Colin Graves’ term as ECB chairman could be extended by six months, to allow him to oversee the first season of The Hundred
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Apr-2019Colin Graves’ term as ECB chairman could be extended by six months, to allow him to oversee the first season of The Hundred.Graves, who has been in his post since 2015, was due to step down in May 2020 after a five-year stint. However, he has been instrumental in the development of The Hundred, and is understood to be keen to preside over the competition’s first season, which is due to be launched in July 2020.His move has been proposed by the ECB’s non-executive directors, including Lord Kamlesh Patel, Lucy Pearson and Jim Wood.It now needs to be approved by at least 31 of the 41 counties at the board AGM on May 7, after the ECB’s constitution was rewritten in 2018 to ensure it complied with Sport England’s code for sports governance.Should the motion pass, Graves would remain in office until November 2020, though the ECB has confirmed that a search for his successor would begin in September 2019.”2020 promises to be an exciting year for cricket in England and Wales,” Lord Patel said. “Given that Colin Graves has played a key role in overseeing the development of The Hundred, the Non-Executive Directors believe it is important to retain his services over the course of the 2020 domestic season.”This will also provide the opportunity for the Chair elect to be able to shadow Colin Graves for a six-month period, over the course of a season, which will help ensure there is a smooth succession.”
Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Bosnian side Zrinjski on Thursday evening in their final Europa Conference League group stage match allowed them to secure top spot in the group.
The result ensured they would miss the knockout round playoffs which take place in February and progress straight to the round of 16, thus enjoying an extended break from European football.
This will give Unai Emery the chance to devote his energy to maintaining the wonderful Premier League form that they have displayed over the previous few months.
Latest Aston Villa transfer news: Unai eyes £40m deal; Saudi club want star
It’s a huge summer for Aston Villa and Unai Emery as they prepare for the Champions League.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2024
With ties coming up against Brentford, Sheffield United, Manchester United and Burnley before 2024, the Spaniard will surely be aiming for 12 points from 12 and this could transform the Midlands side from top four hopefuls to title challengers.
With the tie against the Bees coming just three days after another energy-sapping continental match, Emery could well rotate his squad and we at Football FanCast predict what his starting XI will be…
1 GK – Emiliano Martínez
The Argentinian was given a rest against the Bosnian outfit on Thursday as youngster Filip Marschall was making his first start of the campaign.
Martinez has missed the previous two European ties, but against Manchester City and Arsenal in his last two league outings, he has kept two clean sheets and another one against the Bees on Sunday would go a long way to securing another important three points.
2 RB – Matty Cash
Aston Villa defender Matty Cash.
Matty Cash was solid against Zrinkjski in midweek, but he was withdrawn after 69 minutes and replaced by Calum Chambers and this was perhaps in order to manage his game.
He should be unleashed against Brentford and in the top flight this term, the right-back has registered two goals and an assist, showcasing his attacking skills in the process.
3 CB – Pau Torres
Aston Villa defender Pau Torres.
Prior to their final group stage tie, Torres had played just one minute of Conference League football, and it looked as though Clement Lenglet would once again come into the starting XI.
The 26-year-old was given his first start of the group stage, however, and he recorded a pass success rate of 91% while winning 100% of his aerial duels.
He will retain his place against Brentford and the former La Liga star is becoming one of the finest players at the club.
4 CB – Diego Carlos
Ezri Konsa was given the nod in midweek, but the Brazilian will likely return to the starting XI for the away tie on the weekend.
Carlos has started the previous four Premier League matches for Villa and the club have conceded just three goals in that time.
Alongside Torres, the former Sevilla defender can keep Brentford at bay this weekend and help the club secure another league win.
5 LB – Alex Moreno
Aston Villa'sAlexMoreno.
With Lucas Digne suspended for the clash against Brentford, it looked as though Alex Moreno would be rested in midweek in preparation for the tie this weekend, but Emery unleashed him from the start on Thursday evening.
He netted the winner in the previous European clash but didn’t have quite the same impact against Zrinjski, and he will need to improve against Thomas Frank’s men on Sunday afternoon.
6 RM – Moussa Diaby
The French winger made his first start since the previous European clash against Legia Warsaw in November and was deployed out on the right wing.
