All posts by h79snht.top

A 2023 Chelsea signing is already expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, coming after Conor Gallagher agreed to join Atletico Madrid for around £34 million.

Gallagher agrees terms to join Atletico after £34m Chelsea deal agreed

Over the weekend, Gallagher made his decision to join Atletico after Chelsea agreed on a fee with the La Liga side.

Related Boehly now working to sell "the future of Chelsea" after £21m signing

The west Londoners have offered him out across Europe.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 3, 2024

Both Chelsea and Diego Simeone's side apparently gave the 24-year-old until the end of the weekend to make his final call, with Gallagher then saying yes to Atletico as he travels to Spain for a medical (Ben Jacobs).

The England midfielder, who started 37 Premier League games under Mauricio Pochettino last season, had just one season left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and rejected the club's proposal of a new two-year deal with the option of an additional year (Ben Jacobs).

Chelsea's best-performing players in the Premier League last season

Player

Average match rating (WhoScored)

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Given Chelsea signing players on very long-term contracts has become increasingly commonplace, we can sympathize with Gallagher's decision to sign a five-year deal at Atletico instead, considering he was a key player for Pochettino over 2023/2024 and should be offered a new deal reflecting his value to the team.

The £34 million which Enzo Maresca's men will recieve for Gallagher counts as pure profit through the lense of PSR, with the player's contract situation giving Chelsea little choice to sell him, but it could've potentially been avoided with more substantial new contract terms.

The club have been widely criticised for agreeing to sell Gallagher, including from French World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit.

"They are selling their best players and academy graduates. Conor Gallagher was Chelsea’s best player last season and was practically the captain for most of it because Reece James was injured," said Petit to Gambling Zone (via The Metro).

"He plays for the national team. He came through the academy and you’re going to sell him for how much? £30 million? He’s probably the best midfielder in the squad.

"How can Gallagher be worth £30 million is Manuel Ugarte is worth £60 or £70 million? It doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t get it. I don’t understand the decisions being made at the club."

David Datro Fofana expected to leave Chelsea after Gallagher

Alongside Romelu Lukaku, who is in widely reported talks to join Napoli, another player who could leave Chelsea with Gallagher is 2023 signing and striker David Datro Fofana.

Now, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano says that Fofana is expected to leave Chelsea and Leicester City are in pole position to sign him on loan with a potential obligation to buy clause.

"David Datro Fofana, expected to leave Chelsea this summer on loan with possible obligation-to-buy clause," said Romano. "Understand Leicester City are currently leading the race with Stuttgart and Villarreal also interested."

The Ivory Coast international joined from Molde in January last year for around £8-10 million, spending the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, where he notched four Premier League goals.

If the visitors manage to pull it off, it will be the highest successful chase in Pakistan

Firdose Moonda07-Feb-2021

Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram’s partnership will be crucial to the result of this Test match, says South Africa assistant coach Enoch Nkwe•Getty Images/AFP

