

4

Liverpool currently boast one of the Premier League's most electrifying wingers in the 27-year-old Diaz, but the Colombian has seen questions raised over his output after succeeding Sadio Mane on the left flank, notching only 37 goal contributions across 98 appearances for the Merseyside club.

Williams, conversely, clinched 27 goal contributions from only 37 matches for Bilbao last year, winning the Copa del Rey on the way.

He's only 21, already ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 20% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The Spaniard has been described as a "pace demon" by football podcaster Adam Keys, but in truth, Williams is much, much more. He boasts myriad qualities to lift Slot's Liverpool team to the highest level, and none could benefit more than Darwin Nunez.

How Williams would benefit Darwin Nunez

Nunez is a conflicting figure at times but there's no denying the Uruguayan's staggering quality. He's influential and effective, with a multi-angled skill set and a tenacious approach to his football.

Signed from SL Benfica for a club-record £85m fee in the summer of 2022, the 25-year-old has scored 33 goals and assisted 17 more across 96 matches for Liverpool, heralded as an "agent of chaos" – relayed by writer Leanne Prescott – but proving to be far too profligate, missing a shocking 27 big chances in the Premier League last year despite only scoring 11 goals.

Williams could help in that regard, with his above-discussed creative prowess underlining his ability to drive into openings down the flank and provide Nunez with the requisite support to find and sustain a golden streak of offensive form.

The 6 foot 1 striker is creative himself, ranking among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for progressive carries per 90, but he ultimately needs to prioritise the refinement of his shooting skills and Williams' playmaking presence could pay dividends in that particular quest.

Mohamed Salah is more than adept enough to serve the Uruguay star on the alternate flank, with no Premier League player creating more than his 22 big chances in the Premier League last season.

Diaz, however, only created five big chances despite playing in 37 matches. It's clear that making this signing would settle Liverpool's attacking equilibrium and establish a wonderful sense of balance to ensure that Nunez fires Liverpool's team into illustrious success.

Liverpool hit gold with Klopp signing who's now worth more than Trent

This “special” star could explode under Arne Slot’s management.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 8, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O Internacional iniciou o planejamento para que os sócios-torcedores façam o cadastro pela Carteira Nacional Digital de Vacinação e, assim, tenham acesso livre no momento em que acontecer a liberação do retorno do público aos estádios no Brasil.

Para fazer com que este retorno ocorra de forma segura, enquanto aguarda as definições das autoridades sanitárias locais, o clube está trabalhando na preparação do Beira-Rio para a retomada das atividades. Assim, deu início ao cadastramento da Carteira Nacional Digital de Vacinação dos sócios em seu site. A carteira está disponível no aplicativo ConecteSUS do Ministério da Saúde.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Dessa forma, o Colorado estará habilitado para atender as determinações da CBF para as competições de 2021 que adota como uma das formas de controle individual de torcedores a vacinação plena contra a Covid-19. Isto é, quando a pessoa recebeu as duas doses da vacina ou a dose única.

Com o cadastro da Carteira de Vacinação Digital no site, é provável que o sócio nestas condições esteja apto a fazer o check-in e a adquirir um ingresso para a partida sem precisar apresentar nenhum outro tipo de documento sanitário para acessar o estádio. Porém, essa definição dependerá ainda das determinações das autoridades governamentais.

A carteira permite que usuários e profissionais de saúde façam um acompanhamento da imunização uma vez que o cidadão cadastrado, assim que receber a vacina, tem a dose registrada no aplicativo. Com a carteira, é possível consultar o tipo de vacina aplicada, o lote de fabricação e a data em que a dose foi tomada, informações imprescindíveis para a segurança de todos que pretendem voltar ao Beira-Rio.

Durante a pandemia, de acordo com dados divulgados pela ‘GoupFootball’, o Internacional se manteve como o clube brasileiro com mais sócios ativos durante os 17 meses de pandemia – cerca de 75 mil ativos, a frente de Atlético-MG (73 mil), Grêmio (62 mil), Vasco (59 mil) e Flamengo (52 mil).

Uma das principais iniciativas para que os sócios se mantivessem ativos neste período, além de todo o conteúdo disponibilizado pelos canais colorados, foi a realização da campanha ‘Estaremos Contigo’, em meados de 2020. Nela, foi apresentada uma camisa exclusiva que premiou mais de 30 mil sócios que anteciparam as mensalidades durante o período sem jogos. A camisa foi uma maneira de agradecer os torcedores que atenderam ao chamado e daqueles que se mantiverem adimplentes junto à instituição.