He succeeded with 50% of his attempted dribbles and had a 97% pass success during his spell on the pitch, and although he didn’t score or grab an assist, his performance indicates that he deserves a first league start since the match against Tottenham Hotspur.
7 CM – John McGinn
John McGinn
The Scot has often found himself performing on the left of the midfield this season, but with Douglas Luiz suspended this weekend, Emery may well move him back into a more central role.
McGinn has started all but two of Villa’s 25 games so far during 2023/24 and has established himself as an integral part of Emery’s side.
He assisted Nicolo Zaniolo’s goal against the Bosnian side on Thursday evening, and he could cause plenty of damage from a central role against the Bees.
8 CM – Boubacar Kamara
Another player who was given a rest for the continental clash and this ensures he will be raring to come tomorrow afternoon.
Kamara has firmly established himself as one of Emery’s standout performers and the only match he has missed in the top flight this season was against Bournemouth and that was due to a suspension.
The 24-year-old will slot in alongside McGinn for the trip to London, and he will be hoping for another excellent showing.
9 LM – Nicolo Zaniolo
The Italian has endured a tough start to life in the Midlands as he failed to score and grab an assist during his first 17 matches for the club.
That run came to an end against Zrinjski as he slotted home the opener and while the match finished 1-1, the goal will surely have given him plenty of confidence to chip in with a few more goal contributions between now and the end of the year.
10 AM – Youri Tielemans
Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans.
While the Belgian is typically a central midfielder, Emery has utilised his skills slightly further forward during the wins over City and Gunners and this is a tactic he will be keen on using again tomorrow.
He even grabbed an assist against the current Premier League champions and Emery will be hoping he can replicate that performance when they face Brentford on Sunday.
As impressive as Tottenham Hotspur have been under Ange Postecoglou, the boss must ensure that this is only the start of his improvements in North London as he looks to take them back into the Champions League. The Lilywhites currently sit inside the Premier League's top four, albeit having played an extra game than Manchester City, and will be aiming to show similar form in the second half of the campaign.
As the January transfer window approaches, Spurs may well start to think about further reinforcements for Postecoglou and perhaps ones that could cement their place among England's elite once more. However, one particular target is already being lined up for next summer.
Spurs transfer news
Postecoglou is certainly prepared for a busy window next month, having recently told Sky Sports when asked if January is coming at a good time:
"Yeah, if we get the outcomes it will be. But it's going to be a challenging month for us because you're talking about three players in Pape, Biss and Sonny who have been very important to what we're trying to build. We've got Maddison, Van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur – really significant players who are missing – so fingers crossed the guys we've got at the moment stay healthy through that period. It's going to be a challenging period and January is always a difficult transfer window to get things done particularly quickly, so I think we're preparing ourselves for that."
According to reports in Spain, Ferran Torres is one of the options at the top of Spurs' transfer wishlist and is open to a change of scenery after falling down the pecking order at Barcelona. Given that Spurs are yet to replace record goalscorer Harry Kane too, Torres could be an ideal option to turn to, although he is a target for next summer.
"Brilliant" Torres can provide Son cover
Without Kane these days as well, it's difficult to identify a player who could step up for the Lilywhites. Instead, however, they could turn to the transfer market and Torres. The former Manchester City forward and two-time Premier League winner can play both out wide and in the striker role, potentially handing those in North London an ideal Heung-min Son replacement.
Earning the praise of Pep Guardiola whilst at City, the Spaniard said:
"Not just this evening, of course this evening was important, but his first season in England and his numbers are exceptional. He came as a winger, but he has to think about (being) a striker. When Sergio, Gabriel were out, he was there. He scored against Leeds and Crystal Palace. He didn't have many minutes, but when he played, he had a sense of goal.
"Yeah, he can be [a No 9]. We will use him, we used him and he was brilliant. His rhythm, especially defensively he has improved a lot. The game at Palace, he makes a turn [in his season] – so good. The movement he makes as a striker, for the [third] goal, it hits the bar and where it goes, he knew it."
