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Chelsea picked up a huge three points away to Leicester City in the first game since the November international break with a 2-1 victory in the East Midlands. Enzo Maresca had a positive return to a ground where he had so much success last season, following his promotion with the Foxes from the Championship.

It was a dominant performance from the Blues, who never really gave the home side a chance. Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez earned all three points for Maresca’s side, with the Senegalese striker’s goal a particularly good strike. A late penalty from Jordan Ayew was too little too late for Steve Cooper’s men.

The statistics, courtesy of Sofascore, show just how dominant the West Londoners were at the King Power Stadium. They had 64% possession, and had far more shots than the Foxes, with 16 to the home side’s four. Chelsea also created more expected goals, with 2.64xG compared to 1.11xG for Leicester.

It was a strong performance from the Blues, who had some standout players on Saturday lunchtime.

Chelsea’s best players vs. Leicester

Two of the standout players for Maresca’s side were the goalscorers, Jackson and Fernandez. The Chelsea number 15, who took his goal well, has been on fire this season, and now has seven goals and three assists in the top flight this term, in just 12 games.

After spending several weeks as a substitute, Fernandez must surely be relieved to be back in the starting XI in the Premier League, and it was a real statement performance. The midfielder created three chances and won seven from nine ground duels, in a fantastic performance against the Foxes.

Fullback Marc Cucurella also performed well, winning three from four tackles and five duels, putting in a fantastic shift defensively. The Spaniard also worked hard in the final third, creating one chance for his teammates.

Stat

Leader

Passes

Badiashile (90/101)

Chances created

Fernandez, Palmer (3)

Final third passes

Palmer (21/26)

Take-ons completed

Joao Felix (4/8)

Ball recoveries

Badiashile, Soumare (7)

Tackles

Fernandez, Kristiansen (5/6)

Interceptions

Badiashile (4)

His fellow defenders Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile had a good day at the office at the King Power, too. It was a particularly impressive game from England international Colwill, playing at right-centre back despite the fact he is a left-footer. It can be awkward at times, but the Blues number six handled it well.

However, one man who struggled in the victory in the East Midlands was goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Sanchez’s stats vs. Leicester

The pressure is certainly mounting on the Blues goalkeeper, who continues to struggle in the Chelsea goal. He has not been at his best this season and young goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is knocking on the door for a starting spot.

Against the Foxes, Sanchez left a lot to be desired with the ball at his feet. Kicking is a key component of any goalkeeper under Maresca, who likes his side to play out from the back, but the Spaniard looked uncomfortable at times. In the first half, he played Moises Caicedo into trouble in the Blues box, but the home side failed to capitalise on a mistake from the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Indeed, his disappointing work is reflected in his post-match stats. Sanchez, who had 34 touches, completed just 63% of his passes, 19 out of 30 to be specific, and completed just two from 13 long balls. He prevented -0.2 goals and could have done better from Ayew’s penalty; the Spaniard failed to keep it out despite getting a firm hand to it.

Sanchez’s performance got him a 5/10 rating at full-time from GOAL journalist Gill Clark. The football writer was critical of the Chelsea goalkeeper’s ability in possession, explaining he ‘really doesn’t look confident’ with the ball at his feet.

The Blues number one is certainly in frustrating form, and it is certainly a worry for Maresca. With plenty of games coming up ahead of a busy Christmas period, he has a big decision to make and could well decide to drop the Spaniard and give Jorgensen a chance in the side.

Their next Hazard: Chelsea could have another £100m star in the making

The Chelsea ace has enjoyed a great start to the Premier League campaign.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 22, 2024

Arsenal have been mocked with after seeing transfer target Alexander Isak score twice for Newcastle in two minutes against Nottingham Forest.

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• Arsenal mocked over 'Isak loan'
• Gunners tried to sign Isak in January
• Newcastle star scored twice in two minutes against Forest

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  A day after a toothless Arsenal side went down 1-0 against West Ham at home, their long-term target Alexander Isak scored two goals in two minutes to virtually seal three points for Newcastle United against Nottingham Forest. Callum Hudson-Odoi handed Forest an early lead but Lewis Miley and Jacob Murphy's strikes put the Magpies in front. Isak then scored a brace in a gap of two minutes to hand his team an unassailable three-goal lead.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  As Isak exhibited his brilliance, the Gunners were brutally mocked on social media.

  On X, Mark Douglas wrote: "Isak scores (just)! Not his best penalty but does enough. #nufc turned this round superbly. The 49th goal of his loan spell from Arsenal."

  An X handle named Matt wrote: "Isak would take us to another level if we could persuade Arsenal to sell to a rival."

  Maria wrote on X: "Why the hell didnt arsenal go for Isak in the summer I feel so sick !!!!"

  A handle named Jason claimed Arsenal could have benefited from having the Swedish striker in their team against the Hammers as he wrote: "Arsenal could have done with Isak yesterday."

