Varun Aaron appointed SRH bowling coach ahead of IPL 2026

This will be Aaron’s first coaching stint, having retired from all forms of cricket in January this year

Shashank Kishore14-Jul-2025

Varun Aaron announced his retirement from all cricket earlier this year•BCCI

Varun Aaron, the former India fast bowler, has joined Sunrisers Hyderabad as bowling coach ahead of IPL 2026. Aaron replaces New Zealand left-arm seamer James Franklin in the role.This is the first time Aaron, 35, will be working in a coaching capacity, having retired from all forms of cricket in January this year. He joins the support staff group currently headed by Daniel Vettori.Since the middle of 2024, Aaron has been working with trainees at the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai as a consultant. It’s an institution that played a massive role in his rise as a fast bowling talent who burst through the ranks in 2010-11 with Jharkhand.Aaron’s own career was stop-start due to multiple stress fractures. He played nine Tests and nine ODIs in all, the last of those coming in November 2015, a Test against South Africa in Bengaluru.Aaron’s Test career is best remembered for the ball he bowled to Stuart Broad during the England tour of 2014. Aaron’s bouncer hit Broad on the face, leaving him with a broken nose that required surgery, and two black eyes after he top-edged the ball into the grille of his helmet.He represented Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and Gujarat Titans during his IPL career. In 52 matches, he picked up 44 wickets at an economy of 8.93. Aaron’s most recent stint as a player was in 2022, when he was part of GT’s title-winning run.Since retirement, Aaron has also been involved in the game as an analyst, including with ESPNcricinfo.

روبرتسون: ليفربول تعرض لضربة قوية أمام مانشستر سيتي.. وانتظرونا بعد عيد الميلاد

أدلى آندي روبرتسون، لاعب فريق ليفربول، بتصريحات بعد خسارتهم المذلة أمام مانشستر سيتي، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، مساء يوم الأحد.

واستضاف ملعب “الاتحاد” قمة منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26، حيث خسر ليفربول بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وقال روبرتسون، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “جارديان” الإنجليزية: “من الواضح أننا وضعنا أنفسنا في معركة شاقة، لكنني لا أعتقد أن أي من الفرق سينظر بجدية إلى جدول الدوري حتى نصل إلى منتصفه”.

وأضاف: “هذا ما يتعين علينا فعله ولكن علينا حصد النقاط بشكل أكثر انتظامًا، ثم دعونا نرى أين سنصل بعد عيد الميلاد أو أيًا كان، علينا فقط التركيز على أنفسنا وعلى مستويات الأداء”.

وواصل: “لا أعتقد أنه يمكن الحديث عن اللقب في تلك المرحلة المبكرة من الموسم، بغض النظر عن مركزك الحالي، ولكن عليك أن تبدأ بالفوز بالمباريات بشكل مستمر حتى يصبح ذلك موضع تساؤل، إنه بالتأكيد ليس سؤالًا يُطرح في غرف الملابس أو أي شيء من هذا القبيل”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إندبندنت: ليفربول لم يتعلم من درس فيرجسون مع محمد صلاح.. وسيدفع الثمن غاليًا

واسترسل: “نحن نحتاج فقط للعودة إلى المستويات التي نعرف أننا قادرون عليها، المستويات التي قدمناها في آخر مباراتين على وجه الخصوص (أمام أستون فيلا وريال مدريد)، إذا فعلنا ذلك بشكل أكثر انتظامًا، فسنحصد نقاطًا أكثر مما سنخسر”.

وتمكن ليفربول من تسجيل هدف التعادل في الشوط الأول، من جانب فيرجيل فان دايك، قبل إلغائه بداعِ وجود تسلل على روبرتسون، الذي تم اعتباره متدخلًا في اللعبة.

وعن ذلك قال: “كان من المرجح أن يكون ليفربول محظوظًا لو تعادل في النتيجة آنذاك، كان هدفًا صحيحًا، لا يمكنني التعليق عليه (صحة قرار إلغائه)، سندع الآخرين يفعلون ذلك”.