Free your mind and the runs will surely follow.That’s the message South Africa’s coaching staff gave their batsmen as they set out in search of the highest successful chase in Pakistan.”We’ve encouraged the guys to be themselves and just play. We’ve done a lot of work in terms of clearing their minds and playing within their own characters,” Enoch Nkwe, South Africa’s assistant coach said. “And when the opportunity is there to speed up the game, do that and if it’s not there, absorb pressure as well as we can.”Nkwe confirmed that the magnitude of the task has not put South Africa off pushing for victory, especially as a draw would give Pakistan the series anyway. But they plan to be cautious about how to go about getting the 243 runs they need to level the two-match series. “We’ve spoken about making sure we keep up the intensity, we stay in the moment and we don’t get carried away. But we are not going to go in waiting for 5 o’clock. We are going to play and let’s see how far we get,” Nkwe said.South Africa will face 98 overs on the final day, light-permitting, which means they need to score at less than 2.5 runs an over. More importantly, for Nkwe, they need to make sure they bat well in pairs. “There’s a lot of belief, and guys backing themselves a bit more and freeing themselves up. We want to win this. We want to build big partnerships.”Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen’s second-wicket stand is worth 94 and has been almost incident-free. Crucially, they saw South Africa to the close of day four without any late-in-the-day wobbles, as was the case in Karachi. There, South Africa were 175 for 1 towards the end of the third day, Markram and van der Dussen had put on 127 runs together and the team were 17 runs in the lead before they lost three wickets for 10 runs and the momentum. Their remaining six wickets fell for 58 runs on the fourth morning and Nkwe does not want to see a repeat of that.”In the last Test match right at the close of play, we lowered our intensity. That was an area we looked at and it’s good to see the guys responding. It’s good that the same two (Markram and van der Dussen) that were in the situation in the first Test are taking full responsibility to make sure the team doesn’t fall into that again,” Nkwe said. “Hopefully they can build on this partnership because that is going to be key. We know in the subcontinent wickets can fall in clusters and that’s something we are trying to avoid.”South Africa have already collapsed once in this Test, losing five wickets for 37 runs in the first innings and have suffered similar fates over the last few seasons. Many reasons have been mooted for the line-ups frailty, including loss of confidence due to overly spinner-friendly conditions on tours to Sri Lanka and India and overly seamer-friendly conditions at home and loss of experience after the retirements of AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla in the last three years.Chances are that the root cause of the problem is a combination of those factors and only a change in form and results will suggest the corner has been turned. Nkwe said South Africa know that. “The batting unit know they haven’t done as well as they wanted to. We wanted to score more hundreds, so hopefully tomorrow we can have a hundred or two, if all goes well. Hopefully tomorrow we can look to take a step forward as a batting unit. That will give us a lot of confidence for future series. The wicket is playing quite well and the guys just need to apply themselves.”Asked if the team knew about or would take inspiration from West Indies’ successful chase of the highest total in Asia, Nkwe said the team hadn’t been keeping too close an eye on the Chattogram Test but would get up to speed before the final day in Rawalpindi. “We haven’t been following that. We’ve been focusing on our game and we need to really stay connected in terms of what we are looking to achieve. But I’m sure tonight when we watch some highlights or go through Cricinfo guys might find some sort of motivation,” he said. “We also have enough cricketers in our changeroom that have been role models and are really encouraging the guys. Every individual understands how important it is that we chase this down.”South Africa do not have any more Test cricket scheduled this summer after Australia postponed their series in South Africa which was due to be played in March. Discussions are ongoing about lining up winter opposition and confirming fixtures for next season, when South Africa hope to be able to compete more strongly in the World Test Championship. They will finish this tournament in sixth place.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de ser criticado por Vampeta, foi a vez de outro ex-jogador disparar contra Gabriel Barbosa. Com passagens porCorinthians, Porto, Fluminense, Vasco da Gama e Botafogo, o comentarista do SBT Carlos Alberto disse que Gabigol não é o ‘camisa 9 ideal para o Brasil’, e respondeu a polêmica frase do atacante sobre o futebol brasileiro ser uma várzea.

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– Não acho que o Gabriel seja o 9 ideal para o Brasil. Eu não gosto muito do comportamento dele, não sou ninguém pra julgar. Ele sai e chuta a garrafa, expõe o treinador, o companheiro e acho que ele jogando no Flamengo tem 6 chances por jogo, então pode perder 4. Se jogasse no São Paulo, só tem uma chance, quando tem… – afirmou Carlos Alberto no programa ‘Arena SBT’ de ontem.

-Outro dia ele falou que o futebol brasileiro é uma várzea, mas é aqui que ele sobrevive e na Europa ele não jogou – rebateu o ex-jogador.

Recentemente, Vampeta disse queo técnico do Brasil, Tite, convoca o atacante do Flamengo Gabigol apenas por “pressão popular”, mas, na realidade, o comandante não mantém carinho pelo centroavante.

-A informação é certeira: O Tite falou que ele é pior jogador com quem já trabalhou como pessoa. O Tite falou isso para a minha fonte – declarou Vampeta.

