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The Russell Martin regime is in full swing at Rangers, with the Ibrox side having already confirmed seven new signings this summer, with 21-year-old Djeidi Gassama the latest of those to arrive.

Following what was a largely miserable 2024/25 campaign for Rangers, excluding an encouraging Europa League run, a real overhaul is needed for the Light Blues, as they bid to close the gap at the Premiership summit.

The defensive unit, in particular, looks set to undergo noticeable change, with Martin having already brought in Emmanuel Fernandez, Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons thus far, with veteran centre-back Leon Balogun having departed on a free transfer.

With John Souttar attracting interest from abroad, alongside Turkish full-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, there looks likely to be further upheaval before the window is out, ensuring there could be a much-needed fresh look to the Gers’ backline next season.

While Martin’s free-flowing brand of football will put greater emphasis on the attacking ranks to shine, having a solid base to build from will be crucial, with recent reports indicating that a deal for experienced centre-back, Conor Coady could be in the works.

Capped ten times for England, the 32-year-old would be a worthy addition to the Ibrox dressing room, albeit with Martin and co perhaps having their eyes fixed on a far more exciting centre-back signing.

Latest on Rangers' search for a centre-back

Reports late last week revealed that the Gers were still showing an interest in bringing Coady to Glasgow, with that coming following prior claims that Rangers were actually in advanced talks for the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers man.

A deal for the £75k-per-week star – who has a year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium – may not be too far from completion, albeit with the Gers still keeping their options open for potential alternatives in the centre of defence.

Indeed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Old Firm side are among the clubs interested in signing Xavier Mbuyamba from Dutch outfit, Volendam, with Gent also in the mix.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Romano reported that the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at both Barcelona and Chelsea – is available for a fee of just €500k (£434k), having failed to agree to a new contract with his current side.

It is claimed that clubs in England are also keen on the former Celtic target, with the race now on to see if Rangers can secure the signature of a potentially game-changing signing.

Why Rangers need to sign Mbuyamba

As has already been explored, there is certain merit in bringing in a ‘leader’ like Coady, with the Englishman the type of figure who can replace the likes of Balogun, and Connor Goldson before him, as the centre-piece of the defence.

That said, the ageing star would be more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution, having also been part of a dismal Leicester side that slumped to relegation last time out, after making 22 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.

Mbuyamba, however, could be a star both for now and for the future, having previously been hailed as an “elegant and dominant centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also likened him to ex-Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany.

For those in the Premiership, a more interesting comparison has been drawn in the past between the 6 foot 5 Dutchman and his high-profile compatriot, Virgil van Dijk, with Sky Sports stating back in 2023 that such likeness has been noted by ‘coaches and media in Holland due to his similar playing style and huge potential’.

That link to Van Dijk had come amid claims that Celtic were interested in signing the then-21-year-old, although two years on, it might well be Martin and Rangers who manage to finally bring Mbuyamba to Glasgow.

While he was operating in Holland’s second tier last season, the in-demand defender did enjoy a fine campaign in all, having showcased his brilliance in both boxes, after scoring five times in 34 league outings, while providing one assist and creating five ‘big chances’, as per Sofascore.

Defensively, the towering ace also helped to keep 12 clean sheets, while averaging 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game. That dominance also saw Mbuyamba win 61% of his total duels.

Games (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

5

Assists

1

Big chances created

4

Key passes

0.4

Pass accuracy

86%

Tackles & interceptions

2.8

Dribbled past

0.2

Total duels won

61%

As for Coady, while he was operating at Premier League level, the one-time Liverpool man scored once, while averaging just 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside winning just 45% of his total duels.

That represents a noticeable drop off from his final season at Wolves in 2021/22, with the then-Old Gold skipper – who was operating as part of a back three at the time – scoring four goals, while averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions and winning 53% of his total duels.

The dream squad Rangers can build: £19.5m quartet & "sublime" star all sign

Rangers will be eyeing plenty more signings this summer

4 ByRoss Kilvington Jul 5, 2025

Whether, at 32, Coady is merely now on the decline, or perhaps better suited to life in a back three, is up for debate, but either way, his recent woes should have alarm bells ringing for those at Ibrox.

