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New Zealand folded for 75 in a chase of 160 as Afghanistan made it two wins in two

Hemant Brar07-Jun-20241:22

McClenaghan: Gurbaz taking down Bracewell the turning point

Afghanistan boosted their Super Eight chances with yet another dominating win, this time thumping New Zealand by 84 runs in Providence. Having beaten Uganda by 125 runs in their opening match, they are now at the top of Group C with a net run rate of 5.225.After being sent in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave Afghanistan a start of 103 in 14.3 overs. It came off the back of the 154 the pair added against Uganda, thus making them the first opening pair to register two successive century stands in the history of the T20 World Cup.Afghanistan’s was an innings of two halves. They scored 55 for no loss in the first ten overs and 104 for 6 in the last ten, with Gurbaz contributing 80 off 56 balls. New Zealand, who had decided not to play any warm-up games, looked every bit rusty as their fielders dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities.With the pitch assisting both seamers and spinners, chasing 160 was not going to be easy. But few would have expected New Zealand to collapse in the manner they did.Related

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Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up three wickets in the powerplay and Rashid Khan three just after it. Eventually, both ended with identical figures of 4 for 17 as New Zealand were bowled out for 75 in the 15.2 overs. Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry were the only New Zealand batters to reach the double digits.Afghanistan’s shaky startTrent Boult found some swing in the opening over but Gurbaz and Ibrahim showed their intent by picking up three fours off Henry from the other end.Both batters had luck on their side, too. Gurbaz got a second life when he skipped down the track to Santner and missed the ball, which went on to brush the leg stump but the bails did not budge. In the following over, Finn Allen dropped Ibrahim off Henry at the deep-square-leg boundary.That was not all. Gurbaz got another reprieve after being involved in a miscommunication with Ibrahim. Having taken off for a single, Gurbaz had to retrace his steps and would have been run out had Conway not fumbled the throw.Two balls later, New Zealand finally seemed to have found success when Santner pinged Ibrahim’s pads and umpire Kumar Dharmasena ruled it lbw. But the batter got the decision overturned on review as the ball was heading down the leg side. Immediately after that, Ibrahim hit Santner for an inside-out four as Afghanistan ended the powerplay on 44 for no loss.Bracewell, Ferguson put the brakes onNew Zealand went against the prevailing wisdom of not bowling an offspinner when two right-hand batters at the crease, and Michael Bracewell repaid that faith by conceding only six off his first two overs.Lockie Ferguson was even more frugal, going for five in his first two. He could have had Ibrahim off a slower full toss but a leaping Kane Williamson failed to pull off a one-handed stunner at mid-off. That meant while Afghanistan remained unscathed, they had only 55 on the board after ten overs.The accelerationAfghanistan had not hit a single six in the first ten overs, but there were five in the next three, including three in one Bracewell over as Gurbaz and Bracewell stepped on the accelerator. The pair took the side past 100 in the 14th over. New Zealand finally broke through when Ibrahim bottom-edged a short ball from Henry onto his stumps, after having been hit on the grille on the previous delivery.Promoted to No. 3, Azmatullah Omarzai played his part with 22 off 13, which included two sixes in three balls off Henry. Mohammad Nabi fell for a first-ball duck but Gurbaz kept finding the boundary at regular intervals. However, a three-wicket, three-run final over by Boult kept Afghanistan to 159.Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored his second fifty in as many games•ICC/Getty Images

Farooqi rocks New Zealand earlyFarooqi gave Afghanistan a dream start with the ball. With the very first delivery of the innings, he uprooted Finn Allen’s leg stump as the ball moved in late. In the seamer’s next over, Conway pushed at one that seemed to come slower off the surface and was caught at extra cover.The decision to give Farooqi a third over in the powerplay brought further rewards. This time, bowling around the wicket to Daryl Mitchell, he got a length delivery to just straighten and take the outside edge. Gurbaz took a regulation catch to complete the dismissal and leave New Zealand 28 for 3.It could have been worse for New Zealand. In between, Naveen-ul-Haq had rapped Kane Williamson’s front pad after the batter had moved across to play a delivery. Afghanistan sent it upstairs for an lbw review but the umpire’s call saved the New Zealand captain.Rashid joins the partyAfghanistan did not have to wait too long for Williamson’s wicket. Rashid brought himself on after the powerplay and struck straightaway as Williamson guided one to first slip. But Rashid was just warming up. In his next over, he dismissed Mark Chapman and Bracewell off successive deliveries to leave New Zealand on 43 for 6. Chapman went for a pull and got bowled; Bracewell was late to bring his bat down and was lbw.Phillips was New Zealand’s last hope. He did hit a couple of boundaries but was soon caught at long-on when he tried to take on Nabi. That ended any hopes of revival New Zealand might have had.

