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SA’s white-ball captain says they don’t want to rush 19-year-old Brevis into international cricket

Firdose Moonda31-May-2022South Africa will tap into the confidence of IPL champion David Miller when they kick off a busy 2022-23 season with five T20Is in India next week.Miller, who was the sixth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2022, had his best IPL showing in 10 years and was particularly successful against spin, which has often been a weak spot in South Africa’s batting.”It’s always nice to see guys in form. A guy like David lifting the trophy with the Gujarat Titans – the confidence that he will bring into the team, we look forward to that,” Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s white-ball captain said on the eve of the team’s departure to India. “David has performed exceedingly well at the IPL and I’m sure that will do a world of good for his confidence.”Related

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'I feel extremely backed' – Miller explains his success at Gujarat Titans

Milller’s most notable improvement at the IPL was the way he dealt with spin. He went from scoring 226 runs at a strike rate of 98.68 against spin between 2016 and 2021 – which was the second-worst return in that five year period – to scoring 206 runs at a strike rate of 145.07 this year. He was one of only five batters to average over 100 against spin this IPL.But there are also other reasons for his prolific run. Miller said he felt “extremely backed,” by Titans, indicating that it wasn’t always that way at other IPL franchises. But what about the national side?”The conversations that I have had with David, he has never expressed those types of feelings to me,” Bavuma said. “As far as I know, David is still an integral member within our team and we trust his performances will continue well into the future.”While it’s never been expressed whether Miller feels his role in the South African set-up is secure, it’s often been a talking point that he doesn’t get enough time in the middle and that, as is the case with many finishers, a lot rests on him at the end. But, by Bavuma’s own admission in a wide-ranging upcoming interview with ESPNcricinfo, South Africa’s top order has not always done their bit, and as they look to improve their combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup, they may consider using Miller differently.While Miller has mostly batted between No.5 and No.6 for South Africa, he consistently batted at No.5 for Titans and may want to make a case for a permanent role at that position for the national side too. Bavuma indicated that South Africa would consider it, if it brings the best out of Miller.”In terms of him batting a bit longer, that has always been the conversation over the years when David has done well,” Bavuma said. “He understands where he fits in within the team. If he feels he can add more value within a different position, a conversation can be had in that regard. There is no way we are going to stifle him or restrict David in any manner. That’s how we try to treat all the players. We try to set them up in positions where they can succeed and make strong plays for the team.”‘Brevis should be given time and space to hone his game’
The same applies to those who are not in the team at all. Dewald Brevis is the only South African from this season’s IPL who was not selected for the T20I squad, despite setting the Under-19 World Cup alight.Bavuma explained that South Africa did not want to rush the 19-year-old into international cricket and hoped to see him perform well in the domestic set-up this summer. Brevis has been contracted to the Titans (the Centurion-based South African domestic franchise) for the next two seasons.”In all fairness to him, he hasn’t played a first-class game,” Bavuma said. “In terms of expectation but also allowing the boy to grow within his game, it would be fair to allow him to play a couple of first-class games where he can really get an understanding of his game. It will be a lot of pressure to throw him into the international set up and expect him to make plays. He will be treated like any other exciting young prospect that comes onto the scene. He will be looked after as well as he can. He should be given time and the space to hone his game within the system and ease into the international side of things.”

Celtic’s domination of major domestic Scottish silverware continued on Sunday, defeating fierce rivals Rangers in the League Cup Final.

Greg Taylor, Daizen Maeda and then Nicolas Kühn were all on target during a breathless, end-to-end 90 minutes, that finished 3-3 at Hampden, meaning, for just the second time in Old Firm history, a penalty shootout would be required.

Adam Idah, Callum McGregor, Arne Engles and Reo Hatate all held their nerve from 12 yards, before Kasper Schmeichel pulled off the sole save of the shootout, meaning when Maeda converted, it was time for those bedecked in green and white to celebrate.

The Hoops have therefore now won 20 of the last 25 trophies up for grabs in Scotland and, given that they’re already nine points clear at the top of the Premiership, that ratio is only likely to rise in 2025.

