Category Uncategorized

The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium pitch in Chattogram helped out the BPL’s dull start by producing excellent pitches

Mohammad Isam25-Dec-2019

The pitches in Chattogram came as a blessing to the 2019-20 BPL as high-scoring games brought a welcome change to the tournament. Only three teams won after batting first in Chattogram, with few of the successful chasing sides not even needing to reach the last over to win games. Here are the highlights from the second week.Rajshahi, Dhaka closing in on ChattogramThe Chattogram Challengers still lead with five wins from seven games but the Rajshahi Royals and Dhaka Platoon are just two points below them having played fewer matches.Rajshahi won both their games in Dhaka and started their Chattogram leg poorly when they lost to the Khulna Tigers, but they bounced back in the next two games. Captain Andre Russell’s four-wicket haul helped them to a seven-wicket win over Khulna in the return encounter, which were strangely back-to-back games. Liton Das and Afif Hossain struck a fifty each in these two wins, before Ravi Bopara and Russell muscled seven fours and two sixes between them in their successful chase of 171 against the Comilla Warriors.Dhaka, meanwhile, are just below Rajshahi in net run rate, but are picking up pace. Tamim Iqbal has been their lynchpin with important runs and Mominul Haque and Mahedi Hasan have already played match-winning hands. Mahedi’s batting at No. 3 has been a revelation, hitting fifties with 200-plus strike rates and smashing 10 sixes in those two innings.ZACS comes to BPL’s rescueLike in previous seasons, the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram helped out the BPL’s dull start by producing excellent pitches. Three 200-plus totals and an average of 178 per innings for sides batting first at the ground raised the playing quality of the tournament quite impressively.The Chattogram ground provided one of the bare necessities of a T20 tournament – pitches that offered pace and bounce for both batsmen and bowlers – as well as some close contests. It ensured bigger crowds than Dhaka, and rammed home the point that the BCB must think a little wider when planning the BPL.Batsman of the weekDawid Malan ended the Chattogram phase with a superb century against Rajshahi, but ended up becoming only the third batsman in BPL history to score a hundred in a losing cause. He has so far scored 300 runs in six matches, striking at 156.25, which should be noticed by the England selectors as part of Malan’s progress in T20s, particularly in the subcontinent. But for all that he has done, Malan alone hasn’t been able to force the issue as Comilla have picked up only two wins out of six games and are placed third from bottom.Bowler of the weekMehedi Hasan Rana continues to be the best bowler of the competition, having picked up a second four-for to not only help Chattogram stay atop the points table, but also keep himself ahead of everyone in the wicket-takers’ list. Rana’s impressive showing has also cast a bit of light among the younger lot of Bangladeshi pace bowlers as the likes of Hasan Mahmud (Dhaka), Shahidul Islam (Khulna) and Sumon Khan (Comilla) have been picked by their sides.Usually, Bangladeshi domestic sides have been more interested in employing left-arm spinners than pace bowlers but it has opened up a whole new side to Bangladesh’s pace bowling stocks. The likes of Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, therefore, must improve themselves quickly if they are to stay in the reckoning for a longer period.

Fabrizio Romano has teased the possibility of Manchester United making a move for a star Premier League player this summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest Man Utd transfer targets

The Red Devils haven’t had the best of campaigns under Erik ten Hag, which has resulted in speculation over a new manager arriving at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS now have full control over sporting decisions, with Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, England boss Gareth Southgate, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou and Brentford’s Thomas Frank all being linked as possible replacements to the Dutchman.

Man Utd now want 50 year-old manager who embarrassed Erik ten Hag

He appears to be the new top target.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 27, 2024

Alongside the search for a potential new manager over the coming months, United may look to sign a plethora of new players in Ratcliffe’s first transfer window. However, Ratcliffe hinted that the Red Devils may not splash the cash.

Despite this, a number of targets have been named in the media in recent days, with contacts being intensified for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer. A bid has also been made to Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, whereas an important offer has been launched for AC Milan’s teenage forward Francesco Camarda.

Another forward who could be on the move this summer is Ivan Toney, and it looks as if Old Trafford may well be a potential destination.