Invincibles beaten on home patch after collapsing in chase of 146

ECB Media02-Aug-2024

Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 65 off 41 gave Superchargers the edge•ECB via Getty Images

Nicholas Pooran was at it again, making his second big-hitting half-century in a row to secure back-to-back victories for Andrew Flintoff’s Northern Superchargers in the Hundred.In front of 24,160 expectant fans at the Kia Oval, Pooran ensured the theme of the day was Superchargers teams crashing the party – and clearing the boundary – after the women’s team won in an equally comprehensive manner earlier in the day.The two wins signalled the end of both Oval Invincibles sides’ 100% records, and left both men’s and women’s competitions wide open.Pooran’s 65 came from just 41 balls, with four mammoth sixes, and navigated a difficult start for his side to see Superchargers to 145 from their 100 balls. Pooran found it easier than most to find or clear the boundary, but Ollie Robinson’s 20 from 10 added some late impetus and gave the visitors a competitive total at the break.The Superchargers bowlers never let Invincibles get away in their chase, with Jordan Clark, Dillon Pennington and Matthew Potts all miserly up top. They received good support from their team-mates in the field, with Adam Hose and Mitchell Santner himself taking tidy catches in the deep.Santner was one of a trio of spinners, alongside Adil Rashid and Matt Short, who backed up the good work their seamers had started to give Invincibles nowhere to go in the middle of their innings.As the home team’s hopes began to fade, there was still time for Donovan Ferreira to pepper the spectators with five sixes in a 24-ball 49. The South African’s enterprising and entertaining knock briefly threatened to turn the game on its head before he was dismissed by Potts, but his was a lone hand – the only player to pass 20 in a chase that never really got into sixth gear.Meerkat Match Hero Pooran said: “For me it’s about being consistent with my mindset, and playing the situation of the game. In the past I’ve been in similar situations and just got out, but today I just felt like I had to respect the situation and just be there at the end.”Oval Invincibles bowled really well with the new ball; Spencer Johnson bowled really well. For me it was all about being there. As the innings prolonged for me, it felt like it got better, but in saying that it felt like if we could get anything over 130 then it was game on. And I just felt like we could only get there if we constructed the partnership or if I could stay till the end.”It’s brilliant. Getting back to back wins in a format like this is really important. Coming outside of our home venue too, coming here to the defending champions and getting a win is really important for us to continue growing as a group as well. We’re heading back to Headingley on Sunday and hopefully we can continue ticking the boxes and getting the right result.”

Thomas Frank will be entering the biggest season of his managerial career in 2025/26, as he looks to take Tottenham Hotspur to the next level after his appointment this summer.

The Dane spent seven years in charge of Brentford across the capital, but he’s now been tasked with the challenge of leading the Lilywhites back to the top end of the Premier League.

Whilst he’s constantly thrived during his stint with the Bees, the expectations of the fanbase of Spurs will bring added pressure to him in his quest for success in North London.

The Europa League success back in May will only heighten the need for added trophies in the years ahead, with the fanbase wanting to reach the next level under Frank’s guidance.

Undoubtedly, he will want to make his own mark on the side, needing funds to make additions to land the players he craves, with numerous players already on their radar.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the main focus for Frank in recent weeks, with numerous forwards already touted with a move to join Spurs during the current window.

Antoine Semenyo, Rodrygo and Xavi Simons have all been touted with big-money moves to join the Lilywhites, as the hierarchy look to back the Dane in his quest for success.

However, none of the aforementioned stars have been close to a move, but the same can’t be said for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, who’s emerged as a key target.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that positive talks have commenced over a deal to sign the 24-year-old winger this summer, with the player himself wanting a move to join the club.

However, any deal could prove to be an expensive one, with the Ghanaian currently having a £85m release clause within his contract at the London Stadium.

Why Kudus would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

In their quest for added attacking reinforcements, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs this summer, but not for the first time in his career.