Their ambitions have no doubt been boosted by a club-record signing too…

Arne Engles: settling into life at Celtic

Celtic broke their transfer record over the summer summer, paying £11m to Augsburg for Arne Engles’ signature on deadline day.

In fairness, the Belgian was signed to replace Matt O’Riley, who’d been sold to Brighton just a few days earlier for £25m, the joint-biggest sale in Scottish football history.

So far, Engles has made 21 appearances for the Hoops scoring four goals, converting a penalty during the 5-1 Champions League demolition of Slovan Bratislava, most recently on target when Hibernian were swatted aside at Parkhead earlier this month.

However, the Belgium international began on the bench against Dinamo Zagreb last mid-week and then again for the League Cup Final at Hampden, unable to nail down a guaranteed starting spot due to the form of one of Celtic’s best-ever bargain buys.

Celtic's bargain magician

Ange Postecoglou’s two-year stint in Glasgow will forever be remembered for bringing the joy and glory back to Celtic, capturing five trophies in two seasons, regaining the title after Rangers had broken the streak of nine-in-a-row during Covid.

The primary reason for Postecoglou’s success was his outstanding recruitment.

The vast majority of his signings were massive successes: Kyōgo Furuhashi, Liel Abada, Josip Juranović, Carl Starfelt, Jota, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Daizen Maeda, Matt O’Riley, Aaron Mooy and Alistair Johnston, to name but a few, all played huge roles.

Seven of the 11 players mentioned have departed for pastures new, but it’s one, not yet named, who remains and might just be Postecoglou’s best value-for-money arrival.

After Kyōgo had taken Scottish football by storm, Postecoglou returned to the Japanese market, one that he knew well, having come from Yokohama F. Marinos, six months into his first season in Glasgow.

In a double-swoop, Maeda joined from his former club Yokohama, while Reo Hatate, a diminutive midfielder, arrived from Kawasaki Frontale, costing £1.4m.

Well, fair to say Hatate settled in quickly, staring during his debut against Hibs, substituted to a standing ovation before this hilariously humble reaction to being named man of the match, asking James Forrest to clarify why his name had just been bellowed out over the public address system.

He then scored an absolute thunderbolt at Tynecastle against Hearts a week later before, in only his fourth-ever Premiership appearance, scoring twice and setting up the third during one of the most famous Glasgow derbies of modern times.

Celtic smashed Rangers 3-0 that night, with Hatate putting in one of the best individual displays ever seen in an Old Firm, a victory that saw the Hoops claim top spot for the first time all season, a position they would not relinquish.

It’s not just Postecoglou who appreciates Hatate’s talents; following the 4-0 demolition of Kilmarnock on the opening day of this season, Brendan Rodgers labelled the Japanese midfielder as “top-class”, describing him as a “wonderful gifted player”.

For Sunday’s most recent derby, Hatate and Paulo Bernardo got the nod in midfield, with Engles introduced as a substitute, so how do the trio compare?

Appearances

25

21

24

Minutes

1,748

1,200

1,085

Goals

5

4

3

Assists

1

7

2

Progressive carries

14

4

3

Progressive passes

24

13

15

Shots

44

30

13

Passes attempted

254

219

115

Pass completion %

77.2%

72.6%

73%

Shot-creating actions

10

15

6

Tackles

10

7

5

Interceptions

7

5

4

Touches

306

135

260

What is clear is that Celtic have plenty of quality in midfield, with these statistics underlining Hatate’s unquestionable class, outperforming his teammates in, pretty much, every metric.

According to Transfermarkt, he and Engles have the same transfer value (£9m), with Kyōgo and Carter-Vickers the only squad members valued higher, emphasising that the £1.4m paid for Hatate’s services was an absolute bargain.

In the past, Brighton and Leicester, as well as many other clubs, have reportedly been interested in taking Hatate’s talents to the Premier League, but Celtic supporters will hope their Japanese midfield maestro remains in Scotland for another few years yet.

