The rest of the Pakistan contingent will leave for Lahore on August 25
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2021Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan head coach, has tested positive for Covid-19 in Kingston, where Pakistan completed their series of four T20Is and two Tests against West Indies. Misbah will now stay on and complete his 10-day quarantine before travelling home, even as the rest of the Pakistan contingent leaves for Lahore late on Wednesday.In a statement, the PCB said that Misbah, who is asymptomatic, “was the only Pakistan squad member who failed two pre-departure PCR tests”. “The PCB is constantly in touch with Cricket West Indies who have confirmed that Misbah will be shifted to another hotel for the 10-day quarantine with a medical specialist assigned to look after his health and well-being,” the statement said.Related
Ravi Shastri returns positive lateral flow test, placed in isolation along with three others
Babar Azam credits 'bold decisions' for win
Afridi reaches career-best No. 8 in bowling rankings
It was a rain-marred but largely successful tour for Pakistan. Their four-match T20I series had three games that ended in no-results because of the weather, but they won the only completed game, the second, by seven runs to take the series.Then came the Test series, where West Indies clinched a thriller by one wicket to go 1-0 up, but Shaheen Afridi and Fawad Alam headlined Pakistan’s bounceback in the second Test to give them a 109-run series-squaring win on Tuesday.Pakistan are now scheduled to host New Zealand for three ODIs (in Rawalpindi) and five T20Is (in Lahore) from September 17, with the visitors going across to Pakistan – after their tour of Bangladesh – for the first time in nearly 18 years.As part of the home season, Pakistan are also expected to host England for two T20Is (before the Men’s T20 World Cup, in October), and Australia early next year.
Babar scored an unbeaten 105, only for Haider’s 91 to help Northern ace the chase
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Sep-2021 A sensational counterattack by Haider Ali, who smashed an unbeaten 91 off 53, upstaged Babar Azam’s hundred as Northern upset Central Punjab in a thrilling high-scoring match.Central Punjab won the toss and opted to bat, and their captain Babar assumed control right from the outset. His side got off to a flying start in the powerplay, with a 20-ball 37 from Ahmed Shehzad helping set the early tone. Once Shehzad fell to Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Akhlaq and Shoaib Malik lent support from the other end.Related
Haider Ali and Asif Ali get Northern off to winning start
Babar, Wahab, Qadir star in Central Punjab's win
Really, though it was all about Babar. After mellowing through the middle overs, he came to life once more at the death as Central Punjab pushed towards 200, and brought up his 100 in 58 balls with three successive boundaries.Chasing 201, Northern initially fell well behind the asking rate, with Ehsan Adil and Wahab Riaz accounting for the openers. It required Northern to throw caution to the wind, and in the out-of-form but very able Haider Ali, they had their answer. A blistering 84-run partnership at two runs a ball alongside Mohammad Nawaz dragged his side back into the game, and with Central Punjab’s bowlers wilting, he finished the job off alongside Asif Ali, putting Northern above Central Punjab on the table.
Ange Postecoglou will know that his Tottenham Hotspur side must defeat Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast for a chance to enter the October international break in the Premier League’s top four.
It’s not going to be easy given other results would need to go their way, while the Seagulls have started well under new boss Fabian Hürzeler, who earned the division’s Manager of the Month award for August, albeit having failed to win in any of his past four games, drawing three.
Fabian Hurzeler for Brighton.
Spurs skipper Son Heung-min is still sidelined having missed his side’s past two matches with a hamstring injury, while Destiny Udogie is a fitness doubt at left-back.
After defeating Ferencváros in the Europa League on Thursday evening, Postecoglou is expected to ring the changes, with as many as seven anticipated.
GK – Guglielmo Vicario
Having yet to miss a minute in the Premier League after moving to Tottenham in an initial £17m deal, Guglielmo Vicario should start between the sticks once again this afternoon.
