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Batting coach Thilan Samaraweera conceded that Sri Lanka’s top order is nowhere near finalised, as they look ahead to the World Cup

Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Aug-2018

Associated Press

In the first ODI, it had been Sri Lanka’s top-order batting that failed most dramatically, with five wickets falling before the ninth over. In the second ODI, Sri Lanka’s poor catching had helped decide the match, with captain Angelo Mathews later describing his team’s fielding as a “joke” and stating that they had been like “schoolkids” in the field.On Sunday, Sri Lanka lost their 11th straight ODI to South Africa, as well as the ongoing series. This time, it was the bowlers who let the team down. They leaked 114 runs in the last 10 overs, having also conceded 64 in the first 10. These were the defining passages of the game, for batting coach Thilan Samaraweera.”We are very disappointed about the 3-0 series loss. Everyone is quite disappointed. We didn’t bowl as well as we wanted. Our expectation was to get two wickets in the first 10 overs. We got one wicket, but we gave them a lot of boundary balls in that first 10, just as we did in the last 10 overs. That hurt us.”We thought that this pitch would settle down after 2pm. But unfortunately we gave away 363, and that’s a lot. There were about three or four overs in the last 10 overs, in which they scored 18 or 20 runs. And when a team gets to 360, you have to play your shots in the chase. Unfortunately, a few of the shots our top order played went straight to fielders.”Although Samaraweera did not blame the batsmen for this loss, he did concede that Sri Lanka’s top order is nowhere near finalised, as they look ahead to the World Cup. In this match, they had promoted Thisara Perera to No. 5, because he was “batting well” according to Samaraweera, and could have “energised the innings a bit by hitting 70 or 80 quickly”. In terms of a long-term top order, though, Dhananjaya de Silva suggested he could be an option, hitting 84 off 66 balls at No. 7 to give Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope after they had been reduced to 155 for 6. This was de Silva’s first match of the series, and if he continues to perform, he could become an option in the top three, as he opens the innings for his domestic team. It does not hurt his chances that he bowls offspin as well.”There are a little more than 20 matches until the World Cup, and so far we don’t know what positions our top order batsmen will take up,” Samaraweera said. “We don’t even know who the top three are yet. But Dhananjaya did bat very well, and we saw that he made the best of the opportunity that he got. You need someone in the top six to bowl, other than Thisara Perera. Dhananjaya is a better bowler than a part-timer, I believe. He batted in a new position and he did really well. I think that’s a positive for Sri Lankan cricket.”

Among the skills Dale Benkenstein is trying to teach his charges is to pick spinners out of the hand

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Jul-2018South Africa’s batsmen had a rough time in the Tests, but when it comes to ODIs, there are few places better to be right now than Sri Lanka. That is what batting coach Dale Benkenstein is hoping anyway, and his thinking is this: with several top teams fielding wristspinners in their ODI attacks right now, South Africa’s batsmen need to be primed against high-quality spin ahead of next year’s World Cup. With the hosts likely to stack their attack with spin options, and with tracks on the island likely to take some turn, this is as good a place as any, for South Africa to hone their skills ahead of the World Cup.”It’s huge value for us to be here – we’re not in the subcontinent again for a while,” Benkenstein said. “Even though we’ve had a poor Test series, there’s been a lot of work done on spin for a lot of batters. There’s been a lot of learning going on. We’re seeing this as a great opportunity to just get better. Not only the guys who are playing, but some of the young guys who are with us now. We tell them to use these conditions. Use the nets. Ask people around you. Try and get as much out of it as you can, other than just in the matches that are going on.”Among the skills Benkenstein is trying to teach his charges is to pick spinners out of the hand. South Africa had struggled substantially against wristspin in their 5-1 home series defeat against India earlier in the year, when Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav took 33 wickets between them. Sri Lanka’s ODI spinners have been nowhere near as prolific as India’s wristpsinners, but they do pose unorthodox challenges as well. Akila Dananjaya is ostensibly an offspinner, but also delivers an accurate legbreak and a good googly. South Africa may also have to contend with left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan through the course of the series.”Picking the bowlers is massive,” Benkenstein said. “It’s something that’s fairly hard to coach. You’ve got to have a lot of experience. Now we are lucky – we’ve got some technology that you can go and watch bowlers, and try and pick up anything that can help you out. But ultimately, the guys have got to go out there and work it out for themselves.”One of the big things is trying to take out one form of dismissal. If you’re not sure which way the ball’s going, it’s always better to be covering your own stumps until you start to find that you’re picking him. Often with wristspinners, once you get one wicket, they get two or three. It’s just trying to prevent that. The senior guys have got no problem – they’ve been there before. It’s really for the younger guys who are trying to understand that you can’t actually face a ball that’s spinning both ways until you can actually read it. It’s really those first 10 balls – to make sure they’ve got a gameplan to cover one way. With spinners, if you face them longer, you start to pick up the changes the bowler has.”South Africa’s first spin challenge of the series is likely to be posed by Dananjaya, who took seven wickets in the SSC Test. Although he is unorthodox, South Africa’s top order can be confident of picking him, said Benkenstein. But just picking him doesn’t mean they will automatically play him well.”One of the impressive things is that Dananjaya is very consistent. Even though he bowls three different styles, he does tend to land the ball in the right place. He’s not a massive spinner of the ball. But I think it’s just his consistency that you have to be aware of. So I think it’s just [about] getting yourself in. Once you’ve got in, then I think it’s a lot easier. It’s just really [about] being calm and not panicking when you’re finding it a bit tough. That’s probably the key to our success.”

