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Arsenal could already be considering their options for the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta hopes to bolster his squad for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard has seen his side start the season well, however the looming narrative of last term’s lack of squad depth is already plaguing the favoured XI.

Injuries to key players and little room to manoeuvre rotation has provided an essence of the 2022/23 Premier League season’s shortcomings, in which the Gunners missed out on the title on the home straight as their lack of quality outside of the XI was exploited.

This week, the Mirror explained that the north Londoners will target reinforcements for their midfield in the upcoming January window, with £105m summer acquisition Declan Rice being the only player not to be absent from injury at present in Arteta’s favoured middle of the park trio.

Arsenal's January transfer targets

As highlighted by John Cross, via The Mirror, the manager’s primary target in deep midfield is said to be Aston Villa dynamo Douglas Luiz, a player the Gunners failed to sign last summer.

The Brazilian has a current market value of €60m (£52m), however is poised to cost even more due to his importance to Unai Emery’s side, and the fact that the 25-year-old penned a new deal with the Villans in October 2022.

Away from the Premier League, another potential target has been identified in the form of a player well-known elsewhere in the Midlands, with former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves reported to be of interest at Arsenal.

A report from talkSPORT suggested that Arteta and Edu could opt to challenge Newcastle United for the signature of the 26-year-old, who could return to the top-flight on a loan deal from Al-Hilal just five months after his move to Saudi Arabia.

The upcoming vote to determine whether Premier League clubs can block loaning players within their ownership groups could be detrimental to the Magpies’ hopes and could hand the Gunners a boost in their bid to sign the Portugal international.

The report from talkSPORT also acknowledged Edu as a ‘long-term admirer’ of the former Molineux magician.

Ruben Neves’ time in the Premier League

In the summer of 2017, Wolves captured Neves from Porto when the club were in the Championship, making for confusing reading in Portugal as the midfielder traded in the Liga Portugal for the English second-tier to join Nuno Espirito Santo’s revolution.

The 1997-born gem only needed a single season in the Championship to assist the Old Gold in gaining promotion, as his importance in Nuno’s side became evident as he flourished in playing among the physicality of the English game.

In the Premier League, Neves’ consistency never dipped, as his presence in the engine room inspired the growth of the team, with his combative yet elegant edge beneficial to both the defence and attack.

A quality ball striker and fine passer of the ball, the 44-cap Portugal international was once lauded as being “on another planet” to his teammates by journalist Steve Madeley, reinforcing his quality while at Molineux.

As highlighted in the table above, Neves’ ability to dictate play in the Midlands was impossible to ignore, with him topping the charts for the majority of his career at Wolves for his average rate of passes per game in the Premier League and Championship.

The former Porto maestro’s contribution to goals was far from his greatest asset, however he had the quality to step up when needed and prevail as the Old Gold’s shining light time after time.

In 177 Premier League appearances, the 26-year-old netted 21 goals and recorded nine assists, with the majority of his quality coming prior to goals in having the intelligence to act as the metronome in the engine room to filter out positive sequences of play.

Last season in the league, no midfielder averaged more touches in the defensive third than Neves (24.15 per 90), reinforcing his presence in transitioning play and versatility to conform to all roles required when playing as a box-to-box type midfielder.

What Ruben Neves could offer to Arsenal

In the absence of Thomas Partey and the departure of Granit Xhaka, Arsenal’s midfield is looking like a shell of last season’s solidity, with only Rice’s presence the current reliable source of consistent quality.

While the sale of Xhaka couldn’t be avoided as the 31-year-old wanted to return to Germany, Arteta lost a key part of his squad, in a player that effortlessly orchestrated the pace and direction of play, complimented by the anchoring presence of Partey.

As relayed this week by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Switzerland international tops the charts in Europe for the most final third passes (127) and progressive passes (119), exaggerating just what Arsenal are missing in his absence.

