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Mike Dodds will be pulling his hair out over who he should select at centre-back for Sunderland's next Championship encounter, with the issues in defence just piling up for the out-of-luck Black Cats of late.

Whilst Luke O'Nien being suspended and Daniel Ballard's availability being up in the air owing to a hamstring knock was already adding to Dodds' stress, the misery has been compounded even more now knowing that Jenson Seelt looks like he could well be out for the season in the heart of defence too with a serious injury.

As a consequence, Sunderland may well be cursing their luck that they allowed a certain defensive prospect to head out on loan to Scotland, with the versatile 20-year-old in question beginning to impress those at his new short-term club to the dismay of the Black Cats in their current predicament.

Nectarios Trinatis' time at Sunderland

Signed from Central Coast Mariners in far-out Australia just last summer, Nectarios Trinatis hasn't really been able to bed into the Sunderland starting lineup in his short time in the building.

The young Australian defender hasn't been helped by the fact O'Nien and Ballard are trusted in their centre-back duties as main starters for Sunderland when available, and so the 6 foot 3 new recruit found himself unable to break into the first team on a consistent basis as a result.

It would lead to the 20-year-old being given more minutes in the U21 fold over playing regular Championship football – where he made just two appearances – but he would end up amassing six games for the youthful Black Cats and even scored against Tottenham Hotspur U21s back in October.

In the January transfer window, off the back of his lack of minutes in the first team, it must have been viewed in Triantis' best interests to ship him out on loan to get more first-team experience away from the Stadium of Light.

Looking back now, knowing the dire situation Sunderland find themselves in at the back, this could prove to be a decision held with some regret.

Nectarios Triantis' time at Hibernian

Triantis has slowly but surely worked his way into the Hibernian first team up in Edinburgh, the nomadic youngster notching up eight appearances for the Scottish side since joining on deadline day.

Deployed as a defensive midfielder from at times during his fleeting spell with Hibs to date – making one appearance in that spot – Dodds and Co massively overlooked Triantis' versatility to plug gaps when a crisis crops up.

The towering 6 foot 3 youngster from down-under has excelled in spurts at centre-back away from showing off his eagerness to play wherever suits, winning six duels as an imposing presence versus Aberdeen just last month.

With O'Nien out for another game owing to suspension, alongside Ballard and Seelt being potential long-term casualties to the Stadium of Light treatment room, the powers that be at the Wearside outfit will be wondering why they didn't stick it out with their summer buy in case the injury list at Sunderland did somehow get longer.

Whilst the mood at Sunderland remains sour, Hibs manager Nick Montgomery will just be ecstatic that he has Triantis at his disposal who he has praised for being "versatile" and "strong" since walking into Easter Road as a relative unknown entity on loan.

Sunderland will have to simply make do with what they have when they face off against Queens Park Rangers this Saturday, Dodds praying that a seventh loss on the trot in the league isn't the outcome for his running-on-empty group.

Liverpool appear to have conceded defeat in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who looks set to stay put in Germany and continue his journey with Die Werkself, who are ten points clear in the Bundesliga title race, into the late stage of the DFB Pokal and Europa League and are undefeated in all competitions.

FSG's new CEO of Football Michael Edwards appears to be calm in the face of adversity, however, anticipating this and drawing up some exciting alternatives.

Liverpool's Alonso alternatives

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is the clear favourite to take over at Anfield, should Liverpool miss out on Alonso, though he does have a €30m (£26m) release clause in his contract.

The other likely option appears to be Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is widely understood to be one of the frontrunners to succeed Klopp, albeit behind Alonso and Amorim on the list.

Why Roberto De Zerbi would succeed at Liverpool

Klopp described De Zerbi's Brighton as "the best-coached team in the league", and while appointing the former Italian footballer might seem like a downgrade, he is proven in the Premier League and one of the best options on the market.

De Zerbi succeeded Graham Potter at the Amex and led the south coast club to their first European campaign, falling in the round of 16 against Roma.

While the Seagulls have endured a tougher domestic season this year, likely a by-product of the added strain of continental competition, they are just two points off seventh-placed West Ham United (who hover over the Conference League spot) having played a game less.

