Jesse Lingard looks set to return to action for FC Seoul just over a month after having a knee operation.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Lingard joined Seoul in early 2024Underwent knee surgery in AprilEx-Man Utd man set for injury returnWHAT HAPPENED?

Lingard, who made a shock move to Seoul in February, underwent surgery on his meniscus in his knee last month but it seems the 31-year-old is already back in contention to play for the South Korean side this weekend.

AdvertisementWHAT JESSE LINGARD SAID

In an Instagram post, the former Manchester United and West Ham player uploaded several photos of him back in training and wrote: "Ready for the game tomorrow ⚡️⚡️⚡️🚀🚀🚀 @fcseoul."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite finally ending his lengthy spell without a club, following his release by Nottingham Forest nearly a year ago, Lingard has been repeatedly criticised by FC Seoul boss Kim Gi-dong. The ex-West Ham loanee has been called out for his lack of effort and to date he has played just three times for the K League 1 side. The England international will hope he can turn things around quickly.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Seoul, who sit eighth in the league after 12 matches, host second from bottom Daegu on Sunday. Lingard will hope to get some game time in this upcoming encounter.

The midfielder failed to push up and gifted the Gunners the only goal of the game, but there were at least some positives for Erik ten Hag's side

Given what happened on Monday at Crystal Palace, their continued injury problems and the fact they were facing Arsenal, the second-best team in the league who were still fighting for the title, this could have gone a lot worse for Manchester United.

After conceding a frustratingly avoidable goal due to Casemiro's apparent lack of knowledge of the offside rule and Aaron Wan-Bissaka's inability to track Leandro Trossard, Erik ten Hag's side regained their composure and showed fighting spirit. They were the better team in the second half and had Arsenal begging for the final whistle. But they still sank to a 14th Premier League defeat of the season, and it rarely looked like they were actually going to score.

There are still two games left of this dire league season and two opportunities for things to get even worse. And yet, this was also a reminder that, when the team stands up and fights, they can at least compete with the very best.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (6/10):

  Made a flurry of good saves in the second half. Could be blamed for giving the ball away in the build-up to the only goal.

  Aaron Wan-Bissaka (5/10):

  Placed at right-back after struggling on the left, but it made little difference as he lost track of Trossard for the goal. Steadied himself from then on and had a good second half.

  Casemiro (4/10):

  Didn't bother to push up and played Havertz onside. His passes were often under-cooked, though he did at least improve in the second half.

  Jonny Evans (5/10):

  Gave Havertz too much space and was powerless to stop him setting up Trossard. Further proof, if any was needed, that he cannot cope at this level any more.

  Diogo Dalot (6/10):

  One of few United players to show any confidence, belief or quality. Shackled Saka and occasionally looked dangerous in attack.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Sofyan Amrabat (6/10):

  Surprisingly good given the occasion and his previous performances. Strong and combative. A shame he couldn't pass the ball better.

  Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

  Did a good job of protecting the back four.

  Scott McTominay (5/10):

  Hardly involved in the play and spent most of the game chasing the ball.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Amad Diallo (6/10):

  Responsible for United's few moments of danger in the first half. Forced off injured in the second.

  Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

  Ineffective. Given no room to breathe by the colossal Gabriel and got little service.

  Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

  Looked like being United's only source of a goal. Got the better of White on a few occasions but couldn't locate the final pass or his shooting boots. Created a nice opening, only to shank the ball over.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Antony (6/10):

  Intercepted a ball and created a good chance for himself, but his shot was too soft.

  Willy Kambwala (6/10):

  Showed good awareness to prevent Arsenal grabbing a second on the counter. Made a bone-crunching tackle on Havertz.

  Christian Eriksen (N/A):

  Brought on in the 87th minute.

  Ethan Wheatley (N/A):

  Introduced in the 87th minute.

  Omari Forson (N/A):

  Brought on in the 87th minute.

