The pitch in Mirpur continues to frazzle the batters, who have to find a way even though they know spinners will call the shots

Mohammad Isam20-Oct-2025Big picture – tackling spin top of teams’ agendaHow to bat on this Mirpur pitch is a question that might be baffling both Bangladesh and West Indies ahead of the second ODI, to be played on Tuesday. The Bangladesh batters spent a long time in the middle, visualising, the day before the game, all standing in a circle, with head coach Phil Simmons providing the sermon. West Indies have suggested that they picked up a clue or two by watching their opponents in the first ODI, which produced just 340 runs in 88.4 overs.What’s for certain is that Bangladesh will double down on their spin-to-win strategy after they added Nasum Ahmed to the ODI squad. The left-armer picked up five wickets in three T20Is against Afghanistan recently, a tally bettered only by Rashid Khan in that series. He will complement Tanvir Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, who took a six-wicket haul this weekend.Related

'I stuck to my process' – Rishad makes light work of dark pitch

Bangladesh, however, are looking for improvement in the batting. They put up a modest 207 in the first ODI, with Towhid Hridoy the only half-century-maker. Newcomer Mahidul Islam also made an important contribution (46 off 76). But, overall, Bangladesh batted slowly. They are yet to get out of the habit of playing too many dot balls and finding too few boundaries.West Indies will also look for batting improvement after getting bowled out for 133. Brandon King and Alick Athanaze went after the spinners in the first game but both of them fell to Rishad, and that was followed by a collapse. There was not much resistance from even the likes of Shai Hope and Roston Chase, the only batters in the line-up to have previous experience of playing ODIs in Bangladesh.The bowlers therefore will once again have to keep West Indies in the contest. Jayden Seales took three wickets while Khary Pierre, playing his first ODI in five years, bowled well for just one wicket. But Chase and Gudakesh Motie have to get among the wickets, especially in these conditions.Form guideBangladesh WLLLL
West Indies LWWLLRishad Hossain picked up six wickets in the first ODI•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the spotlight – Rishad Hossain and Brandon KingRishad Hossain coming to Bangladesh’s rescue both with the bat and the ball in the first ODI is exactly what is expected of him. Six wickets and a quick 26 would be too much to ask of him every day, but a legspinner has to provide breakthroughs where other bowlers fail. Another bag of wickets could bring the ODI series to a favourable end for his team.Brandon King was one of the few West Indies batters to show a positive mindset in the first ODI. He struck boundaries with ease until Rishad had him caught behind for 44 off 60. As long as King was at the crease, West Indies had hope. He added 51 runs for the opening stand with Athanaze, who also attacked the Bangladesh spinners while the ball was new. King, though, carried on for a bit more. The problem was King getting out after getting set, something he can’t afford to do.Team news – WI lose Shamar, Blades to injuriesBangladesh usually rotate their fast bowlers every game so Hasan Mahmud or Tanzim Hasan Sakib are likely call-ups.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mahidul Islam, 6 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanA day out from the game, West Indies appeared likely to trust the same batters to do better on this difficult Dhaka pitch. Can they cope with the injury-enforced absences of Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades? Akeal Hosein and Ramon Simmonds have been added to the squad as their replacements for the remaining two ODIs.West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Alick Athanaze, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt, wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Gudakesh Motie, 8 Justin Greaves, 9 Romario Shepherd, 10 Khary Pierre, 11 Jayden SealesKhary Pierre came away with figures of 10-2-19-1 on Saturday•AFP/Getty ImagesPitch and conditions – complexion of the pitch in focusThere is unlikely to be much change in the pitch, which looked unusually dark, for the second ODI. There is dry weather in the forecast.Stats and trivia – Pierre returns after five years Tanvir Islam bowled his most expensive over in international cricket in the first ODI, when he conceded 18 runs. Bangladesh used just seven (of 39) overs of pace in the first ODI, only the fifth occasion they have bowled seven or fewer overs in a match that they won. Khary Pierre returned to the West Indies playing XI after missing 73 ODIs since January 2020. Quotes”It is a lot of pressure if you don’t do well on these kind of surfaces. I just try to keep it simple and stick to my plans. I think once you put the ball in the right areas and do not go wicket-hunting, I think it will be the best suitable for the wicket. You can leak runs if you try to go wicket-hunting.”

Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn has given his verdict on veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s performance against Arsenal. Kahn insisted Neuer was fouled during the controversial opening goal but admitted the goalkeeper made a "mistake" for the third strike that sealed the first defeat of the season for Vincent Kompany and Co.

Neuer involved in controversial opener and decisive third goal

Bayern goalkeeper endured a difficult evening during his side's 3-1 Champions League defeat to the English team, with two of the goals conceded drawing significant scrutiny. Kahn provided a detailed verdict on the critical moments, defending Neuer over a controversial opener but admitting the veteran made a "mistake" on the goal that effectively ended the contest.

Bayern Munich's unbeaten Champions League run came to an end at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with the spotlight falling firmly on the performance of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer regarding key moments in the 3-1 defeat.

Arsenal took the lead in the 22nd minute following a corner kick. As the ball was delivered into the six-yard box, Neuer appeared to be impeded by an Arsenal player, preventing him from making a clean attempt to catch or punch the ball clear. Amid the confusion and contact, Jurrien Timber finished to put the hosts ahead.

While Lennart Karl briefly equalised for Bayern, Arsenal regained control in the second half through Noni Madueke in the 69th minute. The critical moment that sealed Bayern's fate arrived in the 77th minute. Gabriel Martinelli struck Arsenal's third goal after Neuer came rushing up the field to challenge him, only to be left in the Brazilian's dust.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKahn argues Neuer was fouled for Timber goal

Kahn offered a robust defence of Neuer regarding the opening goal, arguing that the shot-stopper was the victim of a foul that went unpunished by the match officials and VAR.

Speaking to , Kahn analysed the corner kick incident: "As a goalkeeper, you're focused on the player taking the corner. That means you can't see what's happening behind you. And if someone comes along at that exact moment and gives you even the slightest nudge or bumps into you, you lack the coordination you need to bring the corner down or punch it away."

Kahn expressed strong disdain for such tactics used against goalkeepers in the penalty area. "I hated those kinds of disguised attacks. Even a small nudge is enough to make you lose the necessary coordination with the ball. In my opinion, VAR should have intervened and awarded a foul and a free kick."

Bayern legend admits 'mistake' on Martinelli strike

While Kahn defended Neuer over the first goal, he was less forgiving in his assessment of the decisive third goal scored by Martinelli in the 77th minute. When asked directly if Neuer had committed an error that led to the goal, Kahn's response was blunt.

"Was that a mistake, yes or no? Yes, if that's how you want to see it, then it was a mistake," Kahn admitted, acknowledging that the German international should have done better in that defining moment.

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Bayern Munich lack cutting edge despite possession

The defeat marked Bayern Munich's first loss in the Champions League group stage this season and dropped them to third place in the standings, three points behind new leaders Arsenal. Despite dominating possession with 55% of the ball and completing significantly more passes than their opponents, Bayern struggled to threaten the Arsenal goal consistently.

Kompany's side managed only two shots on target throughout the entire match, compared to Arsenal's eight, highlighting their issues in the final third against a disciplined Gunners defence. The result leaves Bayern level on 12 points with Inter Milan, making their final group fixtures crucial for securing a top seeding for the knockout phase.

Liverpool’s issues run far and wide this season, and Arne Slot’s second season is falling from a concern to a calamity. Nottingham Forest pitched up at Anfield on Saturday and won 3-0. That’s six defeats from seven Premier League matches for the champions.

The fact that Liverpool produced a confident and front-footed performance for the first half-hour, before Murillo pounced after a corner, is immaterial. Even the residue of the fluent and coherent and tenacious spine has deserted Slot’s side.

Things can change quickly in football, but on the basis of the current evidence, Liverpool will struggle to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, let alone challenge high-flying Arsenal for the title.