He’s been a player firmly on their radar over the past couple of years, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services, however, that could change this summer.

The 27-year-old currently has a £68m release clause in his contract, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season.

However, it appears as though they will face stiff competition from North London rivals Arsenal, after they made contact with his representatives over a move to the Emirates.

The Spurs fanbase shouldn’t worry, with a move for Kudus being a better addition, having the tools to become a key player in Frank’s ambitions of taking the side to the next level.

When comparing the player’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the West Ham star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting the talent he possesses.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Joel Bortey, has registered a higher shot on target rate, demonstrating his accuracy within the final third.

How Kudus compares to Eze in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Kudus

Eze

Games played

32

34

Goals & assists

8

16

Shot on target accuracy

28%

27%

Pass accuracy

84%

74%

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.3

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Carries into opposition box

1.5

0.7

Fouls won

2.2

1.7

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with more carries into the opposition penalty areas, showcasing his desire to get the ball forward at any given opportunity.

The Ghanaian has also won more fouls per 90 and completed more of the passes he’s attempted, offering a real nuisance to the opposition’s backline – something which has been desperately missing in North London.

It’s unclear if Spurs will negotiate a deal for the winger this summer, but it’s evident that he could provide Frank with the tools to thrive in his first season in charge.

Eze will remain as a key target no doubt, but it’s clear that Kudus is a better option in attacking areas, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a move for his signature.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2025

يغيب هاني أبو ريدة، رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن مرافقة بعثة منتخب مصر المتجهة إلى بوركينا فاسو.

وتطير بعثة منتخب مصر، اليوم الأحد إلى بوركينا فاسو، على متن طائرة خاصة في رحلة تستغرق أكثر من ست ساعات.

طالع.. خاص | موقف اتحاد الكرة من إقامة مباراة ودية بين مصر والبرازيل

وقر أبو ريدة عم مرافقة البعثة بعد تعرضه لنزلة برد نصحه الأطباء على إثرها بتجنب مخالطة أعضاء البعثة حفاظًا على سلامتهم.

وتم تكليف خالد الدرندلي، نائب رئيس مجلس إدارة الاتحاد بمرافقة بعثة منتخب مصر إلى بوركينا فاسو، بدلًا من أبو ريدة.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب مصر مع نظيره بوركينا فاسو، يوم الثلاثاء المُقبل الموافق 9 سبتمبر، ضمن الجولة الثامنة، في لقاء قد يكون حاسمًا لتأهل الفراعنة لنهائيات كأس العالم.

Uncapped 21-year-old allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe has earned a call-up for the series

Madushka Balasuriya23-Jul-2024

Charith Asalanka had led Sri Lanka in two T20Is against Bangladesh in Sylhet earlier this year•ICC/Getty Images

Charith Asalanka is the new captain of the Sri Lanka men’s T20I team. The news was confirmed when Sri Lanka Cricket announced the 16-man squad to face India in a three-match series starting July 27.Asalanka, who takes over from Wanindu Hasaranga after the latter had stepped down from the role earlier this month following a six-month stint, is no stranger to captaincy, though. He had led Sri Lanka in two T20Is on the tour of Bangladesh earlier this year when Hasaranga, the captain at the time, was serving a suspension. He has also captained the Sri Lanka Under-19s and, most recently, led Jaffna Kings to the LPL title, after having taken over the reins from Thisara Perera at the start of the season.The other big news is the return of the 34-year-old Dinesh Chandimal to Sri Lanka’s T20I fold. He last played a T20I back in early 2022, but his form in the LPL this year, where he struck 287 runs across eight matches at a strike rate of 168.82 – far above his career strike rate of 123.03 – opening the innings, made a strong case for his inclusion. But with one stalwart entering another made way, with Angelo Mathews, now 37, left out of the squad despite also having had a good time in the LPL.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Included is another surprise inclusion, the uncapped Chamindu Wickramasinghe. The 21-year-old allrounder from Kandy, who has been putting in time at the MRF Pace Academy in India, caught the eye of selectors following a breakout LPL campaign this past month. A right-arm seamer who can also bat, he showed great maturity for his Dambulla Sixers franchise lower down the order, picking up seven wickets across eight games while also scoring 186 runs at a strike rate 131.91 – including two clutch fifties. His rise is all the more remarkable seeing that he went unsold during the LPL auction, but was signed by the Dambulla franchise after their forced ownership change had offered up the opportunity to bring in unsigned players.There are also returns for Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando and Binura Fernando, but this means there’s no room for Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dilshan Madushanka.Madushanka’s omission might be the most surprising of the lot, but it’s also the position in which Sri Lanka now have the most depth. While his 21 wickets at the 2023 ODI World Cup might still be relatively fresh in the memory, he didn’t play a single game at this year’s T20 World Cup, and he picked up just two wickets over six games for the Dambulla Sixers in the LPL.Replacing Madushanka in the squad is Binura Fernando, largely on the back of an excellent LPL outing. The 29-year-old left-arm quick has been in the Sri Lankan system for quite some time now – he made his debut back in 2015 – but consistency eluded him, primarily down to a poor injury record. This year, though, has been a watershed moment, as an unencumbered Binura took the LPL by storm, his clever variations helping him pick up 13 wickets across eight games at a miserly economic rate of 6.81. Equally, he put his body to the test, ending the season having played four games across five days.Binura Fernando picked up 13 wickets from eight matches in LPL 2024•Getty Images

