Leeds United will aim to stroll to yet another win on Saturday when near Yorkshire neighbours Rotherham United make the swift journey to Elland Road, the Whites full of confidence currently in both the Championship and FA Cup.

Beating Plymouth Argyle 4-1 on their travels saw Daniel Farke's men show their class in the Cup, whilst a gritty 1-0 win last time out in the second tier away at Bristol City demonstrated Leeds' hunger and fight to push on for automatic promotion.

Mateo Joseph failed to ever really get going up top in the Pilgrims away day hammering despite the goals flowing late on, and considering Patrick Bamford also didn't really offer much as well as a second-half substitute, Farke could be tempted to experiment with who he chooses as his lone striker for the clash with Leam Richardson's basement club.

Mateo Joseph's game vs Plymouth in numbers

The promising Joseph wasn't at the races whatsoever in the demolition job Leeds managed to dish out to Plymouth in extra-time, hauled off by Farke with the game still finely poised at 1-1.

Joseph would hit the woodwork with one of his three efforts on goal, but it was still a lacklustre display from a player who should be grasping the opportunity to be in the Leeds first-team mix with more vigour.

As you can see, it was a night to forget for Joseph in Devon.

Farke was, therefore, thankful for the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter showing the sub-par 20-year-old how it's done late on with two game-clinching strikes finding the back of the net from the spellbinding duo.

With Bamford also not really offering a lot in a brief cameo at Home Park either – only amassing 17 touches of the ball from a flat 49-minute spell – Joe Gelhardt could well be encouraged by his fellow strikers misfiring if Farke feels like making a bold call for this weekend's game against the Millers.

Leeds may already have their next Mateo Joseph in "class" academy teen

The Whites can forget about the recently-departed Sean McGurk by unearthing this talented youngster.

By
Dan Emery

Feb 7, 2024

Forgotten man could start versus Rotherham

If there's ever a game for Farke to fearlessly chop and change his starting Xi, it could well be this coming Saturday with Rotherham rooted to the foot of the division on a pitiful 19 points.

As such, Joe Gelhardt – who was touted to be the next best thing at Leeds after breaking into the first team under Marcelo Bielsa – could come into the side. Indeed, he was a bright spark for the travelling Whites down in Devon on Wednesday.

Gelhardt would win one more duel than Bamford in the contest when introduced into the game in the 81st minute, whilst also hitting the woodwork in similar fashion to Joseph but from one less effort.

The fading £15k per week man, who has only started two games this season for the promotion-chasing Whites, could well be gifted a rare opportunity from the get-go off the back of such a lively substitute offering at Home Park.

Gelhardt scoring three senior goals from 50 appearances also puts him ahead of Joseph, the Leeds U21 hotshot yet to find the back of the net in the first-team fold in contrast.

Whilst the likes of Rutter and Summerville continue to fire on all cylinders, Farke could look to tweak with his sole striker position subtly with both Joseph and Bamford barely threatening away at Plymouth.

Gelhardt could well reignite his faltering Whites career as a result, Rotherham potentially on the ropes further with the pacey and tenacious centre-forward being let loose.

Leeds United reporter Phil Hay has been left stunned after an update emerged on one current Whites star.

Leeds unbeaten in 2024

The current calendar year has been good for Daniel Farke, with Leeds winning all five Championship games in 2024 to get their push for automatic promotion back on track.

The Whites have also won their third and fourth-round ties in the FA Cup this year, with a 4-1 replay win at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday setting up a trip to Chelsea later this month.

Things are looking good on the pitch, however, a worrying update has emerged off the field from one Leeds star.

Phil Hay reacts to Patrick Bamford update

Patrick Bamford is starting to find his feet under Farke, establishing himself as a regular in the starting XI this year. His wondergoal against Peterborough was dubbed “fantastic” by the Leeds boss, following a year to forget in 2023.

Talking on his My Mate’s a Footballer podcast alongside Joe Wilkinson, Bamford revealed that he and his family were targeted by angry fans after he missed a penalty for Leeds against Newcastle towards the end of the 2022/23 season.

