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“A huge question mark remains on how the dressing room will take him,” Mashrafe Mortaza says

Mohammad Isam02-Feb-2023Chandika Hathurusingha’s appointment as Bangladesh coach has drawn diverse reactions from the country’s cricket fraternity. The new two-year deal will be Hathurusingha’s second stint in this position after he spent three years, from 2014 to 2017, before leaving abruptly for the Sri Lanka role. According to the BCB president Nazmul Hassan, he has now returned as the all-format coach, which all but rules out S Sriram as the T20I coach of the team.The BCB announced Hathurusingha as their new coach on Tuesday, four weeks after Russell Domingo resigned following suggestions from the board that they were looking for a new coach. Hathurusingha was on BCB’s wishlist for a long time even after he had resigned from the post in October 2017.This, despite his successors Steve Rhodes (2018-19) and Domingo (2019-22) having a better win percentage than Hathurusingha. Rhodes had a 51.11 win percentage in 45 matches while Domingo had a 42.34 win percentage in all formats. Both had a much better record in ODIs and T20Is than Hathurusingha, who had a better Test record, having won six out of 21 matches during his reign.Related

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Hathurusingha set to return as head coach of Bangladesh

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Many felt that the BCB was hasty to dispose off Rhodes after the 2019 World Cup while Domingo resigned after being put in an untenable position due to the board’s criticism of his coaching style. But the timing remained questionable. The criticism followed the team’s 2-1 ODI home series win against India in December.Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza said that the way Hathurusingha left the Bangladesh job in 2017 left a bad taste in the mouth.”Considering our Test-playing nation’s stature, this is certainly not a good example,” Mashrafe told . “Jamie Siddons was also brought back. They are two of the best coaches in terms of technical and tactical aspects that I have seen. Maybe that’s why the board thought it best to bring him back. There’s also a coaching crisis. It is hard to find coaches since there are so many franchise tournaments. BCB took the right decision in that regard.”There wouldn’t have been a problem had he [Hathurusingha] left properly like Siddons, who wanted to stay back as Bangladesh’s batting coach. Hathurusingha left in the middle of his contracted period. He didn’t pick up the phone of our board president, neither did he reply to his SMS. He left suddenly. There’s always the question of respect.”Jalal Yunus, the BCB’s cricket operations chairman, said that Hathurusingha will be familiar with Bangladesh’s team culture and players, and has already committed to the board for two years.”We are happy,” Yunus told ESPNcricinfo. “He has worked here before so he won’t need a lot of time to adjust here. He knows the players and the environment. He is a good coach. He has the quality that’s needed for the players. He has always shown interest in Bangladesh cricket. I hope this time he will stay long and keep the contractual commitment. Judging by what he has told us, we expect him to work dedicatedly for the two years.”Mashrafe Mortaza on Hathurusingha’s return: [Whether it will be good for Bangladesh cricket or not] depends on how much the board can keep him in check•Getty ImagesMashrafe, who captained 69 of the 102 matches during Hathurusingha’s first stint as Bangladesh coach, said that the players’ response to Hathurusingha returning to the dressing room is his main concern. Towards the second half of his time as Bangladesh coach, there were murmurs about how he was treating the players.”A huge question mark remains on how the dressing room will take him,” Mashrafe said. “The most important thing is, how he and the dressing room is comfortable with each other. Apart from two or four new faces, most of the players are the same [from his first stint].”We have to see whether he forgets the past, or he behaves the same as before and how the players react to these things. Hathurusingha is an international coach, so I am sure he will manage everything. The sooner that happens, the better.Yunus said that the criticism was unnecessary as the BCB was looking for a father figure as a coach. “Headmasterly is not a proper term,” he said. “We need a coach who has to act like a guardian. Someone who can explain to the players, and then get the best out of him. He has that quality.”We have an important series coming up against England. It is part of the ICC Super League. Mainly, he is focused on the World Cup later this year. We have eight to nine months in our hands.”Mashrafe said that the two current captains Tamim Iqbal (ODI) and Shakib Al Hasan (Tests and T20Is) know Hathurusingha well enough to work properly with him. But he said that a lot depends on how the BCB handles Hathurusingha. In the past, he has had public run-ins with two BCB cricket operations committee chairpersons and former chief selector Faruque Ahmed.”Shakib and Tamim are going to coordinate well with Hathurusingha,” Mashrafe said. “They generally have good relations with Hathurusingha, although there were one or two incidents with Shakib. At the end of the day, he is the best player of the team. Hathurusingha also knows the Bangladesh culture, so I feel that he will do well from his end.”His influence will depend on the discussion between Papon [Nazmul Hassan] and Hathurusingha. I believe that Hathurusingha will have a more powerful position this time. [Whether it will be good for Bangladesh cricket or not] depends on how much the board can keep him in check.”