Two others staking their claims on the back of a solid LPL season are Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando. The former, like Wickramasinghe, found his way to the Dambulla franchise belatedly having initially gone unsold in the auction, which itself followed a surprise exclusion from Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad. But Perera grabbed this fresh opportunity with both hands, crashing 296 runs across eight games at a strike rate of 169.14 – this included two fifties and a maiden T20 century, all at the top of the order.As for Avishka, after the disappointment of missing out on the T20 World Cup amid healthy competition in the top two spots, he made the No. 4 role his own to help Jaffna Kings to the title. Across 10 LPL innings he struck 374 runs at a strike rate of 162.60, including five fifty-plus scores. He ended the season as the third-highest run-scorer, and might have even topped the charts had he got an opportunity to bat in the final.The rest of the side comes through as expected, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga completing a strong batting line-up.Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage will be the primary spin-bowling options with support from the ambidextrous Kamindu if needed. The seam-bowling contingent shows good variety with two slingers in Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana, Binura’s left-arm seam and Dushmantha Chameera’s right-arm pace, while Shanaka and Wickramasinghe can also roll their arm over when called upon.Sri Lanka squad for T20I series vs IndiaCharith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera (wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando

Crystal Palace have submitted a bid worth £8.5 million to sign a 21-year-old rising star who wants to move to Selhurst Park, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace chasing two new midfielders for Glasner

While the Eagles continue to wait for clarification on whether they will be playing in the Europa League or not next season, people behind the scenes are working hard on potential transfers, as Oliver Glasner and co. plan to improve many areas of the team regardless of how many fronts they are asked to compete on.

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Midfield appears to be the priority for the South Londoners at this moment in time, as they work on not just one but two new midfield signings. Last week, it was reported by Alan Nixon, via TBR Football, that Palace had made an approach to RC Lens over signing Andy Diouf.

Despite potentially having European football, Palace are aware they could lose Adam Wharton in this transfer window and therefore want to have a replacement ready. It would cost the Premier League side just £20 million to get a deal wrapped up.

As Palace weigh where to go next with a deal for Diouf, reports also claim the Eagles have made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion player Igor Julio over a potential move to Selhurst Park. The South Londoners are not the only Premier League team chasing a deal, as Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in signing the midfielder, but he is said to be prioritising a move out of England at this moment in time.

Crystal Palace submit £8.5m striker bid

Despite the excellent form of Jean-Philippe Mateta last season, the Eagles are in the market for a new striker as well as new midfielders. According to Africa Foot, Crystal Palace have made a 10 million euros (£8.5m) bid to sign Oumar Diakité from Stade de Reims.

The report states that given Stade de Reims’ relegation to Ligue 2, Diakite is among the players attracting interest across Europe. But Palace are the ones who have made a concrete move to sign the young striker, and the Eagles are in a good position to complete a transfer, as Diakite is keen on the move to Selhurst Park.

As well as making a bid, Palace have also offered the player a five-year contract and are ready to pay him 3.5 million euros a year, which is roughly £2.9 million. The concern Palace do face is that Stade de Reims are not rushing to sell the player and are waiting for more ‘miraculous’ offers to arrive.