  Erik ten Hag (5/10):

  His tactics prevented another ugly scoreline, but he has yet another defeat on his record, number 14 in the league, and his side have conceded the highest amount of goals in a season for United since 1970-71.

Glasgow Rangers won their first League Cup trophy since 2011 following a 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Hampden yesterday.

The result means the Gers lifted their first piece of silverware since the 2022 Scottish Cup final and gives Philippe Clement his first trophy as Gers manager – just two months after taking on the role.

The game was by no means a classic, but lifting the trophy was all that mattered and a James Tavernier goal with just over ten minutes left in the clash sealed the win.

An injury crisis with regard to his midfield options left the Belgian particularly sparse in that area, having to play defender Dujon Sterling alongside John Lundstram, yet the move worked wonders.

Keeping a clean sheet was imperative and being able to call upon Leon Balogun was a big boost as he has been immense under Clement and this culminated in a solid display against the Dons in the final.

Leon Balogun’s statistics this season

The Nigerian defender signed a one-year deal during the summer transfer window to return to the club he played for between 2020 and 2022, winning a Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.

Michael Beale saw the 35-year-old as ideal cover in case any of his first-choice centre-backs got injured and the fact he played only two matches under the former manager speaks volumes on his standing within the squad.

Under Clement, however, Balogun has forced his way into the starting XI on no less than eight occasions and it would have been even more had Beale included him in the Europa League squad back in September.

In the top flight this term, the veteran ranks first for interceptions per game (1.7) and clearances per game (4.6) along with ranking fourth for accurate long balls (four) and sixth for accurate passes (53.7) per game, certainly proving that he has been in solid form since getting a consistent run domestically.

His pace has been a valuable asset to the squad, while an intimidating physical presence has also played a part in the club conceding just two league goals in the six league appearances he has made.

Against Livingston last month, the defender won a staggering 13 of his 15 total duels during the clash and followed that up by winning 13 of his 17 duels against Aberdeen in his next league tie.

Clement chose him to start against the Dons in the League Cup final, and he was solid. Barry Robson’s men rarely posed a threat going forward, preferring to utilise a long ball tactic, but Connor Goldson and Balogun nullified any threat by dropping slightly deeper.

Leon Balogun's statistics this season	Premiership
Accurate passes per game	53.7
Total duels won per game	9.6
Tackles per game	1.4
Interceptions per game	1.7
Clearances per game	4.6
Stats via Sofascore

The 1-0 win means Balogun has won all domestic trophies available to him during his two spells at Rangers and, while he may only be on a one-year deal, he looks reinvigorated under the former Club Brugge boss.

Another player who looks revitalised over the previous few weeks is Sterling, as the former Chelsea starlet has taken advantage of the injuries to several midfielders.

How Dujon Sterling has been reborn under Clement

Another Beale signing, Sterling, arrived in the summer on a free transfer, and he looked like a solid squad player who could provide decent defensive cover.

The 24-year-old had played over 50 English Championship matches in his career and had even featured twice for Chelsea during his spell at Stamford Bridge.

Appearances were hard to come by during the embryonic stages of the 2023/24 campaign as he started just twice against Morton and Celtic.

With Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz injured, he was thrown in at the deep end against Celtic in the opening Old Firm clash of the season and performed admirably in an unfamiliar left-back slot.

The defender made three interceptions, two tackles and was only dribbled past once during his time on the pitch. He failed to build on this, however, and his next Premiership match came three months later against St Mirren.

Nico Raskin, Ryan Jack, and Jose Cifuentes have struggled with injuries over the previous few weeks and this gave Clement a major selection headache, especially when the Ecuadorian midfielder had to come off against Real Betis last week at halftime.

Sterling replaced him and slotted alongside Lundstram in the heart of the midfield and put on a stellar second-half display.

Not only did he win six of his nine ground duels, but the 24-year-old also made five tackles, succeeded with 50% of his dribble attempts and took 26 touches in what was a mature display in a position that he has rarely featured in before.