Celtic thought they had the next Tierney, now he's not played in 10 months

The Celtic youngster has not kicked on in the same way that Kieran Tierney did.

ByDan Emery Dec 17, 2024

Ange Postecoglou has been in the job at Tottenham Hotspur for almost a year and a half now, and it would be fair to say that he’s endured a mixed tenure thus far.

For example, he’s been able to turn what was one of the Premier League’s most boring teams under previous managers into arguably one of the most entertaining sides in Europe, let alone England.

However, he hasn’t been able to solve the club’s serious issue with consistency, and the last few weeks have shone a glaring spotlight on exactly that.

Premier League

Bournemouth (A)

1-0 (L)

Premier League

Fulham (H)

1-1 (D)

Europa League

AS Roma (H)

2-2 (D)

Premier League

Man City (A)

4-0 (W)

Premier League

Ipswich (H)

2-1 (L)

Moreover, the club’s unpredictable form has seen one of their most promising and exciting talents become something of a liability this season.

Tottenham Hotspur's recent form

Spurs started this season in worrying form, drawing away to newly promoted Leicester City, losing to a weakened Arsenal at home and only just about getting over the line against Championship side Coventry City in the League Cup.

However, that late fightback against the Sky Blues acted as a sort of reset for the North Londoners, and thanks to the sensational goalscoring form of Brennan Johnson, the team went on to win their next four games, which also saw them dismantle Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Unfortunately, as has been the hallmark of Postecoglou’s reign thus far, the inconsistency returned.

Since their 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in early August, the Lilywhites have dropped points against Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Galatasaray, Fulham, AS Roma and, most recently, Bournemouth.

Now, they did put in a masterclass of a performance away to Manchester City two weeks ago, but that stands as the club’s only win in the last six games, which is the sort of form that could see a manager given the sack.

Games

14

5

2

Wins

6

3

2

Draws

2

1

0

Losses

6

1

0

Goals For

28

10

4

Goals Against

15

6

2

There have been injury problems that must be taken into account, but even then, some of the worst displays have come from the regular starters who are still fit, including one who was looked at as one of the most promising players in his position last season, and now has to be dropped.

The Spurs star who must be dropped

So, to get right to the point, the player in question is none other than Destiny Udogie.

The promising full-back initially joined Spurs for £15m from Serie A side Udinese in the summer of 2022, and after spending another season on loan in Italy, played his first full season with the Lilywhites last year, and what a season it was.

In all, the 22-year-old made 30 appearances for Postecoglou, scoring two goals, providing three assists, and even being the club’s first nomination for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year Award.

It was practically the perfect debut campaign for the talented full-back, and he certainly impressed the watching media, with journalist Hunter Godson proclaiming that he “gets into nearly every team in the world” – high praise indeed.

Unfortunately, this year has been notably different, and instead of a fearless young full-back who looks prepared to take anyone on and capable of stopping any winger, we’ve seen an altogether less dynamic, less confident and generally less capable player.

Appearances

30

18

Goals

2

0

Assists

3

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.16

0.05

We can see this drop off in the simple fact that in his 18 appearances to date, the Verona-born gem has provided just a single assist and has put in several notably poor performances.

For example, respected Spurs writer Alasdair Gold awarded him just a 5/10 match rating against Ipswich Town, a miserable 3/10 rating against Brighton, and another 5/10 against Palace.

Now, there is undoubtedly a possibility that this utter collapse in form is related to the hamstring injury he picked up towards the end of last season, but even then, it’s still a problem for Postecoglou.

Ultimately, while Udogie is an exciting talent, his form has been nothing short of shambolic this season, and for his own and the team’s sake, the manager should be looking to take him out of the team for a while, especially when there are players who could step in for him in the squad.