Whilst Torres' goals total of just three this season makes for poor reading, he hasn't been helped by Barcelona manager Xavi, who has granted the forward just seven starts in La Liga. With that said, both Spurs and Torres could solve each of their problems in 2024, so it could be one to watch over the coming months.
Mesut Ozil’s remarkable transformation since hanging up his boots has led to former Germany team-mate Mario Gomez to brand him “a little Cristiano”.
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Playmaker retired in 2023Has been hitting the gym hardLikened to Portuguese superstarWHAT HAPPENED?
World Cup winner Ozil, who retired in 2023, was often accused of being lightweight and lacking the stomach for a fight during his distinguished playing career. He graced the books of Real Madrid and Arsenal, while claiming a global crown in 2014, but was famed for his relaxed approach to playmaking.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 35-year-old has now bulked up considerably, with more time being spent in the gym pumping iron than he ever did when turning out at Santiago Bernabeu and Emirates Stadium. Ex-Blancos colleague Ronaldo is among those to have been left suitably impressed by Ozil’s body reshaping, commenting “bro not bad” on one social media post.
WHAT GOMEZ SAID
Gomez has now had his say on the new hulking version of Ozil, telling the Phrasenmaher podcast: “First of all, it's admirable how he pulls it off. However, I am someone who believes in the happy medium because I have experienced swings in both directions and know that extremes often lead to nothing good. I don't know what his mission is behind this.
"It looks a bit crass and wouldn't be my thing – but that's not the point. When you come out of a career in which you received a lot of encouragement and praise for years, you naturally look for something that fulfils you. Mesut now seems to have found this in the gym. He also played with Ronaldo and maybe thinks: 'Now I have time to become a little Cristiano'.”
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Ronaldo, who is still going strong at 39 years of age while on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, is famed for his relentless work ethic and ability to keep himself in the best possible shape. Ozil now boasts the physical frame to compete with CR7 – who he spent three years working alongside in Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made an impressive start to life under Gary O'Neil and could now enter the market in January for a high-profile defender.
Wolves 1-0 Burnley
On Tuesday evening, Wolves secured a vital 1-0 victory over Burnley at Molineux, with a solitary strike from Hwang Hee-chan proving to be the difference between the sides as the West Midlands-based outfit moved on to 18 points from their first 15 matches played in the Premier League this campaign. O'Neil hailed his side's "massive" victory over the Clarets in his post-match press conference, saying:
"It’s a massive win for us. I’ve watched a lot of Burnley, they’re very well organised and every team I’ve watched against them has struggled to progress up the pitch with the ball."
"Burnley are a good side. It’s maybe disrespectful to say ‘job done’, because they won the Championship by some way and were big spenders in the summer. They (Burnley) have every right to be competitive at this level and no Premier League game is easy, so I’m really pleased. It’s a big win."
Wolves could sign a "monster" £25m Dawson upgrade
This £25m “monster” could be the perfect replacement for Craig Dawson at Wolves.
ByAdam Scully Dec 3, 2023
Generating momentum will be key for Wolves if they have designs on breaking into the top half of the league standings over the coming weeks and they will hope to record successive home victories on Saturday when Steve Cooper's struggling Nottingham Forest side will make the trip to Molineux in an all-Midlands clash. Looking ahead to January, though, Wolves have now reportedly put their hat in the ring to sign a World Cup winner as O'Neil looks to bring in reinforcements.
Wolves eyeing Marcos Acuna move
According to reports in Spain, Wolves are interested in a swoop for Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna, who is under contract at the La Liga outfit until the summer of 2025. The outlet claim that the Argentina international is valued at around €12 million by his current employers, which is a fee the Old Gold can pay for his services.
Marcos Acuna statistics in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)
Appearances
13
Goals
0
Assists
2
Despite this, the Zapala-born man is an important presence at Sevilla so it may not be easy for Wolves to prize him away from his present environment, making the situation one to watch out for further developments in over the next few months.
Sevilla defenderMarcos Acuna.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola labelled Acuna as a "top defender" earlier this year following the Citizens' UEFA Super Cup victory against Sevilla on penalties, which is praise that can be backed up by the fact the 32-year-old has won 1.5 successful challenges per match in La Liga this term (Acuna statistics – WhoScored).