Back in the summer of 2021, football.london described Neves as being the ‘perfect upgrade’ to Xhaka, who looked poised to join Roma after falling out with the north Londoners before rebuilding the bridges.

The duo have a similar approach to their play, both displaying sturdy assets in protecting the back line, as well as having the composure and quality to dictate play ahead of them thanks to an innate reading of the game and ability to distribute the ball.

In relation to finding a suitable replacement for the role that Xhaka so confidently made his own at the Emirates, Neves has the potential to hand Arteta a new source of quality in the midfield to act as the heir to the Swiss maestro.

The Portugal international averaged a higher rate of progressive passes and provided more cover in the defensive areas than the Bayer Leverkusen whiz in the Premier League last term, reinforcing claims that he could fill the void.

Only time will tell if Arsenal are serious in their pursuit to sign Neves, who would undoubtedly be a quality asset to introduce back into the Premier League.

Arsenal reclaimed top spot in Group B in the Champions League last night, after Mikel Arteta’s side were victorious over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on their third outing of the 2023/24 tournament.

The Gunners were tested throughout the contest by the Spanish outfit, however it took two moments of quality for the north Londoners to undo the hosts' hard work and claim the vital win.

After losing against RC Lens in their previous game in the group stage, a win on Tuesday evening took Arsenal back to the top of the group, thanks to the outcome of the duel between Lens and PSV, which ended 1-1 in France.

How did Arsenal play against Sevilla?

It was far from Arsenal’s prettiest performance, as they were constantly asked questions by Diego Alonso’s side, as highlighted by the hosts dominating 56% of possession.

While it wasn’t an elegant showing by Arteta’s squad, it was decisive, as the Gunners made what they could from their depleted levels of possession, recording 2.04 expected goals (xG) to Sevilla’s 0.78, via Sofascore.

It took seconds before the halftime whistle for Gabriel Martinelli to open the scoring on his Champions League debut, with the chance entirely sourced from the brilliance of Gabriel Jesus, who claimed the assist in style.

The former Manchester City whiz then claimed his third goal in three appearances in the competition this season in the 53rd minute, although his individual excellence was quickly muted by Nemanja Gudelj’s header that narrowed the deficit.

The away side weathered the storm that the hosts broke with wave after wave of attack, earning the victory thanks to the expertise of Jesus, who was dubbed “world-class” during the fixture by journalist Charles Watts.

With a goal, an assist and a pass completion rate of 92%, Arsenal’s number nine was awarded the highest Sofascore match rating with 8.5, however he wasn’t the only figure that stood out for the visitors.

How did Declan Rice play against Sevilla?

Lauded as “sensational” by journalist Matt Scott for his efforts, Declan Rice registered another impressive display for the Gunners on Wednesday night.

The midfielder controlled the tempo in a high-intensity midfield for 90 minutes in Seville, proving minute by minute just why Arteta was insistent on spending £105m to capture his signature in the summer.

As usual, the combative and controlled presence of Rice assisted Arsenal in keeping a grip on the game when the hosts challenged, highlighted by him winning 100% of his aerial duels and recording two tackles and one interception, via Sofascore.

While that element of his game is expected, the Englishman showcased his ability to roam into more advanced areas, registering three key passes and claiming an assist for Jesus’ superb goal that prevailed to be the match-winner.

TNT Sports commentator Lucy Ward said during the game that Sevilla “physically could not compete” with the presence of Rice, as the 24-year-old kept things tidy at a time of need in Arteta’s midfield.

A win was essential for the Gunners in the Champions League, and Arsenal got the task done thanks to the brilliance of both Jesus and their £105m hero.

Whilst Arsenal have returned to Europe's elite on the pitch, with Mikel Arteta guiding his side back into the Champions League and in the discussion for the Premier League title, the work that the Gunners have done off the pitch also deserves high praise, with the recruitment team getting things fairly spot on these days, welcoming the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice in recent years.

