Australia batsman would not have qualified for a visa under previous ECB protocol
Matt Roller12-Nov-2019Ashton Turner, the Australian finisher, has joined Worcestershire for the whole of their T20 Blast campaign for 2020, in a move that would not have been possible but for the ECB’s decision to change its visa criteria in order to attract the best overseas players for the Hundred.Turner, who has starred in the middle order for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash, has played only 11 white-ball internationals in the past 24 months, and the criteria for a ‘governing body visa endorsement’ previously required a player to have played at least 15 such games – or one Test – in that time period.But in order to ensure franchise stars like Sunil Narine would be available to play in the Hundred, the ECB lobbied the Home Office to add a criterion allowing those who have played at least 20 domestic T20 fixtures in recognised leagues in the past two years. That extends to all domestic competitions, opening up the possibility for Turner to play in the Blast.Worcestershire came within one dot ball of becoming the first team to defend their T20 title this season, having dramatically snuck past favourites Nottinghamshire in the semi-final. They have signed Hamish Rutherford, the New Zealand batsman, as their main overseas player, who will be available for all three formats throughout the season.Paul Pridgeon, the chairman of the club’s cricket steering group, said Worcestershire were “very pleased” to secure to signing of Turner.”He is a promising, young player which fits our profile and hopefully he will fit nicely into our set-up. He is a top-order batter, batting four or five at the moment in the Australian T20 side.”His stats stack up. We’ve seen footage of him and have done our homework – he looks a decent player. He is also a terrific fielder which helps, and is important in T20 cricket.”Turner was close to being picked in Australia’s 50-over World Cup squad last summer, after hitting a remarkable innings of 84 not out from 43 balls against India in a successful run chase of 359 in only his second ODI.He missed out on that squad, but has been an ever-present for Australia in their six T20Is against Sri Lanka and Pakistan over the past two weeks – though he only faced 31 balls across those games due to Australia’s domination.He made 378 runs in last year’s Big Bash despite Perth’s struggles, and earned an IPL contract with Rajasthan Royals, though he made first-ball ducks in each of his first three innings in that competition.
Joshua Kimmich could be on the move this summer judging by comments from Bayern Munich's sporting director Max Eberl.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Kimmich has one year remaining on dealJoined Bayern Munich in 2015Linked with Premier League move(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Speculation has been rife throughout the summer that Kimmich could leave the German side this summer. The 29-year-old has evasive when discussing his future in April but admitted that Barcelona and Real Madrid, both of whom he's been linked with, are "amazing clubs". A reunion with former Bayern boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has also been mooted.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Kimmich voiced his frustration more than once last season, even labelling Bayern's struggles against top teams "stupid" as they relinquished their stranglehold on the Bundesliga to Bayer Leverkusen. The Bavarians are now heading in a new direction under Vincent Kompany, which may have further dampened any desire on Kimmich's part to commit his future to the club, but Eberl has made it clear that Bayern themselves may think it's best to move on from the versatile player.
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT EBERL SAID
"Joshua is a very good player, but it is generally true that professional football is a competitive sport – we cannot say to any player per se: 'Hey, you are the one who is going to play,'" Eberl told . "I'm just saying what applies to everyone. We have exciting players in all positions and therefore many alternatives."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
DID YOU KNOW?
Bayern have added depth in defensive midfield and at right-back – Kimmich's best positions – in the form of Fulham star Joao Palhinha and Josip Stanisic, who has returned from a loan spell at Leverkusen.
Whilst much of Arsenal's focus lies on the latter stages of domestic and European competitions, one eye has turned to the summer with the Gunners tabling an early offer for an in-demand youngster.
Gunners braced for big summer signings
It appears that the huge fees that Arsenal spent on the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz are just the tip of the iceberg as Edu Gaspar looks set for another big summer in charge of the Premier League side's transfer operations.
Arsenal "suddenly stop" negotiations to keep "top player" at the club
He’s been a vital part of Mikel Arteta’s side.
ByTom Coates Mar 23, 2024
Top of Arsenal's list is a new striker with Ivan Toney long thought to be the Gunners' top target up front. Joining the Brentford talisman on the shortlist is ex-Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres. Currently at Sporting, the Swedish striker has 36 goals in just 39 appearances this season.