تلقى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، خسارة أمام أورلاندو بايرتس الجنوب إفريقي، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم السبت في دوري أبطال إفريقيا بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وأقيمت المباراة بين الأهلي وأورلاندو، في إطار لقاءات الجولة السادسة والأخيرة من مرحلة المجموعات بدوري أبطال إفريقيا على أرضية استاد القاهرة.

اقرأ أيضًا المنافسون المحتملون لـ الأهلي في دور الـ8 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا وكان أورلاندو قد تقدم في الدقيقة 53، بعدما استغل اللاعب موفوكينج خطأ من خالد عبد الفتاح ورامي ربيعة في دفاعات الأهلي، وسدد في مرمى مصطفى شوبير.

وسجل حسين الشحات هدف التعادل في الدقيقة 69 بعد انفراد بالمرمى، وضعها “لوب” من فوق حارس مرمى أورلاندو.

وجاء الهدف الثاني عن طريق جون ماباسو في الدقيقة 83 لتصبح النتيجة 2-1 لـ أورلاندو، بكرة رأسية بعد ارتدادها من العارضة.

وألغى الحكم هدفًا لصالح الأهلي سجله رامي ربيعة في الدقائق الأخيرة من عمر المباراة، بداعي التسلل.

ورفع أورلاندو رصيده إلى 14 نقطة، في صدارة المجموعة، بينما الأهلي في المركز الثاني برصيد 10 نقاط، حيث ضمن الفريقان التأهل إلى دور الثمانية. أهداف مباراة الأهلي وأورلاندو بايراتس في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Tite não quis confirmar a Seleção Brasileira no confronto com o Uruguai, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo, em duelo que acontecerá nesta quinta-feira (14). Em entrevista coletiva nesta quarta-feira (13), o comandante canarinho inicialmente afirmou.

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– Não vou confirmar a equipe. Porque confirmando a equipe ela proporciona armas ao adversário. Fizemos trabalho prático. Ela está definida, os jogadores sabem quem vai jogar. Mas não quero externá-la de forma pública – disse.

+ Veja a tabela das Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas para a Copa

Ao ser perguntado sobre o que projeta para o ataque, o treinador indicou.

– Oportunidades. Você começa a dar oportunidades. Jogou Gabriel Barbosa e Gabriel Jesus na primeira partida. No segundo, Barbosa e Jesus. Amanhã, inicia Neymar e Jesus. Olha, já vou adiantando – disse, entre risos dele e do auxiliar César Sampaio.

Tite também falou sobre as qualidades de Raphinha, provável titular para o duelo com a Celeste.

– Ele é jogador externo que dá amplitude, velocidade. Tem jogada de linha de fundo com cruzamento para trás, como aconteceu com Neymar. Finalização de média distância. Mas com calma, senão dá expectativa em demasia. Vocês ficam falando, daqui a pouco a gente escala todo mundo. Com calma. Esse é o momento da equipe, para chegar ali na frente e estruturar, mas não vou abrir mão da concorrência. Não vou antecipar. Há uma estrutura, há variações táticas e não vou abrir mão da concorrência – disse.

The allrounder has recovered from a hand injury to bring the Thunder back to full strength

Andrew McGlashan30-Jan-2021

Daniel Sams produced two powerful innings against the Brisbane Heat•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Daniel Sams has been passed fit to play in the BBL Knockout final against the Brisbane Heat, giving the Sydney Thunder a significant boost and returning their middle order to full power.Sams suffered a bone and tendon injury in his right hand when he fell awkwardly fielding off his own bowling against the Hobart Hurricanes earlier this month and missed the last three regular-season games which saw the Thunder qualify third in the table.While they covered for his absence effectively in the bowling attack through Brendan Doggett’s impressive form at the back-end of the tournament, Sams’ batting has been a point of difference for the Thunder this season.Related