Their form off the pitch doesn't look set to come to an end anytime soon, either, with reports suggesting that they are interested in rivalling Liverpool for one particular target.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have been rewarded ever since they started getting things right in the transfer window, going from top-four failures to title challengers in an astonishing transition last season. They have not slowed down under Arteta, either, remaining unbeaten after eight games in the current campaign, and even laying down a marker by defeating champions Manchester City.

If Arsenal are to compete for silverware once more, then January could be a crucial turning point, especially if they beat Liverpool to the signature of their midfield target. The latest Andre Trindade transfer news, relayed by This is Anfield, has claimed that the Gunners are interested in signing the midfielder. According to reports, Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has even visited the Fluminense training ground, which has only added fuel to the fire.

The official reason for the visit was to learn about the Fluminense youth development process and to continue the strong partnership between the clubs. The fact that Andre is a Fluminese player makes Edu's visit all the more interesting, however, especially given the recent rumours. The Serie A season in Brazil ends in December, potentially allowing Andre to make a January departure from his current side.

How has Andre performed this season?

Despite Fluminense sitting frustratingly sixth in Serie A, Andre has still left many impressed with his performances, doing enough to earn his first two caps for the Brazil national team. Based on Andre's stats, it's clear that the Brazilian is one of the best in his position in his league, too, and has even outperformed some current Arsenal midfielders.

Player

Interceptions Per 90

Progressive Passes

Take-ons Completed

Andre

1.31

6.57

1.41

Kai Havertz

0.51

4.12

0.20

Fabio Vieira

0.95

4.76

0.95

It's no surprise, then, given the numbers, that Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly battling it out to sign Andre, with a keen eye on the January transfer window. The 22-year-old has earned plenty of praise during his time in Brazil, too, including from journalist Fernando Campos, who said:

"Pressure and playing with the confidence of someone who knows they are different. Get out of the way and make the team work. André Trindade is the best midfielder in the country and is a monster of a player."

With that said, it looks as if Andre is one to keep an eye on in the coming months, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly set to do battle for his signature in January.

Brazil boss Dorival Junior has come in for criticism for praising Robinho after the former forward was jailed for rape.

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• Robinho jailed for nine years in Brazil for rape
• Dorival Junior calls Robinho 'fantastic person'
• Brazil coach criticised for his comments

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Real Madrid and Manchester City forward Robinho has been jailed for nine years after being ordered to serve the prison sentence in Brazil, having been found guilty in an Italian court in 2017. Brazil coach Dorival Junior, who is currently in England preparing for a friendly at Wembley, has spoken out about the situation and attracted criticism for his comments about the former forward.

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• Rafael Ribeiro / CBF
  

  WHAT DORIVAL JUNIOR SAID

  He said: "As the coach of the national team, I have an obligation to speak out. First, I think it's a very delicate situation. Robinho was my player [at Santos in 2010], a fantastic person, such a professional … I didn't have the opportunity to work with Daniel [Alves], but we all know his story within football. It's a difficult time for us to express any and all situations.

  "First, I think about the families of the people involved. Especially the victims involved in these episodes, which happen in our country and around the world and which, suddenly, are not addressed. They are hushed up because people don't have a voice. If there was a type of crime that was proven, it must be penalized.

  "As much as it hurts my heart to talk about this, about a person with whom I had an exceptional relationship, I care much more for the victims, for the families, as well as for their families too. I know how painful it must have been for each of them to go through a moment like this.

  "I don't wish this on anyone, I feel for everything they will go through from then on in their lives, everyone who is involved, what I can do is help them with prayers, nothing more."

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT DORIVAL JUNIOR

  Brazil midfielder Ary Borges responds to the coach's words on social media: “This is unbelievable, it really is."

  Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has also spoken out about how the media has handled the rape convictions of Robinho and Dani Alves. She told UOL: "Nobody says anything, but I, as a woman here at the head of the delegation, have to take a stand on the cases of Robinho and Daniel Alves. It's a slap in the face for all of us women, especially the case of Daniel Alves, who paid for (his) freedom. It is important for me to position myself. Each case of impunity is the seed of the next crime."