“The situation Leeds were in was a pretty diabolical one – we were looking like we were going to go down, which we eventually did. I always had Twitter, until about mid-March. The abuse got so bad – threatening my family and even my little girl.

“As I turn up the drive to get in I can’t even cross the gate, there’s two cars [blocking it]. I went to put my window down. As I did, they put their windows up and just started at me. Then the gate opened because my dad had opened it and they drove off.

“I think it was a culmination of the last few weeks. I took a lot of flak for it. The way they expressed it was crazy. It goes from conversations with David [Bamford’s sports psychologist] about sorting out how I’m feeling to then I’ve got to deal with [the fact] Michaela doesn’t feel safe in her own home.

“I rang him literally straight after that happened. He was like ‘how do you feel?’ I said ‘I’m not upset about the abuse, I’m angry that someone’s come up to the house’. The club ended up putting security on the house for the night.”

Taking to X, Hay reacted to the news from Bamford, saying: "This is pretty extraordinary, and concerning. Football as a whole has real anger issues."

Hay’s comments are spot on, and this reveal from the striker is horrific. So-called ‘supporters’ targeting the player and his family is terrible, so it is a real testament to Bamford that he has somehow managed to keep this quiet for so long and even re-find his top form to boot.

Nottinghamshire secure home quarter-final despite heavy defeat after Worcestershire lose as well

ECB Reporters Network30-Aug-2019

Notts Outlaws needed outside help before securing home advantage in the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast. With qualification for the knock-out stages already assured, the Outlaws slipped to an unexpected 47-run defeat to Durham at Trent Bridge but Worcestershire Rapids’ defeat to Northants Steelbacks kept Notts in second place in the table.The Outlaws faded dramatically in pursuit of a victory target of 172 and were bowled out for just 124 in only 17.2 overs in front of a disappointed crowd of 13,078. Tom Moores made 33 for the home side but lacked support, with Nathan Rimmington taking 3 for 15 for the visitors.Earlier, Durham posted 171 for 8, after opting to bat first, with Scott Steel making 45 from only 24 balls, with five fours and three sixes. Dan Christian, the Outlaws’ captain was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 26.Durham wasted little time in peppering the Trent Bridge boundaries via any means possible. From only the second ball of the match Steel played an exquisite switch-hit high into the stand. The 20-year old dominated the strike as the visitors brought up their 50 in only 4.1 overs, with 18 coming from a single Harry Gurney over.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Notts struggled to stem the flow of big hits as 69 came from the Powerplay overs but only one more run was added before Christian broke the opening partnership in the seventh over, having Steel caught in the deep by Jake Libby.D’Arcy Short clubbed Matt Carter away for another maximum and then did the same to Christian, before the Australian got the better of his countryman to dismiss him for 36. Carter had been hit for 25 from his first two overs but he responded to finish with 2 for 37 as the batting side slid to 131 for five after 15 overs.Pakistan international Imad Wasim, playing his first match since a short break back to his homeland to get married, bowled Gareth Harte to further damage north-east aspirations. Graham Clark provided some late power-hitting, clearing the ropes three times in a 24-ball knock of 41, to set a challenging total.The target seemed even further away as Durham struck twice through an unlikely source. Liam Trevaskis, with only 15 previous wickets in the format, celebrated as Joe Clarke drove to backward point and Ben Duckett – after clubbing two mighty sixes – hit to long-on for 17.Rimmington reduced the hosts to 29 for 3, as Alex Hales chopped on, for only 8 but frustration followed his delight as Samit Patel was then dropped next ball, by Harry Adair. Notts’ re-build was put on hold as Patel and Libby fell during the middle overs, leaving 96 still required from the final 10 overs.Adair had his redemption, catching Christian off Matthew Potts and when Tom Moores fell the end came quickly. News filtered through of Worcestershire’s defeat, closely followed by the confirmation that Middlesex – who have never played Notts in T20 cricket – will visit Trent Bridge next week.

Luke Shaw did not train with the England squad amid speculations over his participation in Euro 2024 due to injury.