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He is striking at 191.34 from seven innings for his 199 runs – propelled by his thumping 65 off 25 balls in the group match against the Heat – placing him second overall for the season behind team-mate Nathan McAndrew. He has been a key part of the Thunder’s strong performance in the Power Surge – the two overs of fielding restrictions which can be taken by the batting side after the 10th over – where they lead the way with a run rate of 12.69.Sams himself has scored 69 runs off 31 balls during the Surge, which places him fourth behind team-mate Ben Cutting at the top (91 off 40), Brisbane Heat’s Jimmy Peirson (82 off 50) who will be in the opposition on Sunday and Jordan Silk (79 off 45) from the Sydney Sixers.”All the stuff that I needed to [do] yesterday, I was able to tick it off without any problems really. We’re actually a little bit surprised with how good it’s turned out,” Sams said. There’s a little bit of awareness of pain. But, I’ll be able to go out there and bat as I usually would.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Sams has also taken 10 wickets with his left-arm pace but it was his ability to be at full tilt with bat in hand that was the main decider over his fitness”His batting was the main thing we looked at,” Thunder coach Shane Bond said. “There’s always a couple of risks that are associated with an injured hand, so the main concern was his batting. The good news is he had no problems and is ready to go.”Sams’ availability will leave Bond with a tough selection decision after the impact Doggett has had with the ball and the all-round skills that McAndrew brings to the side.”It’s a good headache,” he said. “It’s nice to have a fully fit squad at this time of the season. It’s an unusual situation, but it’s definitely welcome.”In terms of our bowling, I think in the last three games we’ve started to really see our game plan come to fruition because we’ve bowled really well. If we can do that again in this game it will be great.”Our batting has been good and consistent throughout the tournament, but it’s tremendous to see that our bowling has picked up.”The two group matches between the Thunder and Heat were shared one apiece. The Thunder chased down 179 with seven balls to spare at Manuka Oval – the venue for the Knockout – thanks to Sams’ brilliance, and then the Heat successfully chased at the Gabba although Sams again made an impact with 37 off 18 balls before having to be subbed out with concussion.

West Ham are currently in the recruitment phase ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, having already acquired Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme for new manager Julen Lopetegui.

After their 9th place finish last campaign under David Moyes, the Hammers will be keen to fight their way back into the European places, having finished eight points off of 7th and therefore a spot in the UEFA Conference League.

One key factor for West Ham will be extra recruitment in the forward areas, to offer support to Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, two of their best performers last season.

West Ham transfer news

According to a report from Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham are one of the main sides showing interest in Vitoria Guimaraes winger Jota Silva, as their chairman Antonio Miguel Cardoso awaits a concrete proposal to arrive, in order for them to negotiate his departure.

The report claims it is 'practically inevitable' he will leave Vitoria this summer, and the window for him is open, with the 24-year-old said to have already received several approaches through his representatives.

Silva, whose price tag is said to be up to €12m (£10m), made 42 appearances in all competitions last campaign for Vitoria, scoring 15 goals, providing seven assists, and totaling 3,456 minutes of football.

Silva and Kudus' potential partnership

Kudus made 45 appearances in all competitions for West Ham last season, scoring 14 goals, providing six assists, and totaling 3,511 minutes of football.

Silva, who was dubbed a "standout" by analyst Ben Mattinson, is a right-footed winger, whilst Kudus is a left-footer, and both could provide a similar output and dynamic, but from opposite ends of the pitch.

West Ham are in need of a right-footed winger for that left-hand side, as Kudus, Bowen, and Paqueta are all left-footed operators.

Silva vs Kudus comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Silva

Kudus

Non-Penalty Goals

0.36

0.36

Shots Total

3.08

2.44

Assists

0.16

0.17

Succesful Take-Ons

1.36

3.93

Touches (Att Pen)

5.60

3.74

Aerials Won

1.85

0.53

Stats from FBref

As you can instantly tell, both players are best known for being goal-scoring wingers. Posting 0.36 Non-Penalty Goals per 90, putting them in the top 16% of attacking midfielders/wingers in the Men's Big 5 leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

Kudus has always been known as a high-volume shooting player, so for Silva to better him in this metric, taking 3.08 shots per 90, this shows both players aren't afraid to take a shot, and this explains their goalscoring with their shot-heavy tendencies.

