The Bangladesh batsman broke into the top ten, only the second player from the country to do so

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2017Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman has broken into the ICC’s top 10 rankings for T20I batsmen for the first time. He is currently tenth with 627 points, after the rankings were updated following the T20I series between England and South Africa.Sabbir, 25, rose in the rankings despite scoring only 117 runs in five innings this year.Sabbir is the only Bangladesh player after Shakib Al Hasan to break into the top ten rankings for T20I batsmen. Shakib, who is leading the allrounders rankings across all formats at present, achieved the feat in 2012. Mahmudullah, at No. 6, is the only other Bangladesh player among the top ten T20I allrounders.In the T20I bowling rankings, Mustafizur Rahman is at No. 6, while Shakib is ranked ninth.

Arsenal appear to be far from finished when it comes to spending big this summer, with a fresh report detailing Mikel Arteta's latest transfer venture; a potential move for Mohammed Kudu.

What is the market value of Mohammed Kudus?

The latest comes courtesy of the Daily Mail, who suggest that the Gunners are now interested in prying Kudus from Ajax.

Having already welcomed Kai Havertz (24), Declan Rice (24) and Jurrien Timber (22) this summer, the 22-year-old trickster would align with this youth-focused philosophy whilst providing some additional firepower from midfield.

Whilst the report suggests that the Amsterdam outfit will command a £40m fee for his services, it also notes that Edu retains a focus on trimming the squad before wading back out into the market.

Football Transfers only value the Ghana international at €12.8m (£11m) though, with his actual price tag likely elevated through his recent outstanding seasons and emergence at the 2022 World Cup.

Would Kudus be a good signing for Arsenal?

Whilst many might assume that Kudus would be preferred from the wing, it is actually his versatility that would likely make him such a valuable asset for Arteta.

After all, his free-flowing system would benefit from a player who could enact changes mid-game, without having to waste a substitute to alter the make-up of his side. Just last term saw him feature off the right, from attacking midfield and even up front.

An ability to shift would also help unlock their new German maestro too, who is yet to truly realise the potential that was promised following earlier form in his homeland.

Havertz recorded 27 goal contributions across all competitions in his final season before moving to Chelsea, and yet in 139 appearances for the Blues, he has scored just 32 times and assisted a further 15. Unlocking him at the Emirates could prove pivotal in making the north London outfit a true threat to Manchester City.

Whilst he endured a particularly profligate campaign just last year, with just seven strikes from 11.60 xG (expected goals) in the Premier League, he retained his creativity despite deputising as a central striker.

When compared against other number nines across Europe, he ranks in the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 12% for progressive passes received per 90, via FBref.

Should he prove to be the link between the midfield and attack, dropping in between the lines to accept the ball and progress the play, Kudus' proficiency from any number of positions could help boost the 24-year-old's figures massively.

Last season across all competitions, the speedster recorded 18 goals and a further seven assists, as well as being his country's highest-rated player, as per Sofascore, at the recent World Cup. These figures helped the youngster reach 44 goals within what has been a short but successful career thus far.

He was also linked with an exit last summer, whilst fellow Eredivisie hotshot Antony's potential move to Manchester United was touted, the two found themselves on the end of something of a forced competition.

However, the legendary Dutch striker Marco van Basten would seek to quash this debate, as he noted: "I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony. Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do! Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.

"He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He’s more fun to watch play.”

With the Brazilian having scored just four times in the league since that £86m summer move, this notion is somewhat supported.

A move to a rival of the Red Devils would likely see this fight between the two intensify, although Arteta would be keen to dispel such a battle. He will instead be focused on getting the best out of his ever-improving squad, which Kudus' arrival would certainly facilitate.

He and Havertz, with the former's physical excellence and lethal scoring touch, and the latter's creativity, could strike up a frightening partnership that propels this side closer to elite honours.

At times last season, Chelsea’s attack was unwatchable. Games were either marred by countless missed chances or a stark lack of dynamism, efficiency, or purpose in forward areas. It finished with just 38 goals in as many Premier League games – a dismal reflection of the disjointed nature of the Blues’ attack.