The Gunners also appear in the hunt for defensive reinforcements with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi a potential target for Mikel Arteta's side. With Stan Kroenke clearly not afraid of opening his chequebook this summer, Arsenal have now made an approach for one of Europe's most highly rated talents.
Arsenal set to negotiate for Diomande deal
Translated by Sport Witness, news out of Portugal is suggesting that Arsenal are set to open negotiations for Sporting's Ousmane Diomande after making an opening bid matching the one made by Chelsea – around €60m (£51.5m).
The outlet claims that the Gunners "have informed both the Ivory Coast international’s agent and Sporting directors that they will start negotiations for his signing", hoping to find a middle ground between that opening bid and his €80m (£68.5m) release clause.
Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Arsenal have reportedly been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old centre back for some time and even went as far as to make contact with Diomande's family over a potential move to the Emirates earlier this year.
Osumane Diomande Primeira Liga Stats 2023/24
Total per 90
Rank vs centre backs in comparable leagues
Shots
0.71
74th percentile
Assists
0.05
81st percentile
Tackles
1.81
74th percentile
Passes Attempted
73.94
96th percentile
Progressive Passes
5.37
94th percentile
Owing to the fact that Sporting sit top of the table and concede an average of one goal a game, Diomande's defensive stats do not show the full picture of his talent, as he rarely has much work to do at the back. The area of the stats sheet where the Ivorian shines is in his passing numbers, with the player highly adept with the ball at his feet.
It was this comfort on the ball that led to scout Jacek Kulig dubbing the 20-year-old as an "elite talent", that"will play for the best teams in the world".
The proposal sent to CSA makes nine recommendations to restructure the board after its current crisis
Firdose Moonda09-Dec-2019Gary Kirsten could be approached to step in as a mentor to interim team director Enoch Nkwe for the upcoming England series if a proposal sent to CSA by a group of senior officials is approved.Nkwe was appointed interim team director ahead of South Africa’s tour to India, after only one season as a franchise coach. He had earlier worked with the South Africa A side and the Netherlands national side. He was provided with Vincent Barnes as bowling coach and Amol Muzumdar as a batting consultant for the games in India, but if permanently appointed, would be free to choose his own support staff. That, though, may not happen exactly as initially expected if the proposal to appoint Kirsten goes through.The document – compiled by former CSA president Norman Arendse, Dr Ali Bacher, soon-to-be director of cricket Graeme Smith, Kirsten himself, and senior officials (whose names were not communicated to ESPNcricinfo) from the old South African Cricket Board of Control, which governed cricket played by non-white players during apartheid – made nine recommendations to restructure CSA following the current crisis.ALSO READ: Crisis in South African cricket – full coverageSome of their suggestions are already in place, such as the appointment of Jacques Faul as acting CEO and a resolution for CSA to begin negotiations to smoothen its relationship with the South African Cricketers’ Association, which is currently strained by a court case over the proposed domestic restructure.Among the other suggestions are the immediate reinstatement of selection convener Linda Zondi and his panel as well as lifting the suspensions on six staff members: interim director of cricket till recently Corrie van Zyl, COO Naasei Appiah, head of sales and sponsorships Clive Eksteen, finance manager Ziyanda Ntuli, procurement manager Lundi Maja, and administrator Dalene Nolan. The capacity in which van Zyl may return has not been stipulated, but it will not be in the director of cricket role, which Smith is expected to be confirmed for next week. Van Zyl had previously worked as CSA’s general manager of cricket.
I would always be willing to help where people think I can add value. It would, however, have to be part of a bigger process to the commitment to rebuild a solid systemGary Kirsten
Kirsten confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he hadn’t yet held any talks with CSA, but that he would be interested in helping South African cricket get back on its feet provided there was a bigger picture in place.”I have not been approached by CSA but have been asked, by others, if I would be interested,” he said. “I would always be willing to help where people think I can add value. It would, however, have to be part of a bigger process to the commitment to rebuild a solid system.”Kirsten coached South Africa between October 2011 and July 2013, a period in which they became the No. 1 Test team in the world. He was in charge of a team that included Smith, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher, all of whom have been named among people that could be approached to assist the board this summer. ESPNcricinfo has been reliably informed that Kallis has shown an interest in a consulting role, while Boucher, who is the coach of the Centurion-based Titans franchise, could take on a bigger role at the national level. Jonty Rhodes is also being considered.ALSO READ: Time to make South African cricket ‘great again’ – Faf du PlessisAll this represents a return to South Africa’s old guard in a bid to bring stability to a system that has suffered a series of setbacks including the loss of a major sponsor in Standard Bank and the inability to sell television rights for its flagship T20 tournament, the Mzansi Super League, which will conclude on Monday. The competition has been broadcast on the free-to-air SABC, which only paid a token amount. CSA’s projected losses of Rand 654 million over the next four-year cycle has worried the likes of Bacher and Arendse, who fear the game may be damaged beyond repair.Bacher was involved in meetings between suspended CSA CEO Thabang Moroe and Smith over the director of cricket role, while Arendse penned an open letter recently calling on CSA’s board to step down. Three independent board members resigned last week but president Chris Nenzani, two other independent directors, and six provincial presidents remain in place.