Clement was obviously pleased, and it led to the right-back being chosen in the starting XI for the League Cup final.

Dujon Sterling's performance in the League Cup final

With the chance to end a 12-year drought in the competition, Clement knew his team would need to be up for the clash against the Dons, and it certainly proved that way.

Sterling was wonderful alongside Lundstram as they controlled the midfield and his performance during the first half led to praise from Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie, who said: “Sterling his side’s best player so far.”

That wasn’t all Barrie had to say about the defender-turned-midfielder either. Following the end of the match, he claimed that Sterling “was brilliant in the circumstances” against Aberdeen, and it was a calm and positive showing.

This performance could ensure he gets the nod to continue in the position against St Johnstone at Ibrox on Wednesday.

Given his showing at Hampden plus the fact he is fit and healthy, it certainly suggests he could play a big part in the team over the next few weeks.

With matches against Motherwell, Ross County and Celtic all to come before the end of 2023, the Gers could kick on from their League Cup victory and demonstrate that they are the team to beat.

Rangers have struck gold on "different class" gem who is valued at £6.9m

Rangers have hit the jackpot over a player who was signed by Michael Beale

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 16, 2023

If they can secure maximum points in their four games before the winter break, they will top the Premiership table and this will give them a massive psychological boost.

If the £22k-per-week gem can stay fit, he should be the first choice to start alongside Lundstram for those games.

Wellington and New Zealand allrounder Luke Woodcock will retire from cricket at the end of the ongoing season. Woodcock, 36, played four ODIs and three T20Is for New Zealand from 2010 to 2011 and is currently playing the Plunket Shield. He told his Wellington team-mates about his retirement decision after their match against Otago on Tuesday, a release said.”It just feels right at this stage to move on,” Woodcock said. “You always get told that you’ll know when things are coming to an end and in all honesty, I never really believed that. But over the last six to nine months things have started to kick in around that final stage of my career and the decision not to play in the Ford Trophy this year was probably a sign it was time to call it a day.”Woodcock made his international debut in a T20I against Pakistan in Hamilton and played only two more matches but didn’t get to bat in any of those. He did, however, pick one wicket in T20Is. He played four ODIs in all and ended with 14 runs and three wickets in those.His domestic career was much more celebrated. Woodcock made his Wellington debut at the age of 19 in 2001 and racked up 10,594 runs and 339 wickets in 384 appearances for them across formats. In November 2017, he broke the record for most first-class appearances for one team by any player in New Zealand when he played his 128th first-class match for Wellington. With them, he won the four-day State Championship in 2004, the Ford Trophy in 2014 and two T20 trophies in 2015 and 2017.He also played over 100 matches for Wellington in each of the three formats. “To reach 100 games in all three formats is pretty special and won’t probably sink in until the season’s done, but I’m really proud of being able to do that for Wellington,” he said. “Cricket Wellington means a lot to me and has been a big part of my life for the last 17 years and I can’t thank them and the Johnsonville Cricket Club enough for helping me have the career that I’ve had.”Wellington head coach Bruce Edgar said Woodcock had been a “great giver to other people”.”Woody’s impact on cricket in Wellington has been felt at local level all the way through to the Firebirds,” Edgar said. “He’s always been committed and passionate to play club cricket and be part of the community and he has represented our values strongly.”He’s been a great giver to other people, not just himself, a lot of players have really looked up to him as a person and as a player, so he’s really epitomised everything we stand for.”Woodcock said he’ll miss the banter, among other things.”Winning four-day matches is extremely difficult so it’s a pretty satisfying winning those. I’ll miss the banter too – I’ve copped a bit and given a bit in my time!”His final appearance will be against Canterbury starting Sunday at the Basin Reserve.

Everton boss Sean Dyche is in the market for new arrivals and one rising star is now being monitored by the Toffees ahead of the window opening in January.