  A handle named Gomotsang wrote: "Isn’t Isak playing for the wrong team I thought his an Arsenal player."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The North London side were closely linked with a move for Isak in the January transfer window, however, they reportedly could not submit a bid for the player due to his massive £115 million ($141m) price tag. Arsenal continue to remain interested in signing the forward – whom Mikel Arteta admires – and are likely to come up with new offers in the summer window.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE UNITED?

  Eddie Howe's side, who now climb up to the fifth position after their 4-3 win over Forest, will next face Liverpool on Wednesday in the Premier League.

Punjab Kings’ qualification hopes hanging by a thread – they need to win their final game, and then have plenty of results go their way

Peter Della Penna03-Oct-20213:11

What’s behind Glenn Maxwell’s incredible six-hitting ability?

Virat Kohli’s quest for a maiden IPL title before stepping down as captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore at the end of the season is still very much alive after his side became the third team to clinch a playoff berth in IPL 2021, holding on for a six-run win over Punjab Kings in Sharjah. Choosing to bat first, Kohli helped lay a solid foundation in tandem with Devdutt Padikkal by adding 68 for the first wicket before Glenn Maxwell powered on further with a half-century to take RCB to the highest total made by any side in Sharjah since the tournament resumed in September.Watch the IPL on ESPN+

Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from the IPL live in the US. Match highlights of Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings is available here in English, and here in Hindi (US only).

For the first half of the chase Kings looked like they would track it down, reaching 81 for 0 at the 10-over mark. But despite 57 from Mayank Agarwal as part of a 91-run opening partnership alongside orange-cap wearer KL Rahul, the wheels fell off soon after thanks to an inspired spell of legspin from Yuzvendra Chahal who claimed three wickets including Agarwal. By the time the final over came around, 19 runs were needed and purple-cap holder Harshal Patel had little trouble containing Kings lower order to secure victory.Kings luckless in the field, with or without the umpiresDespite a wicketless powerplay, Kohli and Padikkal’s partnership was at times a meandering one, and also had its share of luck. Kohli was dropped twice, on 9 and 10, while Padikkal was allowed to continue batting on 35 in controversial circumstances after Rahul’s use of a DRS was unsuccessful despite UltraEdge showing a clear spike on a failed reverse sweep where the ball appeared to graze Padikkal’s gloves on the way through to the keeper.Moises Henriques finally broke the partnership and then some, taking three wickets in the space of seven balls in the 10th and 12th overs. Kohli was bowled for 25 by one that kept low. Dan Christian bagged a golden duck, mistiming a drive to backward point. And Padikkal was finally sent back for 40. This time there was no need for the third umpire to intervene as an attempted cut produced a thin edge that was well held by Rahul standing up to the stumps. Royal Challengers were under pressure at 73 for 3.Glenn Maxwell got to a fifty off 29 balls•BCCI

Maxwell tortures his former franchiseThe Australian power hitter gave a handy reminder to his old team-mates about why he’s such a valued resource in T20 cricket, hitting 57 off 33 balls. With AB de Villiers struggling to get going at one end, Maxwell dominated their 73-run partnership with a flurry of sixes, mostly off the slog sweep against the spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Ravi Bishnoi.But it wouldn’t have been Maxwell ball without a reverse at some stage and he executed one to perfection against Bishnoi in the 18th over to secure another boundary. He brought up his half-century off 29 balls and was dismissed only in the final over, by which time Royal Challengers had put up a strong total on the board, the best by any team in Sharjah this season.Another excellent Kings platform goes to wasteRahul might well become a chief lobbyist on behalf of the T10 brigade following his team’s contrasting fortunes this season in their first 10 overs compared to their last 10. The Kings captain continued his run as the leading scorer in the IPL with another sharp burst at the top of the order in tandem with Agarwal. But once he fell for 39 off 35, the chase began to flounder.Chahal built off the Rahul breakthrough by inducing a top edged sweep from Nicholas Pooran, dismissing him for 3 in the 13th over. Agarwal was another victim of the extra bounce in Chahal’s legbreaks as a catch swirled over to short third man in the 16th over. Three balls later, Chahal capped his haul by defeating a flummoxed Sarfaraz for a golden duck. At 121 for 4 in 16, the Kings required rate of 11 per over through the last four proved to be a herculean task.Now in addition to needing a victory in their final match, the Kings will need a series of other results to go their way to have any chance of securing the fourth and final playoff berth.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has won the men’s 2024 Ballon d’Or award.

This year’s ceremony took place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, with the best men’s and women’s players over the past year being celebrated for their performances and achievements.

The 30 men’s Ballon d’Or nominees hailed from almost every corner of the world – Argentina, Turkey, Nigeria, Germany and Ukraine all had players included.

Related Ballon d'Or past winners: The best XI of former champions

Probably the only time you’ll ever see Messi and Ronaldo in the same team.

Posts 1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was widely expected to take the golden ball, though it had emerged prior to the ceremony that he and his club would be boycotting the event after realising the Brazilian would not be crowned the winner.

Vinicius, who finished in second place ahead of Los Blancos teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, enjoyed a superb 2023/24 campaign for Los Blancos, scoring 24 and assisting 11 in all competitions as Carlo Ancelotti’s side won four trophies, including the La Liga title and the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Bellingham – the first Englishman in the award’s top three since Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005 – finished last season with an exceptional 23 goals and 13 assists for Madrid, before helping England to the final of the European Championship courtesy of an overhead kick for the ages.