With Jonny Otto's uncertain future at Molineux leaving Wolves light in the full-back areas, bringing Acuna to the West Midlands in January could be a shrewd bit of business from O'Neil as he looks to bolster his defensive ranks, making this one to keep an eye on.
As India depart for the Women’s World T20, their head coach is confident they are well equipped to handle pressure situations
Annesha Ghosh27-Oct-2018
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Ramesh Powar at the pre-departure press meet•Annesha Ghosh
“Fearless” young players and a multifaceted spin attack will be India’s key weapons at the World T20 next month, according to head coach Ramesh Powar. India’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur echoed Powar’s thoughts.Harmanpreet will be leading India in a world tournament for the first time in a full-time capacity. She was one of the star members of the squad that went all the way to the final of the 50-overs World Cup last year, only to crumble under pressure in the final, when victory seemed imminent.”Luckily the youngsters are very fearless so I hope it changes the whole perception of pressure for them,” Powar said, when reminded of that match at the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai.”Our strength is spin bowling. The day we have three or four bowlers bowling well, like Poonam Yadav, Ekta Bisht, Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma and Anuja Patil… Out of five, if three perform, I think things can go smoothly. In batting, we have experience and a young player like Jemimah [Rodrigues]. We are well-placed, I think.”There are youngsters [in the side] who will react differently now to pressure. This team is more about dominance rather than just competing. They are looking to dominate everything, every situation. That’s where the pressure will be off. We’ve prepared for that.”Harmanpreet, who took over the reins of the T20I side from Mithali Raj after India failed to make the knockouts of the 2016 World T20 at home, said India are better equipped to close out tight games now than they had been last year.”We were trying to give chances to everyone,” Harmanpreet said. “So before the World T20 everybody spent a lot of time on the wicket. Almost everyone got a chance. We are ready to think who is ready for a chance in the first XI or not, we can plan accordingly.”We had not played in a World Cup final before last year except Mithali and Jhulu [Jhulan Goswami]. But now we do have [that experience]. Had we been able to handle our nerves the situation better, it would have been good. But we have learned from our mistakes and I hope that we won’t repeat the mistakes we made the last time and if we get another chance [to play a final].”In the eight-month lead-in to the World T20, India have failed to assert their dominance in multi-team tournaments. In March, they couldn’t qualify for the final of a T20I tri-series at home, which also featured Australia and England. A bigger jolt came three months later at the Asia Cup, where they relinquished the title to Bangladesh, who beat India twice in the tournament, including the final.A fallout between former head coach Tushar Arothe and some of the high-profile players led to Powar taking over as the full-time head coach in July. He has since had only eight international matches – three ODIs and five T20Is in an away series in Sri Lanka which India won 2-1 and 4-0 respectively – and a three-match unofficial T20I series in Mumbai against Australia A to not only familiarise himself with the players but also assess their strengths and weaknesses.Indian players console each other after the loss•PA Images
The team has also had to contend with the last-minute cancellation of a bilateral T20I series against hosts West Indies, which was to serve as a dress rehearsal for the World T20, and the shifting of the tournament preparatory camp in Mumbai, from the Wankhede Stadium to the Brabourne Stadium – with additional nets at the BKC ground.In the limited time he has had, Powar has tested various ideas and combinations.”In the past eight games, we changed a lot of things,” Powar said. “We put Taniya [Bhatia, the wicketkeeper-batsman] under pressure to go and play her shots in the Powerplay; we’ve put Jemimah under pressure. We’ve tried to replicate these things which are important in pressure situations. We played with only one seamer and put the spinners under pressure. We tried to expose them to the situation, let them go through that, and come out winners; that’s how we learn.”As a coach, I don’t feel they will go under pressure in that situation [at the World T20] – I mean reaction-wise. We tried that for the last eight games to already put them under pressure – whether it’s the pressure of batting in the Powerplay or the pressure of chasing a total.”Staying true to his straight-talking demeanour, Powar admitted that the task of building “a team from scratch” in such a short time hadn’t been easy, especially in light of the growing profile of the women’s team and the heightened media interest around it.”To be very honest, it was not a pleasant situation,” Powar said. “Then again, I come from Mumbai, I’ve faced such situations for the last 15 years.”When you have to build a team from scratch… it’s a matter of making them realise their potential, make them understand what the greater cause is. I was surprised to see they realised that so early. I had thought it would take them some time, but within a few days, they understood what I was talking [about]. It was challenging but it’s been good.”While the tracks in the Caribbean – India play all their league games in Guyana, and in daytime – are likely to favour spin, Powar brushed aside concerns over the lack of a spearhead in the fast-bowling attack, with both Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey, the two experienced pacers, missing from the squad.”Look, we are not here to create leaders; we are here to make match-winning players,” he said. “It’s as simple as that. We are not going to focus on one player. We are a unit in which any one player among the 15 players can win us games.”We are trying to create a culture where every player feels they can be the match-winner for the side. We have not picked out anyone as the leader of the batting department or the bowling attack. That’s been our attitude so far.”In what will be the first ever standalone Women’s World T20, India, who had last qualified for the tournament playoffs in the 2010 edition, are pooled in Group B alongside Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and Ireland. This will be India’s first tour to the West Indies since March 2012, and they will begin their campaign on November 9 against New Zealand.