“From what I know of him, Hathurusingha wants to do everything on his own. But still, I hope that he will work together [with everyone]”Former chief selector Faruque Ahmed

Two days before Hathurusingha was named the next coach, BCB director Khaled Mahmud said that he felt it was going to be a timely appointment.”It would be good if Hathurusingha comes,” said Mahmud, who had worked as team manager during Hathurusingha’s first stint. “He has worked in Bangladesh before. There were a lot of good performances during his time. He is more mature [now], which is good for the team. I think it is a positive thing that he is coming for a second time. He understands us well, as he is also from the subcontinent.”Ahmed, who was the chief selector before falling out with Hathurusingha and resigning from the post in 2016, was, however, a bit skeptical.”I think the BCB has brought back Chandika Hathurusingha with a lot of great expectations in mind,” Ahmed told on February 1. “But the board probably forgot how he left the job last time. Usually, those who leave in that manner aren’t able to give back anything good. Subconsciously, both parties remember the previous incidents. When the team will not do well, the BCB will feel why did we get him back. The coach will not be able to say anything boldly. He will also have his last exit in the back of his mind. If his exit were a normal one, there wouldn’t be any questions about his return.”I am doubtful how wise a decision this is. The BCB bringing him back after such a departure will make Hathurusingha’s accountability low. He will dictate to us. I think it is important to work together. From what I know of him, Hathurusingha wants to do everything on his own. But still, I hope that he will work together [with everyone].”Hathurusingha is expected to arrive in Dhaka between February 18 and 20, a week before Bangladesh play England in a three-match ODI series from March 1.

Aston Villa are not short of attacking options in their current squad. Unai Emery has a plethora of attackers, with some January signings helping to reinforce that depth up front. January additions Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have made a fast start to life at Villa Park.

Rashford, who is on loan from Manchester United, has three assists in seven games, and Asensio, who is at Villa Park temporarily from Paris Saint-Germain, has already scored five goals.

Villa also signed Donyell Malen in January from Borussia Dortmund, adding to the depth of an attack that includes Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey.

However, the West Midlands outfit did lose one of their big-name forwards, Jhon Duran in the winter window.

Jhon Duran’s Aston Villa record

It was hard for Villa to turn down Saudi side Al-Nassr’s offer for Duran in January. He left the club to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo for a fee that could reportedly reach as high as £71m. Given they paid just £18m two years prior, that was a strong deal for the Villans.

Indeed, Duran’s record was impressive in that famous Claret and Blue shirt. He scored 20 goals in 78 appearances, but only featured for a total of 2272 minutes. That is the equivalent of 25 full 90-minute games, leaving him with an impressive goal-to-game ratio

The Colombian striker was a scorer of sublime goals during his time at Villa Park. He was not afraid to try his luck with a shot from range, including a screamer against Everton, which proved to be a winner in a 3-2 comeback win.

Losing the 21-year-old was certainly a blow for Villa, especially when you factor in the number of goals he scored in such a short space of time. However, they have replaced him with the likes of Rashford and Malen.

In fact, it is not only their January recruits that could be the answer to filling the void left by Duran. The answer may also lie in the academy.

Aston Villa’s in-house Duran replacement

The Villans academy has produced some great talent over the last few years. Of course, Jack Grealish is arguably the most famous academy product, but more recently, stars including Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka are also graduates.

Next in line to graduate from the Villa academy could be Scottish striker Rory Wilson, if the youngster’s current situation is reversed. Described as a “star in the making” by football scout Antonio Mango, the former Rangers youngster has impressed for Villa in recent years.