Lost the ball 17x: Ange must now drop 4/10 Spurs star after B'mouth shocker

One experienced leader needs to miss Spurs’ next game.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 6, 2024

Ben Mike stranded on 99 as thrilling counter-attack fails to save visitors

ECB Reporters Network30-Apr-2022Ben Mike was left stranded on 99 as his thrilling counter-attacking innings failed to save Leicestershire from defeat in three days at the hands of Middlesex at Lord’s.Nottinghamshire-born Mike followed his 4 for 15 the previous day with a magnificent display of hitting, beating his previous career-best of 74, only to run out of partners one short of a richly deserved century.His efforts took the visitors to 272 second time around and ensured Middlesex, who were a bowler light due to an injury to Tom Helm, had to bat again.However, Toby Roland-Jones’ 3 for 67 meant the hosts needed just 52, a target openers Mark Stoneman and Sam Robson chased down in just over 10 overs to seal a second LV = Insurance County Championship win of the season.Sensing their hosts were understrength, Wiaan Mulder started aggressively, pulling a Roland-Jones loosener for four and driving the next ball to the cover fence. However,Ethan Bamber, so impressive the previous evening, made the early breakthrough at the Nursery End, finding a touch of away movement which caused Sam Evans to edge low to Peter Handscomb at slip.The 23-year-old deserved more from an opening spell where he beat the bat with monotonous regularity, but Mulder and wicketkeeper Harry Swindells survived not only that stint but Shaheen Shah Afridi’s opening salvo too. And when spin took over from one end, Mulder took toll of a rare loose ball from leg-spinner Luke Hollman to raise the 50-partnership.Fate then smiled kindly on Middlesex as Roland-Jones returned to have an lbw shout against Swindells upheld when it seemed the ball was going over the top.Mulder pressed on to reach 50 only to toss his wicket away soon after lunch hooking Afridi straight down the throat of Hollman at deep square.His departure was the cue for Mike’s thrilling counter-offensive. Afridi bowled him some short stuff in retaliation for being on the receiving end of the same the night before, but the all-rounder promptly hooked him over the ropes at long leg. What started as by-play became an ongoing contest with only one winner, Mike flailing the Pakistan international over cover for six as the 50-stand with Ed Barnes came up in 39 balls, forcing Afridi out of the attack.A punch through mid-on took him to 50 from 57 balls before a scare on 62 when Bamber got one between bat and pad which somehow missed the stumps.Barnes proved a great foil in a stand which reached 98, ensuring Middlesex would have to bat again, before he played too soon at one from Hollman and lobbed a catch to short mid-wicket.Mike though plundered on, passing his previous best of 74 and pulling a short one from Roland-Jones for six as the visitors inched ahead.At the other end Callum Parkinson, survived being struck by a return from the outfield, but perished, caught at slip off Roland-Jones, and Chris Wright clubbed Hollman straight into the hands of midwicket with Mike two short of his century.His mistake was to take a single, a decision he was to regret when last man Beuran Hendricks shouldered arms to Roland-Jones who sent his off-stump cartwheeling out the ground, cruel luck on Mike after a magnificent innings.

Manchester United have suffered another injury blow as young defender Ayden Heaven was stretchered off on his first Premier League start for the club.

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Heaven making Premier League debutRolled ankle after tussle with DakaWas stretchered off at King PowerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

It was another night of mixed fortunes for the Red Devils after the promising youngster had to be stretchered off against Leicester. United took the lead early in the game through Rasmus Hojlund, but Ruben Amorim had to shuffle the pack when the 18-year-old was carried away after rolling his ankle, having been taken out by Foxes forward Patson Daka. Alejandro Garnacho went on to score United's second goal after Toby Collyer had come on for Heaven.

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Heaven has proved to be a useful addition at the back for Amorim's side after his January move from Arsenal. After impressing in the Europa League in midweek, he was rightfully handed his opportunity in the English top flight but now joins the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire on the treatment table.

DID YOU KNOW?

Heaven had completed 32 of his 35 passes before coming off at Leicester, as well as winning five out of his six ground duels and making six defensive actions.

WHAT NEXT?