As for Mbuyamba, the former Netherlands youth international still appears to be a player on the rise, with it an exciting prospect to consider whether or not “the new Van Dijk” – as described by journalist Tom Maston – could flourish under Martin’s watch.

On the evidence of his recent form, Coady has already hit his ceiling as a player. Mbuyamba’s potential is yet to be truly explored…

Sima repeat: Rangers working to agree deal for "fearless" star this week

Rangers could repeat their Abdallah Sima blinder by signing this star this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

What was looking like a rather dull summer for Arsenal fans just a week or so ago has since burst into life.

Kepa Arrizabalaga might be the only signing to have been officially announced as things stand, but that doesn’t look likely to remain the case.

The paperwork for Brentford star Christian Norgaard has reportedly been signed, and Martin Zubimendi is expected to be unveiled before the end of the week.

On top of that, Mikel Arteta looks to finally be getting some attacking stars in, with Eberechi Eze looking like a likely addition, and now reports linking the club to someone who’d be the perfect teammate for him.

Arsenal target dream Eze teammate

While the start of the window was dominated by stories linking Arsenal to one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, Eze has now taken centre stage.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Stories touting him for a move to the Emirates started to gain traction midway through last week, but then really gained momentum in recent days, with some claiming that Arteta had been involved in positive talks with him over the weekend.

Then, in yet more good news, some of the most recent reports have stated that the Englishman is now “desperate” to join the Gunners.

That desire to move to N5 might only increase now that the North Londoners have also been linked with someone who’d be the perfect teammate for him: Ollie Watkins.

That is according to insider Team news and ticks, who, on the latest episode of The Inside Foreward podcast, revealed that Arsenal have once again made contact with the Aston Villa player.

They claim that even though the Englishman is not currently the club’s priority striker signing, he is high up on the list, and that, as a boyhood fan, he would personally “love to play” for them.

In terms of the money involved, other stories from this summer indicate that a fee of around £40m could be enough to tempt the Claret and Blue into selling.

At that price, this potential transfer feels like a no-brainer, especially as he’d be an incredible teammate for Eze.

Why Watkins would be perfect for Eze

Unsurprisingly, the first and without a doubt the most significant reason Eze would love playing alongside Watkins at Arsenal, or anywhere for that matter, is his output.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 season, the often unplayable “nightmare,” as dubbed by Conor Coady, has scored a staggering 44 goals and provided 29 assists in 107 appearances in all competitions, totalling 7901 minutes.

In other words, the former Exeter City gem has averaged a goal involvement every 1.46 games, or one every 108.23 minutes, which really has to be considered world-class.

Watkins recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

53

54

Minutes

4323′

3578′

Goals

27

17

Assists

15

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.79

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

102.92′

115.41′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Now, just imagine how much better Eze’s already impressive numbers of 25 goal involvements in 43 games last season would be next year if he were playing just behind a striker as effective as the Villa ace.

Moreover, another reason the Palace star could love playing alongside the 29-year-old is that they are both now England internationals.

Therefore, they could have the chance to further develop their partnership at both the domestic and international levels, which in turn could help them secure more game time under Thomas Tuchel.

Ultimately, the best players in world football want to play alongside the best, and based on his performances for Villa in recent years, we expect Eze would be thrilled to start alongside Watkins at Arsenal.

Therefore, Andrea Berta and Co should be doing all they can to sign both of them this summer.

Related Saka will love him: £68m "superstar" is now "desperate" to sign for Arsenal

Arsenal could sign Bukayo Saka’s dream teammate this summer.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2025

Slowly and then all at once might be one way to describe Arsenal’s transfer window so far.

For weeks and weeks, it felt like very little was happening at the Emirates, but now Martin Zubimendi’s transfer is reportedly wrapped up, as is Kepa Arrizabalaga’s, and there have been reports of progress being made towards both Rodrygo and Viktor Gyokeres.

It’s not just incomings either, as Fabrizio Romano broke the news yesterday afternoon that Thomas Partey is now “set to leave” this month.

As if that wasn’t enough, yesterday also saw news come out linking Arsenal to Christian Nørgaard as a potential replacement, but if other reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta could be looking to sign another midfielder who’d be even better than the Brentford star.