RB – Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro has been tremendous for Tottenham, with his all-encompassing approach to his duties on the right flank suggesting that he has what it takes to become one of Europe’s foremost full-backs – if he is not already creeping into that conversation…
Matches (starts)
6 (6)
Goals
1
Shots on target per game
1.8 (0.5)
Touches per game
81.2
Pass success rate
79%
Key passes per game
2.0
Dribbles per game
0.3
Ball recoveries per game
4.2
Tackles & interceptions per game
3.8
Total duels won per game
4.2 (50%)
He’ll be pitted against the hosts’ electric-paced winger Kaoru Mitoma, so will need to call upon his defensive game at the Amex this afternoon.
CB – Cristian Romero
Having started against Ferencváros, Cristian Romero played an important role and will be more than ready to take on Brighton on the south coast.
The tough-tackling titan won 11 duels in a dominant display, as per Sofascore, and will be the key to quelling the Seagulls’ threat today.
CB – Radu Dragusin
Back in the starting line-up? Radu Dragusin has not enjoyed a fine start to the campaign, having been defeated at Newcastle United in his sole Premier League start, while he was sent off against Qarabag after just seven minutes in Tottenham’s Europa League opener.
Still, Tottenham completed the signing from Genoa in a deal worth £27m in January, and he might be called upon in central defence as a personnel shift takes place at left-back…
LB – Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven might have to return to his occasional role at left-back, should Destiny Udogie indeed be ruled out due to injury. The hulking and athletic Dutchman has been excellent when moonlighting at left-back for Tottenham in the past and could be too much for Brighton to contain.
His loping pitch-long run against Manchester United handed him one of the finest assists you’ll see this season, and he’s just pretty brilliant, all told.
DM – Rodrigo Bentancur
Rodrigo Bentancur will be hoping to start once again in the English top flight, having started each of Tottenham’s past three Premier League encounters.
Though Yves Bissouma is an excellent ball-winner, he’s arguably not as rounded nor dynamic as his Uruguayan teammate, who has completed 93% of his passes this season and is vital for the system’s fluency.
CM – Dejan Kulusevski
Pape Matar Sarr is making waves on the continent this year, but Dejan Kulusevski might just be Spurs’ player of the season thus far, having been expertly refashioned into a central engine-like role.
Delighted with the Swede’s progress, Postecoglou said: “He has an unbelievable capacity to run on and off the ball, his physical numbers are ridiculous and he has the quality to hurt teams with that.”
CM – James Maddison
James Maddison ebbed and flowed during his maiden campaign as a Lilywhite, largely due to injury, but has been in fine fettle this season, posting one goal and three assists while performing with verve and intent.
He could be the key to unlocking a Brighton backline that’s there for the taking. As per FBref, the 27-year-old ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 1% for progressive passes per 90.
RW – Brennan Johnson
Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson
What a turnaround. Things looked rather dour for Brennan Johnson following a poor start to the season that had led to some negativity spread across social media, but the winger has since silenced the critics with a haul of five goals from five matches.
The Wales international scored a stoppage-time winner against Brighton back in February, and he’ll be desperate to step up and dominate at the AMEX this afternoon.
LW – Timo Werner
Fans might be clamouring for Mikey Moore, the 17-year-old wonderkid, to be unleashed from the outset against Brighton, but Timo Werner may be more likely to reprise his starting role in the Premier League.
The German has done very little since the summer, failing to score or assist across his four top-flight matches (only one start, to be fair) while taking just two shots, failing to create a big chance and completing 38% of his dribbles. He needs to step it up.
CF – Dominic Solanke
Justifiably recalled to the Three Lions squad for the forthcoming run of fixtures, Dominic Solanke has made a steady start to his Spurs career, scoring three goals and placing one assist from seven matches.
He might have joined in a club-record £65m deal, but the towering striker is proving that he has what it takes to impress in Ange’s side this season – and he’ll relish the chance to serve as the star man in Son’s continuing absence.