Games

4

Wins

2

Draws

2

Losses

0

Goals scored

10

Goals against

6

Moreover, De Zerbi has a fantastic record over Klopp's Liverpool, actually avoiding defeat across all four contests. This bears testament to the 44-year-old's slick, rehearsed philosophy, suffocating opposition and overpowering defenders and midfielders with finely woven passing patterns.

It doesn't always pay off, this high-risk, high-reward system has bred eight errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season, the division's joint-highest alongside Sheffield United.

Still, Liverpool don't exactly play conservative football under Klopp's management and while De Zerbi implements a differing, more pass-heavy style of play, the Reds have the wits and tactical wherewithal to succeed under his guidance.

Perfect for Harvey Elliott

De Zerbi's astuteness in his tactical work could be perfect for creative, fluid players such as Harvey Elliott, who is still only 20 years old but now teeters on the cusp of a starring role in Liverpool's team.

The England U21 international has been in fine form for club and country in recent months and is starting to blend it all together, with his natural swagger and style wrought into something highly effective.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 1% for total shots taken per 90.

Such statistics speak of his elite ball-centred qualities that will serve him well as he fights for a prominent role at the forefront of the Premier League.

De Zerbi's slick, possession-heavy style could actually suit Elliott well, maximising his playmaking abilities and nurturing the flame that flickers so brightly this season.

Pep Guardiola, revered Manchester City manager, remarked that De Zerbi is "one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years", hailing his "unique" style of football, and while he doesn't boast the eminence and popularity of a gaffer such as Alonso, there's every chance that he will continue to flourish.

Liverpool have their very own Endrick brewing in "special" teen talent

This rising star might even prove to be a bigger talent than Harvey Elliott.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 29, 2024

While it's a risk, Liverpool could do much worse than appoint the Brighton boss.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino still faces a future shrouded in uncertainty, amid a turbulent season where he contends with backlash from fans.

Supporters boo Pochettino as Chelsea tenure grows sour

Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Brentford not only made them lose more irrecoverable ground in the race for Europe but also put more strain on the relationship between Pochettino and the club's fanbase.

Chelsea considering Liverpool manager target to replace Mauricio Pochettino

It’s not Xabi Alonso…

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 6, 2024

The Argentine's debut season has been a whirlwind, despite Stamford Bridge chiefs backing him with a £400 million-plus investment in new signings for the squad last summer.

Chelsea currently languish in mid-table with just one Premier League win from their last five top-flight matches, recently losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool in extra-time to add insult to injury.

Pochettino still has a chance to clinch major silverware with their FA Cup run intact, but it's safe to say the former Tottenham boss has had to contend with his fair share of criticism.

Brentford (away)

2-2

Man City (away)

1-1

Crystal Palace (away)

3-1 (win)

Wolves (home)

4-2 (loss)

Liverpool (away)

4-1 (loss)

Supporters jeered the 52-year-old during Chelsea's last league game away to Brentford, with Pochettino then taking all the blame for their draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“We cannot blame the fans,” said Pochettino on supporters protesting his position.

.“My message is, OK, if they need to show their frustration I prefer it to be through me than the team. I’m strong and with time we’ll change the perception. But I don’t want the fans to blame the players. I prefer that I get the blame to let the players be free on the pitch. I don’t care, I’m strong enough. I’m 52 now.

“The players don’t deserve it. They deserve credit and support from our fans. If someone needs to get the blame, it’s no problem. That’s why I’m the coach.”

While Chelsea have decided to stick with Pochettino until the end of this season, that hasn't stopped the club from weighing up alternatives. Indeed, the likes of Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim have been linked with the Chelsea job this week, with another surprising name now emerging.

Indeed, Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is now being floated by sections of the media – with Chelsea's former boss set to leave Bavaria at the end of the season.

Tuchel open to joining Chelsea after Bayern Munich

According to German news outlet SportBILD, Tuchel is now open to replacing Pochettino at Chelsea – despite the sour end to his last tenure.

Club chiefs unceremoniously parted company with the German in 2022, and his exit wasn't exactly harmonious in any respect. It could therefore be deemed a shock that he would be willing to make a return to west London, but Tuchel has at least proven to be successful at Chelsea before.