But City and Spain star Rodri was the eventual winner. The 28-year-old might not boast the crowd-pleasing trickery of Vinicius or the acrobatic abilities and lovable arrogance of Bellingham, but he turned his club and country into winning machines from the heart of midfield.

Here’s why we think the panel plumped for the Euro 2024 and Premier League-winning midfielder ahead of the electric Vinicius.

1 He's so integral to City

Vinicius and Bellingham are both vital players for Madrid. That being said, neither are what you would necessarily call irreplaceable.

If need be, Madrid can rely on the attacking prowess of Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe without Vinicius on the left-hand side of their attack, while without Bellingham, they have the likes of Federico Valverde and Brahim Diaz ready to step up.

However, for Rodri at City, there is no suitable readymade replacement. To best demonstrate his importance to Pep Guardiola’s team, you only have to look at their Premier League record with and without him since he arrived at the club in 2019. In fact, last season, City didn’t lose a single Premier League game in which Rodri played. Clutch.

Manchester City’s PL record with and without Rodri

With Rodri

Without Rodri

Games

174

25

Wins

129

16

Draws

26

2

Defeats

19

7

Win%

74.1%

64%

Points per game

2.37

2

Data via Premier League (updated 28th Oct 2024)

Related 7 Future Premier League Ballon d'Or winners

Rodri is the Premier League’s first Ballon d’Or winner since 2008 – could any of these players be the next to do it?

Posts ByBarney Lane Oct 24, 2024 2 He shone for both club and country

Vinicius had a great season for Madrid last year, but faltered at the Copa America in the summer for Brazil. Though he scored twice in the group stages, he picked up a suspension that ruled him out of Brazil’s quarter-final against Uruguay and could only watch from the sidelines as his team crashed out on penalties.

In Bellingham’s case, he enjoyed an excellent domestic season and a decent Euro 2024 campaign for England in the summer, but no more than that. Yes, he scored a last-minute overhead kick to save England from exiting to Slovakia in the last 16, but you could argue he went missing on occasion, including in the final.

Rodri, on the other hand, had no such problems. For City, he was the club’s outstanding player, arguably ahead of star striker Erling Haaland, as Guardiola’s side won their fourth consecutive Premier League title. At Euro 2024, he was named as the Player of the Tournament as Spain beat the odds to win the trophy, beating Bellingham’s England in the final.

Related Every Player of the Tournament at the European Championship

Since its inception in 1996, UEFA has handed out an award for the best player at the European Championship. But who has been given the accolade?

Posts ByStephan Georgiou Jul 16, 2024 3 He's evolved the DM role

In years gone by, the role of the holding midfielder was just that: hold. Sit deep, sweep up the opposition’s attacks before they get past the midfield, distribute, wait, and repeat.

Rodri, however, has taken the role, made it his own, and set a new benchmark for what teams should expect from their deep-lying midfielders.

Not only is he energetic and tenacious in winning the ball back, but he’s also an attacking force to be reckoned with. Last season, he contributed 9 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for City.

For reference, Arsenal’s attacking midfield talisman Martin Odegaard was involved in 18 goals, Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, whose form last season earned him a move to Bayern Munich in the summer, was involved in 15, while Rodri’s City teammate Bernardo Silva also only contributed to 15.

Related The best XI of players to never win the Ballon d'Or

Some of these players were brutally snubbed for the golden ball.

Posts ByBarney Lane Oct 26, 2024 4 His peers agree

The highest kind of praise you can receive in any line of work is that from your peers – and Rodri has enjoyed plenty of that.

After City beat Luton Town in the Premier League back in December, Hatters midfielder Tom Lockyer said of Rodri: “Honestly that guy man, it’s just a joy to share the football pitch with him.

“He’s just a Rolls Royce,” Lockyer added. “He just dictates everything that Manchester City do.”

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said of Rodri after Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph: “For me, Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d’Or now.”

Earlier this year, during an episode of The Rest is Football podcast, hosts Micah Richards and Alan Shearer both agreed that Rodri is the world’s current best player.

“It’s not even close,” said Richards. “Whether it’s on the ball, whether it’s in the mind, whether it’s his passing ability. He comes up with important goals, as well, and assists. It’s actually incredible what he’s doing.”

“He’s the best,” said Shearer. “No doubt.”

Unfortunately for Rodri, the Ballon d’Or is no longer voted for by players, but instead a panel of 100 journalists from around the world, each of whom represents one of FIFA’s top-ranked footballing nations.

Rodri will no doubt get Spain’s vote and Vinicius should get Brazil’s, while Bellingham may yet get England’s. But let’s hope the remainder of the nations can see sense and vote for the Spaniard.

Related Players with the most Ballon d'Or voting points since 2000

These are the most voted-for players at the Ballon d’Or since the turn of the century… who comes out on top?