Predicted Spurs line-up in full: (GK) Guglielmo Vicario; (RB) Pedro Porro, (CB) Cristian Romero, (CB) Radu Dragusin, (LB) Micky van de Ven; (DM) Rodrigo Bentancur, (CM) Dejan Kulusevski, (CM) James Maddison; (RW) Brennan Johnson, (LW) Timo Werner; (CF) Dominic Solanke
Forget Moore: Spurs may have unearthed their own Bukayo Saka
He has certainly caught the eye early on this season.
Wrexham have tied striker Jack Marriott down to a new contract after a bright opening half of the season.
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Marriott joined Wrexham in early 2023Become key player at Welsh sideStriker signs new contractFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham have announced that the 30-year-old has signed a new deal until the end of the 2025-26 season, with the option of an extra year. Now, the former Derby County forward has expressed his delight at the news.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT JACK MARRIOTT SAID
He told Wrexham's website: “I’m really grateful that the Club have agreed the deal. I’m really pleased to extend my stay here and it’s a really happy time for me and my family. I want to help the team and play as much as possible. I’ll do the best I can do for the team and the supporters.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Marriott has gone from a fringe player at Wrexham to someone who has taken key man Paul Mullin's spot in attack. This contract extension comes just after he has returned to the team after three months out with a broken fibula. He could be key in Wrexham's bid to secure a third-straight promotion.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Marriott could feature again for third-placed Wrexham next Tuesday at home to Stevenage Town.
Incidentally, manager Phil Parkinson added: “Jack has worked really hard in his rehabilitation, and we are pleased that we have been able to agree a new deal and extend his stay.”
GOAL grades every USMNT player who moved during the winter transfer window and, just as important, those who stayed
And … exhale. The transfer window is closed. The bulk of the business is concluded, and there was no shortage of transfer speculation, and some important consummation, involving current and future U.S. men's national team stars. For most USMNT players, the January window was just as much about the transfers that didn't happen as the ones that did.
For the majority of the month, discussion centered around the likes of Ricardo Pepi, Antonee Robinson and Gio Reyna. Ultimately, none were on the move. Pepi got a new deal to stay at PSV despite massive offers. Robinson continues to, and will continue to, light up the Premier League with Fulham, as he pursues assist records. Reyna, meanwhile, is nowhere near as comfortable as those two, as he now faces another fight – and, surprise, surprise – another new coach at Borussia Dortmund.
Still, there were some key transfers. Several MLS youngsters made big moves, whether to Europe or across MLS, while some USMNT rising stars relocated overseas. The pressure of the 2026 World Cup is clearly starting to hit players' shoulders and, with that in mind, every transfer decision is vital. The right move could make all the difference. The wrong one can, too.
What should we make of some of the big swings USMNT stars took this winter? What about the players who made leaps within MLS or to Europe? And what about those who stayed, opting to turn down opportunities to leave their current clubs to fight for a place?
GOAL answers those questions, grades every USMNT player who moved this winter and – just as important – those didn't.
GettyAntonee Robinson: Fulham
There were rumblings early in the month but, by mid-January, it became pretty clear that Fulham did not want to sell. They had good reason, too. At the moment, Fulham sits ninth in the Premier League with very real hopes of pushing for a European spot. The player most important to those hopes? Robinson.
He has 11 assists, trailing only Mohammed Salah in the Premier League in that category. No amount of money could have made up for losing Robinson, who is arguably the Premier League's best at the position, halfway through the season. Maybe that changes in the summer. Big clubs will no doubt want to sign Robinson, who plays a position of need for several of the Premier League's best.
Maybe Fulham can be convinced to cash out in the summer. Perhaps Robinson will be open to a new challenge but, also, maybe not. There's something to be said for comfort and, with the 2026 World Cup looming, Robinson is already playing an elite level where he is.
Either way, this discussion will get revisited in the summer, and you can't blame anyone involved for pushing it forward a window, given how well this season is going.
GRADE: A-
AdvertisementAFPLuca de la Torre: San Diego FC
On a personal level, this has to feel like a dream come true for the midfielder – and you have to take that into account here.