Raheem Sterling's early career is a story of determination, talent and rapid ascent.

Born on December 8, 1994, in Kingston, Jamaica, Sterling moved to London as a young boy and quickly caught the attention of scouts with his exceptional skills. He joined the youth academy of Queens Park Rangers before being signed by Liverpool's youth team in 2010 at the age of 15.

Sterling made his senior debut for Liverpool in March 2012, becoming the club's second-youngest player to appear in the Premier League. His speed, dribbling ability and versatility as a forward quickly earned him a prominent role in the team. In the 2013/2014 season, Sterling played a pivotal role as Liverpool narrowly missed out on the Premier League title. He scored 10 goals in the league and provided numerous assists, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in English football.

In 2015, Sterling made a high-profile move to Manchester City for a then-British record transfer fee for a teenager. At City, he continued to thrive, winning numerous domestic titles. His performances earned him individual accolades, including the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 2019. He would then move to Chelsea in 2022.

During his early career, Raheem Sterling also made his mark on the international stage, representing England in various youth teams before becoming a key player for the senior national team. His early career set the stage for a remarkable journey in football, marked by records, milestones and a reputation as one of England's finest talents.

Raheem Sterling at Liverpool

Raheem Sterling's career at Liverpool was nothing short of remarkable, characterised by his explosive pace, technical prowess and exceptional versatility. The Jamaican-born winger, who moved to London as a young boy, joined Liverpool's youth academy in 2010 at the tender age of 15. It was the beginning of a journey that would see him rise through the ranks and become one of English football's brightest prospects.

Sterling's debut marked the start of a meteoric rise in his career. His electrifying performances on the field quickly caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. His pace and dribbling ability made him a constant threat to opposition defenders, and his football intelligence belied his age.

The 2013/2014 season was a breakthrough year for Sterling. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool's exhilarating Premier League campaign under the management of Brendan Rodgers. The Reds came agonizingly close to winning the title, with Sterling playing an instrumental part. He contributed with 10 goals in all competitions, and his partnership with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, known as the "SAS," was particularly devastating for opposing teams.

One of the standout moments of Sterling's time at Liverpool came in April 2014 when he scored a crucial goal in a 3-2 victory over Manchester City, a game that had significant implications for the title race. His composure in front of goal belied his young age, and this goal remains etched in the memories of Liverpool fans.

Off the pitch, Sterling's maturity was equally impressive. He handled the pressures of playing for a top club and the scrutiny of the media with composure and professionalism. His commitment to his craft and continuous improvement endeared him to both the coaching staff and supporters.

In recognition of his stellar performances, Raheem Sterling was awarded the Golden Boy Award in 2014, which honours the best young player in Europe. This accolade further solidified his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the game.

However, Sterling's time at Liverpool was not without its challenges. Contract negotiations with the club became a subject of intense speculation, and he eventually moved to Manchester City in a high-profile transfer in the summer of 2015. His departure left a void in the Liverpool squad, and his contributions were sorely missed by the Anfield faithful.

During his time at Liverpool, Sterling made a total of 129 appearances and scored 23 goals for the Reds. While the team fell just short of winning the Premier League title in 2013/2014, his impact on Liverpool's attacking play and his ability to create moments of magic on the pitch left an indelible mark on the club's recent history.

