When it comes to legends, Arsenal have a handful for seemingly every position on the pitch.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira helped to define an era of English football and turned the Gunners into one of the most recognisable clubs in the world.

Go back slightly further, and Ian Wright, David O’Leary and David Rocastle also left their mark in the iconic red and white and remain beloved by the fans today.

However, there’s one supremely gifted player who almost won the lot at Highbury who’s most certainly not loved by the fans, Ashley Cole, and now it looks as if the club might have the next version of the Englishman, although this time, without the sour taste of betrayal.

Ashley Cole's Arsenal Career

Cole joined Arsenal as a teenager and, after making his way up through the club’s various youth sides, made his first team debut against Middlesbrough in November 1999, when he was just 18 years old.

The Englishman spent the second half of the 99/00 season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he made 14 appearances, all of which were starts, scored one goal and did well enough to convince Arsène Wenger to keep him in the squad for the following campaign.

The Stepney-born star truly established himself in the first team following an injury to Silvinho early in the season, and from there, he became an integral part of the team.

Appearances

228

Minutes

19561′

Goals

9

Assists

21

Goal Involvements per Match

0.13

Minutes per Goal Involvement

652.03′

Points per Game

2.05

In all, the 5 foot 9 ace, who was as capable going forward as he was defending, made 228 appearances for the North Londoners, in which he scored nine goals, provided 21 assists, averaged 2.05 points per game and won two league titles, two FA Cups and two Community Shields.

However, despite being a part of the club’s greatest-ever team, the Invincibles, and being viewed as one of their own by the fans, Cole made the shocking decision to join Chelsea in 2006, allegedly over pay.

The move completely and utterly destroyed his reputation among the fans, and while he might be considered the “best to ever play in this country” by pundits like Darren Bent, there is no such admiration for him in North London.

It has been a long time since Arsenal have been able to boast a potentially world-class left-back, but one of their recent academy graduates has just been compared to the man they lost almost 20 years ago.

Chalkboard

Arsenal's new Ashley Cole

While Arsenal are now stacked with incredible full-backs like Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori, it should come as no surprise that the player we are talking about is Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Now, we are aware that it’s quite a comparison to make, given Cole’s immense career and how the Emirates faithful feel about him, but it hasn’t come from us; it’s come from Arsenal’s former under 16 coach, Dan Micciche.

Speaking to the Standard earlier this year, he claimed that the Hale Ender is so incredibly talented that should he remain a left-back, he could “end up being the next Ashley Cole” and pick up “100 caps for England.”

That might sound like hyperbole at the moment, but there are some undeniable similarities between the pair.

The first is that both came up through the Gunners’ academy system before making their debuts for the first team as a teenager and securing a place in the side far earlier than would be expected.

The second similarity is that, like the former great, the Islington-born maestro is seemingly unfazed by everything, and while he can sometimes overstep the mark, he’s prepared to make risky tackles and passes that other youngsters and more seasoned players might be afraid to.

Finally, while he doesn’t necessarily bomb up and down the touchline, the “unplayable” teen, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, has shown himself to be just as effective in attack as he is in defence, be that with a defence-splitting pass or a gut-busting run through midfield and well-placed shot himself – as we saw last night.

Ultimately, in Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal have a genuine superstar in the making, and while fans might not like the comparison for understandable reasons, he could be the club’s best left-back since Cole.

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Titans captain takes “full ownership” for not closing the game out, and feels “sorry” for Shami

ESPNcricinfo staff02-May-20232:02

Did Hardik Pandya struggle to shift gears?

