All posts by h716a5.icu

It's getting closer and closer, and no matter the silverware on the line for Liverpool, a sense of poignancy is unavoidable given Jurgen Klopp is approaching the culmination of his tenure.

It's something that seems impossible, like autumn arriving after winter, but it's the cold hard truth that Liverpool supporters all around are internally wrangling with. Klopp is leaving.

In fairness, many fans have probably accepted this inevitability. Chatter surrounding a new manager is at the forefront of online discourse: Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner, and his appointment would galvanise the fanbase and then some.

More concerning, however, is the immediate contract situation on the player front, with key trio Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk all out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign – that's 14 months away.

Salah was pursued by Al-Ittihad last summer, the Saudi Pro League side ravenous to insert the Egyptian goal machine as their figurehead, and while he's 32 years old in June, a return of 21 goals and 13 assists from 25 starting appearances in all competitions this season hardly speaks of infirmity.

One would not be chided for noting that Salah ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 1% for assists and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, and inferring that this is a player probably worth keeping hold of at the predawn of a new era.

But, hey, there are many variables in place, who knows? Still, with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes now settled and operating within FSG's footballing system, things will hopefully start to fall into place on Merseyside.

Retaining top talent at the club will be the first port of call (after the small matter of Klopp's successor is sorted out, of course), and while Salah is the salient attacking superpower within Anfield's walls, he's not actually considered among the most lucrative stars on the books anymore.

Fast rising after a stuttering start, Ibrahima Konate is now in that mix.

Why Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool forked out £36m after meeting Konate's release clause with RB Leipzig back in 2021, having sold Dejan Lovren to Zenit Saint-Petersburg the year before and feeling the force of that sale after an incredible catalogue of injuries derailed the defending champions' campaign.

A sinew-framed, hulking unit of a defender, the 6 foot 4 Frenchman has long been regarded as a high-class prospect, with talent scout Jacek Kulig even marvelling at the "athletic phenomenon" in 2022, early into his English adventure.

Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were already tried-and-tested partners next to Van Dijk but added depth was needed, and Konate was identified due to his blend of technical quality and core defensive strength.

However, while that innate ability has been clear from the off, the first few years of Konate's Reds career were punctuated by injuries, with the France international starting 11 Premier League matches in 2021/22 and 17 last season.

With Matip suffering a season-ending anterior cruciate rupture in December – the veteran is also out of contract at the end of the campaign – and the dynamic Gomez featuring at full-back more regularly nowadays, Konate needed to step up, and that he has.

Ibrahima Konate's market valuation in 2024

Konate, aged 24, now appears to be Van Dijk's senior central defensive partner and while he's only started 14 league games so far, he's played with relative consistency after infrequent starting berths throughout the first half of the campaign.

As per Sofascore, the France international has completed 88% of his passes in the Premier League this season, averaging 4.4 ball recoveries per game and succeeding with 65% of his contested duels, with such showings leading one hawk-eyed analyst to laud him as an "absolute beast."

To further emphasise this: as per FBref, Konate now ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 16% for shot-creating actions, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 20% for successful take-ons, the top 11% for tackles and the top 6% for aerial duels won per 90.

If fitness prevails over the coming months and years, there is little in the way of Konate establishing himself as one of Europe's eminent defenders, if he is not already so.

1.

Dominik Szoboszlai

£86m

2.

Alexis Mac Allister

£86m

3.

Darwin Nunez

£86m

4.

Cody Gakpo

£86m

5.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£69m

6.

Ibrahima Konate

£69m

7.

Curtis Jones

£69m

8.

Luis Diaz

£69m

And this is reflected through his market price; while there are several Redmen marked with a higher price tag at present, Konate is indeed rising fast toward the forefront of the squad, with his £69m value an impressive 92% increase in value in less than three years of service under Klopp's management.

His newfound market price places him above Salah, who is perhaps somewhat harshly deemed worth £34m, and while it's clear from last summer's events that this is not the case, the table above remains an illustration of the gains Konate is making.

While many teams appear to prioritise attacking Liverpool's right side of defence, avoiding Van Dijk and taking chances against the ostensibly lesser partner, Konate is starting to prove himself every bit as commanding in his duties.

GOAL breaks down why this U.S. team, in the rare role of underdogs, is still among the contenders for gold in Paris

Few teams in sports can relate to the realities of the U.S. women's national team. Decades of dominance have led to decades of expectations. And while that may sound like a nice problem to have, it comes with pressure. Winning isn't a thing to enjoy, but rather a target to be met. Anything short of that? Failure.