وأوضح: “بالنسبة لي لا أعتقد أنني كنت في مجال رؤية حارس المرمى، هذه هي القواعد التي تعلمناها في بداية الموسم، لذلك كان الأمر صعبًا بعض الشيء”.

ونشرت شبكة “ليفربول إيكو” الإنجليزية تصريحات أخرى على لسانه، حيث قال: “كان الجميع يستطيع استبعاد مسألة كوني في مجال رؤية دوناروما، وبعد ذلك قيل أنني أنني انحنيت، هذا من رأيي يجعلني أصغر حجمًا ويسهل على حارس المرمى رؤية الكرة، ولا أعتقد أنه كان سيتصدى لها بغض النظر عن ذلك، من وجهة نظري”.

وأفاد: “كان الحكم قد احتسب الهدف، ولكن مساعده احتسبه تسللًا، ثم تدخلت تقنية الفيديو، اعتقدنا أنها ستكون هدفًا صحيحًا بشكل تام، بعد ذلك عرضوا الموقف على الشاشة الكبيرة، شعرنا جميعنا بالإحباط الشديد آنذاك، لكنها واحدة من تلك الحالات التي تكون صعبة على الحكم”.

واعترف: “لقد شعرت بالأسف تجاه الحكم، أعتقد أن الناس يقولون الآن إن هناك مثالًا مشابهًا لما حدث مع مانشستر سيتي خارج أرضه أمام وولفرهامبتون الموسم الماضي، وقد تم احتساب الهدف آنذاك، لذا من الواضح أن الأمر غير واضح”.

واختتم: “إنه أمر محبط للغاية، كان الهدف سيعيدنا إلى أجواء المباراة في وقت لم نكن نستحقه على الأرجح، لذلك كانت لحظة حاسمة في المباراة، لقد أردنا إنهاء أسبوع قوي حقًا، لكن لم يكن ذلك مقدرًا لنا، كنا نحرز تقدمًا، ثم تعرضنا لضربة قوية من مانشستر سيتي”.

Vasco volta a vencer três jogos seguidos no Brasileiro após mais de três anos

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco é outro com Ramon Diaz. Vice-lanterna do campeonato antes da chegada do técnico argentino, o Cruz-Maltino agora figura fora da zona de rebaixamento e projeta novas subidas na tabela de classificação. A saída do Z4 aconteceu nesta segunda-feira, ao vencer o América Mineiro, no Independência, por 1 a 0, e ultrapassar de uma só vez Santos, Goiás e Bahia.

Essa foi a terceira vitória consecutiva do time no Brasileirão, algo que não acontecia desde o início da Série A de 2020, quando era comandado por outro Ramon, o Menezes. Na ocasião, a equipe venceu Sport (2×0), São Paulo (2×1) e Ceará (3×0). A sequência atual tem triunfos sobre Fluminense (4×2), Coritiba (5×1) e o Coelho (1×0).

O próximo duelo do Vasco será no domingo contra o Santos, na Vila Belmiro, às 16 horas. Caso vença novamente, repetirá a série de quatro jogos que não acontece desde 2012.

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Serge Gnabry's 'feistiness' hailed as role model for 'top players' by Julian Nagelsmann with Germany coach thrilled by Bayern Munich star's fine displays

Serge Gnabry's superb performance in Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg has sparked high praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann, who lauded the winger's 'feistiness' and work rate as a crucial role model for 'top players.' The German coach declared the display Gnabry's best international game in a long time, noting his hunger both offensively and defensively.

Serge Gnabry shines as Germany tops table

Germany delivered a dominant display in their 4-0 win over Luxembourg in World Cup qualifying, comfortably controlling the match after an early red card for Luxembourg put them down to 10 men. Gnabry was particularly impressive, not only scoring early in the second half but also contributing with energetic pressing and off-the-ball work. After the game Nagelsmann praised Gnabry’s performance, stating he was “very good” both offensively and defensively and showed the hunger the team needs going forward.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNagelsmann praises Gnabry's best game in a long time

The German coach was delighted by Gnabry's commitment in the game and commended the Bayern Munich player for feistiness both in front of the goal and at the back while also labelling it as one of his best performances in a long time.