It is too early to tell how long Man Utd will have to go without their latest young talent. The Red Devils will await news on the injury as the first international break of 2025 comes into effect, with the Red Devils not due back in action again until April 1 – when they take in a trip to Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham Hotspur travel to face Southampton at St Mary’s tonight looking to secure their first win in six attempts after a dismal run of form under Ange Postecoglou.

The Lilywhites have lost two and drawn three of their last five, with the last victory coming against Manchester City at the Etihad nearly a month ago.

Injuries have decimated the first-team squad, resulting in various players featuring in unnatural roles just to be able to make up the numbers, but the pressure has still been mounting on the Aussie after recent matches.

Tonight presents a great opportunity to return to winning ways against a Saints side who currently sit bottom of the Premier League, picking up just one win in their first 15 outings.

However, despite their lowly league standing, St Mary’s has been a tricky place to visit for Spurs over the last couple of years, with a surprise potentially on the cards – which would in turn pile more pressure on the 59-year-old.

Spurs’ recent record against Southampton at St Mary’s

After their relegation to the Championship in the 2022/23 season, this evening’s game will be the first clash between the two sides in 21 months, with the last meeting coming at the home of the Saints.

However, true to their recent record in the last few matches, Spurs were unable to claim all three points, drawing 3-3 in a game where former boss Antonio Conte produced an infamous rant after the final whistle.

Harry Kane, Ivan Perišić, and Pedro Porro were all on the scoresheet that day, but a catalogue of defensive errors cost them dearly – something which could be said in the present day too.

Their last win on the South Coast came way back in September 2020, claiming a convincing 5-2 win, with current captain Heung-min Son scoring four that day.

However, if Ange is to claim a similar result in the trip this evening, he must brutally drop two players who have failed to impress for the club in recent weeks.

18/03/2023

3-3

Draw

28/12/2021

1-1

Draw

20/09/2020

5-2

Win

01/01/2020

1-0

Loss

09/03/2019

2-1

Loss

The players Ange needs to drop ahead of Southampton clash

Timo Werner was dragged off at halftime in the recent Europa League clash against Rangers on Thursday night, rightfully so after his dismal showing during the first 45 minutes.

The German forward was blasted by the Aussie in his post-match interview, claiming he’s not at the level expected of an international-level star, undoubtedly putting his starting role at risk tonight.

However, he’s not the only player who must be dropped, with Son needing to be brutally dropped after his recent lack of impact within the final third.

The “incredible” South Korean, as dubbed by boss Postecoglou, has been a fan-favourite during his spell in North London but has struggled as of late, scoring just once in his last four matches, coming in the embarrassing defeat to London rivals Chelsea last weekend.

He also only managed one shot during the recent clash north of the border with Rangers, only completing one of his four attempted dribbles, losing possession 10 times and looking wasteful in possession.

Such a poor run of form could see him lose his starting role on the South Coast, potentially pushing Dejan Kulusevski into a more attacking role alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson at the top end of the pitch.

It’s pivotal that Spurs return to winning ways tonight, ending their dismal run of form and putting their campaign back on the right track.

However, if they lose the clash, Ange’s job could be in danger, given the dreadful run of results. This is why he must brutally drop Son and potentially inject some fresh blood into the forward line to hand him the best chance of ending their current slump.

Ange has found Spurs' new Soldado in "astonishing" transfer flop

The poor signing is becoming Spurs’ new scapegoat.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 13, 2024

He played one Test for Australia on the 1956 tour of India, becoming the first WA-based player to earn a baggy green

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Apr-2022John Rutherford, the first Western Australian-based player to be selected for Test cricket, has passed away at the age of 92.Rutherford is part of Australia’s one-Test club having played his only Test match on the 1956 tour of India, that was held on the way home from the Ashes series that year.Related