That's why this summer feels different. As the Olympics kick off, those in the know understand that the U.S. women may not win gold. They are among the better teams in the Olympic field, sure, but almost certainly not the favorites. This is a team just starting a rebuild, a process that won't be complete until long after this tournament's over. Because of that, there's reason for doubt. This tournament may have just come a bit too soon.

And while the U.S. may not be favorite, overlook this team at your own peril. This may not be a finished product, but an in-progress USWNT is still better than most of the teams in this field. They see this summer as an opportunity to reestablish themselves on the world's stage, even as team isn't close to the best version of itself.

Can the U.S. win gold this summer? Yes. Will they? We'll find out. GOAL offers six reasons to believe in this USWNT group this summer.

Getty ImagesNaomi Girma

There aren't many defenders better than Naomi Girma. There definitely aren't any that make the game look so effortless or easy. Make no mistake, though: what Girma does is easy. In fact, it's key to everything the U.S. does.

Girma is extremely smooth but, most important, she's consistently and completely reliable. The 24-year-old defender never seems to make the wrong play. Whether on the ball or off of it she makes the right decision every time, often bailing out teammates in the process to stop chances before they even get started.

It's impossible to overstate how valuable that is in a tournament like the Olympics. It's so, so helpful to know that there's a defender with Girma's capabilities on the pitch. She's a bedrock, one thing this team will never have to worry about.

Girma is the base of this USWNT and that is one hell of a foundation to build on.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield balance

From the start, the midfield never looked quite right at the 2023 women's World Cup. The No. 6 position was a problem. Rose Lavelle's injury shook things up, and then-coach Vlatko Andonovski never found the fix.

This summer, things are different. In these Gagmes, the midfield has a sense of purpose.

There are only four players listed as midfielders in the squad: Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Sam Coffey and Korbin Albert. That's a bit misleading, though, as this group also includes Crystal Dunn, Jaedyn Shaw and Emily Sonnett, each of whom offers something wildly different.

Coffey is the primary No. 6, and her exclusion last year looks even worse now. Horan keeps her place as the do-everything No. 8, while Lavelle will be the big threat if she is, in fact, healthy. There's a balance there and, even if Lavelle can't go, Albert can fill in.

In Shaw, this team has a game-breaking No. 10, while Dunn can play pretty much anywhere. Sonnett has experience as a No.6, central defender or fullback.

The point is this: there are plenty of options, and all of them can create very different looks. That's something the U.S. lacked this summer but, this time around, Emma Hayes has no shortage of choices.

GettyVeteran depth

This is a young team, one led by a new generation of superstars but, make no mistake: there is considerable experience, too.

Six members of this squad were involved in the 2021 Olympics, winning bronze. This team also has four members of the squad that won Gold back in 2016. There's Olympic experience here, and with experience comes calm.

Those players are spread all over the field, too. Alyssa Naher starts in goal, and there will be no nerves from her no matter what's thrown her way. Mallory Swanson's game may be different than when she won Gold in 2016 as a teenager, but she can call on those experiences as she looks to lift an attack with several strike partners near that age. Lavelle played in all six games last time around – she'll know what she's in for at this competitive level.

That experience is key. These games are grueling and they are nerve-wracking, particularly for young players. Every little big of experience helps and, thankfully for the U.S., there's plenty here.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GettyEmma Hayes' brilliance

The biggest difference between this year's team and last year's is on the bench. This time around, the USWNT has Emma Hayes.

There's a reason that U.S. Soccer went out and hired her, and it's because Hayes is arguably the brightest mind in the women's game. They had no problem waiting for her, too. That's how convinced the federation is that she's the right person to change this team.

That change will take time, of course, and it's impossible to expect her to put her stamp on this team with just a few camps. Hayes, though, is an effective, crafty tactician who can make a difference. In a one-game scenario, Hayes can out-think whomever is on the other side.

Her ability to do that may just be the difference between success and failure for the U.S. The style of play won't quite be there yet, but that allows this team to be fluid and perhaps add a few wrinkles no one is expecting. It may very well be an opportunity to surprise opponents with a USWNT that they've never quite seen before.

Glasgow Rangers’ treble ambitions are safe for another week as they secured passage into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup over the weekend.

A trip to Easter Road to play Hibs is never easy at the best of times, but sandwiched in between a Europa League last-16 clash against Benfica, the match took on an even greater magnitude.