"He was one of those role models when it came to greed. If the top players who are positioned in attack and have played for a huge club for years also display this feistiness at the back, then every player from a smaller club will do the same. He played his best international game in a long time," Nagelsmann said.

Gnabry's resurgence and Bayern's unbeaten run

Bayern have enjoyed a scintillating start to the 2025-26 season, remaining unbeaten in the Bundesliga and all competitions under Vincent Kompany. Gnabry has emerged as one of their standout performers, registering three goals and three assists in just the opening six league matches while consistently impressing on the left wing with high work-rate and attacking intent. After two turbulent, injury-hit campaigns, Gnabry is experiencing a resurgence and is widely considered to be enjoying his best season at Bayern, thriving in both form and confidence.

Speaking on his form after the Luxembourg game, the winger said: "Goals and assists always help you develop a certain ease. You don't constantly think about whether you have to do this or that in order to play in the next game. And that's why things are going so well right now."

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AFPGermany top of the table but challenge looms

Germany, Northern Ireland, and Slovakia are currently locked atop Group A with six points each, though Nagelsmann's team hold the lead based on goal difference. With many qualifying games still remaining, Germany must maintain their high motivation and focus to successfully book their place in the World Cup. Their next critical challenge comes against Northern Ireland on October 13.

سلوت: ليفربول يعاني من مشكلة يصعب تقبلها.. وعلينا الاستمرار في القتال

تحدث الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول، عن الهزيمة أمام مانشستر يونايتد، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستضاف ملعب “أنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

وخسر ليفربول بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.

وتعتبر هذه الهزيمة الرابعة المتتالية التي تلحق بالريدز بقيادة آرني سلوت بعد كريستال بالاس وتشيلسي في البريميرليج، وجالطة سراي في دوري أبطال أوروبا واليوم أمام مانشستر يونايتد.

وقال سلوت، في تصريحات عقب المباراة نقلتها صحيفة “بي بي سي سبورت”: “من الصعب دائمًا اللعب ضد فريق يدافع بكتلة دفاعية منخفضة ويعتمد بشكل أساسي على الكرات الطويلة، ويزداد الأمر صعوبة عندما تخسر بهدف بعد دقيقة واحدة عندما يكون أحد لاعبينا قد سقط على أرض الملعب”.

وأكمل: “لو أخبرتني قبل المباراة أننا سنخلق هذا العدد الهائل من الفرص ضد هذه الكتل الدفاعية المنخفضة، ضد كل هذه الكرات الطويلة، لما توقعت خسارتنا، لكن هذا ما حدث، أتيحت لنا فرص كافية لتسجيل أكثر من هدف ولكن من ناحية أخرى استقبلنا هدفين، إحداهما من ركلة ثابتة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | شبكة إنجليزية عن استبدال سلوت لـ محمد صلاح أمام مانشستر يونايتد: يدل على شيء ما

وعن الخسائر المتتالية أوضح: “نعم، بالطبع ربما استقبلنا فرصة أو فرصتين إضافيتين، بالإضافة إلى الأهداف التي استقبلناها، ولكن عليك دائمًا المخاطرة أكثر عندما تكون متأخرًا بنتيجة 1-0”.

واستطرد: “مع الأخذ في الاعتبار، نادرًا ما استقبلنا أي فرصة ونحن ننتظر هدفًا، وعلينا الدفاع عند الكرات الثابتة، كما حدث ضد كريستال بالاس وفي مباريات أخرى هذا الموسم، استقبلنا هدفًا من كرات ثابتة، وهذا أمر يصعب تقبله، لأنه من الصعب جدًا الفوز بمباراة كرة قدم برصيد سلبي في الكرات الثابتة”.

ووجه رسالة إلى اللاعبين قائلًا: “يجب أن يستمروا في تقديم ما يقومون به، الأمر يبدو مزعجًا حينما تقدم كل ما لديك وتصنع كل هذه الفرص ولا تفوز في النهاية”.

وأردف: “يوجد الكثير من الانتقادات بالتأكيد لكن أقول للاعبين أنتم ترتدون قميص ليفربول وعليكم أن تقاتلوا منذ الدقيقة الأولى حتى الدقيقة الأخيرة وهذا يحدث بالفعل لكن نريد الاستمرار على هذا”.

