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South Africa selectors offer opportunities to youth as the team chases improved batting shows

Liam Brickhill21-Jan-2019

Allrounder Sune Luus has been dropped from South Africa’s ODI and T20 squads to face Sri Lanka next month. Laura Wolvaardt also misses out from the squad that took part in the World T20 two months ago, while Trisha Chetty is yet to recover from injury. Offspinner Raisibe Ntozakhe’s bowling rehabilitation also continues and she is not ready to be considered for selection.In place of the dropped players, Faye Tunnicliffe, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk and Lara Goodall return to the set-up for the three T20Is against Sri Lanka. Saarah Smith also makes a return after recovering from a fractured finger suffered during the World T20.While Wolvaardt has been retained for the ODI series, Andrie Steyn, Goodall and Tunnicliffe have been included ahead of Luus and the still injured Chetty as South Africa look to add six vital points towards their 2021 ICC Women’s World Cup direct qualification campaign. Fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka is still in the midst of her shoulder surgery rehabilitation programme and was not considered for selection.Shortcomings in South Africa’s batting were the focal point of a disappointing World T20 campaign in the Caribbean, and convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez said the new selections were a result of the debrief that followed the tournament.”Looking into the upcoming Sri Lanka series, we as selectors did a debrief of the World Cup and looked at certain areas that we need to strengthen and looked at different options that will impact the game,” du Preez said.”The likes of Tazmin Brits and Nadine de Klerk could really make an impact on the middle order, the two of them have had a really good provincial season thus far. Saarah Smith coming back from injury as a batter who can add some spin value to the team is something we’re looking forward to and in the 50-over format, Andrie Steyn is coming in on the back of some good innings at provincial level. It’s good to see that we are retaining the core of our players within the squad and are also giving the opportunity to some younger players.”Following on from the World T20, Luus and Wolvaardt are both members of the Brisbane Heat squad that has reached the final of the WBBL this season. While Wolvaardt has retained her place in the South African one-day side to face Sri Lanka, Luus won’t be back until the series against Pakistan at the end of the summer.”Sune Luus unfortunately misses out on the back of some disappointing performances,” du Preez said. “We’re looking forward to seeing how she comes back, she can still add a lot of value, she needs a bit of work with the necessary coaches just to make sure that we get her back to speed (with the bat in hand). Her bowling obviously plays a massive role, so we would need to see how she comes back after playing a few provincial games and preparing for the Pakistan series.”Western Province’s Goodall has not seen international action since taking part in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in early 2017, but her efforts over the past two seasons for her province, in the National Academy as well as the South Africa Emerging team have convinced the selectors to give her another call-up as they begin the search for the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup squad. Brits and de Klerk’s last international appearances were in June and February 2018 respectively, the latter taking the remainder of the year off to complete her matric studies.”For now, it’s important that we focus and we plan for the upcoming T20 World Cup next year and also the one in 2022 and in between that, we have the 50-over World Cup,” du Preez said. “Our focus needs to be on both formats.”Starting on 1 February, Sri Lanka’s visit will include three T20Is and three ODIs across four venues. The squad will gather for a pre-tour camp from Saturday 26 January in Cape Town.T20 squad: Dane van Niekerk (captain), Chloe Tryon (vice-captain), Lizelle Lee, Tazmin Brits, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Saarah Smith, Tumi Sekhukhune, Zintle Mali, Faye Tunnicliffe (wicketkeeper), Masabata Klaas, Nadine de Klerk.ODI squad: Dane van Niekerk (captain), Chloe Tryon (vice-captain), Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Saarah Smith, Tumi Sekhukhune, Zintle Mali, Faye Tunnicliffe (wicketkeeper), Masabata Klaas, Andrie Steyn.

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Com 28 pontos conquistados em 26 jogos disputados, o Vasco ocupa nesse momento a 17ª posição no Campeonato Brasileiro. Uma campanha muito ruim, que coloca o time novamente na luta contra o rebaixamento, algo que tem sido comum na história recente do clube.