Much to their surprise, Philippe Clement kept the same starting XI for the cup clash that looked dead on their feet just a few days prior, but it worked a treat as they went into the half-time interval a goal to the good courtesy of John Lundstram.

While Hibs lost their discipline, Rangers kept their calm heads and Fabio Silva netted the clincher against the nine men and a 2-0 win was confirmed.

It was a professional performance by the Light Blues and, once again, John Lundstram was at the heart of everything good during the clash.

John Lundstram vs Hibernian in numbers

Towards the end of the Benfica tie, Lundstram had run himself into the ground, and it looked as though a well-deserved rest against Hibs would be the wisest thing for Clement to do.

No chance. Lundstram started in the capital and delivered a man-of-the-match performance, which included scoring the opening goal.

The midfielder was a calming presence in the heart of the midfield, looking like he had enjoyed a week between matches rather than the knackered figure during the closing stages of the tie in midweek.

There is no doubt he has been one of the most consistent performers during Clement’s reign thus far, missing only one match since mid-October. Two goals and six assists during 2023/24 have proven that he does like to get forward from time to time, but his ability to protect the defence and dictate the play from the middle of the pitch is perhaps his greatest strength.

There is no time for respite, however, as the former Sheffield United gem will have to be prepared to take on Benfica at Ibrox on Thursday as the last eight of the Europa League awaits the winners.

When Lundstram could leave Rangers

A year ago, not many people would have predicted Lundstram being one of the most important players in the squad, but here we are.

Entering the 2023/24 campaign, the 30-year-old had a year left on his current contract, and it looked like his chances of an extension were slim.

Fast-forward a few months, however, and it is clear he will be offered a new deal. The question is, when will he sign it? Clement has gone for a youth-based approach in the transfer market, yet keeping several experienced heads at the club, at least for the next couple of seasons, could be vital.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

43

2

6

2022/23

52

5

0

2021/22

48

4

1

Via Transfermarkt

While Lundstram may not have too long left at the very top, he still has plenty to give and his knowledge and experience could be passed down to the youngsters emerging through the youth academy.

Lundstram's academy heir at Ibrox

Cole McKinnon is arguably one of the brightest talents in the B team, and he could well become the heir apparent to the English midfielder in the coming years.

In the final Premiership match of the 2021/22 campaign, Giovanni van Bronckhorst rested a host of first-team players for the forthcoming Europa League final, giving chances to various academy talents in the clash against Hearts.

McKinnon came off the bench with just 30 minutes left and did not take long to announce his arrival, scoring the third goal which clinched a 3-1 win and his talent looked promising indeed.

The youngster was sent on a season-long loan to Partick Thistle, who were playing in the second tier, for the 2022/23 term and this experience of regular first-team football at a competitive level has clearly benefitted him.

Throughout that campaign, the 21-year-old made 31 appearances for the Jags, contributing three goals and three assists in the process as the club came so close to securing promotion to the top flight.

Michael Beale named him part of the matchday squad on numerous occasions during the early part of the season, but he failed to make it onto the pitch.

Under Clement, however, it looks as though he has the perfect manager to play under, as the Belgian has given him a couple of opportunities of late in the senior squad.

Cole McKinnon's stats vs Benfica and Hibs

The midfielder was hailed by Jordan Campbell prior to joining Partick Thistle last season, saying: “The 19-year-old is highly rated at Ibrox and scored in the final league game of last season. Goes box-to-box and has a knack of getting a goal.”

Evidently like Lundstram, the Scot bursts forward in the hopes of joining the attack, but he can also perform in a slightly deeper role if required and this flexibility will be a bonus to Clement.

He came off the bench for the final 13 minutes of the tie against Benfica last week and did not let the occasion get to him.

Indeed, he won 100% of his aerial duels while making an interception and blocking a shot, proving that he has the required mentality to come into a game which is hanging in the balance and keep a calm head.

He was then rewarded with another ten-minute cameo against Hibs, and he was solid again. This could give Clement another option at the heart of the midfield, especially with the games coming thick and fast in the coming weeks.

McKinnon is finally seeing the rewards of all his hard work in the B team recently, and it should serve as a reminder that the chances are there for the youngsters, especially if they are committed and work hard.

Lundstram may have another couple of years at the highest level in the game, but if McKinnon can keep gaining important minutes here and there, the 21-year-old could become an ideal replacement for the Englishman and save Clement millions in the transfer market in the process.