Everton look ahead to Manchester City clash…

Last time out, Everton were on the receiving end of an unfortunate 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, with goals from Richarlison and Son Heung-min cancelling out a late reply from previously forgotten man Andre Gomes.

Despite their controversial points deduction, the Blues have put up a commendable fight to ensure they weren't cut adrift toward the foot of the table and will be hoping to take another step in the right direction against Manchester City at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

Everton transfer update on permanent Jack Harrison deal

Dyche is keen to make the move a full-time one in 2024.

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 25, 2023

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Toffees boss Dyche has urged his side to take the game to City despite encountering recent injury problems: "In my experience of Man City, whenever you think there are moments like that they put out a side and they deliver a performance. I will certainly be making sure the players are ready for getting all of that.

"When you are on the pitch with them they are a very strong side, even when they make changes and are stretched they seem to find a very strong side and a very strong way of playing. So the focus will be on our group."

The Kettering-born boss will have no fears about pitching up against the might of Pep Guardiola in light of his side's recent performances; however, Dyche will also have an eye on January business at present and is now reportedly eyeing a potential star of the future.

Everton keen on Wigan youngster Sam Tickle

According to The Liverpool Echo, Everton are monitoring Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle and have been keeping tabs on his development, which has recently culminated in a call-up to the England Under-21 side.

Sam Tickle statistics in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

27

Clean sheets

9

Goals conceded

30

Sam Tickle key statistics – League One (FBRef)

Save percentage

75.8%

Goals against per 90 minutes

1.28

Total goals against

28

The 21-year-old is someone whose profile is admired by the Toffees and he is seen as someone with talent that could progress at Goodison Park given the chance. Gent full-back Archie Brown is also mentioned as a prospective target and could add some extra flexibility in the left-back department, given that Vitaliy Mykolenko is the only current natural in that position.

Labelled a "big player" by Shaun Maloney, Warrington-born shot-stopper Tickle has made 78 saves across the league campaign for the Latics, preventing 49 strikes from outside the box and 30 from inside his area (Tickle statistics – Sofascore).

Jordan Pickford is clearly number one at Everton between the sticks; nevertheless, Tickle is a promising talent who could offer some reliable cover and may potentially succeed the England international one day if he is to move to Merseyside.

Kylian Mbappe says he will be announcing his next club 'in due course' after playing his last match for Paris Saint-Germain.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Mbappe won final match for PSGGave farewell interview post-matchExpected to announce Real Madrid move soonWHAT HAPPENED?

The Frenchman finally closed the book on his time at PSG by winning the Coupe de France against Lyon. Mbappe was lifted into the air by his team-mates after the match and although he did not get on the scoresheet, he unsurprisingly made a significant impact for his boyhood club. After picking up his winners medal, the 25-year-old reflected on his time in Paris and refused to give too much away about his next move, but he did let slip that an announcement is coming soon.

AdvertisementWHAT MBAPPE SAID

He said: "Playing for PSG is unique, it’s something strong that I recommend to all those who want to experience greatness in their country by being French. Everything I had here, I'm not going to relive it anywhere else but hey, I'm going to experience something else and I'm sure it will be magical.

"The best thing to do is to finish saying goodbye. All I wanted was to finish well with my club. There is a trophy. There is a time for everything. I will announce my new club in due time. It’s only a few days left so there’s no problem."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

No true PSG fan will want Mbappe to leave and they may even feel annoyed that he is joining and strengthening one of their European rivals. But the World Cup winner has been a brilliant servant to his hometown club and has given them six years of his career. His and PSG's failure to win the Champions League will perhaps leave a sour taste but Mbappe has achieved enough in France to be considered a club legend.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

CNNWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

While we wait for Mbappe's official announcement that he is joining Real Madrid, attention can turn to Euro 2024 which will feature the global superstar. France's 77-cap international is yet to win the tournament but will be keen to add it to his international collection that features the World Cup and Nations League.