World Cup winner is white-ball captain-in-waiting, but the pressures of multi-format are showing
George Dobell at the Wanderers25-Jan-2020Like the Betamax recorder you bought when it came out, those Marconi shares you thought would provide for your old age, and that Sinclair C5 that seemed the perfect low-cost run-around, sometimes you have to accept that investments don’t work out.Might we be in this territory now with Jos Buttler? He is 29 now, after all, and playing his 41st Test. You might expect him to be somewhere near his best. Instead his performances are tailing away. Since the start of the Ashes – that’s 10 Tests ago – he is averaging 22.05. He has made one half-century in 18 innings and has not reached 30 in seven innings.All players go through tough runs, of course. The art of selection is to keep the faith with them until they come out the other side. There have certainly been moments in Buttler’s career – not least on debut in Southampton, or in Kandy at the end of 2018 – when he looked a very promising player.But promises need to be kept and investments need to make a return. And the Buttler who was selected to be positive and carefree and aggressive is starting to look ever more careworn, uncertain and weary. He looks, like Moeen Ali before he took a break after the first Test in the Ashes, as if he’s struggling to remember what he used to enjoy about the game. He looks, admittedly from something of a distance, as if he’s fallen out of love with it a bit.Whatever happens in his Test future, Buttler is a special player for England. He has scored five of the quickest 11 ODI centuries ever made for them – including the fastest two – as well as their second-fastest T20I half-century. He has already played a huge role in winning the 2019 World Cup and, if England are to challenge in the T20 World Cup later this year, he will surely have to contribute again.But you wonder if the struggle is starting to wear him down. The disappointment, the tension, the travel – he has a young family now – can all rob the game of the freshness and wonder it once had. You wonder if the attempt to turn Buttler into a Test cricketer – the sprinter trying to run marathons – might have robbed him of just a little of his lustre.Part of the problem with Buttler is that he doesn’t have much of a track-record of scoring runs in first-class cricket. He averages just 32.35 in a first-class career that stretches back to 2009 and, in 106 first-class games, has scored a modest six first-class centuries. Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid, by comparison, have scored 10. They both average more, too. Jonny Bairstow (43.51 at first-class level) averages over 10 more. In many ways, expecting Buttler to move up a level and suddenly discover a way to score runs was naive and unreasonable.Increasingly the white-ball and red-ball games are different animals. In England, at least, the white-ball games are played on pitches so flat that batsmen have little concern for the seaming or swinging ball, while the red-ball game demands a strong defence and a tight technique.Jos Buttler trudges off after his dismissal•CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP via Getty ImagesButtler has never really developed those skills. Instead, there was talk of relaxing and trusting his undoubted natural talent. There was the memorable slogan written on top of his bat handle and an acceptance that he should come in at No. 7 – which is unusual for a specialist batsman – with a view to punishing tired bowlers and an older ball. Time that might have been spent learning to play the moving ball was spent – quite understandably – learning to master the T20 game in the IPL and elsewhere. England prioritisation of white-ball cricket meant sacrifices had to be made.And it’s competence that breeds confidence. For if you don’t have a decent technique and gameplan in first-class cricket, you will eventually be found out. Batting at No. 7 is fine, but attacks take second new balls and bowlers, at this level, often have remarkable fitness levels. Put simply: it just hasn’t worked out.Some will argue that Buttler has been asked to fulfil roles that don’t suit him at Test level. And it is true that, in the early stages of his recall in 2018, it looked as if he had cracked it. He averaged 52.5 in the first nine innings – seven of them as a specialist No. 7 – before he was promoted up the order a little to accommodate the inclusion of Ben Foakes – Jonny Bairstow was injured – and then Bairstow. He averages just 26.82 at No. 5, compared to 39.69 at No. 6 and 31.77 at No. 7. He was also asked to take back the gloves.You could equally argue that he has had every advantage extended to him. When Ollie Pope, for example, came into the team, he was obliged to bat at No. 4 – a position he had never previously