Wrexham manage draw against major opponent as the League One side faces Premier League side Bournemouth.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham earn 1-1 drawOwn goal gave League One side leadSenesi scores for BournemouthGettyTELL ME MORE

Wrexham held their own against the Cherries, who are a full two leagues above their opponents from Wales. While Bournemouth were certainly the better of the two teams, it was actually Wrexham that broke through first.

Just moments before halftime, Wrexham got the opener, although it was an own goal. James McClean's corner went off the head of Bournemouth defender James Hill and into the back of the net, giving Wrexham the 1-0 advantage.

That lead didn't last long into the second half, though. Marco Senesi provided the headed finish after Phillip Billing flicked the ball toward the goal, leveling the score at one apiece. That's how it finished, as Wrexham held on to earn a 1-1 draw with a team two leagues above them.

AdvertisementGettyDID YOU KNOW?

This is Wrexham's second consecutive preseason in the United States. Last summer, the club lost to Chelsea before defeating LA Galaxy II and, notably, Manchester United. They then drew Philadelphia Union II in their final preseason friendly.

Getty ImagesTHE MVP

There were a few minutes early in the second half in which Bournemouth really pushed. They're a Premier League team and were playing like it, putting loads of pressure on a Wrexham defense that was starting to bend. They didn't break, though, and it's at least partially thanks to Arthur Okonkwo.

After spending last season on loan with Wrexham, Okonkwo has now left Arsenal to join the club permanently. It's a huge win for Wrexham, and Saturday's match showed why. In the big moments, Okwonko is a player who can make big saves and, at just 22, there's much room for improvement.

Saturday's performance will only give him confidence as Wrexham march forward.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

THE BIG LOSER

Hill was wildly unlucky, but it's still never fun to see the words "own goal" next to your name.

The centerback spent part of last season on loan with Blackburn Rovers but returned midseason to make five Premier League appearances. He'll be looking to earn more this campaign.

The own goal shouldn't hurt that pursuit but, even so, it's a frustrating moment that both Hill and Bournemouth could have dealt with.

Former Worcestershire player was jailed for rape in April 2019

George Dobell30-Jun-2020Alex Hepburn, the former Worcestershire allrounder, has lost his appeal against his conviction for rape.Hepburn was sentenced to five years in prison in April 2019 after he was convicted on one count of oral rape following a retrial at Worcestershire Crown Court.The jury heard that the victim, who was left with a post-traumatic stress disorder that included facial paralysis, had thought she was having consensual sex with Hepburn’s then county colleague Joe Clarke, in April 2017.ALSO READ: England players given sexual consent training in light of Hepburn convictionDuring the trial, the jury heard how Hepburn had “dehumanised” women, rating them in text messages to his team-mates in a “sexual conquest competition” on the social media platform WhatsApp.Hepburn, it was alleged, had been “fired up” by the contest and took advantage of his victim after finding her alone on a mattress on the floor of the flat he shared with Clarke.But at the Court of Appeal, Hepburn’s barrister, David Emanuel QC, argued that the WhatsApp messages should not have been used as evidence in the case.”The idea propagated by the Crown, that he was so desperate to win the game this year that he would ignore true consent if he had to, is just not supported by anything in the messages or by the fact of the game itself,” Emanuel said.”I accept it would be different if there was talk of sex against will, or trickery to gain a point, or taking a chance, but there’s nothing like that in the messages.”They are too far removed as to be able to be to do with the facts of the alleged offence.”The panel of three senior judges, including the Lord Chief Justice, Ian Burnett, rejected the appeal.During Hepburn’s sentencing at Hereford Crown Court on April 30, 2019, Judge Jim Tindal referred to the WhatsApp group as a “pathetic sexist game” and told him: “You thought you were God’s gift to women. You saw the victim as a piece of meat, not another human entitled to respect.”Following the case, the PCA – with the help of funding from the ECB – established a sexual consent training workshop. Every England player, male and female, as well as players at all 18 first-class counties and all Kia Super League teams were obliged to attend the classes.