The underdog who remained unbeaten

The right-handed opener made 30 and took a wicket in the second innings, dismissing Vijay Manjrekar at the Brabourne Stadium in the drawn match.Rutherford, who hailed from Bruce Rock, a small country town 243km east of Perth, played 67 first-class matches between 1952-53 and 1960-61 scoring 3367 runs at 31.76 with six centuries and 15 half-centuries.WA had no official Test representatives prior to Rutherford’s debut, although WA-born Ernie Bromley played two Tests for Australia in 1933-34 after moving from WA to play for Victoria. WA began playing first-class cricket in 1892-93 but were not formally invited into the Sheffield Shield competition until 1947-48.In an interview with ESPNcricinfo in 2015, Rutherford outlined in detail the barriers he faced as a WA-based player trying to earn selection into Australia’s Test team ahead of the 1956 tour of England, Pakistan and India.Rutherford’s career ended suddenly at 31 when he suffered a stroke on the field while captaining WA in a tour match against West Indies in 1960.While Rutherford struggled for opportunities at Test level, he paved the way for a generation of WA Test greats that followed with Graham McKenzie, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh becoming household names over the following two decades.WA Cricket chief executive Christina Matthews paid tribute to Rutherford after his passing.”John Rutherford played an enormous role in placing WA Cricket on the map, at a time when the national side was dominated by players from the eastern states,” Matthews said.”He was a talkative and charismatic personality, and his passion for cricket was infectious.”On behalf of everyone at WA Cricket and the State’s cricketing community, we send our deepest condolences to the Rutherford family.”

Bayer Leverkusen came back in spectacular fashion against Stuttgart in 4-3 Bundesliga win, and have now closed the gap to Bayern Munich to six points.

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Bayern draw 1-1 with StuttgartLeverkusen snatch 4-3 comeback winOnly six points separate the two sides nowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kane is looking to win his first-ever major trophy with Bayern Munich, but the Bavarians could only draw 1-1 in their latest game against Union Berlin, which gave the reigning Bundesliga champions the chance to close the nine-point gap to their arch-rivals. Xabi Alonso's side did exactly that in a dramatic trip to Stuttgart on Sunday.

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For a long time, it looked like Leverkusen were set to drop points again after they went two goals down. Jeremie Frimpong then halved the hosts' lead, but Granit Xhaka restored Stuttgart's two-goal advantage as he put the ball in his own net. However, Leverkusen pulled off one of their classic comebacks as a Piero Hincapie goal and an Angelo Stiller own-goal drew them level before Patrik Schick grabbed a 94th-minute winner, which sent Alonso and the away bench into raptures.

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Bayer Leverkusen have brought the gap to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race down to six points, triggering conversations about whether 'the Kane curse' may strike yet again and see Vincent Kompany's side throw away what has looked like a certain title win for months now.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE TITLE RACE?

With just eight Bundesliga matchdays remaining until the end of the season, Bayern Munich are still in control of their own destiny and it would take a monumental collapse for Leverkusen to overhaul them. Bayern will be back in action when they take on St. Pauli after the international break, while Leverkusen lock horns with Bochum.

The discussion of ticket prices is perhaps one for another day, but Manchester United supporters have rightly condemned the recent announcement regarding the rise in costs at the Theatre of Dreams, with the new INEOS regime so swiftly turning their backs on those who welcomed them in with open arms.

What remains particularly egregious is the preaching of PSR in relation to this, with it certainly not the Old Trafford faithful who opted to splash out £86m on Antony, or £70m on Casemiro. It is, however, the supporters who are now ‘paying’ for it.

It is the Red Devils’ wretched recruitment record and scattergun transfer approach of recent times that has played its part in the looming spectre of financial constraints, with £600m notably spent under Erik ten Hag, only for the Dutchman to take the club no closer to Premier League title glory.

Far too often in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era – or more so, the Glazer era – have funds been spent unwisely in Manchester, with new boss Ruben Amorim, backed by the likes of Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada, needing to oversee a new approach moving forward.

That said, there are perhaps mere glimpses that some positive moves have been made of late, providing Amorim with a nucleus to work with over the coming months and beyond.

Man Utd's best recent signings

Let’s face it, it certainly isn’t a long list.

On the whole, fans and pundits alike have largely looked to Bruno Fernandes as the only successful addition since the days of Ferguson, with club legend Gary Neville stating that the Portuguese playmaker is the only player who has “done more than I thought he would” since arriving at Old Trafford.

