Lionel Messi cannot use injury as an excuse for his Panenka penalty miss, as the Argentina superstar “felt well” on his return to Copa America action.
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Recovered from a muscle complaintPlayed 90 minutes against EcuadorClipped spot-kick against crossbarWHAT HAPPENED?
Having nursed his way back from a muscle problem, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was thrust straight back into the fold as the Albiceleste took in a quarter-final clash with Ecuador. Messi played the full 90 minutes of that contest, which ended up having to be settled in a shootout.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT SCALONI SAID
Messi stepped up first, but clipped his effort onto the crossbar. Asked afterwards if the Inter Miami forward was still feeling the effects of an untimely injury, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said: “No. Leo had a good game, in the end, they also planned a game or system where when we had the ball, two defenders came to attack, so, this is a chess game. He has had seven days away, we didn't notice the inactivity mentioned in the question.”
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Scaloni added when delivering a fitness update on Messi, who has five days to prepare for the Copa America semi-finals: “He finished well, the last time we asked him with five or six minutes left in the game he said he felt well.”
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Messi was bailed out against Ecuador by Emiliano Martinez, with the enigmatic goalkeeper producing more penalty shootout heroics as he saved two spot-kicks. Argentina prevailed 4-2 as a result and are now waiting to discover whether they will face Canada or Venezuela in the last four.
The 33-year-old talks about the Kerala deal and what he’s looking to achieve at this stage in his career
Shamya Dasgupta29-Aug-2019Robin Uthappa has been named captain of Kerala’s limited-overs squads for the upcoming Indian domestic season, and feels he and the team will be “the perfect fit”.Uthappa, who had a shortened season as a professional with Saurashtra last year because of injuries, will play his first season as a professional for Kerala in 2019-20. The 33-year-old batsman last captained in recognised cricket in 2014, when he led a touring India A side in a quadrangular one-day series in Australia. He also captained Karnataka sporadically between 2008 and 2012.”Well, whether in Karnataka or Saurashtra or even at KKR [Kolkata Knight Riders, in the IPL], I have always had a role within the leadership group, as a senior cricketer in the team. So even when I was not the captain, I had a role as a senior player. I’ve always enjoyed it,” Uthappa, currently in Chennai to take part in a pre-season camp for Kerala, told . “And as a senior pro, I have done my bit. So why not? We have a wonderful bunch of boys and … when they asked me, I was happy to take up the offer. All of them, I think of them as younger brothers and I can add value to the team.”This [the Kerala offer] was supposed to come through a couple of years ago, but didn’t happen at the time, and then Saurashtra happened. My two years were up with Saurashtra and Kerala were looking for a professional and it looks like the perfect fit.”
We have a World Cup-winning coach, he brings great value within the group that I will also try to learn fromUthappa on working with Dav Whatmore at Kerala
Uthappa had led Kerala Cricket Association XI in their last match of the Dr Capt K Thimmappiah Memorial Cricket Tournament in Bengaluru last month in the absence of regular captain Sachin Baby. With the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy starting at the end of September, he has now been given a more stable role, but the association hasn’t made a decision regarding the captaincy of the Ranji Trophy team, which made it to the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively under Baby in the last two years.”Ranji is quite far away, right now the focus is on … it doesn’t matter who leads the side,” Uthappa said. “There is mutual respect within the group. The team’s had its own journey, everyone is happy, and I’m waiting to get in there and be part of it. Who the captain is is inconsequential. It’s a happy unit. Sachin has been a massive help for me. It’s a different team culture too, and he has been a huge help. He is going to continue to be a huge help. It’s quite a good atmosphere.”Uthappa is a two-time Ranji champion with Karnataka and a two-time IPL winner with Knight Riders. There’s that experience, plus that from 46 ODI and 13 T20I appearances for India, including at the World Cup and World T20 in 2007, the last of which India won. And at Kerala, he will have for company 1996 World Cup-winning coach Dav Whatmore, under whom Kerala made the Ranji semi-final for the first time in 2018-19.Whatmore was away, back home in Australia, while the team conducted it’s camp in Chennai, but he is expected to link up with the boys soon.”We have a World Cup-winning coach, he brings great value within the group that I will also try to learn from. We have been in touch on and off,” Uthappa said. “We have a little time to go for the Vijay Hazare, so we’ll work out the permutations and combinations between now and then.”It’s an extremely talented bunch of lads. There’s a lot of hard work. They are very committed. Well, they could do with more of direction and intention as far as winning tournaments are concerned, instead of just doing well and participating. But that will happen as we go along. I think what we will be looking for is a bit more consistency. If we can provide the players with more security about their positions, then performance will be the next step.”Uthappa has played 136 first-class matches, 189 List A matches, and 250 T20s since his professional debut in 2002-03, and has been among the most prolific IPL batsmen since his move to Knight Riders in 2014.