Ivan Toney to Man Utd transfer claim

Talking to CaughtOffside in his Daily Briefing, transfer expert Romano has said that a Man Utd move for Brentford striker Toney “could be one to watch”, with the Red Devils set to discuss their options internally.

“It’s just one of the options to be considered and discussed internally. As I said here multiple times, Man United are still in early stages of the process to decide which striker they want to sign; experienced or young. Talks are gonna take place internally, Toney will be one of the names available on the market so could be one to watch.”

Toney has been heavily linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks, with reports after the January transfer window shut claiming that the Bees are holding out for £80m for the England international.

Currently, United have Rasmus Hojlund as their only fit and firing centre-forward, with Anthony Martial once again out through injury and on course to become a free agent in the summer.

Therefore, bringing in someone like Toney, who impressed for England against Belgium alongside Kobbie Mainoo, could be a shrewd move. In fact, the pair share the same CAA Stellar agency and Toney, aged 28, is now a proven Premier League goalscorer, so United could have the perfect blend of experience and youth with Hojlund and Toney.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dia após o vice-campeonato estadual, o Sport ganhou um motivo para curar a ressaca. Trata-se do atacante André, que chegou ao Recife e mandou recado para o torcedor.

+ São Paulo, Flamengo, Grêmio… Confira a relação dos campeões estaduais de 2021

Animado pela sua terceira passagem pela Ilha do Retiro, André não tem dúvidas que o casamento no Leão dará resultado e está confiante no desempenho do time para o Campeonato Brasileiro.

‘Gostei da camisa, vestiu bem, como sempre. Muito contente em poder voltar para cá, poder rever essa cidade, voltar para esse clube. Acho que agora é só trabalhar para poder estar em forma e jogar o quanto antes. Estou de volta, muito feliz. Uma pena não poder encontrar a torcida no estádio por conta da pandemia. Acho que a gente vai fazer um campeonato muito bom e a gente vai ser feliz novamente’, afirmou.

Reestreia

Regularizado no BID da CBF, André vai depender da comissão técnica. Se tudo ocorrer bem, ele joga contra o Inter, em duelo marcado no próximo domingo.

RelacionadasCoritibaDe saída! Veja os números de Ricardo Oliveira no CoritibaCoritiba24/05/2021FluminenseFluminense encerra preparação e embarca para a Argentina antes da decisão contra o River PlateFluminense24/05/2021Futebol NacionalSão Paulo, Flamengo, Grêmio… Confira a relação dos campeões estaduais de 2021Futebol Nacional24/05/2021

Neymar has tipped Christian Pulisic to lead the USMNT to a surprise at the Copa America this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Neymar gives opinion on PulisicTips USMNT to do well at Copa America

An upset would be needed to do that

WHAT HAPPENED?

Neymar spoke with praise about Pulisic in particular, reflecting on what he had seen when the United States faced Brazil in a warm-up friendly just prior to the Copa America beginning.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The American team held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in which Pulisic himself cancelled out Rodrygo's opener for the Selecao. The USMNT captain has since scored his country's opening goal of the tournament in their group stage win over Bolivia.

WHAT NEYMAR SAID

Neymar said in a video posted on X by Pase Filtrado: "I know Pulisic, I watched the Brazil vs United States game and the U.S. team surprised me a lot because they ran a lot, they played great defense against Brazil. [Pulisic] is a great player, he spent a long time at Chelsea. The U.S. will surprise during the Copa America. From what I saw in the game against Brazil, they have everything to give teams trouble."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

The United States are currently ranked 11th in the world by FIFA and have twice before reached the Copa America semi-finals – in 1995 and 2016, although as members of CONCACAF rather than CONMEBOL, they aren't often invited.