Posts 1 ByBarney Lane Oct 25, 2024

The charges relate to the T10 tournament in the UAE

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-2021Marlon Samuels, the architect of West Indies’ twin T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016, has been charged by the ICC’s anti-corruption unit on four counts of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code. In a media statement on Wednesday, the ICC said the charges related to the T10 tournament conducted by the ECB.Related

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Samuels has been charged for the following breaches: Article 2.4.2 – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute. Article 2.4.3 – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more. Article 2.4.6 – Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation. Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.He has 14 days from September 21 to respond to the charges.The investigation concerns the 2019 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 where Samuels was picked by Karnataka Tuskers, but did not get to play a single game.CWI responded to the charges against Samuels, stating it was “firm in denouncing any such activities within the sport”.”Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been made aware of the charges which have been laid by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, involving former West Indies player Marlon Samuels,” the statement said. “Formal charges have been laid with breaching four counts of the Emirates Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Code for participants of the T10 League in Abu Dhabi in 2019.”While CWI has yet to receive detailed information relating to this ICC investigation, CWI remains firm in denouncing any such activities within the sport, and fully supports the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in their efforts to rid the sport of all corruption.”Samuels, 40, announced his retirement last year after a career in which he played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs and 67 T20Is since his West Indies debut in 2000, and score over 11,000 international runs and 17 centuries. While his record suggested he never made the most of his sumptuous talent, his highs were spectacular, most notably when he top-scored in the T20 World Cup finals of 2012 and 2016.He was no stranger to controversy during his career, the lowest point of which was his two-year ban after being found guilty, in May 2008, of “receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute”.Last month, Samuels became one of 19 Jamaican cricketers to feature on a mural unveiled at Sabina Park as part of a larger art project that aims to turn Kingston into a “destination city”.

Marsh continued his fine form in the series with a player-of-the-match display

Andrew McGlashan15-Jul-2021When Fabian Allen kept depositing the ball in the stands in the penultimate over, bowled by Riley Meredith, at Daren Sammy Stadium, it seemed as though one of Mitchell Marsh’s best nights in coloured clothes for Australia might not end in victory.But Allen edged behind, and with 11 to defend in the final over against Andre Russell, Mitchell Starc produced a masterclass to deny boundaries for five deliveries and earn Australia their first win of the tour.After Starc had expensive outings in the first two games of the series – where his combined figures were 8-0-89-0 – he responded with his most economical four overs in the third game (1 for 15) and then this match-clinching over when the odds had appeared to favour the in-form Russell.Related

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“I thought he was world class,” Marsh said. “At the start of that over, I was at short third man with Finchy [Aaron Finch] and those moments, that’s the ultimate. Mitchell Starc versus Andre Russell, two of the best in the world at what they do, that’s why you play. We love that stuff. You’d like it to be not as close but that’s cricket at the highest level, was awesome to watch that last over.”He [Starc] may have had a slower start to the series but he’s the best in the world and that over tonight, we’ve got a lot of young bowlers who aspire to be like that. He’s a great leader, a great white-ball bowler.”Adam Zampa also had his best outing of the series so far with 2 for 20 as he and Marsh hauled West Indies back from a rapid start to the chase courtesy Lendl Simmons. Jason Behrendorff was impressive on his return – his first Australia outing since the 2019 World Cup – and it was somewhat surprising he wasn’t handed the 19th over, which then almost took the game away from the visitors.Watch cricket on ESPN+

West Indies v Australia is available in the US on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the match.

“We saw with both teams batting against the new ball was the time to do and we knew it was going to slow up,” Marsh said. “It was about hanging in there, the plan was really simple, Zamps does what he does, he’s done it for a long time now, and for me it’s about taking as much pace off the ball as I can.”Marsh has been the biggest gain from this tour so far for Australia as he has taken the chance to bat at No. 3 with three half-centuries in four games. Whether that clarifies anything ahead of the World Cup should Steven Smith be available is another issue but the selectors have seen one of their plans come off. He was just the third Australia men’s player to score a half-century and take three wickets in a T20I.”I’m 29 now and have had a lot of experiences, both good and bad, in international cricket,” he said. “I came into this tour really well prepared, had a great break, feel in great physical shape and mentally feeling really good.”As an allrounder, it’s pretty rare you get a game where you have the opportunity to get stuck in with bat and ball, but most importantly to get a win after going 3-0 was important for this young group.”

Manchester City are reportedly ready to sell half of their regular starters in 2025 as Pep Guardiola ushers in a “new era” at the Etihad Stadium.

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• Premier League champions stuck in a rut
• Already planning rebuild for 2025
• Senior stars will be moved on in that process

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sweeping change is being mooted as the reigning Premier League champions find themselves stuck in a rut that has delivered just one win from their last 12 games in all competitions. No questions are being asked of Guardiola, after committing to a new contract, but underperforming players are facing the threat of being axed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City resisted any urge to splash the cash in the summer of 2024, but their approach to recruitment could be markedly different 12 months on. That is because the Blues are being tipped to part with a number of supposed stars as they look to freshen up their ranks and rebuild.

