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He finishes as Bangladesh’s second-highest ODI run-getter with 7795 runs at an average of 36.42

Mohammad Isam05-Mar-2025

Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s most experienced ODI player, has announced his retirement from the format. Mushfiqur made the announcement on his Facebook page, a week after Bangladesh returned home from a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign where they failed to win a game.Mushfiqur finishes as Bangladesh’s second-highest ODI run-getter with 7795 runs at an average of 36.42, with nine hundreds and 49 fifties from 274 matches. He is one of only five wicketkeepers to play more than 250 ODIs, and his seven centuries are the fourth-most by a keeper, behind only Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni.Mushfiqur’s form had been in the spotlight in recent times, though, and he came under more scrutiny during the Champions Trophy. Mushfiqur was out for a golden duck against India, and scored just 2 against New Zealand. His last ODI fifty was against Sri Lanka in March last year – he was injured for two ODIs against Afghanistan in November, and the West Indies tour in November and December.”I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format as of today,” Mushfiqur wrote on his official Facebook page. ” for everything. While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty. The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realize that this is my destiny.”Lastly, I would like to deeply thank my family, friends and my fans for whom I have played cricket for the last 19 years.”Widely hailed as a giant in Bangladesh’s ODI history, Mushfiqur first made a mark in the 2007 World Cup, when he was picked ahead of the veteran Khaled Mashud. He immediately repaid the selectors’ faith, scoring a fifty in the famous victory against India in Trinidad. Mushfiqur quickly became a middle-order mainstay, and barring a brief spell in 2008 when he lost his place, he was a constant presence in Bangladesh sides for almost two decades.Mushfiqur also holds the Bangladesh record for most consecutive ODIs, having played 92 matches between 2010 and 2016.He retired from T20Is following the 2022 T20 World Cup. He is currently on 94 Tests, in line to become the first Bangladeshi to reach the 100-Test landmark.

Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will be played in Hyderabad, and Qualifier 2 in Kolkata

Nagraj Gollapudi16-Feb-20255:37

Pant vs DC on opening weekend, and no Hardik for CSK-MI?

Eden Gardens, the home ground of IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders, will host both the tournament opener of IPL 2025 on March 22 and the final on May 25. It will also host Qualifier 2 on May 23.This will be the first final in Kolkata in a decade, with Eden Gardens having previously hosted the 2013 and 2015 title matches.Related

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The other two playoffs – Qualifier 1 on May 20 and the Eliminator on May 21 – will be played in Hyderabad, home of 2024 runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad.IPL 2025 will feature 74 matches spread over 65 days with 12 double-headers. The tournament opener will pit KKR against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an evening match. That will be followed by double-header Sunday (March 23) with SRH hosting Rajasthan Royals followed by the IPL’s most celebrated rivalry, with Chennai Super Kings hosting Mumbai Indians in a clash between two five-times champions.Royals, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans will play three afternoon matches each, while the other seven teams will play two day matches each. Last year’s afternoon matches had started at 3.30 pm IST.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

There are 13 venues listed in the schedule: the primary home bases of each of the 10 teams along with with Guwahati (Royals’ second home venue), Visakhapatnam (Capitals’ second home venue) and Dharamsala (Punjab’s second home venue). While Guwahati and Vizag will host two matches each, three matches will be played in Dharamsala.While Punjab have usually played two games per season at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, the IPL has scheduled an extra game at the venue this season, with Capitals, Mumbai and LSG listed as Punjab’s opponents. These three matches will be played from May 4 to 11, which means Punjab are the only team to have a stretch of three back-to-back home matches. While several teams will be busy playing back-to-back matches with breaks of one or two days, no team will be on the road for three consecutive away matches.As has been the case in every season since the IPL expanded to ten teams in 2022, the teams have been split into two groups, with KKR, RCB, Royals, CSK and Punjab in one group and SRH, Capitals, Titans, Mumbai and LSG in the other. Teams will meet the other teams in their group and one team in the other group – determined by seeding – twice, and the other four teams in the opposite group once.CSK and Mumbai, for instance, will meet twice despite not being part of the same group.After their March 23 contest, these two teams will meet again on April 20, again on a Sunday evening, with Mumbai hosting Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Four teams – RCB, Mumbai, Punjab and LSG – will all play their opening match away, and only play their respective first home matches in April. RCB, who scripted a miraculous return to form to make the playoffs last year with six consecutive wins after winning just one of their first eight matches, will end their league season with a sustained spell of home games: four of their last six matches will be at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.View the full IPL 2025 schedule here