In hindsight, Sterling's time at Liverpool served as a stepping stone to greater success in his career. He continued to evolve as a player at Manchester City, winning numerous domestic titles and establishing himself as one of the top wingers in the world.

Raheem Sterling at Manchester City

Raheem Sterling's career at Manchester City was nothing short of extraordinary, characterised by his growth into one of the world's premier football talents. Sterling joined Manchester City in the summer of 2015 from Liverpool in a high-profile transfer worth around £44m, with £5m of add-ons, that signalled City's ambition and his own desire to compete at the highest level. Over the course of seven seasons, he became an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to their domestic successes.

Upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, Sterling quickly adapted to his new surroundings under the management of Manuel Pellegrini. His transition from Liverpool to Manchester City was remarkably smooth, as he showcased his versatility, blistering pace and dribbling skills. Sterling's ability to operate on either flank or as an attacking midfielder made him a valuable asset for the team.

In his debut season with City, Sterling displayed his potential, scoring 11 goals in all competitions and contributing to the club's League Cup triumph. However, it was under the management of Pep Guardiola, who took charge in the 2016/2017 season, that Sterling truly blossomed.

Under Guardiola's guidance, Sterling's game evolved to new heights. He became more tactically astute, developing his off-the-ball movement and decision-making. This transformation resulted in a dramatic increase in his goal-scoring and assist statistics. The 2017/2018 season marked a turning point in Sterling's career, as he netted 23 goals in all competitions, making him City's top scorer that season.

His partnership with fellow attackers like Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne was a key factor in City's Premier League dominance. In the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, City secured back-to-back Premier League titles with Sterling playing a pivotal role. His combination of speed, skill and intelligence in the final third made him a constant threat to opposition defences, and his performances earned him widespread acclaim

Sterling's contribution to Manchester City's historic 2018/2019 campaign cannot be overstated. The team secured an unprecedented domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. The winger played a central role, scoring crucial goals and providing vital assists throughout the season. He ended the season with 25 goals in all competitions, firmly establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top talents.

In the 2019/2020 season, Sterling continued his impressive form, helping Manchester City secure another League Cup and finish second in the Premier League. He also played a key role in City's run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. His consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him an invaluable asset for the club. He ended that season with the best goal return of his career to date – 31 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions.

One of the standout moments of Sterling's career at Manchester City came during the 2019 FA Cup final against Watford. He scored a scintillating hat-trick, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in an FA Cup final since 1953, although one of his goals would be later attributed to Gabriel Jesus.

Off the pitch, Sterling's influence extended beyond football. He used his platform to address important social issues, such as racism and inequality in the sport, becoming an advocate for change. His courage in speaking out against discrimination earned him widespread respect and admiration.

After scoring 17 goals in the 2021/2022 season, it was decided by Manchester City that they would finally cash in on Sterling's talents, with Chelsea being his next destination. The winger ended his City career with 131 goals in 339 first-team appearances, putting him in the top ten highest scorers in Manchester City history.

Sterling's Honours at Manchester City

Title	Year(s)
Premier League (4)	2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022
FA Cup (1)	2018/2019
EFL Cup (5)	2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021
FA Community Shield (1)	2019

Raheem Sterling at Chelsea

In July 2022, it was confirmed that Sterling had completed a £50m move to Chelsea, signalling his return to London for the first time since leaving QPR's academy for Liverpool as a young teenager.

His debut season with the Blues, though, was largely disappointing. The winger only managed nine goals in 38 appearances in all competitions, and Chelsea ultimately finished 12th in the Premier League.

Raheem Sterling with England

Raheem Sterling's career with the England national team has been marked by his emergence as one of the squad's most influential and dynamic players. Since making his senior debut in 2012, Sterling has played an essential role in England's international campaigns, showcasing his speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability on the grandest stages of football.

Sterling's journey with the England national team began when he earned his first senior cap at the age of 17 in a friendly match against Sweden in November 2012.

But one of the most significant milestones in Sterling's international career came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He became the youngest player to represent England in a World Cup when he featured in the tournament. His performances in Brazil were promising, and it was clear that he had a bright future on the international stage.

Sterling's consistent improvement and maturity as a player were evident as he became a regular starter for England under various managers. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple attacking positions, and his partnership with fellow forwards, such as Harry Kane, became a key component of England's attack.

The UEFA European Championship (Euros) has been a significant stage for Sterling. He played a crucial role in England's run to the final of Euro 2020, scoring several crucial goals during the tournament. His performance in the competition earned him widespread praise and established him as one of England's leaders on the pitch.