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• Shaw missed England training
• Did not train before the Denmark clash
• Remains doubtful for Slovenia clash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Manchester United full-back was included in the 26-man England squad for Euro 2024 despite missing most of his club's 2023/24 season due to injury. Gareth Southgate picked the defender on the basis that he would be able to contribute, even if not for 90 minutes, in some of England's games at the Euros. Shaw, however, has failed to gain full fitness as he was found following an individualised programme, away from the main team who trained in Blankenhain.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 28-year-old earlier missed training on the eve of the Three Lions' second group game against Denmark this week and was then omitted from the matchday squad on Thursday. In Shaw's absence, Newcastle's Keiran Trippier – a right-footed full-back – is being deployed as the left-back in the starting lineup at Euro 2024.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Southgate's side has garnered a lot of criticism after their underwhelming performance against the Danes as they managed to pick up just one point despite taking the lead through Harry Kane's strike.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  The Three Lions will be back in action on Tuesday night as they will aim to claim all three points against Slovenia and seal their spot in the knockout stage as group toppers. Shaw, however, remains doubtful for the clash.

After a winless start to 2024 in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest finally tasted victory for the first time in nearly two months with a well-deserved 2-0 victory over struggling West Ham United.

Nuno Espírito Santo's side hadn't claimed all three points in the league since the 2-1 victory over Manchester United on the 30th of December, but Saturday's performance put an end to the Reds' drought, widening the gap to the relegation zone to five points.

The Reds controlled the game for long periods, with David Moyes' side failing to create any clear-cut chances, with James Ward-Prowse's free-kick the closest the visitors came to adding to the scoresheet.

Ultimately, the game was decided after two goals in stoppage time at the end of either half, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Callum Hudson-Odoi finding the net to secure a much-needed win for Nuno's side in their battle to secure Premier League safety once again this season.

Taiwo Awoniyi & Callum Hudson-Odoi stats v West Ham

Yesterday's win was one of Forest's best-attacking performances since their return to the Premier League last season.

Former Liverpool striker Awoniyi produced a brilliant display at the top end of the pitch for Nuno's side, operating as a hold-up striker – allowing other attacking players such as Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga to flourish against the Hammers.

The Nigerian might've only had 19 touches and completed eight passes during his 67-minute display, but he was crucial to the side in pinning Kurt Zouma and creating overloads in the final third.

Awoniyi won three free kicks for the Reds – the most of anyone on the pitch, with the West Ham backline struggling to contain the Forest number nine.

As for Hudson-Odoi, his goal in stoppage time at the end of the second 45 was his third goal in as many Premier League games after previous goals against Newcastle United and Bournemouth.

As per Sofascore, the former Chelsea winger achieved the highest rating of any player during the counter, with his late goal the icing on the cake on what was another magnificent display for the 23-year-old.

The wideman created two big chances during his performance – the most of anyone, with the £5m fee the club paid for him in the summer looking to be a potential bargain.

However, despite Awoniyi and Hudson-Odoi impressing for the Reds, the performance of one player certainly went under the radar.

Nicolas Dominguez stats vs West Ham

After joining the club from Bologna in August last year, Nicolas Dominguez took no time in impressing the Forest fanbase with his pressing ability.

However, this weekend was one of his best displays during his time on Trentside. The Argentinian played 86 minutes, before being replaced by Ryan Yates. During his time on the pitch, the 25-year-old completed 93% of the passes that he attempted, whilst winning six tackles in a true workmanlike display.

Dominguez also won six ground duels for the Reds, the most of anyone in Nuno's side. The midfielder has been utilised in multiple positions since the arrival of the former Wolves boss, with the Argentinian really now starting to settle at the base of the Reds' midfield.

The £8.5m fee the club paid for the midfielder looks to be a really astute piece of business – with the club making some quality additions despite their scattergun approach in recent times.

عشاق كرة اليد على موعد مع منافسات قارية جديدة تجمع نخبة الأندية داخل القارة السمراة، ومن المتوقع أن تشهد بطولة إفريقيا مواجهات نارية بين الفرق المشاركة، حيث يسعى كل فريق إلى حصد اللقب.

ويُشارك فريق الزمالك في هذه البطولة، على رأس المجموعة الثالثة بجوار فرق: “منتدى المغربي، الصداقة الكاميروني، كريكوس الأثيوبي”.