De la Torre was born and raised in San Diego, and he'll now return home to be a key player for his hometown team's first season in MLS. That has be cool, a feeling that can't be replicated anywhere else other than MLS. Was it worth trading a European career for? Some would certainly say yes. There's no place like home, as they say.
As for the USMNT picture, that's trickier. The midfield is more crowded than ever with performing well all over the world. De la Torre hasn't played nearly enough over the last year or so, this move to MLS may get him back on the field. Either way, national team or no national team, this has to feel good for De la Torre on a human level, and that's important.
GRADE: A-
Getty Images SportJames Sands: St. Pauli
We already have some significant data on this one, since Sands moved so early, and that data is positive. Sands has immediately become a key player for the Bundesliga side. He's already featured five times with three starts, with St. Pauli going unbeaten in those three starts. You can't begin your tenure with a new team much better than that, can you?
St. Pauli has Sands playing in midfield, but he could also play centerback in their back three if the need arises. Because of that, this feels like a perfect fit. This is just a loan, and St. Pauli still aren't totally clear of the relegation zone. Still, after not quite making it at Rangers during his first stay in Europe, Sands is already showing that he's a new player who can play at a higher level than before.
GRADE: A –
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Getty ImagesTaylor Booth: FC Twente
In some ways, this is a lateral move from one decent Eredivisie team to another. It is also exactly the type of move Booth needs right now. Just two years ago, the American winger was being linked with Manchester United but this season, in particular, hasn't gone to plan. He hasn't been used enough by Utrecht, featuring just nine times for 254 minutes.
At 23, these are key years and Booth has to play games. He's seemingly found a club that will let him do that without really taking a step down. Utrecht sit third in the Eredivisie. Twente sit sixth, seven points behind with a game in hand. Realistically, these two teams are in the same tier.
By joining Twente, Booth will now get a chance to play more in a league he knows well and has proven himself in. Because of that, this all makes sense.
It was practically the perfect return to Premier League football for Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend, as while they conceded an early goal to West Ham United and looked a little lacklustre in the first half, they eventually ran out 4-1 winners.
In fact, Ange Postecoglou’s men were so dominant in the second half that they could have won by more, and while there are still a few minor issues that need to be ironed out, the Lilywhites are starting to look like a genuinely excellent team.
However, tonight brings another challenge, as the North Londoners host Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, a competition the club have a real chance of winning this season.
That said, with the fixtures starting to pile up once more, Postecoglou should look to make some changes to the side that won on the weekend, including dropping one rather underwhelming starter: James Maddison.
Why James Maddison should be dropped
Okay, so there is one primary reason why Postecoglou should drop Maddison back to the bench for tonight’s clash with AZ and another minor one.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison
The first is that while the team put in a pretty impressive display against the Hammers on Saturday, the Englishman did not and was subsequently hooked at half-time, being replaced by Pape Matar Sarr, who looked good in the second 45.
Now, it might sound harsh, but it’s an opinion shared by The Standard’s Dom Smith, who awarded the former Leicester City star a 5/10 on the day, writing that while he was ‘decent in possession’ his ‘decision-making was safe’, which feels like the antithesis of what Postecoglou wants from his creative midfielders, so he should miss out tonight.
The second more minor reason the midfield maestro should sit out tonight is that while he was poor against West Ham, he is undoubtedly one of the club’s most important players and, therefore, must be rested here and there, and given the level of opposition, tonight might be the best opportunity for that to happen for some time.
Moreover, while AZ are no pushovers, Postecoglou has more than enough talent in his team to come away with all three points, and there is one hungry youngster who deserves to start in place of Maddison, a youngster who has been compared to Jude Bellingham in the past, and has a very bright future ahead of him.
Why Lucas Bergvall should start tonight
The youngster in question is the sensationally talented Lucas Bergvall, who signed for Spurs for around £8.5m in February this year from Swedish side Djurgarden before joining up with the squad in the summer.
Now, the first thing to address is this comparison to the incredible Bellingham.
It stems primarily from respected analyst Ben Mattinson, who claimed that it was the Swede’s “raw & technical ability to adapt to any role” that made him “similar to Bellingham”, and by looking at his career to date, it’s easy to see where Mattinson is coming from.