O clube também realizou a criação da Liga Colorada, campeonato de futebol eletrônico promovido pela instituição. A ação permitiu que os participantes disputassem prêmio em quatro modalidades diferentes: no Playstation 4 ou no Xbox 360 e no Fifa 20 ou no Pro Evolution Soccer 2020.

– Foram maneiras de aproximar o torcedor do clube em um momento difícil e distante com portões fechados. Costumamos dizer que esse caminho precisava ser de mão dupla, e será assim quando o público voltar a nossa casa, promovendo engajamento e oferecendo benefícios que o façam se sentir acolhidos – explicou Jorge Avancini, vice-presidente de Marketing do Colorado.

Considerado um dos pilares da gestão do atual presidente Alessandro Barcellos, os planos para o sócio-torcedor do clube eram ousados antes da pandemia, tendo a meta de atingir algo em torno de 200 mil inscritos. Agora, o clube vem se preparando para que essa meta aconteça entre 2022 e 2023, momento previsto para o retorno da normalidade e, consequentemente, a possibilidade dos estádios atingirem sua totalidade de público.

– Temos feito o dever de casa e estudado experiências distintas, tanto para o sócio que for voltar a frequentar a nossa casa, até aquele que preferir o digital. É possível entregar algo físico, contato com atletas e ídolos, oportunidades, abrir o vestiário. E também é viável promover ações de relacionamento com conteúdos inéditos por meio de nossas plataformas. O Internacional tem buscado modernizar departamentos e capacitar profissionais para atingir essa excelência durante a nossa gestão – reforçou Barcellos.

Com a iminência de um eventual retorno de público ainda para este ano, inicialmente com capacidade para 30% do público, de acordo com informações preliminares da CBF, o Internacional está buscando alternativas para que o retorno às partidas seja de forma segura e consciente.

– Estamos considerando a nova realidade que não atinge apenas o Inter, mas o mundo todo. Temos acompanhado a movimentação de clubes brasileiros e de fora do país para fazermos tudo da forma mais correta. Optamos por solicitar essa atualização no cadastro do sócio para ganharmos tempo, caso a volta seja definida em breve – afirmou o vice-presidente de Administração, Victor Grunberg.

Harry Kane was on target once again as Bayern Munich thrashed Werder Bremen in a Bundesliga clash.

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• Kane was on target for Bayern
• Thrashed Werder Bremen 5-0
• Bayern scored 20 goals in seven days

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England captain scored once and provided two assists while former Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise netted a brace and came up with a couple of assists as Bayern thrashed Werder Bremen 5-0. With Saturday's victory, the Bavarian club have now scored 20 goals in the last seven days across all competitions and 29 overall after just six matches into the 2024-25 season.

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• WHAT HARRY KANE SAID

  The 31-year-old striker was understandably exhilarated after a great week of football. He took to Instagram, writing: "Brilliant away win! Been a great week full of wins and goals. Let’s keep it going."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With his goal against Werder Bremen, the former Spurs star achieved yet another milestone in Germany as he became the highest-ever English goalscorer in Bundesliga's history surpassing Jadon Sancho's tally of 40 league goals.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR HARRY KANE?

  The star forward will be back in action next Saturday as Vincent Kompany's side take on reigning German champions Bayer Leverkusen in a mega Bundesliga clash.

يستعد فريق الكرة الأول بنادي أهلي جدة السعودي لاستكمال مشواره ببطولة دوري أبطال آسيا وذلك بمواجهة استقلال طهران الإيراني، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال آسيا (النخبة).

المباراة من المقرر إقامتها على ملعب استاد مدينة الملك عبدالله الرياضية، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة لمرحلة الدوري بالبطولة القارية.

ويخوض الأهلي مباراته وهو حاسمًا الصعود من مرحلة الدوري، إذ يحتل صدارة ترتيب المجموعة برصيد 15 نقطة حصدهم من 5 انتصارات، محققًا العلامة الكاملة.

رياض محرز يقود الأهلي للفوز على الوحدة في الدوري السعودي

أما فريق استقلال طهران فيأتي في المركز السابع في جدول الترتيب برصيد 4 نقاط حصدهم من فوز وتعادل فيما نال 3 خسائر.

وتقام مباريات مرحلة الدوري بمشاركة 24 ناديًا موزعين على منطقتي الغرب والشرق، حيث يتواجد في مجموعة الغرب كل من (الهلال السعودي- الأهلي السعودي- النصر السعودي- السد القطري- الوصل الإماراتي-الغرافة القطري- الريان القطري- استقلال طهران الإيراني- بيرسبوليس الإيراني- باختاكور الأوزبكستاني- الشرطة العراقي- والعين الإماراتي).