Precocious allrounder has future in her own hands ahead of another big showdown against Australia

Annesha Ghosh in Melbourne01-Mar-20202:31

Short takes: New Zealand’s Kerr sisters on idolising Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram

Barely months into her international career, New Zealand teen allrounder Amelia Kerr was billed as “a star of the future” by Australia captain Meg Lanning. On the eve of New Zealand’s virtual quarter-final clash against hosts Australia at the T20 World Cup, former New Zealand men’s allrounder Jacob Oram, who has been working with the women’s national team as bowling coach since 2018, described her as a “future captain”. The prediction from Oram came only days after Katey Martin, a senior team-mate, identified Kerr, who now has 60-plus international appearances, as a “once-in-a-generation type player for New Zealand”.So swift has Kerr’s growth been as a legspin-bowling allrounder that, at just 19, and only into the fourth year of her career with New Zealand, Kerr is often mentioned in the same breath as the world’s best or the most experienced. And there’s evidence enough why she’s rated so highly by colleagues and opponents alike.Kerr’s unbeaten 232, a record for the highest individual score in women’s ODIs, and a five-for in the same match against Ireland two years ago became testament to her appetite for all-round excellence – if against an error-prone side wanting in experience. Last week, in the penultimate over of New Zealand’s bungled chase against India at the T20 World Cup, her jaw-dropping onslaught against the highly regarded India wristspinner Poonam Yadav was further proof of her ability to soak up pressure.”It was nice to prove I could play like that at the international level,” Kerr told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of a training session at the Albert Cricket Ground in Victoria, Melbourne. “It was nice to give us that chance to getting close to winning it, but it was obviously very disappointing to not be able to get the last ball away for a four and turn it into a Super Over.”I looked at the field, and made sure I made my decision as early as I saw the ball leaving her hand as to whether I go backward or I come out of my crease. For me, it was about keeping it simple and not overthinking too much, and just having a couple of options, so I could make those decisions.”Kerr, though, has been no stranger to pressure or handling with maturity the expectations that come with thriving in challenging situations. Much of it is down to her pedigree and the conditioning she’s had in the years preceding her New Zealand career. A native of Wellington’s northernmost suburb Tawa, Kerr, born to former Wellington cricketers Robbie and Jo, inherited her cricketing genes from maternal grandfather Bruce Murray, the former New Zealand Test cricketer.Having grown up looking up to Kane Williamson and fellow Tawa native Sophie Devine, her precocity found early expression under coach Ivan Tissera as she ditched her dreams of becoming a “scary fast bowler” to realise her natural gift for being able to spin the bowl.Amelia Kerr got the important wicket of Shafali Verma•Getty ImagesBarely a month past her 16th birthday, she would graduate from playing boys’ grade cricket in school to making her international debut, in a home ODI against Pakistan. By the time she turned 17, she had already played in an ODI World Cup and had become the youngest female cricketer to bag a central contract with New Zealand Cricket.”She debuted later [in 2016], so she wasn’t in the side when I was with them,” Oram recalled of his previous coaching role with New Zealand women in 2015-16. “But I remember hearing about this Amelia Kerr and I knew her dad, Robbie [a former Wellington cricketer], and also played against him. So, I would hear about Amelia Kerr, you know, she’s this little guru.”But since her debut, she hasn’t turned back … I see Amelia captaining within the next few years, maybe even before she is 25. Because she’s been playing since she was a teenager, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience to call upon, and because of the skill she has, she’s already earned the respect of her team-mates.Oram, who’s been working closely on Kerr along with spin-bowling coach Rob Nicol, believes the teenager’s “batting at the moment is probably a level lower than her bowling, but she’s got the skills to be a genuine allrounder”.”I know she got a double-hundred against Ireland in a one-dayer, but [she still has a long way to go] in terms of getting more consistent with those performances, especially against the top sides in the world,” Oram said. “It will come with age because batting seems to be more of an experience-gathering thing.ALSO READ: ‘Spin bowling is one of the strongest skills I’ve seen in the women’s game’ – Jacob Oram”But she’s an amazing talent and we’ve got to manage her well with everything she’s doing overseas – WBBL, and even with the IPL [Women’s T20 Challenge] thing. You let her do those things but you need to make sure she’s fit and firing for New Zealand as well because that’s the No. 1 priority.”A sought-after name in domestic franchise leagues, Kerr, who plays for Wellington Blaze alongside her older sister and New Zealand quick Jess in the home domestic T20 Super Smash competition, has plied her trade across several countries. Her first taste of an overseas league came in the UK, where she represented the Southern Vipers at the 2018 Kia Super League, followed by a runners-up finish with the Mithali Raj-led Velocity in the Women’s T20 Challenge in May last year. Most recently, she enjoyed a memorable title-winning campaign with Brisbane Heat at the 2019-2020 WBBL in Australia.”Playing overseas for Brisbane Heat and winning the title – that was pretty special,” Kerr said. “These leagues are awesome and it’s great development for the women’s game. It helps us learn to adapt to different conditions.”The 13,000-odd crowd we had there [at the Women’s T20 Challenge final in Jaipur] as amazing as well. I love being put in such situations and put under pressure. That’s what you train and work hard for – to be put into those situations. Kind of every game I have played in overseas leagues has gone down to the wire, and these games are like international cricket: you share the dressing room with the world’s best, the training is top quality and you keep improving your skills so much.”Among the other “most fulfilling learning experiences” in her career, Kerr counts the 2017 ODI World Cup, a confluence for many firsts for the then 16-year-old. “At that age, you’re definitely not in your full potential, so you end up learning a lot that can shape your perspective towards cricket and life,” said Kerr of the first of her three world tournaments across formats so far, one in which she became the youngest New Zealander to represent the country in a World Cup.”That tournament did something similar to me,” she added. “For me, getting fitter was a big thing, watching how the consistency of my bowling, batting and athleticism in the field could be better, that was important. A part of it was already there, but I have worked on it and also on the power and just getting older and stronger has really helped me with my game. Also, learning to have access to different areas of the ground with different field-sets has been another important thing.”