وأتم: “علينا أن نحقق الانتصار، علينا أن نواصل العمل والإيمان ولا نشتكي كثيرًا لأنه لا وقت للأعذار”.

Their new Raphinha: Leeds chasing late move to sign "menacing" £30m star

Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window, with a large focus on strengthening their attack.

Despite finishing as the Championship’s leading goalscorers last term, Daniel Farke’s side have concentrated on signing new forwards to help add to their forward line ahead of their relegation fight from the Premier League.

Two of their new additions have been free transfers, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin switching to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired, and Lukas Nmecha joining from Wolfsburg. Their other addition in attacking areas was that of AC Milan and Switzerland star Noah Okafor.

However, Farke is clearly still keen to add attacking depth to his side. Leeds are linked with a late move for yet another attacker.

Leeds push for new attacker

As the Whites’ search for a fourth attacker in the window goes on, they have been linked with a shock move for former Chelsea and Tottenham star Timo Werner. However, the RB Leipzig star rejected the newly-promoted side.

Transfer Focus

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Instead, Farke and his side could make a move for a Ligue 1 star.

That’s according to a report from Sky Sports who say that Leeds are said to be looking for a ‘versatile forward’ in the next few days, and Strasbourg star Dilane Bakwa is a player ‘of interest’ to the 49ers group.

Leeds have been smart with their money on forwards this summer, making those two free signings, so there could be room left in the budget.

That is money that would be needed in this deal, given that Bakwa has been reportedly valued at £30m by Strasbourg this summer.

Why Bakwa would be a good signing

France U21 international Bakwa has certainly garnered a huge reputation in Ligue 1. He ticks the versatile attacker box that Leeds are looking for, and can play on both the right flank and as a centre-forward.

Last season, the 23-year-old, who hails from Creteil, just outside of Paris, played a huge part in Strasbourg reaching the UEFA Conference League. In 30 top-flight appearances for Liam Rosenior’s side, he bagged six goals and assisted a further nine.

The Strasbourg number 26 has already started the new campaign on fire. In the first two Ligue 1 games of the season, he has two assists, including this pinpoint cross to Emmanuel Emegha, which the striker headed home.

If Leeds manage to agree a deal to bring Bakwa to Yorkshire, they’d love for him to replicate the impact of their last great signing from Ligue 1, Raphinha.

Of course, the Brazilian is a Ballon d’Or contender for Barcelona, and has been on fire under Hansi Flick for the past 12 months.

Former Leeds forward Raphinha.

Looking back at his days at Elland Road will surely always remind Leeds supporters just how good he was in White.

The Brazilian superstar played 67 times for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12. Strikes like this against Everton were what made him so deadly.

Well, there are certainly similarities between Raphinha and Leeds’ potential new signing Bakwa. The attacker is also lighting up Ligue 1 before his prospective move to Elland Road, and is predominantly a right-winger but can lead the line, just like his Brazilian counterpart.

When looking at the underlying statistics from their most recent seasons in Ligue 1, it is easy to see why Bakwa could be the second coming of Raphinha at Leeds.

For example, the Frenchman averaged 3.86 progressive carries and 0.51 goals and assists per game last season, compared to the former Rennes winger’s tally of 3.40 progressive carries and 0.43 assists per 90 minutes.

Bawka & Raphinha – most recent Ligue 1 season

Stat (per 90)

Bawka

Raphinha

Goals and assists

0.51

0.43

Progressive passes

4.66

3.67

Goal-creating actions

0.58

0.27

Progressive carries

3.86

3.4

Ball recoveries

3.32

5.21

Stats from FBref

A fee of £30m is a big investment just days before the transfer window slams shut, but Bakwa could be worth it for Leeds.

He is a “menacing” attacker, according to football scout Antonio Mango, and can hurt Premier League defenders with his efficiency in the final third.

If Bakwa can replace Raphinha, then he will be well-loved by Leeds fans this season and beyond.

Better than Okafor: Leeds eye last-minute move to sign "unplayable" star

Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a last-minute move to sign a star who is even better than Noah Okafor.

