ضياء السيد يعدد مميزات توروب مدرب الأهلي الجديد

علق ضياء السيد مدرب منتخب مصر الأسبق، على تولي ييس توروب تدريب الأهلي، موضحًا أن المدرب يمتلك فكرًا منظمًا ويعتمد على طاقم عمل قوي يتميز بالجدية والانضباط.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة بين الأهلي وإيجل نوار بطل بوروندي يوم السبت المقبل، في افتتاح مشوار القلعة الحمراء ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وقال ضياء السيد في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “يبدو أن المدرب توروب يركّز جيدًا، وأرى أن علاقاته ستكون طيبة مع الجميع، وهذا أمر مهم، لأن وقت الأزمات يجب أن تكون تلك العلاقات مبنية على أسس قوية، وسأكون متعاونًا طالما الأمور تسير على ما يرام”.

وأكمل: “لا بد أن تأتي لحظات الشدة وهذا أمر مؤكد حيث تظهر العصبية والضغط، وهنا تبرز أهمية العلاقات الجيدة، فهي التي تساعد في مثل تلك المواقف”.

وواصل: “أعجبني فريق العمل، واضح أنهم مركزون جدًا، والسير الذاتية الخاصة بهم ممتازة للغاية، ومن الأمور المهمة أنهم عملوا في ألمانيا، وهي بلد تمتاز بالجدية والعلم والذكاء، وفضلًا عن ذلك، تمتاز بالحزم، وهنا لا يعني العنف أو القسوة، بل يعني الالتزام بتنفيذ العمل على أكمل وجه، فلا مجال لأن يُؤدى بنصف جهد، وأنا متفائل بطاقم العمل، لأنه دائمًا ما يكون العنصر الأهم في أي جهاز فني”.

طالع | توروب يٌعلن قائمة الأهلي لمباراة إيجل نوار في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وأردف: “وطبعًا عادل مصطفى شخصية أثق بها جدًا، وهو رجل طيب، وإن شاء الله سيستفيد كثيرًا من هذه المرحلة، ويحرص على التعلم واكتساب الخبرة كما ينبغي، وهو مؤهل لذلك بإذن الله، وفريق العمل يثير إعجابي، ويبدو أنهم يقفون بتركيز كبير، وهذا سيظهر مع الوقت والعمل بإذن الله، خصوصًا مع مجموعة اللاعبين المميزة الموجودة في فريق النادي الأهلي، وأنا أرى أن النتائج ستكون إيجابية إن شاء الله”.

وبسؤاله هل مباراة إيجل نوار ستكون تحت مسؤولية ييس توروب؟، أجاب: “من المهم جدًا أن يكون جميع أفراد الجهاز متواجدين في الملعب ومسؤولين، وبالطبع سيكون لعادل مصطفى دور كبير في الصورة التي سيظهر بها الفريق”.

وزاد: “لا أعتقد أن المدرب سيرغب في إجراء تغييرات كبيرة في الوقت الحالي، لأنه لا يستطيع تطبيق فكره الكامل الآن، وحتى إن وجدت بعض التعديلات البسيطة، فستكون مجرد توجيهات محدودة، وأرى أن الأمور ستبدأ كما هي، وسيكون لعادل دور كبير، خصوصًا في هذه المباراة والمباراة التالية، إذ سيؤدي دورًا محوريًا في عملية التعريف والتواصل”.

واستطرد: “من المؤكد أن المدرب شاهد فريق الأهلي وأخذ فكرة مبدئية، لكن الانطباع الذي تحصل عليه وأنت تشاهد اللاعبين يختلف عن الانطباع الذي تكوّنه عندما تقترب منهم في التدريبات أو على مقاعد البدلاء، حين تتعامل معهم مباشرة وتبدأ في تطبيق أفكارك، ولذلك أرى أنه سيبدأ في فهم أفكار اللاعبين وطريقتهم في اللعب وأدوارهم في المراكز المختلفة، ليكوّن صورة أوضح، وطبعًا هدفنا أن نحقق الفوز، ونتمنى بإذن الله أن ننتصر في المباراتين ونعبر الدور”.