Captain Hardik Pandya has taken “full ownership” for Gujarat Titans’ last-over loss against Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad as the hosts fell short by just five runs while he remained unbeaten on 59 off 53.Chasing 131, Titans needed 33 off the last 12 balls and then 12 off six, thanks to Rahul Tewatia, who hit three sixes off Anrich Nortje in the penultimate over. But when Hardik got strike in the last over against Ishant Sharma, he managed only a double and a single before Tewatia fell on the fourth ball, and Ishant brought it down to seven needed off the last ball before giving Capitals their third win.”I tried my best but could not capitalise. It boils down to me,” Hardik said. “Obviously, we would have taken 129 [131-run target] on any given day. [We] just lost a couple of wickets and at the end, Rahul got us back in the game.”Hardik struck seven fours in his knock but not a single six, and no boundaries in his last 13 balls when the asking rate kept shooting up.Titans had lost three wickets inside the powerplay and soon lost David Miller too in the seventh over to be 32 for 4. Despite not being explosive, Titans were steady thanks to a 62-run partnership between Hardik and Abhinav Manohar. However, the pair consumed 63 balls in the process with Manohar falling for 26 off 33.Hardik said that Manohar’s inexperience showed and once again asserted that it was his own inability to close the game that cost them.”We were hoping to get a couple of big overs in the middle but at that point of time we could not get rhythm,” he said. “It was new for Abhinav as well. It boils down to how I was not able to finish the game. Full marks to their bowlers as well and full ownership on my side where I could not finish the game I should’ve.”Hardik also said that the pressure on them was due to the early loss of wickets and that made it difficult for them to keep going with intent.”It was more about the pressure of [losing] wickets,” he said. “I don’t think the [track] played much role. It was a tad slower than what we are used to here. But they bowled really well. We lost a couple of early wickets and then we had to take some time. We could not get the rhythm in the middle. Rahul brought us back into the game. Otherwise, they were quite ahead.”Intent had to be there. It’s just that we lost a couple of wickets where if you keep losing wickets, it’s difficult to keep the intent as well. We lost because I could not get my rhythm and we kept losing wickets at the start and that put us under pressure. We like to take it deep and hope to get a couple of big overs which we could not get.”Three of Mohammed Shami’s four wickets in the powerplay were caught behind•Associated PressTitans had restricted Capitals to a mere 130 for 8, led largely by a four-wicket haul from Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler picked up all four of those inside the powerplay to return with second-best figures in the phase in the IPL. Hardik felt sorry for Shami, who was adjudged Player of the Match, and said the batters couldn’t back the bowlers on the night.”I feel sorry for [Shami],” Hardik said. “If you bowl like that, then you restrict the team to 129 [130], I think [our] batters disappointed. I don’t think the ball did a lot. It’s just that Mohammed Shami’s skillset he has and he made the ball talk. Otherwise, I think for fast bowlers, the wicket did not have much assistance. But the way he bowled four on the trot and got us in the game, full credit [to him].”As I said, batters and particularly myself did not finish and we disappointed him.”

After losing their previous two games, Rajasthan Royals not only returned to winning ways but also the top of the IPL points table with a thumping 32-run win over Chennai Super Kings.After Royals opted to bat, Yashasvi Jaiswal attacked his way to 77 off 43 balls. Super Kings did stage a brief comeback in the middle overs but late hitting from Dhruv Jurel (34 off 15) and Devdutt Padikkal (27* off 13) lifted Royals to 202 for 5, the first 200-plus total by an IPL team in Jaipur.Matheesha Pathirana, despite nailing his yorkers at express pace, was unlucky to concede 48 in his four overs, as 28 of those runs came when batters were not in control of their shots.Super Kings didn’t get the start they were after. Adam Zampa and R Ashwin further stifled them while sharing five wickets. Shivam Dube was the only one to offer resistance but it was too little, too late.

Jaiswal leads the way for Royals

Even if it was an away game for Super Kings, they seemed to have more supporters in the stands than Royals had. It didn’t have any effect on Jaiswal and Jos Buttler, though, as they gave Royals yet another flying start. Jaiswal kicked things off by hitting Akash Singh for two fours off the first two balls of the match, followed by one more in the over. He was even more severe in the seamer’s next over, picking up three fours and a six. In between, Buttler hit Tushar Deshpande for two fours.With seamers going for plenty, MS Dhoni turned to spin, and Maheesh Theekshana bowled a three-run over. Buttler, though, took the spinner for two fours – both times hitting length balls off the back foot over his head – in the sixth over to take Royals to 64 for no loss.Ravindra Jadeja broke the opening stand with Buttler’s wicket but Jaiswal kept marching on. Coming into this game, Jaiswal had scored 81 off 70 in the middle overs. Tonight, there was no slowdown; he smashed 37 off 22 after the field restrictions were lifted.Yashasvi Jaiswal once again took a liking to the Chennai Super Kings bowling•Getty Images

Jurel and Padikkal pick up after a brief lull

Deshpande removed Sanju Samson and Jaiswal in the 14th over to briefly put the brakes on the scoring rate. From overs 14 to 17, Royals managed only 28 runs and lost three wickets along the way. It was starting to look like Super Kings might restrict them under 200 but Jurel and Padikkal, who came in at No. 6, threw their bat around. They didn’t always find the middle but the runs came thick and fast. Super Kings’ sloppy fielding also helped Royals, and left Dhoni visibly angry on more than once occasion, as they ransacked 56 in the last four overs.