To date, he has earned over 80 caps and scored 20 goals for the England national team.

Raheem Sterling's Personal Accolades & Records

Raheem Sterling's illustrious career has been studded with numerous personal records and awards, underscoring his status as one of the most accomplished footballers of his generation. Some of his notable achievements include winning the Golden Boy Award in 2014, and recognising him as the best young player in Europe. Sterling's prolific goal-scoring ability, particularly for a winger, has been a standout feature of his career. He has consistently recorded double-digit goal tallies in domestic and international competitions, earning him recognition as one of the Premier League's top scorers.

During his time with Manchester City, Sterling clinched several Premier League Player of the Month awards, reflecting his consistent excellence in the league. His performances played a pivotal role in City's back-to-back Premier League title wins in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons.

Internationally, Sterling's achievements include representing England in multiple major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. His standout moments in these competitions have included crucial goals and assists, contributing significantly to England's success.

Sterling's Personal Honours

Award	Year(s)
Liverpool Young Player of the Season (2)	2013/2014, 2014/2015
Golden Boy (1)	2014
UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season (2)	2018/2019, 2019/2020
PFA Premier League Team of the Year (1)	2018/2019
PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year (1)	2018/2019
UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (1)	2020

After Arsenal well and truly demolished PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday evening it looked as though the Gunners were back in the silky groove that had seen them dominate so much last season.

Indeed, that looked true during the opening half an hour of the north London derby on Sunday afternoon too.

Mikel Arteta's men came flying at Spurs who were forced to play through a rampant pressing unit. To their credit, Ange Postecoglou's men did well to navigate proceedings in that regard.

It wasn't enough to prevent them from going a goal down, however, with Bukayo Saka finding the net via wicket deflection off Cristian Romero.

That went down as an own goal before Saka would score in his own right from the penalty spot in the second half. That, however, wasn't enough for a win as Heung-min Son scored twice to ensure proceedings ended 2-2.

Arsenal were far from their free-flowing best. Skipper Martin Odegaard, fresh from a majestic performance in the Champions League a few days ago only recorded 18 passes at a woeful 64% success rate, while Jorginho, a half-time substitute for the injured Declan Rice, was robbed of possession in shambolic circumstances by James Maddison for Tottenham's second.

That said, the usually tireless Eddie Nketiah was perhaps one of the biggest party poopers on Sunday.

How did Nketiah play against Spurs?

The young striker has been an astute deputy for Gabriel Jesus throughout 2023.

The Brazilian sustained an injury at the World Cup last winter, a problem that ultimately saw him miss a few months. At the time, it was a worry for the Gunners, but upstepped Nketiah who scored against West Ham and Brighton immediately after the break before bagging twice, including a late winner against Manchester United in late January.

He started the new campaign vibrantly too, netting versus Nottingham Forest and Fulham, but with Jesus now fit and firing again, his performances have dwindled.

Against Everton eight days ago he was hauled off just after the hour mark and probably shouldn't have been given much more time than that yesterday.

Whether he'd have played but for Leandro Trossard's training injury is an interesting trail of thought, as Jesus was moved to the left-hand side after his European exploits, with Nketiah leading the line again.

However, after a timid showing, it was Jesus who was taken off in the second half, with the academy graduate somehow lasting the whole 100 minutes that were played.

Perhaps the most frustrating moment of Nketiah's afternoon was in the first half. Destiny Udogie's backpass flew past Micky van de Ven which left the Arsenal number 14 with a tight chance to score from.

He ignored Fabio Vieira who was racing towards the penalty spot and instead stuck an effort straight at Guglielmo Vicaro in the Tottenham net.

The £100k-per-week earner is usually accustomed to doing the dirty work but was largely anonymous throughout, making a mere six passes in 100 minutes on the field, and also registering just 23 touches of the ball. For context, even the Gunners' stopper, David Raya, had more say with the ball at his feet, taking 42 touches in total.

Described as "average" by Man United personality Mark Goldbridge, this was certainly a game to forget for Nketiah who was decidedly toothless and inept in the final third.

Usually such a vibrant poacher, he lacked the instinct to be in the right place at the right time, with his small influence on the game summed up by Arsenal's apparent lack of desire to put the ball into the area throughout injury time.

To make matters worse, the 24-year-old was perhaps lucky not to be sent off for a late challenge on Vicario as he flew through the Spurs 'keeper when the ball had already gone.