وعلم “بطولات”، أن نادي الزمالك ضم ثنائي أجنبي مميز، لتعزيز صفوف الفريق الأول لكرة اليد استعدادًا للمشاركة في بطولة أفريقيا للأندية.

طالع أيضًا | مواعيد مباريات الزمالك في بطولة إفريقيا للأندية لكرة اليد

فقد نجحت القلعة البيضاء في التعاقد مع الظهير الأيسر التونسي يوسف معرف قادماً من نادي الصفا السعودي على سبيل الإعارة، والظهير الأيمن التايواني هسين تشانغ تشاو قادماً من نادي العربي القطري أيضًا على سبيل الإعارة، لتدعيم الفريق في بطولة إفريقيا.

ويسعى فريق الزمالك إلى تحقيق نتائج إيجابية في البطولة والتأهل إلى الأدوار النهائية، ومن ثم المنافسة على لقب البطولة القارية.

وتأتي مشاركة الزمالك في هذه البطولة في إطار سعي النادي لمواصلة هيمنته على الساحة القارية، حيث يعد الزمالك من أبرز وأنجح الأندية الأفريقية في هذه اللعبة.

Leeds United enjoyed a relatively quiet January transfer window as they were able to keep hold of their top talents and move on some players on the fringes of the squad.

Djed Spence was sent back to Tottenham Hotspur, having spent the first half of the season on loan from the Premier League side, and Luke Ayling was allowed to join Middlesbrough.

The Whites then swooped to bring in experienced right-back Connor Roberts, who won the Championship last season, on loan from Burnley on deadline day.

They kept the likes of Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto, and Archie Gray, and are now fighting to secure automatic promotion to the top-flight.

Daniel Farke, however, did attempt to complete a second signing to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch, according to a report that came out after the window.

Leeds United's search for a new winger

According to Turkish outlet Takvim last week, Leeds made a bid to sign Besiktas forwards Milot Rashica to add to their arsenal of weapons on the flanks.

Sport Witness covered the report and inferred that the offer was made during the recent January transfer window, as it was claimed that the approach was made 'recently'.

Takvim claimed that the Whites put €7m (£6m) on the table for the Kosovo international as Farke attempted to snap him up from the Super Lig outfit.

It also stated that Besiktas rejected the bid as they did not want to part ways with the winger, who they signed from Championship side Norwich City last summer, as they view him as an important player that is pivotal to their potential success.

They added that Rashica also turned down Leeds' approach as he is happy in Turkey and was not interested in securing a move away from the club. The exciting forward is said to be eyeing a title challenge for the 'new season' with the Turkish giants, which is why he did not want to made the move to Elland Road.

This failed swoop may have been a blessing in disguise as it could have been a January gaffe from Farke and Leeds, as the former Werder Bremen star would not have been an upgrade on their current options on the flank – including Daniel James.

Milot Rashica's time in England

Interestingly, the then-24-year-old was signed by the German head coach for Norwich in the summer of 2021 ahead of their Premier League campaign.

Farke claimed that the rapid flanker could provide "outstanding" quality at the top end of the pitch for his side, following their promotion from the Championship the previous season.

Unfortunately, Rashica, who was described as a "threat" by journalist Connor Southwell, could not live up to that hype as he struggled to step up to the quality of the Premier League, with a return of one goal and two assists in 31 appearances during the 2021/22 term – including 25 starts.

He then played four times in the Championship at the start of the 2022/23 campaign under Dean Smith, who had replaced Farke during the previous season, and contributed with zero goals and one assist.

Turkish giants Galatasaray then swooped to secure his signature on loan for the rest of that season, and he caught the eye with solid performances out wide.

Rashica's time in Turkey so far

The 27-year-old whiz made 26 appearances in the Super Lig last term and chipped in with four goals, six assists, and eight 'big chances' created for his side.

He also completed 0.9 dribbles per game with a success rate of 48%, which shows that the forward attempted to drive his team up the pitch with mixed success.

His form for Galatasaray convinced rivals Besiktas to sign him on a permanent deal last summer, and the ex-Norwich winger has enjoyed a decent first season with his new club so far.