Arsenal target Nørgaard upgrade

While it’s been known for a few days now that the contract talks with Partey were not advancing and that there was, therefore, a real chance the Ghanaian could leave this summer, there were no murmurings that Nørgaard was being looked at as a potential signing.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In fact, the report from Danish journalist Mads Glenn Wehlast on Wednesday morning was the first time most people had any idea the club were even supposedly interested in the 31-year-old.

The report claims that the Gunners have already submitted an offer worth around €11m in total, which is about £9m.

While that could end up being a good deal, there is still another midfielder the club are interested in, someone who’d be a better signing: Lucien Agoume.

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal are still very much interested in the Sevilla star, who has been the subject of talks.

A price for the young Frenchman is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claim that he could be available for just £20m, although he is also a target for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

It might not be a big-name signing, but based on the ability Agoume has already shown, and the potential so many believe him to possess, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he would be a better addition to the squad than Nørgaard.

How Agoume compares to Nørgaard

So, if it ends up being a choice between signing Agoume and Nørgaard in the coming weeks, why should Arsenal opt for the former?

Well, the first argument, and its significant one, is the statistical one, as when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers, it becomes clear that the Sevilla star, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “10 out of 10 talent,” is the more well-rounded midfielder.

The Dane might do marginally better in a few metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists and passing accuracy per 90, but he comes out a clear second-best in most other statistics that are relevant for a number six.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.14

0.18

Progressive Carries

1.23

0.45

Progressive Passes

5.74

4.92

Passing Accuracy

81.5%

81.6%

Key Passes

1.15

0.58

Passes into the Final Third

5.36

4.38

Shot-Creating Actions

2.55

1.85

Goal-Creating Actions

0.21

0.42

Tackles

2.98

2.52

Blocks

1.28

1.66

Interceptions

1.74

1.57

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.00

0.03

Successful take-ons

0.94

0.22

Aerial Duels Won

1.79

1.57

For example, the former Inter Milan gem comes out looking far better in things like progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot-creating actions and, most crucially, tackles, interceptions and aerial duels won per 90.

This suggests that not only does he have the Bees ace beat in plenty of attacking areas, but he’d also be able to better provide cover for the back four, and the fact he’s so good at winning balls in the air will be like music to Arteta’s ears.

Finally, there is another number that matters here: his age.

At 22 years old, the Yaoundé-born maestro has plenty of time to continue developing, and if he does do that, then the Gunners would have a serious midfielder on their hands down the line, whereas at 31, the Brentford star is only going to regress over time.

Moreover, if Zubimendi is going to be the starting six anyway, surely it makes sense to bring in a promising understudy to cover for him, someone who could seriously rival him for game time in a few years.

Ultimately, while Nørgaard wouldn’t be a bad signing by any means, Agoume just looks like the far better option, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing what they can to get him this summer.

Dream teammate for Rodrygo: Arsenal now in talks to sign £68m "magician"

The creative monster could help the Brazilian reach another level at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

Liverpool’s victory over bitter rivals Everton last night saw Arne Slot’s side claim their 22nd Premier League win of the season, pushing them one step closer to the title.

The Reds may have struggled to produce their best display, but Diogo Jota’s strike in the 57th minute secured all three points – making amends for their draw against the Toffees in February.

Slot’s side now have a 12-point buffer over Arsenal with just eight league outings remaining – looking to be in pole position to claim their second title in the last six seasons.

Serious credit should be given in the direction of the Dutchman for his work in 2024/25, allowing for a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer.

Numerous players managed to thrive in the Derby Day environment, many of which will have given the manager a selection headache ahead of the last couple of outings.

Liverpool’s star performers against Everton

Curtis Jones was forced to operate in a natural right-back role given the injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley over the last few weeks.

However, the academy graduate produced a superb display, completing 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 100% of dribbles – thriving with the ball at his feet.

Luis Diaz has been an inconsistent figure in recent months, only netting one goal in 2025, but managed to tee up Jota for the only goal of the encounter.

The Colombian created six chances during his spell on the pitch – the most of any player – whilst also completing five dribbles, highlighting the threat he posed in the final third.

One other first-team member impressed throughout, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet as a result of his showing.