occupied – to accommodate Buttler, who was a specialist batsman batting, at times anyway, below the keeper, Jonny Bairstow and the main all-rounder, Ben Stokes.Bairstow was moved to accommodate him, too. Ahead of Buttler’s return, in May 2018, Bairstow had scored two centuries in his previous five Tests – one at No. 6 and one at No. 7 – before the return of Buttler destabilised him. He has been asked to bat at No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 since and averaged just 23.66.ALSO READ: Stokes fined, handed demerit point for spectator altercationIn truth, all players have to be a little bit flexible for the good of the team. So while there is no doubting Buttler’s willingness to attempt whatever has been required of him, there have to be doubts about his ability to perform enough roles to make him anything more than a luxury player at Test level. And while he was recalled as a counterattacking No. 7, in this game he has scored slower than any of his team-mates who have faced more than 10 balls. His struggles to bat with the tail were shown-up by Ollie Pope, who did so masterfully in Cape Town, and his dismissal here – charging down the pitch and slogging in the air – was unworthy of one of England’s finest natural ball strikers. And if the aggressive strokes are gone and the defence isn’t there, well, what’s left?There are other options. With a tour of Sri Lanka looming, thoughts will surely turn back to Foakes. He was player of the series the last time England toured there and is probably the best keeper available. That will be an important factor with spin expected to play a major part.It is true that Foakes endured a relatively modest County Championship season with the bat (he averaged 26.14) for Surrey. And it is true that, by doing so, he failed to make the most eloquent case for a recall. But might disappointment have been a factor? He started the summer by winning the player-of-the-match award on his ODI debut – in Dublin – only to be dropped before he had the chance to play another game. He has also never played another full series after that Sri Lanka tour. In 36 fewer Tests than Buttler, he has the same number of Test centuries and a batting average of 41.50. He could be forgiven if he felt somewhat hard done by.Bairstow will be considered, too. But many of the arguments levelled against Buttler could be levelled against him too, and it is not as if he has scored a mountain of runs since he was dropped. He is looking better in training, however, and England may point to the example of Dom Bess for the improvement a player can make without actually appearing in a game. It may also be relevant that Bairstow made a century from No. 3 in the Colombo Test little more than a year ago. With Joe Denly failing to secure the role, it is that position that Bairstow must be eying.This is not the end of the road for Buttler as an international cricketer. Far from it. Freed from the demands of the longest format, he could concentrate on his limited-overs career. He is already one of the best – if not the best – white-ball cricketers England has ever had. With more chance to remain fresh, there is no reason he cannot sustain such form for several more years.We are in another World Cup cycle now, too. If Eoin Morgan decides he is unlikely to last another four years – and he is 33 now, so it could be a stretch – it may make sense to appoint Buttler as ODI captain in the near future. That way, he would have time to grow into the role and a new England team would have time to evolve around him.Jos Buttler can still be a great England cricketer. Just not a great England Test cricketer. That’s not so bad, is it?
Leeds United took another step on the road to securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League with a big 3-1 win over Hull City on Monday.
The Whites needed a late penalty from Crysencio Summerville, who took the ball off Joel Piroe to take the spot-kick, and a stoppage time long-ranger from Dan James to secure all three points at Elland Road, after Fabio Carvalho cancelled out Sam Byram's opener.
Ipswich Town are currently one point ahead of the club, in first place, whilst Leicester City are one point behind Daniel Farke's side, with one game in hand on the top two.
Daniel Farke before a game with Leeds United.
Leeds will be looking to avoid the lottery of the play-offs in the post-season and that means that they have to keep churning out results over the next six matches to ensure that they finish in one of the top two places to land automatic promotion to the Premier League, having been relegated from the top-flight last summer.
The Whites reportedly already have allowed some of their focus to shift to the summer transfer window and how they could improve their squad, whether they are in the Championship or the top division.