Throughout his time at the club, he has played 53 games, and already has 36 goals to his name. That includes an incredible record of 27 goals and two assists in 25 appearances for the under-18s side, for whom he averages 1.16 goals per game.

Stat

Under-18s

Under-19s

Under-23s

Games

25

1

27

Minutes

2045

90

1326

Goals

27

1

8

Assists

2

0

3

Wilson’s involvement this season has been few and far between. He started 2024/25 on fire, with a record of two goals and one assist in four games, but has not played since September.

In The Pipeline

Although he had an injury at the start of the campaign, the reason for his absence is unclear, albeit while having reportedly been exiled due to his failure to pen a new deal.

The Villans are seemingly in a real battle to keep the talented young striker. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and it was reported at the end of last term that European heavyweights Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Feyenoord are all interested in signing him.

Well, the West Midlands side arguably cannot face a repeat of the Duran situation. Wilson could be their long-term replacement for the Colombian, and giving him first-team chances could be the persuasion he needs to extend his stay at Villa Park.

There is no doubt he is a talented player, and if Emery’s side can keep hold of him beyond this season, Villa might have one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe on their hands.

Aston Villa submit enquiry over signing "incredible" in-demand 12-goal ace

He’s been involved in 23 goals this season…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 7, 2025

Andy Robertson urged Liverpool fans to recognise Trent Alexander-Arnold's 'massive contribution' when the right-back plays his last game for the club.

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Alexander-Arnold booed after announcing exitWill play last Liverpool game on SundayRobertson hopes his achievements are recognisedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Alexander-Arnold will make his final appearance for Liverpool when the Premier League champions finish the season with a home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, ending a long association with the club that started when he was just six years old.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 26-year-old will leave Anfield as a two-time Premier League champion, having also won the Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, Super Cup and Carabao Cup before he completes a long-awaited free transfer to Real Madrid. Liverpool fans expressed their anger at his decision to leave when his contract expires by booing him when he came off the bench against Arsenal, and he may be targeted again in his last game.

WHAT ROBERTSON SAID

Liverpool star Robertson hopes to see his team-mate appreciated on Sunday, though, as he aimed a message to the club's fans when he posted an emotional farewell to Alexander-Arnold in the build-up to their final game together.

"My brother, where to even start! It has been an absolute privilege watching you grow from a boy to a man over these last eight years," he wrote. "You have won it all and created amazing memories along the way. I want to thank you for constantly pushing me to new limits and setting the bar so high that I had no choice but to follow.

"You are going to be a huge miss around the training ground and an even bigger miss on the pitch. I hope all the hard work you have put into this club, the moments you have given us and the massive contribution you have made are recognised as they should be…Wingmen one last time."

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ALEXANDER-ARNOLD REPLIES

The departing Reds star commented on the post: "My brother memories to last a life time, thank you for everything. One last dance."

Playing for a coach that favors pragmatism over flow, what could a Pulisic-led Milan look like next season?

Reaction to Massimiliano Allegri's reported return as Milan manager was largely met with one reaction: "Oh boy." Anyone who has followed Allegri-ball knows what it looks like – it doesn't tend to be particularly exciting.

The fact is, though, that, in the club's current iteration, Milan can't afford to be flashy. What they need is what Allegri does bring to any team he coaches: results.

It's a results-oriented business, so while the manner in which Allegri achieves those results isn't always the prettiest, he does tend to get them. Milan finished in eighth in Serie A this season, missing out on Europe entirely. The 57-year-old is reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with and he'll take over a Milan team that needs wins next season, period.

For American fans, though, there are other questions. Christian Pulisic was one of the few bright spots for Milan this season, emerging as one of the most dominant attackers in Serie A. He led Milan in both goals and assists and is now widely expected to be a key figure in Allegri's front line.

However, considering he'll now be playing for a coach that favors pragmatism over flow, what could a Pulisic-led Milan look like next season?

On the flip side is Yunus Musah. Multiple Milan managers have failed to really unlock the U.S. international as he remains a midfielder with a lot of skills, but without a defined role. Ultimately, that has kept him from taking a big leap. Is Allegri the man who can ultimately help Musah discover who he can be?