Billings missed out on England’s World Cup squad, suffered a serious shoulder injury, and then saw his Kent side crash out of the Vitality Blast despite a great start

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Sep-2019

Sam Billings has said that the past six months have been “the worst of [his] cricketing career by a mile”.After a frustrating stint in the IPL, where he made a four-ball duck in his only game for Chennai Super Kings, Billings dislocated his shoulder in the first over of his Kent return after landing awkwardly while diving in the field, ruling him out for “three-to-five months”.The injury put an end to Billings’ hopes of making England’s World Cup squad. While he had not been named in the provisional 15-man squad and thus had only an outside chance of selection, Alex Hales’ deselection opened up a spot for a reserve batsman, and Billings would have had the chance to impress in the warm-up ODI against Ireland and the T20I against Pakistan.While Billings returned from injury towards the shorter end of the given timescale, he then captained Kent to four defeats and two abandonments in their final Vitality Blast games; after winning six of their first seven games of the group stage to top the group, victory in any of those fixtures would have taken them through to the knockouts.”I’ll be honest, it’s been the worst six months of my cricketing career by a mile,” he said. “It’s not ideal at all really. You miss a home World Cup, come back halfway through a [T20] campaign, and obviously in a losing side as well.”From my point of view, it’s been a really tough six months. Such is life – it’s a matter of actually being able to learn from this experience. As horrible as it is, I have to.Billings suggested that Ben Stokes’ comeback after missing the 2017-18 Ashes whitewash following his role in a fracas outside a Bristol nightclub could provide him with inspiration, and serve as a reminder that he can turn things around for himself.”Look at Ben Stokes,” Billings said, “and how a year, two years down the line, all of a sudden, his life has completely changed around. Why couldn’t that happen for me, as long as I do everything I can?”I pride myself on my work ethic, in terms of everything I do, and I leave no stone unturned. For me, it’s a case of continuing to do that and giving myself the best chance. I can live with whatever happens as long as I do that.”Billings admitted that Kent’s T20 campaign was hit badly by the loss of Mohammad Nabi and Adam Milne, the overseas players who missed their final three defeats – all of which saw Kent mess up run chases from strong positions – due to international commitments.”The balance of the side – with Nabi and Milne, two huge misses, we were a batter and a bowler short – has changed drastically which has had a role in the results,” he said.”We haven’t deserved to go through – the back end of the tournament we haven’t played anywhere near our ability, or had the nerve at those key moments. Three times in a row is really tough to take if I’m honest. It’s hugely draining and frustrating.”Our fielding has been diabolical throughout the competition. The number of catches, and misfields – no-one means to do it, but when it’s a collective thing… there has to be a common denominator if the same mistakes keep on happening.”We’ve got a huge amount of talent as a squad, but you can’t rely on that in professional sport. You learn the most about yourself and your team when things don’t go right.”

Newcastle United are "likely" made a late approach to sign a "superb" Premier League player, according to a new update from journalist Joel Bland.

Newcastle chasing new midfielders before deadline

Time is running out for the Magpies to get some important business over the line in the January transfer window, during a season that has seen injuries often decimate Eddie Howe's squad. Many players have been backed to complete moves to Newcastle before the end of deadline day on Thursday, although they have missed out on previous target Kalvin Phillips, and FFP restrictions are seemingly taking their toll.

Midfield looks like the key area of the pitch that Howe is looking to strengthen in, with Everton ace Amadou Onana emerging as a potential addition in recent times. He could like the idea of a new challenge at a better team, although the Blues will likely do all they can to keep hold of him.

Similarly, Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing is also seen as someone who could come in and bolster Newcastle's options in the middle of the park, considering Joelinton is injured for the foreseeable future and Sandro Tonali is suspended until next season.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher has been linked with a move to St James' Park, too, with the Magpies also tipped to hijack Crystal Palace's switch for Blackburn Rovers star Adam Wharton.

Amadou Onana approach update

Writing on X on Monday, Bland claimed that Newcastle are likely to make an approach for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana in a late attempt to force the deal through this month.

"Approach likely to be made for Onana, although EFC very keen to keep him until summer and deal could be difficult due to limited timescale.

"Philip Billing has been identified as an affordable replacement to cover Joelinton, while Morgan Gibbs-White has also been discussed and scouted. Club very much desire a 'young versatile forward' – an ongoing target from last summer – but prioritising a box-to-box midfielder this window."

It really does feel as though Newcastle are pushing hard to acquire Onana's signature this month, and he could be exactly what they are looking for in the absence of Joelinton, in particular.