West Ham United have not enjoyed an auspicious start to 2024 having crashed out of the FA Cup against Championship side Bristol City and drawn against Brighton & Hove Albion and Sheffield United in the Premier League.
That said, there is plenty for David Moyes' side to be optimistic about heading into the business end of the 2023/24 campaign, with the club having advanced to the knockout stage of the Europa League and currently perching in sixth place in the Premier League, above the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Moreover, Kalvin Phillips has recently been welcomed to the fold from Manchester City, joining on a six-month loan deal, to add some depth and mettle to the centre of the park.
That said though, offensive phenoms Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta are both currently nursing injuries and Moyes appears eager to secure an exciting finish to the transfer window.
West Ham eyeing late January swoop
With Phillips now in the bag, it's clear that the Irons' interest lies in landing a new attacking outlet, with Argentine playmaker Pablo Fornals a late target for Spanish side Real Betis.
As such, West Ham could use the funds from Fornal's sale to complete a swoop for teenage winger Ibrahim Osman, with the Guardian reporting that West Ham are considering returning for the Nordsjælland starlet before the end of the month. A bid has already been rejected but the Hammers may well return to the table with another ofer.
The Danish outfit are understood to be holding out for a €20m (£17m) package and the London club will now need to ensure they recuperate funds from player sales before sealing the deal.
Why West Ham want Ibrahim Osman
Osman, aged 19, has posted four goals and five assists across 29 appearances in all competitions this season and has caught the eye with his blistering pace and influence in attacking sequences.
Indeed, as per Sofascore, Osman has scored one goal and provided four assists from 16 games (14 starts) in the Danish Superliga this term and has averaged 1.2 key passes, 3.1 ball recoveries, 5.6 successful duels and 2.6 successful dribbles per game.
Osman does lack a certain incisiveness in his finishing ability but is of a lean, athletic build with pace and an innate weaving quality that could be shaped and harnessed in east London.
The likes of Arsenal and Brighton have reportedly been monitoring Osman and there's possibly a sense of urgency in wrapping up a deal from Moyes, with manager Johannes Thorup candid in admitting that the rising star will be hard to keep a hold of after such promising early endeavours on the major stage.
He said of the 5 foot 9 whiz: “He is a fast winger and striker, and I have huge expectations for him to be skilled. He has the pace which is important for us to have on at least one of our strikers. I don’t want to say that he has to take over for someone, but people can probably figure out that there is a player who is really good for us in the Super League, who might be really hard to keep.”
Given that West Ham star Mohammed Kudus bloomed from the same academy, it might be wise for Moyes to secure the next version of the Ghanaian machine, with the summer signing very much riding the crest of a wave since arriving at the London Stadium.
Ibrahim Osman could be Mohammed Kudus 2.0
The Hammers welcomed Kudus to the club from Ajax in a £38m deal in August to bolster the offensive fold after winning the Europa Conference League last season.
As per FBref, Kudus ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 13% for successful take-ons, the top 3% for tackles and the top 14% for blocks per 90.
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Emilio Galantini
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The 23-year-old was featured sporadically across the opening weeks of his Claret and Blue career but has excelled in plundering nine goals from 24 appearances in all competitions, starting just 17 times.
He's even been described as a "generational talent" by African journalist Gary Al-Smith and brings dynamism and deadliness in abundance, and if West Ham can secure the services of a similar player it would only improve the offensive efforts.
Given that Kudus (right wing) and Osman (who prefers the left) operate on alternate flanks, this could be a signing that would birth a fear-inducing partnership for opponents, with Osman absorbing the fruits of his fellow Nordsjælland academy graduate's labours.
While Osman is far less clinical than Kudus – though it would seen he has more of a natural creative flair – the Hammers star does share some exciting similarities, averaging 5.8 ball recoveries, 7.1 successful duels and 2.6 successful dribbles per fixture in the Premier League.