The lid has been lifted on why Federico Chiesa is sticking it out at Liverpool despite being left out of the Champions League squad by Arne Slot.

• Chiesa omitted from Champions League squad
• Rejected chance to move to Turkey
• Liverpool stay better option

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The winger made the massive decision to stay at Anfield despite being left out of the European squad because he still wants to compete with top players, rather than risking a move home to Italy. He also snubbed moves to Turkish clubs, according to . Chiesa also feared the embarrassment of failure in Serie A and the potential impact on his World Cup chances.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chiesa was left out of the Reds' Champions League squad, with Rio Ngumoha – 10 years his junior – picked instead. The news was a bombshell for the 27-year-old as it came just days after he scored a vital winner against Bournemouth, earning him high praise from Reds boss Slot.

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  After Chiesa's crucial strike against the Cherries, Slot said: "As long as he's here, it's definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe something is going to change. After the fans sung for him so many times during the game and last season as well, I think it's nice for him to give them something in return and that's definitely what he did today."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHIESA?

  Chiesa will need patience in the coming weeks and hope that his Champions League omission will mean more game time in domestic competitions. If he doesn't feature regularly he'll have to consider a move in January, otherwise his World Cup hopes will be hanging in the balance. 

Yes, they may have lost to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday afternoon, but this summer is shaping up rather nicely for Arsenal so far.

On top of Mikel Arteta’s side looking impressive on the pitch, for the most part, Andera Berta and Co have been incredibly busy wheeling and dealing off of it.

In unusual fashion for the North Londoners, they’ve already made six first-team additions, and with a month left until the window shuts, it looks like they’ll make more.

One of those players who could be moving to the Emirates is Eberechi Eze, although reports are now touting a potential alternative for a move to N5, someone who could be another Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal eyeing move for Odegaard 2.0

So, as things stand, it does still appear that one of Arsenal’s key targets for the rest of the summer window is the sensationally talented Eze.

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, reports from earlier this week were still claiming that the Englishman was the club’s number one target now, and that the player was incredibly interested in making the move north of the river.

Moreover, with the 27-year-old release clause now gone, there is a chance the Gunners could negotiate a more favourable deal, or at least a better payment plan.

Yet, even with the club clearly very keen on the former QPR gem, it now looks like they may have a chance to sign an alternative, someone who could be Arteta’s new Odegaard.

At least that is according to a recent report from Football Espana, which has claimed that Arsenal are in the mix for Brahim Diaz.

The report has revealed that Real Madrid may be looking to cash in on the talented attacker this summer, and that while three clubs from Saudi Arabia are willing to spend €40m on him – £34m – the Gunners are one of a few teams from Europe keeping an eye on the situation.

He might not be the marquee signing some fans are after at the moment, but Diaz is a seriously talented player and someone who could be an Odegaard repeat and be a useful addition to Arsenal’s squad.

Why Diaz could be an Odegaard repeat

Now, Odegaard might have had a bit of a rough campaign last season, but fans shouldn’t forget just how important he’s been to Arsenal over the last few years.

After all, he’s the captain and won the Player of the Year award for two seasons on the bounce when the team were playing their best football.

So, it’s certainly encouraging that Diaz shares some key similarities with him, with the first being the fact that he could follow his move from underappreciated talented at Real Madrid to an important member of the squad at the Emirates.

On top of that, the Moroccan is also someone who does his best work in the middle of the pitch, but is more than capable of playing off the right when his side needs him to and just for good measure, he can play off the left as well.