It's not often in the last 12 months that you could say Arsenal need to sign a new striker. Jesus was so promising in the early stages of term but if they are to persist with Nketiah, trouble will only brew in the final third.

Whether or not Trossard and Martinelli are fit for this week's fixtures, Nketiah must be ditched from the starting XI. His position is surely now Jesus' for the taking.

Aston Villa has been the home for a host of talents over the years, with players that have provided precious memories in the Midlands throughout the club's rich history.

With a new wave of quality arriving through the doors of Villa Park this summer, the stage is set for a fresh set of stars to write their name in history.

Not many have been as influential in the Premier League era to the Villans as Jack Grealish, who was sold by the club for a blockbuster £100m back in 2021, making Villa a fortune after excelling through the academy ranks.

Another player who made the Midlands side a rather healthy amount of profit was the well-loved Christian Benteke, who was captured as an unknown and sold on as a prolific scorer in claret and blue.

How much did Aston Villa sign Christian Benteke for?

Signed for £7m back in 2012, Christian Benteke’s arrival at Aston Villa required a note of backing from manager at the time Paul Lambert, as his calibre was doubted at a time of need for quality.

Just 21 years old at the time, the Belgian arrived in Birmingham on the back of a ten-goal season in the Jupiler Pro League with Genk, and was purchased by the Villans to bring the goals to Villa Park.

The season prior, Villa had been subject to a relegation battle in the Premier League, finishing 16th in the 2011/12 campaign which led to Lambert’s arrival to replace Alex McLeish as boss.

Benteke’s arrival was at a difficult time, and a time when results had to come fast with little margin for error, which is exactly what the attacker delivered.

How many goals did Christian Benteke score for Aston Villa?

The £7m settlement for the former Genk starlet soon looked to be a bargain, as he adjusted to life in England with ease, as supported by his terrific numbers in his debut campaign.

It’s common for players to require an adaptation period when moving to the Premier League, however, the striker seemed to have found sanctuary at Villa Park, contributing to 30 goals in all competitions in his debut year.

A breakdown of 19 Premier League goals and four league assists, as well as netting four and assisting three in only five league cup games for his new club, rounded up a memorable first spell at Villa, via Transfermarkt.

Christian Benteke record in England:

101

49

12

177

37

12

42

10

6

Lambert had the last laugh when it came to his capture of Benteke, heralding his man as an “absolute steal” following his first taste of life in England. It was an emphatic way to silence any doubters.

A combative and towering figure to have in the front line, the 6 foot 3 target man was previously lauded as a “machine” by former teammate Fabian Delph, who also described the talisman’s talents as “explosive” at Villa Park.

101 appearances later and the forward had found the net a total of 49 times for the club, as well as recording 12 assists in all competitions to communicate the threat he added to the final third.

In an interview relayed by Villa’s official site, the Belgian recalled his time in the Midlands as being the “best time” of his career, where he truly established himself as a recognised marksman in world football.

What happened to Christian Benteke?

In his final campaign at Villa Park in 2014/15, the striker scored 13 goals in what was a worrying season for the club, as they finished 17th and narrowly missed the relegation zone after a dreary term.

Benteke’s contribution to Villa despite their struggles didn’t go unrecognised, and in the summer of 2015, his story in Birmingham came to a close as he headed for pastures new elsewhere in the Premier League.

A £7m arrival was turned into a £32.5m exit in a matter of three years, as Liverpool captured the then 24-year-old’s signature to join Brendan Rogers’ side. It marked phenomenal business by the Villans with the forward's price increasing by a margin of 364%.

The Belgian only lasted a single season at Anfield, scoring nine Premier League goals before being shipped away to London, where he signed for Crystal Palace just the summer after his arrival on Merseyside.

While a quiet spell in front of goal for his standards was less memorable at Liverpool than his time at Villa, the Belgian still produced loud moments, netting an overhead kick at Old Trafford that will remain in Premier League folklore.

Despite experiencing a lull with the Reds, Benteke rediscovered his form with the Eagles, netting 15 league goals in his debut campaign in 2016/17, going on to score a total of 37 goals for the club during his six-year stay.

Arriving a nobody and leaving the Premier League with 280 appearances and 86 goals registered the Belgian's legacy in England, with his journey beginning and proving most prolific in the Midlands.

Where is Christian Benteke now?

The striker called it quits on his time in England last summer, where he ventured to MLS to play for DC United.