Zampa, Ashwin keep Super Kings on back foot

With Trent Boult picking up a niggle, Zampa got an opportunity. And the legspinner made an impact in his very first over. Bowling the last over of the powerplay, he had Devon Conway hitting one to mid-off.Ruturaj Gaikwad was trying to make up for Super Kings’ slow start. He had moved to 47 off 28 balls when he tried to attack Zampa only to be caught at long-on. R Ashwin dragged Super Kings further back in the next over, the 11th of the innings, by dismissing Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu.

Dube, Moeen fight back

With 130 needed from nine overs, Dube and Moeen threatened a fightback. The pair hit four sixes and a four in the next three overs, reducing the equation to 90 needed from the last five. Samson once again turned to Zampa, and he didn’t disappoint his captain. Dube launched him into the stands, and Moeen too picked up a boundary, but with his fifth ball of the over, Zampa had Moeen under-edging one to Samson.Dube, however, kept the fight on. He hit Jason Holder for a six and two fours in the 17th over. In the next, Jadeja took Sandeep Sharma for two fours but scoring 46 in the last two overs was too much of an uphill task.

The former Australia captain urges the selectors to opt for Bancroft or Renshaw as the back-up opener

AAP18-Apr-2023

David Warner had a torrid run during the recent series in India•Getty Images

Mark Taylor reckons David Warner should be given three Tests to fight for his spot in England, while urging Australia’s selectors to make Cameron Bancroft or Matt Renshaw the next opener in line.Selectors are expected to name a squad for the World Test Championship final against India and the Ashes this week, with the focus firmly on the top of the order.Warner is expected to be named in that squad and picked for the WTC final at The Oval on June 7 before the Ashes begin, returning from an elbow injury that cut short his India Test tour.Related

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The heat remains on the opener to produce runs early in England. Warner’s double century against South Africa at the MCG last December is his sole triple-figure score in 32 innings, while he averaged 9.50 on the last Ashes tour in 2019.But Taylor, who will be in England as part of the Nine Network’s Ashes broadcast, believes Warner should play in the first two Tests against England if selectors pick him to face India.”If I am reading the tea leaves right, it sounds like they will stick with David for the World Test Championship at The Oval,” the former Test captain told AAP. “And if that’s the way Australia are thinking about the World Test Championship, then yes, they have to start with him for the Ashes.”It would be very hard to have Usman Khawaja and Warner open the batting and then change a week later for the first Test at Edgbaston. Whoever they think is our best opening combination for the World Test Championship, should do the first three Tests of the summer.”The selectors have previously indicated they will break the English summer into two blocks of three Tests, with the squad to be re-evaluated after the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.Taylor is also adamant the selectors should opt for Bancroft or Renshaw as the back-up opener ahead of Marcus Harris. Harris was handed a national contract ahead of the two, despite the Victorian not playing a Test for 15 months.Chief selector George Bailey indicated at the time that Harris is seen as a preferred back-up option outside of the subcontinent, with Renshaw’s recent Tests on spinning wickets.Bancroft has not played a Test match since the 2019 Ashes, but was the leading run-scorer in this summer’s Sheffield Shield with 945 at an average of 59.06. But Taylor said he was surprised by the selectors’ contract call earlier this month.”My old way of thinking, I always like a right-and-left-hander combination. So I would love to see Cameron Bancroft get another opportunity at the top of the order,” he said. “I see Renshaw has been making runs in New Zealand [for Australia A], but Bancroft has made a heap of runs in the Australian summer.”One thing I do like about Bancroft, which I also like about Renshaw, is their ability to catch in the field. In the next year or two, we’re going to need to find two openers. The one thing that has worried me about Marcus Harris is his fielding.”The way this series is looking like panning out, fielding is going to be crucial. I think that will go against someone like a Marcus Harris, whose fielding is not great.”

تعرض مدرب نادي الوداد المغربي محمد أمين بنهاشم ومعه عبد الرزاق هيفتي طبيب الفريق، اليوم الإثنين لحادث سير مروع بأمريكا إثر انقلاب السيارة التي كانا على متنها.

فريق الوداد المغربي يتواجد في الوقت الحالي بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، إذا خاض مباراتين وخسر فيهما أمام يوفنتوس ومانشستر سيتي.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب الوداد مباراته الأخيرة في مونديال الأندية، ضد العين الإماراتي مساء الخميس المقبل 26 يونيو.