The Liverpool player who’s now as important as Salah

Mohamed Salah has been a crucial reason for Liverpool’s success in 2024/25, registering a staggering 54 combined goal contributions in his 44 outings to date.

However, the Egyptian’s future remains up in the air with just a couple of months remaining on his contract, with no news yet to be released on whether he will sign a new deal.

Undoubtedly, losing a player of his quality would be a huge loss for the Reds, with the hierarchy desperately needing to prevent losing the star man on a free transfer.

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a superb rise during his compatriot’s reign, becoming a key player in their success and cementing his place at the heart of the side.

He’s started every single Premier League outing this campaign, notching two assists and forming an excellent partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in recent months.

Last night was no different for the 22-year-old, completing 72 passes at a completion rate of 89%, with ten of his passes going into the final third and finding a teammate.

Minutes played

90

Touches

102

Passes completed

72/81 (89%)

Passes into final third

10

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

Clearances made

2

Interceptions made

2

He also notched a tally of 102 touches, whilst also managing to complete a dribble and looking positive every time he had the ball at his feet.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Defensively, he also managed to impress, making two clearances and two interceptions whilst also managing to make seven recoveries – highlighting his impressive performance at the base of midfield.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football Insider journalist Toby Wilding, showcasing how impressive his showing was for Slot’s men.

Given his performance, it’s evident that the former Bayern Munich man has enjoyed a revival at Anfield, looking to be a shrewd addition under his compatriot.

His showing last night was evidence of the talent possesses, undoubtedly being one of the first names on the teamsheet, arguably being as important as Salah to Slot given his emergence this season.

He's better than Frimpong: Liverpool working on deal to sign "complete" RB

Liverpool are already working on a deal to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

Melbourne and Ahmedabad were buzzing on the eve of India-Pakistan, New York not so much

Sidharth Monga08-Jun-20242:54

India or Pakistan – who’s going to win?

You can’t feel it in the air. It’s unfortunate but true. You just can’t.That’s unlike the last two India-Pakistan matches I’ve been to. Two years ago, in Melbourne, fans of both teams came to watch the nets with their , trumpets and their shared songs. It’s convenient there. The nets are one level below the concourse from where people can watch. It was a festival, a party, a celebration. In perfect conditions the next day, both sets of fans sang together, the two teams played a thriller, and then the Indians let out perhaps the biggest roar ever in Melbourne, which could be heard a few suburbs away.Last year in Ahmedabad, you could feel the tension. Tickets were impossible to get, only slightly more difficult than finding a bed to sleep in after the match. In the lead-up, though, there was unease beneath the surface. Everybody wanted the game to happen without incident. The ugly side of this rivalry was always around the corner. If someone cut-pasted you into an Ahmedabad hotel and you walked onto the street, you would have immediately known an India-Pakistan match was on.In big New York in big 2024, you can’t tell the most-storied cricket match, the most anticipated cricket event of the year, a match for which tournament groups are planned, is around the corner. You just can’t feel it in the air.The schedule doesn’t help. It is one of six (morning) matches in six days at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Also, we need to be accurate when we say they are playing in New York. They are playing in the New York state and not New York City. There’s a big difference. For those familiar with India, imagine the cricket ground Afghanistan called their home in Greater Noida, far away in the middle of nowhere with no public transport connectivity. This is the same, except Afghanistan had proper cricket pitches and training facilities there. Now you wouldn’t say Afghanistan played in Delhi, would you?Related

Two great cricket rivalries have fizzled out at the T20 World Cup, but there's still one to watch

Pant handed crucial window of opportunity at No. 3

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Imad Wasim passed fit to play India