The £10.5 million-per-season boss masterminded a 1-0 win over Man City in the 2021 Champions League final, and also proved popular with certain members of the squad like defender Ben Chilwell.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em julgamento realizado nesta sexta-feira (7), o Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) determinou a punição para Abel Ferreira e seu auxiliar, João Martins, pelo ocorrido na decisão da Supercopa do Brasil. A sentença foi um jogo de suspensão justificada por reclamação desrespeitosa com o árbitro da partida.

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Abel foi expulso por Leandro Vuaden ainda no primeiro tempo do confronto contra o Flamengo em Brasília, ao reclamar de um lance no ataque do Palmeiras. Segundo o árbitro, após apitar a falta de Diego em Breno Lopes, o português reclamou efusivamente em relação à não punição do flamenguista com cartão amarelo. A alegação da sentença também inclui que o treinador teria ofendido Vuaden, fato que foi contestado por Abel.

– Aos nove minutos o senhor árbitro marcou a primeira falta e mostrou o amarelo para o Felipe Melo. Aos dez minutos ele marcou outra falta e deu amarelo ao meu jogador. Aos 36 minutos há uma falta clara no Breno e recebo o primeiro amarelo. Disse e reclamei que era para amarelo. Protestei dizendo isso. Passados dois minutos eu falei: ‘Estão presentes nessa final as duas melhores equipes e essa final merecia ter o melhor árbitro brasileiro’. O árbitro estava na área do Flamengo e vem me dar o vermelho. Quem chamou o árbitro foi o quarto árbitro. Foi o meu desabafo e em momento algum eu usei palavras de desrespeito – declarou o comandante do Verdão, enfatizando sua versão sobre o caso.

Além da confusão no campo de jogo, o imbróglio estendeu-se para o túnel do estádio entre dirigentes e membros de ambas as comissões. O assistente técnico João Martins, que também foi julgado, alegou que sofreu uma tentativa de agressão por parte de Marcos Braz, diretor de futebol do Flamengo.

– Um senhor forte do Flamengo, que depois fiquei sabendo que era diretor do Flamengo, tentou me agredir. Depois teve alguns atritos, empurrões, mas nada de violência. Os seguranças do Palmeiras começaram a intervir e rolou aquele tumulto – afirmou.

A denúncia protocolada aos membros da comissão técnica alviverde diz respeito ao artigo 258 do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva, que prevê pena de um a seis jogos de suspensão em caso de reclamação excessiva. A votação contou com unanimidade da Quinta Comissão Disciplinar para somente uma partida de exclusão, porém a decisão ainda cabe recurso.

O regulamento prevê que Abel Ferreira e João Martins cumpram a suspensão no próximo jogo do Verdão por qualquer competição organizada pela CBF. Caso o calendário atual se mantenha, pode ocorrer de perderem, justamente, a partida contra o Flamengo, válida pela estreia do Brasileirão 2021.

continua após a publicidade

Big Picture

With the series already wrapped up, New Zealand have the chance to seal just their second series clean sweep in a three-match T20I series, and their first away from home. However, they have an issue to deal with: a spate of injuries has thinned the squad to just eleven fit, available players. With Hamish Rutherford having flown in for the out-of-commission Martin Guptill, and Ross Taylor quite possibly still carrying an injury but having little choice but to soldier on, the technical make-up of the side will remain unchanged.For Sri Lanka the injuries will hurt a little more. Kusal Mendis, who had looked back to his best in the first two games following a push to the top of the order, will be a big loss. That said, his likely replacement Danushka Gunathilaka has also looked in good form off late, and will be eager to capitalise on a rare opportunity back in the XI.The other concern for the home side is the potential loss of Shehan Jayasuriya, which while on the face of it doesn’t look too damaging, it does throw the team balance off somewhat. Jayasuriya had provided Sri Lanka with middle-order stability and an extra spin-bowling option. With no other spinner in the squad, Sri Lanka will be forced to go in with a possibly superfluous seaming option.Injury worries aside, Sri Lanka will be keen to end the series on a high. They came close in the first two games, but were second-best in the crunch moments. Against a New Zealand outfit that seems to just know how to win, those defeats would have been tough but important lessons – ones that Lasith Malinga will be hoping his young charges have taken note of.