فيما يتنافس في المجموعة الأخرى أندية شرق آسيا، إذ تقام منافسات مرحلة الدوري في الفترة من 16 سبتمبر 2024 وحتى 19 فبراير 2025.

وتُلعب المنافسات بحيث يتقابل كل فريق مع ثمانية أندية مختلفة، بواقع 4 مباريات على أرضه، و4 مباريات خارج ملعبه.

وتتأهل أفضل ثمانية فرق في كل مجموعة إلى دور الـ16 ببطولة دوري أبطال آسيا، المقرر إقامة مبارياته في شهر مارس 2025. 

وبداية من دور ربع النهائي وحتى المباراة النهائية ستقام البطولة بنظام البطولة المجمعة (التأهل من مباراة واحدة)، في المملكة العربية السعودية، وذلك خلال الفترة من 25 أبريل وحتى 4 مايو 2025. موعد مباراة الأهلي واستقلال طهران في دوري أبطال آسيا

وتنطلق مباراة الأهلي واستقلال طهران في تمام الساعة السادسة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسابعة بتوقيت السعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي واستقلال طهران اليوم

ومن المنظر أن تذاع المباراة عبر فضائية SSC EXTRA1 HD  وbeIN sports AFC 2 وأبوظبي الرياضي آسيا 2 والكأس 11HD. معلقي مباراة الأهلي واستقلال طهران

وينقل أحداث وفعاليات المباراة عبر قناة SSC  كل من أحمد النفيسة ومشاري القرني، وعبر BEIN sports أحمد البلوشي، أما على فضائية أبو ظبي ينقل المباراة المعلق بلال علام، بجانب سمير المعيرفي عبر فضائية الكأس.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Prime Minister appears to pour cold water on hopes for imminent restart

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-2020

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has seemingly put paid to the hopes of recreational cricketers across the country that a return to action is imminent.Responding to a question from Greg Clark MP in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson said that it was too soon to lift current restrictions preventing the return of recreational cricket, describing the ball as “a natural vector of disease”.His comments will have no bearing on England’s Test series against West Indies, which is due to start on July 8, or on the possible return of county cricket, both of which are governed by guidance for elite sport.ALSO READ: Recreational cricket suspended by ECBUnder current regulations, socially-distanced training sessions are the only permissible form of cricket. Some leagues have begun to cancel their formal calendars for this season already, though others had anticipated that a start date could come quickly, with the Prime Minister announcing that businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors could begin to re-open from July 4.Mr Clark, the Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells, asked the PM to clarify whether “the ban on cricket has come to an end”.”Cricket is perhaps our most socially-distanced team sport,” he said. “We’ve lost half the summer but there is another half left to be enjoyed by players and spectators alike.” On Saturday, he tweeted that it was “absurd that no cricket can be played this midsummer weekend”.Mr Johnson said: “The problem with cricket as everybody understands [is] that the ball is a natural vector of disease, potentially at any rate. We’ve been round it many times with our scientific friends.”At the moment, we’re still working on ways to make cricket more Covid-secure but we can’t change the guidance yet.”The ECB, which has been working closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) throughout the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, said it was “keen to see the imminent and safe return of our sport at recreational level”.”We believe that cricket is a non-contact sport, with very low risks of exposure, and that it can be played as safely as many other activities being currently permitted,” the ECB said in a statement. “It is our strong desire to work with Government to see the return of recreational cricket on or around 4th July, as they continue to lift other restrictions more broadly across society.”We are heartened that the Government has already permitted the return of other ball sports, including tennis and basketball, and we are sure that our interpretation of the risks around ball transmission is consistent with these other games.”We can confirm that any guidance we share with the game will include directions on how to mitigate any risk from handling the ball as we continue to prioritise the health and safety of the cricket family in all our decision-making.”According to its most recent roadmap for the return of recreational cricket, England was in ‘Step 3’ of a five-stage process. The next step would involve adapted matches which allowed cricket “to remain socially-distanced”, before the final step of unrestricted play which would be adopted once social-distancing measures were removed.Mr Johnson later attempted to clarify his comments at a government press conference. “I want to make one thing clear – I would love to play village cricket again. I want to stress that we are working on all of these things,” he said.”We are working with all the industries, all of the performing arts, the theatres, gyms, all the bits that we can’t quite do at the moment… sports such as cricket, we’re trying to make it work as fast as we possibly can. So don’t think that this package represents the summit of our ambitions – it’s as far as we can go for now.”

Glasgow Rangers will be hoping they can head into the summer transfer window holding all three domestic trophies that are on offer.