  Commentator Natalia Lara applauded Pereira's speech and also criticised Dorival's words in an interview with Sport TV. She said: "Dorival Junior’s speech hurts my heart. Because there is no 'if'. Robinho was sentenced to 9 years in prison. There is no 'if', Dorival. He was convicted. Brazilian football needs to stop being lax and talking about rape. Because it hurts the victim's skin. It doesn't hurt for you, Dorival. It hurts for us, it's a slap in the face, as Leila Pereira so rightly said. Yes, she has the courage to speak, something you didn’t have.”

  Brazil midfielder Kerolin also spoke out in a post on X: "How long will women continue to suffer these and other types of crimes and the people who commit them go unharmed?!?!"

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Robinho's rape conviction follows that of former Brazil international Dani Alves. The ex-Barcelona star was sentenced to four years and six months in jail in February 2024 after being found guilty of raping a woman in a nightclub. Alves has appealed the conviction and will be released if he can pay bail of €1m (£853,000/$108m) and give up his passports.

أكد بوكايو ساكا أنه كان يشعر بالضغط قبل تنفيذ ركلة الترجيح الخاصة به في مباراة منتخب بلده إنجلترا أمام سويسرا في بطولة يورو 2024.

وتأهل منتخب إنجلترا على حساب سويسرا إلى نصف نهائي يورو 2024، بركلات الترجيح، بعدما انتهت المباراة بهدف لمثله، بتسجيل إمبولو التقدم، وتعادل بوكايو ساكا قبل 10 دقائق من النهاية.

وحصل بوكايو ساكا على جائزة رجل المباراة أمام سويسرا، بعد تسجيله الهدف الرائع في الدقيقة 80.

وقال ساكا في تصريحات لوسائل الإعلام عقب المباراة: “الضغط الناتج عن ركلات الترجيح؟ بالطبع هناك ضغط، ولكن شيء يمكنني أن أتقبله، تفشل مرة واحدة، ولكنني من النوع الذي يريد أن يضع نفسه في هذا الموقف مرة أخرى”.

ساكا كان أحد اللاعبين الذين أهدروا ركلات ترجيح في نهائي النسخة الماضية أمام إيطاليا، وخسرت إنجلترا حينها، ليتعرض بوكايو وزملائه لحملات عنصرية كبيرة من بعض الجماهير.

وأضاف: “أعلم أن هناك الكثير من الأشخاص كانوا متوترين عندما سددت ركلة الترجيح، مثل عائلتي في المقام الأول، لكنني حافظت على هدوئي وسجلت وتمكننا من الفوز”.

وعن مواساة زميله السابق في آرسنال، جرانيت تشاكا عقب المباراة، قال ساكا: “لقد فاز جرانيت بما يكفي من الألقاب ها الموسم. أعتقد أنه لاعب مذهل وشخص مذهل، التواضع الذي أظهره عقب المباراة عندما جاء لمصافحتنا يقول كل شيء”.

واختتم: “أنا أحترم منتخب سويسرا كثيرًا، لقد قدموا مباراة رائعة أمامنا، ولكن في النهاية نحن من تأهلنا إلى نصف النهائي”.

When Cristiano Ronaldo departed Manchester United in 2009 for a fee of £80m, it marked a landmark day in the world of football.

A new world-record price tag had been shelled out by the Spanish side in a deal that sent shockwaves throughout Europe.

Madrid meant business as they bought a global icon to the capital of Spain in the hope of rivalling the great Barcelona side of the time.

Remarakbly, such a price now would fetch you Harry Maguire. Even Moises Caicedo cost £35m this summer in a British record transfer.

Unsurprisingly United needed to find a replacement for Ronaldo but have very rarely ever come close.

It marks the tale of Gabriel Obertan then, a fascinating one.

How much did Man United sign Obertan for?