The 22-year-old may be playing in a struggling Everton side at times, but he has arguably consistently stood out as one of their better players, with journalist Richard Buxton describing him as "superb" and Connor O'Neill hailing him as "outstanding".

Onana may feel that the Blues' 10-point deduction in the Premier League is threatening to see them get relegated this season, making now the right time to move on, helping Newcastle turn their season around for the better.

Club worried Newcastle could hijack transfer to sign highly-rated player

He possesses one “super strength” in his game.

By
Henry Jackson

Jan 28, 2024

Everton's stance is ultimately likely to prove key, with the Merseysiders having to weigh up whether to accept a huge offer in the midst of their own financial issues.

Tottenham could "look to strike an early deal" for a very promising alternative to Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, and he may even leave on the cheap.

Postecoglou looking to sign new midfielder

After completing deals for Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, widespread reports suggest that manager Ange Postecoglou is keen to sign a new midfielder for Spurs.

Related "Very exciting" player wants to leave Tottenham after Ivan Perisic

There’s been a plethora of outgoings at Spurs this month, and more could follow.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jan 20, 2024

The north Londoners are also holding talks to sign Club Brugge sensation Antonio Nusa, but the 18-year-old is more of a signing for the future, and would join on a buy-to-loan-back deal similar to Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr.

In the background of that deal, it is believed that Spurs are still considering a move for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher. There are some suggestions that Tottenham have held negotiations over Gallagher before February 1, with Fabrizio Romano also refusing to rule out a bid for the 23-year-old.

The trouble could be his new-found importance at Stamford Bridge, with the England international becoming a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.

While there are reports Chelsea could consider selling Gallagher in an attempt to balance their FFP books, Pochettino may not be willing to let one of his star men leave mid-season, making this a pretty complex deal.

While there has been no indication via the press that Tottenham have definitely ruled out a move for the midfielder, it is perhaps wise for the club to look at alternative options just in case a transfer isn't attainable.

Tottenham could "look to strike an early deal" for Wharton

According to journalist Dean Jones, writing for Sportslens, Blackburn Rovers star Adam Wharton could be one.

The Englishman, who would also add to Postecoglou's homegrown ranks, has been a mainstay for Rovers this season and features among their most regularly-selected players at Ewood Park.

Jones claims Tottenham could "look to strike an early deal" for Wharton, who could also be available for just £10 million.

Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson, speaking to Rovers TV, has already praised the 19-year-old for his quality and suggests he's a real star in the making.

I saw Adam’s quality on the ball immediately when I arrived here," said Tomasson to Rovers TV.

“I’ve been pushing him every day, he’s a young boy who wants to learn and he has a big future. I’m on him every day, he has to demand more from himself as well.

“He’s a great player but there’s still a lot to learn off the ball. The important thing with Adam is that he’s willing to learn. He’s done a great job, he’s a positive boy and he’s already developed a lot and he has the mentality to become better every day."

“We can give compliments to Adam for coping with a lot of changes in such a small period.”

Kieran McKenna would have been the most relieved man inside Portman Road when Ipswich Town got the better of Sunderland in a comeback 2-1 win last weekend, signalling to the rest of the Championship that the Tractor Boys are there to stay in the automatic promotion spots.

Yet, that was only the Suffolk side's first win in their last five in the second tier and so McKenna could use the January transfer window as a way to strengthen his faltering promotion hopefuls.

With star striker George Hirst out for the foreseeable with a serious injury, the Tractor Boys will need to add reinforcements up top to stave off the likes of Leeds United and Southampton attempting to leapfrog them to second spot.

Here is what Ipswich's dream XI could look like past January therefore, with two new additions potentially in through the door at Portman Road…

1 GK – Vaclav Hladky

McKenna will stick by his reliable Czech shot-stopper Vaclav Hladky for the rest of the campaign, hoping that the 33-year-old can continue to come in clutch in big games to follow in net as he did against Stoke City on New Year's Day.

Hladky would make four crucial saves against the Potters to ensure the underwhelming visitors at least returned to Suffolk with a point, Ipswich able to rely upon their dependable number 31 to keep a clean sheet and get a result over the line even when the rest of the team are having a collective off-day.