Sheffield Wednesday will hope they can round off a promising run of results before Christmas with another win against Cardiff City, Danny Rohl's men potentially making it four wins from five if victory is secured against the Bluebirds.

If another three points was the outcome at Hillsborough come full-time, belief will be sky high in South Yorkshire that the Owls can get out of the relegation mire in the Championship once and for all after a dismal start to the season under former boss Xisco Munoz.

Regardless of his team turning around their fortunes recently, the German boss occupying the Wednesday dug-out could make some changes for this weekend's match versus Cardiff.

Rohl could make two changes for the clash tomorrow, freshening his side up for the task of overcoming Erol Bulut's visitors from Wales…

1

GK – Cameron Dawson

Despite transfer rumours circulating that Wednesday are in the market for a new goalkeeper this January, Cameron Dawson should retain his spot in goal for the game tomorrow.

Sheffield Wednesday must seal move for “immense” talent to improve Famewo

Sheffield Wednesday could go in for this top talent in January to boost the defence at Hillsborough.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 22, 2023

The Sheffield-born shot-stopper was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet last time out against QPR, Bambo Diaby heading past his own keeper to rid the 28-year-old of a rare clean sheet.

2

RB – Pol Valentin

Signed in the summer from Sporting Gijón, Pol Valentin could be retained by Rohl for this weekend's matchup with Cardiff also.

The Spanish defender did struggle in the contest against QPR, but gave a far more valiant effort than Liam Palmer who came on in his place late on – Valentin winning four ground duels in the game before being substituted off, Palmer only completing two accurate passes, per Sofascore.

3

CB – Michael Ihiewke

The former Rotherham United defender entering the side would be the first change made by Rohl, £15k-per-week – as per Capology – Michael Ihiewke coming in for Bambo Diaby potentially.

Diaby had a torrid afternoon versus QPR minus scoring an own-goal, the 6 foot 2 centre-back hauled off at half-time consequently. Rohl has also revealed that Diaby's fitness is touch and go for the game tomorrow at Hillsborough with the ex-Barnsley man back in training, meaning Ihiewke could be in line for a start.

Described as "absolutely solid" by Wednesday fan and host of the Wednesday Till I Die podcast James Mappin when speaking to Football League World last season, the Owls will hope Ihiekwe's presence can see a clean sheet secured come full-time.

4

CB – Di'Shon Bernard

Partnering Ihiewke in the heart of defence will most likely be Di'Shon Bernard, even in spite of the former Manchester United man equally having an off-day against the Hoops.

Failing to register a single tackle in that 2-1 win, Bernard will hope he can be more authoritative against Cardiff to keep the Bluebirds at bay going forward.

5

LB – Akin Famewo

Akin Famewo is arguably the only defender who can hold his head up high after his efforts against QPR, leaving the field of play having won ten ground duels in total.

Rohl will start the former Norwich City man against Cardiff subsequently, wanting even more energy and aggression from his reliable full-back.

6

RM – Anthony Musaba

Anthony Musaba will retain his spot down the right-hand side for tomorrow's match after a sterling display against QPR, playing the role of hero on the day with a late strike to win the game.

He was also lively away from this heroic strike, Musaba successful with four dribble attempts in the tight contest and further won six ground duels as a thorn in the QPR side all afternoon.

7

CM – Will Vaulks

Will Vaulks was also crucial in the middle of the park for the Owls last match, winning 100% of his ground duels as the more forceful central midfielder partnered alongside creative spark Barry Bannan.

Rohl will want Vaulks to be equally as stern and combative against the Bluebirds, nullifying Bulut's men advancing forward.

8

CM – Barry Bannan

Barry Bannan is a shoo-in for a start at Hillsborough tomorrow, still wearing the captain's armband for the Owls and performing admirably for a player reaching the twilight of his career at 34 years of age.