2

By
Dan Emery

Aug 27, 2025

Solomon repeat: Leeds have discussed swoop for "explosive" £20m "menace"

Leeds United will be looking to bring in attacking reinforcements to bolster their playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Whites have added Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastian Bornauw, Lucas Perri, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff to improve the defence and midfield.

Hoffenheim'sAntonStach

So far, Lukas Nmecha, who signed on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is the only attacking player to have been brought in ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Daniel Farke has made it clear that the Championship champions are looking to add more quality to their options in the attacking areas of the pitch in the next few weeks.

As the German boss pointed out in the quotes above, Leeds have yet to replace Manor Solomon since the winger returned to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of his loan spell.

Irrespective of whether or not the Israel international returns to Elland Road for a second stint in West Yorkshire, it is hard to argue against his loan move being a huge success.

Leeds hit the jackpot with Manor Solomon

The loan market can be incredibly useful for teams looking to get out of the Championship, or to survive in the Premier League, because it allows you to take undervalued talent from bigger clubs.

Solomon only made six appearances in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign for Spurs, which shows that he was not a key member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad in the Premier League.

This allowed Leeds to swoop in to secure a loan deal for the left-sided attacker because he did not have a short-term future in North London, presenting the Whites with an opportunity to sign a calibre of player that they otherwise may not have been able to land in the Championship.

Solomon then showcased his immense quality on the left wing throughout the season to help Leeds win the title and secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Appearances

39

xG

8.15

Goals

10

Big chances created

21

Key passes per game

1.7

Assists

12

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old wing wizard produced an eye-catching 31 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 39 appearances in the second tier.

This shows that the Whites hit the jackpot with the Spurs loanee because he only spent a season at the club on loan, yet made a huge impact on the pitch in his relatively short time in West Yorkshire.

Leeds eyeing deal for Premier League winger

According to The Athletic’s Beren Cross, Leeds United have joined the race to sign Liverpool forward Ben Doak, who could arrive as Solomon 2.0 for Farke.

The reporter claims that the Scotland international has been discussed as a potential signing at Elland Road, as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Transfer Focus

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

Cross adds, though, that the Premier League champions will not allow the left-footed starlet to leave for less than £20m, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites would be willing to pay that much for him.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, meanwhile, claims that Leeds, West Ham United, Monaco, and Bologna are all in the race to sign the forward, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature.

Ben Doak in action for Middlesbrough

Joseph also states that Doak may move on from Anfield this summer because the 19-year-old wants to play regular football, after spending last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.

Why Ben Doak would be a Manor Solomon repeat for Leeds

The West Yorkshire outfit could repeat their Solomon masterclass by securing a deal to bring Doak over to Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window.

Whilst it would not be the exact same type of deal, as this would be a permanent move, the strategy is still the same: signing an undervalued player who is unlikely to get minutes at one of the best clubs in England.

As was the case with Solomon behind Heung-min Son at Spurs, the Liverpool youngster may be on his way out of Anfield because he is unlikely to break past reigning Premier League Player of the Season Mohamed Salah on the right flank.

This has presented Leeds with a potential opportunity to sign Doak, who was hailed as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and improve their forward options with another impressive winger.

The 19-year-old whiz spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Middlesbrough and caught the eye with three goals and seven assists in 21 starts for Michael Carrick’s side.

xG

0.22

Top 26%

Goals

0.15

Top 48%

xA

0.23

Top 9%

Assists

0.35

Top 10%

Chances created

2.22

Top 7%

Successful dribbles

1.76

Top 22%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish forward ranked highly as a creator on the right wing for Boro, but could improve when it comes to finishing the chances that come his way.

At the age of 19, the Liverpool youngster is a very young player who still has plenty of time left ahead of him to improve and develop as a player, which means that he could be a fantastic signing for the long-term as well as a winger who could make an instant impact for Farke.

Doak, who was dubbed “explosive” by pundit Danny Murphy, could be a terrific option off the bench for Leeds in the Premier League because of his ability to dribble and create.