Rashica has produced four goals, from 2.49 xG, and two assists, from 3.43 xA, across 19 appearances in the Super Lig during the 2023/24 campaign.

This means that the Kosovo international is currently averaging a goal or an assist every 3.17 matches on average for Besiktas since his move from the Canaries ahead of this season.

These statistics, throughout his time in England and Turkey, suggest that Farke would have made a blunder by signing him for Leeds, as he is a worse winger than current Whites forward James.

Daniel James' Championship brilliance this season

The Wales international has been in impressive form throughout the 2023/24 campaign so far, since returning to Yorkshire from a loan with Fulham last season.

He has been ruthless in front of goal with an eye-catching return of ten goals from an xG of 7.50, which shows that James has rarely missed an opportunity to find the back of the net.

The former Manchester United speedster has also registered six assists for his teammates from an xA of 5.50, which shows that his fellow attackers have finished off the chances that he has created with a reasonable level of efficiency.

With an outstanding contribution of 16 goals and assists combined in 29 Championship appearances for the Whites, James has averaged a goal or an assist every 1.81 matches under Farke this term.

Dan James vs attacking midfielders & wingers (via FBref)

23/24 Championship (per 90)

Percentile rank

Non-penalty goals (0.47)

Top 8%

Assists (0.28)

Top 10%

Expected Assisted Goals (0.28)

Top 8%

Shot-creating actions (3.58)

Top 37%

Progressive carries (4.70)

Top 13%

As you can see in the table above, he currently ranks very highly in a number of key attacking metrics among his positional peers in the second tier.

James has been a fantastic performer in the final third for Leeds with a greater level of production, in terms of goals and assists, than Rashica has managed in recent seasons for Besitkas, Galatasaray, and Norwich.

Meanwhile, Gnonto has also racked up five goals and one assist in his last five appearances for the Whites in all competitions, which shows that the manager already has strong depth in that area of the pitch.

Therefore, it would have been a howler from Leeds to splash out £6m on Rashica when his statistics in over the last few years suggest that he would have been a downgrade on their current options on the wing.

Ahead of Pakistan’s first ODI since their World Cup exit, Sarfaraz Ahmed said the new selector-cum-coach instils confidence in youngsters to play their natural game