ووفقًا للصحفة الرسمية لنادي الوداد المغربي، قالت: “نود إبلاغ جماهيرنا والرأي العام أن حادثًا مروريًا قد وقع صباح اليوم، بحيث كان المدرب امين بن هاشم طرفا فيه، بالإضافة إلى المدير الرياضي يوسف الدباغ والدكتور عبد الرزاق هفتي”.

طالع | ترتيب مجموعة الوداد والعين في كأس العالم للأندية

وأضاف: “لله الحمد والشكر لم تُسجل أي إصابات خطيرة، وجميع المعنيين في حالة صحية جيدة ويتلقون العناية اللازمة”.

وتابع: “وقد تدخلت السلطات المختصة بسرعة وكفاءة، ونتوجه لها بجزيل الشكر على استجابتها الفورية وتعاملها المهني مع الحادث، بالإضافة إلى الحضور الفوري لممثلي فيفا”.

وأكمل: “وإذ نهيب بالجميع عدم تداول الشائعات أو نشر معلومات غير دقيقة، نؤكد أن الوضع تحت السيطرة ولا يدعو لأي قلق، شكرًا لتفهمكم وثقتكم ودعمكم المستمر”.

وأشار موقع le 360 المغربي إلى أنه من المحتمل غياب المدرب بنهاشم عن دكة احتياط الوداد خلال مباراة الخميس المقبل أمام العين الإماراتي على اعتبار أنه أصيب على مستوى الوجه و كدمة في الرجل وفق الأخبار الواردة من أمريكا.

Everton are riding a seven-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, but David Moyes will want to return to winning ways after successive draws.

At a glance, 15th-placed Everton’s trip to Molineux on Saturday evening, taking on a Wolverhampton Wanderers side sat just one place below them, could have the feel of a six-pointer with less than three months of the campaign remaining.

But the Toffees’ fine form under their new and former manager has created a comfortable ten-point buffer, unassailable save for a steep regression back toward the dismal end to Sean Dyche’s tenure.

A victory would all but cement Everton’s place in the 2025/26 Premier League roster, but Moyes will need to overcome a host of injuries. Business as usual, then.

When Everton's absentees are returning

Everton’s frontline might be depleted, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja are progressing in their recovery – albeit not in time for the weekend – as confirmed by Moyes.

Iliman Ndiaye, however, is still stuck in the infirmary for a few more weeks at the least, while the prognosis for Dwight McNeil is all the more frustrating, both facing a fight for fitness before the end of the campaign.

Despite the paucity of attacking options, Everton have made do and seen their attacking spirit enkindled by Moyes’ arrival, but Wolves are going to bring a physical and perhaps desperate challenge that could see Jesper Lindstrom return to the bench, having struggled for success all season.

Should such a move occur, Moyes may need to think outside the box.

Why Moyes should drop Lindstrom

Dyche oversaw a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves in the corresponding fixture this season, but Everton should indeed expect a different fight against an outfit facing the peril of relegation.

Chalkboard

Vitor Pereira has essayed to shape Wolves into a creative and attractive outfit, and though they’ve caught the eye in moments, there is still concern that the drop zone lingers dangerously below.

Against Everton, Matheus Cunha begins a suspension after a fracas with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in the FA Cup last weekend. Wolves’ loss..​​​​.

For their part, Everton might want to unleash Charly Alcaraz and take advantage of the hosts’ setback, though with Abdoulaye Doucoure returning to action following personal leave, he may not find a place in the middle.

Doucoure’s combative physicality and box-to-box presence will be essential for this stylistic match-up, but that doesn’t mean attacking midfielder Alcaraz can’t play from the opening too.

Indeed, Everton’s January loan recruit, 22, might principally play in Doucoure’s zone, but he’s enjoyed a measure of clinical success when fielded off the right flank, with the overarching positional fluidity making a telling comment on his ability to cover out of place when necessary.

Charly Alcaraz – Career Stats by Position
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Central midfield	74	10	5
Attacking midfield	19	4	2
Right winger	14	4	2
Centre-forward	10	2	2
Defensive midfield	9	1	0
Left winger	7	1	2
Right-back	1	0	0
Stats via Transfermarkt

It’s not like Lindstrom’s untouchable: the Danish winger, also a loanee, has failed to register a single goal involvement across 27 competitive appearances for the Toffees this term, having missed six big chances in front of goal.

Alcaraz, conversely, has started life at Goodison Park on strong footing, notching a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in February – his first start – while playing from the outset in last week’s draw at Brentford, creating three key passes, completing both his dribbles and winning six duels, as per Sofascore.