Throwing him on against tired defences could be very effective when the Whites need to push for a goal late on in matches to win vital points in their attempt to avoid relegation, as he has the dribbling ability to take on tired full-backs and the creative quality to provide his teammates with high-quality chances to score.

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Therefore, Leeds should be pushing to get a deal over the line for Doak in a move that would be reminiscent of when they hit the jackpot with Solomon last season.

Lost the ball every 3.6 touches: 6/10 Liverpool man was as poor as Konate

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence kicked off with three points. Bournemouth were valiant and impressive at Anfield, but the Reds dug in and showcased their quality as they rallied in the final stretch of the curtain-raising game.

While the Reds showcased a remarkable array of attacking talent against the hard-fighting Cherries, they lacked something in defence, with Arne Slot’s side squandering a two-goal lead in the second half.

Antoine Semenyo had a field day against a discordant Reds backline, who must find balance and coherence in the weeks ahead if they wish to rebuff the danger that is bound to spring from title rivals who are expected to improve after last year.

And Ibrahima Konate, in particular, suffered from a rusty performance at the back. It was a display that, perhaps, new recruit Giovanni Leoni and top transfer target Marc Guehi would have taken heed of.

Ibrahima Konate's performance vs Bournemouth

Semenyo’s second-half double proved a blow to Liverpool’s start to their title defence, but the impressive right winger deserved both of his goals and will have felt be got the better of the hosts’ unfluent backline.

Konate was at the epicentre of the struggles, with Jamie Carragher remarking on Sky Sports co-comms that the France international was “all over the place” for Slot’s side, making seven clearances throughout the evening but lacking the control nor composure to ensrue the home side moved toward three points in a smooth fashion to start their campaign.

Completely exposed for Bournemouth’s second and suffering across numerous offensive pushes from the lively south coasters, Konate, 26, will be frustrated with his performance, not least because noise rumbles in the background regarding a potentially forthcoming move for Crystal Palace’s Guehi.

While Konate struggled to produce anything close to his finest form, he wasn’t the only one to have flattered to deceive, with Florian Wirtz leaving plenty to be desired on his Premier League debut.

Florian Wirtz left plenty to be desired

Wirtz joined Liverpool in a club-record £100m move in June, and that may yet rise to a £116m fee with add-ons that would see him eclipse Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo as the record-breaking signing in British history.

But he struggled to produce a befitting performance against a well-oiled Bournemouth side, enjoying some high-level touches and neat layoffs but struggling to lay down his marker as he would have hoped.

Without a doubt, these first two outings have left something to be desired, but they’ve also demonstrated the German international’s first-class quality on the ball, invariably creative and finding openings for his teammates.

Minutes played

84′

82′

Goals

0

0

Assists

1

0

Touches

74

69

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

50/57 (88%)

37/48 (77%)

Key passes

4

3

Dribbles

0/2

0/0

Tackles

2

2

Duels won

3/9

3/9

After the Bournemouth clash, The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle handed the 22-year-old a 6/10 match rating acknowledging his playmaking ability but struggle to influence proceedings as would have been desired. Indeed, he would depart after losing the ball on average every 3.6 touches, having lost possession 19 times in all.

He will need to muscle up over the coming weeks, adapting to the rigorous nature of the Premier League, but there’s no doubt that Wirtz is a top talent.

However, as with Konate, he left plenty of room for improvement against Andoni Iraola’s side, and his performance will be under greater scrutiny against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park next week.

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Everton in active talks to sign "amazing" £20m+ Olympic Gold medallist

Everton are looking to strike on the market and could now have moved ahead of their rivals in the race to sign a midfielder with Premier League experience, according to a report.

Everton ready to bring in new recruits

The Toffees have added Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry to their ranks as they begin to step up their hunt for reinforcements, and they could now look to fight Manchester United for the signing of Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in a bargain £9 million deal off-set by his relegation release clause.

Shedding some light on the situation, Pete O’Rourke stated: “I think he will leave Leicester this summer. Obviously, this release clause in there makes it easier for clubs to try and sign Ndidi.

Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi competes against Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister.