A bit like how Afghanistan went about their work unknown to the most of Delhi, except for the Afghan immigrants in Lajpat Nagar and surrounding areas, this T20 World Cup is happening without clamouring for New York’s attention. Well, except for the officious police, bordering on paranoid. We have their attention all right. You can’t even imagine throwing the nets open to public with this police.Also New York City is a busy and expensive place. People are just coming around. There is a big picnic in Central Park planned for fans on Saturday afternoon. While availability (still!) of the exorbitantly-priced hospitality tickets at the main venue should worry the ICC, the watch party at Citi Field is sold out.A supermarket in Jackson Heights is selling India-Pakistan jerseys but the buzz is far from palpable•AFP via Getty ImagesIf the idea was to introduce New York to the ritual three-four days of revelry and rivalry a traditional cricket contest brings, this seemingly hurriedly organised match has not quite succeeded. Having said that, the ICC possibly didn’t want to lose this opportunity, because who knows when the Caribbean will get a chance to host a Men’s World Cup again: this is the first one outside India, England and Australia since 2015. The 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE was technically India’s event that was played there because of the pandemic.The tournament so far, at 20 teams the biggest World Cup to date, has been a success after the initial hiccups. Wins for USA, Canada, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have opened the first round to many possibilities, a glorious vote for expansion rather than contraction. And yet, the truth and irony is that India vs Pakistan makes this expansion possible. Like it or not, it does.It was India vs Pakistan that rescued a disastrous 2007 for the ICC after the over-regulated and upset-filled ODI World Cup took the joy out of the event in the West Indies. The two classics between India and Pakistan in the inaugural T20 World Cup later that year gave the format the acceptance and launchpad it needed. It took a few years for the ICC to stop waiting for an organic meeting between the two teams. Since 2013, the two have been in the same group in the first round to ensure at least one meeting. The ACC followed suit.Rushed build-up or not, dodgy pitches or not, this is still India vs Pakistan, and the New York region is expected to make more than $78 million from it, according to a study carried out by Anderson Economic Analysis, LLC. There is added context to it now, after to Pakistan’s defeat to USA. It is practically a must-win for them, which makes it different to recent matches between the two that have carried less of an edge.People are coming from faraway lands for it. I know of some flying in from USA’s west coast who have paid upwards of $2500 per ticket. Some packages are going at more than $10000 per ticket. Many legendary cricketers from both countries will be in attendance. Amid all this, the ICC will hope the teams recreate some of the magic they did in Melbourne, albeit in less-than-ideal conditions. Whoever is even remotely interested in cricket might want to come, because a close match between these teams at a neutral venue in the presence of supporters of both sides is one of the unique experiences in sport.

Series played in 45C weather carries huge importance for World Cup qualification

Danyal Rasool07-Jun-2022It’s 326 BC. The Internet hasn’t been invented. The first Test match is yet to be played. We’re talking about a time well before even the first Shahid Afridi retirement announcement. A time when incursions of any kind are dictated as much by the weather as any other tactical considerations; launching one in the winter – with defence against the cold virtually non-existent – is perhaps the most unforgivable blunder one could commit. Even 2,000 years later, two of the most famously disastrous military debacles – Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and Nazi Germany’s in the Soviet Union – will largely by done in by the extreme cold.And yet, when Alexander was plotting a move against the Mallians in what is now widely considered to be Multan, he ruled out waiting till the summer months. He picked instead the miserably wet winter months to launch his campaign, catching the inhabitants by surprise. The citadel was besieged, and by February, the city had fallen, before winter was forced to begin its annual eight month retreat from South Punjab’s most prominent city.2,348 years later, it perhaps becomes clearer why the ancient Greek emperor preferred to give Multan a wide berth once the summer sun had set in. An incursion of a very different kind is upon us, with the West Indies cricket team to play Pakistan’s in an ODI series carried over from last year and much has changed in one of the cities most redolent of the subcontinent’s uniquely storied history. It is now a bustling modern metropolis, a hub of commercial and economic activity with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Little has changed in one aspect, though; there remains virtually no defence against the oppressive heat.The temperature on each of the days the three ODIs are due to be played will regularly exceed 45C, forcing the games to begin well into the evening, likely finishing after midnight. Multan was by no means Pakistan’s first choice as host at this time of year, with the slightly cooler Rawalpindi originally slated to host the games. But political uncertainty forced a change of venue, and with Lahore and Karachi’s surfaces being relaid, the Pakistan Cricket Board had little choice but to move a series being held at the hottest time of the year to the hottest city with an international cricket ground.However, this isn’t the first time a series is being held in uncomfortably hot weather, and with empty spaces in the calendar shrinking ever further, it certainly won’t be the last. Indeed, the PSL last year famously took place in Abu Dhabi in June and July, and the BBL and IPL are regularly held at times when dry heat in a number of host cities is high. Add to that the fact this series was a victim of Covid-induced havoc the previous winter, and originally scheduled for December.2:48