• WHAT BALAGUE SAID

  Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has said in the : "They are generally achieving their targets and something that gets the renewed target of this season is top four. That is what City want to do. That is the target they have all put I their head. I think they will achieve that. They are not that far away at the moment. You are talking about an achievable target.

  "They want to recover the essence of the team, the look of the team. But quite clearly Pep Guardiola is going to use the last two years of his contract – which are probably be the last two of his career as a club manager – to prepare a new Manchester City. I have got a very clear idea that they will want to get rid of five or six regular starters for Manchester City and bring five or six new starters. Half of the team. It is a new era. The end of this one and a new era starting.

  "The cycle is over but remember that only a month-and-a-half ago they had not lost a game and were top of the table. But that in my eyes is what is happening. That is what they are going to do next."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will be out of contract in the summer of 2025, while Kyle Walker is seeing a move elsewhere speculated on at the age of 34. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson has suitors in Saudi Arabia, Bernardo Silva has been linked with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain for some time, while City will reportedly listen to offers for Portuguese centre-half Ruben Dias.

Time is running out for Celtic to complete the rest of their incoming business as the summer transfer window officially slams shut on Friday night.

The Hoops have added four new players to their squad since the end of the 2023/24 campaign, with two goalkeepers, a central midfielder, and a centre-forward coming in.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart retired when his contract expired at the end of May and the club reacted by signing Viljami Sinisalo and Kasper Schmeichel to compete for the number one shirt.

Brendan Rodgers also dipped back into the market to re-sign Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah on permanent deals after their respective loan spells at Parkhead last season.

The Northern Irish head coach looks set to do further business before the deadline passes on Friday after the club confirmed on Monday that central midfielder Matt O'Riley has left the club.

Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion swooped in to snap the Denmark international up on a permanent deal and that has left a gap in the middle of the park for Celtic, after his return of 18 goals and 13 assists in the Scottish Premiership last term.

The Hoops have reacted to that by making moves to add to their squad in that area of the park, as they are eyeing up a new midfield addition.

Celtic eyeing up midfield signing

According to Football Insider, Rodgers is pushing to secure a Celtic deal to sign Los Angeles FC central midfielder Mateusz Bogusz this week.

The report claims that the Bhoys boss is desperate to bolster his side in order to continue their dominance of Scottish football and to compete in the new-look Champions League format.

It states that the Scottish giants are now looking to bring the former Leeds United gem to Parkhead before the end of the summer transfer window on Friday, whilst they are also keen on Augsburg starlet Arne Engels alongside their pursuit of the Polish whiz.

The outlet adds that Engels and Bogusz have both been identified as top targets to come in and improve the team's options in the middle of the park, following O'Riley's £25m+ move to the Premier League.

It has previously been reported that the LAFC star is valued at around £8m and Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that a bid has been lodged for him, with talks underway between the two sides.

If the Premiership champions can get a deal over the line for the 23-year-old talent before the deadline then Rodgers could land an exciting partner for Adam Idah at the top end of the pitch.

Adam Idah's potential for Celtic

Celtic showed that they have huge hopes for the Ireland international when they agreed a £9.5m deal to bring him back to Glasgow on a permanent basis this summer.

The Bhoys have agreed to an £8.5m fee with Norwich City and it could rise by another £1m if add-ons are met, which would make it a club-record deal – exceeding the £9m paid to Paris Saint-Germain for Odsonne Edouard in 2018.

Idah was handed his second full debut with the Hoops against St Mirren on Sunday and looked short of match sharpness, as he completed just five passes and missed one 'big chance' before being substituted.

However, his form during his loan spell at Parkhead during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign suggests that there is far more to come from the 6 foot 3 marksman.

He joined on loan from Norwich in the winter window and made an instant impact in Glasgow with his clinical performances in the final third.

23/24 Premiership	Adam Idah
Appearances	15
Starts	5
Goals	8
Big chances missed	7
Conversion rate	27%
Minutes per goal	76
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Idah only missed seven 'big chances' and scored eight goals in just five starts in the division, scoring more than one in every four shots on average.

These statistics show that the potential is there for him to be a lethal scorer for the Scottish giants if he can recapture and then build upon that form this term.

Celtic will need players who can support and create chances for him in matches on a consistent basis, though, and that is why Bogusz could be a dream signing for the Irishman.

Why Celtic should sign Mateusz Bogusz

The 23-year-old star has been in stunning form for LAFC in the MLS this year and his performances suggest that he has the potential to be a fantastic signing for Rodgers.

Firstly, Bogusz is a goalscoring midfielder who can also play as a centre-forward when required. His return of 13 goals in 24 MLS appearances this year speaks to his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

Those 13 goals also came from an Expected Goals tally of 6.97 and he only missed four 'big chances', which shows that the midfield whiz is a clinical finisher who can provide a huge goal threat from the middle of the park.

This could take some of the pressure off Idah's shoulders because Bogusz could run beyond him to chip in with goals to prevent the striker from being relied upon as the only source of regular goals.