For me, getting fitter was a big thing, watching how the consistency of my bowling, batting and athleticism in the field could be better, that was important

Aside from her growing understanding of street-smart batting, Oram said a stand-out feature in Kerr’s repertoire of all-round skills remains her potent wrong’un. “It is a huge, huge weapon,” said Oram, explaining how her pace through the air gives extra bite to her googly, compared to India’s Poonam Yadav, another hugely acclaimed exponent. “Amelia is a lot quicker”, he added, “which creates a lack of time for batters to respond to it.””The googly is something I’ve had since a young age,” Kerr said. “I naturally started bowling it by accident and then my coach Ivan Tissera kind of taught me how to get it consistent. It took a few years of practice to start bowling it in games consistently and Poonam Yadav is one of the best bowlers in the world. It’s cool getting to watch her play as I developed. She is a quality bowler, but with her height and her pace she is a completely different bowler, and much slower through the air than I am.”Many of New Zealand’s most experienced players, including veteran allrounder Suzie Bates, captain Sophie Devine, and Martin believe that it is this versatility in Kerr’s batting and bowling as well as her temperament that have so far defined the might in her fight against the most formidable opponents. Add to that her precocity and enterprise, it’s a combination that only augurs well for New Zealand and the women’s game at large.”Melie [Kerr] is probably once-in-a-generation type player for New Zealand,” Martin said after the India game where Kerr carted Poonam for 18 in the penultimate over but failed to avert a three-run loss. “She works really hard at her game. She has a lot of support outside of cricket.”And she’s someone that takes her responsibility – she feels pressure like we all do but she really takes it with a mature outlook. And you don’t expect someone 18, 19 to have the cricket knowledge that she does…She’s an exceptional young talent and someone that I think will have a long successful career.”

Folarin Balogun is urging faith with the USMNT after their Copa America flop, with the striker confidently predicting an “exciting future”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

United States struggled at major tournamentBuilding towards a home World Cup in 2026 Monaco striker believes progress will be madeGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States failed to live up to expectations at a major tournament on home soil, as they crashed out of continental competition at the group stage. They did claim a 2-0 victory over Bolivia, but failed to reach the knockout rounds after coming unstuck against Panama and Uruguay.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Plenty of uncomfortable questions have been asked on the back of a disappointing display on the grandest of international stages, with Gregg Berhalter’s position as head coach seemingly under threat. Underperforming players also need to prove their worth heading towards the 2026 World Cup.

WHAT BALOGUN SAID

Balogun believes positive progress will be made down that path, posting on Instagram when reflecting on the past and throwing things forward into the future: “A time for huge reflection, but firstly I will like to thank all the fans who supported us through-out this tournament despite us not meeting our shared expectations. I am grateful for the love you all showed and I urge the American soccer community… Please keep believing in what we are building. This is only the beginning for this team and together we have an exciting future ahead. See you in the fall!”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT?

The United States have plenty of time in which to get their house in order before taking to the field again. They are not due to be back in action until facing Canada in a friendly on September 7. It remains to be seen who will be at the helm by then, and which players will be selected to open another sporting chapter.

Tottenham are said to be eyeing a defender likened to Destiny Udogie, and this could push a "relentless" player out the exit door.