In a bid to replace a global superstar the summer Ronaldo left, Sir Alex Ferguson welcomed a certain Obertan to Old Trafford.

The riches that fell the way of the Red Devils were clearly being reserved for another time as a mere £3m was handed to Bordeaux in order to lure the French starlet away from Ligue 1.

He was very much a raw talent at the time, but coincidentally was also being eyed up by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

The transfer was barely a risk at such a price, as he joined alongside Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia, only to see his career never reach the dizzy peaks that were expected.

What was said about Obertan when he joined?

Joining in the same summer as Ronaldo left was never going to be ideal for the budding French forward who did his utmost to ensure comparisons between the two were players were kept to a minimum.

Unfortuantely, expectations were high for the now 34-year-old. He allegedly boasted high potential at that period in his career and arrived at United after positive endorsements from Ferguson's former defender Laurent Blanc.

Aged 20 at the time, he signed a four year deal in the north of England and acknowledged that it would take some doing to emulate the great Portuguese that had gone before him, saying: "But I know I still have a lot of work to do to get to Ronaldo's level."

He was also keen to downplay any similarities, noting in a separate interview: "I am not Ronaldo's successor. For now there is no comparison, I am just trying to be Gabriel Obertan. I have only been here for six months and I cannot do what he did in that time.”

The comparisons duly came, however, notably from one Manchester Evening News contributor who revealed several years later than he thought Obertan was "the perfect replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo."

At the time, it was clear to see why some comparisons were there. This was a silky young winger with the world at his feet, one who had just been named the most valuable player at the prestigious Toulon international youth tournament.

How many goals did Obertan score for Man United?

The lofty expectations thrust upon the Frenchman clearly became too much as his career at Man United was nothing short of a nightmare.

He only scored once in 27 appearances for the senior side, contributing four assists in total over a two year stay. Obertan was, at least, more prolific for the reserve side at the time, finding the net on eight occasions in 22 U21 matches, while providing five assists.

That development and form may well have been exciting but the fact of the matter is that he never made the grade.

Next up on Obertan's agenda was a move to Newcastle United in 2011, although he didn't fare much better at St James' Park, scoring on only three occasions in 75 games.

Where is Gabriel Obertan now?

Obertan has seemingly been round the houses since setting foot in Manchester all those years ago.

The hope was that the young French star would replace Ronaldo but his career has taken him so far away from that remarkable comparison, it scarcely defies belief.

After Newcastle, the winger headed to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala then back to England with Wigan, before joining Levski Sofia, then Turkish second division side Erzurumspor.

Rather strangely, the veteran attacker is now plying his trade in America. No, he's not in MLS, but instead the third tier of USA football where he dons the Charlotte Independence jersey.

Obertan may well be at the end of his career now but 14 years on, that is quite the fall from grace.

Even in the States he's struggled to find the net with too much regularity, netting 12 goals across 53 appearances.

Like many young footballers, this is a classic tale of what could have been. Either way, that £3m gamble back in 2009 never really paid off.

Aston Villa achieved a successful summer in the transfer window, bolstering the squad in a host of areas to better their chances at improving on last season's highs.

Five new faces have arrived on the scene during the window, with Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Clement Lenglet joining Unai Emery on his quest to take Villa to the next level.

Making impressive signings would not have been possible without the Spaniard’s intervention following his arrival at Villa Park in October 2022, where he has since transformed the club in ways beyond in-play performance.

Aston Villa summer signings

Player

Club

Fee

Youri Tielemans

Leicester City

Free

Pau Torres

Villarreal

£33m

Moussa Diaby

Bayer Leverkusen

£51.9m

Nicolo Zaniolo

Galatasaray

Loan

Clement Lenglet

Barcelona

Loan

Figures via Sky Sports.

The Midlands club have been granted a new lease of life thanks to the 51-year-old’s objectives for his side, bringing with him a stellar CV that has ultimately helped to attract some star names to join his project.