2024 MLS	Mateusz Bogusz
Appearances	24
xG	6.97
Goals	13
Key passes per game	2.2
Big chances created	8
Assists	5
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Polish maestro is also a creative midfield player who has the ability to split open opposition defences to create chances for his teammates.

Only Matt O'Riley (2.5) and Luis Palma (2.4) made more than 2.2 key passes per game in the Premiership for Celtic last term, which shows that Bogusz could come in as one of the most creative players in the squad for Rodgers.

The LAFC sensation, who was once described as a "dangerous" player by journalist Greg Beacham, could create opportunities on a regular basis for Idah to find the back of the net, which is another reason why he would be a dream for the £9.5m-rated centre-forward if Celtic can bring him to the club this week.

Alongside Engels: Celtic can ease O'Riley blow by signing "remarkable" gem

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in the young attacker this month.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 27, 2024

The Apple TV analyst and New Ground podcast host joins Mic'd Up to discuss MLS Cup, Inter Miami and lack of diversity in coaching ranks

Jalil Anibaba is a rising media personality, and with good reason: He knows MLS in and out from a tactical perspective. A former MLS defender, who spent more than 11 years in the league, he can often see things develop before they manifest on the pitch. Now with Apple TV as a match analyst and the co-host of New Ground, the 36-year-old acknowledges moving into broadcasting has opened his mind on the business aspect of the game.

"Understanding the overall business of football from a different perspective [from when I played] is interesting to me," Anibaba says, noting about his new podcast, "Every single show, we're going to be talking to players, talking to coaches, other media members, just to really have the world understand how dope footy is. And, we're looking at it from the black experience as well, not only [that], but it allows us to really dive into what it means to be black in football as well."

In addition to his work in media, Anibaba is also the co-founder of Black Players for Change – a nonprofit with a stated mission "to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society."

"It's very rewarding to be able to do the work that pushes the league forward in the category of empathy," Anibaba said.

With the MLS Cup pitting the New York Red Bulls against the LA Galaxy on Saturday, Anibaba joined GOAL US to talk about the finalists, Inter Miami's decision to hire Javier Mascherano and the struggles for minority coaches to land manager roles in MLS. He discussed all that and more in the latest edition of Mic’d Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL US taps into the perspectives of broadcasters, analysts, and pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and beyond.

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  ON THE MLS CUP FINAL

  GOAL: What are your thoughts on the playoffs and the upcoming final?

  ANIBABA: The East was a complete whirlwind, it was a completely entertaining one and something that no one would have expected…. As you slide over to the West, you have the Western Conference champions in the LA Galaxy, which a lot of people pegged them as the best team in the West going into the playoffs. A lot of people expected them or LAFC [to go to the MLS Cup final]. What I really loved is not only are the LA Galaxy the best team in the Western Conference, but they've proved it in every single playoff game… They've been dominant on the offensive side, but not a lot of people are talking about their defense. They've given up three playoff goals and scored 16. When that's your goal differential in the playoffs, it's absolutely an amazing accomplishment up to this point

  This is going to be a final where you're looking at a potential "fire and ice" situation. Even though Riqui Puig has unfortunately suffered an ACL situation, you still have an LA Galaxy team that has an amazing front set of players that can score goals by the bundles. But you also have an extremely stingy playoff side.

  GOAL: Prior to Puig's injury, LA Galaxy were seen as outright favorites for the MLS Cup in the matchup against the Red Bulls. Following it, has that position changed for you?

  ANIBABA: It impacts them heavily, but they are still the clear-cut favorites because of so many of their attacking players have been playing at such a high click. You're going to be looking at what does Dejan Joveljić do, because he's been scoring a ton of goals in these playoffs. You look at what does Marco Reus do, what can he contribute on the offensive side and how long does he play? Is he match fit to go the distance. Who really replaces Puig? Is it Diego Fagundez or who else do they trust to trust into that role? Do they change formation? What is this going to look like?

  Don't forget about Panstil and Pec, they've been sensational in their respective sides as wingers. I don't think this Galaxy side, as good as they are, are saying "Oh my goodness, we have no way to be dominant as we were during the playoffs without our main man."

  GOAL: You brought up Marco Reus. He started off brightly in MLS before having peaks and valleys – does the pressure of being the main playmaker now fall on him?

  ANIBABA: It could, but it depends on what [LA manager] Greg Vanney does. It depends on what his physical status is… You could place Reus in Puig's spot and let him float on the ball but, if this is what Vanney does, it would be a different style [than what Puig brings]. Reus tends to float a bit more, trying to find little pockets either a long or on the side of No. 6s on the other side. If you bring in a Fagundez, he has a style that's a little more similar to Puig's style, where he'll drop and be more aggressive to get on the actual ball [compared to] Reus where he will float and try to evade you and pick up the ball up where you don't know where he is until it's a little bit too late.

  GOAL: What do you like about the New York Red Bulls? And they will win MLS Cup if….