Oumar Diakité’s 24/25 stats for Stade de Reims

Apps

33

Goals

4

Assists

1

Palace’s interest in the 21-year-old is not new, as back in November it was reported that the Premier League side had identified Diakite as a long-term replacement for Mateta. The Ivory Coast international has shown in the last couple of seasons he knows where the back of the net is, but the hope will be for him to learn under the French star, not replace him.

The series win in the West Indies has left the team with a chance of making the final at Lord’s next year

Firdose Moonda18-Aug-2024

Shukri Conrad: Keshav Maharaj is ‘an absolute workhorse, an absolute professional, and he just keeps going’•AFP/Getty Images

South Africa’s search for the “nice pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” in this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is on after they kept themselves in the hunt for a place in the title bout with a series win over West Indies.Red-ball coach Shukri Conrad described the incentive of reaching the 2025 WTC final at Lord’s as being at the back of the team’s mind even as they continue to transition.”We’ve got a big couple of months ahead of us to grow as a Test team. At the end of that, if we do very well and we win enough games, we can end up in the World Test Championship final,” Conrad said from Guyana, after South Africa’s 40-run win in the second Test. “But that’s not the only goal of the team. It’s also to grow as a team.”Related

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Only three of South Africa’s squad – Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj – have played more than 50 Tests and the squad is laced with inexperience. In the West Indies, this reflected most obviously in their batting. South Africa lost 4 for 29 in the first innings of the first Test to fall short of a total of 400, and 5 for 22 in the second innings of the second Test to set West Indies a potentially gettable target of 263. Conrad acknowledged the “batting department remains a little bit of an Achilles heel for us,” but believes time in the middle could help solve that.”With young and inexperienced batters, you almost factor in that every now and again you’re going to have a few aberrations with the bat. But the vital signs are there that we can go and become a really good test unit,” he said. “The skillsets are there. It’s really just experience we need. With experience, you’ll find fewer soft dismissals and less of the falling over when bowlers bowl well and we’ll be able to put up more of a fight with the bat.”Wiaan Mulder has made a case to be South Africa’s first-choice red-ball allrounder•AFP/Getty Images

There were glimpses of that potential from Tony de Zorzi, who scored 78 and 45 in the first Test, Tristan Stubbs, who made his first Test fifty in Trinidad, and the 85-run sixth wicket stand between Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder in Guyana, which revived South Africa from 139 for 5 in the third innings. Mulder’s contribution of 34 played a part in his being named Player of the Match in Guyana, where he also took six wickets, and, with Marco Jansen rested from the tour, made a case to be considered for the premier allrounder role in red-ball cricket.Mulder has only played three Tests in the last two years and has not been able to hold down a regular spot but Conrad indicated he could now be in line for a more consistent run. “Wiaan has obviously been in and around the Test side without getting a regular spot, and his performances sometimes haven’t warranted him getting a really good run. But at some stage, you give someone a run and you back them and you see where you come out,” Conrad said. “We always knew that Wiaan’s got the ability, and it’s great to see that he’s added a few yards [of pace] with the ball. He’d also be the first one to tell you that he’s slightly disappointed that he didn’t go on and convert the start he got in the second innings and make that a big one but that’s part of the process.”Ultimately, South Africa’s conundrum throughout the series was team combination and they did not seem to get it quite right in either match. In Trinidad, they included a seventh specialist batter and appeared a spinner short; in Guyana, they left that batter out for a second spinner on a seamer-friendly pitch. Conrad said both teams were “caught off guard” by conditions in Guyana and South Africa fared slightly better because of the quality of their attack.Despite Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales taking five-fors, South Africa had the edge through Rabada and Player of the Series Maharaj, who claimed 13 wickets in the two matches. In the process, Maharaj became South Africa’s most successful spinner in terms of wickets and his presence has added much-needed gravitas to their squad. “Kesh is an absolute workhorse, an absolute professional, and he just keeps going, And I’m thrilled that he nailed that record. It’s richly deserved,” Conrad said. “He’s great in the change room. He’s a great sounding board for players and coaches, a really good team guy and someone that you can easily dub Mr. Reliable. When you’re transitioning, you need someone like that in your team.”Maharaj is expected to continue playing an important role through the rest of this WTC cycle. South Africa have just six matches left – two in Bangladesh (scheduled for October) and two each at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the 2024-25 summer. Every game carries an enormous weight of expectation but Conrad is happy for the challenge. “We know that if we win every Test match that there is that possibility (of getting to the final). And we’re really thrilled that there might be something for us at the end of this,” he said. “There’s World Cups in every other format and no reason why Test cricket shouldn’t have something like this.”