وأشار: “وردّ الفعل هو العامل الأهم في هاتين المباراتين، والمقصود بردّ الفعل هنا هو تفاعل اللاعبين مع المدرب الجديد، فاستجابتهم لشخصه ولمجهوده ستكون عنصرًا حاسمًا، وأعتقد أن هذا الأمر في أذهان اللاعبين، لأن وجود مدرب جديد غالبًا ما يخلق طفرة في الأداء، إذ يسعى كل لاعب لإثبات نفسه، وأن يكون ضمن التشكيل الأساسي وفي فكر المدرب القادم”.

وبسؤاله متى يضع ييس توروب يده على كل التفاصيل؟، اختتم: “بعد المباراة الثانية، لأننا نتحدث عن مدرب على مستوى محترم ومتميّز، وبعد المباراة الثانية في العودة مع ايجل نوار سيبدأ بالدخول في كافة الجوانب الفنية، وتكون لديه الصورة الكاملة، ثم يبدأ العمل الفعلي وتولي المسؤولية كاملة، ومع توقف الدوري بعد ذلك، ستكون هناك فترة إعداد جيدة تمكّنه من العمل بشكل أفضل”.

McGrath, Harris, Schutt and rain help Australia win the Ashes

Despite Wyatt-Hodge and Knight’s fighting knocks, England fell short by six runs

Andrew McGlashan23-Jan-2025Australia secured Ashes outright despite a fine hand from Heather Knight when the skies in Canberra parted for long enough for the game to resume after England had been ahead of the DLS target. But the conclusion was dramatic with the umpires ruling the rain had become too heavy again with Knight having got the equation down to needing 18 off five balls.As the umpires took the players off, Knight threw the bat to the ground in frustration and remonstrated with the officials although later said there was no anger towards them and it was the correct decision to end the game. The requirement would still have been tough, but Annabel Sutherland was bowling with a wet ball. It ended England’s hopes of a drawn series in a way befitting of a campaign they would want to forget.Megan Schutt made the key breakthroughs to push England behind the requirement, ending a second-wicket stand of 52 when Danni Wyatt-Hodge picked out mid-off for a 40-ball 52, and then removing the well-set Sophia Dunkley. But Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt added 65 off 37 balls to just about give England a chance only for Australia to again take the honours.Related

Heather Knight admits 'frustration' at rainy finish as Ashes hopes are washed away

Either side of the rain break it had been nip-and-tuck, rarely more than a run between England’s total and the DLS target. The last two deliveries before the players left the field in the ninth over showed how tight it was: had Australia completed a run-out chance with both batters mid-pitch they would have been ahead, but then Dunkley lofted the next delivery from Alana King for four.Having been put in, Australia’s innings went through a number of phases. Beth Mooney gave them a positive start but there was a wobble against England’s spinners. However, they were handed a powerful finish with stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris added a record sixth-wicket stand of 71 off 35 balls.England fell just short despite Heather Knight’s efforts•Getty ImagesA ball-by-ball chaseEngland began their chase confidently. After a quiet opening over that went for four, 11 came from Kim Garth’s first and ten off King when she was introduced in the third over. As the rain started to approach, England were ahead of the DLS target although often not by more than a run or two.In the fifth over, the last needed to make it a match, Ellyse Perry bowled for the first time in the Ashes. A boundary for Maia Bouchier kept England on track and the batters clearly knew it because, after a lightning strike, they started to walk off the field at the end of the over but were called back by the umpires as played continued. Australia were clearly not impressed by England taking matters into their own hands.Bouchier then gave Australia an opening when she fell trying to scoop Sutherland and a tight over from Georgia Wareham left England behind. But then things changed again when Dunkley sent Perry for a four followed by a six straight down the ground to leave the score tied on DLS.Shining KnightWhen Schutt struck twice in the space of four balls in the 13th over, it left England with a tall order, but their two best players – the captain and the vice-captain – were in. The equation ballooned out to 84 needed off 36 when Wareham went for 13 followed by ten off a Garth over. Schutt’s figures were spoiled when her last over was dispatched for 17, leaving 44 needed off 18.McGrath bowled five excellent deliveries but Knight was just able to clear Perry at deep square for six. When Sciver-Brunt dragged Garth onto the stumps, Australia had breathing space in the last over, but no one will know whether Knight could have pulled off a spectacular finish.Beth Mooney was quickly into her stride•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesDean’s doubleMooney dominated Australia’s powerplay, to the extent that after four overs Georgia Voll had faced two balls for zero runs before being run out by some good work in the deep from Bouchier. Mooney continued to enhance her spectacular record at Manuka Oval until she was smartly stumped down the leg side by Amy Jones off what appeared to be a plan that had come together with Sophie Ecclestone signalling to Jones before the delivery.Mooney’s wicket caused Australia to stall as Perry tried to play herself in and in the tenth over she skied to cover off Charlie Dean. Two balls later, Dean had Litchfield as well when the left-hander moved across her stumps and missed a sweep. All of a sudden Australia had lost 3 for 9 and needed to rebuild.McGrath and Harris finish bigSutherland threatened before picking out deep square to continue what has been a frustrating series for someone who came into the Ashes in such fine form. But not for the first time, the depth of Australia’s batting order was on show as McGrath and Harris dominated the latter stages of the innings.Harris clubbed her fourth ball for six and in the 18th over against Sarah Glenn collected two more off consecutive deliveries. At this point McGrath was 30 off 29 balls and, notwithstanding the need to prevent a more serious wobble, needed to finish strongly. She did just that with three consecutive boundaries off Ecclestone and another to close out an over that cost 18 and included another drop to England’s tally when McGrath was given a life by Dean at long-off.Lauren Bell was unable to bowl her full four overs having left the field due to illness but returned for the last with Harris twice finding the boundary. It made the difference.