To take this one step further, Silva gets 1.17 of his 3.08 shots per 90 on target, whilst Kudus only gets 0.72 of his 2.44 average shots per 90 on target. This gives Silva a 37.9% Shots on target percentage, whilst Kudus is only at 29.5%.

However, where Silva seems to be more efficient with his shooting, Kudus does better him as a ball carrier and 1v1 threat, completing 2+ more successful take-ons per 90, as well as 3.99 progressive carries per 90, compared to Silva's 2.72 per 90.

Related West Ham considering £40m bid for "special" star who wants to complete move

The forward has been dropping hints…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2024

By adding another efficient shooter outwide, who can bring goals to the side, Kudus could be more "free" to play as a progressive carrier, continue to threaten in transition with his speed and power, and also continue to add goals of his own, as he did so well last season, which is why they could be a deadly pairing.

أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة اليد عن تصنيف المنتخبات المشاركة في بطولة العالم للشباب مواليد 2004، والتي ستقام في بولندا خلال الفترة من 18 حتى 29 يونيو من العام الجاري.

ومن المقرر أن تُجرى قرعة البطولة في شهر فبراير المقبل، على أن تصل المنتخبات إلى بولندا قبل يوم 17 يونيو المقبل.

طالع.. “بعد الشكوى”.. تعديل مواعيد ومكان تدريبات منتخب مصر لليد في بطولة العالم

وقد تم تصنيف منتخب مصر في المستوى الثاني للقرعة، مع منتخبات: فرنسا، كرواتيا، مقدونيا، اليابان، تونس، المجر، وبولندا البلد المستضيف.

أما المستوى الأول فيضم منتخبات البرتغال، إسبانيا، الدنمارك، ألمانيا، السويد، النمسا، أيسلندا، والنرويج.

وفي المستوى الثالث يتواجد منتخبات الأرجنتين، صربيا، سلوفينيا، كوريا، رومانيا، الجزائر، المغرب، والبحرين.

وأخيرًا، يضم المستوى الرابع منتخبات السعودية، البرازيل، سويسرا، أمريكا، المكسيك، أوروجواي، نيوزيلندا، ومنتخب آخر لم يتحدد بعد.

ويقود منتخب مصر للشباب الجهاز الفني بقيادة مجدي أبو المجد مديرًا فنيًا، ومحمد عبد الرحمن المدرب العام، ومحيي صلاح مشرفًا على تدريب حراس المرمى، وعمرو محمد طبيبًا، وكريم صفوت مديرًا إداريًا، ومازن سمير مديرًا للمنتخب، كما يتولى طارق محروس الإشراف على منتخبات الشباب والناشئين.

Rain has limited tourists’ practice time ahead of England white-ball series

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jul-2021

Pakistan’s players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, have had to adjust from the heat of the UAE to rain in England•Lahore Qalandars

Waqar Younis is confident that Pakistan’s bowlers can overcome indifferent preparations as well as a switch between extreme weather conditions as they get ready for the start of their white-ball series with England this week.Pakistan are due to play three ODIs, starting with a day-night game in Cardiff on Thursday, and three T20Is over the next fortnight. They have been in managed isolation since arriving on June 25 but have been training; they have also played a couple of intra-squad games in that time but inclement weather has meant preparation hasn’t been ideal.Related