ألمح أندي روبرتسون لاعب فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي إلى أنه كان قريبًا من الانتقال إلى أتلتيكو مدريد في السوق الصيفي، وتحدث عن مستقبله في ظل وجود ميلوس كيركيز المنضم حديثًا للفريق.

وتعاقد ليفربول مع كيركيز من بورنموث في السوق الصيفي، وانتشرت أنباء حول رحيل محتمل لروبرتسون إلى أتلتيكو مدريد، لكنه بقى في صفوف الفريق، وأصبح القائد الثاني خلف فيرجيل فان دايك.

وقرر آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول، الدفع بروبرتسون بدلاً من كيركيز خلال الشوط الأول في المباراة أمام بيرنلي، موضحًا أنه كان يخشى حصول لاعبه على بطاقة صفراء ثانية.

وسيلاقي ليفربول نظيره أتلتيكو مدريد يوم الأربعاء في الجولة الأولى لدور المجموعات ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وعندما سُئل عما إذا كان من الممكن أن يكون في صفوف أتلتيكو مدريد ضد ليفربول، قال روبرتسون في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “إندبندنت” البريطانية: “ربما في وقت ما كان ذلك ممكنًا”.

وأضاف: “أريد أن ألعب مباريات وأن أكون الظهير الأيسر الأساسي، وعليّ أن أواصل بذل قصارى جهدي لتقديم أفضل ما لدي”.

اقرأ أيضًا | حكم مباراة ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وأردف: “كانت فترة التوقف الدولي مفيدة لي، حيث تمكنت من اللعب مباراتين كاملتين، واستعدت لياقتي البدنية، وحققت نتيجتين جيدتين مع اسكتلندا، واكتسبت ثقة كبيرة من ذلك”.

وواصل: “كيركيز لاعب شاب، وأعتقد أننا ننسى ذلك، نحاول مساعدتهم قدر الإمكان، لكن في الوقت ذاته تريد أن تضعه تحت الضغط وتريد خوض المباريات”.

وتابع: “سيكون الظهير الأيسر الأساسي لليفربول في المستقبل، ومسؤوليتي هي دفعه هذا الموسم ومساعدته على التطور”.

وأشار روبرتسون: “يحتاج فقط إلى مواصلة العمل الجاد وعدم ترك ما حدث أمام بيرنلي يؤثر عليه (الاستبدال)، وهو أمر لن يحدث لأنه شاب واثق في نفسه، وسأساعده قدر استطاعتي”.

وعن تشابه وضعهما في الانتقال من ناد متواضع إلى ليفربول، علّق: “إنها قفزة هائلة، أنا من هال، وهو من بورنموث، وربما يكون الوضع مشابهًا تمامًا”.

وأوضح: “هناك أنظار أكثر عليك وأنت ترتدي قميص ليفربول مقارنةً بهذين الناديين، لقد تطور كيركيز بشكل جيد، هناك الكثير من المعلومات وأساليب لعب مختلفة، ويحتاج فقط إلى الاستمرار والحفاظ على ثقته بنفسه”.

وأتم روبرتسون تصريحاته: “ليس لدي شك في أنه سيكون في المستقبل ظهيرًا أيسرًا رائعًا لليفربول وهذا هو الشيء الرئيسي”.

Liverpool have set their sights on signing a striker this summer, with FSG finally tiring of Darwin Nunez’s wastefulness in front of goal and engaging in transfer talks with Serie A champions Napoli.

The Uruguayan joined Liverpool from SL Benfica in a deal initially worth £64m back in 2022, but three years on, he’s only scored 25 times across 94 Premier League appearances, missing 55 big chances in the process, as per Sofascore.

The maverick’s troubles led to Luis Diaz being placed in a focal role at number nine, with Arne Slot recognising the Colombian’s dynamic qualities to establish him as a moonlit striker, a move which proved invaluable given Liverpool fought their way to the league title – winning comfortably in the end.

Diaz is one of the best around, but he’s 28 and entering the second-to-last year in his £55k-per-week contract. With FSG reluctant to extend the versatile forward’s deal, he may well be playing in different colours come August.