However, while a lot of these similarities are admittedly somewhat surface-level, we can get a better understanding of how statistically similar the pair are thanks to FBref.

According to them, the Norwegian international is the fourth most similar midfielder to the “messi-esque” star, as dubbed by Owen Hargreaves, in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League.

We can get a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by examining some of the underlying metrics in which they’ve ranked so closely, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, goal-creating actions, interceptions, clearances and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.39

0.39

Shots

1.82

1.86

Goal-Creating Actions

0.78

0.70

Interceptions

0.26

0.23

Clearances

0.13

0.23

Ball Recoveries

3.51

3.76

Ultimately, Diaz might not be the player everyone wants at the moment, but he’s a versatile and experienced international who’d be an excellent addition to the squad, and someone who could follow in Odegaard’s footsteps at Arsenal.

Arsenal eye £55m deal for player who's held talks with Arteta and Berta

The north Londoners have been speaking to him.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 1, 2025

Low jeopardy with Nottinghamshire safe from relegation as batter ends campaign on a high

ECB Reporters Network29-Sep-2024

With all potential relegation permutations happily off the agenda at last, Warwickshire calmly settled down to avoiding defeat against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on the final day of the 2024 Vitality County Championship. Saving the follow-on with five wickets down effectively saved the game.The draw, for which the pitch was probably intended from the start, thus duly arrived with ease, Notts taking 14 points to the visitors’ 13. Sam Hain signed off the season with an unbeaten 153 and his overnight partner Ed Barnard made 81 before Michael Burgess struck 56 from 71 balls in an eventual 373 for 7 after the resumption on 143 for 4.It was not until the 13th ball after lunch in fact that the fifth-wicket partners were finally separated after adding exactly 150. The wunderkind off-spinner Farhan Ahmed switched to bowling over the wicket for the first time in the day and Barnard, who had passed 5000 first-class runs on the way, immediately top-edged a sweep to the deep.The catch was well judged by the 21-year old substitute Sam King, yet to gain a first-class debut, with Brett Hutton briefly off the field. But only 84 more runs were then needed to avoid the follow-on, reduced to 58 by the time Hutton returned to take the new ball five overs later.In a challenging summer during which personal reasons and concussion had seen him miss six games, Hain had completed a heartening second hundred of the season from 202 balls just before lunch. As Ahmed shared the new ball, he remained the anchor while Burgess proved typically combative.The follow-on target of 333 was passed with 43 overs remaining but the match, bonus points aside, long since academic as certain to be drawn. Burgess entertained with four sixes in all until he swiped at Lyndon James 21 runs later and failed to clear mid-on. Ahmed came off next over with three for 93 from 33 overs, good figures on this pitch.A second substitute, James Hayes, also without first-class experience, then took a gentle catch at cover off Rob Lord as a loose cut undid Danny Briggs without score. After tea taken at 361 for 7, however, just four bonus-point overs remained, neither side adding to their tally. Notts brought Ahmed back on but he found no further success and bad light conveniently ended play at 3.50.Warwickshire could reflect on a season of just one win but the boon of no fewer than 33 batting points, a total bettered only by Surrey and Essex in Division One. Added to the reinstated increased reward of eight points for each of their nine draws, it served them very well.Nottinghamshire too benefited from eight draws and Lancashire would no doubt rue the fact that they arguably had a marginally better playing record than both their rivals but could muster just 15 batting points along with their four draws. They ended with three wins and six losses, compared to Notts’ two wins, four losses and Warwickshire’s one win also with four losses.

Frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed has been released to play for the Shaheens

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-2024

Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi next week without a specialist spinner, after Abrar Ahmed was released from the Test squad to join the Shaheens squad.It means Pakistan will field an all-pace attack, with the return of Naseem Shah to the Test side after a year out bolstering an attack that also includes Shaheen Shah Afridi.Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza, who both impressed at times during Pakistan’s last Test assignment in Australia, and Mohammad Ali are the other fast bowlers in the squad. Aamer Jamal, though, is unlikely to be available for the first Test. Jamal was the standout performer in Australia, taking 18 wickets and scoring valuable runs. But he’s been suffering from a lower back complaint since earlier this summer, one which affected and ultimately curtailed his county stint with Warwickshire.Abrar, who missed the Australia Tests with an injury, has been released alongside Kamran Ghulam, in the interests of both playing cricket rather than sitting on the bench. Ghulam will captain the Shaheens side against Bangladesh A in a four-day game, which begins in Islamabad on August 20, one day before the Test series.Related

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Abrar’s absence means Pakistan will be without a frontline spinner for only the second time in a home Test – including their UAE Tests – since September 1995 (though they did play a couple of Tests in the early 2000s with Shahid Afridi as their sole spinner). The only other time they played an all-pace attack was also at Rawalpindi, in December 2019, in what was their first Test in Pakistan in 10 years. That was part of a strategic shift under the new leadership of Azhar Ali, who, with Yasir Shah’s form dipping drastically, wanted to rely more on pace. It didn’t last long as Yasir returned and, in subsequent seasons, pitches were prepared to assist spin.Abrar Ahmed will play for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A next week•Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

The move to release Abrar doesn’t mark a broader change in philosophy as much as it acknowledges what Pakistan hope the surface in Rawalpindi will be – one with pace and bounce. If so, that will be a significant change from recent Test surfaces at the venue: lifeless and full of runs.It is also a nod towards the relative lack of resources in Pakistan’s spin cupboard, with neither Sajid Khan nor Noman Ali really having nailed down a spot in the Test side over the last few seasons. The first Test will be the fourth instance of Pakistan not picking a spinner in their playing XI in their last 32 Tests. By contrast, only twice in 201 Tests before that did they not play a specialist spinner.It will leave Salman Ali Agha to shoulder the spin load for this Test, though increasingly that is a responsibility he has looked well-equipped for. In his last six Tests, since the start of 2023, he has bowled on average 12 overs per innings, including twice bowling 20 or more overs in Australia. He’s also made a habit of picking up useful wickets in that time, something that has not gone unnoticed.Asked on the last week whether Pakistan were short of spinning options, Test coach Jason Gillespie said: “You can look into whatever you want. But to start, I think we’ve got two special spinners. Salman Ali Agha is good enough to be classified as a specialist spinner. From what I’ve seen, he has a lot of potential with his offspin. Abrar (Ahmed), obviously, is a fine young bowler in the early stages of his career.”So, I think we’ve covered a lot of bases. We have a lot of seam-bowling options and spin-bowling options. Our batting is varied as well. I believe we have all bases covered, and it’s a very exciting time for the Pakistan Test side.”Both Abrar and Ghulam will rejoin the Test squad after the conclusion of the Shaheens four-day game and will be available for selection for the second Test in Karachi.

Manchester United’s hunt for added attacking reinforcements has been evident this summer, as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst Matheus Cunha has already arrived at Old Trafford this window, their ambitions of added signings doesn’t appear to be slowing down in an attempt to rise up the Premier League table next season.

It remains to be seen how much funds the manager will have at his disposal from the board, but the 40-year-old has made it desperately clear that he wants a new striker to bolster his frontline.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee remain the only two senior centre-forwards on their books, with the pair’s tally of seven combined goals this season showcasing the need for added options.

With the transfer window now in full swing, it presents Amorim’s side with the opportunity to land their desired targets, making key progress on numerous deals.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Viktor Gyokeres has been the main name on their list given his previous stint under Amorim at Sporting CP, but it appears they have moved onto recent targets over the last week.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dušan Vlahović are just three other names mentioned as potential options to provide added quality within the final third.

However, a move appears to be in the pipeline for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, with La Gazzetta dello Sport’s latest update confirming the Red Devils’ interest in the forward.

Their report claims that Amorim’s side are preparing a move for the Italian attacker, who registered 19 goals in Serie A throughout this season.

