The team has never won the IPL title, and finished sixth in each of the three seasons Anil Kumble was their coach

ESPNcricinfo staff and PTI03-Sep-2022 • Updated on 16-Sep-2022

PA Images via Getty Images

Punjab Kings have appointed Trevor Bayliss as head coach ahead of IPL 2023, after Anil Kumble’s contract was not renewed. Kings had failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons under Kumble.Bayliss comes with a lot of pedigree, not just internationally but also in the IPL. He was the head coach of England when they won the 2019 ODI World Cup and was also the chief coach at Kolkata Knight Riders when they won the IPL in 2012 and 2014. More recently, Bayliss was the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Bayliss recently coached London Spirit at the men’s Hundred event in England.Kings have qualified for the playoffs only twice despite being a part of the IPL from the very beginning (as Kings XI Punjab). The first time was in the inaugural season, 2008, when they made the semi-finals, and then in 2014, when they finished runners-up to Knight Riders. They have finished sixth in each of the last four seasons.The decision to let Kumble go was taken by a board comprising co-owners Preity Zinta, Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia and Karan Paul, as well as Kings’ chief executive officer Satish Menon.Related

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Kumble joined Kings in 2020. At the time, he became the fifth coach Kings had appointed in five seasons after Sanjay Bangar (2014-16), Virender Sehwag (2017), Brad Hodge (2018) and Mike Hesson (2019).In 2020, Kumble was the only Indian head coach in IPL. Kings were the third IPL team he had worked with after his playing days, having earlier served as mentor for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. This was before he took the job of India head coach for a year in 2016.Under Kumble, Kings won 19 and lost 23 matches over three seasons. That is the second worst win-loss ratio for any team in IPL since 2020, only behind Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Thibaut Courtois believes Manchester City striker Erling Haaland would be a great fit at Real Madrid due to the style of play.

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Courtois admits Haaland would be a good fit at MadridBelieves Madrid's style of play suits Norwegian strikerCity star has scored just twice in five games against RealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Thibaut Courtois has spoken up about Erling Haaland's style of play and believes the Manchester City centre-forward would be right at home at Real Madrid and get plenty of goals had he been donning the illustrious white jersey of the Spanish giants.

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When Haaland was plundering goals for Borussia Dortmund, he was constantly linked to Real Madrid. In fact, he has been subject to transfer rumours even after joining Man City in 2022.

With the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, who along with Haaland is widely considered as one of the heirs to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, it seems like a stretch to even imagine about Haaland signing for Madrid. Let's not forget that the 24-year-old signed an extension until 2034 with the Sky Blues last month.

However, Courtois believes that Haaland would be a great goal scorer were he to join Los Blancos someday, similar to how Ronaldo and Karim Benzema got plenty of goals at Madrid in the past.

WHAT THIBAUT COURTOIS SAID

“Did you expect that from Benzema? Because obviously, Cristiano was there before. And he was almost like, Cristiano was the superstar, and Benzema was like the next guy to him supporting,” Courtois was asked by Rio Ferdinand on a podcast.

"Yeah, because eventually, Cristiano scored a lot of goals. But when he left, someone else got those goals," Courtois explained.

"If you're in the right spot, I also think a striker like Haaland in our team would score a lot of goals, because we are very attacking.

"I think Haaland is also this kind of striker that lives from inside the box. And I think we have enough quality to reach there and if you're inside the box, I think we have a lot of crosses in the game."

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND AND COURTOIS?

Courtois' Real Madrid eliminated Man City from the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Haaland having to watch the rout from the bench due to injury. The former will be expected to start between the sticks against Girona on Sunday, February 23, while the latter will be hoping to attain full fitness ahead of a blockbuster Premier League clash against Liverpool this weekend.

عزز كيليان مبابي صدارته لترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني، بتسجيله في مباراة ريال مدريد وإشبيلية، مساء الأحد.

ورفع آيوزي بيريز، لاعب فياريال، رصيده في جدول ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني، بعدما سجل في شباك برشلونة. 

والتقي برشلونة وفياريال ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2024-2025، في الجولة السابعة والثلاثين.