Before moving to Merseyside, Alcaraz’s exploits with Flamengo further evidence his suitability on the flank. As per FBref, the Argentina talent ranked among the top 6% of midfielders in the 2024 Brasileiro Serie A for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90.

He’s a “special” talent – so says journalist Antonio Mango – and Everton must make this tweak. Lindstrom isn’t cutting it right now, and with Doucoure’s presence and security bolstering the attacking point of the midfield, Alcaraz could make a positive impression at Molineux.

Everton have a "monster" who could be Moyes' new Rooney & it's not Beto

Everton are resurgent under Moyes’ wing, with a new superstar on the rise.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 6, 2025

Chelsea’s youth academy has provided a continuous flow of talents who have managed to make the jump into the first team over the last couple of years.

Many have made their mark at Stamford Bridge before leaving in a big-money transfer, subsequently allowing Enzo Maresca to spend money and further improve his side.

Mason Mount left in a £60m deal to join Manchester United back in the summer, ending his 18-year stint in West London, making just shy of 200 senior appearances for his boyhood club.

He’s since struggled to make an impact away from the capital, with injuries restricting him to 33 games in the last two seasons – showcasing the right call made by the hierarchy to offload him.

One other academy graduate has starred in recent months, producing a performance to remember on international duty last night, looking to put his career back on track after his own fitness issues.

Reece James’ stats for England against Latvia

Right-back Reece James made his breakthrough into the first team setup back in 2019/20, often being a key member of the Chelsea side, but injuries have often halted progress.

However, he’s managed to stay fit as of late, often taking the armband in Maresca’s squad, leading to Thomas Tuchel calling him up for the latest England squad for the ongoing international break.

The 25-year-old started the meeting with Latvia, producing an excellent display, even managing to net his first goal for his country with an impressive free-kick during the first half – earning him the Man of the Match award.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, completing 96 of his 97 attempted passes, notching a total of 118 touches in an all-round superb showing at Wembley.

However, despite his recent form for club and country, the Blues could’ve had themselves a bigger talent than James had they kept hold of another player who’s taken his career to the next level after leaving.

The former Chelsea player who’s become a bigger talent than James

Chelsea have often been prone to a mistake or two in the transfer market, often selling players before their prime and missing out on elite level stars – subsequently benefitting other Premier League sides.

Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne both departed the Bridge for bargain fees, before developing elsewhere, now featuring for Liverpool and Manchester City respectively – helping the clubs achieve success in England’s top-flight.

Tino Livramento is another star who’s thrived away from West London after moving on, leaving for Southampton in a £5m deal back in the summer of 2021.

The 22-year-old has since impressed at St Mary’s despite their failures in recent years, notching 31 appearances for the Saints, before linking up with Newcastle United back in August 2023.

He’s since managed to thrive under Eddie Howe’s guidance, looking to be worth every penny of his £40m transfer fee, helping the Magpies claim the Carabao Cup a couple of weeks ago.

This season, the “sensational” Livramento, as dubbed by Alan Shearer, has managed to take his game to the next level, nailing down his place as a regular starter.

He was also included in Tuchel’s first England squad for the current break, deservedly so given the fact he’s managed to outperform James in numerous key areas throughout 2024/25.

Games played

27

11

Minutes played

1940

681

Progressive carries

2.3

0.7

Carries into final third

1.3

0.5

Pass accuracy

85%

84%

Tackles won

1.3

0.9

Clearances made

3.7

1.6

Take-on success

44%

42%

Livramento has managed to complete more progressive carries and achieve a higher take-on success rate, highlighting the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also managed to better James defensively, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more clearances per 90, offering that added cover to Maresca’s side had they kept hold of the youngster.

However, after his departure nearly four years ago, he remains another player who’s slipped through the net, with their loss undoubtedly Newcastle’s gain given his recent success.

There’s no denying that James is a player who possesses a lot of quality, as seen by his display last night, but his injury issues will always remain a concern, with Livramento certainly a better option at present.

Their best winger since Hazard: Chelsea open talks to sign £50m superstar

Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign a £50m star who’d be their best winger since Eden Hazard.

ByDan Emery Mar 25, 2025

Arsenal’s draw at Old Trafford on Sunday all but confirms Liverpool as Premier League champions for 2024/25.

For Liverpool, who are 15 points clear, to fall now would take the most extraordinary of collapses, and while it’s not over until the final bell, Arne Slot’s side have lost just once all season, and indeed look set to lift the title.