The Scotsman does only have one goal next to his name for the season, but was still involved in notable passages of play in the recent narrow win – registering three key passes from midfield.

9

LM – Marvin Johnson

Frozen out by previous manager Xisco Munoz, Marvin Johnson's role in the side has taken on a new importance under Rohl after being reintroduced into the first team fold – scoring versus Blackburn Rovers recently in a 3-1 success.

Inaccurate with all nine of his crosses at Hillsborough last time out, Johnson will hope he can get back to his slaloming best down the wing against Cardiff to help his team pick up their fifth win of the season.

10

ST – Ashley Fletcher

It could well be last chance saloon for Ashley Fletcher if Rohl starts the ex-Middlesbrough man up top in this one, drafted in to potentially replace Callum Paterson who exited the field of play with an injury last time out.

Fletcher is also helped by the fact Michael Smith is still not at full sharpness, eager to make the most of a rare start if selected.

Still goalless in Wednesday blue and white after joining on loan from Watford, Fletcher will hope he can break his Owls duck against Cardiff if chosen to start.

The CA central contracts for 2019-2020 and the Australia A sides to tour England will also be named on Monday

Alex Malcolm12-Apr-20191:22

Shaun Marsh in for Handscomb? How many quicks in total?

How many announcements are expected next week?It is expected that Cricket Australia will make a raft of announcements on Monday, April 15 including naming the contract list for 2019-20, the 2019 World Cup 15-man squad, as well as the Australia A limited-overs and four-day squads that will tour England in June and July.That’s a lot of players…There will be 15 players in the World Cup squad as well as possibly another 15 or so in the Australia A white-ball squad in England in late June for five 50-over games. The Australia A red-ball squad will assemble in early July just after the conclusion of the World Cup and will feature a number of players from both white-ball squads plus some additional long-form specialists and perhaps some young players with an eye towards the future. There is an Australia versus Australia A four-day game in Southampton on July 23 that will require a minimum of 24 players. The Ashes squad is slated to be formally announced after the conclusion of that game, just five days out from the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on August 1.Why so late for the Ashes squad?The selectors want the opportunity to pick players after seeing the performances on the Australia A tour and potentially county cricket. For the two previous Ashes tours the squad was selected and named more than two months out from the tour. A wider squad will be picked on Monday well in advance of the first Test in August but it gives the selectors the flexibility to add players depending on form and fitness.ALSO READ: Aussies overseas: Warner and Smith find form, Renshaw misses outRemind me where we are with the World Cup squadThe selection panel of Trevor Hohns, Greg Chappell and Justin Langer met in Perth on Tuesday to finalise the squad for the World Cup as well as discuss the Australia A squads. The World Cup squad will almost certainly be picked from the squad that toured India and the UAE for 10 ODIs in February and March as well as previously suspended duo Steven Smith and David Warner, and injured fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. It is unlikely than any player outside of the 15 who toured India and UAE plus those four will come into the World Cup mix.Usman Khawaja celebrates his maiden ODI century•Getty Images