E a situação poderia ser ainda pior, se não fosse pelo bom início de competição da equipe. Dos 28 pontos, 18 foram obtidos nas 13 primeiras rodadas, ainda sob o comando do técnico Ramon Menezes, que chegou a liderar a competição. Ou seja, desde a troca de treinador, no início de outubro, o Vasco ganhou somente 10 dos 39 pontos que disputou.

O aproveitamento do time despencou de 46% para apenas 25%. Antes com desempenho de meio de tabela – o Ceará hoje é o 10º com 44% de aproveitamento -, o Cruz-Maltino passou a ter um rendimento de lanterna. O Coritiba, que atualmente ocupa a última colocação na disputa, tem os mesmos 25% dos pontos conquistados.

Ricardo Sá Pinto, atual treinador vascaíno, no entanto, não comandou o time nos 13 jogos. Antes do português assumir o cargo, Alexandre Grasseli tocou o barco de forma interina por duas partidas. Na derrota por 3 a 0 para o Athletico Paranaense, neste domingo, Rui Costa, seu auxiliar, foi quem esteve à beira do gramado, já que Ricardo estava suspenso em razão do terceiro cartão amarelo.

De toda forma, com Sá Pinto ou não, uma coisa é certa: o Vasco continua deixando a desejar. Cada vez mais…

VASCO COM RAMON NO BRASILEIRO

13 jogos
​5 vitórias
3 empates
5 derrotas
17 gols marcados
18 gols sofridos
-1 de saldo
46,1% de aproveitamento

VASCO PÓS-RAMON NO BRASILEIRO

13 jogos
2 vitórias
​4 empates
7 derrotas
​9 gols marcados
18 gols sofridos
-9 de saldo
25,6% de aproveitamento

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MatériaMais Notícias

A posição de gerente de futebol no Internacional pode ser alterada no Inter com a provável saída de Rodrigo Caetano em posto onde um ex-jogador e comentarista esportivo seria o escolhido para a função.

A informação do repórter da ‘Rádio Guaíba’, Cristiano Silva, é de que Pedrinho, ex-jogador de equipes como Vasco e Palmeiras e hoje comentarista no canal ‘SporTV’, seria nome considerado pela Chapa 5 que pertence ao atual vice-presidente do clube, Alexandre Barcellos. Porém, ao invés da gerencia de futebol, ele chegaria com o patamar mais elevado de diretor-executivo, acumulando a gerência.

Tamanha seria a predileção pelo nome citado que reuniões através de videoconferência já teriam sido feitas entre as partes onde, depois do agrado com as análises feitas nas partidas, a impressão que ficou nas reuniões também foi bastante positiva.

Com isso, resta saber se a outra parte da perspectiva se concretizará que é, justamente, a eleição de Barcellos como o novo presidente do Inter em eleições que estão marcadas para o próximo dia 15 de dezembro.

O adversário de Alexandre será José Aquino, candidato que tem alguns nomes em mente bastante conhecidos do torcedor para fazer parte da gestão como Clemer e Tinga além da ideia fixa em contratar um treinador estrangeiro. Os nomes dentro dessa filosofia que mais agradariam a Aquino seriam o de Diego Aguirre (o Peñarol também estaria ‘no páreo), Gabriel Heinze (sem clube desde que saiu do Vélez Sarsfield-ARG, mas perto de se acertar com o Atlanta United, dos EUA) e Miguel Ángel Ramírez, treinador do Independiente del Valle-EQU.

RelacionadasFutebol LatinoDiego Aguirre larga time no Qatar e volta a ex-clube naufraga; EntendaFutebol Latino07/12/2020Futebol LatinoA expectativa dos brasileiros na Libertadores na análise de José CalilFutebol Latino07/12/2020InternacionalPeglow exalta o poder de reação do InterInternacional06/12/2020

Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor to become Emma Hayes' successor this summer.

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Hayes set for USWNT roleBompastor eyed as replacementTalks beginWHAT HAPPENED?