Pooran on Netherlands series, challenges in Pakistan and assessment of debutants

Pakistan have made preparations to combat the heat, holding training camps in advance to ensure they’re as acclimatised as they possibly can be. There are, after all, Super League points at stake, and Pakistan, with only six wins out of 12 this cycle, will need to push themselves further up the table if they are to avoid the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Babar Azam’s men are fresh off an impressive come-from-behind series win over Australia at home, and will field a largely full-strength side. They should be firm favourites against an opposition that, until their 3-0 series win in the Netherlands last week, hadn’t won an away ODI series for more than a decade.With preparations for the World Cup next year gradually kicking, it’s that series against Australia that perhaps offers the clearest blueprint for the brand of ODI cricket Pakistan want to play, and the quality they bring to the table on batting-friendly tracks. West Indies don’t possess Australia’s quality in either department, and the bone-dry pitches Multan will offer up look set to produce big scores once more. That might mean Pakistan’s soft underbelly – their middle order – stays shielded once again, but Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar have glorious opportunities to pick up where they left off.West Indies face challenges on multiple fronts. You don’t need Google to know Amstelveen’s conditions are unlikely to equip them to handle what they will experience in Multan. You also don’t need to check the ICC rankings to know victory over the Netherlands is probably not indicative of the way things might go against Pakistan.But even so, West Indies will be buoyed by the variety of performers they had in the Netherlands. The three hundreds were scored by three different top-order batters, while rising star Brandon King smashed two unbeaten half-centuries to finish that series off. Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph were consistently solid with the ball, and victory, regardless of the opposition, will always provide the one thing that all sportspeople need: confidence.Even for this city, teeming with 1000-year old Sufi mystic shrines, temples and mosques, as well as the saintly tombs that give Multan its sobriquet, this series is historic. It’s the first international cricket held outside the three major power centres in Pakistan since the 2009 attack, allowing Multan to savour something it has been deprived of for far too long: the spotlight. It’s a glorious place to pay a visit, but – as even Alexander knew two millennia ago – perhaps when the weather’s a little bit cooler.

A big score for Rahul and a big win for the Kings XI Punjab. Twitter was full of praise for both

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2020KL Rahul smashed an unbeaten 132 off 69 balls – the highest individual score in the IPL by an Indian – in the Kings XI Punjab’s big 97-run win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Twitter was full of praise for the Kings XI captain.

Some solid shots there by @klrahul11 classy hundred

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) September 24, 2020

.@klrahul11 has led from the front.
Super innings! He has paced his innings nicely and timed the ball beautifully.#KXIvRCB #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/yOufAjYoAu

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 24, 2020

What a knock by @klrahul11 just sensational for @lionsdenkxip #ipl

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) September 24, 2020

What an amazing knock by @klrahul11 .. Super super proud of you brother, Great innings

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) September 24, 2020

Kl Rahul WOW #IPL2020

— Ben Duckett (@BenDuckett1) September 24, 2020

Klass Rahul #champion

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 24, 2020

The innings was backed up by a splendid bowling performance, with the Royal Challengers being dismissed for 109.

What a win! Total team effort, set up by a KLass performance from the skip. Few better sights in cricket than @klrahul11 in full flow. No total is safe in T20, so it was vital for bowlers to finish the job which they did with speed and guile. @lionsdenkxip #SaddaPunjab #ipl2020 pic.twitter.com/sogXm7hiJw

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 24, 2020

Great win for @klrahul11 rcb couldn’t chase 132. Well done #bishnoi #shami #ashwin #cottrell @lionsdenkxip

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 24, 2020

Salute to @lionsdenkxipMarching On #SaddaPunjab pic.twitter.com/djcDagS2Tb

— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) September 24, 2020

So proud of the way the boys played tonight Happy to see the Orange Cap & the purple cap in the @lionsdenkxip Congrats @klrahul11 4 leading from the front & for the unbeaten 132. I’m leaving Dubai with the biggest smile on my face #Shammi #KXIPvsRCB #PzIpldiaries pic.twitter.com/7YeDEvKeOP

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) September 24, 2020

Will net run rate come back to hurt the Royal Challengers?