وأحرز بيريز هدف فياريال الأول في الدقيقة الرابعة من عمر اللقاء، وهز شباك تير شتيجن حارس مرمى برشلونة.

ويحتل بيريز المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني، برصيد 19 هدفًا.

وسجل أنتي بوديمير هدفًا لصالح أوساسونا في المباراة أمام إسبانيول، ليرتفع رصيده إلى 21 هدفًا.

أحرز جوليان ألفاريز كذلك هدفين لصالح أتلتيكو مدريد أمام ريال بيتيس، بمباريات الجولة ذاتها.

ويتصدر كيليان مبابي مهاجم ريال مدريد، قائمة الهدافين برصيد 29 هدفًا، يليه مهاجم برشلونة، روبرت ليفاندوفسكي. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني

1- كيليان مبابي، ريال مدريد، 29 هدفًا.

2- روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، برشلونة، 25 هدفًا.

3- أنتي بوديمير، أوساسونا، 21 هدفًا.

4- أيوزي بيريز، فياريال، 19 هدفًا.

5- رافينها، برشلونة، 18 هدفًا.

6- جوليان ألفاريز، أتلتيكو مدريد، 17 هدفًا.

7- سورلوث، أتلتيكو مدريد، 17 هدفًا.

8- أويهان سانسيت، أتلتيك بلباو، 15 هدفًا.

9- كيكي جارسيا، ألافيس، 13 هدفًا.

10- فينيسيوس جونيور، ريال مدريد، 11 هدفاً.

ويمكنك مطالعة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني بشكل محدث من هنا

Crystal Palace have their eyes set on raiding the Championship to find their next rising star, according to a recent report. It has been a frustrating start to the Premier League season for the Eagles, as they are winless in their opening seven league games and pressure is already mounting on Oliver Glasner.

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Crystal Palace transfer news

Despite pressure starting to mount on Glasner, the South London side are seemingly already getting some plans in place for when the January transfer window opens. The Eagles could face a tricky January, as it appears that Eberechi Eze is now “open” to leaving the club, being tracked by Liverpool. Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Adam Warton is being looked at by Manchester United.

However, the club have their own plans for bringing players to the club, as it was reported last week that Palace are interested in signing Bazoumana Toure from Hammarby IF. Officials of the Premier League side have been sent to watch the player in person, and he could be someone they look to bring to the club in the near future to strengthen their forward options, costing around £8.4 million.

As well as keeping tabs on Toure, the South London side also have their eyes on a player much closer to home as they look to land another promising young star.

Freedman leading Crystal Palace charge for rising Championship star

The Daily Mirror, via The Hard Tackle, reports that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Romain Esse from Millwall. The 19-year-old has been identified as their next gem to come from England’s second tier.

Palace have a record of turning to the Championship and signing the most exciting talents, as that is where they found Michael Olise, Eze, and Wharton in recent years. The report states that Palace’s sporting director, Dougie Freedman, is a big fan of Esse, as he’s caught the eye this season with his performances for Millwall.

Freedman has personally watched Esse in action twice this season, and he now looks to be personally leading Palace’s charge to sign the promising young star. The midfielder signed a contract extension during the summer, which runs until 2026, but Millwall manager Neil Harris has admitted that Esse will be on the radar of a lot of Premier League clubs now.

Harris said on Esse: “Romain has huge potential. There will be a lot of interest. He has added to his end product this year already. If he carries on doing that, then Romain will certainly grace the Premier League at some stage.”

Romain Esse’s Millwall stats
Apps	51
Goals	5
Assists	0

Esse is a product of Millwall’s academy, impressing in their under-18s before making a breakthrough into the first team during the 2022/23 season. He played 12 times that campaign and then followed that up by playing 25 times in the Championship last season, during which he scored two goals but failed to register an assist. The 19-year-old still has a lot of development to do, but he is seen as a potential long-term replacement for Eze.

One of the best things about Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool was the number of academy graduates he brought through into the first team. Over time, the Reds’ academy has produced some stellar players, including the likes of Steve McMannaman, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

Indeed, during his time at the club, the German provided many academy players with a platform to showcase their skills and helped many of them become important first-team players for the Merseysiders.