For example, in his 67 appearances to date, the 18-year-old phenom has made 16 appearances in central midfield, 15 in attacking midfield, eight in defensive midfield, and he has even played a game as a centre-forward and one game in left-midfield, really lending credence to Mattinson’s claim that the youngster “does it all”.
However, it’s not just his versatility that makes the “super creative” midfielder, as dubbed by Mattinson, so exciting and deserving of another start this evening, but also his output.
Appearances
19
Goals
6
Assists
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
In just 19 games last season, he scored six goals and provided five assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 1.72 games despite being so young.
Ultimately, a lacklustre performance on the weekend and the need to rest him should see Maddison removed from the starting lineup for this evening, which in turn should allow Bergvall to make another start for the first team, as the more he plays, the better he will become, and he looks like he could be exceptional in a few years.
Levy wasted £21m on Spurs flop who was just a "poor man's Soldado"
Spurs have wasted a lot of money on forwards over the years, but this striker might have been the most disappointing of the lot.
Faith shown by Islamabad pays off in Pakistan’s hour of need
Matt Roller29-Oct-20211:45
Moody: Asif Ali is a rare commodity
Asif Ali has faced nineteen balls in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and has hit seven of them for six. Against New Zealand on Tuesday night, he made 27 not out off 12 balls to take Pakistan over the line and maintain their 100 percent record after the 10-wicket win over India; against Afghanistan on Friday, he hit an unbeaten 25 off seven to make it three wins out of three.His response? “Anything else you need, Pakistan? Thank you Islamabad United and all those who kept their faith in me during the difficult times.”
Aur koi hukam Pakistan? Shukriya @isbunited aur woh sub log jinho ne mere per belief rakha mere mushkil waqt mai. #PakistanZindabad
— Asif Ali (@AasifAli2018) October 29, 2021
It is no surprise that Asif’s first instinct was to thank his PSL franchise. He has split opinion in Pakistan for a number of years, dominating the six-hitting charts for Islamabad ever since the PSL’s inception but struggling to translate that to international level. His supporters said he had not been given enough rope, while his critics insisted he should have been cut off long ago.But in the fervour of the 19th over of a frantic game in a frenzied atmosphere, Asif came good in green for the second time in four days. He had told Shoaib Malik not to worry about leaving him work to do and had sent Shadab Khan back in order to stay on strike for the 19th over: he had been eyeing up the short leg-side boundary, and backed himself to take down Karim Janat, the inexperienced medium-pacer.Sitting deep in his crease anticipating a yorker, Asif pounded the first ball back over Janat’s head, heaved a back-of-a-length ball over midwicket, and thumped two more slot balls over wide long-off to seal the win. Never mind that he failed to lay bat on two successful wide yorkers – Asif’s four sixes had won the game with an over to spare.Watch cricket live on ESPN+
Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from the Men’s T20 World Cup live in the US. Match highlights of Afghanistan vs Pakistan is available here in English, and here in Hindi (US only).
“I don’t notice criticism,” Asif insisted in his post-match press conference. “I don’t follow social media at all, I’m very far away from it. My role was such that I sometimes came into the team and sometimes was dropped. Pakistan needed me and called for me. I’ve played leagues around the world and was playing domestic cricket too, so I was in touch with my game. I’m only in the team because I was performing, after all.”The last series I played [in South Africa and Zimbabwe], I played in the middle order at No. 6. It’s tricky in that position. The stats guys only see that I scored 10 runs in three innings, but they don’t see if you played only three or four balls of the final over. They only pull out the stat, rather than understanding the intricacies of middle-order batting.”[Tonight] the boundary on the on-side was smaller from the end in that 19th over. But they bowled wide on the off side and that’s where I ended up hitting sixes at the bigger boundary. That wasn’t exactly the plan, but I just hit the balls I got. I kept telling Shoaib Malik we’d target this end, but unfortunately he ended up getting out. Thankfully, we ended up winning the match.”Asif also revealed that a more targeted approach to his training sessions had allowed him more practice in death-overs situations, giving credit to Pakistan’s management for their role in his success.”My last series didn’t go well,” he said. “I’ve worked very hard and now you can see the results. I’ve practised a lot for this finisher role.”Earlier, I just used to go to the nets and face the bowlers. I spoke to the coaches and asked them to set me up for practice as if I were batting in the final five or six overs. The management has helped me out a lot, and I’m very happy now and you can see the results.”I want to thank Misbah[-ul-Haq] – who I started my career alongside in Faisalabad and later at SNGPL. Then I played under him when he became coach of Pakistan. He worked very hard with me and I’ll always be grateful to him. All my coaches have worked with me and I’m thankful to them.”