Leeds interest in Championship star
According to a recent report from the Belfast Telegraph, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Sunderland star Trai Hume at the end of the season.
The outlet claimed that the Whites are considering a swoop to snap up the Northern Ireland international to bolster their options at full-back ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
It named Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Leicester as the other English teams keeping tabs on his progress at the Stadium of Light, which means that there could be Premier League competition for his signature.
Trai Hume
Reigning Serie A champions Napoli, who were in the Champions League this season, are also said to be weighing up a move for the talented right-back, who has seemingly caught the eye with his performances on the pitch in the Championship this season.
The report did not, however, reveal how much Sunderland would demand for the defender, who they paid £200k for in January 2022, from the interested clubs.
It, therefore, remains to be seen how viable a deal is for Leeds irrespective of the division they are due to be in next season. If the Whites are promoted to the Premier League, though, they could use that to tempt the full-back into making the move to Elland Road.
Farke could now land a big upgrade on current right-back Byram, who is out of contract at the end of this season, by securing a deal for Hume.
Sam Byram's Leeds season in numbers
The German boss brought the Leeds academy graduate back to Yorkshire for a second spell at the club, having also worked with him during their time together at Norwich, on a free transfer from the Canaries last summer.
Byram penned a one-year deal at Elland Road and has been a reliable performer when called upon throughout the season, at both left-back and right-back.
In four years at Norwich, the defender only played 54 matches in all competitions for the Norfolk-based outfit, with various injury issues, but has already racked up 32 appearances for Leeds this term.
Appearances
29
Starts
21
Sofascore rating
7.17
Duel success rate
55%
Tackles per game
1.8
Interceptions per game
1.2
As you can see in the table above, 29 of those games have come in the Championship as the versatile ace has provided Farke with defensive quality on the left and the right flank.
Byram, who scored the opening goal against Hull on Monday by bundling the ball in at the back post, has chipped in with two goals and one assist in those matches, with only one 'big chance' created for his teammates.
Sam Byram
Despite his solid performances in the Championship, his aforementioned injury issues with Norwich and the fact he turns 31 in September mean that it could make sense to shake hands and part ways in the summer.
His contract expires at the end of this season and Hume could be brought in as a natural successor to Byram, whilst being an upgrade on the 30-year-old gem who also has room to improve at the age of 22.
Why Trai Hume would be a Sam Byram upgrade
The Northern Irish whiz has been in fantastic form in the Championship for the Black Cats so far this season, and has outperformed the current Leeds man.
His progressive play on the ball could, firstly, make him a smart addition for Leeds from a stylistic perspective, given Farke's possession-based system.
Hume ranks within the top 16% of full-backs in the division for progressive passes (4.91) per 90, and the top 18% for pass success rate (81.6%), which shows that the 5 foot 11 dynamo looks to play forward to progress play for his side and is efficient at doing so in comparison to his positional peers.
The 22-year-old star, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting, also has fantastic defensive qualities that could make him a big upgrade on Byram.
Appearances
29
40
Tackles per game
1.8
3.4
Interceptions per game
1.2
1.5
Ball recoveries per game
3.7
5.5
Ground duel success rate
55%
58%
Aerial duel success rate
54%
60%
Red cards
0
1
As you can see in the table below, the Black Cats titan has outperformed the English defender in almost every key defensive metric in the Championship this season.
Hume wins possession back for his team more frequently, through tackles and interceptions, and wins a higher percentage of his duels with opposition attackers, on the ground and in the air, which shows that he is a more effective and efficient defender.
Like Byram, the young enforcer also has the versatility to be deployed at left-back or right-back. This means that the Leeds target could be the perfect signing to replace the former Norwich ace, given that he can operate and provide cover on either side.
Therefore, Farke must push to secure a deal for the talented defender to improve his squad during the summer transfer window, as Hume could offer more quality at the back with his fantastic defensive skills whilst also having room to develop at his young age.
Arsenal informed Marseille of Eddie Nketiah's price tag as the French side are reportedly pushing to sign the striker.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Marseille lining up a bid for NketiahArsenal ready to offload strikerRemain firm on their £30m valuationWHAT HAPPENED?