It also states that the 25-year-old has a £44m release clause that becomes active on the 1st of July, potentially waiting to activate such a deal in the coming weeks.

Why United’s £44m target would be a better signing than Ekitike

Despite the interest in the aforementioned talents, United have also been keen on a move to sign Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké during the off-season.

The Frenchman appears to be a man in huge demand with fellow Premier League outfits Liverpool and Chelsea also firmly in the race for his signature.

Such interest is hardly a surprise given his form in the Bundesliga, after the 23-year-old netted 15 times in his 33 outings during the 2024/25 season.

However, he would be a hugely expensive addition for the Red Devils, given the fact the German outfit are unwilling to budge on their current asking price of around €100m (£84m).

As a result, United may have to look past a move for Ekitike’s signature, with Kean offering Amorim’s side a cheaper alternative due to his pending release clause.

However, they would also be getting themselves a just as impressive option, with the Italian managing to outperform the Frankfurt star in numerous key areas this campaign.

Kean, who’s been labelled “top-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted a higher tally of league goals along with a better goal per shot on target record – demonstrating the clinical edge he possesses in the final third.

Games played

31

33

Goals scored

19

15

Shot on target accuracy

46%

38%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

44%

43%

Fouls won

1.8

0.7

Aerials won

52%

46%

He’s also completed more take-ons and drawn more fouls per 90 this season, handing Amorim’s side a constant threat who can run opposition defenders ragged.

The Italian’s dominance is also reflected in his aerial success rate, winning more battles than Ekitike, making him a better focal point, something which is pivotal in Amorim’s system.

If the club can land the former Everton star for his £44m release clause this summer, it would be a deal that would finally hand the side the added attacking threat they need – doing so in a bargain deal too.

There’s no denying that Ekitike is an excellent option this summer, but given the difference in price and stats, a move for Kean should be a no-brainer.

Better signing than Ekitike: Man Utd submit bid for "world-class" £60m star

Manchester United could finally get their man after making a huge bid in recent days.

5 ByEthan Lamb Jun 21, 2025

Regardless of what happens at Wembley this coming Saturday, Sheffield United will know it will be a busy and hectic summer ahead in South Yorkshire.

If promotion out of the Championship is won, Chris Wilder will need to add in some exceptional new bodies to give his team a fighting chance at securing survival, whilst sticking it out in the second tier will also bring about its own set of difficulties in terms of players such as Gustavo Hamer potentially wanting to move on.

Jack Robinson is looking likely to be a casualty whether promotion is won or not, considering the former Liverpool centre-back is yet to pen a new deal at Bramall Lane, alongside some restless natives finding lots of faults in his performances this season.

Therefore, one top priority this summer will be to bring in a fresh, imposing presence to line up in the heart of defence, with these three potential signings perhaps names on Wilder’s shopping lists, irrespective of whether they’re soaring up to the Premier League or stuck inside the EFL.

1 Harry Souttar

Harry Souttar could well return to United during the busy window, having been on the books of the Blades for 22 memorable games this season before his injury troubles took over.

When he was fit, the 26-year-old battled away valiantly for the cause, with Souttar averaging a high five duels won across his 21 Championship contests, on top of picking up 13 clean sheets.

It would be a major risk to go back in for the injury-ravaged defender – considering he is still sidelined with his torn achilles tendon – but there is definitely unfinished business between Souttar and Wilder’s men and he could be just what is needed when back to full fitness if Robinson does exit.

2 Harry Darling

Swansea City star Harry Darling is the talk of the town in the Championship at the moment with the Welshman looking likely to move on from his current home shortly.

Whoever does pick up the 25-year-old will win his services for free too, which has already piqued the interest of teams such as Birmingham City, but United have been admirers from afar for some time and he could be a sterling option to have around the building if Robinson does depart.