Despite bringing in such a calibre of talent, as well as smashing the club's record transfer fee to obtain the £51.9m signature of Diaby, there were some targets that could not be collected by Emery and Monchi this summer.

Last month, one name was rumoured to be of interest to the Villans, as midfielder Tyler Adams was speculated to be on the manager’s and Monchi's radar, in a move that could have prevailed to have a strong outcome for Villa.

Did Aston Villa nearly sign Tyler Adams?

Reported by Football Insider in August, it was claimed that the Midlands side were ‘exploring a potential move’ for the former Leeds United midfielder, who joined a host of players who were hoping to depart Elland Road.

The Whites’ relegation to the Championship called time on a number of players’ futures at the club, with Adams being one of them eager to leave to avoid playing in the second tier.

Luckily for the United States international, a £20m relegation release clause was in place in his contract with the Yorkshire club, making him an affordable asset for interested parties to consider.

Villa looked to be in the race to sign the American, however, Chelsea seemed to get their first, as it was reported that the Blues were closing in on the 24-year-old.

Things took a quick turn, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side pulled the plug on the deal after the midfielder’s medical, with the Daily Mail reporting their concerns over his ongoing hamstring injury.

It didn’t take long for the former RB Leipzig star to find a new club after the west Londoners’ snub, as Bournemouth activated his release clause to secure his signature on a five-year deal.

The American is back in the Premier League, however after making such an impact in his debut campaign at Elland Road, it poses the question of just how much of a strong acquisition he would have been under Emery.

What is Tyler Adams’ market value?

Valued at €38.3m (£32.9m) by Football Transfers, Villa could have sealed a bargain in Adams, whose release clause was a price far lower than the figure reflective of his form.

At just 24, the combative midfielder has experience playing in his home nation in the MLS, as well as the Bundesliga and of course, the Premier League, where he made 24 appearances for Leeds.

Lauded as a “monster” by former defender and fellow countryman Alexi Lalas, the United States ace is highly-regarded back home, captaining his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar aged just 23.

With strong leadership ability and a rounded skill set in the engine room, the New York-born gem could have sparkled in Emery’s midfield, considering that the Spaniard recruited in such a position earlier in the window.

Who do Aston Villa have in that position?

Before the summer transfer window officially opened, Villa announced that they had reached an agreement to sign former Leicester City marvel Youri Tielemans, as the central midfielder’s contract expired with the Foxes.

A middle of the park maestro that had just suffered relegation from the Premier League, the Belgian had a similar claim to the club to their later rumoured target in Adams.

Deployed more typically in a slightly more advanced role to that inhabited by the American, Tielemans signed to seek relief from relegation, however, he hasn’t had a chance to show his worth yet under Emery.

Speaking in a recent press conference, relayed by Football 365, the former Anderlecht star admitted that his situation at Villa Park is “not pleasant”, as he still waits to earn his first Premier League start for the claret and blues.

The player believes the reason behind his absence to be down to the manager’s preference to play two in midfield, with enforcers Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara fitting the demographic of a combative presence better.

Should Aston Villa have signed Tyler Adams?

There were rumours in the summer that Luiz, Villa’s favoured midfielder, was attracting interest from the capital, with The Sun reporting that both Arsenal and Tottenham were eyeing his movements.

In the instance that the Brazilian was to leave Villa Park one day in the future, Tielemans would get a clearer path to being a crucial member of the midfield, which poses the question as to whether Adams would have been a better fit from the off.

Last season, the former Leeds dominator ranked in the top 3% of midfielders in the Premier League with reference to his rate of tackles per 90, in which he averaged a stellar 3.72 per 90, via FBref.

Tielemans, while eye-catching from a technical point of view is not so good at that part of the game, averaging below Adams but still impressively with 2.53 tackles per 90 in the same campaign with Leicester. However, his numbers fell glaringly short of those of Adams, telling of what Emery could have got in the American considering the role he wants his midfield duo to undertake.