Newcastle United are believed to be interested in signing an "incredible" attacking midfielder in the January transfer window, according to a fresh transfer report.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies have assembled one of their strongest squads in Premier League history in recent times, with top-quality options littered all over the pitch. In the summer, Newcastle further added to their options, bringing in the likes of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento, but the former's 10-month suspension has rocked the club, having been found guilty of betting offences.
It won't be too long until Eddie Howe and owners PIF are able to sign more players in the January window, should they feel the need to add to the squad before the end of this season. Tonali's absence means that another midfielder of his ilk will surely come in, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Ruben Neves and N'Golo Kante all seen as transfer targets for Newcastle.
While a relatively disciplined midfielder is needed to make up for the loss of the Italian maestro, it could be that the Magpies even look to sign a more attack-minded individual, too. A new update certainly suggests that that is the case, with a hugely exciting player being linked with a switch to St James' Park.
Newcastle want Rayan Cherki
According to a transfer update from journalist Ignazio Genuardi on X [via Sport Witness], Newcastle want to sign Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki when January arrives, being seen as a key target to bring in:
"Not selected for Sunday evening's clash against Marseille, the Lyonnais #Cherki – who is under contract until June 2025 – is notably on the short-list of #Newcastle for the winter Mercato."
Cherki appears to be an extremely talented player who has already become such an important figure for Lyon, making a real influence in the attacking third, despite his tender years A midfielder who can provide a good stream of end product, Cherki's stats show that he has scored 14 goals and registered 16 assists in 111 appearances for Lyon, which is impressive for a player who is still only 20 years of age. He has also netted five times in 12 caps for France's Under-21s, suggesting that he could be a future star for his country at senior level.
Rayan Cherki's key Lyon statistics
Total
Appearances
111
Goals
14
Assists
16
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded Cherki in the past, describing him as a both "incredible" and a "difference-maker" in the middle of the park, and he could be looked at as a long-term signing for Newcastle who can mature into a truly top-class footballer over the next four or five years.
The Lyon youngster is also capable of playing out wide, if needed, and this level of versatility could also jump out to Howe, who could see him as someone who can add a healthy amount of squad depth. Cherki himself could also jump at the opportunity to join one of the Premier League's most exciting teams at the moment, playing a big role in what could be a legendary future at St James'.
In recent years, Chelsea's striker Hoo-doo has been well-documented, with the Blues acquiring a multitude of flops for large sums of money.
The biggest of those, of course, was the decision to break their transfer record to sign Romelu Lukaku for £97.5m in 2021, while others include Timo Werner, Gonzalo Higuain and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Truthfully, the club haven't had a monstrous focal point leading their line since Diego Costa departed the club in 2017. The aggressive Spaniard enjoyed a sensational three years at Stamford Bridge, scoring an impressive 59 goals in 120 appearances.
With patience wearing thin on their current crop of forwards, Chelsea could dip into the January transfer market and acquire a striker who has a proven track record of scoring goals for fun.