Form guide

Sri Lanka (last five results, most recent first) LLLLL
New Zealand WWWLW

In the spotlight

At one point during the last two years, Danushka Gunathilaka was a shoo-in for both of Sri Lanka’s limited-overs squads, but a string of disciplinary issues saw him temporarily exiled from the national fold. However, recent domestic performances indicate he may be close to his best. While his checkered disciplinary record may yet take some remedying, he can certainly make the process go faster with a performance here.Hamish Rutherford last played a T20 international for New Zealand in 2013, he last played a game for them in 2015. With New Zealand slated to play five T20Is next month in England, in many ways this is a free hit for Rutherford. Impress and you’re in contention for a spot you didn’t even know was available, fail and things just go back to as they were.

Team news

Sri Lanka will likely be without both Kusal Mendis and Shehan Jayasuriya following their collision in second game. Mendis had been one of the few Sri Lankan batsmen to consistently have the better of New Zealand’s attack. Danushka Gunathilaka, who had impressed in the warm-up game, will probably be his replacement. Fast-bowling allrounder Lahiru Madushanka meanwhile will likely pip Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara to the XI, owing to the former’s proficiency with the bat.Sri Lanka (possible XI) 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Kusal Perera (wk), 3 Avishka Fernando, 4 Niroshan Dickwella, 5 Dasun Shanaka, 6 Wanindu Hasaranga, 7 Isuru Udana, 8 Lahiru Madushanka 9 Akila Dananjaya, 10 Lasith Malinga (capt), 11 Lakshan SandakanBoth teams have been rocked by injuries, though New Zealand will probably be the happier of the two sides on that front. Ross Taylor has just about been ruled fit to play, which will be a relief to all involved after his injury replacement in the last game, Tom Bruce, picked up a knock himself. Bruce will be subjected to a fitness test before the game.New Zealand (possible XI) 1 Hamish Rutherford/Tom Bruce, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Tim Seifert (wk), 4 Colin de Grandhomme, 5 Ross Taylor, 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Scott Kuggeleijn, 9 Seth Rance, 10 Tim Southee (capt), 11 Ish Sodhi

Pitch and conditions

There was more in the surface for the batsman in the second game in Pallekele on Tuesday, though there was still plenty in it for the bowlers – the spinners in particular enjoying themselves. With ground staff having had two days to work on the wicket, expect yet another even contest between bat and ball. Rain, as always, is a possibility.

Stats and trivia

• With Lasith Malinga having become the highest wicket-taker in T20Is, Sri Lanka now top the wicket-taking charts in all formats, with Muttiah Muralitharan leading in Tests and ODIs
• If Sri Lanka lose, it will be their fourth T20I loss in a row at home, making it their joint-worst streak in the format at home
• On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s record of seven wins and four losses in 13 matches in Pallekele is their best at any venue

Triple Olympic gold medal-winning rower Drew Ginn has taken on one of the newly created positions at Cricket Australia