Nottingham Forest in talks to sign "outstanding" ace; same agent as Awoniyi

Nottingham Forest are in “talks” with an “outstanding” player over a move to the club in the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Nottingham Forest willing to spend big in midfield

The Reds continue to be linked with moves to the City Ground before the new Premier League season gets underway, with AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah seen as an exciting option before the window slams shut.

Forest are reportedly willing to pay as much as £26m for the USA international, with the Midlands outfit also hoping that they can “close the deal quickly”, enhancing Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad depth in the middle of the park.

GNK Dinamo Zagreb's Kevin Theophile-Catherine in action with AC Milan'sYunusMusah

Away from the Reds’ pursuit of Musah, other exciting options are also being targeted, including Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson. Forest are said to be in talks over a summer move for the Englishman, with a £35m bid tabled.

Juventus ace Douglas Luiz has been heavily linked to the Premier League side, while RB Salzburg’s Mads Bidstrup has been mentioned as an alternative to the Brazilian.

Nottingham Forest in "talks" to sign midfielder

Now, according to Plettenberg on X, “talks have taken place” between Salzburg and Nottingham Forest over the signing of Bidstrup this summer, and with the player himself, who is open to a new challenge.

This is another encouraging update regarding the Reds acquiring the midfielder’s signature, with the Dane looking increasingly like a leading option to move to the City Ground before deadline day ends.

Bidstrup has now racked up 84 appearances for Salzburg, not to mention representing Denmark across five different youth age groups, and analyst Chris Kearney has heaped praise on him.

Still only 24, Forest would get the best years of Bidstrup’s career out of him, with his peak still likely to come, and he can provide welcome competition in midfield, as well as being compared in style to Luiz by FBref.

Hudson-Odoi 2.0: Nottingham Forest in talks to sign "outstanding" £35m star

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The fact that the Salzburg man has the same agent as Taiwo Awoniyi could be a bonus in smoothing negotiations along, and if the Reds can strike a deal, it could prove to be vital business as they prepare to shine in both the Premier League and Europe this season.

Chelsea in talks with agents of "amazing" £40m star, he's open on the move

Chelsea have now made contact with the agents of an “amazing” Premier League star, who is open to a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, journalist Simon Phillips has revealed.

Maresca looking to bolster his backline

Enzo Maresca is proud of the strides his side have taken since last summer, having recently been crowned Club World Cup champions, with the manager saying: “For me, the biggest achievement this season is that exactly one year ago, no one was talking about Chelsea for football (reasons), but talking about the big squad, big money.

“Now, no one is talking about this, but they are talking about the way we play, and the way we win games. This is personally the biggest achievement of this season.”

The Blues silenced a lot of critics with their shock 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, but their squad arguably still needs to be trimmed down, with Nicolas Jackson now unhappy about potentially being behind Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the pecking order.

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At the opposite end of the pitch, however, Maresca may still need some new recruits, given that Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah or Benoit Badiashile could be used as part of a swap deal for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers.

As such, according to Phillips, Chelsea have now made fresh contact with the agents of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is expected to cost around £40m, as he has now entered the final year of his contract and doesn’t plan to renew.

Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi with the FA Cup.

The journalist also added: “Guehi has a lot of interest and not just from Chelsea, and he is expected to depart his club this summer.

“Guehi is believed to be open to making a move back to Chelsea this summer but is also aware of other interest from big clubs in the Premier League.”

Guehi could be "amazing" signing for Chelsea

It could be difficult for the Palace defender to immediately force his way into Maresca’s starting XI, given that the Blues’ backline impressed considerably at the Club World Cup, keeping four clean sheets, including one against PSG in the final.

However, having proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, the 25-year-old clearly has the talent to be a success at Stamford Bridge, with international teammate Harry Maguire even dubbing him as “amazing”.

The England international made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, displaying his leadership abilities by captaining the Eagles, while also impressing manager Oliver Glasner.

Guehi could be a fantastic signing at just £40m, and Chelsea should have the funds to make a deal, considering their recent Club World Cup triumph.

Graham Thorpe struck by train; family confirms he 'took his own life'

“We are not ashamed of talking about it – there is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma,” Thorpe’s elder daughter Kitty says

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Aug-2024 • Updated on 13-Aug-2024

ECB via Getty Images

Former England batter Graham Thorpe died after being struck by a train at Esher railway station, Surrey, the opening of an inquest into his death on Tuesday has heard. On Monday, Thorpe’s family had confirmed the 55-year-old took his own life following a battle with depression and anxiety.Speaking on Tuesday at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking, coroner Simon Wickens said Thorpe had suffered “traumatic injuries” after being struck by a train on the morning of August 4. Wickens offered “sincere condolences” to Thorpe’s family and to “all those touched by his life and career”. A date for Thorpe’s full inquest will be fixed at a later time.The coroner had received a referral regarding the incident from British Transport Police (BTP). On August 5, a spokesperson for BTP issued the following statement: “Officers were called to Esher railway station at 8.26 am on 4 August to reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”The loss of Thorpe was felt by all throughout the world of cricket, with many former and current players paying their respects to the left-handed batter, who later went into coaching. The Surrey and England man represented his country 182 times, and scored 16 hundreds in 100 Test matches.Thorpe had not worked in cricket since he was removed from his role as one of England’s assistant coaches in the aftermath of their 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes. He was due to take over as Afghanistan’s head coach but never did after a previous attempt on his own life in May 2022. At the time, he was described as being “seriously ill” in hospital.Related

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The sadness is Thorpe will never know how much he was loved

A fighter whose honesty endeared him to England fans

“For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety,” Amanda, Thorpe’s wife, told the . “This led him to make a serious attempt on his life in May 2022, which resulted in a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit. Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe. We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.”Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone. Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better. He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”She described Thorpe as “a free spirit” and said that he had been well enough to attend a dinner at The Oval in late 2022. “He had his own mind and his own way of going about things,” Amanda said. “My favourite memory of him is in Barbados, which he loved, enjoying a rum punch and listening to his favourite reggae after a swim… He was funny and he made us all laugh so much.”Thorpe’s elder daughter, Kitty, said, “We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma. We were trying to help him get better before and trying to protect him, which is why we said nothing. This is the time now to share the news, however horrible it is. We’ve wanted to be able to talk and share and we’d now like to raise awareness, too.”He had loved life and he loved us but he just couldn’t see a way out. It was heartbreaking to see how withdrawn he had become. He was not the same person. It was strange to see this person trapped in the body of dad. That’s why we’ve been so happy that the many reflections have been about his life before this illness took over. I’m glad that’s how everyone does remember him, rightly so, as the complete character he was.”

Sky Sports: Sunderland now in direct contact to sign £17m Ligue 1 forward

With Jobe Bellingham set to join Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland have instantly reportedly turned their attention towards the transfer market and an impressive Ligue 1 forward.

Borussia Dortmund set to sign Jobe Bellingham

Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, Sunderland have lost Bellingham to Dortmund this summer. The midfielder will follow in his older brother’s footsteps by swapping English football for the chance to play for the Bundesliga giants. It’s a path that led Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and one that his younger sibling will hope to take with similar success.

As for Sunderland, whilst they’ll be frustrated to lose such a talented young player ahead of their Premier League return, they’ll at least have money to spend following his departure.

Bidding farewell to the 19-year-old in a deal which could eventually rise to as much as €40m (£34m), the Black Cats could instantly put that transfer fee to good use and set Regis Le Bris’ side up for first-time survival next season.