Danyal Rasool in Karachi26-Sep-2019

Ten months before Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017, the death of Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket had been pronounced, and who cared what they did with the ashes? Pakistan had spent the summer prancing about England, getting pummelled ODI after another by a team that had just a year earlier failed to make the final eight at the 2015 World Cup.So how, ten months later, did Pakistan beat that same England side in the semi-final of a Champions Trophy that England were all but nailed on to win?It sure as heck didn’t happen because Pakistan got their domestic act together; the very prospect of that happening, even as the PCB havelaunched a fresh initiative to restructure the circuit, feels faintly surreal. Four games before they beat India in a final that left fans in the country more gobsmacked than delirious, they had succumbed to a predictably crushing defeat against the same opponents, the perennial faults in their ODI game on full display in Birmingham almost to the point of caricature.It was supposed to be a turning point, especially when a few months later they whitewashed Sri Lanka to stretch their ODI streak to nine, and Mickey Arthur’s promises to have brought Pakistan – sometimes kicking and screaming – into the modern era seemed somehow to have worked, even if it appeared to have happened a little too quickly to be trusted.That was about as good as it got, though. Pakistan are ranked sixth in the ODI rankings, having failed to qualify for the last four of the recently concluded World Cup and replaced the entire backroom staff as a result. They would win just one ODI against a top eight ODI side in all of 2018, and a 3-2 ODI series loss to South Africa at the start of this year was followed by nine consecutive defeats by Australia and England.ALSO READ: What do Pakistan expect from coach Misbah?Since the start of 2018 until before that improbable four-match winning streak at the tail-end of the World Cup, Pakistan had won 11 of 35 completed games, seven of those coming against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. It was reminiscent of the side that barely sneaked into the final automatic qualification spot for the Champions Trophy, not the one that scorched everyone in their path to win it.The promises that were made, and the ones fans imagined had been made, in those heady days in the summer of 2017, did not come to pass. As such, the tournament became a yardstick to measure performance again, but with no one, not even the coaching staff, having the foggiest idea how they came away with the title, there was no model to replicate. Hasan Ali came into the event almost unknown and walked away as the player of the tournament and the world’s best ODI bowler. Shadab Khan’s star continued to rise, and in Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan believed they had the modern opener they were robbed of when Sharjeel Khan was banned.But an innings like the one Fakhar Zaman played in that final was an outlying freak, not a replicable model, certainly not with the technical deficiencies still obvious in the left-hander’s game. Yet you get the impression Fakhar still goes out to bat every match with that innings in mind, which is hardly ideal preparation for any game. His is, after all, a game that relies heavily on confidence, and Sarfaraz Ahmed believed Misbah, the man who replaces Arthur, was the right man to instil it.”Mickey Arthur and Misbah are two very different kinds of people, obviously,” Sarfaraz said ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka. “He had his own style of coaching while Misbah has his. Misbah is just in so he’ll obviously bring his own philosophy to the role but he’s given players the same message. For example, he’s told Fakhar Zaman to play his natural game, because that’s what he’s in the team for.”Hasan Ali has regressed in the last year, too. After 68 wickets at under 21 in his first 33 matches, he has managed just 14 in his last 20, eachcoming at just under 69 runs per scalp. Sarfaraz’s own batting has been under the microscopes, especially with Rizwan breathing down his neck now, while no one is quite sure whether Mohammad Amir, newly retired from Test cricket, will be the spearhead he was at the World Cup, or the struggling journeyman he appeared for the two years prior.There are bright spots if you squint hard enough, though. Imam-ul-Haq has cemented his name at the top of the order, a position Pakistan found a particularly pesky puzzle for several years. Babar Azam is no longer a batsman with great potential – how many of those have there been in Pakistan – but the first name on the team sheet and one of the best batsmen in the world across formats. Now, he is also Sarfaraz Ahmed’s deputy, and Sarfaraz believed he could already rub shoulders with the game’s elite.”Babar Azam can be in that category the [of Smith, Kohli, Root and Williamson] way he is progressing. In truth, he even ranks among them now. If he can keep up his form, he’ll begin to be talked among that list by everyone very quickly.”As for Pakistan’s own outlook towards the format, Sarfaraz chose to take it one step at a time. “We need to bring consistency to our ODI cricket, and for that, there are a few areas of our game we need to work on. We’re going to try to ensure it doesn’t ever get to the point where we actually need to be worried about qualifying for the World Cup again.”Nobody could the team, then, of setting their sights too high, but a reminder of what happened when they last tried that is a memory stillfresh enough for the players to recoil from. Pakistan haven’t become the team they looked like on that heady day at the Oval, but you might want to hold off on the cremation ceremony.

West Bromwich Albion, even after a tricky first 45 minutes away at fellow Championship side Huddersfield Town, managed to come out on top 4-1 at the John Smith's Stadium owing to a devastating second-half display.

Mikey Johnston continues to endear himself to the Baggies fanbase, the Celtic loanee chipping in with two goals during the eventually one-sided contest, whilst Okay Yokuslu goes from strength to strength in a holding midfield role as well for Carlos Corberan's men off the back of his standout display in West Yorkshire.

Typically dogged and determined in approach to allow his playoff-chasing side to tick, the imposing Turkish midfielder even helped himself to a goal in the victory away from his normal duties with a thunderbolt effort sending the travelling West Brom fans into raptures.

The decision to bring the ex-Trabzonspor man into the building on a permanent deal in 2022 continues to look like an ingenious call, with the Baggies paying nothing to win their now star man's services at the time.

Okay Yokuslu's transfer value at West Brom

Once on the books at West Brom as a loanee at the back end of the 2020/21 season, the West Midlands outfit probably couldn't believe their luck when they ended up winning Yokuslu's services on a free transfer.

He has since gone on to become an important part of the Corberan jigsaw puzzle after being initially signed by Steve Bruce, with the forceful 30-year-old midfielder ever-present for large portions of this season to date – making 36 appearances in the second tier in total.