Now, in Arne Slot’s side, there are as many as five academy graduates who could be considered first-teamers thanks to Klopp, with some younger players on the fringes.

Academy graduates in Liverpool’s first-team squad

Before focusing in more detail on some of the prominent academy products Liverpool’s legendary manager has faithfully rewarded with regular minutes, it is important to note that he gave over 40 players a chance in the first team. That includes the iconic “Klopp’s Kids” side who helped to win the Carabao Cup in the midst of an injury crisis, beating Chelsea in the final at Wembley.

The most notable Reds academy graduate in the first team today is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back has been superb for his boyhood club and has an extraordinary record. He has played 320 times in that famous red shirt, with 19 goals and a very impressive 83 assists so far.

Curtis Jones is another man from Merseyside who has become a key player for the six-time European champions. He has played 140 games for the Anfield side, scoring 17 times and grabbing 15 assists. This term, the midfielder has featured seven times, with a goal and assist apiece to his name. He played a starring role against Chelsea in the Reds’ recent victory and has become an important player under Slot.

Amongst others, Conor Bradley is an academy graduate to pick out. He has played 34 times for the club, becoming a prominent player under Klopp last term. He has since gone on to make six appearances for Slot’s team this season, having played 169 minutes so far.

Given their first-team status nowadays, it may be surprising that Jones and Bradley have not had a pay rise which reflects that. The Liverpool number 17 reportedly earns just £15k-per-week, and Northern Ireland international Bradley even less, just £10k-per-week.

Even more surprising is the fact one Liverpool player, who has struggled for minutes this term, earns double the pair combined, despite the fact he does not seem to have a future at the club. That player is Wataru Endo.

Endo’s stats for Liverpool

Experienced Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo joined the Reds from German outfit Stuttgart for £16.2m last summer. With Liverpool needing strength and depth in midfield, he offered a cheap solution whilst also adding quality to their side.

His first campaign at the club saw him take on an important role. The Japan international featured 43 times under Klopp and became a key squad member.

However, the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch as a viable option as a number six has meant Slot has given Endo just four appearances and 85 minutes all term.

2023/24

2024/25

Games

43

Games

4

Minutes

2758

Minutes

85

Number of 90s

30.6

Number of 90s

0.9

Starts

34

Starts

1

G/A

3

G/A

0

Although he has been on the bench for all but one of Liverpool’s games this campaign, it is clear that the 31-year-old is not in Slot’s long-term plans. They were thought to have turned down a bid of £11.6m from Marseille for the midfielder last summer.

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Surprisingly, the midfielder earns more than the likes of Jones and Bradley. He is believed to be on £50k-per-week at Anfield, double the amount of the Liverpool academy graduate pair, and over three times as much as Jones.

Assuming he sees out the season at Anfield, he will have cost the Reds £21.4m, factoring in the transfer fee and £5.2m in wages across two seasons at the club.

Given the fact he is turning 32 in February and has not even played 90 minutes in total this term, there is not much to suggest the 65-cap Japan international has a future at the club – amid reports that he will be allowed to leave in 2025.

For all the money he is costing, it may be better for the club to reward Jones and Bradley with a new contract and double their wages, since they are the future of the club.

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“That is why I had tears in my eyes; without my father, I would be nothing. He has never left my side”

Shashank Kishore and Afzal Jiwani23-Jun-2022Behind the warm smile, the runs and the , there is a deeply emotional side to Sarfaraz Khan. It comes up almost always when he talks about his cricket. No conversation ever passes without the mention of his . On Thursday, after scoring his fourth hundred of the season, and eighth overall in first-class cricket, Sarfaraz was a man in demand.Sunil Joshi, the national selector, caught up and had a lengthy conversation with the Mumbai batter. Then, it was Harvinder Singh’s turn. A few minutes later, as he jogged up the stairs towards the dressing room for a team meeting, he promised to return shortly to chat with journalists waiting besides the boundary.Related