  ANIBABA: What have I liked about the Red Bulls in the playoffs? Everything. [Manager] Sandro Schwarz, every way he's set up his side, it's been great. They switched into a back three system to really throw Columbus off in the first round. Schwarz thought it would be a very good idea as far as tactically matching up well and to be able to be well allocated around the pitch playing against Columbus. It worked… Then they flipped that into "OK what ain't broke. you don't try to go and fix that." They've stayed with the back three and it's very much paid off for them. But what I like the most about the way that they've gone about the playoffs here is that everyone on their team has collectively risen their level. They all seem to be playing on one accord…It's been about the collective and I'm one that I love a good underdog story.

  What do they need to do to win the game? It's to continue to rely on their defensive cohesion, their ability to defend, [especially] when the kitchen sink is being thrown at them because best believe they're going to face an LA team that will create chances. Are they able to be prolific on set pieces or can they pick their moments [on attack]? They'll have their fair share chances as well.

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  ON INTER MIAMI'S COACHING HIRE

  GOAL: Is it a big miss that Inter Miami aren't playing in MLS Cup Saturday?

  ANIBABA: People thought that it was a foregone conclusion that they were going to make it all the way to the final and, hoist another trophy, but this is exactly why we play the games.

  GOAL: What are your thoughts on their hiring of Javier Mascherano?

  ANIBABA: Some people are saying that it makes perfect sense. Some people are up in arms about it because of maybe his lack of experience at the first team level. For me, I think you're not bringing a manager in there that Lionel Messi isn't completely comfortable with. And that's why the hire makes a whole lot of sense, at least from the outside looking in. Not only are they former Barcelona teammates for a long time, but obviously, longtime teammates with the national team as well, and, Messi will be an extension of Mascherano on the pitch and vice versa…. Now the question is going to be how quickly does he get on the right side of that learning curve in terms of MLS? And understanding how to manage the other big names in the room as well – which he also has ample experience with as well. So for me, it makes perfect sense.

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  ON LAFC'S MLS PLAYOFF EXIT

  GOAL: Speaking about teams in L.A., where do you think it went wrong for LAFC this postseason?

  ANIBABA: I don't think it went wrong for them, I just think they went up against a Seattle team that a lot of people counted out this playoff run. Seattle did a good job of just frustrating Steve Cherundolo's side. One thing LAFC struggled with this season is how to get behind teams that don't really give you space behind them. They went up against a Seattle team that's the best defensively in the league by far.

  GOAL: Why didn't work for Olivier Giroud this season? And did LAFC make the right choice in signing him?

  ANIBABA: I think on paper it's an excellent signing. I don't think that we saw the best of Giroud in an LAFC kit and I don't think that that's really too surprising from my standpoint. Typically, there's a transition period for players when they really transition to any league, but especially MLS because the travel's different. The country is much bigger than people realize. it's a different playing style than it may even appear on TV or X, Y, and Z. But you cannot question Olivier Giroud's talent, his ability to potentially continue to contribute to this side.

  And LAFC is a team as well that one of the main reasons why they've been one of the best teams we've had in MLS for what, six, seven years since they've been in the league is because they're always a side that is not one-dimensional. They always have a few at least three to five attacking options that can really punish you and typically they have a few defenders that can chip in on the goal scoring as well and that still remains to be the case with them. So I would like to think with a preseason under his belt and the ability to really be comfortable in LA and get himself fully settled, Olivier Giroud should be killing people in no time.

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  ON DIVERSITY IN MLS COACHING RANKS

  GOAL: Speaking about coaching hires, last season, there were 11 MLS coaching openings — only one minority in Chris Armas (who is Hispanic) was hired on a permanent deal. This postseason, there have been 12 openings so far and out of the positions that have been filled, only one has gone to a minority candidate in Mascherano (also Hispanic). Considering the diversity on the pitch, what are your thoughts on this?

  ANIBABA: I think its a problem for leagues around the world, not just in soccer. Aside from the NBA, which has the proper amount of representation from black coaches. Outside of that, the typical conversation is there aren't enough minority leadership figures in leagues. And definitely the same is true in MLS. So, that's where I stand. That's a fact.

  There are so many examples of minorities being completely welcomed through the door as players, but then as soon as you retire, it's like, "Well I don't think you can lead though." I think there are some top level black and minority managers that are available. Whether they get jobs or not, we'll see. It'll be interesting to see how vacancies play out here. This might be a more interesting conversation in late January or February, when preseason starts.

  GOAL: OK so if February starts and none of the 12 vacancies are filled by another minority candidate, you would be feeling … ?

  ANIBABA: It's hard to say, but I would say now I would be disheartened. Because the way that I personally look at these things is that the best person should get the job. But too many times you'll see candidates getting jobs that are unequivocally not the best person. Whether its track record, or lack of resume, or etc. Then six to 18 months later, X organization has given a job to a manager who a lot of people knew wasn't up to snuff before they gave him the job and then they have to hit this whole reset.

  I think people get things misconstrued, like [saying] people are advocating for minorities to get the job just because of the way a lot of [black] people have been discriminated against… It's not about deserving something you haven't earned. It's that there are plenty of minority candidates who have done the due diligence to put themselves in the conversation and have done way more due diligence than most and they still aren't getting the opportunity.