This blistering, breakneck pace is something that West Ham could certainly make good use of down the left flank, especially with Fornals ostensibly departing and Said Benrahma also touted with a move away after starting just five matches in the English top-flight this year, with French clubs lurking.
West Ham might have started the year off slow but there is much to look forward to over the coming months and the addition of a precocious talent in Osman would be the perfect finish to the window.
Arsenal are now looking at signing a £50 million striker alongside the heavily-linked Joshua Zirkzee, with sporting director Edu seemingly weighing up Ivan Toney alternatives.
Arsenal dealt Ivan Toney roadblock
Amid the January transfer window and beforehand, the Gunners have been credited with a very serious interest in signing the aforementioned Brentford striker.
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Manager Mikel Arteta is said to want a proven goalscorer in the form of a world-class new number nine, and Toney is regularly mentioned as a top target for Arsenal in that regard. The England international, who is set to return from his ban for alleged gambling breaches imminently, scored 20 league goals last season and stands out as a very exciting option.
Ivan Toney
However, Bees boss Thomas Frank recently poured cold water over the idea of Toney leaving in January, saying it would take an "unbelievable" offer to prise him away from west London.
"The very short answer is yes," said Frank, when asked if Toney would stay (via BBC). "He is a Brentford player. He is here, we miss a few offensive players and I cannot see why we should sell him. I would love to have him here for a long time.
"It is not for me to discuss (an offer), but if I could ever recommend one, it would need to be an unbelievable price, so he will stay here."
Arsenal cannot afford to splash out marquee prices on winter window signings after spending over £200 million in the summer window (Miguel Delaney), making a move for Toney this month pretty unlikely as things stand. Resultingly, the north London title-chasers have been looking at other options. One of them, according to recent reports, is Bologna star Zirkzee.
The 6 foot 4 centre-forward is a player whom Arsenal have expressed interest in signing, and it is believed he could cost around £50 million. However, Zirkzee isn't the only other striker grabbing Edu's attention.
Arsenal looking at signing Dominic Solanke
As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke has admirers at the Emirates Stadium.
Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
Indeed, Arsenal are reportedly "looking at" signing Solanke as the Cherries brace for bids. Like Zirkzee, the Englishman is likely to cost in excess of £50 million after proving he can perform in Europe's most prestigious division.
Solanke boasts 12 goals in 19 league starts for Bournemouth so far, with former boss Gary O'Neil calling him "absolutely massive" for the club.
Nottingham Forest 2-3 Bournemouth
9.95
Bournemouth 2-0 Newcastle
9.15
Man United 0-3 Bournemouth
7.98
Bournemouth 3-0 Fulham
7.52
Bournemouth 2-2 Villa
7.28
"Dom works his socks off for me and you can see he comes off and we’ve not created loads of chances for him and he’s put in a load of work. People that maybe don’t know, could underestimate how big Dom is for this group.
“Absolutely massive. I couldn’t ask for a better number nine to go and face the challenges that we’re faced with.”
David Moyes has pulled off a real statement of intent by luring Kalvin Philipps to West Ham United on a loan deal until the end of the season, and his quality could shine through should he remain fit and healthy.
The Englishman will add some much-needed steel to the centre of their midfield, and it could prove to be an inspired signing as Moyes looks to secure another continental trophy with the club.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
While this is a big coup, with just under a week left until deadline day, the Scot will be hoping to bring in at least another player or two, especially as he needs to bolster his attacking options.
West Ham’s search for new signings
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Irons are currently showing interest in former Celtic sensation Jota as they look to improve their squad ahead of the second half of the season.
He said: “Former Celtic winger Jota is still hoping for a move to the Premier League this month.
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“West Ham have spoken about a possible deal, whilst Brighton, Everton and Newcastle have been linked. Spurs remain admirers too.”
He moved to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ittihad last summer for a fee of around £25m following an impressive spell in Scotland, yet his move to the Middle East has not played out as well as anticipated.
Could the Portuguese gem perhaps return to British shores in the coming days? There is no doubt he has the potential to shine in the Premier League, and with West Ham needing some freshness injected into the final third, he could be an ideal signing.
Moyes may need to move a player or two out the door, however, with winger Said Benrahma attracting interest from French side Marseille.
Indeed, the Hammers even rejected a loan bid from the Ligue 1 outfit last week for the Algerian, but a move for Jota could indicate that his time in London is approaching an end.