Instead, the Belgian is heralded for his passing ability, but the Bournemouth man actually topped the Villa outsider in terms of his average pass completion rate per 90, recording 82.5% to his 80.3%.

There’s no denying the quality that Tielemans has in his locker, but with him missing out on minutes due to Emery’s preference to field the two holding midfielders, the Spaniard could have hired the player that fits his wishes better in Adams.

Adding in the fact that sides interested in Luiz may come knocking for the Brazilian again in the winter and beyond, the former Arsenal boss could have had a reassuring defensive presence in the American.

There are of course many factors to the reported interest, with the fact remaining that the Villans have got a seasoned midfielder in Tielemans despite missing out on Adams, however only time will tell if Emery lives to regret not pushing for the 24-year-old.

Atapattu will take over the captaincy from Inoka Ranaweera for the upcoming home ODIs against Pakistan

Madushka Balasuriya 19-Mar-2018

Chamari Atapattu, fresh from her excursion in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia, will take over the captaincy from Inoka Ranaweera for Sri Lanka in the upcoming home series against Pakistan. Nipuni Hansika was named vice-captain.All eyes will be on 17-year old Kavisha Dilhari, who was discovered through an island-wide talent hunt. Dilhari was recently described by Sri Lanka’s high performance manager Simon Willis – who was a part of the talent search team – as a “very competitive beast,” having been playing cricket domestically since she was 15 years of age.”She came to some trials I was at and showed great potential. She showed great maturity for someone her age. Even in match situations she’s a very competitive beast,” he told ESPNcricinfo.”Hence, why we’ve given her the opportunity here. We believe she’s someone we need to back and give the experience and play alongside fantastic players like her captain. And learn from her.”Dilhari is among four changes to the squad from the one that toured the West Indies late last year, with Chamari Polgampola, Sugandika Kumari and Inoshi Fernando the other additions. Making way are Chandima Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Yashoda Mendis, and Udeshika Prabodhani.Sri Lanka will play three ODIs and three T20Is. All three ODIs will take place in Dambulla on March 20, 22, and 24, and will count for the ICC Women’s Championship. The T20 series will shift the action to Colombo with the first match taking place at the SSC on the 28th, the second at the NCC on 30th, and the final game back at the SSC on the 31st.Sri Lanka and Pakistan have played three matches each in the current cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship. Sri Lanka are placed at the bottom – the only team without a win yet – while Pakistan are sixth with one win to their name.Sri Lanka ODI squad: Chamari Atapattu (captain), Prasadani Weerakkody, Dilani Manodara, Nipuni Hansika, Hasini Perera, Rebecca Vandort, Chamari Polgampola, Shashikala Siriwardena, Ama Kanchana, Achini Kulasooriya, Sripali Weerakkody, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Fernando, Kavishka Dilhani

أثار اختيار أحمد حسن، قائد منتخب مصر السابق، سفيرًا للاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم، غضب البعض داخل الوسط الرياضي المصري.

وعبر قناة “صدى البلد”، ردّ حسن على منتقديه، مؤكدًا أن اختياره جاء بناءً على مسيرته الحافلة بالإنجازات، وأنه بعيد عن المنافسة مع أي شخص آخر.

وقال أحمد حسن في تصريحات عبر قناة “صدى البلد”: “كل التوفيق لمنتخبنا بقيادة حسام حسن وجهازه، مباراتان هامتان سيحددان بنسبة كبيرة تأهلنا لكأس العالم، وأيضًا أمامنا أمر مهم جدًا وهو التتويج بكأس أمم إفريقيا 2025”.

وأضاف: “معسكر منتخب مصر الحالي مهم والاستعداد مهم، والمدرب طلب أن يبدأ المعسكر مُبكرًا وتمت الموافقة على ذلك، والحالة المعنوية مرتفعة بعد فوز الأهلي والزمالك ببطولتي دوري الأبطال والكونفدرالية، ويبقى توفيق الله واجتهاد الجميع”.