Getty ImagesAllegri's history

Even with the wealth of legendary figures in Italian soccer, few coaches have done it better than Allegri. The winner of six league titles, five Coppa Italia trophies and three Supercoppa Italiana trophies, Allegri has cemented his place among the greats.

After spending the first seven years of his career managing smaller sides throughout the levels of the Italian game, Allegri took charge of Milan originally in 2010, remaining with the club for four years. He won the league in his first season, the club's first in six years, instantly cementing himself as the man in Milan.

His stint wasn't without a few mishaps, though, as his infamous misread of Andrea Pirlo's later career led the midfielder to join Juventus, kickstarting the Old Lady's run of dominance atop the Italian game.

Allegri, as it turns out, was a key figure in that dominance himself. He joined Juve in 2014 and won 11 trophies, headlined by a run of five consecutive league titles. In addition, the club reached two Champions League finals, but ran into Spanish buzzsaws Barcelona and Real Madrid to lose both.

After stepping away in 2019, he returned to the bench in Turin in 2021, but that tenure was far less successful. Juve, quite simply, weren't on the same timeline as Allegri, and he was sacked just days after winning the Coppa Italia in 2024.

Now, he's returned to Milan, looking to help return the club to its former glory, much like he did 15 years ago.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe tactics

Allegri isn't exactly known for free-flowing, high-octane soccer. This isn't Jurgen Klopp's heavy metal, by any stretch. No, Allegri-ball is pure, old-school pragmatism – and by and large, it's worked.

The base of every Allegri team is built on defense, which could certainly help this Milan team. Milan conceded 43 goals, about middle of the pack, but it's clear they would have been in a much better place if they had surrendered just a few fewer down the stretch.

Tactically, Allegri has generally shown a willingness to adapt to the team he has. He began at Juve with the team's trademark 3-5-2, but he wasn't afraid to make the big switch to a four-at-the-back system when the time called for it.

Many times, he would begin games in a 4-3-3 or a 4-3-1-2 before then reverting to old reliable three-at-the-back to see out victories, keeping lines tight and offering passing outlets when his side did have the ball. Allegri, generally, asks for calm in protecting a lead, not for the ambition of going to tack onto it.

That fact wasn't criticized often during this glory days at Juve but, during his second stint, Allegri came under fire for being too risk-averse. When the results stopped coming, Allegri's critics hit out at the aesthetics of his game, one which can quickly get a bit boring if his side doesn't have the individual quality to create the moments that define a game.

Getty Images SportHow Pulisic fits

Italian media has tipped Pulisic as one of the players Alleegri will be looking forward to working with, but it remains to be seen how he'll tactically use the American star.

Under both Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceicao, Pulisic operated on the right-hand side, the opposite of where he plays for the USMNT. On the right, Pulisic was an inverted winger, able to cut in and create, which is something he did to great effect. He ended up having the best season of his career, leading Milan in both goals and assists by the end.

Allegri, meanwhile, has an interesting history with wide players. He famously converted Blaise Matuidi into a winger, inspiring Didier Deschamps' decision to do the same en route to the 2018 World Cup. It seems unlikely he'll burn a wide spot on such a defensive decision, though, at least as long as he has both Pulisic and Rafael Leao.

However, things could get interesting if Allegri insists Milan play a 3-5-2. Could Pulisic serve as one of the two attackers up front, or would those spots go to Leao and Santi Gimenez? Could he feature as a No. 10 just behind? Would Allegri ever deploy him at wingback, as Chelsea did at times during the American's stint there?

Pulisic's contract is also a talking point. He has reportedly not yet signed long-term, and he'll no doubt have been waiting to see Milan's appointment before putting pen to paper – will Allegri's arrival encourage him to do so?

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Getty Images SportHow Musah fits

Allegri has worked with some of the game's best midfielders. He encouraged Pirlo's magic. He helped turn Paul Pogba into a world-beater. He harnessed Arturo Vidal's energy and Claudio Marchisio's brilliance. He also certainly made an impact on American Weston McKennie, who proved to be key – but admittedly after some difficult moments – during Allegri's tenure.

So what does that all mean for Musah, a player who has never really gotten to show his best self? By the end of this season, the American midfielder was struggling at Milan, unable to impact the game on either end of the field. That's been a theme for Musah throughout his career: while he's been good at driving the ball forward with his dribbling, he hasn't been particularly good at creating with it nor winning it back once it has been lost.