2 RB – Harry Clarke

Harry Clarke will also be kept in the first-team fold by McKenna despite the allure of the transfer window meaning he could bring in an upgrade, Ipswich's number two solid throughout the dramatic Sunderland win.

Winning seven of his ten duels at Portman Road, on top of completing all six of his dribbles, Clarke will be a presence the Ipswich boss will want around when the going gets tough in the crunch months to come.

3 CB – Luke Woolfenden

Luke Woolfenden has also been an imposing presence in the back four at Ipswich this season, standing out during the goalless draw away at Stoke too.

Coming away from the draw with a 92% passing accuracy, Woolfenden's calmness on the ball when playing out from the back is key to how Ipswich operate and he won't be axed as a result.

4 CB – Charlie Hughes

The first new signing in through the door could well be Wigan Athletic centre-back Charlie Hughes, whose performances at League One level demand a big move away up to the Championship.

With Ipswich reportedly keen on the breakout Latics star this January, the 20-year-old would seamlessly fit into the set-up at Portman Road as an effective ball-playing defender – averaging 51 successful passes per game this season featuring for Wigan.

Cameron Burgess could see his spot in the starting XI sacrificed for the promising defender to come in, McKenna faced with tough selection decisions as push comes to shove in the Championship season.

5 LB – Leif Davis

Leif Davis is in no danger of losing his secure first-team spot, however, regardless of other possible outgoings and incomings in defence.

The former Leeds United left-back was back to his dangerous best going forward against the Black Cats, picking up his 12th assist already of the campaign when teeing up Conor Chaplin for the game-clinching goal.

6 CM – Sam Morsy

Not featuring last match against Sunderland, McKenna preferring to start new January recruit Lewis Travis ahead of his star Egyptian midfielder, Sam Morsy will more than likely come back into the side when games are balanced on a knife edge towards the tail-end of the season.

Wearing the captain's armband for Ipswich this season, the experienced 32-year-old has been pivotal in steering the Tractor Boys to big wins off his own back – scoring the winning goal away at Watford in December to overcome the Hornets 2-1 at Vicarage Road.

7 CM – Massimo Luongo

Likewise, Massimo Luongo was absent from the Sunderland game last weekend but should come back into the first-team fold as another seasoned head who could lead by example in huge promotion-deciding games to come.

Scoring two goals and contributing further with a single assist when featuring this campaign to date, McKenna will know he can call upon his dependable holding midfielder when required.

8 RM – Wes Burns

Even with the new addition of Jeremy Sarmiento down the flanks at Portman Road throwing a spanner into the works surrounding McKenna's team selection in attack, Wes Burns should be retained down the right wing.

Scoring three times this season when joining in with fast Ipswich breaks forward, including a goal against arch-rivals Norwich City in mid-December, the Welshman will hope he can net more crucial goals on the way to promotion glory.

9 CAM – Conor Chaplin

Conor Chaplin will also want to continue being a hero for Ipswich in their potential promotion story, the 26-year-old wearing the captain's armband against Sunderland and scoring despite the immense pressure on his shoulders.

Onto nine strikes for the campaign after that goal against Michael Beale's Black Cats, the ex-Portsmouth man will want to get into double figures soon with his side putting together a positive sequence of the results in the process to have some breathing space over the chasing pack in Southampton and Leeds United directly below them.

10 LM – Nathan Broadhead

Nathan Broadhead's powers have diminished in recent weeks for McKenna's promotion hopefuls – not scoring in his last four games when played by the ex-Manchester United coach turned popular Ipswich boss – but he won't be dropped or axed completely despite this drop-off in form.

The ten-time senior Wales international will be eager, much like attacking teammate Chaplin, to play his part in Ipswich gaining promotion to the Premier League whether that be through rolling up his sleeves and getting dirty or firing in the decisive goal that sees the Tractor Boys pull off the unthinkable and move up a division again.