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“We’ve been unlucky that the weather is not that good here,” Younis, the team’s bowling coach, said. “The bowlers have responded well with whatever opportunity we get. We did get some outdoor practices and bowlers have done well in that.”We’re coming over from extreme weather [in the UAE, where most of Pakistan’s squad was involved in the PSL] and it’s tough to adjust from four-over cricket to 10-over cricket. But they are good bowlers and I’m pleased overall. They’re coming from hot weather so we didn’t need any long tune up.”Pakistan’s bowling attack is fairly settled at the moment, if not in uniformly great form. Shaheen Shah Afridi is coming off the back of a successful international season as well as ending the PSL as third-highest wicket-taker; and since his return earlier this year, Hasan Ali has been Pakistan’s best fast bowler. But Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain had an underwhelming second half of the PSL and Shadab Khan’s form, as the main spinner, is now a serious concern.”When we go to a different country you have to acclimatise first and if we look at the two-three tours [recent series against South Africa and Zimbabwe], Pakistan’s bowlers have responded very well overall,” Younis said. “These are new conditions, last year [in England] we were a younger side, we are a far better side now. Hasan is bowling really well, we travel in a large pack now because of Covid, so it gives you a chance to work with a larger group of bowlers.”As I said earlier we haven’t had ideal preparation, and though this is not an excuse it would have been good had there been some sun out. When you are playing for your country you are in a different outfit, it’s a different ball game. I have high hopes that Hasan, Haris and Shaheen will come good. Hasnain’s bowling well and so is Faheem [Ashraf].”One bowler who is not here, and is not likely to feature soon in a side coached by Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis, is Mohammad Amir. Amir has, for the moment, retired from international cricket, or, more accurately, made himself unavailable for selection under the current management. Amir met with the PCB chief executive Wasim Khan earlier this year, however, in a move that was seen as a clearing of the air between the bowler and the PCB.It’s unlikely, however, that Amir will return anytime soon, not least because his recent bowling form doesn’t warrant it. He ended a chastening PSL season with just five wickets from 11 matches (and one in his last seven), conceding 8.37 runs per over and with a strike rate of 50.”To be honest I didn’t know that Wasim [Khan] had gone there and met him and what they discussed, we only found out through the media,” Younis said. “He is a head of cricket and has every right to go and see whoever he wants to see. He went there in his personal capacity, we didn’t know about it, but the thing has come out and it has caused a controversy.”There is lot said about Amir and a lot has been said about him already. No doubt he is a fine cricketer, but if he doesn’t want to play and doesn’t want to take his retirement back and play and impress the selectors, I mean then it is hard. This is Pakistan cricket, it’s not yours or mine. You have to do the right things to play for your country, this is not franchise cricket, one has to remember that.”

The 2024/25 Premier League campaign is nigh, but come Saturday's fixture, Liverpool will not have strengthened the squad that won the Carabao Cup but fumbled larger prizes last year.

Arne Slot's Jurgen-Klopp-successor role as the Anfield guv'nor has been billed as near impossible, but an impressive pre-season will attest to his tactical acumen, with players gushing over the style. There is, however, more than a measure of grumbling over the lack of transfer activity.

Liverpool Pre-season Results 2024

Fixture

Date

Result

Preston North End

19/07/2024

1-0 loss

Real Betis

27/07/2024

1-0 win

Arsenal

01/08/2024

2-1 win

Man United

04/08/2024

3-0 win

Sevilla

11/08/2024

4-1 win

Las Palmas

11/08/2024

0-0 draw

While it might feel that way, Liverpool are not on a shoestring budget. Perhaps the top brass are splitting hairs, concerned about signing the perfect player – it's him or no one, man. Let's hope that missing out on Martin Zubimendi does not result in a third barren summer window at the base of the midfield, ay.

Liverpool transfer news

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among the high-profile clubs to have been offered veteran midfielder Marco Verratti.

The maestro, aged 31, ended his illustrious career with Paris Saint-Germain one year ago and signed for Qatari club Al-Arabi in a €45m (£39m) deal, but may well be itching for a return to Europe, with intermediaries contacting teams such as Liverpool to discuss potentials.

FSG diverged from their established strategy in the past to sign an ageing Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich, recognising the unique market opportunity at the time. Verratti could follow suit – he's got the qualifications to succeed under Slot.

Why Verratti could be the best Zubimendi alternative

Last month, Anfield's new sporting director, Richard Hughes, spoke of a "crescendo" in the market, justifiably pointing out that Slot needed time to pump his tactics into the set-up before launching high-cost bids left, right and centre.