So what’s the toughest decision for the selectors?There are two areas of contention. The batting is the toughest issue to solve. The inclusion of Warner and Smith means there are surplus to requirements in the top four. Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh on recent performance have every right to remain in the side but Warner and Smith are proven world-class players and World Cup winners. What it will mean is Ashton Turner misses out but they will lose a freakish power-hitting finisher at the expense of having six batsmen who are all top-four specialists, none of whom possess Turner’s late-over hitting ability.The bowling is less complicated despite the number of quality options. Starc, if fit, will likely replace Jason Behrendorff as a like for like. Jhye Richardson’s fitness may be an issue depending on his recovery from a dislocated shoulder. The other debate surrounds Hazlewood’s inclusion. He could well be left out in order to preserve his body for the Ashes. The wicket-keeping spot is unlikely to be up for debate. Alex Carey looks set to be the No.1 with Peter Handscomb only to be used in the case of injury.Who had central contracts in 2018-19?The initial list, not including players who qualified for upgrades during the year was: Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Tim Paine, Matthew Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis and Andrew Tye.Who might miss out this time?Smith and Warner are almost certain to be contracted after missing out last year due to suspension although the interest will be at what level. Renshaw did not represent Australia in a single international in the contract period so he is unlikely to keep his contract. Mitchell Marsh was named the Test vice-captain last year but lost his place in all three forms. Agar, Tye and Stanlake were out of favour by the end of the summer, although Agar missed a lot of cricket through injury and Tye was called up to the India ODI tour as cover for Kane Richardson. But Zampa has become an automatic selection in Australia’s limited-overs teams and would almost certainly be added while Peter Siddle and James Pattinson could become integral parts of Australia’s England plans, and Pattinson is a tantalising prospect long-term given he is seemingly back to full fitness.The other issue is whether the Test specialists will be rewarded given there were fewer Tests in this contract period than previously. Marcus Harris played all six Tests over the summer and appears a certainty for the Ashes squad at the very least. Joe Burns and Kurtis Patterson made Test hundreds in their last Test appearance against Sri Lanka while Marnus Labuschagne also played in five of Australia’s eight Tests over the last contract period.

Liverpool are unlikely to do anything drastic in the January transfer window after such heavy spending in the summer, with Jurgen Klopp's side firing on all cylinders and performing admirably despite several setbacks to key members throughout the campaign.

The Premier League pace-setters saw numerous changes to the midfield before the start of the term after finishing fifth last year and consequently missing out on the Champions League.

Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez had arrived over the previous three windows to strengthen the offensive ranks in what facilitated full focus on the engine room.

But with Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury in December, the long-discussed concerns regarding Liverpool's defence were heightened, and now bolstering the backline is surely the imperative.

That said, Jarell Quansah's rise to first-team prominence this season has eased fears in the short-term and the 20-year-old looks fit for purpose under Klopp's wing for many years to come – as such, a new centre-back will probably arrive at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo

According to Friday's edition of French newspaper Nice-Matin – via Paisley Gates – Liverpool have the 'advantage' over Manchester United in the race to sign OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain also interested in the player.

Todibo is considered to be the Red Devils' No. 1 defensive target but will require a €60m (£52m) outlay to welcome him to the squad this month, which has dissuaded the named suitors from making their move thus far.

Having wedged his way into the France national set-up ahead of the European Championship this summer, Todibo might prefer to stay put for the time being, which would allow Liverpool to swoop in after the season's conclusion.

How Jean-Clair Todibo compares to Virgil van Dijk

It's believed that Todibo, aged 24, views Liverpool as the most attractive option, should he leave Nice in 2024, with a legendary manager in Klopp, the prestige and awe of Anfield and a first-class playing squad seemingly convincing the player of his preferred destination at this stage.

But Man United have links to Les Aiglons following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS affiliation with the French side; simply, United have technical means to edge the race and Liverpool will need to rely on the allure of the club to prevail.

There's a reason that many top European outfits are fighting for Todido's services, with the Frenchman described as a "Rolls-Royce" defender by journalist and U23 scout Antonio Mango, kickstarting his career across 117 appearances with Nice after a failed spell as a youngster with Barcelona.

This season, with Nice second in Ligue 1 after 17 matches and boasting the division's best defensive record (nine goals conceded), Todibo has been a rock in the defence, starting 14 matches, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.3 tackles, 3.2 clearances and 7.9 ball recoveries per game while succeeding with 71% of his dribbles and 65% of his aerial duels, as per Sofascore.

Making a frankly obscene rate of recoveries each outing is an illumination of the player's remarkable skill set, and it is not surprising at all that a player of his protean ability is now destined for a move to the Premier League.

Klopp could ruin Endo with Liverpool move for £30m "monster"

Jurgen Klopp may well return for this former target in 2024.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 12, 2024

As per FBref, the 6 foot 3 titan ranks among the top 15% of centre-halves across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 16% interceptions and the top 10% for tackles per 90.