The Merseysiders have enjoyed an incredible campaign, still in with a shout for silverware across multiple fronts, but sporting director Richard Hughes is settled into his seat now and will no doubt have compiled a dossier on a range of targets, ready for summer investment.

Out with the old and all that. Slot inherited quite the team from Jurgen Klopp, but that’s not to say it’s without its weaknesses.

Liverpool getting ready to sell

Nothing’s certain in life. Only death, taxes and Darwin Nunez’s inconsistency. The Uruguayan is back on form after a wonderful assist for Harvey Elliott’s winner in Paris and a well-taken goal last weekend to kick off the second-half comeback against Southampton.

Such involvements have raised his output to seven goals and six assists from 38 Liverpool outings in 2024/25. Not good enough. Nunez cost FSG a fortune, leaving Benfica in a deal rising to a club-record £85m in 2022. Whether the up-and-down striker has met all the clauses to reach that total fee is questionable, though Liverpool’s Premier League conquering is sure to have a say in the matter.

Having come close to leaving for the Saudi Pro League in January, it seems Nunez will be off at the end of the season, creating space for a more reliable out-and-out centre-forward. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has suggested Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is at the top of the wish list.

But Liverpool’s problems run deeper. Though solvable, Hughes and Co must get it right this summer to stand a chance of challenging for the biggest honours once again. That’s why it’s imperative Liverpool sign a new left-back.

Andy Robertson is past his best and Kostas Tsimikas has never carried the complete arsenal to become the abiding number one.

Luckily, Slot has just the player in mind.

Slot driving move for new Liverpool left-back

As per Fabrizio Romano – writing for GIVEMESPORT – Liverpool are gearing up to sign Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez this summer.

The Reds have been interested in the defender since 2024 and Slot is now fully behind a move with the Dutchman signing off on a three-man shortlist that includes the Cherries full-back.

Kerkez, 21, has been among the Premier League’s finest breakout stars of the season, with the report indicating it would cost Liverpool in the €45m (£38m) ballpark.

The Cherries appear to have signed a successor, bagging Julio Soler from Lanos for about £7m in January. The more cynical observers may take that as a preemptive move.

Why Kerkez would be a game-changer for Liverpool

Kerkez is technically complete with pace and power to serve Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth. The Hungarian, close with Dominik Szoboszlai, is only getting started but already among the Premier League’s finest.

Across 28 top-flight fixtures this term, he’s scored two goals and posted five assists, averaging 4.7 ball recoveries and 0.6 dribbles per game while winning 56% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

By contrast, Robertson has averaged a meek 0.1 dribbles per game, meaning he’s on course to complete less than four successful carries across the campaign.

This truly could revolutionise Liverpool’s backline, bringing youthful avidity and a new take to charge the left flank and permitting the deadly Cody Gakpo even greater security in bagging in the final third, for he will have robust support from behind.

Perhaps it will transform Liverpool’s rearguard in the same way that Virgil van Dijk did when joining Liverpool from Southampton for a world-record £75m fee in December 2017.

This might seem like a bold claim. It is, to be fair. However, while Slot’s Liverpool are already on course to lift the elusive league trophy, they are still in their early phase, yet to develop into the force of the Dutchman’s true vision. How exciting is that?

Kerkez has been earmarked, picked by Slot especially to become part of this illustrious project. Van Dijk was described as “a very good centre-back” by Ronald Koeman during his St. Mary’s days, but it was his move to Anfield that birthed a legendary career.

Premier League

226

19

9

1x

Champions League

51

3

3

1x

FA Cup

11

2

0

1x

Carabao Cup

11

2

0

2x

Europa League

5

0

0

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Kerkez could now follow suit, showing all the signs of becoming a superstar in his own right. Moreover, he would be joining a talented Liverpool side lacking something in defence, just like when Van Dijk arrived and strengthened Klopp’s team. Then came the glory.

A more fiddly comparator would be the respective defenders’ placement on the South Coast before moves to Merseyside, having established themselves as one of the Premier League’s finest in their role for a side supposedly punching above its weight.

Journalist Zach Lowy has even gone as far as to say that he’s “the best left-back in England” who’s “worth his weight in gold.”

Liverpool may wish to persist with Robertson but bring Kerkez in to challenge him for top spot, before ultimately claiming it for his own. It makes so much sense, and Liverpool need to get this transformational signing done before another competitor makes their move.

Although Liverpool’s contractual disputes will take front and centre stage over the next few months, FSG have had plenty of time to fix the various other problems in the squad.