Change is needed, a strange thing to say given the Reds’ record-breaking summer of spending. But with such glaring tactical problems, it feels likely that FSG will authorise a signing or two this winter.

Liverpool search for winter signings

With Ibrahima Konate so horribly out of sorts and free to talk to overseas suitors in January, out of contract at the end of the season, there is an understandable anxiety about Liverpool’s defensive depth, let alone the stability of the backline.

This club’s reputation as masterful strategists has disintegrated over the past few months. The squeals of delight from rival fans are loud, and it goes without saying that it’s crucial that sporting director Richard Hughes gets it right if dipping back into the market come January.

Liverpool need a centre-back, sure, but that’s not the extent of their issues, with Slot actually hinting in the past week that his club’s transfer arm may extend in a different direction.

Well, according to Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing to launch a statement bid for Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, who has been earmarked as an alternative to Antoine Semenyo, admired by FSG and with a £65m release clause that becomes active in January.

Liverpool might have broken the British transfer record on Alexander Isak this summer, but they are now looking to smash that once again with a deal for the French winger, who is valued at €200m (about £177m).

Change is needed at Anfield, and with Olise added to the fold, the intensity and sparkle that have been so sorely lacking may be rekindled.

What Olise would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool have been lacking something out wide this season, and a large part of that has been the failure to effectively replace Luis Diaz.

Diaz, sold to Bayern Munich this summer, was so dynamic and dangerous, and in his new teammate Olise, Liverpool could restore that style of wide forward to their set-up.

Olise has been described as “easily a top-five right winger in the world” by analyst Ben Mattinson, and with the need for a Mohamed Salah replacement intensifying, this could be the perfect move to go for, the Les Bleus star only continuing to go from strength to strength.

Whether Liverpool opt for the cheaper route in signing Semenyo remains to be seen, but this would be a statement, and Olise has proven his capacity to succeed in different systems and different areas.

Of course, there is a big difference between playing for Bournemouth and starring for Bayern Munich. The Cherries are an attractive and impressive outfit, but they lack the offensive freedom of Die Roten at the peak of the Bundesliga.

Goals scored

0.63

0.55

Assists

0.63

0.27

Shots taken

4.62

1.91

Shot-creating actions

6.82

3.28

Touches (att pen)

7.55

3.64

Pass completion (%)

81.6

69.4

Progressive passes

6.40

3.55

Progressive carries

5.45

3.19

Successful take-ons

2.31

1.91

Ball recoveries

4.72

5.28

Tackles + interceptions

1.36

1.82

Olise would be able to transfer his elite-level experience back over to the Premier League, where he has played so spectacularly before, and provide Slot’s side with creative and physical upgrades, echoing Semenyo’s skills in that regard.

But he would also give Liverpool the Diaz-like presence they have missed since the summer. The Colombian’s energy and core strength made him a fearsome Premier League winger, and with 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions last term, he was instrumental in propping up Slot’s reputation.

Podcast host Ryan Dilks said five years ago that Olise was a “superstar in waiting”, destined for the top, and now that has been put into practice, with the 23-year-old in his second season at Bayern and currently boasting nine goals and ten assists across 18 matches in all competitions this season.

It cannot be understated how much of a detrimental effect Diaz’s sale has had on Liverpool’s form and fluency this season. Olise would fix that. As per Sofascore, he has won 4.4 duels per game in the Bundesliga this season. His final season in the Premier League with Palace? Olise averaged 5.7 duels per match.

Liverpool are crying out for this kind of winger, and while Semenyo would add qualities that the club need, Olise is equally tenacious and physical, and he’s far superior from a technical standpoint and proven as one of the game’s most prolific wide forwards around.

Liverpool have slipped and slid into a morass of their own making. There are many circumstances surrounding this current crisis, but Slot is making many questionable tactical decisions and the players themselves have lost every shred of confidence and work-rate, two fixed points of the Dutch coach’s successful first season in charge.

It’s clear that there isn’t enough width and energy down the flanks, and so Olise could be the perfect Semenyo alternative to replace Salah by handing back to Merseyside a bit of Diaz-esque flair.