According to the the Gunners value their homegrown talent at £30 million ($38m) on the back of a decent season where he scored six goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances across competitions in 2023-24. The two clubs have entered into discussions regarding a possible transfer, but Marseille's current proposal has been deemed insufficient by the north London outfit.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Nketiah has found his opportunities limited under Mikel Arteta's management. Arsenal are open to offloading the player to provide him with an opportunity to further develop his career, potentially in a different league.
DID YOU KNOW?
While their pursuit of Nketiah continues, Marseille are also keeping an eye on Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira as they look to strengthen further after signing Mason Greenwood from Manchester United. Pereira has caught the attention of several European clubs this summer, with Juventus being one of the notable suitors. However, the Cottagers are keen to retain him.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Apart from the transfer fee, any club interested in Nketiah must also consider his substantial wage demands. Having signed a lucrative five-year contract in the summer of 2022, Nketiah's earnings exceed £100,000 per week. It remains to be seen if Marseille manage to agree personal terms with the player even if they thrash out a deal with Arsenal.
Who has the best chance of progressing to the knockouts, and who needs a miracle? Read all about it
Hemant Brar10-Feb-2020Elite Groups A and BGujarat (29 points) and Saurashtra (28) have enough points already to ensure themselves quarter-finals spots, and even if Andhra (27) lose their last group match, their four wins will be higher than any other side they might end up tied with for the final slot.That means there are only two more slots to be filled up from Elite Groups A and B, combined. And there are seven teams – Bengal, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha and Delhi – still in contention. Here’s what each of them needs to do.Bengal (points 26)
A win, or even a draw with a first-innings lead, will seal their place in the quarter-finals. Even if Punjab take the first-innings lead, they should be safe, courtesy their superior quotient (1.537). In fact, they can qualify even if they lose, provided Uttar Pradesh don’t get a bonus point against Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka either lose or concede a first-innings lead in a draw with Baroda.Karnataka (points 25)
Ditto. They either need to win or secure a draw with a first-innings lead to qualify for the knockouts. But if Baroda get the first-innings lead, they will have to hope Bengal beat Punjab, UP don’t win against Himachal, and Tamil Nadu don’t get a bonus point against Saurashtra.If they lose, they can still qualify if Bengal beat Punjab, UP and Tamil Nadu either draw or lose their games, and Vidarbha and Delhi don’t get a bonus point against Hyderabad and Rajasthan respectively.Bengal and Karnataka are the only teams from the combined group that can qualify even if they lose their games.Punjab (points 24)
Punjab’s fate is also in their own hands. If they beat Bengal, they qualify. They can also scrape through if they manage a draw with a first-innings lead. In that case, both Punjab and Bengal will end with 27 points, and there is a scenario where Andhra and UP too can finish with 27 points each. Then the quotient will be the tie-breaker.Uttar Pradesh (points 20)
A bonus-point win against Himachal will take them to 27 points, but even that will not guarantee them a quarter-final berth. Their best chance is if there is an outright result in the Punjab-Bengal game and Karnataka lose to Baroda or at least concede a first-innings lead in a draw.But if Karnataka win or take a first-innings lead, they would want Punjab to take a first-innings lead against Bengal in a drawn game, or Andhra to lose to Gujarat. In both those scenarios, there will be multiple teams tied on 27 points with the quotient being the deciding factor.If UP win without a bonus point, then their best chance is if Bengal beat Punjab, Baroda beat Karnataka and Saurashtra either beat Tamil Nadu or draw with them. In that scenario, they will be through without relying on the quotient. But if Karnataka win and there is an outright winner in the Punjab-Bengal game, UP will be out of the race.Abhinav Mukund marked his 100th Ranji game with a 100•K SivaramanTamil Nadu (points 19)
Tamil Nadu also need many other results to go their way. Their best chance is to beat Saurashtra with a bonus point and hope that Karnataka, Punjab and UP lose their respective games. This way they will be on 26 and could be the fifth team to make the cut.If Tamil Nadu don’t win by a bonus point, they can still qualify if Karnataka, Punjab and UP lose their respective matches. In that case, it will be battle of quotients between them and Karnataka (and Vidarbha, if they beat Hyderabad with a bonus point). Right now, Tamil Nadu (1.319) have a higher quotient than both Karnataka (0.969) and Vidarbha (1.126).Vidarbha (points 18)