Daniel Brettig16-Jun-2019Triple Olympic gold medal-winning rower Drew Ginn and longtime Justin Langer collaborator Ben Oliver have been formally commissioned as the new high performance executives for Cricket Australia, taking joint control of an area that sprawled into such vast territory under the former czar Pat Howard that the governing body deemed it too large for one person to run.Howard was sacked by the new chief executive Kevin Roberts shortly after he replaced James Sutherland, in the wake of the damning Ethics Centre review of Australian cricket culture that was ordered after the Newlands ball tampering scandal last year. A lengthy search for Howard’s replacement has seen the role filled temporarily by the executive in charge of community cricket, Belinda Clark, as CA stopped and then redefined the recruiting process as being for two jobs rather than one. Ginn will be based in Melbourne and Oliver in Brisbane with the pair starting on July 29.While Howard joined cricket “cold” in 2011, following a career in rugby union, pharmacy and property development, Ginn has moved across from his background in rowing and the Olympic movement via two years as the head of high performance with Tasmania. He will take control of a role primarily responsible for the running of domestic competitions, Australian youth teams, player, coach and umpire pathways including club cricket, talent ID and sports science.”I am looking forward to joining Cricket Australia and having the opportunity to work more broadly across the National system,” Ginn said. “The past two years with Cricket Tasmania have been immensely rewarding.”This is a chance to continue the work I have enjoyed locally and to now work closely with many great people involved in leading our domestic, national and youth competitions along with the leaders of our State programs, and those leaders in our Cricket Australia pathway programs, and our sports science and sports medicine areas.”Peter Roach, the head of cricket operations, will report to Ginn. Roach has also taken over control of scheduling, an area of some difficulty for CA in recent times after India insisted on an ODI tour in mid-January next year. The Big Bash League, Sheffield Shield and domestic one-day tournament programs for next summer are still to be announced.Oliver, a former first-class player for Victoria and Tasmania, held roles with CA, Cricket Victoria and the ICC before working closely with Langer as the high performance manager for Western Australia since 2012. Together, they established a program that was the envy of other states, notably by their use of a squad closely unified between the WA state team and the Perth Scorchers BBL club – a model subsequently used unashamedly by Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes.”I have devoted most of my adult life to cricket, in both playing and high-performance roles, and I am extremely proud and humbled to continue that association as EGM, National Teams,” Oliver said. “I look forward to working with Justin Langer and Matthew Mott and their national men’s and women’s teams, as well as national selectors and all those involved in team operations and logistics.”Cricket Australia head office•Getty Images

Among the first items on Oliver’s to-do list will be a look at the national selection panel, which will be shorn of the national talent manager Greg Chappell, currently with the Australian team on World Cup assignment, when he retires at the end of the Ashes series. Having already lost Mark Waugh, who was not replaced last year, that would leave only Langer and the chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns, as formal members of the panel.Howard’s tenure featured no end of issues, as he sought to work as a change agent to pursue goals outlined in the 2011 Don Argus-led review of Australian team performance, which followed the hefty loss of the Ashes 3-1 at home to England in 2010-11. His hard-nosed and confrontational style did not always go down well across the Australian system, particularly when added to his lack of a cricket background.Alongside numerous issues of workload management for fast bowlers in particular, Howard’s term saw the 2013 homework scandal in India that contributed to the sacking of Mickey Arthur to be replaced by Darren Lehmann in 2013, the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014 and subsequent work to change concussion protocols in the game, winning the World Cup in 2015 on home soil and then suffering a dramatic Ashes defeat in England later that same year.Another run of losses in late 2016, including Test series defeats by Sri Lanka away and South Africa at home, led to Rod Marsh’s resignation as selection chairman and a refocus on the demands for strong performance by the Australian team – Howard and Sutherland visited the team dressing room in Hobart to push that message directly. Results did improve, including a narrow series defeat against a highly fancied India in India in 2017, and the regaining of the Ashes at home in 2017-18, before the Newlands scandal in South Africa led to many changes, including the end of Howard’s time in the job.Clark was left to run the department while a replacement could be found, and it was her opinion that the executive general manager’s role had to be split in two. “Australian cricket owes Belinda a debt of gratitude for the exceptional job she has performed throughout a challenging time for Australian cricket,” Roberts said. “She is one of our game’s greatest trailblazers and servants at all levels and we are delighted that she will resume her role as EGM of Community Cricket in late August after handing over to Ben and Drew and having a well-earned break. It is a critical role and a job she loves.”

نجح فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي في تسجيل هدف التعادل في شباك فريق ميلان الإيطالي، في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويستضيف ملعب “سان سيرو” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة الأولى من دوري أبطال أوروبا، 2024/25 (لمطالعة اللقاء من هنا).

وتمكن ليفربول من تسجيل هدف التعادل، في شباك ميلان، في الدقيقة 23 من عمر الشوط الأول.

جاء الهدف عن طريق إبراهيما كوناتي، بعدما نفذ ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد ركلة ركنية، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى الفرنسي الذي سددها برأسه بطريقة مثالية في شباك مواطنه ماينان. هدف تعادل ليفربول أمام ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا

كان ميلان قد تقدم بهدف كريستيان بوليسيتش، في الدقيقة الثالثة من عمر الشوط نفسه من المباراة.

Celtic appear to be closing in on a deal to secure their first signing of the January transfer window, which opened for business at the start of last week.