Semenyo upgrade: Liverpool want to sign "the best youngster in the world"

Liverpool look set to make a move for another elite-level youngster this January.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 24, 2025

Sunderland are preparing a stunning €30 million (£26m) move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez, with reports in Italy claiming the “monster offer” has already satisfied the Rossoneri hierarchy. They are ready to accept a loan-with-obligation deal in January, leaving the Premier League side now working to convince the hesitant Mexico international to join their ambitious project.

• Sunderland want AC Milan's Gimenez this winter

  Sunderland have accelerated their push to sign Gimenez, submitting an offer worth around €30 million that AC Milan reportedly view as acceptable. Italian outlets suggest the Black Cats initially pursued a loan, but the structure has shifted to a loan with a conditional obligation to buy due to Milan’s financial needs. Gimenez has registered one goal and two assists in 11 games this season, and despite his struggles, Sunderland believe he is the right profile to boost their attack in January.

  Milan appear ready to offload the striker, as Massimiliano Allegri seeks a different type of forward for his system. Previous reports indicated Sunderland and Brentford were both monitoring the player, but the Black Cats have now moved ahead by formally contacting his agent, Rafaela Pimenta. Although the Rossoneri are happy with the bid, the transfer remains dependent on Gimenez himself, who is still evaluating the project before making a final decision.

  Sunderland’s interest comes at a time when the club is determined to reinforce their frontline ahead of a push for Champions League qualification. Their defensive performances have kept them high in the table, but scoring has been inconsistent, with just 14 league goals in 12 matches.

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• AFP
  

  Sunderland prepared to make 'monster bid' after initial loan deal

  The proposed €30m deal is highly appealing to AC Milan, who are eager to secure funds for their own striker search in January. According to La Repubblica, the offer is “adequate to avoid capital losses” and provides crucial liquidity to unlock their incoming transfer plans. The Rossoneri signed Gimenez from Feyenoord with high expectations, but his limited output and stylistic mismatch under Allegri have prompted a willingness to let him go immediately.

  For Sunderland, the move represents a continuation of their ambitious new-era strategy under Regis Le Bris, who is determined to elevate the squad into a stable top-six Premier League contender. The Black Cats have been evaluating attacking reinforcements for weeks, particularly given the vast financial inequality between themselves and the league’s elite. Adding a striker entering his prime years, already capped by Mexico and proven in Europe, offers significant value compared to typical Premier League market inflation.

  The player’s hesitation stems largely from his desire to succeed at childhood club AC Milan and his previous rejection of Nottingham Forest. Nevertheless, close sources indicate he is seriously considering the Premier League switch due to the opportunity for guaranteed minutes. With the 2026 World Cup taking place in Mexico, consistent first-team football is now a priority for the 24-year-old forward.

• Getty Images
  

  Gimenez still uncertain about Sunderland move

  Gimenez’s proposed move follows several weeks of back-and-forth between Sunderland and his representatives, with Pimenta reviewing the club’s six-month loan proposal and its mandatory €30m purchase clause. The structure benefits all parties: AC Milan recover the majority of what they spent on the striker, Sunderland delay the financial hit until summer, and the player gains a pathway back to prominent form. This delay also allows Sunderland to manage their sporting budget depending on where they finish in the league table.

  The Mexican international excelled at Feyenoord before his transfer to Italy, but has struggled to replicate that impact under Allegri. Milan’s tactical shift away from his strengths has reduced his minutes and confidence, creating the conditions for a mid-season departure. Sunderland believe his pressing intensity, movement and finishing, well-suited to Premier League football, will flourish in a system built around faster transitions and structured attacking phases.

  Gimenez’s camp understands that Premier League exposure ahead of the World Cup could drastically improve his standing with the national team. Sunderland’s sporting project is being sold to him as an opportunity to become the team’s primary No.9 and an instant fan favourite. While the player remains cautious, his entourage acknowledges that this may be the best available January pathway for his long-term development.