The BCCI has made this decision to avoid matches spilling over past midnight, which has happened frequently this season thanks to slow over rates

Nagraj Gollapudi27-Apr-2019All four IPL play-off matches will begin half an hour early to avoid the matches spilling over past midnight. Traditionally, evening matches in the IPL begin at 8 pm IST, but the BCCI has decided to advance the start of the playoff matches this season to 7.30 pm, with the toss at 7 pm.It is understood that the four Women’s T20 Challenge matches, to be played in Jaipur next month, are also likely to start at 7.30 pm, and will be broadcast live.The decision was taken on Saturday in Delhi. at a meeting of the Committee of Administrators (CoA), the supervisory authority until the BCCI conducts fresh elections.Evening matches stretching well beyond the regulation window of 200 minutes as per the IPL’s playing conditions has been a concern for a while now. Last season too, the CoA had deliberated over the issue, after the tournament broadcaster reportedly flagged it to the BCCI.Slow over rates, constant delays in play caused by players calling for drinks or change of equipment, or captains taking too long to adjust fields, have been major factors behind matches going on past midnight.As per the IPL’s playing conditions, each innings is to last 90 minutes – which includes the two strategic timeouts – with a 20-minute break between innings.Slow over rates attract monetary fines. This season, four captains – Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin – have copped fines of INR 12 lakh each. Whether fines have been enough of a deterrent has been a talking point, with a number of former players and coaches weighing in. Some have even suggested new approaches to tackling slow over rates; Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, for instance, reckons that the IPL needs to emulate the Caribbean Premier League (NRR) and bring in a net-run-rate penalty.

Chelsea could sanction the sale of one of their fan favourites next month, with a fresh report revealing that he has been offered to a new club ahead of January.

Todd Boehly's summer departures

The Premier League giants sanctioned the sales of 23 players during the previous window, with 14 of those being on a permanent basis, while the remaining nine were sent out on loan for the rest of the season to increase their experience and game time.

With Thiago Silva and Lucas Bergstrom also set to reach the expiration of their deals at the end of the campaign, Mauricio Pochettino could additionally decide to green-light their departures, but they aren’t the only ones who could be heading for the exit door in the near future (Chelsea contracts).

Chelsea ready to trigger release clause to sign "dangerous" new star

The Blues are getting fed up with one of their own players.

ByCharlie Smith Dec 27, 2023

Having worked his way up through the academy ranks, Reece James was named the club’s new captain ahead of the start of the current term, although the right-back has recently undergone surgery on a recurring hamstring injury meaning that he won’t be available for selection again for the foreseeable future.

Regardless of how prone he is to sustaining injuries, Real Madrid are known to be long-term admirers of the 24-year-old, and if the following update is to be believed, there’s a chance that he could soon be swapping Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu Stadium.

Real Madrid offered chance to sign James

According to Defensa Central (via CaughtOffside), Chelsea have offered James to Real Madrid ahead of January. Todd Boehly is looking to bolster his midfield ranks with the addition of Federico Valverde and the owner is therefore looking at a swap deal that could see his skipper moving in the opposite direction.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side reportedly have the defender on their shortlist of targets, though it remains to be seen whether or not a deal will materialise. Recent reports have also claimed that the Blues are ‘beginning to be fed up with James' injuries’ and appear ready to trigger Jeremie Frimpong's £35m release clause.

Chelsea could ditch "another level" James

While James is naturally a right-back, Pochettino will be aware that he’s also strong in the offensive aspect of his game because he’s clocked up 32 involvements, 21 assists and 11 goals, from 156 senior appearances during his time at Chelsea (Transfermarkt – James statistics).

The England international also currently ranks in the 96th percentile for successful take-ons, highlighting his desire to use his athletic pace to dribble past his marker and create as many chances as possible for both himself and his fellow teammates in the final third (FBRef – James statistics).

Sponsored by Nike, the squad leader, on £250,000-a-week is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five various positions since the start of his career, including two in the defence and three higher up in the midfield, so his ability to provide cover in areas outside of his own makes him a brilliant option to have when fully fit.

When he’s at the top of his game, James has been described as a player who is on “another level” compared to his peers by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and while the thought of losing him could be a big blow, they may land a star midfielder in Valverde, making this one to watch.