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Sarfaraz was chirpy, candid, and spontaneous, just like his batting. Over the past three weeks, no two interactions with him have felt alike. It can with so many cricketers of the current generation, because they’re always focused on the ‘process’ and not the ‘results.’ Sarfaraz is driven by results. Driven by the desire to score big runs, every time he goes out to bat. This perhaps explains why six of his eight hundreds are all 150-plus scores.One moment, Sarfaraz had everyone in splits with his jokes and how a “yes, I’ll hang in, you bat your way” from Tushar Deshpande can only mean a wild slog off the next ball. Next, he was teary eyed and ever-so-grateful to his , for his sacrifices in making Sarfaraz and Musheer Khan, his younger brother who is also part of the Mumbai squad, cricketers of some standing.Musheer, incidentally, is yet to make his first-class debut, but recently led Mumbai to the final of the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, a tournament where he made 670 runs and took 32 wickets to be named Player of the Tournament.Sarfaraz’s tears stemmed from a sense of gratitude and respect towards his .”You all know the roller-coaster ride I’ve had, if not for my father, I wouldn’t have been here,” he said, wiping tears off his face. “When we had nothing, I used to travel with my father in trains. When I started playing cricket, I dreamt of scoring a century for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. That was fulfilled.”Then I had another dream of scoring a hundred in a Ranji final when my team needed it the most. That is why I got emotional after my century and had tears in my eyes, because my father has worked very hard. All the credit for my success goes to him. Without him, I would be nothing. He has never left my side.”Many times, I feel bad thinking about him, because he has always stood by me. He is very happy. In life, some dreams get fulfilled even if it takes time, but I’m happy I have my dad who has bailed me out of tough situations.”The century, Sarfaraz said, was dedicated to late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. As he got to the landmark, Sarfaraz slapped his thigh, pointed his index right finger to the sky – Moosewala’s signature move – and then belted out a roar towards his applauding teammates.”I have a mindset that to score a century, I need to play at least 200 balls. I can’t have that mindset that this can be achieved hitting consecutive sixes. I can score big only after playing many balls. I tried to play three-four overs from each bowler. Once I start getting used to the pitch and know their plans, I know the runs will flow because I have all the shots.”Sarfaraz hoped Mumbai would display “tremendous discipline” on Friday, the third day of the final, if they are to restrict Madhya Pradesh, who went to stumps comfortably placed at 123 for 1 in response to Mumbai’s 374.”This match is not over yet, there’s a long way to go,” he said. “I’ll be jumping the gun if I say anything right now. I’m confident we can take the lead, but even if we don’t, MP will be batting last in the fourth innings, and it won’t be easy for them.”After two successive seasons of 900-plus runs, Sarfaraz is now firmly on the radar of the national selectors. However, he is focused firmly on the present. “As far as Team India’s selection is concerned, I’m working hard. My focus is to only score runs. Every person has dreams. It will happen if it is written in my destiny.”

There are not massive holes to fill in Australia’s side that is allrounder-heavy, but Zimbabwe could pose tough challenge

Andrew McGlashan27-Aug-2022

Big picture

This series in Townsville marks the end of a lot of long stretches. It’s 634 days since Australia’s men played an ODI on home soil; 14 years since a winter series in northern Australia; seven years since Zimbabwe last visited the country and 18 since their last bilateral series here.These games were first meant to take place in 2020, but the impact of Covid-19 pushed them back. It’s fair to say some wondered if they would ever take place. While Cricket Australia is doing as they should, it is also part of a wider revamp of their image as being more aware of their wider responsibilities to the game. Zimbabwe Cricket even tested the waters about a one-off Test being tagged on although it was, sadly, only ever a pipe dream.Related