Said Benrahma could leave West Ham United
The winger is certainly a polarising figure. At times, he can be devastating and cause utter chaos to opposition defences, yet more often than not, he fails to leave his mark in matches and Moyes could do with an upgrade on the player going forward.
Since joining West Ham from Brentford at the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign, the 28-year-old has scored 24 goals and registered 19 assists across 155 matches, a ratio of a goal contribution every 3.6 games, which is a solid, if unspectacular, return.
Said Benrahma's domestic statistics
2022/23
2023/24
Goals
6
0
Assists
3
1
Shots per game
2.1
1.5
Key passes per game
1.4
0.8
Successful dribbles per game
1.5
1.1
Stats via Sofascore
This season, however, the winger has grabbed only one assist in 22 matches and his performances have been underwhelming, to say the least.
Among the squad, Benrahma currently ranks 14th for goals and assists (one) in the Premier League, while also ranking sixth for shots on target per game (0.5) and 17th for overall Sofascore rating (6.73), indicating that this term has hardly been a productive one.
The former Brentford winger still has two and a half years left on his current contract and this could tempt Moyes into moving him on this month, especially as he could command a decent fee.
It is clear he is not having the same impact this term compared to previous seasons. Moyes has started him just 13 times in all competitions, which proves he does not place his trust in the 28-year-old that often.
Jota could be a big upgrade to the current West Ham player, and it would be interesting to see if he could pick up where he left off after starring at Celtic.
The stats that show why Jota could be an upgrade to Said Benrahma
Admittedly, the 5 foot 9 winger has not had a good season for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League since making his big-money move there last summer.
This was surprising, especially due to how impressive he had been for Celtic during their treble-winning 2022/23 campaign and his performances were always going to catch the eye of potential suitors.
Last term, Jota not only ranked first among the squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.45) in the Premiership, but he also ranked second for goals and assists (22), shots per game (2.4), big chances created (13), and key passes per game (1.9), demonstrating how much of an influence he had in the team.
In comparison, Benrahma ranked eighth for Sofascore rating (6.86) among the West Ham squad, along with ranking third for goals and assists (nine), first for shots per game (2.1), second for big chances created (five) and for key passes per game (1.4), suggesting that he also had a decent season for the Hammers, yet Jota’s numbers across these key metrics are better.
Jota was even lauded by former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish, who dubbed him as a “revelation” under Ange Postecoglou as they swept to five of the six domestic honours in his two seasons under the current Tottenham Hotspur manager.
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As mentioned, the 24-year-old has struggled in Asia this season, making just 11 appearances and scoring only two goals, as clubs are limited to naming just eight foreign players in their domestic squads.
This has clearly limited his appearances, and it looks as though it is time for a fresh start and a return to Britain could bring out the best in him.
Benrahma has shown this term that he simply cannot be trusted to add goals or assists to this West Ham team on a regular basis and if he isn’t moved on this month, he will surely depart London in the summer.
This could give Moyes the licence to ditch the Algerian by making a concrete move for Jota as he looks to add some more depth to his attacking options.
There is no doubt the former Celtic star will be fresh having played so few matches, and this could be a huge bonus for West Ham, especially as they chase another continental title.
Jota has won five major titles during his previous two full seasons, and he certainly knows how to win trophies, which the Hammers will be hoping he showcases in the Europa League later this year if they win the race for his signature.
Sunderland are reportedly eyeing up a move to sign an in-demand forward this month, with a number of Championship sides keen.
Sunderland form under Beale
The Black Cats, now under the leadership of Michael Beale, enter the January transfer window in a relatively strong position in the second tier, occupying the final playoff position.
The 43-year-old got off to a rocky start with a heavy home defeat to Coventry City, but since then, has overseen wins against Hull City and Preston North End and a draw with Rotherham United.
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Attention could now be on new arrivals ahead of the second half of the season, and when asked about the club’s transfer plans recently, Beale hinted that although talks are going on in the background, the club aren’t close to sealing any signings.
"I think everyone is to-ing and fro-ing a little bit. There have been a lot of discussions going on but nothing concrete as yet so I wouldn't want to put a timeline on it and disappoint, or be accused of pulling the wool over people's eyes if it comes in a bit quicker. At the moment, though, there is nothing imminent."
It appears as if targets are being drawn up, though, with one in-demand striker on Sunderland’s radar.
Sunderland eyeing Kieffer Moore move
According to The Sun in the last 48 hours, Bournemouth are open to letting Kieffer Moore go this month, with a number of sides mentioned as possible destinations.