Are Chelsea linked with a move for Ivan Toney?
Ivan Toney is currently serving a ban from football till January and although the 27-year-old hasn't played all season, that hasn't stopped the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea all thinking highly of Toney and considering a move for him next year.
Brentford would love a bidding war to ensue for their star man and while they may get it, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on the Debrief podcast that a deal could be done for £65m.
Brentford'sIvanToneyafter the match
While the Bees are salivating over the prospect of receiving more than that for their goal machine, they may not get the payday they quite hoped for with his contract expiring in 2025.
It is clear that this transfer saga is going to rumble on long into the January window and that is why the Blues are looking at other targets, most notably Napoli's Victor Osimhen.
Given Toney is a proven Premier League goalscorer and his teammate Christian Norgaard has compared him to Blues legend Didier Drogba previously, it suggests that Mauricio Pochettino should be putting all his eggs in one basket and making a move for the England international.
How good is Ivan Toney?
Toney is the unrelenting physical presence that the club are crying out for to lead their front line and displays in every facet of his game, aside from ball carrying, that he is an improvement on current Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson.
When comparing his stats from the Premier League last season to Jackson's this term, Toney eclipses the Senegalese for aerial duels won per 90 (3.32/1.24), non-penalty goals (0.43/0.31), passes into the final third (1.65/1.24) and fouls drawn (2.26/1.24), as per FBref.
The Englishman is, quite simply, the missing piece to Pochettino's puzzle. He demonstrates that in his ability to beat defenders aerially, make sharp movements in behind and unlike Jackson, show a lethal edge in the box once chances fall to him.
Since completing his £32m switch from Villarreal, the 22-year-old has been chronically wasteful in front of goal and some of the chances that have fallen to him, including the horrible miss against Nottingham Forest, were ones that the 6 foot 1 goal machine would have gobbled up.
Jackson's wastefulness is epitomised by him missing seven big chances, recording an xG of 4.12 with only two goals to show for it while only converting 10% of his opportunities, according to SofaScore.
Toney, on the other hand, outperformed his xG of 18.79, had a goal conversion of 21% and only missed 16 big chances across the entire season in 2022/23.
After all, he did score 20 in the top flight last term, with only Harry Kane (30) and Erling Haaland (36) scoring more goals than the towering Toney, who has been dubbed as "world-class" by former Brentford defender Hermann Hreidarsson for his exceptional performances.
That prior mention of Drogba is also noteworthy, with Norgaard having stated back in 2021: “I heard someone in the changing room comparing Ivan with Didier Drogba. I think he looked a bit like him actually – the way he kept the ball, his first touch and his passes.
“He won every single header and he is a right player.”
To be likened to a legendary figure in Chelsea folklore – who scored 164 goals in 381 appearances and notably won the Champions League – is a real statement, with Toney perhaps the physical, clinical frontman that the west Londoners have been craving since the days of Droga – and Costa – in the modern era.
It is, therefore, imperative that Pochettino does everything in his power to bring the £20k per-week finisher to Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign as they currently sit within the top four of the Premier League with 20 points in nine matches.
Jurgen Klopp's side have only lost one top-flight game this season and they will be hoping to secure a return to Champions League football after qualifying for the Europa League last term.
Despite their impressive form so far, the Reds could look to the January transfer window to give themselves a boost for the second half of the campaign.
It was recently reported that Liverpool, alongside Benfica, have an interest in Boca Juniors defensive midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez, and Klopp could land an instant Wataru Endo upgrade in a swoop for the 21-year-old ace.
How has Endo performed this season?
The Reds snapped the Japan international up from Stuttgart for a reported fee of £16.2m during the summer transfer window but he has endured a difficult start to the season.
An unused substitute during the recent 2-0 win over Everton, Endo has only featured in five Premier League matches so far this term and has not made much of an impact at either end of the pitch.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.
He has not created a single chance for his teammates and has averaged 0.8 tackles and interceptions combined alongside a duel success rate of 41%, as per Sofascore.
Endo has also struggled in his two Europa League starts for Liverpool with zero key passes and zero interceptions, along with two tackles, in the clashes with LASK and USG.