  So it's like, what gives now? I think that distinction is important, from where I'm coming from and where BPC is [that] there are black coaches, and here are other minorities as well, that are viable candidates that are getting overlooked. And it's hard for me to see any other reason other than what they look like and where they come from.

  GOAL: Just to provide visibility into those candidates, who do you think deserves a shot to be a MLS coach?

  ANIBABA: Robin Fraser would be one that obviously has put in the work not only as a player but as a great player, a Hall of Famer. He also has spent time a lot of time as an assistant coach under very successful managers in Jason Kreis and Greg Vanney, competing for and winning titles. And then taking over the Colorado Rapids and refortifying that organization, as well, for periods of time while he was there, getting them into the playoffs. So I think he's a candidate that could benefit any of the organizations who have vacancies at the moment.

  We saw Pa-Modou Kah just recently get the job with Phoenix Rising. I think he is, no pun intended, a rising star in the coaching ranks. I loved what he was able to do under Dean Smith and in Charlotte, and also too his time as a head coach in North Texas and the Vancouver Whitecaps before that. So there's a lot. Ezra Hendrickson, as well, didn't – in my opinion – get a fair shake in Chicago. So, the list continues to go on. You have Khano Smith, whose doing amazing things with Rhode Island FC. Marlon Leblanc is an excellent coach who's just led Philly 2 to an MLS Next Pro Final as well. So, the options are plentiful.

  The opportunities to fill some of these spots don't rise all the time, but you noted there have been ample vacancies in MLS in just the last two years.

Fast bowler set to return to England post T20I series against India as Rajasthan Royals await formal update from ECB on his availability

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Mar-2021Jofra Archer is set to miss at least the first half of IPL 2021 for the Rajasthan Royals, as the ECB has decided to send him back home from India to tend to an elbow condition, which had kept him out of the second and fourth Tests against India.ESPNcricinfo understands that Archer will return to England after the T20I series, and will not feature in the three-match ODI series against India to be played between March 23 and 29. The IPL is scheduled to start on April 9.It is understood that on returning home, Archer, who has an ECB central contract to play in all three formats, is going to be administered one more injection in his right elbow before being assessed by the ECB medical staff around mid-April, after which a call would be taken on whether he would return to India for the IPL or not.Although the Royals have not issued a public statement, it is understood they have been updated about Archer’s availability, or the lack of it.England captain Eoin Morgan said that the final decision would rest with the medical team keeping the long term in mind, adding that Archer’s injury had “definitely gotten worse”.”We’re not quite sure yet,” Morgan told the press after the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad. “We’re going to wait until tonight and tomorrow to see how Jofra has pulled up. He’s clearly had a progressive injury that has become worse and does need attention, so it’ll be over to our medical team to make a decision and hopefully the decision that Jofra comes to will be the best for us in the long term.”I think it’s rare when a bowler isn’t managing pain – what they do is a tough job and if you ask any of them, are they ever pain-free, it’s a pretty rare instance if they say yes. Most of our bowlers are normally carrying niggles but certainly Jofra’s situation has definitely got worse, so it does need attention.”Archer was bought by the Royals in the 2018 auction for INR 7.2 crore (US$ 986,000 approx.) and the fast bowler has justified the high price by delivering some of the best spells of fast bowling in the tournament, finishing as the MVP in 2020. Although the Royals have not ruled out Archer returning for the second half of the tournament, it is understood the franchise is considering back-up plans – including finding a replacement – but are waiting for a formal communication from the ECB.Related

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The overseas fast-bowling contingent at the Royals includes Ben Stokes, Mustafizur Rahman, Andrew Tye and Chris Morris. Morris was picked up by the Royals for INR 16.25 crore (US$ 2.226m approx.) at the 2021 auction, making him the most expensive player in the history of the IPL.Having missed the second Test in Chennai, Archer sat out the final Test in Ahmedabad as the elbow injury flared up, initially casting doubts over his availability for the five-match T20I series, which concludes on SaturdayAfter the Test series defeat, England head coach Chris Silverwood had conceded that Archer’s elbow injury was a concern. Although he ruled out surgery, Silverwood had said that the ECB medical staff was “talking about how we deal with this [issue in the] long-term”.Archer received a painkilling injection to the right elbow immediately after the first Test of the India series. In a media release, the ECB had pointed out that the injury was separate to the stress fracture he had suffered during the South Africa tour in January 2020, which had then ruled him out of the Sri Lanka tour and IPL 2020, both of which ended up being postponed. England are particularly keen to manage Archer carefully with an eye on the T20 World Cup and the Ashes later this year, both of which are long-term priorities.Archer pledged after the first T20I to “do everything in my power to make sure that I am going to the World Cup and the Ashes”, and said in an in-house interview on Friday: “Managing yourself is going to become more important than ever to make sure that you’re still fit or fully fit when that time comes”.England are yet to name their squad for the ODI series, which starts on Tuesday, March 23 in Pune, but have not flown any players out to India since the start of the T20Is. As a result, the ODI squad will be selected from the same group of 18 currently in India – the 16-man T20I squad, plus two reserves in Jake Ball and Matt Parkinson.