On that front, the rumours as to who could arrive have already been circling. Recent reports have mentioned names such as Tommy Doyle, who could replace Bellingham, and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga.

Millwall'sJaphetTangangain action with Portsmouth's Isaac Hayden

The latter would be a particularly impressive arrival. Following his Championship revival at Millwall, Tanganga is ready to step back into the Premier League and could yet do so courtesy of the Black Cats. It’s there that he could be joined by a talented Ligue 1 forward too.

Sunderland in direct contact to sign Matthis Abline

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland are now in direct contact to sign Matthis Abline after they ‘sounded out his entourage’, rivalling Marseille for the Nantes forward this summer in a deal worth €20m (£17m).

The Ligue 1 forward enjoyed an impressive campaign in France, scoring 11 goals in all competitions in a Nantes side that only escaped a place in the relegation play-off place by three points. Now, after a standout season for his side, the Abline could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Matthis Abline

Wilson Isidor

Minutes

2,768

3,174

Goals

9

13

Assists

2

2

Expected Goals

8.5

15.2

Of course, Abline wouldn’t be the first French striker to arrive at the Stadium of Light. It wasn’t so long ago that Wilson Isidor was arriving and he has thrived ever since – scoring 13 Championship goals last season.

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The Nantes forward, once dubbed a “top talent”, could be even better than the Sunderland star, however. After outperforming his expected goals last season, whilst Isidor underperformed significantly, Abline has the potential to only increase his numbers with better chance creation around him. And at 22 years old, he may just be getting started.

Aston Villa open talks with £39m "leader" over joining Emery next season

Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.

Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race

Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.

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Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.

Ezri Konsa

The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.

Race for Champions League qualification

Points

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.

“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.

“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.

Aston Villa manager UnaiEmerybefore the match

“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.

“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”

Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season

The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.

That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.

The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.

The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.

Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea could land a £60m Gyokeres alternative

Will Chelsea make a success of this season?

On Thursday, the Blues demolished Djurgårdens in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke both on target in Stockholm, before Nicolas Jackson bagged a quick-fire brace.

Thus, supporters are now pretty certain that their team will be in Wrocław for the final later this month, facing either Real Betis or Fiorentina.

Meantime, in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently fourth, desperate to cling onto the final Champions League spot, ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight meeting with recently crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Even with the Club World Cup on the horizon this summer, Chelsea are expected to be busy in the transfer market, as has very much been the case since Todd Boehly’s takeover, so could they sign a big-money new striker?

The latest on Chelsea's interest in Viktor Gyökeres

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Arsenal are “pushing” to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, valued at around £60m by the Portuguese giants, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea “all in the race”.

The 26-year-old Swede has scored 95 goals in 98 appearances for Sporting, pretty impressive statistics, with a report by David Ornstein and James McNicholas of The Athletic claiming that Gyökeres is expected to be on the move this summer.

Nevertheless, with a high amount of competition for his signature, should Chelsea focus on other targets?

Chelsea's potential new striker

According to a report from Steve Kay of Football Transfers earlier this week, Chelsea ‘have approached’ Aston Villa, enquiring about the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins this summer, adding that the Blues ‘are willing’ to match the Villans’ £60m valuation.

TEAMtalk notes that Watkins has emerged as Chelsea’s number one target, due to concerns about Victor Osimhen’s wage demands, as well as fears that Gyökeres would choose to go elsewhere.

If Villa miss out on Champions League qualification, they may be forced to sell key assets to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider believes they’d be looking to cash in on 29-year-old Watkins.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, would Watkins be a good signing for Chelsea?

Chelsea's best recent attacking signings

Since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, they have signed over 40 first-team players, spending in excess of £1bn, many of whom made little impact at Stamford Bridge, some of whom have been swiftly moved on.

Pretty much indisputably, the Blues’ best signing of the Boehly era is Cole Palmer, who, since arriving from Manchester City for £42.5m, has scored 39 goals for the club, named Chelsea’s Player of the Season as well as the PFA Young Player of the Year for 2023/24.

However, let’s analyse the impact made by some of the other members of the forward line.