The latest on Luis Diaz's Liverpool future

When Barcelona came calling for Diaz at the start of June, Liverpool’s chiefs responded in the negative. Emphatically. Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards had concurred that it might be best to run the South American’s contract down, thus eking out his value on the field.

However, suitors have persisted, and Diaz appears keen on a switch, with Saudi clubs and Bayern Munich also showing a vested interest.

Liverpool’s winger-striker scored 17 goals and supplied eight more across all competitions last season, but he ebbed and flowed on the clinical front, his potency often coming in rich bursts.

If Liverpool were to cash in this summer, they’d be looking for a significant amount. And while Cody Gakpo has nailed down a starting berth on the left flank and Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz in a move rising to a British-record £116m too, a direct replacement would be needed.

Ideally, someone with similarly electric qualities and a natural versatility. FSG have just the man in mind.

Liverpool plot bid for Diaz heir

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are now planning to launch a late-window bid for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, the interest likely a product of Diaz’s potential sale.

Last summer, the Reds were heavily linked with a move for the Three Lions star, but Newcastle ended up managing to balance the books through less damaging means, thus keeping Gordon on board.

The 24-year-old is believed to have told friends he was “very keen” on re-joining the club he left as an 11-year-old, and though Slot would love to sign him in the coming weeks, the Magpies privately value him at £100m.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

Liverpool’s interest in Gordon has stood long enough that faith should be placed in Hughes and Edwards and the club’s data analysts, who are so envied across the Premier League.

For have they not earned our trust? Have Liverpool not proved time and time again that they are capable of hitting the jackpot when it comes to signings which might at first split opinion?

Diaz is a fantastic player, more refined and accomplished than Gordon, but that’s not to say that the England international doesn’t have the skill set to succeed him.

Indeed, in January 2023, after joining Newcastle from Everton in a £45m deal, Gordon went on to win Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Year, notching 26 goal contributions in the Premier League.

It’s for this reason that he could emulate Diaz, especially when considering the gains he could make in Slot’s system, coached by a man who has raised talents like Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, turned them into elite-level players.

Diaz’s haul for the Reds last season, after all, totalled 25 contributions, the same as Gordon in 2023/24.

He might have taken a step down somewhat last season, but injuries played their part there, and he demonstrated previously an ability to step up when his team needed him most, something Diaz did with such aplomb on Merseyside last year.

Anthony Gordon – Newcastle Stats by Position (23/24 & 24/25)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Left winger

65

18

17

Right winger

10

1

6

Centre-forward

7

2

0

Attacking midfield

4

0

0

Data via Transfermarkt

He’s also positionally versatile in a similar manner to Diaz, strengthening the argument that he would be a fitting heir. While Gordon would expect to play in his favoured left-wing role, where he has described himself as being “a nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, he will expect to be fielded across various positions, as he has done at Newcastle.

Liverpool’s ability to adapt and overcome is a staple that runs deeper than Slot’s tenure, than Jurgen Klopp’s legendary dynasty. It’s woven into the club’s very fabric. It’s what makes Liverpool special.

Gordon will know this, of course, for he is a boyhood fan and would leap at the chance to return. FSG have a big decision to make, but Diaz is approaching 30 and perhaps renewing his contract wouldn’t be the most prudent move, even if he is a high-level player.

Wirtz and Gakpo would help Gordon transition, and Slot’s coaching would indeed help the Three Lions talent bloom into something truly frightening.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Who knows, maybe this time next year we’ll be celebrating more silverware at this special football club, with the new Luis Diaz having played an instrumental role in the success.

Related Slot's next Wirtz: Liverpool preparing ambitious bid for £69m "genius"

Liverpool are still planning to invest in the transfer market this summer.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 10, 2025

South Africa lost to Ireland for only the second time in ODIs, with Jason Smith’s 91 in vain