Spurs chasing new full-back as Ange wants alternatives

According to recent reports, Spurs are now keen to sign a new full-back this summer to provide back-up alternatives for both Udogie and Pedro Porro.

What Tottenham staff are now thinking about Timo Werner behind-the-scenes

The German’s deal contains a buy-option.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 29, 2024

The defensive duo are key mainstays in Ange Postecoglou's starting eleven, thriving as the Australian's inverted full-back first choices, and an extended absence for either of the pair would arguably spell trouble for Spurs.

"The way Tottenham play this season, everybody talks about the spine of the team, but it’s actually the fullbacks who are the most important players,” said pundit Stephen Warnock on The Sky Sports Football Show this season.

“And I am made up to say that. It makes me very happy. They change the way that they play. Udogie doesn’t play as a conventional fullback or as an overlapping fullback.

Appearances: 23

Appearances: 21

Match rating per 90: 7.18

Match rating per 90: 6.79

Goals: 0

Goals: 2

Assists: 7

Assists: 3

“Incredibly, I saw an article on this a few weeks ago where he has actually completed the most dribbles in midfield. That tells you everything about the type of player he is and where he is playing on the pitch, so often, you see him and Porro in centre-forward positions or number 10 positions.

Only Emerson Royal, Ben Davies and the consistently injured Ryan Sessegnon stand out as Postecoglou's alternatives, and that is something the club apparently wish to rectify this summer.

Indeed, both Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters and Udinese's Festy Ebosele have been mentioned as options recently, but another one who appears to be in contention now is Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode.

Spurs eyeing Kayode who's "in the mould" of Udogie

According to HITC and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are eyeing Kayode and have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old's performances in Serie A.

He's described as being in the "Udogie mould" by this report, with Italian agent Pino Vitale singing his praises after the defender kept a lid on Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“This one is really strong,” Pino Vitale told Radio Firenze Viola.

“Incredible. He forced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to chase him. Kvaratskhelia had to change wings due to the way Kayode controlled him! There is no need to worry about him. He is only 19 years old, but he is a ‘player’.”

It's added that Kayode's potential arrival at Spurs would "pave the way" for Emerson to leave. The Brazilian would be pushed further down the Tottenham pecking order by his signing, so the his exit could well be on the cards.

“Let me tell you, this guy is very, very good. He is all action. He is up and down, very quick and loves to attack," said former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell when Emerson arrived.

“The way Spurs play, with the full-backs bombing on, he is perfect. He is relentless down the flank because he is an incredibly fit guy. He also has good quality on the ball so I expect him to quickly become a fan favourite there."

Arthur Okonkwo has hinted that a shirt number swap may be on the cards, with the Wrexham goalkeeper having worn 33 during his productive loan spell.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Starred on loan from ArsenalHas rejoined the Red DragonsNo.1 shirt is up now for grabsGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old starred for the Red Dragons in 2023-24 after being drafted in from Arsenal to help counter the loss of ex-England international Ben Foster to retirement. Despite suffering a badly broken jaw at one stage, Okonkwo helped the Welsh outfit to automatic promotion out of League Two.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Questions were asked of whether Wrexham could lure Okonkwo back to SToK Racecourse, with even the riches of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney potentially not enough to land a man that was severing ties with Premier League giants as a free agent.

GettyWHAT OKONKWO SAID

Okonkwo is, however, back in North Wales on a three-year contract and looking forward to the 2024-25 campaign. He may have a different squad number to fill heading forward, with there no guarantee that he will stick with 33. Okonkwo told Wrexham’s after seeing head of medical Kevin Mulholland point out that he had a “good season” in that shirt: “Yeah, but… number one is nice. I don’t know, I’ll have a think about it.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT?

The No.1 spot in Phil Parkinson’s squad is up for grabs following the release of Rob Lainton. Okonkwo would be the obvious choice to take on that jersey, with the towering shot-stopper having kept 16 clean sheets through 40 appearances in all competitions last season.