Similar to his experiences during his debuts in the Premier League for all three clubs, the 32-year-old got off to a fast start in the United States, scoring ten goals in his 25 appearances so far in the 2023 campaign. He even found room to replicate that famous overhead kick.

With 45 international caps to his name, as well as 18 international goals, Benteke still represents Belgium when called upon, however was not selected to feature as part of his country’s World Cup squad.

A dip in form warranted the former Villa man’s exclusion from the side, however, the indications are there that Benteke is in the process of locating his quality once more in the States.

Earlier this week, the Belgian played a man-of-the-match performance against Chicago Fire, where he netted a brace and grabbed an assist to boost Wayne Rooney’s side’s hopes of being in the playoffs.

There’s plenty yet to come from Benteke, with his attention firmly on adding to his goal tally in the MLS, as well as having the potential to find a way back into the national team.

One thing for certain is the dynamic forward will never be forgotten at Villa Park, or at least the Premier League, where he has written himself into the headlines on countless occasions over the years.

أكد لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي، فيل فودين، أنه لم يفكر إطلاقاً في الرحيل عن صفوف مانشستر سيتي في الفترة الماضية.

وحصل فيل فودين، لاعب فريق مانشستر سيتي، على جائزة أفضل لاعب في إنجلترا من قِبل رابطة كتاب كرة القدم، وذلك لعام 2024.

وشارك فودين هذا العام في 52 مباراة مع مانشستر سيتي في جميع المسابقات، حيث أحرز 27 هدفاً وقام بصناعة 10 أهداف طوال الموسم.

اقرأ ايضاً.. رسمياً.. مانشستر سيتي يمدد عقد لاعبه حتى عام 2025

وقال فيل فودين في تصريحات لشبكة “BBC SPORTS”: “لم يكن لدي أبدًا أي نية لمغادرة مانشستر سيتي، لقد صدقت ما كان يقوله المدرب، عندما لم أكن ألعب، كنت أعلم أن هناك لاعبين أفضل كنت أعرف كلما كبرت أكثر، وكلما مر وقت أطول، ستكون هناك فرصة”.

وواصل فودين: “لقد كنت هنا منذ فترة طويلة وأعمل الآن مع المدير الفني، أعتقد أن الوقت قد حان لكي أتقدم وأكون الرجل الذي سيسجل الأهداف، كنت أعرف ما كنت قادرًا على فعله هذا الموسم، ومن الجيد جدًا أن أقول إنني قدمت موسمًا جيدًا وأريد الاستمرار على ذلك”.

وأضاف فودين: “سيكون الأمر محزنًا حقًا عندما يغادر بيب جوارديولا مان سيتي، لم أعرف أي شيء آخر غيره، لذا سيكون الأمر غريبًا عندما يرحل، لا أريد أن أفكر كثيرًا في الأمر، أريد أن أستمتع بالأشياء التي نفعلها معه الآن”.

وأجاب فودين حول مركزه المفضل: “لقد قلت دائمًا إنني أحب خط الوسط، إنه أفضل موقف لي، لكنني أعتقد أنني أظهرت هذا العام أيضًا أنني أستطيع اللعب في أي مركز يضعني فيه المدرب، لقد لعبت على نطاق واسع من اليسار واليمين وما زلت أقوم بعمل جيد”.

The wicketkeeper batsman, filling in for Tom Latham, capped off an eventful year by taking three superb catches to add to a sparkling half-century