Abhimanyu Bose07-Oct-2024

Harry Tector made 60 off 48 balls•Cricket Ireland

Half-centuries from captain Paul Stirling and Harry Tector, and an all-round bowling effort helped Ireland to a consolation win in the third ODI against South Africa. This was just Ireland’s second win over South Africa in the format.Winning the toss for the first time in the series, Ireland put on their best batting display before their bowlers made the most of friendly conditions under lightsJason Smith, playing his second ODI, made a fighting 91 but it was an effort in vain after Ireland had run through South Africa’s top five inside 20 overs.In the last two ODIs, Ireland bore the brunt of having to bat under the lights and suffered collapses. But on Monday, South Africa found out just how different a proposition it has been to bat second in Abu Dhabi.With the new ball swinging appreciably more under lights than in the last two games (broadcast showed average swing of 2.1 degrees on Monday compared to 1.1 over the previous two games), Ireland’s quicks made early inroads after their batters got them to a competitive total. Mark Adair had Ryan Rickelton edging to the slips cordon in the first over and trapped Rassie van der Dussen in front three overs later.Reeza Hendricks, flown in from South Africa due to the injury to Temba Bavuma, lasted just seven balls as he edged Graham Hume to Andy Balbirnie at second slip.Kyle Verreynne counter-attacked with six boundaries, but was trapped lbw for 38 by Craig Young as he missed his flick after going across the stumps. Smith and Tristan Stubbs tried to rebuild but Young had the latter nicking off with a harmless length ball in the 20th over.There was another stand of resistance between Smith and Andile Phehlukwayo, but the latter scuffed a pull to fine leg to give Fionn Hand a first ODI wicket on debut.Jason Smith scored his first international fifty but in vain•Cricket Ireland

Smith then took charge of the scoring, driving with authority on the off side, but lost partners at the other end. Bjorn Fortuin hung around before being bowled by left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys. Young then had Williams edging it to the keeper as he tried to ramp a short ball.Smith also launched Young and Adair over the leg side for a couple of sixes after bringing up his maiden international half-century. He moved into the eighties with a powerful flick wide of long-on off Adair in the 43rd over, before flicking him through midwicket for another boundary. He finished that over by swatting the fast bowler over wide long-on as he quickly moved into the nineties.But Adair had the last laugh when he caught Smith at deep point to end his resistance as the batter sliced a wide yorker from Hume. He hit nine fours and four sixes in his 93-ball knock, which followed a duck on ODI debut. Hume wrapped up the win when he had Lungi Ngidi edging behind with 23 balls to go.Ireland built their score on the back of Stirling and Andy Balbirnie’s first 100-plus partnership in ODIs. They made the most of good conditions on a fresh pitch, with Stirling starting off with a powerful cover drive off Ngidi in the first over. There were some edges that either went in the gaps or didn’t carry as Ireland’s openers saw out the powerplay.Stirling even took on South Africa’s best bowler in the series, Lizaad Williams, hooking him for six. Balbirnie was slower to start, taking his time to settle in. It was in the 13th over that he really got going, flicking Ngidi through midwicket for a boundary. In Ngidi’s next over, Balbirnie hit him for six before getting a couple of boundaries off Fortuin.There were a couple of quiet overs that followed during which Stirling got to his half-century, but Balbirnie holed out as he miscued a pull off Williams. The 101-run stand between Stirling and Balbirnie was Ireland’s second-highest in ODIs against South Africa.Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie put up a solid opening partnership•Cricket Ireland

Stirling immediately tried to put the pressure back on South Africa as he drove Williams through cover before hitting Fortuin wide of long-on. Curtis Campher started quickly, picking two boundaries off a Williams over before clubbing Fortuin over wide long-on for six. Stirling and Campher added 58 runs for the second wicket before Campher tried to paddle Baartman only to see the ball crash into the stumps.Stirling went on to drive Ngidi over long-off for another six before crashing Baartman behind point for a boundary, but was then cleaned up by an in-ducker for the second straight game, falling 12 short of a century.Lorcan Tucker, fit again and back in the side, kept Ireland ticking alongside Harry Tector, picking up regular boundaries as they added 54 runs to Ireland’s score. The stand was broken when Tucker tried to scoop Phehlukwayo only to sky it behind, with Ryan Rickelton taking a good catch running back.Phehlukwayo struck again in his next over, as George Dockrell cut him straight to point.Tector lofted Ngidi over long-on before cutting him behind through point for four to reach his half-century in the 48th over. Williams, who was not having his best game of the series until this point, finally made his mark in the penultimate over. He left the middle stump broken as Adair went across the stumps to try and scoop him. He then trapped Hand in front next ball and yorked Hume off the final ball to finish the series with 11 wickets.Tector finished on 60 off 48 as he was run out in the final over trying to run a second to keep strike.