Sunderland are named as one of those clubs, alongside Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Ipswich Town and West Brom. Any exit from the south coast for the Wales international could be on loan due to his £40,000-a-week wage, though.
Moore, who scored twice at the Stadium of Light in his only visit with Barnsley back in 2018/19, has plenty of experience in the Championship for a number of clubs, so a move could be a shrewd one by Sunderland, who have relied on winger Jack Clarke for plenty of their goals this season.
Kieffer Moore's Championship stats
Appearances
155
Goals
47
Assists
14
The 31-year-old has represented the likes of Ipswich, Barnsley, Wigan, Cardiff and Bournemouth in the second tier, and he has netted five Premier League goals in recent years too.
The striker has come in for praise over the years as well, with former Cherries boss Scott Parker previously calling the forward “unplayable”. He also said Moore is a unique style of forward.
“He's his own player in that sense. But I think you see today a snapshot in 90 minutes, I suppose, exactly what Kieffer’s like. He makes it uncomfortable for you. He can threaten you in behind, in terms of because of his mobileness and he can then come into feet and hold the ball up, make it stick and bring in other players into play as well. So he’s an all round nine.”
It looks as if a deal could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, but Sunderland may need to act fast if they want to secure the striker’s services before the month is out.
Gio Reyna reportedly went against Borussia Dortmund’s wishes when moving to England, and the Premier League flop now faces an uncertain future.
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American slipped down pecking order in GermanySaw move sanctioned in winter windowFailed to make any kind of impact in EnglandGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The United States international is still only 21 years of age, with time on his side when it comes to unlocking and delivering on full potential. He has, however, found the going tough of late – with a tumble down the pecking order in Germany leading to loan switch being sought in the winter transfer window of 2024.
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According to , Dortmund were against sending Reyna to England – as were his former agency Wasserman Media Group – but the youngster’s father, ex-USMNT star Claudio, and new representative Jorge Mendes felt a move to Nottingham Forest made sense.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Reyna has struggled for game time at a club battling to avoid relegation, taking in just two Premier League starts, with Nuno Espirito Santo favouring alternative creative options. A source told of those issues: “He has been training well and is a lovely kid, but the team was in a tough cycle, fighting against relegation and the manager has prioritized playing players with Premier League experience already.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR REYNA?
Dortmund extended Reyna’s contract until 2026 before seeing him head to Nottingham, but their long-term plans for the playmaker are unclear. The announcement that Marco Reus will be leaving BVB in the summer, along with the expiration of Jadon Sancho’s loan, may work in Reyna’s favour but struggles for form and fitness are leaving more questions than answers.
Quetta Gladiators were able to make short work of a total that seemed challenging thanks to their top order’s fire power
Danyal Rasool17-Feb-2019
Shane Watson holds his shape after punching the ball•PSL
How the game played outCareer-best PSL figures from Sohail Tanvir coupled with the type of destructive innings Shane Watson has played so often in the PSL allowed Quetta Gladiators to maintain their unbeaten record as they trounced defending champions Islamabad United by seven wickets.Quetta had begun dominantly, with Tanvir’s double-wicket maiden. Before long, Islamabad found themselves wobbling at 8 for 3, and it took spirited rearguards from Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, and most impressively Wayne Parnell – who smashed 41 off 20 – to dig them out of that hole. Despite the best efforts of Fawad Ahmed, the other star bowler alongside Tanvir, Islamabad demonstrated their batting depth, posting a very respectable 157.Given the low-scoring games in Dubai on Saturday, it appeared a good total, but the brilliance of Umar Akmal turned it into something of a stroll. After Ahmed Shehzad and Rilee Rossouw perished early, he took charge with Watson happy to play second fiddle. The struggling Shadab Khan came in for the greatest punishment, several boundaries and one 98 metre six bringing the asking ate sharply down.When an excellent catch from Cameron Delport finally dismissed Umar, the required rate was down to 7. Watson hadn’t yet entered top gear, and when he did, Islamabad found themselves about 25 runs short, his 55-ball 81 taking Quetta home with 10 balls to spare.Turning pointWith Quetta having so dominated the start and finish, it’s hard to pinpoint a moment upon which the match turned. But Islamabad’s fate was sealed when Parnell bowled his first over to Umar. With Quetta at 33 for 2 and scoring at just 6.6, a win was by no means assured, but Umar smashing two fours and a six off that over set the template for how the chase would go. With Watson joining in, Islamabad simply didn’t bowl well enough to make this interesting.Mohammad Sami bowled Watson on 29 only to realise he had done so off a no-ball, while Rumman Raees dropped the Australian off his own bowling when he was on 18. With the margins so fine, there was no way Islamabad could afford to make those mistakes.Star of the dayUmar and Fawad played their parts, but it was Watson and Tanvir, with their combined age of 71, that put their side in pole position. Tanvir’s double-wicket maiden at the top was only the start of a near-perfect day from the left-armer, one where he took four wickets and claimed an incredible diving catch. Watson’s consistency with Quetta over the years has been brilliant, and it appears age hasn’t blunted his T20 abilities at all.The big missShadab knows he’s not doing well. He’d acknowledged it during an interview recently. But it took until now for Islamabad to find out how bad the problem is. The 20-year old legspinner was not as consistent in hitting his spots. The googly was often ill-judged and the quicker ones, as is often the case on slow UAE pitches, merely helped the batsmen’s cause. In low-scoring games like this one, Islamabad needed wickets from Pakistan’s star spin bowler. Instead, Shadab went at nine and a half without taking a wicket.Where the teams standQuetta becomes the first team to keep a 100% winning record over multiple games. They top the table with two wins out of two, while Islamabad are second bottom, having won one of three.