With two weeks remaining, that rising intensity is hardly going to raise the roof. Liverpool are working on signing talented goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, though he would leave on loan right away.

A concerted effort to sign Zubimendi, 25, from Real Sociedad was made, but despite offering a superior financial package and Champions League football to boot, the Euro 2024 winner rejected yet another suitor to remain with his boyhood team.

Touching, but hardly what Liverpool want to hear. The interminable pursuit of a No. 6-type midfielder rages on, with rising concerns that the Merseysiders will refrain from signing competition to Wataru Endo – hey, the right guy's just not available, isn't that the line?

Verratti might not be the long-term solution, but if Liverpool truly feel that a player of Zubimendi's mould is not available, he could make a world of difference next season, plugging a gap and performing with the kind of dazzling gusto that Thiago sprinkled on Klopp's outfit, when fit, if fit.

PSG's joint-most decorated player in history (30 trophies, alongside Marquinhos), Verratti completed 461 appearances over 11 years, notching 11 goals and 61 assists from his sitting position, pulling the strings.

His one-time teammate Neymar Jr. had actually described him as a "genius" of a player, with his vision and understanding going far beyond the ability of the many.

His year on the Gulf has been lucrative indeed but perhaps doesn't offer the greatest yardstick for performance appraisal. The Qatar Stars League is simply not at the same level as the European top-five leagues, though he has showcased his skills in France and the Champions League for many, many years.

During the 2022/23 CL campaign, the former Italy international proved to be one of the top dogs regarding distribution, creativity and tackling, something that could bear dividends for Slot's Liverpool, instilling a newfound degree of emphasis on passing and control.

Marco Verratti: Champions League Stats 22/23

Statistic

Per 90

Percentile

Pass completion

92.6%

Top 4%

Passes attempted

99.68

Top 1%

Progressive passes

6.50

Top 25%

Successful take-ons

1.59

Top 12%

Tackles

3.90

Top 4%

Blocks

1.88

Top 17%

Stats via FBref (vs midfielders)

Yes, gone are the days of Klopp's heavy-metal football, where chaos was wreaked through the fast-lane drives down the wing – overlap, outwork, outstrip, score. Liverpool will still carry hints of such a style but it is modified and rewritten to a new man's design.

Verratti, who earns £576k per week in Qatar, could be tailor-made for such a system. His penchant for elegant passing marks him as the perfect player to dictate the attacks that could become a trademark under Dutch leadership, breaking and carving defences open with surgical deliveries.

Might he perform at a higher level than Zubimendi, if welcomed this month? Perhaps. The Sociedad star is a very nicely rounded player, scoring four goals and assisting one more in La Liga last term, also completing 86% of his passes and averaging 0.5 key passes, 1.6 tackles and 5.5 ball recoveries per match, as per Sofascore.

He's even been hailed for his "world-class" quality by former teammate Kieran Tierney, but based on the statistical and historical evidence, Verratti may well be a higher power – for the year ahead, in any case.

After all, the Italian sensation was exceptional throughout his final campaign in the French top flight, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.1 key passes, 2.6 tackles and 7.2 ball recoveries per game and winning 58% of his contested duels.

This is the kind of presence that Liverpool need. Slot will not find the answer to his midfield conundrum in Endo, industrious as he may be. Moreover, Alexis Mac Allister prefers to play a looser role in the engine room and will not wish to serve as the first-choice anchor, not when he proved his "superstar" style when allowed to create and attack on goal, as noted by pundit Joe Cole.

For now, Liverpool supporters will wait. It doesn't look like Zubimendi will join the Reds this summer, despite every effort being exhausted. However, it would be a catastrophe to leave the no. 6 position as it is.

The fluency of Slot's exciting system might depend on the capture of such a specialist – while he wouldn't be the option for an age, Verratti could be the perfect stop-gap, should it come to that.

Related Forget Zubimendi: Liverpool could sign "incredible" £0 star instead

The Reds are reportedly interested in signing the central midfielder this summer.

Posts ByDan Emery Aug 14, 2024