That said, one can also look to the reported fee of just £420k that was spent on a 16-year-old Alejandro Garnacho as particularly astute business, with the former Atletico Madrid asset already boasting 12 goals and assists in all competitions this season.

Equally, while the club did miss the chance to snap him up on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, the £47.2m spent on Andre Onana last year now looks like money well spent, with the Cameroon shot-stopper having arguably been United’s “best player this season”, in the words of journalist Steven Railston.

Perhaps the greatest coup rests in a move made this summer, however, with the decision to fork out just £12.8m on Noussair Mazraoui looking like something of a masterstroke.

Man Utd's £50m + star in the making

Signed as part of a double deal from Bayern Munich, alongside Matthijs de Ligt, the Moroccan was arguably the most low-key acquisition of the recent window, having been viewed as a needed replacement for the departing Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

In the view of some – including treble winner Dwight Yorke – the former Ajax man wasn’t actually an “improvement” on Wan-Bissaka, who only chalked up two goals and 13 assists in 190 games for the club. It’s fair to say Mazraoui – who already has two assists in just 19 appearances – has proved any doubters wrong.

As the 27-year-old showcased in midweek against Bodo/Glimt, he is a truly classy operator wherever he is deployed, having teed up Rasmus Hojlund’s first goal of the night, prior to also playing his part in the Dane’s second, after producing a threaded, forward pass.

Silky smooth on the ball, but with that much-needed steel off it, it is no surprise that the versatile sensation is already earning rave reviews, having been described as a “10/10 every game” by Statman Dave.

On current evidence, Mazraoui looks to be the “bargain of the year” – as per writer Liam Canning – not least due to the fact that he’s deemed to be a similar player to Arsenal’s £50m star, Ben White, as per FBref.

Stat (per 90)

White

Mazraoui

Non-penalty goals

0.00

0.00

Assists

0.13

0.10

Shot-creating actions

1.04

1.48

Pass completion

83.5%

86.2%

Progressive passes

3.88

4.44

Progressive carries

0.52

1.28

Successful take-ons

0.00

1.68

Tackles

1.30

4.14

Interceptions

1.42

1.09

Blocks

0.78

1.18

Aerial duels won

1.30

1.88

As shown above, the two players both offer an outlet in an attacking sense and composure in possession – as shown in their progressive passes and pass completion record – but can also muck in defensively, with the United man ranking in the top 1% among those in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles made per 90.

Much like White – who can operate at centre-back, right-back or central midfield – Mazraoui’s flexibility makes him such an asset for any manager in the dugout, with Amorim having thus far deployed him as a right-sided centre-back over the past week.

Described as an “incredible player” and the “future” of United by his new boss, the £135k-per-week machine looks set to buck the transfer trend at Old Trafford, should his current form be maintained.

As his impact has shown, it doesn’t require big bucks to bring in quality additions, with that initial £12.8m fee likely to look almost laughable over the coming months and years. If the aforementioned White can fetch £50m, Mazraoui’s value must surely sit at a similar level.

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ByEthan Lamb Nov 28, 2024

Glasgow Rangers are on the search for a new head coach during a season for the third campaign in succession after they decided to part ways with Michael Beale on Sunday.

The Light Blues kicked off this run of bad luck in the dugout when Steven Gerrard was poached in November 2021.

He was replaced by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who had previously played for the Light Blues, but the Dutchman only lasted until November of the following year.

Despite winning the SFA Cup and leading the club to the final of the Europa League, Rangers sacked the former defender during the break for the 2022 World Cup and appointed Beale as his successor.

Steven Gerrard

13/11/2021

Gio van Bronckhorst

21/11/2022

Michael Beale

01/10/2023

That move has turned out to be an error on Ross Wilson's part as the sporting director, who has since gone on to join Nottingham Forest, failed to bring in a suitable replacement for the Dutch boss.

Current chief executive James Bisgrove is now tasked with finding a manager who can bring success back to Ibrox and, hopefully, not be sacked by November 2024.