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Dec-2017New Zealand’s 47-run win in the first T20I in Nelson was studded with stellar individual performances, but the standout moment was Glenn Phillips’ outstanding catch behind the stumps to dismiss Chris Gayle.Running back from his wicketkeeping position, Phillips had passed the 30-yard circle when he dived forward at full length to complete the take. “I didn’t know where it went to start with,” Phillips said after the game. “I just started running back and then hoped that the two guys either side weren’t going to run into me. I just put out the big mitt and hoped that it stuck, and it did.”It’s an interesting situation because none of us actually called for it. When the sky is a bit blue like that, sometimes you don’t have anything to gauge it on. But the ball has a shimmer around it, so you just sort of hope you catch it, and thankfully I did today.”Getty ImagesThat dismissal sent West Indies into freefall in their chase, and Phillips played a big role in it. He went on to take two more catches – including a diving take to his right to intercept a thick edge from Rovman Powell – and effected a stumping.Playing in just his fourth T20I, Phillips was filling in for the rested Tom Latham behind the stumps. With a sparkling show with the bat too – he made a 40-ball 55 that set New Zealand up for a strong total – Phillips may have given New Zealand’s selectors the option of playing Latham as a specialist batsman in the limited-over formats.The first sign of Phillips being considered for the 50-over format came earlier in the season, when he was picked in the New Zealand A squad for the tour of India. He finished the series as New Zealand A’s highest run-getter, including a top score of 140 not out. That earned him a berth in the T20 international squad for the three matches in India. “The desire would definitely be to go into that one-day format, and then, if the Test stuff ever happens one day, then I’d definitely relish the challenge,” he said.Phillips comes with the reputation of being a destroyer of attacks in domestic cricket. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2016-17 Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, where he made 369 runs in 10 innings at an average of 46.12 and strike-rate of 143.02 in his first season.On Saturday, he showed not just brutal hitting abilities, but also tactical nous as he consolidated to ensure West Indies didn’t dominate. Phillips said that there were areas of his game he had to still work on. “I wouldn’t say me playing slowly early on was intentional. It was just that I wasn’t able to hit a boundary. But my finding ones needs to improve, that is what I want to try and improve at in the nets.”We would have been under a lot more pressure [if not for that final over off which Kesrick Williams conceded 25]. That could have made it 160 and that would have been a bit of an under-par total. We were aiming for 170 after we went through the first six overs, and we thought if we got 170, then anything over that would be good. If we had only got 160, then they would have been in with a bigger sniff.”

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Newcastle United's centre-back pursuit.

The club are looking to strengthen their back-line, however, a recent development could stop the pursuit.

What is the latest Newcastle transfer news?

Newcastle have made a number of moves so far this window.

The biggest signing the Magpies have made is undoubtedly the £55m arrival of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, but the Tyneside club have also added Harvey Barnes from recently relegated Leicester City and Tino Livramento from Southampton, whilst the side have also agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign youngster Lewis Hall on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

However, the side do look a little bit short in the central defensive area. Beyond the starting partnership of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, the Tyneside club only have Jamaal Lascelles as an out and out centre-back option, with Dan Burn able to play the position if required.

Throughout the summer, the Magpies have been linked with a number of central defenders, with Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen and Benfica’s Antonio Silva being names considered according to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope. However, he believes that those players will sit outside the club's price range at this point in the window.

A more realistic target would be Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, who according to Football Insider is a name high on manager Eddie Howe's shortlist, with the club considering a hijack on Tottenham Hotspur, who have been interested in the player all summer long.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano revealed that Tapsoba, who has been called a "dangerous" player, and Silva are the names that Howe admires, however Financial Fair Play concerns could curtial any potential bid: "I think it’s almost impossible to make it happen because of the Financial Fair Play situation. Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva are two centre-backs that they love. But at the moment they are way too expensive for Newcastle because with the Financial Fair Play situation, it’s complicated. So they would need to sell a player of the same value, and it means someone around €55-€60m, so it’s more than complicated.”

How will Newcastle end this window?

It seems that due to FFP constraints, the Magpies will have to complete loan deals if they want to bring in any more players.

One player being considered is Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney. According to Football Insider the player is open to making the switch to the North East, having fell out of favour at the Emirates following the arrival of Oleksander Zinchenko. According to the report, the Scotland international is eager to make the move as he searches for more regular first-team football. However, there are two real obstacles for Newcastle to overcome to complete the deal. The first is the stiff competition from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad, and the second and more pressing issue is the fact that Arsenal want to sell the defender, whilst Newcastle can only really make a loan deal work, so the Gunners would have to compromise to complete the deal.

Another player being considered is Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips. The 27-year-old has had a torrid time since his £45m switch from Leeds United, with injury problems limiting the midfielder to just 593 minutes last season across all competitions. According to reports, Newcastle are interested in the midfielder this summer as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of their first Champions League campaign in over two decades.

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, as Unai Emery and Monchi eye further blockbuster signings at Villa Park.

The duo have already broken the club’s record transfer fee through the £51.9m capture of Moussa Diaby, as well as spending big on Pau Torres earlier in the summer.

Despite making strong reinforcements, the Villans aren’t expected to stop their spends yet, with a marquee move for Laporte reportedly an option.

What’s the latest on Aymeric Laporte to Aston Villa?

As reported by the Mirror, City could cash in on the Spaniard following the signing of centre-back Josko Gvardiol.

Villa are mentioned as one of the clubs that have been ‘monitoring’ the movements of the 29-year-old, who is said in the report to be available for just £30m this summer.