This has been noted by Mauricio Pochettino, who has been joined by the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge, whilst allowing Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic to depart the club.

Currently, Noni Madueke is the only right-winger firmly in his plans, with Hakim Ziyech looking to leave this summer.

Pochettino may look to add further strength on the right-hand side, with Leroy Sane mentioned in what seems an improbable signing.

What’s the latest on Leroy Sane to Chelsea?

According to Simon Phillips (via The Chelsea Chronicle), the 2021 Champions League winners are admirers of the Bayern Munich livewire.

However, at this stage, Phillips confirmed it is still no more than a rumour to keep an eye on, with Manchester City also interested in bringing the German back to the Etihad Stadium.

Who can Leroy Sane link up with at Chelsea?

The 27-year-old originally came to England back in 2016 when he joined Manchester City, and was unplayable in flashes.

He spent four seasons in the north-west under Pep Guardiola, making 135 appearances and notching 85 goal involvements, winning two Premier League titles.

His best year in sky blue came in 2017/18 when he recorded 25 goal contributions in 32 matches and was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Upon his arrival at Bayern Munich in 2020, chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “He is an outstanding player who has proven his qualities over the past few years.”

Thus far, he has failed to hit the same productive heights in Germany and was part of the Bayern team that was thrashed by Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals last term.

Nevertheless, the forward still retains his esteemed reputation for his dazzling dribbling speed, and creativity. Among his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, the £238k-per-week dynamo ranks within the best 8% for progressive passes per 90, successful take-ons, total shots, and non-penalty goals per 90.

If a move to Stamford Bridge ever eventually materialised, the idea of a partnership on the right with Reece James is frightening. Due to continuous injuries, the full-back has only appeared in 42 of Chelsea’s last 76 Premier League games, and his patchy fitness was one of the major drawbacks last term.

The 23-year-old is arguably a future Chelsea captain and is a formidable combination of defensive solidity and attacking threat. Speaking on Match of the Day (via Planet Football), Ian Wright once said:

“He’s easily one of the best right-backs in the world at the minute. He’s got everything. His delivery is amazing, his closing down. He’s got the ability and strength to progress the ball, he’s so combative. He’s a super player.”

His talent in attack is what sets him apart from the majority of full-backs, as he ranks within the top 18% for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the highest 10% for shot-creating actions, progressive carries, and successful take-ons per 90.

Whilst the idea of Sane in west London is a pipe dream at present, it could spark the beginning of a partnership that could terrorise Premier League opponents.

Australia batsman Chris Lynn will have surgery on his troublesome left shoulder on Monday, according to a report in the . As a consequence, he is likely to be out of action till the end of the year, the paper reported, missing the T20 leagues in the West Indies and Bangladesh, and Australia’s proposed ODI tour of India in September-October.”I have been battling through each tournament and umming and arr-ing at training but the time has come to get it done,” Lynn told the paper. “I was getting sorer and sorer after training. I am pretty confident I will be back for the Big Bash.”I was supposed to play in the Caribbean Premier League on Wednesday so I have had to give them the bad news. I will cost myself a bit [having to sacrifice the T20 contracts], but physically and mentally it will mean a lot to get it done.”Lynn injured the same shoulder for the third time in less than two years during this year’s IPL, and missed a month of that tournament and later Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign as a result. He said he was not sure if surgery could fix all the issues he has had with the shoulder, but would be grateful to have any significant improvement.”They are pretty confident they can get it right but there is obviously no certainty,” he said. “If you hurt something once you are never going to be 100% but I would like to be somewhere near 100%. Right now it is about 50% and declining. If I can get it up to around 90% I would be real happy with that.”It is so frustrating. You get a roll on but it ends up being two steps forward and three steps back. It is a big decision but the right decision.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou personally wants to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku as a potential replacement for Harry Kane.

Who will Spurs sign?

The north Londoners are having to contemplate life without Kane as he enters the final year of his Spurs contract, giving chairman Daniel Levy a major headache to resolve.

Tottenham risk losing their talisman for nothing next year, which would come as an almighty blow if Kane doesn't put pen to paper on fresh terms.