Who could replace Beale at Rangers?

Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Monday Night Club (2 October), New York Times journalist Rory Smith named Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen as one of the managers who is likely to be under 'consideration' by the Scottish giants, among a number of options.

This comes after the Norwegian boss was tipped as one of the 'frontrunners' to replace Van Bronckhorst during the 2022/23 campaign by The 4th Official.

He was also named as a possible alternative to the Dutch tactician in 2021 after Gerrard's move to Villa, as Ross Wilson was a fan of his work, but the club ultimately opted for the former Light Blues full-back instead.

It could now be third time lucky for Rangers if they decide to go through with a swoop for the 54-year-old to take on the role this month.

Bisgrove could get Ibrox rocking with a move for Knutsen as he plays an exciting brand of football and would come in with a proven track record of coaching teams to win trophies.

What is Knutsen's style of play?

Bodo/Glimt captain Ulrik Saltnes once described his manager's style of play as “kamikaze” as his team is based around an intense, high-energy, press, a far cry from the turgid football of Beale's Rangers tenure.

Knutsen's side wants to dominate possession and control the game and do so by winning the ball back quickly after they lose it, which allows them to stop the opposition from countering them whilst providing themselves with more chances to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.

The 54-year-old typically deploys a high-pressing 4-3-3 set-up and this, along with his excellent attacking coaching, has led to them being a free-scoring team in recent seasons.

Journalist Connor McGilligan once claimed that his brand of football would be "fantastic to watch" for supporters, which is backed up by the statistics.

Bodo/Glimt scored a mind-boggling 103 goals in 30 Eliteserien matches throughout the 2020 campaign as they won the title with only one loss to their name and a positive goal difference of plus 71.

Whereas, Rangers have not scored more than 82 Scottish Premiership goals across 38 league games since their return to the top flight at the start of the 2016/17 campaign.

Meanwhile, Celtic scored 103 league goals on their way to the title under Ange Postecoglou during the 2022/23 season and this shows that it is possible for Knutsen to replicate his success with Bodo/Glimt in Scotland, as the Hoops have proven that you can dominate the division as a free-scoring, prolific, side.

How many trophies has Knutsen won?

The Gers managerial target has won two league titles in the Norwegian top-flight with his current club and his side are currently one point clear at the top of the table with seven games left to play in the 2023 campaign.

Knutsen won the Eliteserien in 2020 and 2021 but finished second in 2022 as Molde ran away with the title by 18 points. However, he is now closing in on a third title in four years and has proven himself capable of instilling a winning mentality within his squad.

The former Asane head coach has been able to deploy an exciting style of play based on pressing high and getting the fans onside with aggressive play and a constant stream of goals to dominate and win matches, which has led to excellent success on the pitch and trophies on top.

Therefore, Bisgrove could get Ibrox rocking by appointing a manager whose brand of football could resonate with supporters and get them to buy into the process, due to the style and his proven track record of implementing it.

How many trophies has Beale won as a manager?

The fans in Glasgow did not have many reasons to get behind Beale's future at the club as he arrived without trophies to back his pedigree and failed to deploy an attractive style.

He has not won a single piece of silverware in his managerial career to date, with QPR or Rangers, and journalist Derek Clark claimed, earlier this season, that there was no sign of a clear way of playing from the English boss' team.

Reporter Graham Spiers also described Beale's style of football as "hapless" and the results on the pitch did not make up for the dull football as the Gers lost three of their first seven Premiership matches.

The Light Blues also failed to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League as they were hammered 5-1 by PSV in the second leg of their play-off tie, which shows that Beale struggled domestically and in Europe.

This suggests that it was the right decision by Bisgrove and the club to part ways with the former Aston Villa assistant manager as the performances and results were not going in the right direction.

There was very little for supporters to cling to in order to have faith that Beale would eventually be a success at Rangers and the Light Blues can now get the fans back onside by bringing Knutsen and his 'Kamikaze' style to Ibrox.