Pedro Neto

£54m

40

6

7

João Félix

£45m

20

7

2

Omari Kellyman

£19m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Marc Guiu

£5m

13

6

Zero

Jadon Sancho

£25m

36

4

10

Cole Palmer

£42.5m

86

39

25

Nicolas Jackson

£32m

75

29

11

Christopher Nkunku

£50m

56

17

5

Deivid Washington

£17m

3

Zero

Zero

Ângelo

£13m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Diego Moreira

Free

1

Zero

Zero

Mykhailo Mudryk

£89m

73

10

11

Raheem Sterling

£47.5m

81

19

15

Noni Madueke

£28.5

82

20

9

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

£10.3m

21

3

1

David Datro Fofana

£11m

4

Zero

Zero

It would be a major understatement to say that Chelsea have signed a lot of attacking players in the last three seasons, and the table above certainly underlines that Cole Palmer has unquestionably had the biggest impact.

So, why would Watkins be any different?

Well, let’s assess his season statistics to find out.

Goals

15

7th

Goals per 90

0.6

6th

Assists

7

13th

Shots

76

11th

Shots on target

32

8th

Expected goals

14.5

6th

Goal-creating actions

11

31st

Touches in oppo penalty area

153

11

As the table outlines, Watkins is a very well-rounded striker, described by Statman Dave as “clinical”, both a potent goalscorer but also a chance creator too.

The concern about signing him would be the fact he is 29 years old, but the Englishman is showing no signs of slowing down, so could be the striker Chelsea require to go to the next level.

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It has been an excellent season for the Black Cats under Regis Le Bris, with a place in the Championship playoffs now mathematically certain, which is a great achievement from this young squad.

That’s despite Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Swansea City, which has to go down as one of the more disappointing results of the campaign, considering their opponents are in 12th place with little to play for.

Sunderland sit fourth in the Championship table and 12 points ahead of Bristol City below them, as well as four points adrift of third-place Sheffield United, who have lost their last three matches.

For that reason, it doesn’t look like the Black Cats’ position will change between now and the end of the season, meaning Le Bris’ side will face a playoff semi-final against whoever ends up finishing fifth.

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A place in the Premier League next season would improve their chances of keeping hold of key men, and a big update has emerged regarding one such player.

"Great" Sunderland ace being eyed up by Newcastle

According to a report from The Athletic, Newcastle are eyeing highly-rated Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg this summer.

It is also stated that “West Ham scouts have monitored the development” of the £25m-rated teenage star, with the Magpies and Manchester United also “among his admirers”.

Sunderland'sChrisRigg

Seeing Rigg leave Sunderland for Newcastle doesn’t even bear thinking about for anyone of a Black Cats persuasion, given the rivalry between the two clubs.

Not only that, but the 17-year-old is also arguably the club’s most prized asset, with Jobe Bellingham waxing lyrical over him last month after he and his teammate won a Young Player of the Year award:

“Every day he trains like he wants to get better, with a great ambition and a great desire. So that’s the best thing for me really. The talent kind of comes secondary, which he definitely has, but him as a person, he’s always going to keep improving because of that hunger that he’s got, which for me is like, they’re the players you want to be playing with. So Riggy fully deserves the award, as I’ve said, and he’s just got to keep going because he’s on to big things.”

Realistically, Sunderland will be aware that they can’t keep hold of Rigg forever, with the midfielder likely to have lofty ambitions, potentially ending up at one of the biggest clubs in the country.

A switch to rivals Newcastle would be controversial, however, with Magpies supporters no doubt reminding Black Cats fans of it for many years to come, should a transfer materialise.

Pope shows Test hundreds are like pizza: Even when it's bad, it's still pretty good

England’s No. 3 rides his luck throughout but still takes 121 off West Indies

Vithushan Ehantharajah18-Jul-20240:43

Pope on ‘lucky charm’ Ramsdale: He can come more often!