Postecoglou, speaking to the press recently, admitted it is a distraction from his preparations at Spurs and wants the saga resolved quickly.

“Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said the Tottenham boss.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club, because as laser focused as we want to be, you end up sort of repeating yourself along the way."

As a result of Kane's possible exit, with Bayern Munich desperately attempting to sign him for manager Thomas Tuchel, Spurs have been linked with potential successors.

Randal Kolo Muani, who starred for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, has been mentioned as possible Tottenham targets while Gent striker Gift Orban is another under consideration.

Now, according to Football Transfers and journalist Steve Kay, it appears Lukaku has come into the frame.

The Belgian spent last season on loan at Inter Milan, and with his Chelsea future in doubt, Spurs boss Postecoglou personally wants to bring him in on loan if Kane departs.

Lukaku wants to leave Chelsea this summer and is searching for a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering £400,000-per-week.

Spurs, for their part, aren't entertaining such demands and would only be willing to table £300,000-per-week, for a one-season loan without the option to buy.

Postecoglou, though, feels Lukaku is the right kind of profile to step into Kane's shoes as an alternative Tottenham marksman.

How good is Romelu Lukaku?

The 30-year-old's best campaign in recent years came at Inter Milan during the 2020/2021 season, where he starred with 24 Serie A goals and 11 assists under manager Antonio Conte.

Called a physical "beast" by former star footballer Christian Vieri, ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was full of respect for Lukaku back in 2017 when both him and Kane were competing for the Golden Boot.

“We need to be very respectful to both of them," said Pochettino on Lukaku and Kane.

“I know everyone wants to ­discuss who is better, but they are both great players with quality and skill.

“They are both very difficult to mark for different reasons, but they both demand a lot of focus on them and you have to be ready to fight.”

With the cricket board officially offering ‘temporary amnesty’ to players who do not fit their selection criteria, the likes of Gayle, Pollard and Narine could be back as early as next month

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jul-2017With West Indies in a race to qualify for the 2019 World Cup, their cricket board has offered “temporary amnesty” to the players who do not fit their selection criteria in order to have them available to play ODIs. This could pave way for the return of stars such as Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree as soon as next month when the team is scheduled for a tour of England, as had been earlier reported by ESPNcricinfo.Cricket West Indies (CWI) has had a stringent policy of picking only those players who are active in the domestic one-day tournament for 50-over internationals. But, with one eye on putting the best XI on the park, the board and the West Indies Players Association have called a truce.On September 30, the top-eight ranked teams as per the ICC will gain automatic qualification to the next World Cup. CWI chief executive Johnny Grave admitted to the possibility that West Indies – ranked ninth, 10 points below their closest rival – might not make the cut. Should that be the case, West Indies will then have to go through a 10-team qualifying tournament and unless they end up in the top two, they won’t make the showpiece event in England in 2019.”We recognise that it is highly unlikely that we will now automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup, so whilst the qualifying tournament has yet to be confirmed by ICC, we may only have eight ODIs against England and New Zealand in the next six months to prepare,” Grave said. “It is crucial that we can have our best performing Windies players available for selection in these important games.”Grave also indicated that the CWI’s cricket committee was due to present their findings on player eligibility criteria by the end of July. These recommendations will then be put forward at the board of directors meeting in September. But in the meantime, “all CWI registered players will be available for selection” the press release said.Additionally, CWI is compiling a list of all male and female and age-group players in the system. “This will show commitment on the part of the players to be available for the format/s of the game they wish to play; a commitment to participate in the regional set-up and to honour the system to be in place by then,” board president Dave Cameron said. “We must be able to identify the full slate and categories of players we have in the West Indies.”

Manchester United could be set to secure one of the signings of the summer, swooping in for a deal that already seemed completed not too long ago.

Is Josko Gvardiol going to Manchester CIiy?

Given that transfer insider Fabrizio Romano uttered his famous "here we go" nearly two weeks ago now, it is a surprise to see that Manchester City's swoop for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is yet to be tied up.

Just a day later though, Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol even went as far as to suggest that the deal is "not close", throwing the move into disrepute.