According to , talks with the French club's manager are progressing well and there is growing optimism that a deal can be agreed in the near future. Bompastor emerged as Chelsea's preferred candidate for the role last month, with Hayes set to depart for the USWNT at the end of the current campaign. The report goes on to claim that Bompastor is keen to join Chelsea, as she looks to further her career by testing herself in England's WSL.

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The 43-year-old former midfielder has impressed since being promoted from her academy role and taking over the Lyon first team in 2021. She has led Lyon to back-to-back Division 1 Feminine titles across the last two seasons and also secured the Women's Champions League in 2022.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID?

Talking to Sky Sports, French football expert Julien Laurens commented on the possible fit for Bompastor at Chelsea. "It would be a great choice," he said. "She's wonderful, she's had a great impact since she's taken over at Lyon. They play really good football and she's only a young coach. For me, she's got all the ingredients to become a top, top head coach. She is already. She speaks English too, so that wouldn't be a barrier. It's hard to follow in the steps of Emma Hayes, of course, it would be hard for anybody. But I think Bompastor would be keen for that challenge. She ticks all the boxes to become the next Chelsea manager."

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Bompastor has only lost five of her 94 games in charge of Lyon. Meaning she has a win rate of 95.3% at the French side. Impressive.

United States women's legend Megan Rapinoe reflected on her glittering career ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she won't be featuring.

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Rapinoe hung up boots in 2023 finaleWon't represent USWNT at 2024 OlympicsGives blunt assessment of glittering careerGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Rapinoe announced she would be retiring from the game at the end of the 2023 season, calling time on a trophy-laden career. She retired as one of the greatest legends of women's soccer, coming through as the sport found its footing in America. Across her 17 years in the game, Rapinoe won gold at the London 2012 Olympics and savoured World Cup glory twice. But despite countless accolades at international level, the 38-year-old admitted her journey was a "long" one.

AdvertisementWHAT RAPINOE SAID

She said of her USWNT career to : "I describe my journey as a journey. It has been long. It's always special to represent your country that way, to be one of the few. It's challenging in so many ways, as soon as you accomplish one thing, there is something more. You can't really rest on what you have done prior."

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That final statement rings true once again for the USWNT, who without Rapinoe bounced back from their World Cup disappointment to win the CONCACAF W Gold Cup earlier this month. They now face the daunting prospect of an Olympic Games without the legendary winger, doing so for the first time in 14 years.

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While she became a legend of NWSL side Seattle Reign, Rapinoe's career involved journeys across the U.S. and around the world. She joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2009 before switching to the now-defunct teams of Philadelphia Independence and magicJack. Rapinoe enjoyed spells with the Seattle Sounders, Sydney FC in Australia and French side Lyon Women before joining OL Reign in 2014.

Nottingham Forest hero Brice Samba was a key figure just a few days ago as Ligue 1 Lens put themselves back into the British consciousness following their impressive Champions League qualification.

Indeed, Samba's new side beat Premier League high-flyers Arsenal., as he made six integral saves in the 2-1 win. His performance was one of great intrigue and continued to cement how much of a brilliant acquisition he's been since leaving the City Ground for just £4.3m.

When did Nottingham Forest sign Samba?

Brice Samba signed for Forest in 2019. Joining for an undisclosed fee on a four-year-deal, the Congolese-born stopper came from Caen initially as a backup for Manchester City loan keeper Arijanet Muric. However, with steady performances when given the chance, and Muric displaying a series of costly mistakes – Samba became the first choice between the sticks.

The season prior, he had proven his worth at Caen as they fought for Ligue 1 survival: he made more saves (142) than any other 'keeper and helped limit them to conceding just 54 goals over the course of the campaign. This was a total fewer than the surrounding teams.

How did Samba play at Nottingham Forest?

Samba enjoyed a solid three Championship seasons as an assault on the Premier League slowly came to fruition. In his first season, he took little time to get acquainted with the City Ground faithful – as top form led to receiving the Championship POTM award for November 2019. Later that term, he even found a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

The pinnacle of Samba's Forest career arrived when he was a key part of Steve Cooper's team that gained playoff promotion – and his impact in the semi-finals live long in fans' memories. Against Sheffield United, 6 foot 2 Brice saved three spot kicks before playing the majority of the final against Huddersfield until he withdrew with a groin injury.