This will mean Philippe Clement’s side qualify for the Champions League group stages, giving them the best chance to improve their squad with better quality players.

The 50-year-old Belgian may need to sell a few players in order to raise some funds for potential new arrivals. Judging by the size of the squad, he won't be short on players who will be seeking a move away from Ibrox.

Not every player who is attracting interest will be sold, however, especially following recent developments…

Rangers transfer news

According to the Daily Record, former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is aiming to make a surprise double swoop for James Tavernier and Connor Goldson this summer.

Gerrard, who is currently in charge of Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettfaq, wants to reunite with his two former defenders and could potentially make a swoop when the transfer window opens for business.

Both players are on the wrong side of 30, which suggests that if Clement receives a sizeable fee for the duo, he’d be made not to take it.

Goldson hasn’t quite been at his best this season, especially in recent weeks, and it is perhaps time to move him on to a prospective buyer sooner rather than later, as his contract still has another two years to run.

Tavernier, on the other hand, must be kept at the club. While the captain has endured his fair share of criticism recently as the Light Blues went three Premiership matches without victory, his goal contributions won't be replaced overnight, indicating that he is far too valuable to sell, at this current moment in time anyway.

James Tavernier’s statistics this season for Rangers

The right-back entered into the history books recently, becoming the highest-scoring defender in British football history after notching his 131st goal in senior football last month.

It is a stunning achievement, but Tavernier has been scoring for fun on a regular basis. This season, he currently has 24 goals across all competitions, adding another ten assists. The next person to come closest to the defender with regard to goal involvement is Cyriel Dessers on 28.

Metric

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

17

0

Assists

8

0

Key passes per game

3.2

1.1

Big chances created

17

0

Successful dribbles per game

1.1

0.3

While free kicks and penalties make up most of his goals, the former Newcastle United gem loves to break forward as often as possible on the right flank in order to support the attack.

This is evidenced by Tavernier creating 17 big chances in the top flight, along with averaging 3.2 key passes per game and succeeding with 1.1 dribbles per game – a success rate of 58% – certainly proving how important he is to the side.

He will turn 33 in October, but Clement shouldn’t be in a rush to move him on anytime soon, especially with how much he offers the club.

If a price that is too good to turn down arrives, however, will the Belgian take it? According to Football Transfers, the right-back is currently valued at €6.3m (£5.4m), which means the club could potentially secure a solid transfer fee if they were to move him on.

While this is a decent market value for someone his age, Rangers sold a player in 2001 for a fee nearly double that who had just turned 30 a few months prior – Jorg Albertz.

How much Rangers sold Jorg Albertz for

Ahead of the 1996/97 season, in which Rangers were chasing their ninth successive league title, Walter Smith sought to strengthen in order to make this dream a reality.

Erik Bo Anderson and Joachim Bjorklund arrived but the most exciting capture was that of Albertz from Hamburg.

During his first season, he would score 13 goals in all competitions as the Gers won the League Cup and the coveted nine-in-a-row title, ensuring his debut season was a success.

Over the next four seasons, Albertz would win another two titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup as the club enjoyed a period of success under Dick Advocaat.

Lauded as ‘the hammer’ for his ferocious left foot, Albertz netted some vital goals against Celtic, while ending his spell at the Ibrox side having scored 83 goals across just 228 matches, a sublime record for a midfielder.

He was sold back to Hamburg in the summer of 2001 as Advocaat was looking to go in a different direction, joining the German side for a fee of around £4.5m.

Jorg Albertz’s transfer value in 2024 money

In 2024 – with Totally Money having adjusted for inflation over the years – his £4.5m transfer which Rangers received for the German would now be worth an impressive £10.1m, which is nearly double that of Tavernier’s value in the current market.

Considering this occurred 23 years ago, it proves Advocaat hit the jackpot on the player who left a lasting impression among the Ibrox faithful during his five-year spell.

His second spell at Hamburg didn’t quite go as anticipated, playing only 28 games before moving to China in 2003. He came out of retirement towards the end of 2007/08 to assist his former teammate John Brown at Clyde in what was a surprising move.

Brown lauded Albertz as “fantastic” during his brief cameo at the Scottish club as he ended his career where he arguably made the biggest impact.

Tavernier hopefully won't be going anywhere soon as his goal contributions will be too hard to replace this summer, and he is still young enough to make an impression for the next couple of seasons at least.

Despite his performances of late, the captain is still valued less than Albertz was when he departed nearly 25 years ago, which proves the Dutchman was correct in moving him on when he did, even though the German probably could have remained at the club for another year or two.

Clement could kickstart new Rangers era by cashing in on £37k-p/w gem

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