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• Sunderland hopeful of coup

  Sunderland will now focus on convincing Gimenez personally, as AC Milan have already indicated they will accept the €30m package. The Black Cats want the deal completed early in January, but will not wait indefinitely if the striker hesitates too long. 

The World Series will return to Toronto after the Blue Jays won Game 4 on Tuesday night 6–2 to even the series vs. the Dodgers 2–2.

While the Blue Jays have been in Los Angeles the past two days, Toronto fans still packed Rogers Centre with thousands of fans sitting in the stadium for watch parties. And those fans in Toronto were definitely happier on Tuesday night with the win rather than on Monday night after the nearly seven-hour, 18-inning long Game 3 that resulted in a Dodgers win.

Videos captured the Rogers Centre on Tuesday night after the Blue Jays recorded the final out in the bottom of the ninth. It's safe to say the stadium went absolutely nuts. Take a look of the 30,000 fans erupting in cheers as their team secured the Game 4 victory.

It'll be electric to see what the Rogers Centre is like come Friday when the series returns to Toronto for Game 6. In the meantime, the Blue Jays still have one more game in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras volta a enfrentar o Criciúma após dez anos e com direito a tabu em jogo. O duelo válido pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão acontece neste domingo (2), às 16h, no gramado do Heriberto Hülse. O Verdão não sabe o que é perder para este adversário desde 1997, quando o resultado foi 1 a 0 no antigo Estádio Palestra Itália.

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As melhores e mais variadas ofertas para o Brasileirão estão no Lance! Betting! Abra já a sua conta!

De lá para cá, as equipes se enfrentaram outras seis vezes, com direito a cinco vitórias do Palmeiras e um empate. Além disso, foram 11 gols marcados pelo Verdão neste período e seis sofridos.

No total, foram 11 confrontos entre Palmeiras e Criciúma na história, com sete vitórias palmeirenses, dois empates e duas derrotas. Na última vez em que as equipes se enfrentaram, pelo Brasileirão de 2014, o time paulista venceu por 1 a 0, com gol de Cristaldo, no Pacaembu.

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O time comandado por Abel Ferreira busca sua terceira vitória neste Brasileirão. Com apenas oito pontos em seis jogos, o time precisa vencer para saltar na tabela de classificação e colar no G6.

Este será o primeiro jogo da equipe após a despedida de Endrick, e o treinador já “quebra a cabeça” para ver quem ficará com a vaga da joia palmeirense, que vai para o Real Madrid. Sem Flaco López, suspenso, Rony, Lázaro, Luis Guilherme e Rômulo brigam por vaga no ataque ao lado de Estêvão.

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كشفت صحيفة ذا أتلتيك صباح اليوم الإثنين، عن تطور هام بشأن أزمة محمد صلاح، نجم نادي ليفربول، والذي خرج بتصريحات نارية خلال الأيام الماضية.

محمد صلاح انفجر غضبًا في وجه وسائل الإعلام، عقب تعادل ليفربول مع ليدز يونايتد بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز يوم السبت الماضي 3-3، حيث تواجد ابن ال33 عامًأ كبديل للقاء الثالث على التوالي.

وأشار محمد صلاح إلى أن علاقته مع مدرب نادي ليفربول، آرني سلوت، قد وصلت إلى طريق مسدود ،في حين أن إدارة الريدز قدمت له وعودًا لم تنجح في تنفيذها في نهاية المطاف.

وأثار ما قاله محمد صلاح جدلًا كبيرًا بين وسائل الإعلام، حيث ورد أن ليفربول سوف يفكر جيدًا في معاقبة الدولي المصري خلال الساعات المقبلة.

وأفادت ذا أتلتيك في تقريرها اليوم، أن مسئولي ليفربول قد أدركوا جيدًا، أنه مع كل مباراة يغيب فيها محمد صلاح عن الفريق، تزداد فرصه في التعبير عن رأيه ، حيث يمتلك اللاعب بعض الغرور ويعتبر من النخبة، ولم يكن ليصمت أبدًا عن ما اعتبره ظلما من قبل سلوت والنادي الإنجليزي.