The hosts struggled on a slow, dry surface that proved to be suited to Yadav’s art

The Report by Daniel Brettig21-Feb-2020A bewitching spell of wrist-spin bowling from Poonam Yadav sank Australia on the opening night of the T20 World Cup at the Sydney Showgrounds, underlining India’s status as genuine contenders to win a tournament that has heaped untold pressure on the world No. 1-ranked hosts.In front of a crowd of 13,432 – the best for a standalone women’s cricket match in Australia – the Indians began with familiar bombast at the top of the order before the loss of three wickets for six runs lowered their expectations. Deepti Sharma was not daunted, reverting to plan B of running as many singles as possible and guiding India to a competitive 132.While Alyssa Healy made a much-needed return to runs and confidence at the top of the Australian order, the rest struggled for timing on a slow, dry surface that proved to be ideally suited to Yadav’s art. A legbreak and three wrong’uns delivered her the wondrous figures of 4 for 19, and with the strong support of Shikha Pandey, Australia were confounded. Having entered 2020 as the world’s undisputed T20 dominators, the hosts have now lost three games out of six and are no guarantee to make the semi-finals.India boom, then bustIf it was a surprise to see Molly Strano go from missing Australia’s World Cup squad to bowling the first ball of the tournament a couple days after she was a late inclusion for the injured Tayla Vlaeminck. India’s top-order approach after blocking out the offspinner’s exploratory first over was not.After she was dropped by Strano at midwicket, Smriti Mandhana found the boundary off Ellyse Perry, and Shafali Verma found her range against Megan Schutt, pinging four boundaries as the Indians vaulted to 0 for 40 from four overs.The Australians knew they needed to maintain composure, and did so through the intervention of the in-form Jess Jonassen, who pinned Mandhana lbw on the slog sweep and was later to be the beneficiary of a foolhardy dance down the pitch by a keyed-up Harmanpreet Kaur and then a fortuitous stumping as the ball rebounded off Healy’s pads. That after Verma had pulled her 15th ball straight to mid-on off Perry to depart for 29 off just 15 balls. Three wickets down for six in 15 balls made the rest of the innings a salvage job.Sharma keeps her coolA decidedly sluggish surface at the Sydney Showgrounds recalled some of the desperately slow pitches the Sydney Thunder men’s team had played on at the neighbouring Sydney Olympic Stadium in the early years of the Big Bash League. This meant that it was fiendishly difficult to force the pace against anything but the longest of half-volleys, something Sharma recognised as she sought to pull the innings back from the brink.Singles were the order of the day, and Sharma was to collect no fewer than 29 of them in her sturdy, unbeaten 49. She received useful support from Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been reprieved from an early lbw decision in Perry’s favour when a review showed the ball sliding past leg stump, and scored 24 runs in singles herself. So while a tally of three boundaries in the final 16 overs of the innings sounds paltry, the approach at least meant that India could reach a couple of runs beyond the average T20I score at the venue.Alyssa Healy hits over the top•Getty ImagesHealy turns a cornerNine, one, duck, one, four, nine. That sequence of six sickly innings represented Healy’s run into the T20 World Cup, and left her team hoping as much as expecting that she would be “due” for a big score when the main event began. The fact that the long build-up was finally over had to help Healy’s mind, and she was soon back into the sort of stride that had seen her win the Player of the Tournament in the Caribbean in 2018 and also take out the T20 and ODI Player of the Year trophies at the Australian Cricket Awards earlier this month.Healy’s power down the ground, along with some deft touch on the cut and glide past short third man, put India’s bowlers on the back foot quickly, and also saw the return to some Australian batting line-up permutations that had not been needed so long as she kept being the first out for her team. Meg Lanning came in at No. 3 in place of Ashleigh Gardner when Beth Mooney cut to backward point, and Rachael Haynes replaced Lanning when she was beaten wonderfully in flight by Rajeshwari Gayakwad.Yadav’s mayhemAustralia were comfortably placed if not quite dominant when Yadav entered the attack, having not played at all in the triangular series before the Cup proper. Her high, looping legbreaks and googlies provide a tantalising sight for opponents and spectators alike, and Healy was soon teased into a return catch. That was nothing, though, on the sequence of googlies Yadav would present to the middle-order. Haynes was beaten and comfortably stumped, Perry even more comprehensively bowled first ball, and Jonassen’s edge was only millimetres too thick to allow Taniya Bhatia to hang on to.Nevertheless, another wrong’un soon claimed a slighter deflection and a safe catch for Bhatia, giving Yadav the figures of 4 for 15 from three overs and India control of the contest. More smart work from Bhatia saw Annabel Sutherland stumped off Pandey, and when Harmanpreet brought Yadav back, only the quirk of a second bouncing short ball denied her a fifth wicket. Australia had needed 75 off 66 balls with eight wickets in hand when Yadav came on. By the time she was done, the equation was 28 from 12 with three in hand: the game-changer without doubt.