Glasgow Rangers’ recent financial results show a loss of £17.2m, and it is clear that the Light Blues could face challenges in the next couple of years.
Judging by the performances on the pitch this season, Philippe Clement will be doing well to finish second in the Premiership given the recent form of Aberdeen, the side that Rangers play this evening.
Having laboured to a 2-1 win over St Mirren on the weekend, Aberdeen will pose a much greater challenge. Changes will be made, but who comes into the starting XI?
Clement could unleash Cyriel Dessers vs Aberdeen
Hamza Igamane started against the Buddies but struggled and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers for the second half.
The Nigerian has scored seven goals this term, although none have come in the Premiership since August. With limited options in this department and Igamane’s lack of experience, the 29-year-old looks nailed on to start against Jimmy Thelin’s men this evening.
Clement needs players behind Dessers to make things happen for him, giving the striker the best chances to increase his goal tally.
While Tom Lawrence is available, the Belgian should give a start to someone who can make all the difference – Ianis Hagi.
Why Hagi could make his first start of the season for Rangers
The Romanian has scored at Pittodrie before, netting during a 1-1 draw in January 2022, just a few days before he suffered a serious knee injury which kept him out for a year.
Due to a contract dispute, Hagi only made his first appearance of the season last month, coming on as a substitute against St Johnstone. He grabbed an assist before being shown a red card, announcing his return in dramatic circumstances.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Once hailed as an “absolute dream to work with” by Steven Gerrard, the £21k-per-week star could get Dessers firing again, especially if he can replicate his early Rangers form.
The attacking midfielder was perhaps at his best during his maiden campaign in Glasgow, helping the Gers win the 2020/21 Premiership crown unbeaten.
Goals
7
Assists
11
Big chances created
6
Total duels won per game
3.2
Shots per game
1.8
Key passes per game
1
Across 33 matches that season, Hagi registered 18 goal contributions in the league alone – seven goals and 11 assists – while also creating six big chances, averaging one key pass per game and succeeding with 0.6 dribbles each match.
His creativity allowed others such as Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe to flourish and there is no doubt he could do the same for Dessers tonight.
Making an impression against Aberdeen this evening could be the catalyst that Hagi needs to push on and finally live up to his potential. If he can create a few chances in the northeast and help the Light Blues secure a confidence-boosting victory, Clement may give him plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks.
The Dons have yet to taste defeat this season. Will Rangers be the first to inflict such a result tonight? Or will Thelin lead his side to another impressive result against one of the Old Firm?
Imagine him & Cerny: Clement must unleash £27k-p/w Rangers star
The Rangers head coach must drop Hamza Igamane from the team to unleash him.
Unai Emery has highlighted the 'challenge' that he faces with Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa after signing the winger on loan from Manchester United.
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Rashford joined Aston Villa on loanEmery opens up on 'huge challenge' Could make Aston Villa debut on Sunday Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Rashford had been looking for avenues to leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window after having been cast out of the Red Devils squad by Ruben Amorim. However, after all the ventures for permanent exits dried up, Aston Villa signed the 27-year-old on a six-month loan deal with no obligation to buy in the summer.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Emery has now opened up about the signing of Rashford on deadline day, revealing that he won't question the winger about his issues at Manchester United. The Basque coach also opened up on facing a 'huge challenge' with the England international at Aston Villa this season.