Chelsea started their Premier League campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw with Liverpool, and off the back of that, there was an element of hope that this year would see the side progress under Mauricio Pochettino and improve upon last season's 12th-place finish.
However, 15 games into the season, the fans are having to endure another tumultuous period under their new manager and, off the back of thumping defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United, are threatening to finish even lower than 12th come May.
To pull themselves out of this nose dive, Todd Boehly and Co must once again stick their hands in their comically large pockets and buy the right attacking reinforcements in 2024.
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What the club needs is another generational signing, like their purchase of Eden Hazard from Ligue 1 back in 2012. As it just so happens, the club have recently been linked to an incredibly exciting and dynamic winger from France, Rayan Cherki.
Chelsea transfer news – Rayan Cherki
According to French publication FootMercato (via SportWitness), 'the door is not closed' on Chelsea's summer transfer target Rayan Cherki for a move in the new year.
Lyon were not keen on selling the youngster in the summer, but with his contract set to run out in summer 2025 and his supposed unwillingness to sign an extension given the club's woeful form that sees them prop up the bottom of the table, selling him in the new year is the only way for the club not to lose too much value in the player.
The publication has reported that a fee in the region of €20m – about £17m – could be enough, which could be a real bargain for a player with his potential.
Described as a "generational talent" by French journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos, if Chelsea want to get back to dominating England and Europe, they could do a lot worse than investing in someone who could well be the next Hazard.
Rayan Cherki could be the next Eden Hazard for Chelsea
The primary similarities between the two players are fairly straightforward.
Both Hazard and Cherki cut their teeth at storied clubs in Ligue 1, LOSC Lille in the former's case and Lyon in the latter's. Both players would be highly rated youngsters making their way from France to west London – should the move happen – and finally, both players have spent time as attacking midfielders but thrive out on the left.
When you take a look at Cherki's underlying numbers, his incredible talent becomes even more apparent.
rayan-cherki-lyon
According to FBref, which compares players across Europe's top five leagues and European competitions, the "magnificent talent", as described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranks in the top 6% of players in his position for progressive passes, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for touches in the oppositions penalty area, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, and the top 10% for progressive carries, all per 90 over the last 365 days.
Moreover, when you compare his performances last season to Raheem Sterling's, the argument for signing the young Frenchman practically makes itself.
Rayan Cherki vs Raheem Sterling
Stats (per 90)
Cherki
Sterling
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.58
0.51
Progressive Carries
6.39
3.86
Progressive Passes
6.92
2.81
Shots on Target
1.01
0.76
Successful Take-Ons
3.80
1.86
Shot-Creating Actions
6.15
3.23
Pass Completion
77.1%
75.0%
All Stats via FBref for the 2022/23 Domestic Season
These statistics show that the young whiz is similar to Hazard, who averaged 2.2 key passes and 3.2 dribbles per game across his career, in that they both love to beat players with the ball at their feet whilst also being able to create and score goals from out wide at an impressive rate.
In practically every meaningful attacking statistic last season, the Lyon youngster thoroughly outclassed his potential new teammate, and if he could do that at his young age, what could he do in a better team with a coach like Pochettino, who is renowned for his work with younger players.