Kerkez would represent a defence-changing move, taking a great backline and turning it into an unstoppable and dynamic force. He might be the final piece of the puzzle – in a way, just like Van Dijk was.

Earns more than Alisson: FSG must cash in on "struggling" Liverpool star

Richard Hughes is looking to sign an upgrade this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 7, 2025

Derbyshire batter adds another half-century to his run of three fifties and a hundred

ECB Reporters Network02-Jun-2023

Wayne Madsen is on a roll•Getty Images

Wayne Madsen’s remarkable run in the Vitality Blast continued as the Derbyshire Falcons ended Birmingham Bears’ winning streak in the North Group with a 17-run victory at Derby.Madsen came into the game on the back of three fifties and a hundred and delivered another white-ball masterclass with an unbeaten 71 off 52 balls out of 174 for 5.Tom Wood hammered 39 from 19 as he and Madsen plundered 79 off 41 balls with Glenn Maxwell taking 2 for 19 in four overs.The Bears’ hopes of equalling their best ever start in the T20 with a fifth victory quickly faded as they slipped to 45 for 4 in the powerplay with Moeen Ali falling for 16.Maxwell briefly threatened with 29 off 22 balls before Dan Mousley and Ed Barnard added 49 off 30 but the Bears came up short on 157 for 9 with Zak Chappell taking 3 for 32 and Zaman Khan 3 for 34.Moeen, playing his first game for his home county for 17 years, had elected to bowl first on a sunny evening at the Incora County Ground.Luis Reece swung Maxwell for six before pulling Henry Brookes into the hands of deep square which brought in the prolific Madsen who cut his first ball for four.He drilled Craig Miles past mid on for another four as the Falcons ended the powerplay on 43 for 1 and Haider Ali greeted Jake Lintott by launching him over the ropes at wide long on.His attempt to do the same to Maxwell was pouched by Mousley at deep midwicket but Madsen was the wicket the Bears most wanted.Maxwell beat Leus Du Plooy’s charge to end his impressive spell but Madsen was finding the gaps and after surviving a hard caught-and-bowled chance to Mousley on 47, pulled the spinner for his ninth four to reach yet another 50 off 40 balls.It was an impressive display of timing and placement on a slow pitch and when Wood opened his shoulders to club Brookes for two fours and a six in a penultimate over which cost 27, the momentum had swung to the Falcons.Wood pulled Miles to deep midwicket to end a stand of 79 off 41 balls but he had helped take the Falcons to a competitive score.Moeen launched the chase by lofting Chappell over long on which resulted in the ball being changed but when Alex Davies tried to emulate his skipper he skied a catch to mid off.It is difficult to keep Madsen out of the game at the moment and the 39-year-old plunged forward at cover in the fourth over to hold a fine catch when Moeen checked a drive at Zaman, although he appeared to hurt his right knee in the process.Maxwell dispatched George Scrimshaw’s first two balls to the ropes but the fast bowler responded by bowling Sam Hain when he backed away to drive.The Bears were in deep trouble when Chris Benjamin gloved a pull at Chappell through to the wicketkeeper with everything now resting for the visitors on Maxwell.But he drilled Mattie McKiernan to long off in the 10th over and despite Mousley and Barnard’s rally, the Falcons kept their discipline to record back-to-back wins.