AFPWHAT EMERY SAID
Speaking to the media, Emery said: "My challenge with him is a huge challenge. His challenge with us is exciting.
"I don't want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester, but I am very happy keeping him here and I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively.
"The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football. I only want the best football from him. I think he has huge potential to exploit."
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WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?
The 2022/23 Uefa Europa League top scorer could potentially make his Aston Villa debut on Sunday, February 9 when Emery's men take on Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
New Zealand’s coach also said he would speak to Ross Taylor about his future once the team returns home
Deivarayan Muthu07-Dec-2021New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is unlikely to undergo surgery for his troublesome elbow, but could be out of action for around two months, according to head coach Gary Stead.New Zealand next assignment after the just-concluded India tour is a two-Test series at home against Bangladesh, which begins on New Year’s Day, followed by a white-ball tour of Australia. If Williamson’s rehab goes according to plan, he might be available for the subsequent home Test series against South Africa in February although Stead insisted that no timeframe has been set for his comeback.The elbow injury has been a long-standing issue for Williamson. It had flared up in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in the UAE, where Williamson cut short his stints at the nets to manage the injury, and troubled him in India as well. He sat out the second Test in Mumbai, with Tom Latham taking over as captain in his place.”I think surgery is unlikely,” Stead said before returning to New Zealand with the rest of the squad. “With the tendon injuries around the elbow, my understanding of the situation from talking to our physio [Tommy Simsek] is all surgery would do is ensure rehab is done. If we don’t have to cut a tendon, our choice is not to do that as well.”So Kane is going along okay. I expect it to be a sustained period of time. Last time, if you look after the World Test Championship [final] and before the IPL and T20 World Cup, was about eight or nine weeks. So, I expect it’s somewhere in that timeframe again… We’re trying not to put timeframes on it at this stage.”Ross Taylor had a horror tour of India, finishing with just 20 runs in four innings•BCCI’Got to go home and speak with selectors and Ross’ Ross Taylor had a particularly dismal tour of India, managing a mere 20 runs in four innings. He hit his nadir in New Zealand’s second innings at the Wankhede Stadium where he threw his bat at each of the eight balls he faced before he skied a slog-sweep off R Ashwin and was dismissed for 6.Stead pointed out that Taylor’s lack of game-time – he had not played a single competitive game between the World Test Championship final in June and the Test leg of the India tour in November-December – contributed to his struggles.”Ross has had a disappointing tour by his standards, but he’s been an exceptional player for New Zealand for a long, long period of time,” Stead said. “So he’s not the only guy that has come to India or Asian conditions and struggled over here. I think there’s some factors behind it, with the lack of match-time beforehand. We had a number of trainings or a couple of trainings before the second Test that was washed out as well.”I think Ross will look back and be disappointed at that himself. It’s a fine balance here, though, between trying to play aggressively and put the spinners under some pressure and also trusting your defence to bat for long periods.”If you look throughout the whole Test, I think Mayank Agarwal was one of the few players that actually managed to do that and we still went past his outside edge on a regular basis as well. I think there were only two-three players in the whole Test match that reached 50 and Agarwal was obviously the exception in getting to a 150.”Williamson’s injury-enforced absence means Taylor could still start the home Test series against Bangladesh at Bay Oval in the new year. Taylor is also three Tests away from becoming New Zealand’s most capped player in the format, but considering the progress of fringe players like Will Young, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, Taylor’s No.4 spot isn’t as certain as it once was.”I think the thing that’s encouraging for our team is we have more options now than what we did have a year or two years ago,” Stead said. “You’ve seen the emergence of Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, in particular, who have come onto the Test scene and done really well.”But let’s not also forget that Ross Taylor has an amazing record behind him as well. He’s been one of New Zealand’s premier batsmen for a long, long period of time, and you don’t lose that class just over one tour.”I’ve got to get home and speak with the selectors and have a conversation with Ross as well, around where he sees his game going forward.”