وأضافت الصحيفة، أن الرأي السائد في ليفربول بعد تصريحات محمد صلاح، هو أن بقاء الأخير كبديل خلال الفترة الأخيرة ما هو إلا مجرد قرار فني من سلوت، حيث ساءت نتائج الفريق ، لكن لم يحاول أحد في النادي الإنجليزي إجبار الملك المصري على الرحيل.

اقرأ أيضًا .. رومانو يكشف تطورًا هامًا في أزمة محمد صلاح مع ليفربول وأوضحت الصحيفة، أن ليفربول اعتبر غياب محمد صلاح عن التشكيلة الأساسية للفريق هو حل مؤقت فقط، وليس أمرًا مسلمًا به أنه أصبح بديلًا.

وأردفت ذا أتلتيك، أن ليفربول يرى أن قرار سلوت بالدفع بدومينيك سوبوسلاي في مركز الجناح الأيمن بدلًا من محمد صلاح كان صحيحًا وفعالًا، حيث يقدم الدولي المجري مجهودات كبيرة بدون الكرة.

ولعب سلوت بسوبوسلاي في مركز الجناح الأيمن بدلًا من محمد صلاح خلال الثلاث مباريات الأخيرة لليفربول، حيث لم يستقبل الريدز سوى فرصًا قليلة على لسان ذا أتلتيك، بينما فاز الفريق في مباراة وتعادل في اثنتين.

وألمحت الصحيفة، أن سلوت قد وضع خطة لإدارة ليفربول أثناء غياب محمد صلاح عن الفريق بسبب بطولة كأس الأمم الأفريقية والتي سوف تنطلق هذا الشهر ، ورأى من المنطقي إجراء تعديل في الخطة قبل مغادرة اللاعب النادي الإنجليزي والانضمام لمعسكر منتخب مصر.

وتابع المصدر قائلًا، أن سلوت لا يزال يحظى بدعم مجموعة فينواي الرياضية المسئولة عن إدارة ليفربول، ولن تتم إقالته لمجرد اعتراض لاعب على جلوسه كبديل، مهما كان اسم وحجم اللاعب.

وأكدت ذا أتلتيك، أن محمد صلاح يحظى باحترام كبير في غرفة ملابس ليفربول ، لكن زملائه المقربين في الفريق رأوا حالة من الغضب الشديد على النجم المصري بعدما علم أنه سيكون بديلًا ضد ليدز يونايتد، بالتالي كانوا سيعلمون ان ابن الـ33 عامًا سيخرج عن صمته عاجلًا أم آجلا ولم يتفاجأوا بما قاله.

وأوضحت الصحيفة قائلة، أن إقالة سلوت في الوقت الحالي من تدريب ليفربول أمر مستبعد، حيث تعتبر مجموعة فينواي أنه من غير المعقول إقالة مدرب بسبب اعتراض لاعب على قراره، مهما كان اللاعب الذي تم استبعاده.

وأردفت الصحيفة، أن محمد صلاح قد أجرى عدة مناقشات مع وكيل أعماله رامي عباس، والمقيم في دبي حاليًا، من أجل الحديث عن مستقبله مع ليفربول، بينما يفكر الريدز في استبعاد اللاعب من مباراة إنتر ميلان يوم غدًا الثلاثاء في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتابعت الصحيفة قولها، أن هناك اهتمام كبير بضم محمد صلاح من قبل الدوري السعودي للمحترفين، وكذلك الدوري الأمريكي ، وذلك خلال فترة الميركاتو الشتوي المقبل في يناير إذا قرر اللاعب مغادرة ليفربول.

وتطرقت ذا أتلتيك إلى توتر العلاقة بين محمد صلاح وسلوت، والتي كانت في أفضل أحوالها، حيث قال النجم المصري خلال شهر إبريل الماضي بعد الفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن المدرب الهولندي: “قلت له، طالما أنك تمنحني راحة دفاعية فسأقدم أداءً هجوميًا، لقد استمع لي كثيرًا ويمكنك أن ترى الأرقام”.