If the reports are correct and Chelsea can sign Cherki for just £17m, then it seems like a deal far too good to pass up, as if they don't sign him, a rival surely will.
Sunderland's home and away record has been chalk and cheese in recent weeks.
Whilst the Black Cats are winless in five matches on their travels, at the Stadium of Light it's a completely different story with Tony Mowbray's side winning three of their last four matches.
After losing 2-0 at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, they must now respond at home to strugglers Huddersfield Town, who haven't tasted victory in six matches.
Following that abject performance against the Pilgrims, Mowbray is expected to freshen up proceedings and rest some of his tired legs.
Here's how Sunderland could line up against Huddersfield tomorrow night, with two changes anticipated from the weekend defeat.
1 GK – Anthony Patterson
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
With only youngster Nathan Bishop posing a challenge to his spot in the team, it would take something drastic for Anthony Patterson to be dropped. He's played in all 17 Championship fixtures this term and the 23-year-old has kept five clean sheets.
2 RB – Trai Hume
Trai Hume
Whilst Jack Clarke will take the plaudits for his devastating form, Trai Hume has quietly been one of Sunderland's best players this season. The "brilliant" youngster, as dubbed by defensive partner Daniel Ballard, has created a whopping four big chances from right-back this term while impressing with his ability to defend, garnering a duel success rate of 62%.
3 CB – Luke O'Nien
Although his side slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat on Saturday, O'Nien still stood out in the heart of defence, showcasing his ability as a ball-playing defender and a monster in the tackle. He accurately placed 90 of his 101 passes (89%), five of his ten attempted long balls and won both of his ground duels. Such performances will unlikely see him get dropped anytime soon.
4 CB – Daniel Ballard
Dom Ballard
Dan Ballard's presence as a colossal figure in Sunderland's back line continues to grow. The 24-year-old demonstrated his monstrous physical attributes against Plymouth, winning a whopping ten of his 12 aerial duels and four of his five tackles. The former Arsenal man is no stranger to such domineering performances, he's been bullying opposition attackers all season long.
5 LB – Niall Huggins
Niall Huggins
Huggins is a driving force down the left flank and the youngster has all the ingredients in his locker to become a top defender.
The 23-year-old, who has featured in 14 Championship matches this term, has won an impressive 64% of his duels, ranked in the top 7% against his position peers in the division for successful take-ons and top 8% for pass completion, underlining his sensational defensive and attacking attributes.
6 CDM – Pierre Ekwah
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
Pierre Ekwah is the glue that holds the midfield together. When surrounded by an array of technical stars – like Rodri is for Manchester City – you need someone who is going to run through brick walls for the team and fly into tackles. Ekwah has showcased his tremendous talent as a holding midfielder by recovering 5.4 balls and 1.8 tackles per game.
7 RM – Patrick Roberts
Sunderland forward Patrick Roberts.
Hailed as "magic" by Mowbray, Roberts' wand of a left foot is capable of conjuring up brilliance and while only one assist in 15 Championship games suggests he's lacking an end product, other parts of his game have flourished.
The one-time Celtic star ranks in the top 2% against his positional peers in the division for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty box. If he continues delivering such a threat down the right flank, the goal contributions will follow.
8 CM – Dan Neil
A playmaker in advanced areas for Sunderland, Neil's exquisite passing range – once likened to Manchester United legend Michael Carrick – has been used to unlock defences all season long. With 8.67 progressive carries per 90, three big chances created and two assists, the 21-year-old offers so much creativity and that will be needed in abundance against Huddersfield's low block.
9 CM – Adil Aouchiche
With Jobe Bellingham in need of a rest after starting every Championship game this term, attacking midfielder Aouchiche – who was once dubbed a "wonderful talent" by Jacek Kulig – should be in line to make his first start this evening.
The £7k per-week starlet replaced Ekwah at half-time on Saturday as Mowbray attempted to go more attacking with the Frenchman sprinkling some quality onto proceedings, recording an impressive four key passes and five accurate long balls.
10 LM – Jack Clarke
Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.
An unstoppable force down the left flank, who possesses the pace, skill and guile to unlock defences, Clarke's name needs no introduction. Since the departure of Ross Stewart in the summer, he's become Sunderland's talisman with nine goals in 17 appearances and will cause destruction down Huddersfield's right flank if they afford him space and time.