وتابع: “من فترة تم اختياري كسفير للاتحاد الإفريقي، ممثلًا لكرة القدم المصرية، هناك ناس تنزعج وتقول (اشمعنى) لكن أنا عندما تم اختياري من قبل الكاف، كان بناءً على أرقام كثيرة جدًا، قبل ذلك في السوبر المصري مجلس أبو ظبي طلب مني أن أضع الكأس، وكنت موجودًا لتسليم جائزة أفضل لاعب في حفل جوائز الكاف في المغرب”.

طالع أيضًا | شيكابالا: لا أحب الانضمام لمنتخب مصر.. وأحذر حسام حسن

وأشار: “من يقول (اشمعنى أحمد حسن) أقول له هذا لأسباب كثيرة، بلغة الأرقام والتاريخ أنا بعيد عن ناس كثيرة لو تحدثنا بلغة الأرقام والبطولات وعدد المباريات، بالتأكيد سأكون في مكانة بعيدة عن الجميع”.

وأوضح: “التحديد لا يكون من مصر، لأن لو من مصر لن يذكر أحد اسمي، لكن التحديد يأتي من الخارج (من يقول اشمعنى) في النهاية أنا أمثل الكرة المصرية، وتجد ناس منزعجة من ذلك”.

واختتم: “واضح أن عندما تكون متواضعًا الناس تفهم ذلك بشكل خاطئ، وأن من المفترض أن أي أحد يتحدث عن نفسه وتاريخه وأرقامه، أشخاص من الذين يديرون الرياضة في مصر استفسروا من الاتحاد الإفريقي عن سبب تواجدي في المحافل”.

علقت جماهير فريق ليفربول على أداء المصري محمد صلاح، في مباراة ولفرهامبتون اليوم بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وشارك محمد صلاح أساسيًا في مباراة ولفرهامبتون والتي انتهت بفوز ليفربول بهدفين مقابل لا شيء، والتي أقيمت على ملعب “أنفيلد” في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

اقرأ ايضاً.. تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وولفرهامبتون بالدوري الإنجليزي

وكالعادة عبرت جماهير ليفربول عن آرائها في أداء النجم المصري، خلال مباراة ولفرهامبتون، بالإضافة إلى وصوله إلى 250 مباراة مع ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي المختلفة.  ردود أفعال جماهير ليفربول على أداء محمد صلاح بعد الفوز أمام ولفرهامبتون

“أحتاج لهدف محمد صلاح لإنهاء هذه الحقبة”.

Necesito el gol de Mohamed Salah, para culminar esta era. — Lisbet 🍁 (@mixel_9) May 19, 2024

“تاريخ خالص لمحمد صلاح، 250 مباراة مع ليفربول”.

Historia pura la de Mohamed Salah, 250 partidos con el Liverpool pic.twitter.com/spTitqSzQa — Luis Abuelo Vázquez (@abuelovazquez) May 19, 2024

بالتوفيق لأحسن لاعب ♥ — Ahmed Salama (@mokaelmasry) May 19, 2024

“صلاح سيسجل ويصنع هدفاً الليلة”.

Salah will score and assist today🅰️⚽️ — Timmybow7🇬🇭 (@Bow7Timmy) May 19, 2024

“الملك المصري، أعظم لاعب إفريقي في تاريخ الدوري الإنجليزي”.

The Egyptian King
The Greatest African player ever in EPL pic.twitter.com/dmGG5TFQ2O — Kwabena (@_Kwabena_Kodua) May 19, 2024

“محمد صلاح لاعب عظيم”.

Mohammad Salah great player — Ravi Saxena🇮🇳 (@Saxena_Ravi1) May 19, 2024

“أفضل جناح في الدوري الإنجليزي”.

The best Winger in EPL 💯 — METIU_2022 (@METIU_2022) May 19, 2024

“الملك المصري رائع”.

The Egyptian king is fantastic — Enzo Richie (@baahrichard5) May 19, 2024