واستطاع محمد صلاح بالفعل الفوز بجائزة هداف الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الموسم الماضي مع ليفربول برصيد 29 هدفًا، كما قدم 18 تمريرة حاسمة وحصل على جائزة أفضل لاعب في العام من رابطة كتاب كرة القدم ورابطة لاعبي كرة القدم المحترفين في إنجلترا.

وأوضحت الصحيفة، أن محمد صلاح لم يجد نفسه بعد وسط الصفقات الجديدة في ليفربول، والذي أنفق 450 مليون جنيه إسترليني لضم لاعبين جدد ، حيث كان الدولي المصري يحب اللعب إلى جانب داروين نونيز ، وترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، إلى جانب الراحل عن عالمنا ديوجو جوتا.

وأردفت الصحيفة، أنه كانت لا توجد أي مؤشرات على انهيار علاقة محمد صلاح مع سلوت، حيث كان الدولي المصري أساسيًا في أول 12 مباراة لعبها الريدز بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هذا الموسم، بينما على الجانب الآخر قدم مدرب منتخب مصر ، دعمه للاعب، موضحًا أنه كان على تواصل دائم مع محمد صلاح خلال الفترة الماضية.

وأكدت الصحيفة، أن محمد صلاح كان من الممكن أن يلتزم الصمت إذا انتصر ليفربول على ليدز يونايتد، لكن انتهاء المباراة بالتعادل جعل الملك المصري ينفجر غضبًا.

واختتمت الصحيفة قائلة، أن إدارة ليفربول متعاطفة بشكل كبير مع سلوت، خصوصًا وأن الأخير قام بحماية محمد صلاح من قبل أمام وسائل الإعلام، حيث قال قبل مباراة سندرلاند: “لقد كان محمد صلاح رائعًا لهذا النادي لسنوات عديدة وسيظل كذلك معنا في المستقبل، بالطبع، اللاعب ليس سعيدًا بغيابه عن اللعب. لكن تصرفه كان متوقعًا من لاعب محترف، كان داعمًا جدًا لزملائه في الفريق، وتصرف بشكل ممتاز”.

The defending champions completed a dominant performance against Tasmania to enter the BBL break in good spirits

AAP07-Dec-2025South Australia secured a Sheffield Shield double against Tasmania, beating them for the second time in four weeks.After winning in Hobart last month, the reigning champions backed it up by completing a comprehensive 10-wicket win at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday.Even without captain Nathan McSweeney (Australia A) and star quick Brendan Doggett (Ashes duty), SA proved too strong for Tasmania at home. The hosts claimed a first-innings lead of 231 after centuries to Jake Lehmann and Liam Scott powered them to 426.Related

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Tasmania, missing Test opener Jake Weatherald and allrounder Beau Webster, were skittled for just 195 on day one. They didn’t fare much better in their second innings, but at least were able to force SA to bat again.Tim Ward (66), captain Jordan Silk (46) and a solid contribution from allrounder Nikhil Chaudhary (42) helped Tasmania to 260. Nathan McAndrew ended Ward’s resistance when he nipped one between bat and pad.Jordan Buckingham was the star with the ball, collecting 4 for 49 and 4 for 58. On the third day he trapped Ruwantha Kellapotha lbw with a full toss and had Nikhil Chaudhary pulling down the leg side.SA had no problem chasing down the minuscule target of 30, with Mackenzie Harvey and Henry Hunt completing it in six overs.A win was vital for SA, who entered this round in fourth spot on the ladder, just behind Tasmania. After a drought-breaking title win last season, SA started slowly with three-straight losses, but are in striking distance of another final berth going into the BBL break.

“Leave the football before the football leaves you” was the message that Jamie Carragher handed to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in early 2024.

It was one of the aggressive forms of criticism we’ve seen on Sky Sports in recent years and it was arguably deserved.

The Brazilian was one of the best midfielders in the world at Real Madrid. He was a serial winner, a Champions League legend.

At Old Trafford, however, his career has started to wane. Who could forget Casemiro’s tired and laboured display against Crystal Palace at the back end of 2023/24?