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It has been a swift turnaround for Zimbabwe from the end of the India series. They have had just two training sessions in Townsville since arriving after a long journey from Harare via Dubai and Brisbane. While they have plenty of recent ODI cricket under their belts, it is precious little time to acclimatise, or even shake off jetlag. But they have nothing to lose and if they can channel the spirit of the final match against India, then Australia will need to be on their guard.This is Australia’s first time back together since the Sri Lanka tour in June-July, although some of the players have been at the Hundred. The last time they had an ODI at home was in early December 2020 against India. The immediate white-ball aim is defending the T20 World Cup title, but the ODI World Cup, which is scheduled for next October, is close enough to focus somewhat. Not least because it’s close to a full-strength side, so tactics and game plans can be worked on.Pat Cummins is the key name missing, given time to get his body ready for the T20 World Cup and then a run of nine Tests through to March which will decide Australia’s World Test Championship fate. Travis Head, who is on paternity, is the other name who might have been here, but who he could force out of the batting order is an interesting debate.Even with their overall lack of games in the format during the pandemic, and the challenges of rest and rotation of key quicks, there are probably not massive holes to fill in Australia’s side for the ODI World Cup. But it’s worth noting the last time these two sides met in an ODI, back in 2014, Zimbabwe were the winners. A repeat here would be a huge surprise, but it would be a fantastic story.

Recent form

Australia WLLLW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Zimbabwe LLLLWWill Sikandar Raza replicate his form against Australia?•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight

It will be fascinating to watch Cameron Green’s development as a one-day cricketer. Everything suggests he’ll be hugely successful at it. In this side, he is being picked as a third fast bowler and the eighth batting option, giving Australia a deep order. Glenn Maxwell is locked at No. 7, a role he has had huge success at, but in reality, Australia’s allrounders could bat in any position. In time, Green will surely find himself higher up.He’s done it against Bangladesh. He’s done it against India. Now can Sikandar Raza do it against Australia? He is one of the form players in the world at the moment after three centuries in his last six ODIs. “We look up to him a lot and hope he’ll continue to do so,” captain Regis Chakabva said. Keep an eye out for Brad Evans, too, after he took 5 for 54 in their last match against India.

Team news

Marnus Labuschagne has been left out with Australia continuing their allrounder-heavy approach. It is the first time since 2020 that they have had all their batting options to pick from and have reverted to Steven Smith at No. 3.Australia: 1 Aaron Finch (capt), 2 David Warner, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Alex Carey (wk), 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Cameron Green, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodFast bowler Blessing Muzarabani is back in the squad after injury and could come in for Victor Nyauchi or Richard Ngarava from the side that played the last game against India. The other question is whether Zimbabwe want to try and squeeze in another spinner.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Takudzwanashe Kaitano, 2 Innocent Kaia, 3 Sean Williams, 4 Tony Munyonga, 5 Sikandar Raza, 6 Regis Chakabva (capt & wk), 7 Ryan Burl, 8 Luke Jongwe, 9 Brad Evans, 10 Richard Ngarava, 11 Victor Nyauchi/Blessing Muzarabani

Pitch and conditions

With play starting at 9.40am local time there is the expectation that there could be some early assistance for the quicks but after that, it should be good for batting. It’s forecast to be a cloudy day but should stay dry. There are no international standard floodlights at the ground.

Stats and trivia

• Mitchell Starc will play his 100th ODI in the opening game of the series.
• Josh Hazlewood needs three wickets for 100 in ODIs.
• There are potentially six survivors from the last ODI between these teams in 2014: Finch, Maxwell, Marsh, Starc, Williams and Raza (George Bailey, the national selector, was also in the Australia side).
• No Zimbabwe batter has scored more than three ODI hundreds in a calendar year – Raza is currently one of five to do so.

Quotes

“There’ll be a bit of mixing and matching of the structure, whether we go with two spinners and two quicks and lessen the load on the allrounders, we’ll see.”
“It obviously gave us a lot of confidence. We’ve been speaking a lot before that series, just in terms of how competitive we want to be and the last game was pretty close to what we want to be doing.”

INEOS and Manchester United are exploring a deal that would see them sign a “quality” player who has a £16 million release clause in his contract, according to a recent report. The Red Devils may well be active in the New Year if their targets are available, as the hierarchy tries to get the squad shaped as Ruben Amorim would like as soon as possible.

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The Portuguese arrived in Manchester on Monday and has been since getting on with media duties and familiarising himself with players, club staff and training ground. Amorim is expected to go with his trusted 3-4-3 formation at United, and it could be that the club splashes the cash in the winter window to tailor the squad to his needs.