Celtic transfer news – Nicolas Kuhn

FootballScotland reporter Mark Hendry claims that the Hoops "expect to land" Rapid Wien forward Nicolas Kuhn before the end of the month.

The journalist adds that Brendan Rodgers would also like to bring in another centre-forward and a left-back to bolster his squad over the next few weeks.

On top of this, The Scottish Sun have revealed that talks are already underway between the two clubs, and further discussions over a move for the exciting winger are expected.

Rodgers could now unlock Kyogo Furuhashi by securing a swoop for the Wien playmaker, who The Scottish Sun previously claimed is valued at around £2m.

Kyogo's season in numbers

The Japan international has struggled in front of goal so far this season with a return of eight goals in 22 Scottish Premiership appearances.

He has found the back of the net once every 190 minutes of top-flight action for the Hoops and has not been anywhere near as prolific as last term.

Kyogo plundered an incredible 27 goals in 31 Premiership starts throughout the 2022/23 campaign, which is an average of one strike every 86 minutes.

Appearances

36

22

Goals

27

Eight

Big chances missed

16

12

Shots outside of the box

Six

13

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic star has taken over twice as many shots from range already this season – in 14 fewer appearances – and this suggests that he has not had enough service within the box.

The statistics that show why Kuhn could unlock Kyogo

The Hoops now appear to be closing in on a player who could create high-quality opportunities for the forward on a regular basis as Kuhn has showcased his creativity on a regular basis this term.

During the 2023/24 campaign, the 24-year-old whiz has made 16 appearances in the Bundesliga for Rapid Wien and caught the eye with five assists, 11 'big chances' created, and 1.8 key passes per match.

Appearances

17

Six

17

15

Assists

Two

One

One

Zero

Big chances created

Four

Two

Three

One

Key passes per game

0.5

0.7

0.8

0.6

As you can see from the table above, Rodgers' current options on the right of his front three have not been outstanding creators at the top end of the pitch to create good opportunities for Kyogo week-in-week-out.

Whereas, Luis Palma on the left flank has produced nine assists, 11 'big chances' created, and 3.1 key passes per game in 17 Premiership outings.

Meanwhile, the reported Hoops target has provided more assists, more 'big chances' created, and more key passes per match than Maeda, Abada, Yang, and Forrest in league action.

This suggests that Kuhn, who UEFA licensed coach @Inverthewing on X claimed is "dominating" at Wien, could be a major upgrade on the club's current right-sided attackers as a creative outlet.

If the German wizard can translate his current performances over to football in Scotland then he would be a fantastic signing who could unlock Kyogo by providing the striker with far more 'big chances' inside the box to get back to his prolific best.

The Japan international is currently being forced to take on too many shots from distance and it has clearly had a negative impact on his output in front of goal, which is why Rodgers needs a better creator to play on the right and that is exactly what Kuhn could be.

Everton are in a sticky run of form in the Premier League and sit just one point above the relegation zone, although 18th-place Luton Town still have a game in hand.

Four straight defeats in all competitions, including three in the league, have shown head coach Sean Dyche that a lot of work still needs to be done if his side are to avoid the drop by the end of the campaign and the January transfer window offers the Toffees the chance to strengthen their squad to do just that.

Everton could sign £26m-rated Beto upgrade who "can do anything"

This £26m-rated upgrade could be just what Dyche needs to get Everton firing.

ByAdam Scully Jan 3, 2024

However, given Everton's recent battle with FFP regulations, Dyche is set to dip into the free-agent market to add depth and quality to his ranks.

Everton transfer news – Jesse Lingard

It was reported on Tuesday afternoon by talkSPORT that Everton are considering offering Jesse Lingard a contract until the end of the season as the former Manchester United man is currently without a club and has been since his lucrative £115k-per-week deal with Nottingham Forest expired in June.

Now 31, the England international spent a month training with Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and even played in friendlies for the club, despite not being signed permanently.

It's been eighteen months since Lingard left his boyhood club Man United, where he was described as "top class" by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the Norwegian's reign. Coincidentally, the Red Devils set a price tag of £30m for the attacking midfielder during his final season at the club before Lingard subsequently left for nothing at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Now, having not played a competitive match since April 2023, Lingard could be offered a surprise return to action with Everton.