He'd given everything for the club and it was ultimately his last Forest outing. He turned down a new contract to go to Ligue 1 with Lens for a mere £4.3m. His decision was based on the raw desire of the French club despite labelling the Premier League being "a dream".

Back in his first season, then-teammate Matty Cash – seemingly anticipated Samba's growth and impact.

“His distribution is just ridiculous. His shot-stopping is brilliant — he is a fantastic goalkeeper and a big, big signing. He is a legend, he is a proper funny guy. He is professional, he does everything right on and off the field. He is a great asset to the club."

How good is Brice Samba now?

Well, to bookend this article, it's clear that Samba has grown exponentially from Championship-grade to Champions League-grade. He also popped onto the international radar, as back in March 2022 he received his first call up for the French national team.

2021/22s complete progress saw Lens jumping at the signature of the would-be-promoted keeper, and he took to Ligue 1 again similarly to how he had adapted to second-tier life in England.

In the first half of the campaign, he had nine clean sheets in just 19 games. Pushing this total to 15 in 38 games at the end of the season, he was included in the Ligue 1 TOTS as the best goalkeeper.

Samba had helped the dynamic Lens to only their third-ever Champions League participation as they finished third. His form has continued as according to FBref and FootballTransfers, the now-£22m-rated man provides outstanding numbers.

Compared to similar-level keepers, Samba sits in the top percentiles for multiple attributes. Goals against (his 0.95 per 90) reflect a top 9%. 78.1% save percentage puts him in the top 8%, and 7.8% of crosses stopped see him in the top 16% percentile. Quite the numbers; you may well suggest that Forest rue letting him so cheaply.

Leeds United former coach Jesse Marsch has been complimented by one of his former players in a recent interview regarding his impact on the youngster at Elland Road, as per latest reports.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United?

According to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, who was speaking on the The Square Ball, Leeds United are likely to sell on-loan Roma defender Diego Llorente to the Serie A giants on a permanent basis.

Hay stated: "He’s gone to Roma and had a couple of loans out there, but Roma specifically didn’t activate the option that they had on him which I think was supposed to be the fee that Leeds had signed him for. Taking him on loan again I think there’s probably a high likelihood that he will go there permanently at some stage."

Meanwhile, Ilia Gruev, who was a late window signing for Leeds United from Werder Bremen, has revealed his preferred position after some appearances at centre-back on international duty, cited by The Yorkshire Evening Post, saying: "I feel much better in midfield. I play where the coach lets me."

As per Leeds Live, both Gruev and his new midfield counterpart Glen Kamara have picked up some valuable minutes during the international break with Bulgaria and Finland and will hope to be raring to go on Sunday when the Whites travel to face Millwall in a much-anticipated clash at The Den.

Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Leeds United failed to add depth to their left-back department in the summer despite making an 'aggressive' approach for now-Sheffield United full-back Luke Thomas and also Burnley veteran Charlie Taylor.

What has Sam Greenwood said about Jesse Marsch?

Leeds United youngster Sam Greenwood joined Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign late in the summer transfer window, and is capable of playing in either midfield or across the front line.

Greenwood has recently been speaking to The Northern Echo about his versatility and preferred position, and he also complimented former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch for making him a better player in a recent interview.

The 21-year-old stated: "My actual position is a striker or a 10. I like to shoot, anywhere around the box, I take set-pieces, I'm both footed and create opportunities to score. When I played midfield he (Marsch) saw something different with my passing range and said I was good at counter pressing, so that's why he put me there. But my main position is up-front and anywhere up-top. Playing in different positions can help, even if you don't think it at the time. It (playing midfield) made me a bit better on the ball I think, playing at such a high level out of position."

In his time at Leeds United, Greenwood has managed to chalk up 35 senior appearances in all competitions, registering one goal and five assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Now on loan at Middlesbrough, current Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will hope that he can gain some beneficial first-team experience before returning to Elland Road a more rounded player next summer.