It has already been claimed that United have made an enquiry over the signing of Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman is unhappy with his playing time this season and is considering his future, so much so that a move could happen in the New Year. The Red Devils may see Nkunku as someone who can help improve them at the top end of the pitch as they struggle for goals.

Meanwhile, United are also looking into reuniting Amorim with one of his former players, as they have made an enquiry to Geovany Quenda from Sporting. The 17-year-old has broken into the first team this season and is very highly rated by the 39-year-old manager. But these are not the only players that the Premier League side is keeping an eye on, as they are also interested in a former player of theirs.

Man Utd exploring deal to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica

According to Marca, relayed by Caught Offside, Manchester United are exploring a deal to bring Alvaro Carreras back to Old Trafford. The 21-year-old started his career in Deportivo’s academy before he moved to Real Madrid, and it was from there that the Red Devils secured his services.

The left-back joined United in 2020, and during his time at Old Trafford he had loan spells at Preston, Granada CF, and Benfica. Then in the summer, Carreras was sold to the Portuguese side, leaving United without playing a single minute in the first team.

Carreras, who has been hailed for his “amazing engine and quality” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, signed a contract until 2029, but part of the deal saw United have a buy-back option, which is at €20 million, roughly £16 million. The Spanish under-21 international has been in impressive form this season, scoring twice in 10 Liga Portugal games.

Apps

32

Goals

3

Assists

3

This report states that United are looking into the possibility of bringing him back to the club, but they also face competition from Liverpool. However, the Red Devils having the £16 million buy-back clause gives them an advantage as other clubs would have to pay his full €50 million release clause.

da doce： When Julen Lopetegui took the reins at West Ham United, the bog in which he is currently mired is something that would have been dreaded. The unthinkable eventuality.

da apostaganha： The Spanish tactician needs to do something drastic in the coming weeks if he is to win over the Hammers fanbase, who are collectively mourning former boss David Moyes (who was, let’s not forget, shooed out the door).

West Ham are 14th in the Premier League and floundering, without a discernible style of play or indeed a modicum of confidence. Thrashed by Nottingham Forest last time out, it’s a situation tail-spinning out of control.

Points and positive performances are needed, but in fairness to Lopetegui, he’s not being helped by his players, with Edson Alvarez stupidly picking up his second red card of the season at the City Ground.

Edson Alvarez's abject start to the season

Alvarez’s careless and clumsy challenge was a personification of his season, which in itself was a further personification of the travails under Lopetegui’s management.

The Mexico international was monstrous at times last term, signed for a £35m fee from Ajax to help replace Declan Rice. This year, he’s been a mere shadow, languishing at the epicentre of the Irons’ struggles.

What’s more, the 27-year-old doesn’t look like he’s putting in his full capacity of performance, something that is inexcusable. Even if Lopetegui is replaced post-haste, and West Ham click back into gear – is he truly the man to anchor the midfield?

West Ham could change tack and sign a former target: Richard Rios.

West Ham should sign Richard Rios

Back when the summer transfer window was open, Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra revealed that West Ham were interested in bidding for Palmeiras star Rios, with further Premier League outfits watching the central midfielder.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the finest midfielders playing in Brazil over the past few years, featuring 96 times for Palmeiras and notching 11 goal contributions. He was instrumental in winning the 2023 league title.

Transfer Focus

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This season, the athletic ace, who stands at 6 foot 2, has averaged 2.4 tackles and 5.3 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore, which bears testament to his muscular physique and combative approach – something that suggests he could neatly replace the struggling Alvarez.

The intrigue seems to be genuine, with reports from only a few weeks ago pointing toward retained Hammers interest. Rios, who is understood to be valued at €20m (£17m)​​​​​​​ by his Brasileiro Serie A outfit, is a tough and tenacious midfielder, exactly what West Ham need.

Described as a “ball-carrying machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, he might even be Rice’s successor at the London Stadium, for the Arsenal sensation is known for his energy and forward-driving skill with the ball.