Jesse Lingard stats comparison vs Abdoulaye Doucoure

It is clear that Dyche is keen to bolster his attacking department to get the forward line clicking. This season, Everton have scored the sixth-fewest goals in the Premier League this term and the club's top goalscorer is midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure who has been asked to play in a more advanced position to alleviate Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goalscoring woes.

Doucoure has scored six goals in total for the Toffees across 20 appearances in all competitions. This is just one less than Everton's two strikers Calvert-Lewin and £26m summer signing Beto combined. Right now, the Merseyside outfit need a player who can get Calvert-Lewin firing while also easing the goalscoring burden off Doucoure. Lingard fits the bill nicely.

While his spell at the City Ground was disastrous, having failed to register a single goal contribution in 17 league appearances with the Tricky Trees, Lingard has still proven himself to be an attacking menace throughout his career. Since the 2009/10 season, the 5 foot 9 Englishman has scored 76 goals and recorded 57 assists in 379 club appearances which comes to 2.01 goal contributions per game. This is a better rate than any other creative player at Everton, apart from Arnaut Danjuma.

Player

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Goal Contributions Per Game

Jesse Lingard

379

76

57

2.85

Abdoulaye Doucoure

363

49

39

4.13

Jack Harrison

292

50

46

3.04

Dwight McNeil

134

7

17

5.59

Arnaut Danjuma

245

77

36

2.17

Stats via Transfermarkt

On average per 90 this season, Calvert-Lewin has boasted an xG of just 0.59. Meanwhile, Doucoure is averaging 0.43 xG per 90. These numbers are incredibly low which is one of the reasons why Everton are struggling for goals this term. Lingard's 57 career assists could help the duo to start finding the net more regularly which will benefit the team's results.

Furthermore, Lingard has played on the right wing 100 times in his time as a professional, meaning Dyche could play the Man United academy product in place of Jack Harrison who has merely three assists in 18 appearances this season, keeping Doucoure in his position behind the centre-forward.

In truth, the Everton boss would be a fool to turn this deal down.

اقترب نادي الزمالك المنافس في بطولة الدوري المصري من الإعلان عن التعاقد مع صفقة جديدة لتدعيم مركز الظهير الأيسر بعد أزمة، أحمد فتوح.

واتهم أحمد فتوح بحيازة جوهر الحشيش قبل أيام والتسبب في وفاة أحد الأشخاص على طريق إسكندرية – مطروح، وما تزال قضيته تنظر في المحاكم دون حكم نهائي.

وبالتالي، الزمالك كان يبحث عن بديل لقيادة الجبهة اليسرى في الموسم الجديد ووقع اختياره على ظهير سانت إيتيان، محمود بنتايك، الذي جاء إلى القاهرة قبل ساعات واجتاز الكشف الطبي.

ولكن حصول الزمالك على اللاعب إعارة بالمجان كان يثير الشكوك حول سبب موافقة سانت إيتيان على تلك الصفقة.

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وكشف مصدر موثوق من نادي سانت إيتيان أسباب الموافقة على تلك الإعارة المجانية لـ “btolat.com”: “هناك حالة من السعادة داخل النادي، لأن عرض الزمالك كان طوق نجاة لنا وللاعب”.

وتابع: “اللاعب كان في المركز الرابع من حيث الترتيب بالظهير الأيسر بالنسبة للمدرب، الأول بيير كورنو، الثاني يفان ماكون، الثالث ليو بيتروت”.

وأضاف: “ربما يكون بنتايك يمتلك السرعة ولكن لم يظهر أي مميزات أخرى تجعل المدرب يبقي عليه، وبالتالي، خرج من الحسابات”.

واستمر: “لأن حتى في مباريات الدرجة الثانية الفرنسية، كان الأمر صعبا عليه وبالتالي سيكون من المستحيل مشاركته بعد الصعود لقد شارك في مباراتين فقط بالموسم الماضي كأساسي”.

وأتم: “لذلك وافقنا على إعارته للزمالك بدون مقابل، ليحصل على فرصة للمشاركة بالإضافة لعدم دفعنا راتب اللاعب”.