It seems like Erik ten Hag is seeking to capitalise on this hindrance, as reports in Spain are now suggesting they are one of three new Premier League clubs now battling for the Croatian's signature. All of these sides are said to have submitted bids to tempt the German club to instead sell to them.

Back in April, it was reported that they would command a fee of around £75m to sanction his exit. However, with the increased competition, it is a fee could rise now even higher.

Why is Josko Gvardiol so good?

There are numerous reasons why the 21-year-old colossus is so sought-after, not least his experience that far belies his youth.

Standing at 6 foot 1, the 21-cap Croatia international boasts blistering speed that makes him a physical marvel, but the technical assets to help him thrive in any system.

The left-footed titan has shone for both his current team and his country, having earned the right to take the next step up in his career.

Should that be to join Old Trafford, the youngster could immediately strike up a fine partnership with Lisandro Martinez, as a couple of no-nonsense ball-playing defenders who would be near-impossible to bypass.

After all, the Argentinian ace has enjoyed a fine debut year in English football, brushing aside the fears regarding his height to maintain a 7.12 average rating in the Premier League. This was a figure buoyed by his 87% pass accuracy, 1.2 interceptions, two tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

He was a mainstay for a backline that helped David De Gea earn the Golden Glove award.

He is a tough, cut-throat powerhouse of a centre-back, with Ten Hag even outlining this following his £47m move:

"He’s a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit. He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way. I think we need that. But also, he’s also skilful and he can deal with the ball".

His steely presence beside the cultured, powerful and almost regal stature of Gvardiol could provide the perfect blend of attributes to thwart any striker in the division.

Especially when viewing the latter's most recent campaign in the Bundesliga, where he too boasted a 6.94 average rating. With 89% pass accuracy, 89% dribble success and 2.3 clearances per game too, suddenly the reasons behind such a lofty price tag are revealed, as per Sofascore.

The latter figure would have seen him ranked fifth among the Red Devils' squad last season in the league, with a rating that would have made him the second-best performing centre-back only behind Martinez.

FBref further cements his status as one of the game's finest talents, as when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, the former Dinamo Zagreb star ranks in the top 1% for attempted passes per 90, the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, and the top 18% for progressive passes per 90. He is the quintessential modern-day defender and would thrive beside United's 25-year-old enforcer.

Such form has heralded deserved praise, as one unnamed Head of Sport at a Bundesliga outfit waxed lyrical to former footballer-turned-journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft:

“Gvardiol is an absolute world-class defender. There will be few players in the years to come who can dominate this position like he can.”

His national team boss Zlatko Dalic would go one further, branding the young titan as the "best central defender in the world".

Ten Hag has already bolstered his side sufficiently this summer, yet hijacking the deal in question from their rivals would not only give the fans some much-needed ammunition over the treble-winners but also secure a long-term heir to Raphael Varane who could partner Martinez for the foreseeable future.

They are the perfect blend of poise, power and potential, capable of once again returning the club to the apex of world football.

كشفت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، أن تشافي هيرنانديز، حسم موقفه بشأن مستقبله في تدريب برشلونة.

المدرب الإسباني رغم أنه أعلن رحيله بنهاية الموسم الجاري من برشلونة، لكن في الأيام الماضية انتشرت تقارير حول نيته البقاء، مع رغبة إدارة النادي باستمراره.

طالع أيضًا.. توني كروس يكشف كذبة أنشيلوتي ويصرح: كان بإمكاننا الفوز على برشلونة 4-0

صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، أكدت أن تشافي هيرنانديز وافق على الاستمرار في برشلونة بعد الاجتماع الذي جمعه بـ رئيس النادي خوان لابورتا، ونائبه رافا يوستي.

🚨🎥| “Have you decided yet, Xavi?” Xavi: 🤷‍♂️😬 #fcblive pic.twitter.com/wVd3cwCObc — BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) April 24, 2024

الصحيفة الإسبانية، أكدت من مصادر داخل النادي الكتالوني، أن تشافي مستمر حتى نهاية عقده في صيف 2025، أي بنهاية الموسم المقبل، وسيظهر خوان لابورتا غدًا الخميس ليعلن بشكل رسمي استمرار المدرب.