KL Rahul beat #RCB by 23 runs Big losses mean NRR taking a massive hit…might hurt you in the business end of the tournament. #KXIPvsRCB #IPL2020

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 24, 2020

With Rahul showcasing his best on Thursday night, no wonder opposition sides are worried.

Hey @klrahul11, brilliant innings (and celebration).

Think you deserve a rest next game.#KXIPvRCB | @lionsdenkxip

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 24, 2020

For the first time in quite a while, there are reasons for West Ham United fans to be optimistic.

Nuno Espírito Santo appears to have found a system that not only gets the best out of his players but has already delivered two Premier League wins in a row.

Moreover, some of the stars who were looking a little lacklustre earlier in the season are now starting to pick up some form.

One of those is Lucas Paqueta, although there is a former West Ham player sold by former Sporting Director Tim Steidten who is still outperforming the Brazilian.

The latest on Lucas Paqueta

It would be fair to say that last season was not Paqueta’s finest for West Ham.

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After all, in 36 appearances across all competitions, the former Lyon star was only able to chalk up a rather underwhelming tally of five goals and no assists.

It looked like it would be much of the same for a period at the start of this season, as aside from a thunderous effort against Chelsea and a penalty against Nottingham Forest, the 28-year-old looked like he was simply coasting through games.

Then, just to make the situation worse, stories emerged of him wanting to leave the club as soon as the winter window.

However, the Paqueta-born dynamo quickly responded by posting a picture of himself and his family at the London Stadium, which, given the timing, certainly felt like a statement.

With all that said, this could still be his last season, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano making it clear that a departure in the summer is still very much on the cards.

If this really is to be his last season in Claret and Blue, at least the mercurial midfielder is starting to show his best again, scoring a goal against Newcastle United and playing well against Burnley last week.

Yet, even with this uptick, Paqueta is being outperformed by another midfielder sold by West Ham last year.

The former West Ham star outperforming Paqueta

There has been plenty of player churn at West Ham in recent years, but one of the most talented to leave was undoubtedly Pablo Fornals.

The 29-year-old joined the Hammers from Villarreal in the summer of 2019, and over the following four and a half years made 203 appearances, in which he scored 23 goals, provided 19 assists and won the Conference League.

However, by the 23/24 season, he was more of a bit-part player, and so when Real Betis came knocking in the January window, the Hammers were happy to let him leave for around £6.8m.

Since then, the Spaniard has already made 69 appearances for the Seville outfit and even started in the Conference League Final against Chelsea last year.

However, this season has been his best in a very long time, to the extent that he’s been called up to the Spanish national team for the first time in four years.

It’s a thoroughly deserved call-up, as in 16 appearances, totalling 1131 minutes this season, he has scored twice and provided four assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.66 games, or every 188.5 minutes.

For comparison’s sake, Paqueta’s tally of four goals in 12 appearances, totalling 1051 minutes, comes out to a worse average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 262.75 minutes.

The comparison is even more weighted in the Spaniard’s favour when examining their underlying numbers.

For example, the “unbelievable” midfielder, as dubbed by journalist Karl Matchett, comes out on top in most crucial metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, key passes and shot-creating actions.

Overall, while he might not be as good a player as Paqueta, Fornals is certainly outperforming him this season, and is someone Nuno would surely love to have in his squad.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo conquistou uma grande vitória sobre o Fluminense por 4 a 2, neste domingo (3), pelo Campeonato Carioca. Marlon Freitas (2), Raí e Urso foram os autores dos gols do Alvinegro, enquanto Lelê e John Kennedy marcaram para o Tricolor.

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Apesar do resultado, o Time de Guerreiros tem vaga garantida na semifinal do estadual, mas aguarda os jogos de Vasco e Nova Iguaçu para saber qual será seu adversário. Por outro lado, o Glorioso seca o Cruz-Maltino para sonhar com um lugar na fase decisiva do Carioca.

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⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?