Will Allegri find inspiration from how he used Matuidi? Multiple coaches, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino included, have used Musah as a wide player, taking advantage of his abilities while hiding his lack of defensive instincts.

“We tried to build his confidence by starting him in a different position to the one he has started in in the past. I think it was a good decision,” Pochettino said last fall after playing Musah out wide.“I think it’s always worth trying to build his confidence so he feels that he can do well on the pitch again.

“He just needs to be in a position where he can help the team, and look at that, he got into the final third and scored. It’s fantastic for him and fantastic for the team, and now maybe he will start to act differently, with lots of confidence.” 

Whether as a wingback or a winger, Allegri could find uses for Musah out wide, even if it may hurt his development as a central midfielder. He could still play there, too, but it will be interesting to see if Allegri sees him as more of a defensive piece or one that can impact the attack.

The important thing to remember with Musah is that he is just 22, far from a finished product – despite all the world has seen from him so far in his career. Allegri is a coach that can certainly help him develop the tactical instincts to take a leap, which is something American fans have been waiting to see since the midfielder arrived at Milan from Valencia.

Ireland lost their last two wickets quickly on the fourth day to set Bangladesh only 138

Mohammad Isam07-Apr-2023Riding on Mushfiqur Rahim’s 26th half-century and his 62-run third-wicket partnership with Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh completed a seven-wicket win over Ireland on the fourth afternoon of the Dhaka Test. Mushfiqur, whose 126 in the first innings set the home side up to 369, fast-tracked the 138-run chase in the fourth innings an unbeaten 51 off 48 balls. He had Mominul Haque for company in the end, as Bangladesh chased it down in 27.1 overs.It was their first Test win since they defeated New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in early 2022, breaking a nine-match winless streak in Tests. It was also Bangladesh’s second successful fourth-innings chase at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Apart from Mushfiqur’s runs, Bangladesh had Taijul Islam’s 9-148 match figures to thank for. The Dhaka Test would also be remembered for Lorcan Tucker’s 108 that led Ireland’s fightback from 13 for 4 to make 292 in their second innings. That meant the Test entered a fourth day as Ireland batted out day three and lost only four wickets.It was their comeback in Test cricket after nearly four years, which made the performance all the more significant. Tucker became the second Irishman to score a Test hundred on debut, and the sixth wicketkeeper overall to do so. Andy McBrine too had a very good game, getting a six-wicket haul in the first innings followed by 72. He is the second overseas cricketer to do this double in Bangladesh, the first being Rashid Khan.Related

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On day four, Bangladesh’s bowlers only allowed six runs in the nine overs and bowled Ireland out for 292 within 36 minutes. Ebadot Hossain picked up the remaining two wickets to take his tally to three in the innings. Taijul took four wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan picked up two. Though, his lack of bowling in the second innings piqued interest.In their chase, Bangladesh sent out Litton Das to open the innings after almost four years. He struck three fours quickly before Mark Adair bowled him with a short ball that ricocheted off his helmet and the back of his bat, before trickling on to the stumps. Litton, who struck a sublime straight loft earlier in the over, got a send-off from Adair who seemed to ask him where his sunglasses were. Litton had worn sunglasses while batting in the first innings.Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine impressed with the bat in the second dig for Ireland•BCBNajmul Hossain Shanto, who was out for a first-ball duck in the first innings, made four runs before Andrew Balbirnie, the Ireland captain, took a good low catch at slip off McBrine. Mushfiqur, fresh from his tenth hundred in the first innings, cracked seven fours as he finished unbeaten. Tamim made 31 before holing out off Ben White, but Mominul’s unbeaten 20 got them home.Ireland’s recovery in their second innings came through a string of partnerships. Harry Tector and Peter Moor steered them towards safety by batting out 25 overs on the second evening and third morning. Tector and Tucker then added 72 runs for the sixth wicket with a bit more urgency, before Tucker and McBrine put on 111 runs for the seventh wicket to pose questions of Bangladesh.Tucker reached his maiden century with an expansive cover drive, having struck most of his boundaries on the on side. He was particularly harsh on the fast bowlers, batting at 100% strike-rate against Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot and Shoriful Islam. He was watchful against the spinners, which helped Ireland in blunting the attack for long.But Bangladesh were always well ahead of the visitors, having taken a 155-run lead and then having them 13 for 4 on the second evening. Ireland’s fightback was noteworthy, a factor that will come in handy for them in the two Tests against Sri Lanka later this month.