Richard Rios vs Declan Rice (past 365 days)

Stat (per 90)

Rios

Rice

Goals scored

0.12

0.12

Assists

0.12

0.18

Progressive passes

4.58

7.51

Progressive carries

1.35

2.35

Successful take-ons

1.08

0.74

Ball recoveries

6.20

5.20

Tackles + interceptions

3.54

3.06

Blocks

1.81

0.90

Stats via FBref

Both players operate in dynamic and progressive roles, but Rios is showcasing some exciting hints of versatility that could see him be the perfect option in West Ham’s midfield, reinforcing it but also transforming it into something more lively and multi-dimensional.

West Ham should seriously consider revisiting their interest in this ‘machine’. He’s cut from a similar cloth as Rice and he has the defensive quality to replace Alvarez.

Related West Ham should sack Lopetegui and replace him with fantastic 4-2-3-1 boss

West Ham must sack Lopetegui to bring in this “fantastic” coach as his replacement.

Posts ByConnor Holden Nov 4, 2024

Kent took a huge step away from the lower reaches of the LV=Insurance County Championship Division One with a thumping 177-run victory over struggling champions Warwickshire at Edgbaston.After resuming on 28 for 2, in pursuit of a target of 325, the home side folded to 147 all out before lunch. Matt Milnes led the demolition with a destructive burst of 6.5-1-11-4 but Kent’s quartet of seamers all played their part in building the pressure under which the Bears buckled.The result leaves Warwickshire, who visit leaders Surrey next week, in real jeopardy of following their title triumph in 2021 with relegation in 2022. Kent, meanwhile, spring into mid-table after an excellent performance by a team galvanised by the arrival of overseas pacemen Navdeep Saini and Matt Henry.Related

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Their seam attack possessed the cutting edge that the depleted Bears, without the injured Liam Norwell, Olly Stone and Chris Woakes, sorely lacked. Kent’s bowlers also were supported by fine work in the field, led by captain and wicketkeeper Sam Billings who took 12 catches in the match, surpassing the previous Kent record of ten (Fred Huish, 1911, and Jack Hubble, 1923).The final day had a helter-skelter start as Sam Hain hit his first three balls for four but then edged a fine delivery from Saini to Billings.Dom Sibley and Will Rhodes dug in to add 35 but then came a moment which summed up the old cricket truism that it’s when things are going against you that Lady Luck will give you another good kicking. Rhodes, having looked in decent nick and started to sow the seeds of a partnership with Sibley, was strangled down the leg side off Quinn.That’s always an infuriating way to get out – all the more so when it triggers a collapse of 61 for 7 in 91 balls.Kent seam depth in this game showed itself as, with spearheads Saini and Henry grazing, Matt Quinn and Milnes took up the attack and took five wickets in 30 balls.Quinn followed the wicket of Rhodes with that of Dan Mousley who edged behind. Milnes produced an unplayable lifter to take Michael Burgess’ edge and then forced Sibley to play on. Milnes had 3 for 7 after taking a return catch from Danny Briggs.With Warwickshire’s last two wickets needing to find 196, Kent turned to the spinners to improve their over-rate. Jack Leaning disposed of Craig Miles, caught and bowled, before Milnes returned to round off the rout when Olly Hannon-Dalby edged to first slip. Kent’s visit to Birmingham simply could not have gone any better.”The win is a product of all the things we talk about in the dressing room, how we are going to try to turn this around, and I think we saw all of it in this game,” Matt Walker, Kent’s coach, said. “You can’t just want to win and that’s enough, you have got to put the things in place and I was really impressed with the way the boys went about their work.”Our first day’s batting didn’t quite go to plan but our response after that over the next three days was outstanding. That felt like a Kent side of old. The quality through those two-and-a-half days was brilliant and it felt like a real team performance with some real key moments that we had to win and we did.””The league table doesn’t lie, what’s happening doesn’t lie,” Mark Robinson, Warwickshire’s coach, said. “What people can’t see behind the scenes is all the thought and the effort that goes in and the hurt that the players are feeling. In both the last two games they have committed a lot to the games and it’s just not been enough.”