Is there such a thing as a ‘bad’ Test hundred? Ollie Pope’s sixth Test century fit snugly into this philosophical navel.His 167 balls at the crease were a neat microcosm of the first day of this second Test at Nottingham. Those 88.3 overs were as fast-food as Test cricket gets. Big chomps of low-grade, error-reared beef interspersed with the occasional mouthful of high-quality fries that will leave both teams feeling a little icky as they lie down on Thursday evening.West Indies will feel it worse. Kraigg Brathwaite’s decision to bowl first under clear blue skies and on a baize-like outfield allowed Ben Duckett to nail into the Trent Bridge pockets like peak Ronnie O’Sullivan, his breezy 71 more than covering for the loss of Zak Crawley three balls into the start. Four drops, a missed stumping and ragged ground fielding – despite the carpet surface – let England off the hook, allowing them to pass over any introspection into their own carelessness.Five batters made it to 30, but only three went beyond 60; among those only Pope reached three figures. Ben Stokes looked set to join his vice-captain to a milestone but instead gave Kavem Hodge a maiden Test wicket. Harry Brook fluffed a scoop to short leg, having already been given a life on 24. Joe Root’s awry hook undid a patient start. Is there such a thing as a “bad” 400-plus score? It might be this one, you know.Even Pope walked off unsatisfied with his 121. He was shelled on 46 before lunch, lashing one to Alick Athanaze at gully – and again on 54 soon after, a simple catch dropped by Jason Holder at second slip and almost redeemed by Hodge at first. Having got through that period, offering up a third chance when there were runs to plunder late in the day was an opportunity squandered.Related

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“A nice couple of drops, which always helps,” Pope ceded bashfully at stumps. It certainly does when you are emerging from a peculiar run of form emanating from the innings of a lifetime.Pope’s stunning 196 in the heist of Hyderabad prompted a dire run that spilled over into his domestic season for Surrey. In 18 first-class innings leading into this West Indies series from that first India Test, Pope averaged 19.05. His 57 at Lord’s last week was just his second half-century in the period, following a gritty 64 against Worcestershire at The Oval.Those struggles in the final four India Tests were not for a lack of effort. But it was the famine in the County Championship that had Pope scrabbling. Surrey might be top of Division One, but Pope’s average of 22.88 from seven games sticks out like a sore thumb considering he arrived into the season with a red-ball average of 70.31 for his county.He rejected any notion of doubts. But he admitted to a degree of pressure because of what he now represents, both to his peers, and to himself:
“You’re like ‘Why’s everyone else in the country scoring runs in county cricket but England’s No. 3 isn’t going out and averaging 50 this summer?'”Privately, he reflected that he should have taken more time off at the start of the season to fully shed the toil of three gruelling months overseas. But it was during a round off ahead of this series – when Surrey played Essex – that he set about some corrective work with England batting coach Marcus Trescothick.Were those improvements visible today? Sort of… ish?The drops scream at you, but there were plenty of sweet-sounding strikes in there, particularly the six off Shamar Joseph, picked up off the hip over deep square leg, among the scuff and strikes nailed at fielders. Pope’s restraint was evident by the fact this was comfortably the most leg-side of his centuries, split 47/74. The single that took him to 83 was his first run in front of square on the off side, followed by a crisp punch through the covers an over later.Pope brings up his sixth Test hundred•PA Images via Getty ImagesThough undoubtedly fortunate, this ranks third when you look at the false-shot percentage of his six hundreds: below Hyderabad (21%) and his double hundred against Ireland last summer (19%) on 15%.Maybe that says more about those two innings than this one. But while this England team moves towards refinement, the old ways – bringing up the team 50 from 4.2 overs; reaching 100 in 17.2; putting 281 on the board by the time Pope was the fifth man to fall at the start of the 58th over – kept them moving forward, unperturbed by the rakes that lay ahead.How else to explain their immediate recovery from 0 for 1 in the first over, and how Pope shed the drops when others would have dwelled on them? “It’s kind of like a play and miss,” he explained, delving into the mentality of parking what, to rest of us, appeared to be grievous mistakes.”Sometimes I slash at a wide one and miss, and think ‘lucky I didn’t nick that’. I use it as a lesson, think it’s not the option to take. With batting, you are never going to be completely perfect.”Cricket goes in [swings and] roundabouts. My luck wasn’t with me in my county stint, but every now and then, you get a bit of luck in international cricket and it’s just trying to make it count as much as you can.”1:12

Pope explains his attitude to being dropped after his 121

England were certainly not completely perfect on Thursday – not even a little bit. This was a day that loaded questions onto West Indies and did not provide England with any answers. But they did make it count.For Pope, the England batter under the most scrutiny heading into this summer, this was at the very least a score of note to bank for a player thriving at No. 3 – with an average of 44.45 – while still trying to figure the role out.If this century unlocks a more comfortable Pope, then it’s served its purpose. And so maybe there is no such thing as a bad Test century. It’s like what they say about pizza – even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good.

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