It has resulted in Yokuslu's transfer value rising all the way up to a hefty €3.5m (£2.9m) as per Football Transfers, which sees the West Brom number 35 come in as the second most valuable member of the squad currently according.

1. Jed Wallace

€4.1M (£3.4M)

2. Okay Yokuslu

€3.5M (£2.9M)

3. Brandon Thomas-Asante

€3.4M (£2.8M)

4. Conor Townsend

€3.4M (£2.8M)

5. Darnell Furlong

€3.4M (£2.8M)

Sourced by Football Transfers

His inflated value also sees him rank as a more valuable player than Brandon Thomas-Asante, despite the Baggies striker leading the goalscoring charts at the Hawthorns this season with ten goals.

Surprisingly, Yokuslu – despite hammering home with venom against Huddersfield last match – only has that solitary goal next to his name this season and could well look to kick on for the remainder of the campaign to prove his worth to the Baggies promotion cause.

Alongside the likes of seasoned first-teamers Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend, who sit just below Yokuslu in terms of their market value, the experienced West Brom side will hope they can push through to the Premier League even if the nail-biting playoffs come their way.

Okay Yokuslu's continued importance

Corberan and Co will just be relieved that they didn't cash in on their Turkish star in January in the end, with reported suitors from his native country sniffing around before the close of the transfer window.

Instead, Yokuslu will hope he can continue to lead by example in holding midfield as a tough but impactful presence for the promotion-chasers on their way to glory being achieved.

The 30-year-old would shine rolling his sleeves up by winning four tackles too in the comprehensive Terriers win, on top of finding the back of the net with confidence.

West Brom star who won seven duels was as good as Johnston v Huddersfield

West Bromwich Albion romped to a big win over Huddersfield Town courtesy of this top star.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 10, 2024

Yokuslu's transfer value could well skyrocket even further if he does end up being one of many heroes in the West Brom camp that enable the West Midlands outfit to return to the top flight, with the 30-year-old loving life under Corberan currently.

Considering he was picked up on a free transfer, it cannot be doubted that West Brom sealed a golden deal by signing Yokuslu when they did.

Former England forward Peter Crouch defended Harry Kane's poor form in Euro 2024 as he drew comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Crouch defends Kane's poor formCompared Kane to RonaldoEngland captain has scored twice in Euro 2024WHAT HAPPENED?

Harry Kane has received a lot of criticism for his poor run of form in the ongoing Euro 2024. The England captain has scored just twice in five appearances in the ongoing competition and has failed to make much impact in the attacking third.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Amid criticism of the former Tottenham star, Crouch has come into the Three Lions captain's defence as he reminded the naysayers about the striker's contribution to the national team over the years. He even cited Kane's form from the 2023/24 season where the 30-year-old broke multiple scoring records in his debut season with Bayern Munich.

The ex-Liverpool star also brought up the example of Cristiano Ronaldo by suggesting that unlike the Portugal star – who plies his trade in Saudi Arabia – Kane has consistently performed in the Bundesliga which is among the top leagues in the world.

WHAT PETER CROUCH SAID

Speaking to Paddy Power, Crouch said, "Harry Kane hasn’t looked himself in the tournament. He’s been so good for England over the years, and even this last season at Bayern Munich he’s scored 40-odd goals, but he’s been anonymous at times in this competition. You do just feel with someone like that that they’re a killer in the box – if you get one chance, you still want it to fall to him. I mean, he’s Harry Kane and if he creates that one moment, he will score.

"Sometimes I feel like there is a lack of respect for what he’s done. He’s England's record goal scorer of all-time. And it’s not like he’s off playing in Saudi Arabia like Cristiano Ronaldo, for example – he’s just scored a load of goals for one of the biggest clubs in the world last season. I’m not going to get away from the fact that he’s been anonymous in some of the games, and he’s not played as well as others, but I’d still stick with him, and I think he’ll score on Wednesday night."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HARRY KANE?

The England skipper will hope to regain his form on Wednesday as his side take on Ronald Koeman's Netherlands in a blockbuster Euro 2024 semi-final clash in Dortmund.