Australia’s home international schedule for 2018-19 includes maiden Tests at the Perth Stadium and Canberra’s Manuka Oval, and an international debut for Gold Coast

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Apr-2018

India will most likely not play a day-night Test during their 2018-19 tour of Australia. Cricket Australia still hopes the first Test in Adelaide, which is scheduled to start on December 6, will be a pink-ball, day-night game, but ESPNcricinfo understands the BCCI is not in favour of the idea and has made its position clear to the Australian board.CA announced the schedule of Australia’s home summer on Monday without confirming a start time for the Adelaide Test. Since November 2015, Adelaide has hosted one day-night Test every year.”It is our preference that we play India in a day-night Test match in Adelaide, but we are still working through this detail and hope to have an answer on this in the coming weeks,” chief executive James Sutherland said.Women’s international cricket will bookend the summer, with Australia playing three T20Is against New Zealand in September-October – which leads into the women’s World T20 in the West Indies in November – and then a three-match ODI series against the same opponents in February-March. In between, the Australia men’s team will host a South African limited-overs tour in October-November, and full international tours by India and Sri Lanka that stretch from mid-November to early February.Australian Cricketers’ Association CEO Alistair Nicholson welcomed the increased scheduling of women’s cricket.”On the back of last years’ ground-breaking gender equitable MOU which the players fought for, it is right that our female team continues to get the exposure they deserve,” he said.”We have some of the best players in the world and I think the fans will appreciate the opportunity to see them on one of the biggest TV days of the year being AFL Grand Final night. Going forward the players are interested in exploring more long-form cricket opportunities, particularly after such a successful Ashes Test last year.”South Africa will play three ODIs from November 4 to 11, and a one-off T20 on November 17, which is the first ever international game at the Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast.India will begin their Australia tour with a three-match T20 series from November 21 to 25, and then play four Tests in Adelaide (December 6-10), Perth (December 14-18), Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7). The newly built Perth Stadium will make its debut as a Test venue when it hosts the second Test.The Tests against India will be followed by three ODIs from January 12 to 18.Brisbane will host first Test against Sri Lanka, a confirmed day-night game, from January 24 to 28, and the Manuka Oval in Canberra – also a first-time Test venue – the second Test from February 1 to 5.CA has yet to confirm the dates of the domestic season, but it is likely to include an expanded Big Bash League season of 43 games. The 16-day gap between the fourth Test against India and the first Test against Sri Lanka – filled by only three ODIs – could give Australia’s international players a window to take part in as many BBL games as possible, while the tournament’s closing stages could be held after the end of the Test season.

West Ham United are eyeing the services of a supremely talented Arsenal youngster…

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, the Irons are one of the several sides who are interested in signing Folarin Balogun this summer.

This outlet reveals that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Monaco are all also planning a swoop for the striker, with the French club said to be the most advanced in the race for his signature.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The Gunners are reportedly planning to complete £100m worth of sales before the end of the window and value Balogun at around £50m.

The 22-year-old was not named in the squad for the opening two games of the season as he looks destined for an imminent exit.

West Ham may accelerate their interest in the forward after Elye Wahi – who was reportedly a serious target for manager David Moyes – opted to join RC Lens instead.

Would Folarin Balogun be a good signing for West Ham?

It seems that the chance of Balogun staying at the Emirates Stadium beyond the 1st of September is minimal, as the £30k-per-week prodigy is deserving of consistent game time.

Unfortunately, at Arsenal, this doesn’t appear to be a possibility with Mikel Arteta possessing the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard.

But, Arsenal’s loss can be West Ham’s gain, as Balogun has emphatically demonstrated that he is a dangerous and profilic European focal point.

During a stirring breakout season whilst on loan at Reims over 2022 and 2023, Balogun netted 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 games meaning he was the division’s fifth-highest scorer.

His impressive contribution was appreciated by Reims manager Will Still, who raved over Balogun’s quality and said:

“He is a super complete striker, he is able to play with his back to goal, in-depth. It is technically very clean. He scores, he is decisive.”