Stunning run-spree notwithstanding, host venue gives off air of camping holiday

David Hopps31-May-2023Glamorgan 238 for 3 (Cooke 113*, Ingram 92*) beat Middlesex 209 for 5 (Cracknell 77, Eskinazi 59) by 29 runsMiddlesex’s captain Stephen Eskinazi had finished the first match at Merchant Taylor’s School two days earlier, incandescent about how a seemingly straightforward run-chase had coagulated when victory seemed certain. This time runs came in a torrent at the end of an innings, just as they are meant to. The only problem for Middlesex was that they belonged to Glamorgan.Glamorgan set their highest T20 score, 238 for 3, as they pulverised 72 from the last three overs on the same ground where Middlesex – with Gloucestershire the grateful opposition – had failed to get nine from the last two on the same pitch: a stark comparison that might well have entered Eskinazi’s consciousness on the journey home.Either Chris Cooke or Colin Ingram, both South African-born, could have reached their hundred with a couple more prodigious blows as Glamorgan’s innings entered its final over – by that time it largely depended who was on strike – but it was Cooke who made 113 from 51 balls while Ingram had to settle for 92 from 66. Staggeringly, Cooke moved from 50 to 100 in only 12 balls, a sequence including five sixes and four fours.John Simpson, Middlesex’s experienced wicketkeeper, and one of the two senior players at the crease as Middlesex failed to beat Gloucestershire, had been dropped for this game. Ryan Higgins, the other culprit, might have wished he had been too as his wayward four overs disappeared for 62. The all-rounder’s much-heralded return home from Gloucestershire has been followed by good Championship returns but is yet to bear fruit in the Blast.Blake Cullen was the only bowler to escape the carnage, returning 2 for 23, most of his overs bowled as Glamorgan wandered to 51 for 3 in 6.5 overs, but Tom Helm was flayed to the tune of 0 for 69, his last two overs going for 25 and 27 respectively, the worst figures ever by a Middlesex bowler in the format.Ingram already has four T20 hundreds; this was Cooke’s first and, 37 now, he celebrated the achievement as only a player who feels the shadows lengthening on his career can. Helm, Middlesex’s most potent T20 bowler, began the last over with Cooke still 12 short, but he deposited two full-length balls, the first one a slower ball, over deep midwicket with the sort of repetitive clean hitting that had characterised an increasingly out-of-control partnership of 187 in 79 balls.”It’s the first time I’ve played here, so hopefully I can come back as it’s a great place to bat,” Cooke said. “We had 180 as a par score which wouldn’t have been enough. I’d like to think I’ve hit the ball close to as good as that before, but I didn’t really have a T20 hundred in my career on my radar, with me batting at five or six, so it’s amazing to get it.”Middlesex would have had to achieve a record score batting second to overhaul Glamorgan’s total – the highest is Sussex’s 233 for 6 last summer, and even they lost at Chelmsford – but Eskinazi and James Cracknell provided a platform with a stand of 146 in 12 overs before both fell reverse-sweeping. They needed one more innings of substance, but instead delivered a meek mish-mash of half-baked strokes as Glamorgan’s bowlers proved far more resilient.Cracknell, like so many white-ball specialists in county cricket, deserves great credit for early-season success. Preparation time can be limited as the switch is made from the Championship format in which he takes no part. “It’s been a really odd season,” he conceded. “I’ve had one red-ball innings in the 2s so to go from that and be told you are opening the innings in the white-ball stuff with little practice and middle time has been strange. But I’ve been given the backing and this is the format I’ve had most success in so I’m feeling good.”Most eye-catching was Peter Hatzoglou, the “accidental cricketer”, whose background in risk consulting presumably helped him put Middlesex’s response into perspective. Hatzoglou approaches like a conjurer – all ball tosses and feverish arms – and it was enough to delude Cracknell as he tried to reverse-sweep a long hop that had strayed wide outside off stump and his lifted foot enabled Cooke to complete a stumping. Hatzoglou’s second wicket was Pieter Malan, Middlesex’s sole overseas player, who was bowled by a faster delivery as he attempted a leg-side heave. Prem Sisodiya turned in another good shift on a good night for Glamorgan’s spinners.The Blast is never more rural than the week or so when Middlesex temporarily abandon Lord’s for the delights of Merchant Taylor’s School and Radlett. It feels as if the tenants of a stately home have suddenly upped sticks and gone on a camping holiday, exchanging the silver service and an attentive butler for a soggy beefburger on a plastic plate.The runs flow, so much so that it puts some tired county squares to shame, the settings are delightful and its all jolly nice, reminiscent of some of the outgrounds used when 40-over cricket saved county cricket from financial disaster half a century ago. It has its place, but it would be counter-intuitive, at best, to argue that it is what the Blast needs if it is to retain its status as a global T20 tournament worthy of attention.It also puts the financial position of Middlesex into focus. With the club’ assets last quoted as down to £179,000, a fall from around £2m in two years, they even invited questions from the ECB about what was going on. In terms of perentage of income, no county is subsidised more heavily.Playing at Lord’s gives Middlesex an air of privilege, but they are more in tune with the average millennial in that it’s hard to see how they will ever afford their own home. Whenever they play at Lord’s, MCC get £16,000 as the cost of staging the game and 30% of whatever proceeds remain. Play on an outground and a convivial crowd of a few thousand is not about to transform the finances unless a hedge fund manager gets tipsy in the bar after the game and agrees a sponsorship deal. They have to cut their cloth to suit – appropriate enough on the cricket ground of a school founded by a group of craftsmen tailors. Those tailors might have warned that going out of fashion is a very dangerous thing.