The two-time defending champions need a slew of results to go their way. The only positives for them are their decent quotient and that they are playing against Hyderabad, who have lost six out of their seven games. Vidarbha must beat Hyderabad either by an innings or by ten wickets, and then hope Karnataka and Punjab lose their games, and UP and TN don’t win theirs.Delhi (points 18)
Despite having the same number points as Vidarbha, their situation is even worse because of a low quotient. They need to beat Rajasthan with a bonus point and then hope Karnataka and Punjab lose their games, UP and TN at the most draw theirs, and if Vidarbha win, it’s not with a bonus point. Even after all this, they will have to ensure they end with a higher quotient than Karnataka’s. Looks like they need a miracle, right?Elite Group CThe road to the quarter-finals isn’t any simpler in Elite Group C. Five out of the ten teams in the group are battling for the top-two slots. Here’s what they need to seal them.Parvez Rasool shares some smiles with team-mates after yet another Jammu & Kashmir victory•PTI Jammu and Kashmir (points 39)
If they win or get a first-innings lead against Haryana, they qualify. But even if they lose, they can still progress to the quarter-finals if one of the following is met: a) Odisha either lose to Jharkhand or at the most get a first-innings, or b) Services don’t get a bonus point against Chhattisgarh.Odisha (points 35)
A victory against Jharkhand will send Odisha through. If they only manage a first-innings lead, they have to hope Services don’t win against Chhattisgarh. If Odisha lose to Jharkhand, they need Services to either lose to Chhattisgarh or at least not get a first-innings lead in a draw.Services (points 33)
If Services beat Chhattisgarh with a bonus point, they will want Jammu and Kashmir to lose to Haryana, or Odisha to not win against Jharkhand. If Services get don’t a bonus point, they can still go through without bringing the quotient into the picture provided Odisha don’t win.In fact, Services can qualify even if they manage just a first-innings lead, but in such a case Odisha will have to lose and Haryana shouldn’t win. In such a case if Odisha manage a draw after a conceding a first-innings lead, or Haryana win without a bonus point, the quotient will become the deciding factor.Haryana (points 30)
Haryana need nothing short of a win to give themselves a chance, and even then they will have to depend on others. Their best bet is to beat Jammu and Kashmir with a bonus point, and hope Services don’t win and Odisha lose or don’t get a first-innings lead in a draw. If Haryana don’t get a bonus point, they need both Odisha and Services to lose, else it will come down to the quotient.Maharashtra (points 28)
Their only – and very bleak – chance is if they beat Uttarakhand by an innings or ten wickets and then Odisha lose to Jharkhand, Services either lose to Chhattisgarh or don’t get a first-innings lead in a draw, and Haryana don’t win against Jammu and Kashmir.Plate GroupThings are much simpler here as only Goa and Puducherry are in the race for the lone quarter-final spot from Plate Group.Goa (points 43)
If Goa win against Mizoram – with or without a bonus point – they will be the one qualifying. But if they just manage a first-innings lead, they should hope Puducherry don’t win against Nagaland.If Goa end up conceding the first-innings lead, they want Puducherry to do the same. Similarly, if Goa lose, they want Puducherry to lose as well.Puducherry (points 41)
Puducherry’s best chance is if they win and Goa don’t. If they manage only a first-innings lead, Goa should lose or at the most fetch a draw after conceding a first-innings lead. In the latter case, Puducherry would bank on their superior quotient – 2.225 as compared to Goa’s 2.080 – to see them through.
Leeds United are currently battling it out to land an automatic promotion place back to the Premier League at the first time of asking this season. The Whites are third in the division as it stands, one point behind Leicester City and two points behind Ipswich Town, with three matches left to play.
Daniel Farke's side will have to go through the lottery of the play-offs, where they could face his former side Norwich City, if they fail to break back into the top two.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke watches a Championship game.
If the Yorkshire-based outfit do earn promotion, though, then they could look to bolster their squad, and the latest update on one of their reported targets makes for happy reading for the club.
Leeds United's chances of signing Joe Rodon
According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are set to sanction a permanent exit for Leeds loanee Joe Rodon in the upcoming summer transfer window, and will "accept (an) offer" from the 49ers Group at Elland Road.
Journalist Pete O'Rourke adds that the Whites would '"love" to sign the central defender on a permanent deal at the end of the season, after his loan move comes to an end. The reporter writes that Spurs are now expected to cash in on the Wales international, who they had signed from Championship side Swansea, later this year.
Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.
Football Insider adds that a fee of up to £15m could be enough to secure his services, although it remains to be seen whether or not the club are prepared to offer that for Rodon.
The towering defender shares an agency – CAA Stellar – with current Leeds teammates Patrick Bamford and Daniel James and this, along with the existing loan deal between the two sides, suggests that the Whites already have a relationship in place to negotiate a deal this summer.
Why Leeds should sign Rodon on a permanent deal
Farke has showcased his love for Rodon throughout the Championship season by consistently selecting him at the heart of the defence. The German boss has also hailed him as "excellent" and praised the centre-back's "warrior mentality" at times, with his fantastic performances at the back for Leeds.
He has started 39 of the club's 43 league games this term and played a crucial role in the team having the best defensive record in the division, with just 34 goals conceded.
Appearances
40
Sofascore rating
7.22
Clearances per game
4.5
Interceptions per game
1.2
Ball recoveries per game
4.2
Duel success rate
66%
As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old titan has provided consistently impressive displays at the back, dominating opposition attackers with a 66% duel success rate.
No Leeds player has made more clearances per game than Rodon and only Ethan Ampadu (1.4) has more interceptions per match so far this season, which speaks to how important his defensive work has been since his loan switch from Spurs.
Leeds looking at surprise move to sign “quality” striker with 204 goals
The Whites are looking to improve their forward line this summer.
ByJosh Barker Apr 14, 2024
At the age of 26, the Welsh colossus may also have his best years ahead of him, as he has plenty of time to develop and improve under Farke, which means that Leeds signing him on a permanent deal could be a fantastic move in the short-term and for the future at Elland Road.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man enjoyed a dream first start for his new club, while Jude Bellingham starred in a comfortable win
The Kylian Mbappe era is here, and everyone else should be very afraid. Real Madrid's new signing got off to a perfect start in white, grabbing a debut goal as Los Blancos beat Europa League winners Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw on Wednesday night.
But he wasn't alone. Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo hummed along before coming alive in the second half, carrying Madrid to what was eventually a comfortable win.
Carlo Ancelotti's side struggled to create for most of the first half, a the Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo triumvirate failed to gel. The latter came closest shortly before half-time, smashing an effort off the bar.
Thibaut Courtois kept Real in it after the break with a diving stop, and Vinicius blew the game open just before the hour mark, dancing down the wing before cutting the ball back to Federico Valverde – who finished into an empty net. Mbappe added a second nine minutes later, smashing Bellingham's feed into the top corner.
And that was all Los Blancos needed. Vinicius and Mbappe continued to ask questions, but a third goal never came. Still, Madrid were entirely in control. The ominous part? They will only get better.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from National Stadium Warsaw…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (8/10):
Made one ridiculous save just after half time. Followed it with a few other key interventions.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Held his own at right-back in a more defensive role than last season. Got into the chippy stuff as captain, too.
Eder Militao (6/10):
A little sloppy at times and was too easily dribbled past. Still in recovery mode from his ACL injury.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
Constantly on hand to sweep up issues. Got forward when needed, and ensured Ademola Lookman didn't have much joy.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Had a lot to do early on as Madrid's left flank looked rather disorganised. Settled into things later.
AdvertisementGettyMidfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Did a job at the base of midfield, although he could have been tidier on the ball.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Ate up ground for fun, and offered cover when everyone else got forward. Opened the scoring with a tap-in, too.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Picked up a yellow for a silly challenge. Started cooking in the second half, though. Assisted Mbappe and dribbled past players for fun. Looked every bit reigning La Liga Player of the Year after the break.
GettyAttack
Rodrygo (7/10):
Smashed one off the bar shortly before half-time. Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal.
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
Floated around, struggled to get involved, and then smashed one into the top corner. That might become a pattern this year if he plays as a No.9.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Dropped curiously deep at times. Came alive after the break, assisting Valverde. His understanding with Mbappe might take time to come together.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettySubs & Manager
Luka Modric (7/10):
Floated around, played some lovely passes.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Lucas Vazquez (N/A):
Fresh legs for Carvajal.
Arda Guler (N/A):
The most brief of run outs.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Went for a ridiculously attacking setup. His side were very poor for 45 minutes, but came alive after the break. They are going to be scary this year.