The India opener was hopeful playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League T20s could get him in the right frame of mind after a five-month layoff from international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Aug-2017India opener M Vijay was looking forward to ending a five-month period without any top-level cricket and though his first match back – in the Tamil Nadu Premier League – ended up a washout, he said the T20 tournament was an ideal way to regain match-fitness.”This is an excellent opportunity to start my second innings,” Vijay told reporters on Thursday after Lyca Kovai Kings and Madurai Super Giant had to share points. “It is an absolute pleasure to be back here. I’ve been waiting for this, and hopefully I can start it from here and build it there on.”I don’t feel a 100 percent, to be honest. But mentally, yes, I’m up there. And, format doesn’t matter to me. It’s just been injuries, which are not under my control. I just want to get myself fit and play cricket.”A wrist injury in March, during the Border-Gavaskar series, had forced Vijay out of the IPL. He underwent surgery in the UK and was expected to return to international cricket during the Tests against Sri Lanka, but recurrence of pain in his wrist forced him out of the squad again.Vijay also experienced problems with his left shoulder during the final Test against England in December. After five months out of international cricket, he was conscious of the need to manage himself better, especially because he intends to be more than a Test specialist. “As you’ve seen, my career has become one-dimensional at the moment. So, I obviously want to enhance it. Batting is never a problem for me. It’s just about mindset and injuries, which I want to manage properly now on. Any cricket is fantastic for me, because I enjoy playing.”

Crystal Palace may have waved goodbye to key man Wilfried Zaha this week, but another big name could soon be arriving at Selhurst Park in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

Who are Crystal Palace's forwards?

Zaha's departure to Galatasaray on a free transfer will leave a huge void to be filled, the winger departing the club he has called home for close to two decades, either side of a doomed spell with Manchester United.

Palace still have talented pair Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, assuming they fend off interest from top-flight rivals, but their squad is otherwise looking a little bare in attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta struggled in his first season at Selhurst Park and may be moved on this summer, which would leave Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard as Roy Hodgson's only senior forwards.

However, according to TheEaglesBeak, via football.london, Palace are looking to bolster their ranks and have made signing Nketiah their priority between now and the end of the transfer window on September 1.

How many goals has Eddie Nketiah scored?

Nketiah has made 89 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, but he has found the net just 14 times, while his overall record for the Gunners is 32 goals in 131 appearances.

The 24-year-old was called upon by Mikel Arteta in the midst of a tense title race with Manchester City last season after Gabriel Jesus sustained an injury that ruled him out for three months.

Nketiah initially took full advantage of his big chance by scoring six goals in six games in all competitions, including a double in Arsenal's thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United in January.

That led to praise from captain Martin Odegaard, who hailed Nketiah for the "amazing" manner in which he stepped up to lead the line in Jesus' absence.

However, Nketiah – on wages of £100k-a-week at the Emirates Stadium, according to Capology – did not score in his next 14 appearances and ended the 2022-23 season with four goals in 30 appearances.

Still, Nketiah's return of 0.33 goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, as per FBref, was bettered by only Eze – just – among Palace players last season (0.34). Nketiah's 0.41 goals and assists combined per 90, meanwhile, was near enough on a par with Olise (0.43).

In fact, Nketiah's figures were a lot better than he was perhaps given credit for. According to FBref's comparison model, the Englishman was very alike Manchester United's Marcus Rashford in a number of metrics last season.

Nketiah and Rashford fired away shots at an almost identical rate per 90 minutes (3.39 v 3.38 respectively), had a very similar pass-completion rate (80.4% v 76.7%), and likewise when it came to progressive carries per 90 (2.64 v 2.66).

While Rashford did register more goals and more assists than Nketiah, the pair recorded an identical expected assisted goals figure of 0.11 per 90, effectively meaning that they created the same quality of chances for teammates.

That is not to say Nketiah is on a par with Rashford, but should he be given a regular run of starts in a team full of talented young players, it may well be that he finally gets a chance to truly fulfil his potential at a London club.