“I think it could be one of the bargains of the transfer window due to that £9million release clause. I’m not surprised Everton have been having a look at him. There’s also interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United as well. There will also be interest from abroad, as Juventus are very much interested in the midfielder.”

In recent weeks, Everton have also made an enquiry to sign Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, though they were rebuffed in their approach despite being willing to pay £30 million for the Scotland international.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala have left vacancies to be filled within David Moyes’ engine room, and the Friedkin Group have their sights on premium arrivals to replicate their impact at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton’s first five Premier League fixtures

Leeds United (A)

Elland Road

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Molineux

Aston Villa (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Liverpool (A)

Anfield

With that in mind, the Toffees could now burst ahead of their rivals to bring in a midfielder who has already enjoyed plenty of success in the Premier League.

Everton in active negotiations to sign Douglas Luiz

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are in active negotiations to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, and they could now leap ahead of several rival suitors in the race for the Brazil international.

Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.

Moyes views the former Aston Villa man as an ideal addition to solidify his engine room due to his top-flight experience and quality in possession, and he may be available for a bargain fee of £21.6 million after a disappointing campaign in Turin.

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After a return of 27 appearances across all competitions, Olympic gold medallist Luiz is also being tracked by Fulham, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Still, Everton appear to be the ‘most active’ club when it comes to pursuing a transfer with the Toffees ‘serious about making a move’.

Now, it is expected that they will up their bid to bring him to Merseyside in the coming weeks and hope to convince the Rio De Janeiro-born star that his future lies under the guise of Moyes.

Previously, Luiz has been labelled “amazing” by Roy Keane and clearly has a lot left to give at the elite level and a change of clubs could be the perfect tonic to reignite his career.

Timely centuries from Webster and Hope give Tasmania the lead

The Sheffield Shield’s leading allrounder Beau Webster has produced a timely century while Brad Hope posted his second Shield ton as Tasmania batted the entire third day against Victoria at the Junction Oval.Tasmania piled up 527 for 9 on a turgid surface to take a 99-run lead into the final day with Jordan Silk making 84 and No. 9 Kieran Elliott also making his highest first-class score of 63. But the surface is offering very little for the bowlers and it will be difficult for either side to produce a result.On a day when news emerged that Australia’s Test allrounder Cameron Green is facing a grim diagnosis on his injured back, Webster put his name up in lights scoring 113 to start the new Shield season as he finished the last. It was his 12th first-class century and his fifth in his last 22 Shield innings. He has averaged 69.94 in that time and made six other half-centuries including an unbeaten 97. Last summer he became only the second player behind Garry Sobers to score more than 900 runs and take more than 30 wickets in a single Shield season.But these runs came in a game where both sides have piled up more than 428 in their first innings and only 18 wickets have fallen in three days. Webster wasn’t getting too carried away given how placid the pitch is.”It’s a nice one to cash in on,” Webster said post play. “I’m batting well. I feel like I’ve been batting really well for 18 months now, and I’ve got a routine down pat. Whatever the conditions offer, I feel like I’ve got a game plan that can have some success.”He did note, however, that the media speculation surrounding Green was hard to shut out.”It’s hard to ignore,” Webster said. “It sits everywhere, all through the media, whether he’s going to bowl or not, or bat or not, or surgery and things like that. But there’s a lot of other good allrounders around the country, and lot of allrounders that have had good performances in the last 12 months. Hopefully I can just keep doing what I’m doing and if they see something they like, and I get an opportunity, I’ll jump at it and grab it with both hands hopefully. But not reading too much into it though.”Silk played with typical class and composure in a 149-run stand with Webster before Hope then cashed in.Hope made an unbeaten century as Victoria tried everything to find a wicket. Having removed Silk and Webster with two excellent deliveries from Sam Elliott and Fergus O’Neill respectively there was precious little support from the surface otherwise. At one stage late in the day, O’Neill bowled with the keeper up and eight catchers in front of square on either side of the pitch with a sole fine leg.Hope and Tasmania No. 9 Kieran Elliott shared a 127-run stand in the afternoon to take the score beyond 500 as Victoria took a third new ball. The partnership was finally broken by the new ball as Hope edged behind for 111. Elliott fell shortly after for 63.

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