These statistics show that the former Bundesliga man is not making regular defensive interventions to help his team out at the back, whilst he is also offering no creativity in possession to benefit the team in attack.
Should Liverpool sign Ezequiel Fernandez?
Klopp should swoop to sign the 5 foot 10 defensive midfielder as his performances for Boca Juniors this year suggest that he has the potential to be an instant upgrade on the ex-Stuttgart ace in January.
The left-footed battler, who was once dubbed an "orchestrator" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could offer more quality as a ball-winner in comparison to the 30-year-old Reds dud.
Fernandez has made eight appearances in the Copa de la Liga this year and caught the eye with 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game, along with a pass completion rate of 90%.
The young gem has also averaged 2.7 tackles and interceptions per match and won 61% of his duels across 19 Liga Profesional de Futbol outings throughout 2023.
Sofascore rating
7.1
Pass accuracy
90%
Duels won
Five
Tackles made
Two
Fernandez's most recent Boca Juniors performance (via Sofascore)
These statistics show that the 21-year-old talent, who also created three 'big chances' for his teammates in those 19 games, is a ball-winning midfielder who can disrupt the opposition to win possession back for his side.
Therefore, he could come in as a big upgrade on Endo, who has not showcased defensive or offensive skills during his short time with Liverpool, if the youngster can adapt to English football.
This is due to his superior quality off the ball and the nine years that he has in hand to develop and improve over the Japanese dud in the years to come.
However, it does remain to be seen how much Boca Juniors would demand for his services and how much the Reds would be willing to pay for him.
Leeds United are set for a major boost off the field that will in turn help the club to prosper across the long term in Yorkshire, according to a fresh report from Phil Hay.
Leeds United updates: Ayling contract, January window, Finlay Gorman
According to a contract update from TEAMtalk, Whites veteran Luke Ayling is believed to be in contention to win a new deal at Elland Road as his experience is still deemed as a valuable commodity in the dressing room.
The report states that Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper are in the same boat as Ayling, given that their contracts at Leeds United are due to expire in the summer of 2024. Nevertheless, no decision has been made on either of them and it remains to be seen whether their long-term futures lie at the club.
Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope has given his verdict on potential events at Leeds United during the January transfer window, stating: "We know [chief executive] Angus Kinnear has said it will probably be a window for loans. I've always felt that the key to Championship success is how well you do in the loan market in terms of bringing in Premier League-style players, and we've seen that with Leeds, with Ben White and others."
He then added: "If it's going to be [primarily] loans, does it matter who is there? I think it does personally. I like the way Nick has gone about his business. It's been very quiet but it's been effective. Why won't that be so again in January, especially if Leeds continue their upward trajectory?"
As per The Yorkshire Evening Post, Manchester City have made contact with Leeds as they look to acquire Whites youngster Finlay Gorman, who is highly rated within the walls of Thorp Arch. Born in 2008, Gorman has impressed as he has worked his way up the ranks at Elland Road. Newcastle United are also keen to take the 16-year-old to the North East.
Leeds United's next five fixtures – all competitions
Competition
Opponent
Venue
Sky Bet Championship
Norwich City (A)
Carrow Road
Sky Bet Championship
Stoke City (A)
bet365 Stadium
Sky Bet Championship
Huddersfield (H)
Elland Road
Sky Bet Championship
Leicester City (A)
King Power Stadium
Sky Bet Championship
Plymouth Argyle (H)
Elland Road
Leeds United news – Elland Road takeover
Writing in a Leeds United ownership update, The Athletic journalist Phil Hay reveals that the handover of Elland Road from former owner Andrea Radrizzani to the newly incorporated 49ers Enterprises will be finalised and registered with Companies House in the near future.
This news will come as a big boost to Leeds United fans, who will now be safe in the knowledge that every facet of the club will be controlled by the same regime and the lingering presence of Radrizzani is no more.
Leeds United manager Jurgen Klopp.
On the pitch, Daniel Farke has enjoyed a commendable start to life in the Sky Bet Championship, leading his side to fifth place in the table after 11 matches.
His former club Norwich City await this weekend in what will be another stiff test for Leeds United as they aim to gain promotion back to the Premier League.