Liverpool swiftly put paid to the notion that a bleak demise was on the cards after Jurgen Klopp said farewell. From the standpoint of the Premier League, things could hardly be going any better.

Sure, sure, Liverpool are out of all three cup competitions, but Arne Slot has done exemplary work on Merseyside this season, gathering the resources available and enriching the squad. With nine top-flight fixtures still to play, the Reds are 12 points clear of second-place Arsenal, a chasmic gap.

However, it would be remiss not to address the issues at Anfield. And there are problems. Liverpool’s robust and relentless first-team crop have worked wonders this year, but wintry defeats against PSV Eindhoven and Plymouth Argyle (you remember them), seemingly convinced in Slot’s mind his fringe ranks need some work.

The midfield, in particular, has looked a little leggy of late – and is it surprising? Slot’s tried and trusted central trio play together most every week, but recent defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United spoke of a sapped bunch.

Dominik Szoboszlai has perhaps looked the most fresh, but then he’s got an indefatigable engine to marvel at.

Dominik Szoboszlai's season in numbers

Klopp drove Liverpool’s pursuit of Szoboszlai in 2023 as he sought to redress Liverpool’s midfield woes, bagging the athletic midfielder from RB Leipzig after meeting his £60m release clause.

A hefty fee, that, but one Liverpool will be delighted with paying. Szoboszlai didn’t enjoy the finest of debut campaigns but he showed more than enough ability. This year, he’s made tremendous progress in Slot’s system.

A purple patch since the turn of the calendar year has lifted the star’s seasonal haul to seven goals and six assists across 40 matches in all competitions, but that still leaves room for something desirable.

Indeed, for all his quality, Szoboszlai still lacks that Midas touch in the final third. Much has been made of the forwards’ profligacy, and rightly so, but Liverpool’s No. 8 could have assuaged the woes of his frontal peers with more clinical performances.

It’s not the most pressing concern that sporting director Richard Hughes must contend with this summer, but Liverpool are believed to be leading the race for a star would could add some competition in attacking midfield.

Who knows, he may even be an upgrade on the 24-year-old.

Liverpool ready offer for summer transfer

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing to launch an official offer for coveted playmaker Xavi Simons. Curiously, the Dutch international plies his art with RB Leipzig.

Transfer Focus

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

The bid in question is said to be worth around €80m (£67m), which would make Simons, 21, one of the most expensive players in Liverpool’s history, more so than Szoboszlai.

Manchester United are also keen on adding the diminutive dynamo to their ranks, but the Reds have the lead in the race and must now act with conviction to strengthen the squad.

What Xavi Simons would bring to Liverpool

Aside from fortifying the Dutch tinge to the Liverpool set-up, Simons is a silky and stylish attacking midfielder whose performances over the past several years have led analyst Ben Mattinson to pronounce he will become “one of the best in the world.”

Already something of a footballing nomad, Simons joined Leipzig permanently from PSG in January, having first joined on loan ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The results, for sure, have been promising. 68 appearances have yielded a healthy haul of 31 goal involvements, with the Netherlands native’s ability to play across the attacking positions something Slot is no doubt excited by.

Left winger

35

7

8

Right winger

17

5

5

Attacking midfield

16

6

6

Simons’ knack for maintaining a steady production rate despite being shuffled about the frontline makes a compelling case that he’s fit for a role in Slot’s squad.

After all, he’s got a whole host of creative qualities that suggest he could outstrip Szoboszlai in front of goal. As per FBref, Simons ranks among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 17% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Not bad at all, something that would surely enhance Liverpool’s transitional play, driving the ball forward and crafting openings for the forwards to feast upon.

Now, the caveat to all this would be that Szoboszlai posted higher counts when playing for Leipzig, and the jump to Premier League football may well knock Simons’ tally down.