Despite not featuring in the Spaniard’s plans, Arteta has echoed this type of praise, and labelled the American’s time in France as “incredible” and feels he possesses “something special.”

From a West Ham perspective, this coup could the hierarchy quickly forget about their failure to sign Wahi.

The Guardian revealed the 2023 Europa Conference League winners admired the Frenchman’s strength, power, and pace, feeling he had the characteristics to succeed in Moyes’ counter-attacking system.

Coincidentally, Wahi’s style of play is likened to Balogun’s via FBref’s player comparison tool.

The latter outperforms the new Lens star for numerous attacking metrics, including shots per 90 (3.64 vs 2.27), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.3 vs 1.95), progressive passes per 90 (1.47 vs 0.9), and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (5.90 vs 4.61).

Meanwhile, Wahi narrowly outranks Balogun for progressive carries per 90 (2.19 vs 1.69) and successful take-ons per 90 (1.09 vs 1.02).

This set of statistics indicates there is minimal difference between these two gloriously effervescent players, and the disappointment of missing out on Wahi can be quickly rectified by the signing of Balogun, who is more than capable of leading the line for a Premier League outfit.

Sunderland secured their first three points of the season with a hard-fought victory over Rotherham on the weekend.

But, if the club is to mount another promotion push then they must bolster their attacking options. This campaign, the Wearside Giants have recorded 45 shots in three Championship outings, scoring just four times and losing twice.

Last season, the Black Cats were massively aided by the imperious form of Amad Diallo and seem to desperately miss his prolific nature in offensive sequences. The Ivorian was Sunderland’s top scorer with 14 goals, and they require a new player to replicate these heroics…

What’s the latest Sunderland transfer news?

According to journalist Alan Nixon (via his Patreon site), Sunderland are in the running to sign Crystal Palace’s Jerurun Rak-Sakyi.

There is a hotly contested race for the tricky winger, with league rivals Blackburn Rovers also said to be interested.

Would Jesurun Rak-Sakyi be a good signing for Sunderland?

Last term, the 20-year-old gem emphatically burst into national prominence thanks to a glorious loan spell at Charlton Athletic in League One.

Across 40 starts, Rak-Sakyi registered 15 goals and eight assists, and averaged 1.9 dribbles per game, ranking the highest in the squad for each metric.

Rak-Sakyi's ex-manager Ben Garner was mesmerised by his natural ability and end product, saying:

“He takes everything in his stride and has adapted very quickly to the challenges and physical demands of the game.

“His standout attribute is his wonderful balance and ability to change direction. He can beat people with his body movement. He can go both ways, finish off both feet, but he’s also got his eyes up and has vision. I worked with a lot of players in academy football who were fantastic dribblers but didn’t see movement around them. Jes can carry the ball but he’s got awareness.”

These numbers, coupled with the attacker’s impressive profile, mean he is resoundingly above third-tier level and a move to Sunderland could be perfect, given the limited opportunity he is being afforded at Selhurst Park.

The joyous technician has been at Crystal Palace since 2019 but has only mustered three senior appearances, totalling just 87 minutes. He was an unused substitute in the loss to Arsenal on Monday evening and has been unable to forge any notable game time, despite the injury to Michael Olise.

Therefore, the Stadium of Light could be the perfect destination for Rak-Sakyi, whose right-wing berth is missing the indomitable Diallo, who was magnificent in his brief spell in Wearside.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was full of adulation for the Manchester United loanee and said:

“Amad's performances in the games – not just with the ball but some of his defensive work, his energy, his pressing – the way he has taken to the supporters, he's absolutely bought in to what we required of him.”

Rak-Sakyi is more than capable of repeating Diallo’s magic and has already shown his glistening potential when awarded with trust.

Meanwile, current Addicks boss Dean Holden has described the 5 foot 10 livewire as a “fantastic” young player, who is “dedicated, professional, and diligent.”

With this mentality and talent, he could be a monumentally useful asset for Sunderland and the driving force of another promotion challenge.