Let's explicate: the metrics above highlight the two-cap Les Bleus star's eye-catching ball-playing ability while simultaneously underscoring the robustness and athleticism that has been so important to his game.

#

Player

Club

1

William Saliba

Arsenal

2

Pau Torres

Aston Villa

3

Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa

4

Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal

5

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Moreover, he is tenacious in his defensive duties and protects his goalkeeper with an iron-clad resolve in the rearguard, as shown through his tackling statistics.

With such a rounded skill set, it's no wonder that Liverpool are interested in landing the colossus, especially given the likeness he shares with Virgil van Dijk – just imagine having a new version of the Netherlands captain welcomed to the fold.

Imagine Jean-Clair Todibo & Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool signed Van Dijk from Southampton for £75m in December 2017 and he revolutionised Klopp's squad, instilling confidence, cohesion and security across the backline and beyond, utterly magnificent in his duties and integral to the silver-laden successes of the past years.

The 32-year-old flattered to deceive last year but has returned to his apex since the summer, now donning the captain's armband, and has been immense in the English top-flight, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 5.0 ball recoveries and 4.5 clearances per fixture and winning 78% of his duels – which, to be honest, is absurd.

Todibo is not at Van Dijk's level and it would be foolhardy to assume that he could perform at the same imperious standard, but that's not to say that he couldn't reflect some of the skipper's glowing qualities and even make improvements to edge toward a similar level in the future.

Stat (per 90)

Todibo

Van Dijk

Matches played

14

18

Goals

0

1

Pass completion %

90.5%

90.5%

Tackles

1.99

1.50

Blocks

1.47

1.39

Interceptions

1.32

1.39

Clearances

3.31

4.74

Aerial success %

62.5%

82%

Progressive passes

4.85

5.43

Progressive carries

0.74

0.98

Successful take-ons

0.74

0.06

Shot-creating actions

1.47

1.68

*Sourced via FBref's player comparison tool

At a glance, the table above suggests that Van Dijk towers over the Nice ace, and while he bests him across many qualities, both are crisp and creative in possession and progressive with their ball-carrying.

Todibo's stunning ratio of successful take-ons (which means how often a player beats an opponent while in possession of the ball) is also a singular and distinctive quality that only deepens the argument that he should be signed.

With improvements over the coming years, Todibo's already impressive metrics across the park could gain even more merit and allow him to perform at the same level as Van Dijk.

And with both titans performing alongside each other under Klopp's guidance, who knows how mighty Liverpool's defence could be.

Chris Gayle has been named West Indies vice-captain for the 2019 World Cup, while Shai Hope has been appointed vice-captain for the ongoing tri-nation series in Ireland, also involving Bangladesh.Gayle, who is set to retire from ODIs after the World Cup, is by far the most experienced player in West Indies’ World Cup squad, with 10,151 runs in 289 ODIs. His career-best of 215, which came against Zimbabwe during the 2015 edition of the tournament, is still the highest ODI score for the team, and remains one of only eight double-centuries in the format.”It is always an honour to represent the West Indies in any format and this World Cup for me is special,” Gayle, who last captained West Indies in an ODI in June 2010, said after the announcement. “As a senior player, it is my responsibility to support the captain and everyone else in the team.”This will probably be the biggest World Cup, so there will be great expectations and I know we will do very well for the people of the West Indies.”On his appointment as deputy for the tri-nation series, Hope said, “Ahead of this tournament I was asked to take on this role and I was happy to accept. Anything I’m asked to do for West Indies cricket I’m always happy and willing to put my hand up, so this is great.”The tri-nation series is set to end on May 17 in Malahide before West Indies make their way to England for the World Cup that begins a fortnight later. Their World Cup campaign begins with a trip to Trent Bridge to face Pakistan on May 31.