He was dribbled past a remarkable eight times during that game. For no context, no player in the whole of that Premier League campaign was dribbled past on more occasions in one match.

Since then, however, Casemiro has enjoyed something of a revival under Ruben Amorim in 2025/26. Long gone are the days of Erik ten Hag fielding the veteran at centre-half. He looks like a proper midfielder again.

The Brazil international has been one of United’s most consistent players this term, scoring three goals and supplying an assist. Yet, that should not distract supporters from the fact that he is still a problem.

He’s now 33 years of age and cannot be trusted to play for 90 minutes. Because of that, the transfer chiefs at United are considering launching a big-money move for a new midfielder in 2026.

The search for a Casemiro heir at Man United

While many problems linger in the air at Old Trafford, the biggest arguably lies at wing-back and in the centre of midfield.

United bolstered their attacking line significantly in the summer with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha but the midfield went untouched. That needs to change in January or next summer.

There are three players who appear to be at the forefront of their minds. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would appear to be the dream target but he is also being chased by rivals Manchester City and could cost a fortune.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another long-term target and could finally make his big move in 2026. He gave Casemiro the runaround during United’s 2-1 win on Sunday. Samuel Luckhurst noted that the Brazilian looked “haunted” by his experience at Selhurst Park just a couple of years ago.

The other target is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but his form has taken a downturn in 2025/26 and he doesn’t look like a player worthy of a previous £100m price tag.

Touches

48

Accurate passes

23/29 (79%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

1/3

Shots

1

Tackles won

3/3

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Recoveries

7

Duels won

5/7

Anderson and Wharton would be the ideal solution to United’s woes and according to the numbers, it’s the former who should be the priority target.

He’s a bigger threat in the final third but he doesn’t shirk his defensive duties. He’s won more duels and made more ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season than his England colleague. According to Thomas Tuchel, he’s “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.

Yet, what if United had already signed their answer to Wharton and Baleba?

Man United have found their own Wharton and Baleba

United have taken a vested interest in improving their youth ranks since INEOS completed their takeover of the club.

Towards the beginning of 2025 they signed young Malian midfielder Sekou Kone in a bargain deal and while he is yet to appear for the first-team just yet, he has endured an injury-hit first few months at Carrington and looks a real superstar in the making.

There is also left wing-back Diego Leon, the young defender who looks well set to replace either Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot in that position before too long.

The latest talent who looks set to arrive is a 17-year-old midfielder by the name of Cristian Orozco.

It was reported last week that United were set to complete a move to sign the teenager, with Orozco flying to the UK over the weekend to formalise a $1m move from Colombian side Fortaleza.

So, who is the budding youngster? Well, he’s notably been compared to both Casemiro and Moises Caicedo. Already it’s clear to see why comparisons are also being made to Baleba, the man Brighton actually tasked with replacing Caicedo at the Amex.

Having captained Colombia at U17 level, he already boasts natural leadership skills but it’s his skillset in and out of possession that makes him so exciting.

Como scout Ben Mattinson has outlined that Orozco is capable of ‘controlling the game from deep in midfield’. His best attributes are his press resistance and footwork to turn past defenders, while he’s ‘so composed under pressure’ and is capable of ‘recycling possession’ superbly well.

On that evidence, it’s easy to see why comparisons to Wharton are being made. The Palace midfielder is one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the English top-flight and that was clear for all to see when he supplied the pass that led to Palace’s penalty on Sunday. He evaded his marker with ease and then picked out a punchy forward pass.

Orozco, however, isn’t just about making things look pretty. Further labelled as “a midfield destroyer with leadership maturity far beyond his age” by one analyst on social media, he also brings the best of Baleba who is more defensively minded than Wharton.

United’s new signing is unlikely to provide them with too much threat in the final third but like Wharton he’ll evade the press and manoeuvre the ball nicely. Like Baleba, he’s also capable of sitting in front of the defence and breaking up play.

The teenager certainly isn’t ready for first-team football just yet but INEOS could well save themselves a fortune in the transfer market here.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable

This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 30, 2025