However, this data from which to consider, not a rulebook to be strictly adhered to.

Simons perhaps poses more of a natural goal threat than Liverpool’s Hungarian engine. He’s certainly more focused on his sparkling playmaking, his eye for goal more eagle-tuned.

Sofascore also record some intriguing data to corroborate the praise around his name. Simons has bagged seven goals in the Bundesliga this season while only skewing two big chances wide. This is a promising level of clinical output, especially given he’s averaging 2.3 key passes, 1.3 dribbles and 5.3 successful duels per match.

This is a player of many parts. Szoboszlai boasts similar qualities, but he’s less accurate with his shooting and less productive across most other metrics. The Hungary skipper has missed seven big chances in the Premier League, scoring five goals. He also averages 1.5 key passes, 0.7 dribbles and 3.1 duels per game.

Ultimately, both stars could make a marked impact in Slot’s squad over the coming years; there’s room for two.

Liverpool need that extra injection of depth across a range of areas this summer, and with Simons signed, it might just be enough to prevent another Spring drop-off for a Liverpool side chasing silverware across multiple fronts.

Liverpool are brewing a homegrown Salah in "remarkable" 16-year-old star

Liverpool’s youth scene is replete with potential – and this talent’s the cream of the crop.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 21, 2025

Arsenal have now held talks with the agents of a “fantastic” Premier League player, with a view to a potential summer transfer swoop, according to a report.

Gunners' striker search continues

At this stage, a whole host of Europe’s top strikers have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta keen on bringing in a new forward, who could usurp Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI.

However, Arteta’s number one target remains Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, and there was recently a boost in the Gunners’ pursuit of the Swedish forward, with it being revealed he has now expressed a desire to move to north London this summer.

Shades of Sanchez: Arteta personally driving Arsenal move for £26m machine

Arsenal are stepping up their search for a new centre-forward

ByRobbie Walls Mar 29, 2025

Isak would be a real statement signing, given the impact he has made at St. James’ Park this season, netting 19 Premier League goals, but Arteta’s side are also running the rule over some talented young English strikers.

Blackburn Rovers striker Harvey Higgins is the latest forward to be shortlisted, with the north Londoners planning an imminent move for the 16-year-old, while they have also made the first move towards signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Arsenal have now held talks with Delap’s representatives, having been impressed by how confident the Ipswich striker is.

Ipswich are looking to receive £40m for the forward, and there is widespread interest in his signature, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur making contact with his agents, while Newcastle United are also keen.

With Ipswich looking likely to be relegated from the top flight, the Englishman would be interested in a move to any of the interested clubs and believes he will be able to make an impact wherever he ends up.

"Fantastic" Delap enjoying impressive campaign

The Tractor Boys look set for an instant return to the Championship, currently sitting nine points adrift of safety, but their fate may have been sealed a long time ago if it wasn’t for Delap’s attacking contributions.

The 22-year-old has 10 goals to his name in the Premier League this term, which is an impressive total, given that he is in a struggling side, and he received high praise from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

“Fantastic player. He’s working hard off the ball. On the ball he understands the game. He can be an important player for England.”

The Ipswich star has shown some very promising signs this season, with his goal return indicating he could be a suitable alternative to Isak, but incoming sporting director Andrea Berta hasn’t given up on signing the Newcastle talisman.

Arsenal are set to make an “important proposal” for the 25-year-old this summer, and it would be a real statement of intent if they were able to get a deal over the line.

Bowler unrepentant about his response to key wicket, saying it’s part of the ‘theatre’ of Ashes

Matt Roller18-Jun-2023Ollie Robinson has defended his send-off towards Usman Khawaja, saying he “doesn’t care” how Australia might receive his actions and that he is “here to provide… that theatre of the game”.Robinson removed Khawaja for 141 on the third morning at Edgbaston, knocking back his off stump as he came down the pitch looking to force the ball through the off side. He celebrated by shouting towards Khawaja, and appeared to tell him to, “F*** off, you f***ing prick.”

"We all want that theater of the game, don't we? I'm here to provide it"

Ollie Robinson spoke of his send-off to Usman Khawaja #CricketTwitter #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/adXUMHYEBs

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 19, 2023