Em uma primeira etapa eletrizante, o Botafogo abriu o placar com apenas dois minutos de jogo com Marlon Freitas aproveitando cruzamento na área e soltando uma bomba de pé canhoto para estufar as redes. O Alvinegro ampliou o marcador com Raí, mas o Fluminense descontou a vantagem do Glorioso com Lelê, que chegou ao sexto gol no Campeonato Carioca.

Apesar de um início morno no segundo tempo, Fluminense e Botafogo promoveram um final eletrizante. Aos 34 minutos, John Kennedy sofreu um pênalti e converteu finalizando de cavadinha contra Gatito Fernández. Mas o Alvinegro respondeu na mesma moeda com André cometendo pênalti sobre Kauê e sendo expulso. Marlon Freitas converteu e deu a vantagem para o Glorioso. Nos acréscimos, Urso recebeu cruzamento da esquerda, ganhou dividida com Marcelo e deu números finais ao duelo.

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✅ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

Na quarta-feira (6), o Botafogo recebe o RB Bragantino pelo jogo de ida da terceira fase da Libertadores. Por outro lado, o Fluminense só volta a campo na próxima semana pela semifinal do Campeonato Carioca.

Tudo sobre

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It might well be the case that Manchester City look to reinforce in attack over the January transfer window. It was not really an area of focus for the East Mancunian side over the summer transfer window, with Rayan Cherki the only attacking player joining the club.

They’ve added to their attacking depth over the last few transfer windows, bringing the likes of Savinho and Omar Marmoush to the club.

However, they have played just 644 minutes combined in the Premier League, and it seems Pep Guardiola is still looking to add to the depth in forward areas.

Thus, the Citizens have been linked with some big-name attackers.

City’s latest transfer target

It seems like City aren’t afraid to splash the cash as they look to improve the quality of their attack.

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One player who has been linked is Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with Guardiola’s side reportedly considering a £70m move for the Brazilian.

However, another player the Citizens are linked with is RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. According to a report from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, City are said to be one of the clubs that have the Ivorian winger ‘in their sights’ ahead of a potential transfer.

Yet, this deal will be neither cheap nor straightforward. Several of City’s Premier League rivals are keen on the 19-year-old, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with other clubs not named.

The fee will be astronomical, too. Leipzig are reportedly set to ask for upwards of £87m, and hold strong negotiating power because there is no release clause in his contract.

Why Diomande would be a good signing

If City were to pay the fee for Diomande, there is certainly evidence to suggest it would be a good piece of business and would strengthen out wide.

Despite being just 19 years of age, the winger is already a “defender’s nightmare” according to football scout Antonio Mango, having also been described as a “generational” talent by journalist Bence Bocsak.

It has been a really strong start to the season for the Ivorain winger. He’s shone for Leipzig, making 11 appearances across all competitions and racking up 11 goals and assists in that time. That includes six goals and three assists in 14 games in the Bundesliga.

One of the benefits of Diomande’s game is the fact that he can play on either flank. It is no secret that Guardiola likes the versatility in his attackers, and that is something the Leipzig number 49 would be able to offer the Catalan coach

Signing Diomande could be a brilliant alternative to Rodrygo for City.

Of course, the Los Blancos winger is one of the most reputable in the world, with over 100 goals and assists in less than 300 games for the Spanish giants.

He ended his 32-game goalless run against the Citizens in the Champions League last week, showing how deadly he can be at his very best.

After the game, Guardiola said he told Rodrygo himself “how good he is” and described him as “a player from another level.”

Naturally, that fuelled conversion surrounding a City move for the Brazilian. However, if that doesn’t materialise, signing Diomande could be an apt alternative.

He is equally as effective when it comes to chance creation and is arguably even more direct.

Indeed, that is something backed up by the numbers on FBref, where the two players are similar. This season, the Ivorian has completed 4.24 successful take-ons and played 1.41 key passes on average per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Rodrygo only averages 2.56 take-ons and plays 1.4 key passes each game.

No matter who City sign, they are going to have to pay a large fee, such is the nature of the market and the fact that selling teams can demand a large fee. Yet, £87m may be seen as a real investment for Diomande.

He is a quick, direct winger who loves to take defenders on one-vs-one. It will encourage City that he already has impressive final third output, too.

At just 19 years of age, he is an investment for the present and future.

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