Games played

39

34

Goals scored

5

0

Assists

3

0

Touches*

74.5

68.6

Accurate passes*

53.9 (88%)

45.6 (86%)

Ball recoveries*

3.9

3.4

Clearances*

5.0

4.8

Total duels won*

4.9

5.4

Clean sheets

12

12

Looking at the table above, whilst Robinson does better Darling in terms of duels being won this season, the wantaway Swans defender appears to be more Premier League ready in most departments next to his experienced counterpart.

Indeed, the “heroic” star – as he was previously lauded by ex-boss Luke Williams – managed to chip in with five goals and three assists as a lively body at the back even as his current employers finished in 11th position, whilst also bettering the 31-year-old with more ball recoveries and clearances averaged.

Therefore, he might well be ready for a move to Wilder’s men, considering he’s proven himself as a top performer at EFL level with the potential to go on to become a Premier League-capable talent.

3 Jimmy Dunne

Similarly, adding in Queens Park Rangers’ powerhouse Jimmy Dunne to their defensive options would gift United another stylish body, away from the imposing figures of Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodzic.

The Blades were reportedly keen on Dunne’s services in January, and much like Swansea’s mid-table predicament, a move to United would presumably be appealing for the Irishman away from sticking it out with the lower Hoops.

With Dunne also capable of producing a moment of magic like this, he could be just the daring new option that makes Robinson’s first-team spot insecure.

Winning a mammoth 8.4 duels on average this season just gone too, the 27-year-old can further apply himself well as a gritty presence, meaning he could go on to form an intimidating defensive duo with the aforementioned Ahmedhodzic.

Wilder's own Dan Ballard: Sheffield United have struck gold with £14m star

Chris Wilder actually possesses his own Daniel Ballard ahead of Sheffield United’s playoff final showdown versus Sunderland.

ByKelan Sarson May 15, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are enjoying a strong finish to the season and could make an early summer move that would signal their intent under Vitor Pereira, according to reports.

Wolves in new dawn under Vitor Pereira

Not so long ago, Wolves looked destined to appear in a relegation dogfight and found their Premier League status under threat. Vitor Pereira wasn’t a universally popular appointment when he arrived at Molineux, but ten top-flight victories and two draws out of 19 matches have more than secured his side’s survival for another season.

Last weekend, a narrow loss to Manchester City brought a run of six straight Premier League wins to an end, though they really should’ve taken something from a tight encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Looking forward, the landscape is a positive one for Wolves as they look to make improvements on the market. Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin could be one of their first additions at Molineux should the Black Cats fail to win promotion.

Nicolas Pepe has emerged as a surprise target for Wolves following his career revival at Ligue 1 outfit Nice, though he also has interest in his services from Saudi Arabia.

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The Brazilian forward could depart this summer.

ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025

Despite rescuing their season after a poor start, the Old Gold will be conscious that they cannot afford to be slow off the mark next term once divisional rivals have a chance to bolster their squads in the market. Strength in depth is needed to solidify their Premier League credentials, but Pereira has already shown that he can maximise the output of key assets, which is likely to breed confidence.

Now, Wolves have began to accelerate in a move to sign a talented midfielder that is also wanted by one of Europe’s giants, per reports.

Wolves want to sign Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup

According to Football Transfers, Wolves have positioned themselves to sign Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup, who is also attracting interest from the likes of Fiorentina and AC Milan.

West Ham United are also in pursuit of the Denmark international after a season that has seen him win more tackles and make more ball recoveries than anyone else in Serie A this season, setting a trend.

Morten Frendrup’s impressive season for Genoa – Serie A

Tackles won

60

Duels won

170

Recoveries

175

Pass accuracy

85.6%

Successful dribbles

10

Possession won in final third

20

Labelled “very impressive” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, Frendrup has scored twice in 35 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

The outlet state that he could be available for a bargain price of £16.9 million, representing value for money in a modern-day market that rarely throws up inexpensive opportunities to pounce.

With rival suitors beginning to circle for his signature, Wolves need to put forward a convincing proposal in the hope that he will opt to move to Molineux once the window finally opens.

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.

Ryan Gravenberch’s stats for Liverpool against Everton

Statistics

Tally

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

Stats via SofaScore

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

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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.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025