Valued by FootballTransfers at €42.3m (£36m), Monchi could pull off another masterclass in snatching the £130k-per-week defender for a cut-price.

How good is Aymeric Laporte?

Having once been lauded as “incredible” and previously named the “best left central defender in the world” by his manager Pep Guardiola, it’s clear to see just what Villa could gain in signing Laporte.

It also showcases the level of talent on show at the Etihad, with the Spaniard unable to worm his way back into the Spaniard’s plans due to the continuous revelation of defensive quality in Manchester.

Last term, the France-born gem made just 12 appearances in the Premier League for City down to the success of Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias in Guardiola’s favoured back three.

While the strengths of Laporte’s game are unquestionable, the dynamic centre-back is no longer considered part of the manager’s immediate plans, leaving him as a promising acquisition for another club to capture.

Villa underwent a revival of defensive stability following Emery’s arrival last season, with the central partnership of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings proving to be a stellar combination when called upon.

As learned by the reported target of the claret and blue, football can be cruel and despite the finding of form last campaign, the duo could be axed from being the first-choice pairing, should another centre-back arrive.

With Torres already obtained, integrating Laporte would surely be bad news for Mings, who at 30-years-old could have his position compromised simply down to the baseline quality of the Spain international.

Despite being away from regular game time, when on the field, the 29-year-old remains one of the top-performing centre-backs in Europe for his progressive play.

As per FBref, the Spaniard ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe down to his average of 7.00 progressive passes per 90, showcasing just how much of a ball-playing whiz he is in the right system.

To put such numbers into perspective, Mings averaged 3.17 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League last season, as well as recording 0.57 progressive carries to Laporte’s 2.72 per 90, highlighting the opposing outlet that the City man could offer.

While such ball-playing skills are becoming an increasingly noticeable – and desired – attribute in defenders, the 29-year-old titan also prevailed as a high-performing player with the usual defensive duties in comparison to the Englishman.

Averaging 1.00 tackles to Mings’ 0.43 per 90, as well as winning 2.18 aerials per 90 to his 1.74, the City marvel could back Emery into a difficult decision that could see him drop the 30-year-old should the dynamic centre-back arrive.

It would be a ruthless call but one that could help Villa transition onto another new level this season, given the evidence above.

Liverpool could still make a move for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone this summer, according to an update from Bundesliga journalist Christian Falk.

How much does Manu Kone earn?

The Reds' midfield looks set for a huge overhaul this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already coming in as exciting signings, and James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving after their respective contracts expired.

Meanwhile, doubts surround the futures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago, following rumours of move away from Anfield, so it could be all change in the middle of the park ahead of the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

One player who has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the recent past is the £37,000-a-week-earning Kone, who was seen as a strong defensive target, prior to the more attack-minded Szoboszlai coming in from RB Leipzig. While talks over a move appeared to have cooled lately, a new update has breathed new life into the saga.

Are Liverpool signing Manu Kone?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Falk claimed that new Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke could look to bring in Kone this summer, depending on the severity of the injury he sustained on international duty:

"Jorg Schmadtke made clear that it won’t happen between Liverpool and Micky van de Ven. At Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is saying what he wants in the market and Schmadkte is making plans from this.

"We’ve been previously talking about Manu Kone, for example. He had a knee injury at the European U21 Championship, so it will take time, as he can’t pass any medical tests at the moment. So this could be a topic that will be interesting for English clubs like Liverpool.

"Schmadtke has an eye on him. So these are things in the background that Schmadtke is doing at the moment."

Seeing Kone back on the table is an exciting update to hear for Liverpool fans, with the 22-year-old someone who has been an influential performer for Monchengladbach in recent times. Last season, the Frenchman started 30 Bundesliga matches, completing 87.3% of his passes in that time and also averaging 2.5 tackles per game in the competition.

Predominantly a defensive midfielder, the youngster could provide balance in the middle of the park behind Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, and other more attack-minded options like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, while Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia could also come in as competition, should at least one or two of Henderson, Fabinho or Thiago leave.

Kone was described as "fantastic" and a "one-man army in midfield" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, following an outstanding performance against eventual Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, and he would come in as both a regular starter from the off, and someone who could grow into a genuine force at Liverpool as the year pass, only improving as his all-round game matures.

What is certain is that at least one more midfielder is needed for the Reds in the current transfer window, in terms of bolstering the squad after big problems in the middle of the park last season, but it is starting to feel like two more would be the best outcome.